‘Thank You’s for Health

My partner and kids were in a car accident on Friday. Our Honda Odyssey was totaled. The investigating officer asked my 9-year-old daughter Angela, “Can you tell me what happened?”

“We were driving to school,” she answered. “I closed my eyes to give them a rest. Then I think I started to day dream. There was a loud pop so I opened my eyes. There was smoke. My mommy got us out of the van.”

Fortunately, my family wasn’t significantly hurt and no one was killed. I am thankful.

Sometimes in life we are thankful for big things. Other times, we can be grateful for small things, like a stranger smiling at us as we walk to class. But how often do we say thank you to the people we are grateful for?

Researchers have found that “people who express gratitude on a regular basis have better physical health, optimism, progress toward goals, well-being, and help others more” (Emmons & Crumpler, 2000 http://www.ppc.sas.upenn.edu/faqs.htm).

Let me say that again: when you regularly tell others what you are thankful for, you improve your health, your attitude, your accomplishments and your overall wellness. On top of the great benefits you receive, you encourage and uplift others, too.

I would like to use today’s health blog to encourage everyone to express your gratitude. Please post something you are thankful for in the comments below.

In that spirit, I thank the Daily Nexus staff for allowing me to write this health blog. In particular, I would like to thank Jerry Roberts for introducing me to Opinion Editor, Nicki Arnold who okayed this blog. Nicki, I thank you again for your support, editing and getting the blog format going.

I also would like to thank friends who gave me feedback throughout the process: Cheryl Takahara, Betsy Reynolds, Jamie Truscott, Mark Shishim, Joanna Hill, Debbie McHann, Tamzen Hull, Lorie Morris, Dr. Elizabeth Downing, Dr. Mary Ferris, Sabina White, Lorie Morris and everyone who posted their questions and comments.

Lastly, I am thankful for all the students I work with, teach and mentor. You make my job as a health educator a fulfilling life-calling. Thank you for being who you are.

Michael Takahara is a health educator at Student Health. Post comments, suggestions, questions here and or email Michael.takahara@sa.ucsb.edu.

[Ed. note: Thank you, Michael, for being such a dedicated blogger and making my job that much easier!]

54 Responses to “‘Thank You’s for Health”

1. Judith says:

   December 1, 2008 at 1:05 pm

   I am so thankful for so many things . . . I am very thankful that Maka and his beautiful family are ok after that accident . . .I am thankful I have a wonderful husband who is thoughtful, supportive and truly a funny guy . . . I am thankful that my children are the best . . . I am thankful for my entire family and circle of friends – I cherish them everyday . . . I am thankful for my UCSB job – everything about it is great!
2. rachel turner says:

   December 1, 2008 at 5:25 pm

   Thank you for showing me this.. like ashley said, i am so blessed to have worked with you maka. you always knew how to make my day!! thank you for being you =)
3. Gina says:

   December 2, 2008 at 2:37 pm

   I am thankful for the unconditional love of my husband Tony and for my family and friends. Also, I am thankful for each opportunity I get to try again to do better… to be better.
4. Rod Tucknott says:

   December 2, 2008 at 4:53 pm

   I am thankful for too many things to list, but somewhere near the top would be my family, health, employer, staff, students, colleagues, friends, etc, etc.