Hopefully you have gotten well into the 2006 with some insight into what we need to do to keep our mind, body and spirit healthy. But this is the month in which we are frequently reminded of romance and love, so I will focus on the impact of relationships, loneliness and sex as it pertains to our health.

 A HUG a Day to Keep Illness Away!

 There are many things that assist us in maintaining our health, such as diet, exercise, supplements, and sometimes medications. But the most important thing that we need is the human touch. It is the basis of survival.  How often do you actually HUG your family members or friends? Researchers discovered that when a person is touched, the amount of hemoglobin in their blood increases significantly. Hemoglobin is a part of the blood that carries vital supplies of oxygen to all organs of the body including the heart and the brain. An increase in hemoglobin tones up the body helps prevent diseases and speeds up recovery from illness. 

SEX – Good for your Health??  

An article in Time magazine by Alice Park stated studies are showing that arousal and an active sex life may lead to a longer life, better heart health, an improved ability to ward off pain, a more robust immune system and protection against certain cancers, not to mention lower rates of depression.

The hormone, oxytocin, also know as the “cuddle hormone” is associated with bonding in relationships. Although we often relate this hormone to the bonding of a mother and infant, it is showing to have bonding effects in other relationships as well. This hormone which is released during orgasm, works in the blood, where it travels to tissues as distant as the uterus, as well as along nerve fibers, where it regulates body temperature, blood pressure, wound healing and even relief from pain.  It reduces anxiety and has a calming effect.

 Loneliness

 Have you ever been lonely? Do you remember how it felt? If you know someone who you suspect is lonely – why not pick up the phone and say hello, or drop a card in the mail. (Everyone likes to get mail!!) I recently read a story from Chicken soup for the soul – It was about an elderly woman who was going to be the jest of a prank by some youngsters around Valentine’s Day. These boys were going to tie a string around an empty heart shaped Valentine Candy box. As they rehearsed what she may do as they would pull the string of the box after they ring the door bell and run, they were approached  by one of their dad’s who told them a similar story of his youth. He explained the brief moment of happiness he saw on the woman as she thought she might have been remembered on “sweethearts’ day” only to turn to sadness as he witnessed her disappointment. This dad also told them that this woman died later that year without having received another “valentine”.  After hearing the story, the boys abandoned the idea of the prank and left the old woman a wonderful “real Valentine” but more importantly learned the about compassion and sensitivity of loneliness.

 How does loneliness affect our health? Loneliness can have an impact on health by altering a person’s cardiac function, increased the blood pressure, and a decreased immune system among other things.  Many people often turn to other measure when lonely such as smoking and drinking, which of course lead to a host of other illnesses over the long run.

 We shouldn’t think of Valentines Day and only think of “lovers’ and “sweet hearts” – we should value every relationship we have! We should look at all the people we LOVE. After all, that is the essence of our existence.

 Relationships

 This brings me to the next topic of relationships with the rest of the people around us. It all comes back to us one way or another. What we put out there is just another reflection of who we are. What goes around comes around!

Have you noticed how quiet people are as soon as they get in a crowded elevator?? It is as if it would be sinful to even make eye contact! I find it almost humorous.

Here is a challenge for you – next time you get on the elevator – make eye contact and say hello. See what happens. Here’s the clincher – smile as you say it! You’ll be amazed at the rewards that return. You will feel so good by the time you get off on your floor.

Do the same in line at the grocery store or wherever it is that you frequent. The goal here is to give something to someone that they are unaccustomed to. (A smile is a big thing to some!) 

Author Victor Parachin stated, “Respond immediately whenever you see an opportunity to touch someone with kindness. Do not delay or defer. Remember that compassion delayed is compassion denied. Likewise, love delayed is love denied. Be guided by the wisdom from this proverbial saying: "I expect to pass through this world but once; any good thing therefore that I can do, or any kindness that I can show to any fellow creature, let me do it now; let me not defer or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again."

 Happy Valentines Day