Healthy Friendships
 
Not only are friends fun, but they're good for our health! Doctors and psychologists agree that a few good friends or a social group can help us live longer and better lives. How does this work?
 
1. Friends can help our brains work better. Research is showing that having friends can reduce the risk of dementia. Friends who are good listeners actually contribute to our brain health.

2.Friends are a good influence. Being with others can encourage us to get more exercise; eat healthier, more regular meals; and drink less. Our buddies will keep an eye on us, reminding us when we're doing something unhealthy and standing by us as we try to do better.

3.Belonging is good. Feeling that we belong to a small or large group is helpful to our emotional health. Being part of the crowd guards against feelings of hopelessness and depression.
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4.Physical touch is important. Studies find that just being touched positively influences our health. "Touch starvation," also called "skin hunger" is a real thing! We all remember the old slogan, "Reach out and touch someone." It turns out that it's healthy!
 
Friends can come and go, and losing a companion hurts. But making the effort to find friends-- and to be a friend-- is good for everyone.
 
Charlene Frazier 
Community Coordinator, Residence 600
600 E. Elm, Salina KS 67401
785-822-1300
[email protected]
 

​Whatever happened to happy days? Even as the economy improves, hot weather fades and medical people are getting a better handle on our healthcare, many people just seem angry! Waiting in a line or even attending a family reunion can expose us to someone who is mad for no obvious reason. What can an ordinary person do when confronted with someone who is hot under the collar?
 

• Some experts advise us to simply stay silent until the person calms down. It might be tempting to snap back at them or to offer "helpful" advice, but being a calm, quiet presence might help.

 

• If you find yourself steaming up, try a form of meditation. Quiet, composed focus through prayer or mindfulness can reduce the heart rate, lower blood pressure, and help get control of stress.

 

• Don't expect apologies from someone who has just had a tantrum. Maybe later a friend or acquaintance will tell you that they regret their action or speech, but any demand that they make immediate amends will likely rile them up all over again. Be forgiving.

 

• Stay safe. If someone is really out of control, remove yourself from the situation or get closer to calmer people around you. Ask a store manager or caregiver to help you deal with someone who is expressing inappropriate anger.

 

• Try being a model of good behavior. If we speak softly, firmly and kindly, those around us may get the idea. At the very least, we'll know we are trying to do what is right.

 
Charlene Frazier 
Community Coordinator, Residence 600
600 E. Elm, Salina KS 67401
785-822-1300
[email protected]