Is it OK to Skip Out on Parties Without Saying Goodbye?
Turns out one of my favorite social strategies has a name
Welcome back to your weekly dose of wisdom and wellness, where you’ll find informative and actionable stories by our team of journalists, topical experts and practicing professionals. Compiled by Robert Roy Britt.
My favorite Wise & Well story this week is one that makes me feel seen, which is exactly what I don’t want to feel!
I’m well known among friends and family for leaving social events early, often abruptly, frequently without saying goodbye to anyone. Been that way all my adult life.
I learned early on that if you announce your imminent departure, you get stuck in a series of long goodbyes and drunken pleas to stay. Slip out quietly, and all that nonsense is avoided. One of my best friends ever is a guy who, back in our early 20s, was also eager to skip out early. We would find ourselves together, near the door, contemplating escape. We became fast friends thanks to our quick exits.
I’m now surprised to learn this social survival strategy has a name, and I feel like this writer is someone I could party with. Check out the story by Andrea Romeo RN, BN:
This week’s other insightful features:
Weight Stigma: The Alarming Story of Blame and Shame
Someone who is significantly overweight can face plenty of challenges, to physical health and mental well-being. The last thing they need is to be shamed — especially by a doctor — for their condition and supposed lack of willpower. This psychologist knows all about this blame game, from her own youth, and now she’s got a learned perspective on how to eradicate the stigma. By Gail Post, Ph.D.
Surprising Benefits to Heart & Brain Health from Resistance Exercise
If you’re getting older (and who isn’t) you’ll find this one interesting. We hear a lot about the importance of physical activity, often focusing on brisk walks or other aerobic activities. But maintaining strength is vital, too, especially with age. Strength training — via weights, stretchy bands or even body-weight exercises — allows one to perform basic life tasks like getting up out of a chair or picking up a heavy cooking pan, and it helps prevent falls. It also makes the heart stronger and helps the brain stay healthy. By Stephen Schimpff MD, MACP
When Fame Turns Fatal
We know we’re supposed to get regular doctor checkups and, at certain ages, various screenings. Yet thanks to lack of insurance, time, money or desire, many of us are lax on that front. But famous people? Surely they get the best care and have the highest odds of living long and healthy lives. Not always, for a handful of surprising reasons, this doctor writes. By Edward T. Creagan, MD
Dementia, Anxiety and ADHD Benefit from the Same Meds
This psychiatrist/neuroscientist eats well and runs marathons, yet still had high blood pressure, and despite being ignored by doctors for decades, he’s found there are several medications that can help stave off bad heart health outcomes for him and millions of others. Surprisingly, these same meds can benefit people struggling with mental health conditions. What an unexpected, informative story! By John Kruse MD, PhD
Can You Train Your Immune System to Work Better?
Healthy habits like good sleep, good diet and physical activity are linked to lower risk for chronic diseases and longer life. Exactly why remains, in many ways, TBD. Among the reasons, most experts agree: Healthy habits boost the immune system, as much research has suggested. A new study suggests a specific way physical activity — especially over long periods of time — works its magic. By Robert Roy Britt
Calling Deaths ‘Preventable’ Shifts Blame to Individuals
Death is not preventable. But many types of deaths, and their timing, could have been avoided or delayed, deaths the healthcare industry commonly refer to as “preventable.” The catch-all term includes everything from infections to diabetes to cancer. Problem is, it often implies the person failed and is to blame, perhaps for not eating right or exercising, when the real failure is more systemic. By Zachary W. Schulz
I hope we’re helping make your tomorrow a little better than today. Feel free to forward this newsletter to friends — most of the links are “friend links” on Medium that work for members and non-members alike.
Cheers,
Rob