Dr. Escabi: The many facets of faith

I have not written anything in a while because with the Christmas season, significant professional change has come about, which I expect will be good for my colleagues, coworkers, patients and myself. But I did not want to finish the year without sharing my thoughts on areas where health overlaps with the holidays. I would like to write about faith.

There are countless articles written about faith and how it affects health, or rather what kind of outcome a person may have may change depending on whether or not they are spiritual in any way. And what better time to talk about faith than Christmas time.

These articles often times, sometimes with good solid evidence and other times with more of an anecdotal or folkloric value, suggest that people of faith tend to feel better about their health, more satisfied with their care, and had better outcomes in times of illness than those that do not believe there are forces at play beyond those of the physical realm.

I am being very open with my language for several reasons. First, because even though Christmas is inherently associated with Christianity, after all it is supposed to be the celebration of the birth of Christ rather than a gift giving spend-a-palooza, the message of joy, unity and overall love for all fellow men and women is really a universal message not exclusive to Christians. Second, because as important as having faith in a higher power is, the faith I am talking about is much more encompassing.

This holiday season, I want to share a message of faith in a higher power, but also faith in ourselves as individuals and faith in ourselves as one big entity; faith in all of human kind. Faith in our ability to change for the better. Faith in the power of change so that the future will be brighter. That is probably the most difficult faith to keep in dark times, but that is arguably the most important of all for our health. And again, when I say health I mean physical, emotional, spiritual, and as a brotherhood of man.

Helen Keller once said that “Faith is the strength by which a shattered world shall emerge into the light”. Let this Christmas season be a time for renewal. Let that renewal will be of your faith. Let that faith be in that everything will be better.

Have a Merry Christmas, a great and happy new year, and I hope 2019 will provide me with plenty of opportunities to share my advice with you all on having a happy and healthy life!