We Get by with a Little Help from Our Friends

Have you taken your Vitamin F today? If you’re wondering what Vitamin F might be, you might be interested to know that Dr. Oz refers to friends as Vitamin F and counts friendship as one of vital components in the total picture of our well being. In fact, most doctors agree that social relationships are good for our health. I’ve found in my own life that the warmth of friendship can help counteract stress and can even help me feel younger so I was not surprised to learn some interesting facts about friendship in a recent article in Time magazine. Did you know for instance that severe social isolation is at least as deadly as smoking—and may even double your risk of early death? The article also pointed out that people who have strong relationships with others are at lower risk for a whole host of illnesses including heart disease and stroke. And did you know that friendships and/or family connections can reduce your risk of early death more than exercising or avoiding obesity does? Finally, the article reports that seniors with the most active social connections had a 70 percent reduction in the rate of cognitive decline, compared with their less social peers. As a bonus making new friends as can be fun. An important part of life at The Summit of Uptown is the focus on sharing life experiences with kindred souls. Whether it’s playing cards, festive parties or educational experiences, any activity is enhanced by when you share it with someone else and new friends can join the circle of those who are already part of your life. There are always choices when it comes to dealing with anything in life—and one of those things is seeking out a place where you can develop healthy friendships. You’re in charge. It’s up to you to decide just how many friends you want in your life—or anything else for that matter. For questions and comments, you can call me at 847-825-1161, email me at audrey@summitofuptown.com , or write to me at The Summit of Uptown, 10 N. Summit Ave., Park Ridge, Ill 60068. For questions and comments, write to me at The Summit of Uptown, 10 N. Summit Ave., Park Ridge, Ill 60068 or send an email to audrey@summitofuptown.com. You can also check my blog for more advice at www.summitofuptown.com.