What role does social activities play in health?

Diet and exercise are often promoted as the mainstays of health. But according to a new study in the American Journal of Health Behavior, that formula may be missing a key component. When researchers surveyed 3,032 American adults on their health behaviors and lifestyle, they found evidence suggesting that social activities were a significant part of overall health. In fact, the researchers noted that frequent contact with friends and weekly church attendance had comparable effects to regular moderate exercise. They maintain that exercise is still an important component of staying healthy, but stress that staying socially connected holds significant promise too.

Source: Today’s Health & Wellness Magazine