794 Healthy Connections

Humans are sociable creatures, by and large. New research techniques allow scientists to analyze our networks of family, friends and acquaintances. How do the friends of our friends affect our emotions–and our health? Harvard professor Nicholas Christakis has answers on how social networks can influence smoking, weight, or even sexual behavior.
Guest: Nicholas Christakis, MD, PhD, is a professor at Harvard University with joint appointments in the Departments of Health Care Policy, Sociology and Medicine. He is the author, with James Fowler, PhD, of Connected: The Surprising Power of Our Social Networks and How They Shape Our Lives.
The website is: connectedthebook.com
The podcast of this program will be available the Monday after the broadcast date. Podcasts can be downloaded for free for six weeks after the date of broadcast. After that time has passed, digital downloads are available for $2.99. CDs may be purchased at any time after broadcast for $9.99.