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The Importance of Family for Wellbeing

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 wellbeing. 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.