#24: The Power of Community (the Roseto Effect)

 On today's episode, we discuss the importance of social connections and how they can actually positively impact our health, mentally and physically.  We share candid stories from our childhoods and recall several recent memories of this in real life.  We introduce the fascinating case of Roseto, PA as described in books by Dr Lissa Rankin and Malcolm Gladwell.  We also talk about the Dr Alexander and his work with rat parks and addiction. Share this episode with those who make up your modern-day Roseto. Connection may just trump all. Favorite comments: Amanda: So the only thing that they could come up with was that there was something about this town and their social solidarity that was somehow more important than any of the things that they thought, you know, medically were important for longevity. Laura:  Loneliness is likely to increase your risk of death by 25%. Loneliness and living alone and poor social connections are as bad for your health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. That is crazy to me. Loneliness is worse for you than obesity. It causes increased high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, severe depression, early mortality and even dementia. Kendra: And so maybe being more intentional about that village or creating that village no matter where you are to help with that. Because number one, you show up as a better mom, if you have your own back. And we've talked about this in several podcasts, just considering that you also need, you know, a connection with someone to vent with someone or someone that, you know, is going through that same stage of life. Kendra: The challenge we want you to leave today with is, who can you call or spend time with in the next couple of days that will be good for you? That will make you feel good. That will refresh your soul and above all, make you laugh and laugh hard and laugh without restraint.  Because we know laughter is the best medicine.There's a quote from Mother Theresa.  It says, “If you want to change the world, go home and love your family”.   So we challenge you today. Find your people. Call or spend time with them in the next couple of days.   Works mentioned: https://lissarankin.com/books/ https://www.gladwellbooks.com/titles/malcolm-gladwell/outliers/9780316040341/ campaigntoendlonliness.org   https://www.psychiatrictimes.com/view/what-does-rat-park-teach-us-about-addiction https://www.escardio.org/The-ESC/Press-Office/Press-releases/lonliness-is-bad-for-the-heart Resource: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1695733/ For more - visit our Emergency Medicine News article on the Roseto Effect   If you want to work with us, visit our website: www.thewholephysician.com. We have private coaching and CME courses available. Additionally, we're happy to lecture for your institution. Sign up for our Weekly Well Check by clicking the link. The Weekly Well Check is your weekly dose of encouragement and your only access to secret insider sales on our products. If you'd like something you can use today, download our free Top 10 Mindset Hacks for Doctors here.   For a free quote on Own-Occupation Insurance, you're welcome to use our affiliate link: patternlife.com/drivetime