How common is it for couples to be on the same page when it comes to health? Is the stereotype of the meat-eating husband sitting next to a salad-eating wife actually most common? Do healthy couples stay together longer? What impact does being in a relationship have on one's health?

When it comes to health, being in a relationship has its advantages. Married couples tend to have fewer chronic diseases, live longer, have better mental health, and are even more likely to beat cancer! Being in a relationship improves your immune system, mood, behavior, and stress levels.

A healthy sex life also improves one's health. Sexual activity activates neurotransmitters in our brains and mood boosters like oxytocin that can improve mood, decrease anxiety, and reduce stress. Other benefits include improved sleep, better fitness, enhanced brain function, and a more robust immune system.

Couples tend to share their good habits as well as bad ones. If one partner has a history of diabetes, the other has a 26% increase risk for diabetes as well.  Similar statistics occur for other diseases, like metabolic syndrome, arthritis, hypertension, and cancer. Couples tend to have similar alcohol and drug-use habits as well as similar healthy and unhealthy lifestyles.