Free Huggs

If you know my daughters then you have probably been a fortunate recipient of there hugs. Two of them are especially affectionate. I have thought often taking them up to the convalescent home and just letting them hug on the older people.


A brief hug and 10 minutes of handholding with a romantic partner greatly reduce the harmful physical effects of stress, according to a study reported over the weekend at the American Psychosomatic Society meeting here. (Related item: Worry, inactivity impede sleep's health benefits)
Loving contact before a tough day at work "could carry over and protect you throughout the day," says psychologist Karen Grewen with the School of Medicine at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill.
Remember to hug your loved ones!