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Nov 4, 2008

"Never doubt that a small, group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." --Margaret Mead

The Community Cure

It always seems to come down to who you know. The people we grew up with, now know, and will grow old with have a huge effect on our well-being and even our risk of future disease. Community is where we assimilate health believes, attitudes and behaviors. Community also encompasses our neighbourhoods and their attendant social factors, such as violent crime, unemployment and access to health-care services. All these components blend to impact our health profoundly, both positively and negatively. Current research confirms for us that isolation, the antithesis of support, is a powerful risk factor for disease and early death. Although not commonly accounted for in routine medical practice, the effects of isolation have been addressed by compassionate and informed public figures. This article from Ode Magazine shares more.