Tag Archives: social support

Want Halloween Treats Instead of Tricks?

On Halloween, you don’t have to dress up as a member of the Sandwich Generation – you likely already have that frazzled look about you. Caring for parents growing older and kids growing up can lead to stress and, in crisis, even depression. See if these practical insights can help with your negative emotions: Knowledge is power. Gather information about ways to deal with how you are feeling – explore Internet search engines and sites or the self-help section of your local bookstore. And talk with friends and family who … Continue reading

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Your Social Network Can Improve Your Health

I bet you’re not surprised: Study after study has confirmed what most women already know – friendships are good for your health. The Nurses Health Study found that the greater the number of friends in your social network, the more healthful and joyful a life you lead. The MacArthur Foundation concluded that social support helps women cope with difficult times. Shelley Taylor and her colleagues at UCLA determined that befriending other women helps women live longer and more satisfying lives. So when you’re setting up your personal health plan, be … Continue reading

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Photo of a Loved One can Reduce Pain

We’ve been telling you about the value of support for years now – here’s more evidence. A recent UCLA study shows that holding the hand of a loved one can help reduce pain. Just looking at their picture can help too. The study included 25 women who had been in good relationships with their boyfriends for at least six months. They received heat stimuli to the forearm. Then they reported their pain levels while holding hands with their boyfriends, while holding hands with a stranger and while holding a squeeze … Continue reading

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Your Personal Health Plan Relies on Your Social Network

Women traditionally turn to friends when they need help coping – both with daily hassles and with more serious hardships. Study after study has confirmed what most women already know – friendships are good for your health. The Nurses Health Study indicated that the greater the number of friends in your network, the more healthful and joyful a life you lead. The MacArthur Foundation found that social support helps women cope with difficult times. Shelley Taylor and her colleagues at UCLA determined that befriending other women helps women live longer … Continue reading

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