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[Adventurer]

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How hugs can aid women's hearts

A woman may gain more from hugs than a man
Women's heart health may benefit more from hugs than men's, a study suggests.
A team from the University of North Carolina studied the effects of hugging on both partners in 38 couples.

The study showed hugs increased levels of oxytocin, a "bonding" hormone, and reduced blood pressure - which cuts the risk of heart disease.

But, writing in the Psychosomatic Medicine, the researchers said women recorded greater reductions in blood pressure than men after their hugs.

This growing body of research only goes to highlight how important social support is for everyone, not just those in a relationship

Dr Charmaine Griffiths, British Heart Foundation

During the study, the men and women were taken to separate rooms to test their blood pressure and levels of oxytocin, which is released during childbirth and breastfeeding, and cortisol, a stress hormone.

The couples were then reunited and asked to sit together and talk about a time when they were particularly happy.

They then watched five minutes of a romantic film before being left to talk to each other for a further 10 minutes.

Next, the couples were asked to hug for 20 seconds.

Protection


[This is an old article but more interesting than Britney going bald.]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/4131508.stm

[Rapacious Mr. Batstove]

[Gamecock]

*NEWSFLASH*

Women affected by hormones and emotional romantic films!

Forward this to EVERYONE you have ever met!

[Boodleheimer]

hugs, booze, and candy. that's all i need, more or less

[Satori]

I've nothing against hugs, great stuff, just want to point out that a study of 38 participants is not a serious or noteworthy study...