Shannon L . Gainey , FNP / Carolina Pines Regional Medical Center medical contributor
The Health Benefits of
Love
Huey Lewis & The News sang it best . . . “ Don ’ t need money , don ’ t take fame Don ’ t need no credit card to ride this train It ’ s strong and it ’ s sudden and it ’ s cruel sometimes But it might just save your life That ’ s the power of love That ’ s the power of love ”
Humans are programmed to love and be loved . Love is an amazing thing . But do you know just how powerful it can be ?
Countless research has gone into studying the overall health benefits of love . It ’ s been proven that people who experience love are happier and healthier . We ’ re not talking about the here-today-gone-tomorrow passion you have with your latest flame , or the crush on the cutie you ’ ve had your eye on either . We ’ re talking about long-term , stable love that is mutually reciprocated between spouses , close family and best friends .
Love is feeling connected , valued and respected .
While there are numerous reasons to love and be loved , here are a few of the benefits of love on your physical and mental health .
1 . Longer and Happier Life
Loneliness and isolation are associated with allcause mortality ( death for any reason ). Love brings joy . According to a study in the Journal of Family Psychology , happiness had more to do with the quality of family relationships , than it did with money . So , Huey was right !
2 . Decrease Depression and Substance Abuse
It ’ s a fact . Social isolation leads to depression . There is a strong link between depression and substance abuse . Research at the State University of New York at Stony Brook shows loving stable relationships activate the reward-system area of your brain associated with dopamine , a powerful neurotransmitter that regulates emotion , pleasure , and motivation .
3 . Decrease Anxiety and Improve Stress Management Humans are designed to interact with each other . A strong social support system improves how you handle stress . Remember that dopamine reward system we talked about just a minute ago ? That same system affects anxiety levels and how you cope with anxiety .
4 . Stronger Immune System
Love boosts the immune system . According to a study at Carnegie Mellon University , people who exhibit positive emotions are less likely to get sick after being exposed to common viruses such as a cold or the flu .
5 . Fewer Doctor ’ s Visits and Shorter Hospital Stays Naturally , if love is boosting the immune system and helping you cope with all the stress life throws your way , this one makes sense . Research by The Department of Health and Human Services has shown married people have fewer doctor ’ s visits and shorter hospital stays . One theory behind this is that spouses and close friends hold each other accountable for good hygiene and encourage each other to make healthier food and lifestyle choices .
Wow ! Love really does have some great health benefits . Love allows you to live a longer , happier , and healthier life . Not to mention , you spend less time in the doctor ’ s office or hospital . Let ’ s face it . I really enjoy spending time with my patients , and talking about their health . But , I know if they had the choice , it would not be spending the day in a doctor ’ s office or lying in a hospital bed . That ’ s why love is not only good for the soul , it ’ s good for your health !
Shannon Gainey , FNP , is associated with The Medical Group located on the campus of Carolina Pines Regional Medical Center in Hartsville . She received her Bachelor and Master of Science degrees in Nursing from the Medical University of South Carolina and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from the University of South Carolina . Board certified by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners , Shannon is a dedicated Nurse Practitioner with more than seven years experience in both outpatient and inpatient settings . For more information , please call 843-339-3040 . A resident of Hartsville , she and her husband , have two children .
146 FEBRUARY 2017 SHEMAGAZINE . COM