Ep. 194: How Human Connection Makes You Healthier
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Whether you’re an introvert, an extrovert, or somewhere in between—there is robust research showing that your health is directly related to your relationships with the people around you. Here, we break down the benefits of social connection and the health risks of loneliness. Plus, we give you a sneak peek of what Canada’s future Social Connection Guidelines will look like.
Learn how your peers can shape who you are, why it’s tougher than ever to connect, and how you can prioritize your social life to help increase health and lifespan. Join our Mind Station Team Lead, Jennifer Baldachin (pictured above), as she chats with Genwell Project CEO Pete Bombaci, social epidemiologist Dr. Kiffer Card, and The Peer Effect authors Syed Ali and Margaret Chin.
LINKS
Mental well-being is a critical component of overall wellness. To book an appointment with a psychologist from Medcan’s Mental Well-being program, call 416-350-5900, email clientservice@medcan.com or visit our webpage.
Learn more about the GenWell Project and see their website.
See Pete Bombaci on LinkedIn.
See research on loneliness and social connection:
Loneliness and Social Isolation as Risk Factors: The Power of Social Connection in Prevention in American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine
Social isolation: An underappreciated determinant of physical health in Current Opinion in Psychology
Social Relationships and Mortality Risk: A Meta-analytic Review in PLOS Medicine
Learn more about Syed Ali and Margaret Chin’s book: The Peer Effect: How Your Peers Shape Who You Are and Who You Will Become
INSIGHTS
03:07 Who is Pete Bombaci, and what is the Genwell Project?
04:27 What exactly is loneliness, and how can it affect our health?
06:19 According to research, the best way to avoid depression.
08:23 Why don’t doctors check in about our social health, the way they do about diet or exercise?
10:13 It’s not easy to make new connections, especially as adults. Here’s how workplaces can help.
15:27 Dr. Kiffer Card breaks down the resources his team is using to create Canada’s Social Connection Guidelines.
18:27 Hear the current drafts of Canada’s Social Connection Guidelines for individuals.
21:30 How does in-person connection compare to virtual connection?
23:44 The Peer Effect authors Syed Ali and Margaret M. Chin explain the concept of culture, and cultural capital.
27:20 How exactly do our peers affect who we are?
29:49 Hear why the authors suggest that diversity training is not an effective way to improve workplace culture.
*LEGAL
This podcast episode is intended to provide general information about health and wellness only and is not designed, or intended to constitute, or be used as a substitute for, medical advice, treatment or diagnosis. You should always talk to your Medcan health care provider for individual medical advice, diagnosis and treatment, including your specific health and wellness needs.
The podcast is based on the information available at the time of preparation and is only accurate and current as of that date. Source information and recommendations are subject to change based on scientific evidence as it evolves over time. Medcan is not responsible for future changes or updates to the information and recommendations, and assumes no obligation to update based on future developments.
Reference to, or mention of, specific treatments or therapies, does not constitute or imply a recommendation or endorsement. The links provided within the associated document are to assist the reader with the specific information highlighted. Any third-party links are not endorsed by Medcan.