Twelve years ago in October, I moved to Indianapolis for a job, a place where I didn’t know a soul. I soon realized I’d be spending Thanksgiving alone if I didn’t act fast. So I hopped on meetup.com, and announced I’d be having a Thanksgiving potluck at my place. Seven strangers showed up on my doorstep, and someone even brought a turkey. Everyone seemed grateful to be there, and one of the guests became a regular hang-out buddy.
Even if inviting strangers from the internet to your home isn’t your style, making friends as an adult requires intention, and putting yourself out there. And many of us could use a friend or two. A report earlier this month from the U.S. Surgeon General on the country’s “loneliness epidemic” says the physical consequences of lacking human connection can be devastating, including a 29% increased risk of heart disease; a 32% increased risk of stroke; and a 50% increased risk of developing dementia for older adults.
NPR’s Life Kit asked experts on friendship and belonging for insights into the awkward mission of making friends in a new place, or reconnecting with old ones. Their answers were quite strategic, including asking old acquaintances to meet up for a specific amount of time, and establishing routines where you can get to know "familiar strangers." "With routine, you're seeing the same faces and it becomes less intimidating to ask a question because you see them all the time,” says Melody Warnick, author of This Is Where You Belong: Finding Home Wherever You Are.
Speaking of social connection, it’s established by now that overuse of social media contributes to feelings of isolation and depression, especially for teens. Young activists have founded organizations like the Log Off Movement and Look Up to help teens and parents with their mental health when it comes to social media apps. And if you’re glued to your phone – no matter your age – their guidance can help you too.
You don’t have to quit social media all together, but you want to make it so you’re using the apps instead of the apps using you, says Rijul Arora, a digital wellness consultant based in Delhi, India. First, understand the way the apps’ business models work. The goal is to keep you on the phone, even if you don't want to stay on, so that you see more ads. “Social media apps know very well how to exploit human behavior to keep you coming back," says neuroscientist Anne-Noël Samaha at the University of Montreal. Second, conduct a “digital audit” to figure out how much time you really spend scrolling. (Yup, there are apps for that too.)
“Snake-oil sellers are all over cancer patients. They are all over me. These hucksters will make a buck ripping off cancer patients if they can,” warns Jeff Stewart, a molecular biologist who consults pharma companies on new cancer treatments. Stewart was diagnosed with stomach cancer last year, and offers advice for fellow patients in his new book Living: Inspiration from a Father with Cancer.
Stewart says even legitimate drugmakers are often overly optimistic about new treatments. The reality is, the majority of new cancer therapies fail. And just because a drug works in mice doesn’t mean it will work in humans. If the medication isn’t FDA approved or recommended in cancer guidelines, Stewart writes, it’s usually not worth the investment.
You received this message because you're subscribed to Health emails. This email was sent by National Public Radio, Inc., 1111 North Capitol Street NE, Washington, DC 20002
No comments:
Post a Comment