Smile: it's good for your health
15 August 2003
Happy, energetic and relaxed people are less likely to catch a cold than people who are depressed, nervous or angry, a US study has found.
The study of 334 people aged 18 to 54 years found that positive emotions were associated with better health practices and lower basal levels of adrenaline, noradrenaline and cortisol (hormones associated with stress) (Psychosomatic Medicine 2003; 65: 652-57).
The results remained even after taking into consideration antibody levels, demographics, body mass, seasons and virus types.
'To the extent that these proposed pathways are risk factors for other diseases, it is possible that positive emotional style will be associated with lower risk for those diseases as well,' the researchers said.
Last Reviewed: 15 August 2003
- 1. Medical Observer Weekly 15/8/03
