Are You Tired of Being Alone?

Amazingly, 33% of people experience loneliness on a regular basis and 60% of young adults reporting that they are chronically lonely. According to U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy's 2023 report, "Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation," the physical health consequences of loneliness include:

• 29% increased risk of stroke
• 50% increased risk of developing dementia for older adults
• 60% increased risk of premature death
• 2 times the risk of developing depression among adults
• The equivalent of smoking 15 cigarettes per day 

This is a crisis that must be addressed. 

MY STORY

I don't necessarily feel lonely or depressed, but I have to admit I don't have as many friends that I consistently spend time with as I did when I was growing up or in college. My health struggle is with my weight. I am tired of trying again and again to get healthy, only to fail. I lose weight, only to gain it back again, and then some. Ironically, even though I always try to do this on my own, I know that I am not alone in my failures. Most people who try to lose weight fail to do so and to keep it off. 

The challenges are many, from choosing a diet or exercise routine that works, to finding the time and energy to implement and stick with a plan of action, to having the support of others when the going gets tough. The struggle is real and at times it feels hopeless. 

I am hoping to find a community of people where I can share activities with that will be encouraging and enjoyable. I believe that this will help me in many ways, including to lose weight, to keep it off, and to find support and friendship. 

The Challenge Is Real, But It Can Be Overcome

"Given the significant health consequences of loneliness and isolation, we must prioritize building social connection the same way we have prioritized other critic al public health issues such as tobacco, obesity, and substance use disorders. Together, we can build a country that's healthier, more resilient, less lonely, and more connected." U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy

MY STORY CONTINUED

As someone who has been obese most of my adult life, I know that the struggle is real. I've tried countless times to lose weight and keep it off but I've always failed. In the past I've lost 30, 50, and even 80 pounds, only to then gain most of the weight back again. 

My "aha" moment about community came when I realized that I've always tried to do this on my own and the more I read about being healthy the more I understand how important community is to achieving and maintaining health. That is why I am excited to provide an opportunity for communities to be created so that people can pursue better health with other people, rather than in isolation. 

I will be sharing my story on this website as an encouragement and testimonial of how community can bring about success in getting healthy. Please join me in creating and joining communities where you can support others and be supported in your pursuit of better health. 

To your health!

Tom