Friends don't let friends get cancer

Today we're talking about social isolation and why it might be the worst thing in the world for your health.Estimated read time: 1:47

Social isolation and loneliness might be the most overlooked things regarding your health. Don't believe me?Check out these statistics from the CDC.

• Social isolation significantly increases a person’s risk of premature death from all causes that may rival smoking, obesity, and physical inactivity.

• Social isolation was associated with ~50% increased risk of dementia

• "Poor relationships" was associated with a 29% increased risk of heart disease and a 32% increased risk of stroke.

• Loneliness is associated with higher rates of depression, anxiety, and suicide.

• Loneliness among heart failure patients was associated with a nearly 4X increased risk of death, 68% increased risk of hospitalization, and 57% increased risk of emergency department visits.

Pretty wild, right?Social isolation has a comparable effect on health to smoking, obesity, and physical inactivity!

I never would've guessed that being around people and having good relationships would be that important.Of course, there will be variability between individuals when it comes to how much human interaction you need, but there's an easy metric for that.

Loneliness

Loneliness is your "perceived" level of social isolation, and many studies that looked at the adverse side effects of social isolation hinge on this feeling of loneliness. If you're getting enough social interaction that you don't regularly feel lonely, you're probably getting enough to at least protect your physical and mental health. If you're not, then it's time you get out and start making some friends. If I were to give you a suggestion, I'd say start looking for a gym with group classes doing something you enjoy or sign up for an adult sports league with people that will hold you accountable. Doing something like that kills two birds with one stone. You get plenty of social interaction, and you get your physical activity in while having a good time. That's all for today!

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Change coming to the newsletter. Vitality on Tap will be changing its name to "Humanizing Giants" starting December 1stAs I mentioned last week, there will be changes coming to the content of this newsletter.I will be digging into some of the most influential people in history and present society.My intention is to expose the common threads that run through your life and struggles and the lives and struggles of the people who built/are building the world we live in. I hope you'll stick around for the ride.