Save the Date for your Health

Personal shall relationship for granted, even though studies show that people live longer with strong social ties those as living in isolation, "said Shelley Taylor, a psychologist at the University of California at Los Angeles." Take time for close relationships as important to do as many things that people, perhaps even more important, "said Taylor.

A major reason is that the Social her with a romantic partner, frequent contact with friends and family, and the participation of volunteers and religious organizations are less vulnerable to stressful. Although normal in short intervals, is chronic stress along the body over time and is in an increased risk of heart disease, depression and reduced function of the immune system are involved.

Social support seems to stress reactions, such as heart rate increases to keep high blood pressure and stress hormones to run amok, "said Taylor. And the reason is old." Our need for social contact so fundamental that what drives people to something based organic, " Taylor said.
The quality of relationships and problems. Feelings of loneliness can be as damaging as actual physical isolation, "John Cacioppo, a psychology professor said at the University of Chicago and an expert, such as loneliness on health. In a study of 135 healthy students at Ohio State University, found Cacioppo, that those who which had considered only higher cortisol, a stress hormone that the body to store fat in the abdomen causing a risk factor for heart disease.

Forge new relationships can help you, but can be problematic for isolated individuals. Cacioppo warns that people could only hinder their best efforts, because they see the world as threatening and less rewarding than the look to do socially integrated. "Lonely people want to be associated with others, but they expect [negative responses] and in self-protective behaviors, the self-destructive," says Cacioppo. Experts recommend joining anything about a book club of Toastmasters. "The research shows that it is a member of a local club or organization has a beneficial effect on health," said Taylor.

Only the Lonely

A survey of 600 doctors found that patients with her family and friends surrounded receive better medical treatment than those with no obvious support network to believe.

Although humans and non-lonely get the same amount of sleep, new research suggests that people who are socially connected get a good night's rest.

The number of Americans living alone is projected to reach almost 31 million in 2010, up 26 percent over 1995.