Love may be the recipe for good health

On his 50th wedding anniversary, Les was asked if it really seemed like it had been 50 years since he’d married the love of his life. He thought for a minute before he responded, “No, not at all. It seems a lot longer!”

Of course everyone laughed, but when he turned 90, he credited his longevity to his wife and their healthy, happy marriage. Too sweet? Even for Valentine’s Day? Nah. The fact of the matter is that there are surprisingly many substantiated health benefits of love. And, not just two people relationship love.

In an article published on medicinenet.com, Sherry Rauh wrote, “Humans are wired for connection, and when we cultivate good relationships, the rewards are immense. But we’re not necessarily talking about spine-tingling romance.”

She quotes Harry Reis, PhD, co-editor of the Encyclopedia of Human Relationships, “There is very nice evidence that people who participate in satisfying, long-term relationships fare better on a whole variety of health measures.”

And although most of the research has been centered on marriage, Reis said that the perks can extend to close relationships with a partner, parent or friend. “The key is to feel connected to other people, feel respected and valued by other people, and feel a sense of belonging.”

With-out knowing specifically why it happens, the Health and Human Services Department reported that married people have fewer doctor’s visits and shorter average hospital stays. The theory is, according to Rauh, “that people in good relationships take better care of themselves. A spouse may keep you honest in your oral hygiene. A best friend could motivate you to eat more whole grains. Over time, these good habits translate to fewer illnesses.”

Health and Human Services reports that getting and staying married reduces depression. And, another healthy aspect to that is, that interestingly, marriage contributes to a decline in heavy drinking and drug abuse, especially among young adults.

A happy relationship is good for your blood pressure. Reis referenced the study published in the Annals of Behavioral Medicine that found “happily married people had the best blood pressure followed by singles. Unhappily married participants fared the worst.”

So, what else can loving do for you? Plenty. The CDC reports that in a study of more than 100,000 adults, married people were less likely to complain of headaches and back pain. And, you believed the old, “not tonight” joke!

In long-term relationships people studied were shown to have less anxiety, a much higher capability of managing stress and far less depression. All these add up to an increased boost in the immune system. Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University concluded that people who are emotionally content are less likely to get colds and flu, even after exposure to those viruses.

And, if you want another reason to love, there’s research that indicates that a positive relationship may make flesh wounds heal faster. Who would have thought that?

And, it isn’t just Les who thinks that married people live longer. Harvard Medical School reports that a major survey of 127,545 American adults “proves that men who have marital partners also live longer than men without spouses…and the longer a man stays married, the greater his survival advantage over his unmarried peers.”

What does this all add up to? A happier life. A healthier life. If you have someone to be well for, you’re going to take better care of yourself. Or, maybe like Les’ wife, your special someone will nag the heck out of you to do it! Happy Valentine’s Day!

Kathy Hubbard is a member of Bonner General Hospital Foundation Advisory Committee. She can be reached at 264-4029 or kathyleehubbard@yahoo.com.