Source: NBC National News

http://www.wistv.com/Global/story.asp?S=3278505&nav=0RaPZGEW

On April 29, 2005 NBC National News reported, "if going to church or mosque or visiting a Buddhist temple or synagogue could help you lose weight, live longer, and simply feel better and healthier, would you do it?

Americans may wonder after a new study from the University of Chicago. Dr. John Cacioppo found that African-Americans who have a strong religious faith are significantly less depressed than those who don't have it, 'In the African-American community we found that the stronger their relationship to God, the less depressive symptoms they expressed.'

Cacioppo says there's also proof that people who trust in God, Buddha, or Mohammed or any higher power just have healthier lives, 'They are less likely to smoke, binge drink, less likely to use illicit drugs. They are more likely to engage in fidelity and appropriate sexual behavior.'

So do better health and stronger faith go together? An even bigger study at the University of Chicago will now explore the link between life expectancy and religious faith."