It is pretty self-evident that spending time with those
close to us, that we can share with, laugh with and just spend time with make
us feel better about ourselves and our lives.
Evidence is now coming out that the benefits are not only emotional they
are truly physical.
Most of us have heard that pets and deep friendships with
others can extend life and improve quality of life. A recent study appearing in the from Institute for Behavioral Medicine Research at Ohio State University presented at the
Society for Personality and Social Psychology annual meeting in New Orleans has
found why.
Researchers found people who were more lonely showed
signs of elevated latent herpes virus reactivation and produced more
inflammation-related proteins in response to acute stress than people who felt
more socially connected.
It seems that loneliness boosts inflammation. Inflammation is linked to coronary heart
disease, type 2 diabetes, arthritis, Alzheimer's disease and most other chronic
disorders. Inflammation can lead to
tissue damage throughout the body accelerating aging and
predisposing you to other disease processes.
Currently these chronic conditions are typically addressed with
anti-inflammatory drugs and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID’s). Listening to the news and the disclaimers on
advertising we should understand that this approach is not without significant
risks.
It is clear from previous research that poor-quality
relationships are linked to a number of health problems, including premature
mortality and all sorts of other very serious health conditions. And people who
are lonely clearly feel like they are in poor-quality relationships," stated
the lead author.
So as you are taking steps in the New Year to keep yourself healthy, make
sure you include time with friends, family and other companions in your daily
or at least weekly schedule to improve your well-being.
Yours for Better Health,
Dr. Heller
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