Happy May Mean Healthy
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - Most major studies have everything to do with new medications or risk factors for health problems. But an Oregon study takes a very close look at something else -- personal happiness. And they have a simple conclusion: if you try to get along with others, your day will go more smoothly, you'll probably be happier, and yes, healthier.
We know that there's no doubt that it's easier to get through the day if you're in good spirits. The study looked at 700 older adults and found that those who got along with their relatives, friends, and neighbors were less likely to report health problems and physical limitations. This study was unique because it looked specifically at interactions between people.
According to the authors of the study, they suspect there is some impact on the immune system.
And, there is another theory: if there is a great deal of interpersonal conflict going on in someone's life, they're not able to take care of medical conditions quite as well.
Reported By Dr. Brian McDonough, KYW Newsradio Medical Editor
