People who didn't participate in organized social groups and didn't draw comfort and strength from religion were seven times more likely to die within six months of surgery. Just talking lowers blood pressure. Older women who didn't talk to others about their problems had higher BP than women who did talk. Lonely is risky. People without strong connections to family, friends or groups were four to six times more apt to die in a six-year study, regardless of race, wealth, health, activity or use of health services.
Love prevents pain.
Men who said their wives didn't show them love were 20 times more likely to develop chest pain than men with demonstrative wives. Contributing Editor Tedd Mitchell, M.D., is director of the Cooper Clinic's Wellness Program in Dallas. All rights reserved.