Your Social Connections = Your Health

Wellness Wednesday. 

One day a week on my one hour weekday radio show, I cover all things health and wellness related. Things I find important or interesting that I like to share with others who might benefit. If even one nugget of new knowledge helps one of you listening or reading here, my time has been well spent. 

This Wellness Wednesday show podcast is just me talking. No guests. Just Me. (and occasionally my engineer Bob) 

There was big news this week that we have a crisis of loneliness going on here in the U.S. Half of the U.S. Adults are feeling lonely every day? How horrible is that? 

The U.S. Surgeon General released an advisory on Tuesday calling attention to the public health crisis of loneliness, isolation, and lack of connection in the United States. 

Everyone should read the story from ABC News called ‘US Surgeon General calls for action regarding the ongoing 'epidemic of loneliness and isolation', by Emma Egan.

The report highlights that a lack of social connection can present significant health risks, as loneliness can increase risk of premature death by 26% and social isolation by 29%.

On the flip side…U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy was quoted as saying, "Social connection can reduce the health risks associated with isolation and loneliness.” “By taking small steps every day to strengthen our relationships, we can rise to meet this moment together… And we can ensure our country and the world are better posed than ever to take on the challenges that lay ahead.”

I’m personally suggesting that everybody put a little more effort into stepping up your social connections for your own sake and for the good of us all. And check in with a friend, a family member or someone who you think might need a dose of caring…just because.

Hey if parrots can do it we can do it. What? You missed the story about the parrots being taught to call each other to become less lonely? It’s True. U.S. scientists got owners to train their pet parrots to contact other birds using a touchscreen tablet. Read the story in The Guardian Here.

Other Topics I covered this episode include;

Why are Teen Girls Suffering from Record Levels of Sadness and Suicidality? A very disturbing report from Amen CLINICS. Parents and caretakers of teenage girls really need to read this.

World Password Day. Celebrated the first Thursday of May exists to raise awareness about the importance of password security. I say create passwords that makes you smile each time you type one in! 

What Does a Kids Healthy Eating Plate Look Like? Just because I always have a stash of emergency lollipops and gummies in my car, doesn’t mean I don’t ‘try’ and teach my little granddaughter about healthy eating. The Kid’s Healthy Eating Plate featured on Harvard.edu  is a visual guide to help educate and encourage children to eat well and keep moving.

Everyone and their mother is playing Pickleball. What’s the draw — and is it really a workout? Found some good answers in this NY Times story here;

I only tried Pickleball once but so far I don’t think like the Pickleball ‘ball’. As a tennis player I’m not sure I can get used to what feels like a WIFFLE BALL. 

While we’re on the subject of Wiffle Balls (we weren’t but who cares) did you know where the Wiffle Ball came from? It was Summer 1953, and a Dad was watching his kids play a game in their backyard in Fairfield Ct. using a perforated plastic gold ball and a broomstick handle. The rest of the story and family legacy is here on Wiffle.com

Ever get an allergic reaction and freak out? Me too. That’s relaxing, eh? It’s why I always carry Benadryl with me especially when traveling. ‘Allergies in the sky: Airlines are pressed to treat severe reactions', was a report this week from NBC. The FAA is considering updates to their emergency kits including Epi Pens, pediatric doses of antihistamines and meds to reverse opioid overdoses.

BTW: AN EpiPen^® is an auto-injector that contains epinephrine, a medication that can help decrease your body’s allergic reaction by:

• Relaxing the muscles in your airways to make breathing easier
• Helping to reverse the rapid and dangerous decrease in blood pressure
• Relaxing the muscles in the stomach, intestines, and bladder

EpiPen^® is for emergency treatment only and does not replace seeing a healthcare provider or going to the hospital.