How Companionship Keeps You Healthy by Raymond Lee

Article:
The value of social support has been hiding in plain sight for
so long that it is amazing it took researchers so long to
discover it. From the day that we are born, social support is
essential to human survival. We have a more prolonged period of
helplessness and dependency than any other mammal. For years, we
must rely fully on our parent’s physical and social skills.
Thousands of years ago, humans also discovered the survival
advantage of organizing themselves into clans, tribes, villages,
cities, and nations. Many other animals are stronger, faster,
and endowed with more acute senses. But thanks to language and
symbols, we humans have a unique ability to engage in
complicated interactions, advance the common good and protect
ourselves from predators ��" both animal and human. As a
result, we have populated the entire habitable earth. Our
clichés tell the tale: There’s strength in numbers.” Two
heads are better than one.” “One for all, and all for
one.”

But only since the advent of psychoneuroimmunology ��" the
study of how emotions influence the central nervous system and
the immune system ��" have scientists come to appreciate the
fact that “all for one” means that the “all” has
profound physiological impact on the “one.” In the 1940s,
when researchers first documented the “marriage bonus” on
health, they speculated how a stable home life might contribute
to health and longevity.

<b>Nutrition</b>. Married people, especially those with
children, are more likely than singles to eat healthfully.

<b>Bad habits</b>. The social support provided by marriage helps
people avoid ��" and quit ��" bad habits, particularly
smoking, excessive drinking and overeating.

<b>Risk-taking</b>. This one relates to men, who, in general,
take more risks than women. Compared with single men, husbands
and fathers are less likely race cars, skydive and engage in
violent crime and other reckless pursuits that might risk their
lives.

<b>Medical care</b>. Finally, spouses often encourage each other
to seek medical care. Loners may neglect to obtain care until
diseases have progressed to the point where they are difficult
to treat. Spouses also tend to have a family physician and get
regular screening for things like heart disease and breast and
colorectal cancer.

All these points have merit, but they represent only part of the
story. Close social ties to spouses, friends, relatives and
community organizations also enhance the immune system. Just as
exercise conditions our muscles to handle heavier loads, social
interactions condition the immune system so we experience less
illness and recover more quickly from diseases we can’t avoid.

About the author:
Raymond Lee is one of the foremost experts in the health and
fitness industry and is the Founder of Bodyfixes Group
specializing in body health, muscle development and dieting. He
is currently the author of the latest edition of "Neck Exercises
and Workouts." Visit <a
href="http://www.bodyfixes.com