with your health in mind

Dr. Glenda Newell-Harris in white coat

Nurture Heart-Healthy Relationships

Dear friends,

As a physician, I am always a champion of heart health and especially love to talk about it during Heart Month. But today, I want to explore heart health in a different way—the kind that flourishes when we nurture meaningful connections with others.

Strong connections can shield us from stress and illness, and even recover more effectively from surgery.

Believe it or not, social connections are essential to your health and well-being. Have you ever noticed how good it feels to catch up with an old friend, share a hearty laugh with a loved one, or even exchange a genuine smile with a neighbor? Those moments do more than just lift your spirits—they help your body and mind thrive.

It’s no coincidence. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) tells us that strong social connections lower the risk of heart disease and stroke. They’re literally lifesaving.

On the flip side, when those connections are missing, the impact can be devastating. Social isolation and loneliness aren’t just emotional burdens. They also take a real toll on physical health. In 2023, a U.S. Surgeon General advisory revealed that loneliness can be as harmful to your health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. Let that sink in for a moment.

Loneliness contributes to chronic stress, which puts extra strain on your heart. Elevated stress levels can lead to high blood pressure, inflammation, and even disrupted sleep—none of which are good for your cardiovascular system. And let’s face it, in today’s fast-paced world, it’s easier than ever to feel disconnected.

The good news? Strong connections can shield us from stress and illness, and even recover more effectively from surgery. People with close friendships and supportive networks not only enjoy better mental health, but they’re also more likely to adopt healthy habits, such as exercising and eating well. Even brief moments of connection—a chat with a coworker or a laugh with the cashier in the check-out line—can boost your mood and ease your stress hormones.

So, how do we create and nurture these connections in a world that sometimes feels too busy or too lonely? Here are a few tips to help you strengthen your relationships and, in turn, your heart health:

  • Reach Out: Think of someone you haven’t spoken to in a while and send them a quick text or give them a call. A simple “I’ve been thinking about you” can mean so much.

  • Prioritize Time Together: Schedule regular coffee dates, game nights, family dinners, walks in the park, or whatever bonding activity you can. The time you invest in these relationships is an investment in your health.

  • Join a Group: Find a book club, fitness class, or volunteer organization that aligns with your interests. Meeting others who share your passions is a great way to form new friendships.

  • Be Fully Present: When you’re with someone, put your phone away. Listen actively, engage genuinely, and let them know you’re there for them.

  • Show Gratitude: Take a moment to tell the people in your life how much they mean to you. A heartfelt “thank you” or “I appreciate you” can deepen your bond in ways you might not expect.

I’ve seen firsthand how much relationships matter, especially during life’s toughest moments. Patients with strong social support recover faster, cope better, and find joy even in difficult times. I’ve experienced this personally, too. The care and connection of others can make all the difference.

So this February, I encourage you to reflect on your relationships. Who makes you laugh? Who lifts you up? Who helps you feel like your best self? And just as importantly, how can you be that person for someone else? The health of your heart—and your entire being—depends on it.

With your health in mind,

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