Asthma Relief, Tummy Soothers, and Why Silence Kills

When Silence Kills

Next time there's a problem in your marriage, tell your husband how you feel instead of silently stewing. Women who stayed mum about their feelings during times of conflict had more than four times he risk of premature death, especially from heart disease, according to a recent study. "Holding back emotions causes women much worse stress if they feel they should be silent to preserve the relationship," says lead study author Elaine Eaker, ScD. If you feel safe in your relationship, give yourself time to think about your opinions and emotions next time, then calmly articulate how you feel.
-- Abigail Cuffey

Originally published in Ladies' Home Journal, April 2008.