Handshakes have been used as a common form of greeting for centuries, but researchers have recently found that they can provide insight into a person’s health.

In fact, a study published in the Journal of Oncology found that the strength of a person’s handshake could be a predictor of their survival rate after a cancer diagnosis.

What is a Handshake?

A handshake is a gesture in which two people grasp each other’s hands, usually used to greet each other or to seal a deal. It has been used for centuries in many cultures around the world as a sign of trust, friendship, and respect.

While handshakes are a common practice, they are more than just a greeting; recent research has demonstrated that they can provide valuable health information that can help predict a person’s cancer survival.

How Do Handshakes Predict Cancer Survival?

Researchers have found that the strength of a person’s handshake can be a predictor of their overall health and strength.

In particular, a weak handshake has been linked to an increased risk of mortality from cardiovascular disease and respiratory illnesses. Recently, studies have found that a weak handshake can also be an indicator of poor prognosis in patients with cancer.

In a study published in the Journal of Oncology, researchers examined the handgrip strength of patients with advanced lung cancer and found that those with a weaker handshake had a significantly lower survival rate than patients with a stronger handshake. Another study published in the Journal of Psychosomatic Research found that patients with a stronger handshake had a much better quality of life after cancer treatment than those with a weaker handshake.

Why Are Handshakes Important?

In addition to being a culturally accepted way of greeting others, a strong handshake is an indication of good health and strength. A weak handshake can be an indicator of underlying health issues, both physical and mental.

Patients with a weaker grip often have a harder time with daily tasks such as opening jars or carrying groceries, signaling that they may have difficulty with other physical activities. A strong handshake, on the other hand, is a sign of resilience, vitality, and overall physical and mental health.

How Can Handshakes Be Used in Cancer Diagnosis?

While handshakes are not used as a diagnostic tool for cancer, they can provide valuable information about a patient’s overall health and help doctors make treatment decisions.

If a patient has a weaker handshake, it may indicate that they are more at risk of developing complications from treatment or that they may have a harder time recovering from surgery. Doctors can use this information to develop treatment plans that are tailored to the patient’s individual needs and to monitor the patient’s progress throughout their cancer journey.

What Can Individuals Do to Strengthen Their Handshakes?

Individuals can strengthen their handshakes by engaging in a regular exercise routine that incorporates hand and wrist strengthening exercises.

Some exercises include squeezing a tennis ball, using hand grippers, or performing push-ups on your fingertips. Additionally, maintaining a healthy diet and staying hydrated can help improve overall strength and vitality.

Conclusion

While handshakes have been a common practice for centuries, recent research has provided a new perspective on their significance. Strong handshakes have been linked to better health, resilience, and overall survival rates in patients with cancer.

This information can help doctors make better treatment decisions and monitor patients throughout their cancer journey. Individuals can also take steps to improve their handshakes by engaging in hand and wrist strengthening exercises and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.