Report: Getting Along With Others Is Good For Your Health

KYW Medical Report Sponsored By Independence Blue Cross

By Dr. Brian McDonough, Medical Editor

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Every now and then I have the opportunity to send a very positive message. Today is one of those days.

According to numerous well documented studies, if you try to get along with others, your day will go more smoothly, you'll be happier, and yes, healthier.  The last part of this statement — the healthy part is based on a University of Oregon report which found that getting along with others is good for your health.

The report focused upon older adults and it found that those who got along with relatives, friends, and neighbors were less likely to report health problems and they also had fewer physical limitations.  This study was unique because it looked specifically at interactions between people.  It's not known if this is due to the effects on the immune system or not. This is the next step. We need to look at immune system impact and whether or not this impacts stress hormones or inflammation.