Mixing religion and health

I'm not really sure that I find what I'm about to share credible, but it is intriguing, and who knows, maybe there's something to it. In any event, it's something very different.

 Let's start with the Jewish practice of "laying t'fillin:"

The practice comes to us from several sources. The Torah (Jewish Bible) tells us in Deuteronomy and in Exodus to "bind them as a sign upon your hand, and they shall be for frontlets between your eyes." Observant Jews (and Jewish tradition) has interpreted that to mean wrapping one's left arm (near the heart) and one's head with special leather straps (at proscribed times and using a specific ritual and prayers).

But  what the heck does this have to do with insurance or health care, Henry?

Well, FoIB Holly R sent us this rather interesting article connecting them:

"A pilot study led by researchers at the University of Cincinnati (UC) College of Medicine suggests Jewish men who practice wearing tefillin ... may receive cardiovascular health benefits."

To be fair, this is a very limited study, including but a score of Jewish men, some of whom regularly engage in this practice, and some who do not (control group).  And of course, correlation ≠ causation, but still, intriguing findings:

"We found people who wear tefillin in either the short or long term, recorded a measureable positive effect on their blood flow. That has been associated with better outcomes in heart disease."

Hunh.