Did you know being social is good for your health?
Research has found that being socially active is as equally healthy as quitting smoking or exercise. In a study published in the journal PLoS Medicine, BYU professors Julianne Holt-Lunstad and Timothy Smith report people with stronger social relationships had a 50% increased likelihood of survival than those with weaker social relationships.
"When someone is connected to a group and feels responsibility for other people, that sense of purpose and meaning translates to taking better care of themselves and taking fewer risks," Holt-Lunstad said.
"This effect is not isolated to older adults," Smith said. "Relationships provide a level of protection across all ages."
Extension Homemakers Club (EHC) members not only benefit from being socially active they also gain knowledge and skills through monthly program topics, special interest workshops and project activities. Members come up with ideas for programs, which are developed cooperatively with the Extension agent to meet interests. Education is a character builder! A lifelong process that is never finished. Arkansas Extension Homemakers Council (AEHC) members keep up to date in these rapidly changing times through lessons on all phases of family living and special interest topics presented by speakers, educators and other club members.
In addition to being social and educated, they also give back to their community by choosing a yearly volunteer service project according to their interests.
And, of course, we like to have fun, too!
EHC members are just like you! They work, shop, and sit next to you at ballgames. They like to learn everything from A to Z to better themselves for their families, neighborhoods and for their community. They are young and old, men and women, working or retired. They come from diverse backgrounds and a rich history. They’ve come a long way from the home demonstration era of the 1900's.
Gather your friends and give us a call. We currently have two clubs that would love to have new members, but we would be happy to start a new club just for you and your friends! Their meeting schedules are:
DeQueen EHC - 2nd Wednesday each month - REA Building in DeQueen at 9:30 a.m.
Gillham EHC – 2nd Friday each month - members’ homes in Gillham at 10:00 a.m.
For more information, please contact Janet Cantrell, Sevier County Extension Agent-Family and Consumer Sciences at 870-584-3013 or jcantrell@uaex.edu.