DURHAM, N.C. (AP) _ A study by the Duke University Divinity School suggests that pastors may be so busy tending to other people’s needs that they neglect their own health.

Researcher Rae Jean Proeschold-Bell says compared with other North Carolina residents, United Methodist pastors had significantly higher rates of obesity, asthma, arthritis, diabetes and high blood pressure.

She says the findings came as no surprise to pastors, who acknowledged they should take better care of themselves so they can do God’s work.

But Preshold-Bell says the pastors described having stress-filled jobs that leave them little time to themselves and keep them away from home at least four evenings a week.