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The psalmist recognized God as an important part of health when he wrote, "For with thee is the fountain of life."  Psalm 36:9 and also "Be of good courage and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the Lord." Psalm 31:21

A study published in Circulation:Journal of the American Heart Association found that women 50 and older who are optimistic are less likely to get heart disease and die of any cause in a given period compared to women their age who are pessimistic." (Cleveland Clinic-Heart Advisor October 2009)

The Biblical equation of Hope in the Lord/ optimism really does strengthen the heart.

Another article citing this same study stated on a list with many other things including living in the western United states that optimists compared to pessimists were more likely to attend religious services at least once a week.  They were less likely to have diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. (Heart Style Winter 2010, Vol. 28)  

Faith and hope in God, are they as important to health as water and exercise?  When Jesus healed, he  on more than one  occasion stated "Thy faith has made thee whole".

A May 2001 Reader's Digest article entitled " Why Doctor's Now Believe Faith Heals" cited several studies done by such reputable institutions as Duke university and Dartmouth Medical School that link personal belief and personal health. Among their findings were the following: 

"Those who attended religious services MORE than once a week enjoyed a seven-years-longer life expectancy than those who never attend.  

Older adults who considered themselves religious functioned better and had fewer problems that those without faith.

Patients comforted by faith were three times more likely to be living 6 months after open-heart surgery than those who found no emotional support belief in a personal God. "

  Among 400 Caucasian men studied in Evans County, GA those who considered religion very important and who attended church regularly had a significant protective effect against high blood pressure. 

Adults who attended a house of worship have lower rates of depression and anxiety. 

  "I fully believe", says physician Ted Hamilton "and there is research beginning the notion, that trust in someone outside of yourself actually releases healing hormones into our bodies that contribute to the healing process... My guess is that 5 years from now, we will view trust and hope as medications to help people recover more quickly."(Creation Health Discovery pg. 71)