Here's to Friendships That Boost Your Health!

by Kris Pitcher

A new study out by Brigham Young University finds a strong social network improves your health. They say the right kind of friends can improve your chance of living longer by 50%, and can double your odds of surviving cancer and warding off colds. Here's to healthy friendships!

Friends may even reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease, says lead study author Julianne Holt-Lunstad, PhD. And not having close bonds can be as bad for you as smoking up to 15 cigarettes a day. So, if you have friends who are sucking the life out of you like a pack of cigarettes...well what exactly do you do?

Seeking out healthier friendships while backing off of the unhealthy ones is the best plan of action. We've all had friends who just seem to take, take, and take some more. Those are the people who just simply exhaust us. Spend more time with the friends who make you laugh so hard you think you might pee yourself. We love those friends!

We all need supportive friendships. We need close bonds and loving relationships. These friendships help us cope with stress and feel connected. Surround yourself with great friends who make you feel great! Those friendships are helping to boost your health!