Dr. Harold Voth, who served as senior psychiatrist at the Menninger Clinic for many years, was one of the leading voices in the 20th century for health care and mental illness.  Dr.  Voth used to say, "Hugging is an excellent tonic."  He contended that it has been scientifically demonstrated that people who are mentally run-down and depressed are far more prone to sickness than those who are not.  Hugging, he says, can lift depression, enabling a body's immune system to become toned up.  He says that hugging breathes new life into your tired body and makes you feel younger and more vibrant.