With all of the check-ups, pills, exercise and dieting that we do in the name of protecting our health, it might seem confusing that something as easy and enjoyable as hanging out with friends and family is also good for us. But researchers believe that for teens, adults and senior citizens, regular social interaction is crucial for preserving mental health. Here’s why:

1. Reduces stress: It sounds simple, but getting face time with friends and family reduces stress, which is good for your mental and emotional well-being. Whether you’re ranting about work, getting perspective on a personal problem you have, or just tuning out all of the things that make you stressed or worried on a regular basis, time spent with friends and peers helps relieve tension and boosts your mood.

2. It helps you feel connected: If you’re out at parties, restaurants, clubs and other social events, you’re more likely to feel connected and like you’re contributing to the greater community. This sense of self is important when evaluating risk factors for depression and even adopting a healthier lifestyle overall.

3. It strengthens your immune system: People who have a strong base of meaningful relationships are generally more happy, and that means a more sufficient immune system. Sad and lonely people, conversely, generally show signs of a weaker immune system.

4. Longer life: Those who have both a broad social circle and frequently spend time with lots of different kinds of people as well as a close confidant or spouse are likely to live longer than those who have no one to care for them or even interest them.

5. Socializing regulates your vitals: Studies have shown that seniors who socialize regularly have lower cholesterol and more stable blood pressure.

This evidence should help you feel better about managing stress and taking time to enjoy life, especially as you age. Isolation doesn’t just equal boredom: it can also mean lower self esteem, which translates into higher stress, loneliness, depression, poor physical health and cognitive decline. Make a point to join clubs, attend church or spiritual events, exercise with a group, or just meet a friend for coffee a couple of times a week. You’ll thank yourself for it.

This post was contributed by Meredith Walker, who writes about the masters of healthcare degrees. She welcomes your feedback at MeredithWalker1983 at gmail.com

© www.mentalhealthblog.com

The government of British Columbia is hoping to pass a law that forces homeless people with mental illness to take shelter during extremely cold weather. Rich Coleman, B.C.’s minister of housing and social development said “there’s no law that technically says you can make them go to a shelter, and I think we need a law to compel them to go”. However, Coleman hopes to make changes to the section of B.C.’s Mental Health Act that outlines situations in which those with mental illness can have treatment forced upon them if they risk harming themselves or others.

Police officers in B.C. have embraced the idea suggesting that “it could give police officers a solution to the “revolving door” of mentally ill people they take to shelters but who end up back on the street within hours”. Some authorities have even suggested that the ability to force people off the street will free up valuable emergency resources.

On the other hand, Kelly Reid, a manager of VIHA’s Mental Health and Addictions department stated: “while the act is useful for people with clearly-defined mental illnesses, it is often difficult to apply to members of the street community who can have multiple illnesses and addictions and therefore be harder to diagnose”.

This idea seems quite difficult to implement. How will police officers determine who is at risk of harm or who is mental ill for that matter? What about the most basic question of all: how cold is too cold? Where will police force these people to stay? Acting executive director, David Eby, of the B.C. Civil Liberties Association argued that due to lack of funding people cannot be forced into beds that do not exist!

It never ceases to amaze me that funding is continually pumped into policing rather than prevention. This very notion turns shelters into prisons, punishing instead of supporting. It would never occur to the government that extra funding could be more useful in helping the homeless with or without mental illness to secure and maintain their very own housing.

B.C. wants law to force mentally ill into shelters

© www.mentalhealthblog.com

Top healthy food that should be part of your daily diet are:
• Walnuts, almonds and nuts
• Fruits
• Brown rice and whole grains
• Avocado
• Beans and soy
• Vegetables
• Berries 
Nutrients keep your body functioning properly without any disease. If you are taking proper nutrients through tops food for good health then it will automatically keep your body, mind, hormonal changes and metabolic working well. Tops food for good health saves your body from getting damaged due to any disease. Fruits and vegetables are the source of obtaining good health. Fruits are full of nutrition and minerals which keeps your body vigorous. Instead of eating every time you should try to eat less but tops food for good health. Drink enough water especially during summer as it prevents health problems like dehydration. 
There are countless benefits of eating healthy as it helps you remain free from any health danger and also assist you in leading a happy life.