Saturday, March 3, 2007

The Human Touch ... So Important

How important to you is the human touch? Well, studies show that it is very important. Believe it or not, it helps boost one's immune system and is also a major aid in the healing process.

When under distress, just a loving hand can calm that person down. When ill, that person will recover or if the illness is terminal, the quality of life will be better for them because you showed them love and support. Who knows, you may extend their length of days. If anyone needs the human touch, it's one who is ill or vulnerable

There have also been studies conducted on sick babies in hospitals and people in institutionalized setttings. The results of these studies showed that those who were given personal care and affection had a more speedy recovery that those who were just given basic care and left alone in icilation with nobody else to visit them otherwise. Those who were not given the helping hand or affectionate human touch either stayed ill for a much longer period: or, they died faster. Check out the net, and you'll see what I mean for yourself. But, below, I'd like to share with you an article I found on this subject.

Reach Out and Calm Someone

When you see a look of panic cross a loved one's face, offer something that will have an immediate impact: your hand.

Perhaps it's instinct to do that anyway. But now there's hand-holding data to back it up. In a recent study, the touch of a loved one had real power in times of crisis. Brain scans of people under duress revealed that threat-related brain activity diminished when a loved one grabbed their hands.
Here's more good news about supportive relationships.

Cultivating good relationships brings lots of perks, not the least of which is stress reduction for both parties. If you've ever cozied up to a companion during a scary movie, you know the feeling. But the calming influence extends far beyond horror-movie moments. A good friend or family member can also help talk you through real-life troubles, or they can just be a comforting physical presence during tough times.

An additional benefit of stress-reducing social connections?
A better immune system-- which means a lower risk of infection and faster healing.

Has there ever been a better reason to reach out and touch someone?

Ask yourself that question when your vulnerable loved one needs you next time. After all, these are the ones who need that loving touch the most.

The article can be found at this address;
http://www.realage.com/news_features/tip.aspx?v=1&cid=17740#MI

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