Want to be happier at work? Make a friend

Plus: Weighing drinking against dementia risk

View this email online February 26, 2023 by Andrea Muraskin This week: In an era of remote and hybrid work, the science-backed case for hanging out with coworkers. Plus, a stroke patient gets the use of her arm back with a little help from electricity. And, a country-wide study measures drinking alcohol against dementia risk.  Friendships at work can boost happiness. Here's how to nurture them Kaitlin Brito for NPR I’ve been working remotely since before the pandemic, and I’ll be the first to admit the days can get lonely. So last year, I joined a co-working space part time. The comfy couches and endless supply of tea are nice, but the biggest benefit is social interaction. A group of us have lunch in the café space once or twice a week, and discuss everything from starting a podcast to booking cheap flights. Sometimes, we even come to each other with work problems or take walks around the neighborhood. Not to sound cheesy, but it warms my heart.  Turns out the feeling in my heart is backed up by 85 years of research on health and wellbeing. According to Robert Waldinger, psychiatrist and director of the Harvard Study of Adult Development, people who have warm relationships with others are happier, healthier, and live longer. And all kinds of connections have an impact, from intimate partners to coworkers.  Waldinger is co-author of the new book, The Good Life, based on the study, which followed participants from their teen years throughout their lives. He says that even if you work remotely, there are things you can do to foster a sense of connection with your co-workers. For example, send a text or an email or even (gasp!) pick up the phone and call a colleague who you haven’t talked to in a while.  It can be tricky knowing how much to open up about yourself at work, but Waldinger says it helps when the boss sets the tone: "You need leaders to say being personal with each other is valuable,” he says, “it matters, and it starts at the top." Learn how to exercise your social muscles at work.  Plus: How the science of attachment can help you make – and keep – friends Newsletter continues after sponsor message Years after a stroke, electrical stimulation helps patients use their hands and arms again Tim Betler/UPMC and University of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences Heather Rendulic, age 33, had a series of strokes starting in 2011. With very limited sensation in her left arm and hand, she was unable to complete ordinary tasks like chopping vegetables or tying her shoes.  Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh knew that in many stroke patients, the brain is still trying to send signals through the spine to the muscles that control the limbs – but those signals are very weak. So they decided to rev those signals up with electric current. With electrodes embedded in her spine, Rendulic attempted to pick up a can of tomato soup. What happened next had Rendulic, her mother and her husband crying tears of joy.  The technology is already FDA-approved to treat chronic pain, and if approved for stroke, it could give hope to hundreds of thousands of patients.  Also: More young people are having strokes. Here’s what to know   How does drinking impact dementia risk? A country-wide study has some clues Justin Sullivan/Getty Images There were over 55 million people in the world living with dementia in 2020, and by 2050, that number will be about 139 million, according to the non-profit Alzheimer's Disease International. Many risk factors can increase dementia risk, including genetic ones. But according to the CDC, up to 40% of dementia cases can be prevented or delayed.  Recent headlines have hit a dire note when it comes to the health risks of drinking. A massive international study published in The Lancet concluded in 2018 that "the safest level of drinking is none." And last month, Canada's newly updated guidelines urged people to restrict themselves to two standard drinks or less each week. But a new South Korean study of over 4 million people over 40 looked has a more nuanced message about the effects of drinking alcohol on dementia risk. Analysis showed that when heavy drinkers cut back to moderate drinking, they were 8% less likely to develop dementia. Researchers also noted something weird: a slight increase in dementia cases among people who quit drinking altogether. Learn what your drinking habits may say about your dementia risk.  Plus: Inside the Netherlands’ ‘dementia village’ Before you go:  Kalisher et al., 2023/PLOS ONE Which type of eye doctor do you need? Optometrists and ophthalmologists face off Fixing the health care worker shortage may be something Congress can agree on Clues to Bronze Age brain surgery are revealed in ancient bones No cow needed: FDA proposes oat and soy can be called milk Listen: What is life? For scientists, asking is easier than answering We hope you enjoyed these stories. Find more of NPR's health journalism on Shots and follow us on Twitter at @NPRHealth. All the best, Andrea Muraskin and your Shots editors Listen to your local NPR station. Visit NPR.org to hear live radio from WBEZ (edit station). What do you think of today's email? We'd love to hear your thoughts, questions and feedback: shots@npr.org Enjoying this newsletter? Forward to a friend! They can sign up here. Looking for more great content? Check out all of our newsletter offerings — including Goats & Soda, Daily News, Best of NPR and more! You received this message because you're subscribed to Health emails. This email was sent by National Public Radio, Inc., 1111 North Capitol Street NE, Washington, DC 20002 Unsubscribe  |  Privacy Policy