The power
of positive
relationships
Methodist Charlton Medical Center
•
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Spring 2014
9
“People actually drive better,” she says.
“They wear their seatbelts when they’re
in healthy relationships, because they’re
more concerned with the impact of a car
accident on their kids and spouse.
“I’ve seen patients of all ages make
lifestyle adjustments motivated by wanting
to be there for their partners or children or
even take care of elderly parents.”
The buddy system.
It’s easier
to work toward a healthier lifestyle
when you have someone beside you,
be it a friend, co-worker, or spouse,
who is working toward the same
goal. These are the people who can
encourage you — or even create a
little friendly competition — to keep
you motivated.
There’s
no question that our
relationships play a significant role in
our lives. Research shows that they play
a significant role in our health, as well.
When we have positive relationships —
strong marriages, close friendships, tight
families, even appreciative employers —
our bodies will benefit. Here are just a
few ways:
Less stress.
Positive relationships can
improve your emotional state of mind. Not
only do they reduce production of stress
hormones, but conversely, some research
suggests that they also increase production
of the “happiness hormone,” or serotonin,
which can help with depression.
“I’ve seen patients in relationships
who feel alone and depressed do okay in
their health but then get into a positive
relationship and do so much better,”
says Sherri Morgan, MD, MPH, ABFM,
medical director, Methodist Health System
Family Medicine Residency Program.
Heart help.
Research has connected
healthy relationships to improved heart
health. One explanation behind the
improvement points back to stress. Stress
leads to the production of the hormone
cortisol, which causes your body to store
fat, resulting in high cholesterol and blood
pressure, as well as increased risk for heart
disease or heart attack.
Better choices.
Dr. Morgan says
positive relationships can motivate people
to make better choices. Studies show that
they are more likely to exercise, eat well,
take their medications, and quit smoking.
