Obesity can cause major health problems, but if you're sitting at home alone on the weekends because you're afraid of social events full of calorific foods, think again. Seems lonelieness is actually worse for you than obesity. Loneliness increases your chances of heart attack, cancer, drug dependence and more.

Moral of the story? Don't give up your friends -- just learn how to navigate social situations in a healthy way. Here are some tips:

• Eat a large, healthy salad before you go out to cut down on any hunger-induced bad choices.
  
• Load your plate with fresh fruits and veggies, leaving just a teeny tiny space for anything else.
  
• Suggest outings that don't revolve around food -- such as a walking tour or a craft session.

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Even though not everyone likes canine companionship, studies have shown that dogs and elderly do very well together. In the past when dogs have visited nursing homes, those elderly individuals have reported feeling less lonely because of it. However, a new study out of Saint Louis University shows that it may not be only the flesh and blood variety, but robotic mutts help as well!

These robot dogs provide the same level of companionship as the real deal according to the results. Of course, while there are things only real dogs can provide (like slobbery dog-kisses), the nursing home residents answered questions which revealed both groups feeling decreased loneliness.

In case you were wondering, the dogs which are made by Sony are called AIBO. If purchased off eBay, the price can run into the hundreds (between $200 and $800, maybe more). Even though the robo dogs may seem pricey, they feature artificial intelligence and don't come with the downers of a real pet (feeding, walking, etc.). They could be the perfect gift for grandparents or other elderly folks you may know!

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Though the holidays are meant to be filled with joy and family memories, for those who have suffered a loss, they can be difficult. Seniors can be especially prone to "the blues" around the holiday season. If you feel like you might be at risk this December, HealthDay has a few tips to help you prevent problems from happening:

• Get out and socialize. Invite family and friends to your house or go out visiting.
• Volunteer.
• Avoid alcohol, which can contribute to depression.
• If you're struggling, talk about it with a trusted loved one.
• Know the signs of depression. If your blues last beyond the holiday season, get help.

Those who have older loved ones in their life can also prevent holiday sadness by offering help, being a good listener, and encouraging a doctor's visit if a senior appears to be struggling.

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In many cases I have seen, lonely people choose to live that way. By disconnecting themselves from others, they gain some kind of mental freedom. But, that freedom may take a toll on physical health and happiness later on.

In a new study, the unhealthy effects of loneliness pile up over time and may indeed lead to stress that breaks down the body in later years. So, even if you like being alone a majority of the time, not being alone may be better for you if you can make that jump in your chosen fashion (work, school, relationships, etc.).

The research in this latest study concluded that stress levels in college undergraduates and middle-aged and older people were roughly the same, but lonely people in those age ranges reported more chronic stressors.

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The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force released a new report on homelessness in LGBT youth. Of the estimated 1.6 million homeless American youth, between 20 and 40 percent are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender and are at risk on the streets as well as in the shelter system. Considering that between 3 percent and 5 percent of the U.S. population identify as lesbian, gay, or bisexual it is clear that LGBT youth experience homelessness at a disproportionate rate. Once these youth come out to their parents many are told to leave home. Many leave home on their own to get away from physical and mental abuse.

The report touches on the harassment and violence that many of these youth experience in the shelter system and also on critical problems affecting their mental health like depression, loneliness, withdrawn behavior and delinquency. Homeless LGBT youth run a higher risk of substance abuse and risky sexual behavior leading to many sexually transmitted diseases. LGBT youth face the threat of victimization everywhere, at home, at school, at their jobs, at shelters, and on the streets. To learn more information on this topic visit the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force website. Get involved as a volunteer with these youth and become a mentor.

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It's been said in the past that people with a small social network of family and friends have a higher risk of Alzheimer's Disease, and a new study corroborates those finding by stating that lonely individuals are twice as likely to be diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease.

The new study focused on the effects of emotional isolation in which people perceive themselves as feeling socially isolated and disconnected from others. This can happen even in this day and age when there are more people in the U.S. and on the planet than ever, and can happen even if people are surrounded by family and friends.

The previous study in this area focused on actual social network size, which this new study focused in on a person's perception of being alone, regardless of social network size.

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Is it possible that a few drops of an extract of flowers could help relieve an emotional crisis?

I use Rescue Remedy often. Sometimes my nerves get jittery or I can feel anger coming on.

In my case, it works pretty well. Rescue Remedy is a special mix of the essences of several flowers, including crab apple, cherry plum, rock rose and impatiens (just the flowers, not the fruit). These flower essences are from a group called the Bach flower essences, originally discovered by Dr. Edward Bach.

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