Public Health Connects is a speaker series hosted by Secretary of Health, Dr. Umair A. Shah. Developed by the Washington State Department of Health, this video series aims to advance health equity, spotlight innovative ideas, and foster collaborative partner engagement throughout the health and wellness system - and beyond. Together, we can create a future where everyone can live their healthiest lives.
Discussion Highlights:
Loneliness as a Public Health Concern: U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy declared loneliness and isolation a national epidemic in May 2023. His report outlines the significant health impacts, such as increased risks of heart disease, stroke, dementia, and premature death, likening the effects to smoking 15 cigarettes per day.
Evolution of Social Connection: Modern society has evolved in ways that make us less connected. Despite technological advances, many people feel isolated. Dr. Murthy emphasizes the importance of intimate, relational, and collective connections.
Benefits of Social Connection: Communities with strong social bonds tend to have better economic prosperity, lower violence levels, and greater resilience in adversity. Social connections act as natural buffers to stress.
Impact of Social Media: Dr. Murthy highlights a crisis of isolation among youth exacerbated by excessive social media use, which often replaces healthy activities like in-person interactions, physical activity, and sleep.
Empowering Individuals: Everyone has the power to improve social connections through small, meaningful actions. Simple gestures like checking in on a friend or engaging with community members can significantly combat isolation.
Land Acknowledgement:
This series is developed in Olympia, on the traditional territories of the Coast Salish people, specifically the Nisqually and Squaxin Island peoples. Olympia and the Sound Puget Sound region are covered by the Treaty of Medicine Creek, signed under duress in 1854. The employees of the State of Washington here in the room and participating are guided by the Centennial Accord and chapter 43.376 RCW - respecting and affirming tribal sovereignty and working with our tribal governments throughout the state in government-to-government partnership.