Q."Is it true that raising kids might help to lower my blood pressure, rather than raise it? Why is this? It can be so stressful sometimes."

A: Professor Julianne Holt-Lunstad recently co-authored a study in the U.S., which found parenthood is associated with lower blood pressure.

She says: "As a mother, I've asked myself how this is possible.

"There are a number of factors – biological, lifestyle, psychological, social, and cultural – linked to parental status that either directly or indirectly influence blood pressure by buffering the influence of stress.

"Parents may also live healthier lifestyles, and be less likely to engage in risky behaviour.

"Having children is a meaningful role for parents, and deriving a sense of purpose is linked to better coping with stress."