
Blog post
Recognizing and Raising Awareness for Suicide Prevention Month
By: Chris Morris, MSPAS, PA-C, Behavioral Health Consultant
True friends can be few and far between. It’s important to let them know you appreciate everything they do for you.
This Sunday is #NationalFriendshipDay – it’s a great opportunity to reconnect with an old friend or enjoy a social night out!
Not sure who to call? Fortunately, it’s never too late to reconnect with a long-lost friend or make new friends. The value of friendship and its health benefits increase as we age!
We know having friends makes us feel good inside, but we often don’t stop to appreciate just how much a friendship can impact our mental and physical health. Read on to learn the surprising health benefits of friendship, and 6 ways you can pay it forward on National Friendship Day.
Healthy Day reported that numerous studies over the years have shown that having friends reduces the risk for first time heart attacks by 50% and for heart disease in women by 50%. Additionally, benefits include reduced risks for atherosclerosis, high blood pressure, diabetes, anxiety, and depression. Best of all, these studies found those with social support from friends were more likely to live longer than those without social support from friends.
A 2017 study by Michigan State University demonstrated the significant impact friendships have on our health and well-being as we age, even more so than familial relationships. Adults with tense friendships projected more chronic illnesses over time vs adults with social support, who projected a subjective sense of well-being. In the end, it was found that adults who value friendships functioned better overall.
Landmark patients have access to a team of behavioral health specialists. “We provide guidance to help make the most of friendships, as well as strategies to improve unhealthy social situations.” Says Dr. Christopher Dennis, Landmark’s Chief Behavioral Health Officer. And best of all, Landmark brings medical care to patients wherever they reside, and whenever they need it.
Sara Zajac, a Social Worker with Landmark speaks to her observations of patients with active friendships in their lives. “I frequently have the pleasure of hearing stories from patients about how much joy their friends bring them. It is no surprise that our patients are happier and healthier when they feel valued, heard and understood by their friends, as this is a need that is deeply rooted in our core as human beings. When patients invite me to be a part of their journey and walk beside them, I make sure they feel the benefits of our friendship; it is an honor to play that role in their lives.”
If you are interested in learning more about Landmark’s behavioral health services for you or a loved one, check out www.landmarkhealth.org/where-we-serve to find a location near you.
Post a comment below to share the healthy benefits you experience when you maintain active friendships, and how you’ll honor National Friendship Day!
By: Chris Morris, MSPAS, PA-C, Behavioral Health Consultant
Home-based medical care may be the winning prescription for our growing senior population.
Optum Care Network — Kansas and Missouri has teamed up with Landmark to deliver in-home medical care to members with multiple chronic conditions.