Finding Connection for Better Health with Dr. Sandro Galea

Restorative Works!

Claire de Mézerville López welcomes Dr. Sandro Galea to the Restorative Works! Podcast, public health series. In this series of episodes, we discuss the US Surgeon General's recent report, Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation with experts in the public health field.

The US Surgeon General's report revealed how different generations are experiencing this epidemic of loneliness and isolation in different ways. Generation Z has more access to a digital landscape than any other group in history, yet they still experience loneliness and social isolation. The Baby Boomer generation is reeling from the fragmentation of the communities and families brought forth by economic fluctuations. Dr. Galea explains how loneliness is a widespread issue, one that has been building for years, but is now reaching a critical point where the effects are being felt across generations in different ways.

To begin to address the issue of social disconnection, Dr. Galea reminds us that we must marry the insight of community members and science-based methods. We must also be aware that sometimes the loudest voices may not represent the whole community. It takes caution and attention to ensure that we are inclusive of those members of the community who are in the minority, those who are not always heard in traditional community spaces. Without those minority voices, we run the risk of creating increased fragmentation and social isolation.

Dr. Galea is Dean and Robert A. Knox Professor at the Boston University School of Public Health. He has been named an epidemiology innovator by Time, a top voice in healthcare by LinkedIn, and is one of the most cited social scientists in the world. His writing and work are featured regularly in national and global public media. A native of Malta, he has served as a field physician for Doctors Without Borders and has held academic positions at Columbia University, University of Michigan, and the New York Academy of Medicine. He is also the author of The Healthiest Goldfish, where he provides regular insights into his research and work.

Tune in to hear more about Dr. Galea’s perspective on addressing loneliness by investigating the social determinants of health across communities.