Love is the topic of countless novels, movies, poems and sappy songs. Not only does it make the world go round, it keeps us healthy.
It's the holiday that surrounds us with romance and red hearts, but did you know Cupid's arrow can deliver a real benefit to your body?
"When people are in a happy and stable and loving relationship they live longer. Studies have shown that happily married patients have a greater longevity than people who are not married," said Dr. David Haines with Beaumont Health System.
Love is like a drug. It can jump start your immune system and keep the bulge at bay. Couples who exercise together are more physically fit. Plus, human touch has been proven to help reduce pain.
However, when things go south so does your health. A bad break up, a death and extreme sadness can cause what's called broken heart syndrome. It feels like a heart attack and looks like one on the EKG, but there's no blockage.
"What we know from MRI data is that the heart muscle actually swells up. So it's a swollen heart," said Dr. Miguel Salazar with Beaumont Health System.
So on the day that celebrates hearts and love, remember along with getting in your veggies and your exercise, add a little romance to the recipe. Your body will thank you.
And let's not forget the "cuddle hormone". University of North Carolina researchers found that women who get the most hugs have the highest levels of oxytocin. That's a powerful, feel good hormone, which helps to lower blood pressure.
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Making healthy choices at the grocery store can be difficult. With deceiving labels, and buzz words like 'organic,' 'all-natural' and 'heart-healthy,' it's tough to decide what to buy.
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She is the Flat Rock girl that has gained national attention for her battle with a rare, fatal disease. Now little Lindsay Ratcliffe has been given new hair and new hope.
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Living with autism is a challenge that as many as one in fifty families face everyday. One family says intensive therapy has not just helped their daughter, but changed their lives.
Living with autism is a challenge that as many as one in fifty families face everyday. One family says intensive therapy has not just helped their daughter, but changed their lives.
Wednesday, April 17 2013 8:10 AM EDT2013-04-17 12:10:45 GMT
An FBI-trained forensic artist worked with Dove to conduct social experiment to illustrate the ongoing struggle women have with recognizing their own beauty.
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For some people, sugar is like a drug and kicking the sweet habit is hard. Desserts like cakes, cookies and ice cream can be irresistible because of the effect sugar has on the brain. "Sugar is a particularly
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Next week the American Heart Association celebrates National Walking Day. This means bring your sneakers to work on April 3 and plan to walk for 10, 20 or 30 minutes.
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A consumer group says most kids' meals at restaurants are too high in fat, sugar and salt. The report says 97 percent of meals failed to meet recommended nutritional criteria.
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(Credit: Fox 2 News)
