Having a supportive social network (enhances) the health benefits of having a few drinks, new research from Japan suggests.

The study of Japanese men years found that (moderate) to light alcohol consumption, coupled with high levels of social support, were linked to lower rates of heart disease and stroke.

"But remember," Dr. Hiroyasu Iso from Osaka University (noted) in a statement, "this beneficial effect of social support is confined to light-to-moderate drinking. Heavy drinking is risky (irrespective) of social support level."

In a report in the journal Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research, the researchers note that light to moderate drinking (has) been shown to help protect against stroke and heart disease. Being surrounded by (lots of) family and friends is also known to be good for the heart and may even help people live longer.

In contrast to heavy drinking, light to moderate drinking -- up to 299 grams of (alcohol) per week -- was associated with reduced risks of stroke and heart disease, and the effect was more (pronounced) in men with high levels of social support, "probably (due to) avoidance of unhealthy behaviors and enhancement of stress buffering," Iso surmised.

Compared with light to moderate drinkers with high social support, those with (low) social support had unhealthier lifestyle behaviors; they were more (apt to) be sedentary and had fewer opportunities for medical checkups. They were also more likely to have high stress levels, no job, and no (spouse).

The researchers speculate that low levels of social support may cause mental stress, which is hard on the heart. Mental stress activates (components) of the body's neuro-endocrine system, "which lead to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease," Iso (explained).

Questions)
1. Do you have a supportive social network?
2. Do you agree with the report?