NEW CASTLE — Recently, I had a very wise gentleman — a local businessman — share what a large impact it made on him to learn how much social support is directly related to health.

He said that he was willing to learn more about exercise because he knew that was necessary and practical. Now he admits that connection and intimacy are as important as exercise and what you eat.

I appreciated his willingness to express what an “eye-opener” it was for him. His willingness to share his feelings about what he learned, and how it affected him;  it could be very healing for him.

Honestly sharing is part of what intimacy is. It also triggered me to bring it to all of you. Like a domino effect, how we show up, emote and share the best of ourselves makes a difference to ourselves, and each other.

February is “National Heart Disease Awareness Month” and I know a lot of you can also benefit from this information about the importance of social support to promote health and well-being. As humans we affect our health every time we connect, in small or large ways. I guess you can call this, “Living from the heart.”

Research has shown that people who are isolated are 2.9 time more likely to die from all causes of disease. This is why it is so important to take notice of where you may be isolating yourself. Your connection to others keeps you healthy physically, mentally and emotionally.

Take a serious look at how you engage in social relationships with family, friends, and your affiliations with volunteer or civic organizations. It may be a matter of life and death. When you contribute, and have the openness to receive, you are promoting your own health. If you tend not to invest yourself in relationships for any number of reasons you are putting your health at risk.

 Creating meaningful ties to others is both a personal and preferential matter. The saying, “you can choose your friends but you can’t choose your family” is an interesting one here. The research suggests that even if you don’t always get along with the people in your life, such as siblings, spouse or children, as long as you have at least one person that you can talk to safely and honestly (whether a blood relative or not), you are healthier.

This is especially important to note because not everyone feels comfortable in groups. Make sure you have at least that one “someone” that you know you can share from your heart what you are feeling, and what is happening for you. If you don’t have this kind of connection, take the time to develop one.

 Often times when a person is diagnosed with an illness, the diagnosis itself can feel isolating. It is best to find someone to process how you feel. The connection helps you to stay in the moment where you are more likely to stay engaged in life.

 Benefits of the lifesaving value of connection include:

•Learning how to communicate in ways that enhance intimacy with loved ones.

•Creating a healthy community of friends and family.

•Developing more compassion and empathy for yourself and others.

The biological effects of producing intimacy, support and connection with others result from decreasing stress and depression that are associated with elevated blood pressure, elevated lipids, increased angina, impaired immune system, obesity and diabetes.

Perhaps this Valentine’s Day you can focus on the action that intimacy requires. Notice where you can share more, listen more, and positively connect with others. Take the time to express your appreciation for the people you care about. The decision to give and receive more may be the healthiest Valentine you will ever gift.



Valentine’s Day Angel Food Cake Roll



Ingredients:

For Cake

• 9 egg whites
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 3/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
• 1 cup, plus 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup cake flour
• 1 tablespoon powdered sugar

For the filling:

• 1 large box instant vanilla pudding (prepare according to directions using skim milk)
• 3 cups diced strawberries

Directions:

1. Place the egg whites in a large mixing bowl; let stand at room temperature for 30 minutes.

2. Meanwhile, line a 15 x 10-inch baking pan with waxed paper; lightly coat paper with cooking spray and set aside.

3. Add vanilla and cream of tartar to egg whites; beat on medium speed until soft peaks form. Gradually beat in sugar, 2 tablespoons at a time, on high until stiff and glossy peak form and sugar is dissolved. Fold in flour, 1/4 cup at a time.

4. Carefully spread batter onto prepared pan. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until cake springs back when lightly touched. Cool for 5 minutes.

5. Dust a clean kitchen towel with 1 tablespoon powdered sugar. Turn the cake out onto the kitchen towel. Gently peel of waxed paper. Roll up cake in the towel jelly-roll style, starting with a short side. Cool completely on a wire rack.

6. Meanwhile, prepare non-fat instant vanilla pudding. Gently fold in the strawberries. Store in the refrigerator until ready to use.

7. Unroll cooled cake; spread filling within 1/2 inch of edges (you may have some filling left over). Roll up again. Place seam side down on a serving plate; sprinkle with additional powdered sugar, if desired. Serve with any leftover berries and pudding mixture. Store leftovers, covered with plastic wrap, in the refrigerator.