“Scientists are no longer debating whether or not spirituality plays a role in preventing chronic diseases or in promoting a healthy recovery from these illnesses. Now, prayer and meditation are accepted forms of medical therapy. Fear, anger, lack of forgiveness, anxiety and stress are all issues of the spirit that bring on chronic diseases and block recovery. Scientific research has shown regular religious attendance increases life span by five to seven years. For African-American men, this figure doubles to 14 years. As the Affordable Care Act presents the nation with exciting new opportunities to prevent and fight disease, we as legislators need to be innovative in looking at what is already working in our communities and how to build upon those efforts to improve both quality and length of life.”

State Representative Vanessa Summers is chair of the Indiana Black Legislative Caucus and a member of the National Black Caucus of State Legislators. You can read the full piece here.

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