Many Health Benefits of Love and Valentine's!

This year, Valentine’s Day is Valentine’s Weekend! And, while you may wonder what that has to do with health and wellness, you might be surprised to learn that love can be good for your health! Studies show that it is in our DNA to seek out good relationships and that these solid relationships can lead to a happier, safer and healthier life. Conversely, infatuation and less committed, volatile relationships that are “on and off,” are very stressful and unhealthy. But those fortunate to participate in a stable and satisfying long-term relationship are the beneficiaries of many health benefits! Whether you have spouse, partner, or close friend, (love is love is love), feeling connected, respected, valued, and loved is critically important to your health and wellness! So celebrate Valentine's Day and enjoy all the love that surrounds you!

10 Ways Love and Valentine's are Good for You!

1. Less Sick Visits to your Physician - The US Department of Human Services found that couples in a committed long-term relationship are less likely to require sick visits to their physician. And, when hospitalized, these “love birds,” have shorter hospital stays. One theory for this health benefit is that couples in good relationships watch after each other to ensure regular healthy visits for routine care and testing. Consequently, they are less likely to have unexpected serious illnesses.
2. Less Depression & Substance Abuse - Experts feel that social isolation is associated with unhealthy behavior and depression. Happy, loving and committed couples are far less likely to suffer from depression. Furthermore, these couples are less likely to engage in risky and unhealthy behaviors such as excessive drinking and drug abuse.
3. Lower Blood Pressure - Researchers have found a strong relationship between marital status and blood pressure. Happily married couples have the lowest, while unhappily married couples have the highest. Happy singles scored somewhere in between. It is also interesting to note that non-married committed couples and well-adjusted singles with strong support groups had lower blood pressure.
4. Less Anxiety - Studies show that long-term committed couples have far less anxiety than new romance. MRI brain scans found both groups showed high activation in areas of the brain related to romance, but only new couples had activation of the area of the brain associated with anxiety.
5. Pain Control - A CDC report on pain included a study of more than 127,000 adults and found that married people were less likely to complain of headaches and lower back pain. In fact, one study showed, when a happily married couple held hands, pain thresholds improved and, the happier the marriage, the greater the effect.
6. Better Stress Management - Similar to the findings on pain, there is a strong link between happy and committed couples and stress management. The support and love from a strong and healthy relationship provides good coping methods to help overcome adversity…job loss, illness etc. 
7. Boosted Immune System - Solid loving relationships can boost your immune system. In fact, researchers at Carnegie Mellon University found that people who exhibit positive emotions are less likely to get sick after exposure to cold or flu viruses.
8. Quicker Healing Time - It may be that a wound from “Cupid’s Arrow” will heal faster when you are in a loving relationship. Researchers at Ohio State University Medical Center gave married couples superficial wounds and followed their healing time. The wounds healed nearly twice as fast in spouses who interacted warmly compared with those who behaved with hostility.
9. Longevity - Strong research indicates that married people live longer. Researchers found that people who had never been married were 58% more likely to die than married people. Some reasons purported were mutual financial, emotional and physical support and assistance from children. One common denominator for a short life span is loneliness and those in a healthy relationship may live longer because they feel loved and connected.
10. Happiness - A study in the Journal of Family Psychology showed that happiness depends more on the quality of family relationships than on the level of income.  So, according to the research, when it comes to a long, happy and healthy life…love is more important than money!

SOURCES: WebMD

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This article is not intended as a substitute for medical treatment. If you have questions related to your medical condition, please contact your family physician. For further inquires related to this topic email: drpmackarey@msn.com

Paul J. Mackarey PT, DHSc, OCS is a Doctor in Health Sciences specializing in orthopedic and sports physical therapy in Scranton and Clarks Summit. Dr. Mackarey is in private practice and is an associate professor of clinical medicine at Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine. For all of Dr. Mackarey's articles, visit our exercise forum!

The beginning of a “New Year” is often associated with renewal and a fresh start to improve ourselves in many ways: financially, socially, mentally, physically and spiritually. Self-help books are best sellers, fitness centers are crowded and weight loss programs are full of well-intenders this time of year. But one relatively novel New Year’s resolution has also gained tremendous popularity. “DRY JANUARY!”

Dry January first began as a public health campaign in 2013 by the U.K. nonprofit, Alcohol for Change, with 4,000 participants. Almost 10 years later, the challenge has become a cultural lexicon as nearly 20% of adults in the U.S. plan to participate. As it turns out, the self-imposed detox has multiple benefits…including saving money! Even though it is January 23^rd, it is not to late to start…dry February!

According to the CDC, one drink per day is considered moderate drinking for women and two per day for men. But some studies have found that excessive drinking has increased by 21% during the COVID-19 pandemic. While everyone participating in Dry January will benefit, those exceeding the moderate amount will notice the most significant positive changes. According to a 2019 study from the University of Sussex, more than 80% of Dry January participants felt substantial physical and cognitive improvements and describe being in “more control.”

It is important to remember, while complete abstinence is the principle goal, any reduction of consumption is also productive and valuable.

Full Disclosure: I am personally participating in Dry January and can attest to its value and benefit! And, even if you are not “going dry” this January, you can participate by offering strong support for those who do!

Weight Loss

The number one resolution each year is to lose weight. Dry January can help attain that goal. A glass of regular beer has about 150 calories, and a serving of wine has about 120 (5 oz.) and 200 (8oz). These calories do not have high nutritional value and, moreover, can stimulate your appetite.  Drinking can make you more impulsive with less discipline to resist the cheese fries and lava cake. Controlling alcohol consumption will also contribute to weight loss.

Healthy Heart

While a glass of red wine with dinner may have some health benefits, overconsumption may have the opposite effect. For those consuming more than one drink per day, giving up or cutting back on alcohol may lower blood pressure and triglyceride levels. For those with atrial fibrillation, studies found that even one single drink per day was linked to a 16% increase in developing the abnormal heart rhythm compared to non drinkers. 

Lower Your Blood Pressure

For those with or at risk for high blood pressure, abstaining or reducing alcohol intake can reduce your blood pressure. Normal blood pressure is below 120/80. You have high blood pressure if yours is above 130/80. Talk to your physician.

Healthy Liver

For those with or at risk for liver disease, abstaining or reducing alcohol intake is critical. Toxins in your body are filtered by the liver and alcohol is toxic to your cells. Heavy drinking (15 drinks for men and 8 for women per week) will eventually lead to liver problems such as fatty liver, cirrhosis and other problems. Keep in mind that all is not lost… your liver can repair itself and even regenerate. So, abstaining or reducing is beneficial.

Lower Risk of Some Cancers

Some studies show that heavy drinking is associated with certain cancers, including esophagus, mouth, throat, and breast. While it is less clear if abstinence lowers the risk, most physicians would recommend it if you are at risk or diagnosed with the disease.

Improved Cognitive Function

There is a very strong relationship between alcohol dependence and cognitive function, especially memory. Studies show that prolonged abuse can affect perception of distances, impair motor skills and feel or read emotions. The good news: the brain can heal and regain some of these abilities.

Improved Sleep

While a drink or two may allow you to relax and fall asleep, it will also make you wake up repeatedly during the night. Alcohol interrupts your REM or deep stage of sleep. It also affects your breathing, especially if you suffer from sleep apnea. Additionally, consumption may increase the need to get up more often to urinate.

Improve Immune System

Some studies show that even moderate drinking may weaken your body’s immune system for 24 hours. For those consuming large amounts of alcohol over time, the immune system and the body’s ability to repair itself is compromised. Abstinence or reduction may help you keep illnesses at bay.

Improved Safety

There is a strong relationship between alcohol use and traumatic injuries and death.  Studies show that alcohol plays a role in at least 50% of all serious trauma injuries and deaths from burns, drowning, and homicides. It’s also involved in four out of 10 fatal falls and traffic crashes, as well as suicides. It was found that reducing your drinking by a third can lower the number of injuries and sick days.

Better Relationships

For most, social use of alcohol is healthy and allows us to relax with friends and family and compliment a good meal. However, for those who regularly drink alone, or down multiple drinks a day, it could turn into an unhealthy habit. And, for those who can’t control usage, it may lead to a condition called alcohol use disorder. This disorder is associated with depression, anxiety and low self-esteem. Abstinence or reduction may allow you to focus on relationships, work, and health.

Improve Sex

While drinking may “put you in the mood,” it may also negatively affect performance, especially for those who over consume. For men, overconsumption is associated with erectile dysfunction and women often notice a loss of sexual interest and vaginal dryness. Less time at the bar may lead to more time in bed!

Withdrawal

Warning: Dry January can be difficult for those suffering from prolonged alcohol abuse. Heavy drinkers may experience physical and emotional symptoms of withdrawal and should consult their physician. Some symptoms include: cold sweats, racing pulse, nausea, vomiting, shaky hands, and intense anxiety. In extreme cases, some may experience seizures or hallucinations. Your doctor or substance abuse therapist can offer guidance and may prescribe medication like benzodiazepines or carbamazepine to help you get through it.

Sources: WebMD, Cleveland Clinic

EVERY MONDAY – Read Dr. Paul J. Mackarey “Health & Exercise Forum!”

This article is not intended as a substitute for medical treatment. If you have questions related to your medical condition, please contact your family physician. For further inquires related to this topic email: drpmackarey@msn.com

Paul J. Mackarey PT, DHSc, OCS is a Doctor in Health Sciences specializing in orthopaedic and sports physical therapy. Dr. Mackarey is in private practice and is an associate professor of clinical medicine at Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine.

For all of Dr. Mackarey's articles: visit our healthcare forum!