HUGGING KEEPS LATINO'S HEALTHY

One thing that I truly love about our Hispanic culture is how lovable and huggable as people we are. It does not matter where we are at; when we see someone we know we give him or her a hug and many time kisses on the cheek. Knowing this has brought my attention to today’s youth. Here in America I see many (too many) youngsters from Middle school to High school that for one reason or another is either too embarrassed or feel that they are too old to hug. The unfortunate thing is that some of this youth that I am speaking about are Latino’s.

Why is this? Have some of us forgotten our heritage and culture? Are we too Americanize to teach our children what we know is best for them and for the family?

Are we forgetting what are responsibilities are as parents? Are we not a better society when we teach respect and love? This are just a few questions to think about, when we try to figure out why have not kept the hugging and kissing tradition that we are known for.

Out of love as we grow up we yearn for warmth from our parents. We give and receive hugs. We start to look forward to the next time a hug is warranted. Then out of the clear blue, we get to an age where a hug makes us feel uncomfortable or embarrassed.

Why should this be so? If we as parents teach our children that there is no reason to be embarrassed or uncomfortable no matter the age our children will out of habit expect that love and warmth that a hug and kiss will bring.

I once read a study that showed that hugging is healthy; it helps the body’s immunity system, it keeps you healthier, it cures depression, it reduces stress, it induces sleep, it’s invigorating, it’s rejuvenating, it has no unpleasant side effects, and hugging is nothing less than a miracle drug full of love. If we would look into the ingredients of a hug we would find it is organic, naturally sweet, it has no pesticides, no preservatives, no artificial ingredients, and is 100% wholesome.

Hugging is one of the most complex and many-sided ways of communication. Thru hugs we can spread our spoken language to the language of wider expression. In different hugs we may speak of security, love, confidence, trust and sharing a manner that no word can tell. Hugging is just about perfect because there are no batteries to replace, no periodic check-ups, has low energy consumption, high energy yield, not-fattening, no monthly payments, is theft-proof, non-taxable, non polluting, and is of course, fully refundable.

I am blessed to have inherited my parent’s habits of hugging, and I am happy to report that my three children will hug and kiss me without feeling embarrassed in front of friends, strangers or relatives. Yes, my friends you as a Hispanic parent have the duty to remind your children of our culture. I am sure somewhere there are statistics that would show that children from families that are in close contact when it comes to hugging and kissing on the cheek become part of a more productive society.

I urge you to get our tradition back into our families. We all need the hugging and kissing. We do not need to wait for someone that has a threatening illness to give a caring hug. Hugging has no side effects. Is part of who we are as Hispanics. For those of you that are not Hispanics I also urge you to open up to this idea and give your loved ones a just because hug. And remember you men out there that think that you are too Macho to do this give it a try, you will find that happy days will be happier and impossible days possible. With this message I send you all a big HUG.

Keep Smiling and give someone a hug today!

By: Domingo Ivan Casañas