Religion has always been a major aspect of African-American life. Religion instills morals, discipline and optimism in its practitioners. We often credit our faith in God with our ability to overcome major life issues. Many people feel that their spirituality has greatly influenced their health and many doctors are in agreement, according to a study performed by researchers from the University of Chicago.
"The majority of U.S. doctors -- 56 percent -- believes that religion and spirituality influence patient's health," said lead author Dr. Farr A. Curlin, an assistant professor of medicine. "The influence mostly helps patients cope with illness and gives them a positive state of mind." Most doctors feel, the more positive a patient's attitude is towards beating a health problem, the easier it is for them to bring the patient back to good health.
According to HealthDay News, The researchers found that two-thirds of the doctors surveyed for this study believed that illness often increases patients' awareness of religion and spirituality.
Even though most doctors feel that religion plays a positive roll in patients' health, "A minority of doctors -- 7 percent -- believes that religion and spirituality can have a negative influence," Curlin said. "Sometimes, these beliefs can lead patients to refuse or not go along with medically recommended therapies," he said.
The patient plays a major role in regaining their health. The doctor can only prescribe medicine and provide instructions. It is up to patient to act on these recommendations. Patients who are not motivated or have little faith in their ability to overcome their conditions are less likely to properly implement doctor recommended changes into their lives. Patients who maintain a strong belief in God often maintain a "God helps those who help themselves" attitude and are more likely to follow instructions and live within guidelines.
What it all boils down to is trust and faith. A patient must have trust in the knowledge and skills of their doctors and they must have faith in their ability to overcome or live with their health condition. A positive attitude and optimism are key to overcoming life's obstacles -- health related or not.
Would you agree? Leave your thoughts below about health, illness and faith.
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Kirk Franklin is seen with the award for best gospel artist at the 39th NAACP Image Awards on Thursday, Feb. 14, 2008, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Gus Ruelas)
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This undated photo released by the Walker Arts Center shows the photograph "Big Box Reuse: Grace Gospel Church, Pinellas Park, FL, 2007," by Julia Christensen. The photograph is part of the exhibition "Worlds Away: New Suburban Landscapes," which opens at the Walker Art Center in Minneapolis on Saturday, Feb. 16. With more than 75 works ranging from architectural models of strip mall parking lots to large photographs of eerily empty mansions, the exhibit explores the history, the stories and the possible future of the suburb. (AP Photo/Julia Christensen)
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Members of China's Guanhua Arobatic Team from Shanghai, China, demonstrate their talent during their stay at the Union Gospel Mission homeless shelter in Dallas, Wednesday, Feb. 13, 2008. The team arrived at the Dallas-Fort Worth Airport this week to begin a 10-month national tour. The only problems: No one came to greet them, and no tour dates have been set. (AP Photo/Donna McWilliam)
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Dongdong Zhang with the Guanhua Arobatic Team from China demonstrates his talent while he stays at the Union Gospel Mission homeless shelter in Dallas, Wednesday, Feb. 13, 2008. (AP Photo/Donna McWilliam)
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Members of China's Guanhua Acrobatic team, from left, Chengjian Wang, Yan Liang, Hongivan Wang and Coach Wenbin Gao sit with James Lee from Richardson, Texas, right, as he translates to reporters how the team was stranded at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport after flying from Shanghai, China, and are now staying at the Union Gospel Mission homeless shelter in Dallas, Wednesday, Feb. 13, 2008. (AP Photo/Donna McWilliam)
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The Clark Sisters (L-R) Karen, Dorinda and Jacky, hold their 3 Grammys for Best Gospel Performance for "Blessed & Highly Favored", for Best Gospel Song for "Blessed and Highly Favored" and for Best Traditional Gospel Album for "Live-One Last Time" at the 50th Annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles February 10, 2008. REUTERS/Lucy Nicholson (UNITED STATES)
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the Clark Sisters pose with the trophy of Best Traditional Gospel Album at the 50th Grammy Awards in Los Angeles on February 10, 2008. AFP PHOTO/Valerie MACON (Photo credit should read VALERIE MACON/AFP/Getty Images)
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The Clark Sisters pose with the trophy of Best Traditional Gospel Album at the 50th Grammy Awards in Los Angeles on February 10, 2008. AFP PHOTO/Valerie MACON (Photo credit should read VALERIE MACON/AFP/Getty Images)
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LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 10: The Clark Sisters, (L-R) Karen Clark Sheard, Dorinda Clark Cole and Jacky Clark Chisholm pose with the Best Gospel Performance award in the press room during the 50th annual Grammy awards held at the Staples Center on February 10, 2008 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Vince Bucci/Getty Images)
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Ricky Skaggs (L) and The Whites, Sharon (2nd,L) Cheryl and Buck, pose with their award for Best Southern, Country, Or Bluegrass Gospel Album for "Salt Of The Earth" at the 50th Annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles February 10, 2008. REUTERS/Lucy Nicholson (UNITED STATES)
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