Religion is a formal structured way in which people in groups worship God. Most articles show a positive link (first listing) between religiosity and health outcomes, says Margot Trotter Davis from the Heller School of Social Policy and Management at Brandeis University.

For example.

• Attendance at religious services decreased the rate of violent acts.
• Religious beliefs have a strong influence on whether adolescent girls have sex. (It has a minor effect on boys, however.)
• Religious involvement is significantly associated with lower death rates.
• Those who pray live longer.
• A religious commitment in life is associated with lower rates of crime and drug use.
• There’s a strong association between religious practice and reduced health risks.

I guess that’s why when it’s included in surveys of CAM options, prayer is the most commonly cited CAM practice.

11/25/06 14:18 JR