Doctor shares how social connections can benefit our health | News [Video]

ROCHESTER, Minn. – One of the doctors who spoke at the community wellness symposium is Dr. Dawn Mussallem who’s a breast cancer specialist at Mayo Clinic in specialist. Mussallem has had to face a lot of adversity dealing with breast cancer and heart failure. Making social connections was one way that helped her fight. 

“I do know during that time of my heart transplant I continue to be active with my abilities to be a physician even though that transitioned to a tela-heath model of care,” said Mussallem. “Having that deep connection with my patient gave me such deep purpose because I was able to serve the needs of others.”

It also has scientific benefits.

“It can help to increase what’s called vagal tone or the parasympethic nervous system which is the relaxation center,” said Mussalem. “It can help to …