The HolSpanMD outreach strives to point out different aspects of our lives that can bolster physical, mental, and emotional health. Personal and social connections are not typically viewed as standard health inputs, but these influences are indeed vital to the human experience.  They are very strong predictors of longevity and happiness in life. 

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The HolSpan approach models Dr. Robert Lustig MD 4Cs principles for happiness which include:

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Connecting:

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Contributing

Coping

Cooking

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A common mistake is to view social media as a true connection.  While we are networked with others through social media platforms, the better way to describe this electronic interaction is connectivity. It is not the same as a true connection nor does it carry the same benefit as a face-to-face connection. 

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Practical considerations for enhancing connections in everyday life:

• Be a positive person 
• Compliment others often
• Be a good listener (remember we have 2 ears and only 1 mouth)
• Look others in the eye
• Smile often

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Contributing should reflect supporting and serving others while sharing your talents and passions. This can take the form of:

• Volunteering
• Mentoring
• Joining a religious or spiritual group
• Supporting your local community by attending local events (sports, music, arts, etc..)
• Attending community festivals and parades
• Connecting with others in your community who share similar interests (directly or by using online resources to coordinate a direct experience). Leverage social media for doing good!

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Cooking is near to our hearts (and guts) here at HolSpan. As this outreach is based in South Louisiana, food and drink are a huge part of our local culture and heritage. Food is often the centerpiece of many social gatherings, including many local festivals, that bring diverse groups of people together. Quality experiences are as important as food quality. Dining out with friends, periodic supper clubs, and learning to cook (either individually or in groups), are all ways to bolster in-person connections while often sharing unique and memorable experiences.

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Humans are social creatures who need and depend on one another. These connections are vital in my conventional practice of working with couples who are dealing with infertility, intimacy, and general sexual concerns. These connections are also paramount in building a local and broader network of people who you want to share experiences with. While HolSpan is passionate about optimizing your healthspan, we must also remain aware that we are intimately connected with everyone around us, striving to uplift everyone we interact with and serve.

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Links:

• "What the Longest Study on Human Happiness Found is the Key to a Good Life" - The Atlantic
• "The Harvard Study of Adult Development: Nurturing Deep Relationships" - By Robert Waldinger and Marc Schulz Robert Lustig - 4Cs