Opinion: In a medical emergency, who in your social network will call for help quickest?
Applying the "strength of weak ties" theory to medicine, a weakly connected familiar in your social network can be the outside voice of reason who isn't afraid to call for…
Getting to the hospital quickly is essential for treating heart attacks, strokes, and other medical emergencies. You might guess that spouses or family members would be best at reacting quickly. You’d be wrong.
My team at studies social networks. Few humans are solitary creatures; most of us are embedded in one or more social networks that include family members, friends, and acquaintances. We believe that these networks are an under-recognized factor in illness and health, and could be harnessed to improve our lives.
