I was searching around for a short blog on social networking. Lo and behold this nice letter comes in from Mark Hyman and the ‘broken brain’ project. Can’t say it better than him so here’s his thinking with fair use attribution. http://drhyman.com/blog/2017/10/04/is-your-brain-broken/

(Edited slightly to fit our format)

New research shows that social separation is a larger cause of disease and death than poor nutrition, lack of exercise or smoking.  Every day, we are discovering in the medical world, that having COMMUNITY is a bigger driver of your health than diet, exercise, lifestyle…. Anything.

The facts emerging from recent research show that social isolation is a serious cause of illness.

Social isolation spreads throughout all parts of our culture, and it may be harming your health – or someone you love – even if your calendar is full!

Let’s talk about three things that can turn it around quickly.

First, before I offer these three tips, I want to showcase how important it is to be sure the elderly, in our lives, have a conversation with someone every day.  Isolation is pervasive in advanced aging.  Be sure to look into the community services available where your parents or grandparents live.

In many communities, large and small, there is an elderly outreach program to just call and check in once a day.  And, even if they don’t like the food offered by “meals on wheels”, that opportunity to have someone knock on the door once a day is wonderful.

Now for you!

Check into the local volunteer opportunities – and make sure it’s something you’re passionate about, so you don’t lose interest or get “too busy” to stick with it. If you need something with more action, your local ambulance corps or fire company almost always needs volunteers!

Do you love to cook? Knit? Hike? Check out local Meetup groups on www.Meetup.com – just search by topic and zip code and you’re in!  Many of these are offered at NO cost. And, if going online isn’t your thing, check out your local church choir – if you can carry a tune, they’d probably love to have you.

If you love to do something that doesn’t have a formal “group” underneath it, not only can you take the initiative to start a group, but you can also volunteer to TEACH that hobby or expertise you have, at the local high school – or senior center.

The bottom line is that human contact is VITAL to all humans. And, just because your calendar is full, that might not mean real contact is going on. Take the time – MAKE the time – you are worth friends and activities that fill your soul.  Your brain loves to be happy.  It is a natural antidote to stress AND it’s a surefire way to have better health.

Wishing you health and happiness,
Mark Hyman, MD

Next up? On deck is a short blog are the shift from the Old Story to the New Story and an on-line assessment of where you in in that mix. You can’t move forward toward awakening without knowing just how asleep you are. Quothe the Yoda.