Going to Church Better for Your Health

People who practice their religious faith regularly may be getting some earthly benefits: They appear to be healthier compared to people who never attend a house of worship. A study conducted by sociologists at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Ind., found that 4 percent of those who regularly went to church or synagogue reported poor health, compared with 9 percent of those who did not attend a house of worship. And 36 percent of weekly worshippers reported they were in excellent health, compared with 26 percent of non-attenders. Why the difference? Researchers aren't sure, but they say the reason may be that people attending weekly services may be more likely to see friends who ask about their health and can recommend a doctor.