Our physical health improves when we are connected to people.
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In his book, Love and Survival: 8 Pathways to Intimacy and Health, Dean Ornish, M.D., dramatically describes how valuable it is to our physical health to be connected to people. Dr. Ornish is the creator of a revolutionary program which has shown that diet and exercise can reverse heart disease without drugs and surgery. In his book, he goes further and says that love and intimacy are as important in maintaining healthy lives as are nutrition and working out. "If a new drug had the same impact, virtually every doctor in the country would be recommending it for their patients."
He describes a series of research studies which have shown persuasively that people in intimate relationships live longer and happier lives than those who are not. In one study, it was found that people who are socially isolated are two to five times more likely to die prematurely than those who have a sense of connection and community. Women with metastatic breast cancer were assigned to support groups which met once a week for a year. The women in the groups lived twice as long as those who were not in these groups. One study even found that people with fewer relationships of any kind (e.g., with a partner, friendship, family, work, social groups, church) were four times as likely to develop a common cold as those who had more relationships.
Interestingly, it has also been found that people with pets are healthier than people without them. Those with pets were also found to make fewer visits to doctors.
The power of having connections with others is truly amazing and affects us on multiple levels.
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For the past twenty years, I have been helping people with all types of relationships. From romantic relationships, to relationships with friends, family members, neighbors and co-workers, I've helped clients see the dynamics in their relationships and learn how to create the quality, intimacy, honesty and sense of connectedness they desire. It has been wonderful to see all of the growth and fulfillment that has occurred!
Sometimes, when relationships are unhealthy, they need to end and it is an opportunity to reinvest in relationships that have been neglected or find new, more fulfilling and satisfying relationships. Research has proven that doing this will improve your health!
I hope you will think about the value of creating and maintaining closeness and connectedness with others.
Please feel free to contact me with any comments or questions.
Warm regards,
Kristen
Dr. Kristen Platt
Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist
1151 Dove Street, Suite 200
Newport Beach, CA 92660
949) 422-5334
DrPlatt@OrangeCountyTherapy.org
www.OrangeCountyTherapy.org
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QUOTES
"Treasure your relationships, not your possessions." Anthony D'Angelo
"We can live without religion and meditation, but we cannot survive without human affection."
HH The Dalai Lama
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