Kids lower your blood pressure

So there is a benefit I didn't realize to all the madness at my house...

FROM ABC: From temper tantrums to messy rooms, children's behavior often stresses out their tired parents but new research finds over the long haul, raising kids may be good for you. Scientists had 200 married men and women wear blood pressure monitors for 24 hours.

Results showed the couples with children had lower blood pressure readings than those without kids. The finding was particularly strong for women - mothers had the lowest blood pressure of all the groups, while childless women had the highest readings. Researchers suggest hormonal changes from pregnancy and childbirth may explain the differences. It did not matter how many children a couple had or how old the kids were - even babies with their crying and late-night habits were linked to lower blood pressure.

-NewsAnchorMom Jen

Not sure what to get your loved ones? Give a Skin Dimensions gift card! Surprise your loved ones with the choice of massages, facials, bareMinerals makeup, manicures, pedicures or let them choose products from a selection of over 25 national and international brands of skincare. Gift cards available in any denomination. Purchase at Skin Dimensions Day Spa, Skin Dimensions Boutique or online

Happily Married Couples

There's good news for happily married couples.

Researchers from Brigham Young University have discovered that happily married people averaged 4 points lower on their blood pressure readings than single people do!

Researchers say marriage brings health benefits because partners encourage each other to eat healthy, exercise, and visit a doctor regularly. (I think my husband would call this nagging. I will have to ask him.)

They also reduce stress by supporting each other through hard times. However, unhappy couples have worse blood pressure readings than single people do.

Are you in a happy marriage? What's your blood pressure? Do you have any proof that goes along with this study?

-NewsAnchorMom Jen