Owning a Home is Good for You
Homeowners Are Happier According to Study.

"Take two aspirin, buy a hone, and see me in a week." That's what your doctor just might say the next time you see her/him when feeling a little under the weather.

In the first serious study on the effects of homeownership, a university concludes that owning a home provides numerous social benefits, Ranging from environmental awareness to school achievement, it's healthy to own a home.

The study was commissioned by the Homeownership Alliance, A Washington D.C. based, non-profit group committed to homeownership in America, and made up of community bankers, mortgage bankers, home builders, real estate agents, consumer advocates and a number of housing industry organizations. Robert Dietz, a professor at the School of Business at Ohio State University, headed the study.

"Given the governmental policy commitment to promoting homeownership an understanding of the positive impacts of homeownership is critical in assessing the efficiency of these policies," Dietz said. "On the whole, homeownership is associated with positive social outcomes at the individual, household and community level. These positive social outcomes include higher household life satisfaction and happiness.

Children of homeowners are likely to perform higher on academic achievement tests and are more likely to finish high school. Furthermore, children of homeowners have fewer behavioral problems in school and are less likely to become pregnant as teenagers. Political activity, such as voting an participation in civic organizations, is higher among homeowners.

Homeowners are more satisfied with their lives and are happier than non-homeowners, and even affluent renters.

Some of the most recent research suggests that high levels of homeownership in neighborhoods enhance property values.

"Through their investment in the home - and therefore in the local neighborhood - homeowners appear to be overall more involved in their communities., This involvement by homeowners generates benefits for their communities in addition to the benefits for their families. These spillover benefits suggest that the neighborhood homeownerships rate itself may produce positive social consequences for communities," Dietz said. "Homeownership makes every place a better place, and this new study quantifies it."

Lastly, does owning a home make us appear younger, better looking and able to fit in all our clothes? No word from Professor Dietz on these possible benefits. Looks like we'll have to wait until Entertainment Tonight" does its housing study.

Spicy Chicken Heros

6 boneless skinless chicken breast halves
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
¼ to ½ teaspoon pepper
¼ to ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
¼ to ½ teaspoon chili powder
6 slices Monterey Jack cheese
6 French or Italian rolls, split
2 tablespoons butter or margarine, melted
Lettuce leaves and tomato slices
Salsa or picante sauce, optional

Pound chicken breasts slightly to flatten evenly. Brush both sides with oil. Combine seasonings; sprinkle on both sides of chicken. Grill over medium-hot heat for 6-8 minutes; turn and grill 4-6 minutes more or until chicken is no longer pink. Top with cheese; allow to melt, about 2 minutes. Meanwhile, brush rolls with butter; grill just until toasted. Place lettuce, tomato and chicken on rolls; top with salsa or picante sauce if desired. Yield 6 servings.

GREAT TRUTHS THAT LITTLE CHILDREN HAVE LEARNED: 1. No matter how hard you try, you can't baptize cats. 2. When you Mom is mad at your Dad, don't let her brush your hair. 3. If your sister hits you, don't hit back. They always catch the second person. 4. Never ask your 3-year old brother to hold a tomato. 5. You can't trust dogs to watch your food. 6. Don't sneeze when someone is cutting your hair. 7. Never hold a Dust-buster and a cat at the same.