Source: The Health Connection Newsletter | 4th Quarter 2025
Reducing the risk of dying prematurely. Recent research published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that people who regularly consumed a one-ounce daily serving of walnuts, almonds, cashews, or other tree nuts had a 20 percent lower risk of dying from any cause during the three-decade-long study compared to those who did not eat nuts. The study found that nut eaters enjoyed longer lifespans even if they did not exercise, avoided fruits and vegetables, and were overweight. By replacing some empty-calorie foods with a handful of nuts, you can reduce your risk of dying from cancer, heart disease, and a number of other causes. So go nuts, and live better. https://www.factswithhope.org/ (video 31).
Forgiveness and blood pressure control. More than 32 percent of adults over age 20 suffer from high blood pressure, according to the Centers for Disease Control. High blood pressure is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease and mortality, as well as one of the top causes of other chronic health conditions. Anger and frustration have been shown to raise the level of stress hormones in the body, triggering adverse health effects such as high blood pressure. Those with hypertension have seen dramatic benefits from learning to forgive. In one study, those who scored high on the anger test no longer required blood pressure medication when participating in a forgiveness program. As someone said, you cannot swallow a poison pill and hope the other person dies. So forgive now and see your blood pressure going down. https://www.factswithhope.org/ (video 32).
Exercise Impact on cancer. According to research presented at a meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research, if you sit a great deal of the day and you’re sedentary, you have a greater risk of developing colon cancer down the road, even if you do exercise regularly. You can further decrease your risk of cancer and other diseases by paying attention to how much you move during the day. Set a timer so that you don’t sit more than an hour at a time, then get up and move around. Not only will you be improving your health, but the short break may even help you to finish that task sooner. So don’t give up on regular exercise and walk away from cancer. https://www.factswithhope.org/ (video 33).
Simple way to strengthen your marriage. A positive attitude can enhance your marriage. Research has found that if positive encounters between a married couple — such as smiles, compliments, and laughter — do not outnumber negative encounters — such as complaints, put-downs, or expressions of anger — by a ratio of 5 to 1, it is likely the marriage will end. Another research study found that each unit of improvement in expressed appreciation reduced the odds of the couple breaking up by half within six months. So if you want to strengthen your marriage, set a goal of counting at least five blessings for every one complaint, and remember to express that gratitude to your spouse to ensure a lasting, loving relationship. https://www.factswithhope.org/ (video 37).
