| Great news--Hugs can reduce stress in yourself | | | | Now it is not just touch that's important. Another |
| and others. | | | | way to reach out with love and concern is |
| Any illness including cancer can be a highly | | | | through giving gifts. Yes, gifts can be a |
| stressful time. And one of the best remedies to | | | | tremendous moral booster. It does not have to |
| reduce stress and the build up of tension is | | | | be an expensive gift--just a gift that shows that |
| hugging. Hugs reduce stress because of the the | | | | you care. |
| power of touch. During our formative years we | | | | I remember one of my friends was in the hospital |
| were touched and held by our parents. A caring | | | | dying from a terminal illness. We had been friends |
| touch is a powerful antidote to worry and over | | | | for many years and enjoyed talking at the local |
| concern. | | | | coffee shop. When I visited him at the hospital, I |
| Don't be afraid tor reach out and touch your | | | | gave him a postcard with some remarks about |
| loved ones during an illness. Of course, this seems | | | | our relationship. |
| like common sense. But you may not be reaching | | | | That was it- a postcard. As I reflect back on this |
| out enough. Or you may dismiss the power of | | | | experience I remember that he truly felt loved |
| hugs and touching because the crisis seems so | | | | and cherished by this act of kindness and love. I |
| desperate and hopeless. | | | | will never forget his expression of delight and |
| - This is the time to reach out with hugs and | | | | appreciation at my seemingly insignificant gift. |
| positive comments. | | | | Sometimes the small tokens of affection are the |
| - This is the time to lower the levels of worry | | | | most important and cherished. |
| and dread. | | | | |