Hugs -- Universal Medicine

 "Hugs are the universal medicine." ~Author Unknown

I ran across a blog,Diethack, written by a med student who likes to write. He regularly provides tips to help us as we try to become healthy. This week hetells us how we can improve our health with hugs. Diethack is a site to remember, because he often posts useful information in a fun way.

He starts his article with link to a YouTubevideo of the Free Hugs Campaign. Then he cites hugging benefits supported by studies. Hugs decrease the risk of heart attacks, decrease blood pressure, and decrease the effects of stress. Even babies benefit from touching with increased weight and body length. Although he did not specify which studies he used, I believe him. I tend to want to know more, so I follow the cold war strategy of "trust, but verify." I found some studies that corroborate his article.

First,USA Today's "Health and Behavior" section carried an article about hugs and hearts. Then, the BBC tells us women's hearts may benefit more than men's. That may be why women insist on cuddling. Baby Care tells us it is important to hold the baby, and gives tips for those who are hesitant or nervous.


Hmm. Metabolism. Diet affects metabolism. Does that mean hugging is related to eating? That may be a bit of a stretch, but then again -- according to an article by Jackie Donaldson in that's fit, hugs feed the soul, so they must be a form of health food. After all,they are natural and contain no chemicals or extra fat. Donaldson assures us hugs are "100% wholesome." She recommends fourteen varieties as alternatives to a junk food snack, including the popular "group" hug, the risque "grabber-squeezer" hug, and the intimate "spoon." Let me add my favorite alternative, the "cheek to stomach." That is particularly useful for wheelers hugging uprights.

Shel Silverstein said it best:


Maybe it's time to hug my sweetheart, or my child, or my friend, or my cat, or even myself. Maybe it's time to join in the free hug campaign in our family, neighborhood, community or even the world.