Thriving TogetherSample

Why Marriage Matters (Part 2)

There are several good reasons to get married—and stay married. According to the Center for Marriage and Families at the Institute for American Values, marriage strengthens the family. It also makes good economic sense. Staying married can also improve physical health for both children and adults.

Research shows that children with married parents enjoy better physical health than children in other family forms. Not only that, but children of married parents also face a much lower risk of infant mortality.

Researchers have found, too, that marriage is associated with reduced rates of drug and alcohol use for both adults and teens.

Social scientists tell us that married people—especially married men—have longer life expectancies than singles. Marriage is also associated with lower rates of injury, illness, and disability for both men and women.

And finally, the latest studies also seem to suggest that marriage is associated with better health among minorities and the underprivileged. Traditional marriage is good for your health. The more we tamper with, try to redefine, or downplay marriage, the more we invite problems that negatively impact our health and well-being.

Master Physician, You oversee good health in marriage. Keep my spouse and me strong in our physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being so we can better reflect You to the world around us.