In recent years, researchers have been busy proving scientifically what we've all known - that friends are good for us. A Maryland study quoted in the August 2007 issue of the popular magazine Better Homes and Gardens found that people with ten or more friends suffered half the disabilities or health problems experienced by those with only two friends. Clearly, the more the merrier!
Another study referred to in the same article addressed frequency of interactions with friends. Women who saw their friends at least five times monthly had longer life expectancies over this follow up study period of nine years than those women who saw their friends less often. Other studies in recent years have added to the certainty that vibrant, healthy friendships are associated with personal health- physical, mental, and emotional.
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