What the Research Shows

• Antibodies in the saliva that protect against colds are higher on days when people are in a positive mood.
• Church-goers have nearly half the risk of a heart attack than nonchurch-goers, and their blood pressure is lower.
• Deaths due to lack of regular physical activity are comparable to those from smoking, high blood pressure, and an elevated cholesterol level.
• Inadequate social support is as dangerous ot your health as lack of exercise, smoking, and elevated cholesterol.
  
• Patients with chronic pain who had ten sessions of mind-body techniques saw the doctor 36% less in the following two years. They felt more in control, and less depressed and anxious.
• Mentally prepared surgery patients have fewer complications, less discomfort, recover more quickly, and leave the hospital sooner.
• Patients undergoing open-heart surgery who received strength and comfort from religion were three times more likely to survive than those without religious support.
• Nursing home residents who were given more contorl over things such as what to have for lunch or what night to see a movie were happier and more active. After 18 months, they had half the death rate as those who were not offered as much control.
• One group of patients with a deadly skin cancer (malignant melanoma) received a group support and education program for six weeks in addition to standard surgical treatment. They learned about their condition, stress management, relaxation, and coping skills. The group receiving this training had a 60% reduction in death rate six years later.
• Treating premature infants with music therapy (Brahm's Lullaby) resulted in greater weight gain, and earlier discharge from the hospital by one week, producing a savings of $4,800.

From The Healthy Mind, Healthy Body Handbook