Giving Back Is What It’s All About For Redmond Dentist, Dr. Jeff Stonebraker

He always knew he wanted to be a part of the healthcare industry. Taking care of the needs of others brought him a sense of well-being that a luxury vacation, fat bank account or having the latest and greatest seemed to bring to others.

But, it wasn’t until he took part in a dental mission in Jamaica that Dr. Stonebraker found the exact right niche for giving to others he was looking for. He knew that helping others through dentistry was his place in this world and after the mission trip ended, he began his pursuit of his dental education.

We Are Hard-Wired to Give Back

Did you know that when we help others the neural “glow” we feel as a result actually shows up on an MRI? Studies have shown that helping others has all kinds of beneficial dividends such as decreased depression and a lessening of chronic pain. Feeling useful, optimistic and having a positive meaning in life helps a person to stop concentrating on their own troubles and actually gives you a sense of well-being known as “helper’s high”.

This same sense of well-being is felt at the cellular level in the body and gives our immune systems a boost. People who’s lives are centered on helping others also live longer!

“There is no better exercise for your heart than reaching down and helping to lift someone up.” – Bernard Meltzer

Giving Back is Just What He Does!

Dr. Stonebraker gets to enjoy that “helper’s high” each time he helps one of his patients. He has added to his stock of helper skills by taking continuing education classes that cover a wide range of dental conditions.

But, he isn’t content with just helping those in his own local community as a Redmond dentist. He considers the world his community and he continues to help the disadvantaged in all parts of the world. He doesn’t serve to get accolades, but when he receives recognition such as his Service Award for Meritous Service to Nicaragua and Mexison from the American Dental Association, he can’t help but feel good about the path his life has taken.

Giving back by volunteering in your local community is a great way to help others and yourself! If you would like to volunteer in the Redmond area here are a few links  for some great service opportunities:

Habitat for Humanity of Seattle

City of Redmond Volunteer Opportunities

Youth Eastside Services

Do you have any suggestions for some giving-back opportunities in our community?