In 2003, USA Today reported that a little loving contact can go a long way when it comes to physical health.
A study by the American Psychosomatic Society had one group of people hold hands with their spouses for 10 minutes (while they watched a pleasant video), and then hug for 20 seconds. Another group of people in the study did not experience this contact.
Then both groups were asked to speak about a recent event that made them angry or stressed. As they spoke their blood pressure and heart rates were monitored.
The findings: Blood pressure soared in the no-contact group: their systolic (upper) reading jumped 24 points, double the rise for those in the group with loving contact. Heart rates in the no-contact group also increased more: by 10 beats a minute compared to 5. A little love can go a long way.
Reference: Arizona Republic, 3/12/03
Image of special postage stamp issued by the post office of Saint-Valentin in 1985 using the artwork from French cartoonist Raymond Peynet, best known for his series “les Amoureux de Peynet,” Lovers of Peynet.
Courtesy: https://www.annieandre.com/quirky-french-town-saint-valentin-day/