Financial Education Benefits Center: Study Points to Benefits of Prayer and Meditation for Children

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Oct 09, 2018, 08:00 ET

SAN RAMON, Calif., Oct. 9, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- How connected are mind, body and spirit? A recent study from Harvard finds that they are very connected. In fact, kids and teens who are raised with religious or spiritual practices tend to have better physical and mental health outcomes as they get older. Both prayer and meditation lowered risk of, among other issues, substance abuse and depression later in life. For those who find themselves currently struggling, Financial Education Benefits Center (FEBC), a member benefits company specializing in wellness for financial, physical and mental health, offers a variety of benefits that can help members get themselves back on track.

"We have a variety of health and wellness resources available to members at different plan levels," said Jennifer Martinez, manager at FEBC. "We encourage members to speak with health professionals about physical and mental symptoms through available telehealth benefits."

The study followed 5,000 children and teens for eight to 14 years and looked at how they were doing as they grew into their 20s. Researchers studied if, and how often, these young people attended religious services with their parents. Or, alternatively, if they prayed or meditated on their own. Researchers hoped to find out the health consequences of parental spiritual guidance and the effect of prayer and meditation on children as they grow into their 20s.

Those who attended religious services as children were about 18 percent more likely to report being happier than those who did not. They were nearly one-third more likely to do volunteer work and one-third less likely to use drugs.

Those who regularly prayed and meditated, even without religious service attendance, were much more likely to have more life satisfaction, to process emotions and to forgive than those who had no religious or spiritual practice. These subjects also put off sex until later and were less likely to have sexually transmitted diseases than their non-practicing peers.

Of course, it is impossible to draw direct inferences based on this study, though it does point to the fact that mindful and spiritual practices improve health outcomes. FEBC members who are feeling healthy have access to numerous wellness benefits that may enhance their wellbeing. For those who are struggling, FEBC telehealth benefits may help members find help for their physical and mental health concerns through its services. Pharmacy discounts can also be used at participating locations to obtain prescribed medicine that may address issues connected to addiction, such as anxiety, depression and PTSD. It's important to note that FEBC benefits are not insurance and are not intended to replace insurance.

"We want people to be able, if they choose, to begin a spiritual or mindful practice in order to improve their health and happiness. But we also want our members to know that they are not alone and that there are many resources available to help them with their concerns," Martinez said. "If you are experiencing a mental health issue, you need to get the help you need before it spirals out of control. Call a representative at FEBC to see if any of our numerous benefits might be a helpful resource for you."

About Financial Education Benefits Center

Financial Education Benefits Center is located in San Ramon, California. The membership company has already helped thousands save money and obtain the necessary education required to live a financially healthy life.

Financial Education Benefits Center has partnered with several name brand third-party companies to expand the financial and educational products and services available to its members and to provide a variety of wellness services as well.

Financial Education Benefits Center Newsroom

Contact

To learn more about Financial Education Benefits Center, please contact:

Financial Education Benefits Center
2010 Crow Canyon Place Ste. 100
San Ramon, CA 94583
1-800-953-1388
[email protected]

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SOURCE Financial Education Benefits Center