GRAND BLANC -- Part 2:
Local doctor’s research shows how your faith can affect your health
A doctor at Genesys Regional Medical Center says she is working on a study that not only proves there is a connection between faith and healing, but takes a look at how faith can be used to heal.
Dr. Sara Pendleton, M.D. became interested in the phenomenon while treating a 3-year-old cancer patient. The little girl’s unwavering faith seemed to keep her spirits up and her body resilient as she endured the terminal illness.
"She knew she was going to heaven, and that made it easier for everyone," said Dr. Pendleton.
Dr. Pendleton wanted to learn more about how faith can help patients cope. She thought with better understanding, perhaps more patients could learn how to develop their faith and heal either emotionally or physically.
The results surprised her.
Dr. Pendleton says she found that believing in God did not lead to healing. Patients had to believe God was good to see any benefit. "For example, patients who voiced anger with God or believed God wanted to punish them had negative outcomes."
She says patients should learn from this study. If they are struggling with negative feelings about their spirituality it could hurt not only their spiritual lives, but their health. She says counseling may help.
Her research is still underway.
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Part 1:
Does prayer heal? Dr. Avery Jackson at Genesys Regional Medical Center says there is no question it does. The neurosurgeon has made it a habit to take time to pray with his patients before major surgeries. He says consistently it helps his patients beat the odds.
"With faith you can do all things," said Dr. Jackson.
He says he’s grateful to work at a Christian Hospital. Genesys Regional Medical Center allows him to take time to pray with patients. He says it helps them keep their spirits up and maintain a fighting spirit.
He says it also improves his outcomes. More of his patients heal after surgery. "It made all the difference in the world," said Jim Hunt. "All the difference in the world."
Hunt says he endured excruciating pain for a decade after suffering a back injury. Two surgeries didn’t work. Then he met Dr. Jackson, who prayed with him and performed a surgery. "His odds were about 20% or less that he would have a good outcome," says Dr. Jackson. Against the odds, it worked.
Both Dr. Jackson and Hunt give credit to God. "Jesus is the healer, period," said Dr. Jackson. "I totally believe. It is the only thing that has cured me," said Hunt.
*We want to know if you think prayer heals. Vote in our poll below. ALSO- comment below and leave us your stories if faith has ever healed you!
