Do Social Ties
Cuddles, kisses, and caring
conversations. These are key
ingredients of our close relationships.
our health. Whether with romantic
partners, family, friends, neighbors, or
our biology and well-being.
Wide-ranging research suggests that
strong social ties are linked to a longer
life. In contrast, loneliness and social
isolation are linked to poorer health,
depression, and increased risk of early
death.
Studies have found that having a
variety of social relationships may help
reduce stress and heart-related risks.
Such connections might improve your
more positive outlook on life. Physical
contact—from hand-holding to sex—
can trigger release of hormones and
brain chemicals that not only make us
feel great but also have other biological
by: NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH
Marriage is one of the most-studied
marriage is their most important
relationship. And the evidence
is very strong that marriage is
Dr. Janice Kiecolt-Glaser, an expert
on health and relationships at
relationship isn’t going well, it could
Married couples tend to live
longer and have better heart
health than unmarried couples.
Studies have found that when one
spouse improves his or her health
behaviors—such as by exercising,
drinking or smoking less, or getting
to do so, too.
shrink. In NIH-funded studies,
Kiecolt-Glaser and her colleagues
found that how couples behave
healing and blood levels of stress
hormones. In a study of more
than 40 married couples, the
researchers measured changes
to body chemistry over a 24-hour
period both before and after
troublesome topics included money,
in-laws, and communication.
of hostile marriages and depression
may also be at risk for weight
problems. After eating a high-fat
these troubled couples tended to
burn fewer calories than less hostile
these couples was slower in ways
that could account for weight gain
Compared to the kinder couples,
the distressed spouses had signs of
more fat storage and other risks for
heart disease.
on our health. But overall, research
interactions with others can
outweigh any risks.
2018. February - 20 - vervemagazines.com
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