When we think of common health and wellness advice, it is often centered around physical and mental health, with advice ranging from exercising regularly to going to therapy. But what if we also looked at social health as a part of our overall wellness? In 2023, the World Health Organization reported that loneliness is a global health threat. Studies have shown that maintaining strong social ties can lead to a longer life span. We spoke with Kasley Killam, MPH, author of  The Art and Science of Connection: Why Social Health Is the Missing Key to Living Longer, Healthier, and Happier, about the framework around strengthening our social muscle, how optimal social health can look different for each of us, and how our social health can improve our overall health leading to a longer and more gratified life.

When we think of common health and wellness advice, it is often centered around physical and mental health, with advice ranging from exercising regularly to going to therapy. But what if we also looked at social health as a part of our overall wellness? In 2023, the World Health Organization reported that <a class="react-spectrum-RichTextEditor-link" href="https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/what-to-know-about-chronic-loneliness" target="_blank" rel="noopener">loneliness</a> is a global health threat. Studies have shown that maintaining strong social ties can lead to a longer life span. We spoke with <a class="react-spectrum-RichTextEditor-link" href="https://www.kasleykillam.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Kasley Killam, MPH</a>, author of <a class="react-spectrum-RichTextEditor-link" href="https://www.amazon.com/Art-Science-Connection-Missing-Healthier/dp/0063289113" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> The Art and Science of Connection: Why Social Health Is the Missing Key to Living Longer, Healthier, and Happier</a>, about the framework around <a class="react-spectrum-RichTextEditor-link" href="https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/social-isolation-mental-health" target="_blank" rel="noopener">strengthening</a> our social muscle, how optimal social health can look different for each of us, and how our social health can <a class="react-spectrum-RichTextEditor-link" href="https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/news/20240408/saying-hello-stranger-could-be-key-to-better-health" target="_blank" rel="noopener">improve our overall health</a> leading to a longer and more gratified life.

WebMD Chief Physician Editor Neha Pathak, MD, and Chief Medical Officer, John Whyte, MD, MPH, explore fascinating stories to find the unexpected things that help us understand our health.

Health Discovered

When we think of common health and wellness advice, it is often centered around physical and mental health, with advice ranging from exercising regularly to going to therapy. But what if we also looked at social health as a part of our overall...