This week's health goal: Reconnect With Someone You've Been Missing!

This week's health goal: Reconnect with someone you've been missing!

We all have that one person (at least) who we don't talk to as much as we would like. It might be a friend or family member. Maybe it's been a few months since you've called the parents or grandparents. Perhaps you haven't seen your best friend for a while. Well this is the week to reconnect!

Humans were not meant to live in isolation and many people are shocked to hear that a poor social circle may be just as harmful to your health as obesity or smoking. A study done by Brigham Young University, entitled Social Relationships and Mortality Risks, showed a 50% increased likelihood of survival for participants with stronger social circles, even after all other factors were accounted for. 

There is no set number of friends or family members that someone should have or be close to in order to gain health benefits, but the research continuously shows that the more complex a person's social circle is, the better their overall health. In certain cultures, it is customary for grandparents to continue living with their families. They help out with household chores, watch the children, and stay involved with the family activities. Many of these cultures have multiple people living past one hundred years of age, with one of the main reasons being their constant socialization.

This week, try to reconnect with someone you haven't talked to in a while or work at making a new friend! They could be the key to your good health!

yours in health,

dr samantha boldt