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NOVEMBER IS GRATITUDE MONTH - WHY GIVING BACK MATTERS.

In a world where many face hardships, philanthropy plays a vital role in fostering hope, compassion, and positive change. Giving back isn’t just about helping others, it also brings profound psychological and social benefits to the giver. Acts of kindness, whether through donations, volunteering, or mentorship, contribute to both individual well-being and the overall strength of communities. Source: cwwsfoundation.org

為何回饋社會至關重要。在當今世界，許多人正面臨種種困境，而慈善事業在孕育希望、培養同理心以及推動積極變革方面發揮著至關重要的作用。回饋社會不僅意味著幫助他人，也能為施予者本身帶來深遠的心理與社會益處。無論是透過捐款、志工服務或擔任導師，這些善舉既有助於提升個人的幸福感，也能增強整個社區的凝聚力與力量。

INCREASED HAPPINESS AND FULFILLMENT.

Studies show that acts of kindness activate the brain’s reward centers, releasing endorphins and dopamine—neurotransmitters associated with pleasure. This phenomenon, often called the “helper’s high,” leads to an increased sense of happiness and purpose.

提升幸福感與滿足感。研究表明，善行能夠激活大腦的獎賞中心，促使內啡肽和多巴胺——即與愉悅感相關的神經傳導物質——釋放出來。這種現象常被稱為「助人者的愉悅感」（helper’s high），它能讓人獲得更強的幸福感與人生意義感。

REDUCED STRESS AND ANXIETY.

Helping others shift focus away from personal worries, providing perspective and a sense of purpose. Studies have shown that people who give back experience lower levels of stress and anxiety compared to those who do not.

減輕壓力與焦慮。透過幫助他人，人們能夠將注意力從個人煩惱中轉移出來，從而獲得新的視角並找到生活目標。研究表明，與不參與回饋社會的人相比，那些樂於回饋社會的人所感受到的壓力和焦慮程度更低。

BOOSTED SELF-ESTEEM AND CONFIDENCE.

Contributing to meaningful causes instills a sense of accomplishment and self-worth. Knowing that your actions positively impact others can reinforce personal confidence and self-respect.

提升自尊與自信。投身有意義的事業，能帶來成就感與自我價值感。意識到自己的行動對他人產生了正面影響，有助於增強個人的自信心與自尊感。

ENHANCED SENSE OF PURPOSE.

For many, giving back adds deeper meaning to life. Engaging in philanthropy aligns actions with personal values, leading to a stronger sense of fulfillment and belonging.

更強的使命感。對許多人而言，回饋社會能為人生增添更深層的意義。投身慈善事業，讓個人行動與自身價值觀一致，進而帶來更強烈的滿足感與歸屬感。

STRENGTHENING COMMUNITIES.

When individuals contribute to charitable efforts, entire communities benefit. Donations help provide food, shelter, education, and healthcare, reducing societal inequalities and improving the quality of life for many others.

增強社區力量。當個人參與慈善事業時，整個社區將從中受益。捐贈有助於提供食物、住所、教育和醫療服務，從而減少社會不平等現象，並改善許多人的生活品質。

BUILDING STRONGER RELATIONSHIPS.

Giving fosters connections between individuals, strengthening social bonds and creating a more compassionate society. Whether through volunteering or charitable events, acts of generosity bring people together with shared goals and values.

建構更穩固的人際關係。給予能促進人與人之間的連結，加強社會紐帶，並創造一個更具同理心的社會。無論是透過志工服務或慈善活動，慷慨之舉都能將人們凝聚在一起，讓他們擁有共同的目標與價值觀。

WHAT IS A GLUTEN INTOLERANCE?

Gluten intolerance, also known as non-celiac gluten or wheat sensitivity (NCGS/NCWS), occurs when someone is sensitive to a protein found in wheat, rye, and barley called gluten, but does not test positive for celiac disease or a wheat allergy. This condition affects the digestive tract, leading to various digestive issues.

什麼是麩質不耐症？麩質不耐症（也稱為非乳糜瀉麩質或小麥敏感症，即 NCGS/NCWS）是指人體對小麥、黑麥和大麥中存在的一種名為「麩質」（gluten）的蛋白質產生敏感反應，但並未被診斷出患有乳糜瀉或小麥過敏。這種狀況會影響消化道，進而引發各種消化問題。

WHAT IS CELIAC DISEASE?

While both conditions involve gluten, celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder that damages the small intestine upon gluten consumption. It affects about 1 in 100 people worldwide. When people with celiac disease eat gluten, their bodies react with an immune response that attacks the villi (small fingerlike projections that promote nutrient absorption) along the wall of the small intestine.

什麼是乳糜瀉？儘管這兩種病症都與麩質有關，但乳糜瀉是一種自體免疫疾病，患者在攝取麩質後，小腸會受損。全球約有 1% 的人患有此病。當乳糜瀉患者攝取麩質時，體內會產生免疫反應，攻擊小腸壁上的絨毛（即有助於營養吸收的指狀微小突起)。

GLUTEN INTOLERANCE VS. CELIAC DISEASE:

It can be difficult to tell the difference between gluten intolerance and celiac disease based on symptoms alone, as there is some crossover between symptoms. If you are experiencing symptoms related to either condition or suspect you have one or the other, contact a healthcare provider for further evaluation.

麩質不耐症與乳糜瀉：如何區分。僅憑症狀很難區分麩質不耐症與乳糜瀉，因為兩者的症狀有一定重疊。如果您出現了與這兩種情況相關的症狀，或懷疑自己患有其中之一，請諮詢醫護人員進行進一步評估。