Make a Friend. Help Your Health.
Several studies have suggested that people with friends handle stress better. Friends provide a way for folks to cope with life's problems.
Work on your existing relationships to
keep them strong. Check in with your
friends regularly via phone or email.
Invite them to your place to cook a meal together,
watch a movie or chat over a cup of coffee.
Regardless of your current social circle, stay open to new friendships that can add even more fun and support to your life. The following tips can help you find new friends.
- Join a sports league, religious group or other community organization.
- Take a class in fixing cars, gardening or another pursuit.
- Volunteer at Aiken Regional, a nursing home, a soup kitchen or other organization.
- Attend neighborhood events like concerts, book readings and workshops.
- Host a get-together and ask your friends to bring along someone you haven't met.
Getting Started
For information on upcoming events and how to volunteer at Aiken Regional, visit www.aikenregional.com and select Community Events or Volunteering.
What About Fido?
Friendship with other humans
isn't the only way to help you
stay healthy. There appears to be
an association between owning a pet
and better psychological and mental health.
Discovering just exactly why interacting with animals may boost health is difficult. Scientists have found some clues, though. One possible explanation appears to be related to stress. Just the presence of a pet, even if it's not yours, might reduce heart rate and blood pressure -- a key to controlling stress and its negative effects on your body.
Doctor's Corner: PSYCHIATRY
Meet Merry DeLeon, MD
Medical Director, Aurora Pavilion Behavioral Health Services at Aiken Regional
Family:/Life in Aiken: lives with her husband
and two children on Lake Murray
Interests and Hobbies: attending her kids'
sporting events, travel and gardening
Dr. DeLeon practices at Aurora Pavilion
Behavioral Health Services and is accepting
new patients. To make an appointment, call
