Marriage and Healthy
Hearts
In a day
when the institution of marriage is challenged, ridiculed, maligned, redefined
and denigrated, it’s refreshing to read something positive about this
God-ordained covenant. In an AP article, “Married folks have fewer heart
problems,” Marilyn Marchione cites an interesting study involving 3.5 million
Americans. Researchers concluded that “married people are less likely than
singles, divorced or widowed folks to suffer any type of heart or blood vessel
problem.” These findings were “true at any age, for women as well as for men,”
regardless of other risk factors of heart disease, like high cholesterol or
diabetes, etc.
According
to Dr. Carlos Alviar, one of the lead cardiologists, this study is the “largest
look at marriage and heart health” ever conducted. Previous studies simply
compared married to single people, and lacked vital information on those
divorced and widowed. It was suggested by Dr. Jeffrey Berger, a preventative
cardiologist, that “if someone is married, they have a spouse who encourages
them to take better care of themselves.”
In light of these statistics, it
could be said that it’s not good to be alone. This was God’s sentiment exactly,
when He said at creation, “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will
make a help meet for him,” i.e. one who completes him. (Genesis 2:18) So it was
at the first marriage between Adam and Eve. The friendship and comfort of
marriage has brought healing to the inner “heart” down through the course of
human history.
Many suffer
these days from psychosomatic problems, where bodily disease is triggered by
emotional turmoil. I doubt if there’s a physician who would deny that worry can
eventually produce a stomach ulcer or a stressed heart condition. Mind over
matter is a reality that needs to be addressed. After being married to my Bride
for 57 years, I can attest to the truth of this study.
At the marriage altar, two become
one flesh. This is unique and precious, making a magical romantic state
possible—a bit of “heaven on earth.” This “oneness” is better than “twoness.” There’s something about the unity of spirit
and purpose that bolsters health for the heart (whether inward or outward).
Consider also the antiquated fact that marriage provides sexual intimacy
without guilt! How many people are addicted to all kinds of substances because
of guilt? Not only is this monogamous relationship safe, but it is blissful and
satisfying. (Think it through before you poke fun!)
The study
mentions that “marriage seemed to do the most good for those under age 50; they
had a 12 percent lower risk of heart-related disease than single people their
age.” That’s a significant observation in light of the present trend of young
adults shirking marriage or failing to commit to another for life. Certainly
not all are to marry, but it is the normal way to maintain and advance society.
To play down the privilege and stability of this God-given institution is
likely to affect one’s inner and outer health.
Young people need to reconsider
their future in light of this trend. There’s something to be said for a young
man leaving his father and mother to be joined to a loving wife. Yes, there
something sacred about a young couple forsaking all others to be committed to
each other for life. How fulfilling and healthy it is when two loving,
united hearts choose to establish a new
home and family, where the “smile” of God’s blessing is manifested amid the
daily trials of life. Naturally speaking, I doubt that there’s anything on
planet earth to compare with this wonderful set-up.
