Hug more, cough less!

"I will not play tug o' war. I'd rather play hug o' war. Where everyone hugs instead of tugs, Where everyone giggles and rolls on the rug, Where everyone kisses, and everyone grins, and everyone cuddles, and everyone wins."

Shel Silverstein

We all know that hugs feel good (from someone we feel good about). But did you know that hugging is also good for physical and emotional well-being? We now have scientific proof that a hug a day (okay 8-12 hugs) keeps the doctor away.

From the Huffington Post article "7 Reasons why we should be giving more hugs."

1. They make us feel good.

2. More hugs = Lower blood pressure.

3. They may alleviate our fears.

4. Hugging can be good for our hearts.

5. Adults can benefit from hugging the most.

6. Hugs are a natural stress reliever.

7. Well-hugged babies are less stressed as adults.

In another Huffington Post article, "Science proves that hugs can boost your immune system." I’ve heard some folks say they are not huggers, but this probably means they are not interested in hugs from strangers or people they don’t like or trust. If this is you, it just means that you will have to get more hugs from people you do like and trust, including yourself and your pets. I get the best hug every morning from Beatrice. And she never says no!