be giving. live longer.

Now this from the research realm: According to a recent study of 2,000 people at the Buck Institute for Age Research, folks who volunteered for two or more organizations were 44% less likely to die compared with folks who didn't. Volunteering walloped exercising four times a week (30%) and going to religious services (29%) as ways to help yourself live longer. Another study showed that giving is second only to quitting smoking in the best ways to improve your health.

The reasons behind the giver-receiver relationship aren't completely clear, but recent research published in Molecular Psychiatry suggests nurturing others might feel good because it's rewarded by spikes of dopamine, the neurotransmitter linked to pleasure and cravings.

Researchers urge us to perform small, consistent acts of giving every day, with consciousness and intention; they say a daily practice of generosity will help you align your actions with your values (live with personal integrity), become more spiritually grounded and deepen your relationships with the people around you.

So, in the timeless wisdom of Supertramp ...

give a little bit, give a little bit of your love to me

I'll give a little bit, give a little bit of my love to you

there's so much we need to share, so send a smile and show you care ...

:D