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The Importance of Family for Well-Being

Why Relationships & Family Are Important

Healthy relationships are a vital component of health. There is strong evidence that healthy relationships relate strongly to people's health and well-being. Conversely the health risks from being alone or isolated in one's life are comparable to the risks associated with cigarette smoking, blood pressure, and obesity.

Research shows that:

• People who have a strong social network tend to live longer.
• The heart and blood pressure of people with healthy relationships respond better to stress.
• Strong social networks are associated with a healthier endocrine system and healthier cardiovascular functioning.
• Healthy social networks enhance the immune system's ability to fight off infectious diseases.

Clearly one important way to take care of yourself is to take care of your relationships.