Converge International

I found this and thought it is an opportunity to reflect on how significant friends are, particularly as an outcome of the the Global Financial Crisis.  It is worth a read…

In the quest for better health, may people turn to doctors, self-help books or herbal supplements.  But they overlook a powerful weapon that could hep them fight illness and depression, speed recover, slow aging and prolong life: their friends.

Researchers are only now starting to pay attention to the importance of friendship and social networks in overall health.  A 10 year Australian study found that older people with a large circle of freinds were 22 percent less likely to die during the study period than those with fewer friends.  A large 2007 study showed an increase of nearly 60 percent in the risk for obesity among people whose friends gained weight.  And last year, Harvard researchers reported that strong social ties could promote brain health as we age…

To read full article, click here http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/21/health/21well.html?_r=1

It is amazing what a crisis can do!  It can bring people together; tear them apart; get them to focus on ‘things’ that matter; and bring out creativity and innovation in ways not previously envisaged. Churchill, during the war noted that the crisis of that time was the best and worst event that happened to Britain.  Everyone was prepared to help fight a common enemy!  More people went to Church; more focus was given to the reality of life; there was less crime; and people worked for very little because of the ultimate goal. This current financial crisis has similar tones.  Obama’s inaugural speech certainly rallied the interests of the world around a new era of hard work, prosperity and the need for new ways to solve past problems. In business today, (more…)