Human touch is essential for emotional well-being and mental health.

In this episode of the Straight Out of Health IT podcast, Ben Wilson, founder and CEO of the Color of Sound Foundation and leader of their Chronically Undertouched project, discusses "touch starvation" and its prevalence and impact within communities of color. Throughout this conversation, he explains his nonprofit's mission to address these issues through initiatives focused on racial healing, restorative justice, and economic development.

Ben elaborates on the Chronically Undertouched Project, which is rooted in anti-racist work but specifically aims to address the absence of non-sexual, tender touch among Black men. He describes how this phenomenon has historical roots in stereotypes that frame Black men as threatening, fostering a lack of physical closeness and tenderness even within the community itself. Ben shares that the project includes a short film titled Dark and Tender, which aims to engage viewers, especially Black men, in understanding and healing from the effects of touch deprivation.

Additionally, Ben talks about plans to leverage digital platforms to build awareness and engagement around the topic, including social media and virtual events. He emphasizes the need to normalize and research platonic touch within Black communities, describing it as an "ungoogleable" concept that he hopes to make more accessible and well-understood. Through this work, the Chronically Undertouched Project aspires not only to foster connections within Black communities but also to educate broader audiences on the structural and historical forces that contribute to touch deprivation, with the ultimate goal of bringing people together across backgrounds.

Tune in for a powerful conversation that uncovers the hidden impact of 'touch starvation' in communities of color, exploring how simple acts of tenderness can heal, connect, and transform lives!

Despite being labeled a 'women's disease,' osteoporosis silently threatens millions of men as well, often going unnoticed until a life-changing fracture occurs.

In this episode of the Straight Out of Health IT podcast, David Lee, the founder and Chief Collaboration Officer of Health Collaboration Partners, explores the realities of osteoporosis, a condition causing low bone mass and increased fracture risk in both men and women, particularly those over 50. Though osteoporosis is commonly associated with women, men are also vulnerable, with one in four men over 50 expected to experience osteoporosis-related fractures. This misconception has led to underdiagnosis and undertreatment among men. The disease is often called "silent" because it typically goes undetected until a fracture occurs, making it difficult for patients to prioritize bone health, especially in brief primary care visits.

David describes the increasing prevalence of osteoporosis due to an aging population and highlights significant risk factors, including smoking, alcohol use, glucocorticoids, and genetic predispositions. He emphasizes the need for weight-bearing exercise and sufficient calcium and vitamin D intake to strengthen bones. Advances in treatment, such as fracture liaison services, aim to ensure that those who experience fractures receive necessary osteoporosis care, reducing their risk of subsequent fractures by half.

Looking forward, David shares promising developments in osteoporosis research, including efforts to expedite drug trials by focusing on bone density rather than fracture reduction as the primary endpoint. He stresses that while osteoporosis can be managed with lifestyle changes, exercise, and medication, it cannot be fully reversed, highlighting the importance of early intervention. Preventive measures, timely diagnosis, and treatment improvements are crucial to reducing fractures and improving the quality of life for those affected.

Tune in to uncover the hidden dangers of osteoporosis and learn how proactive steps today can protect your bones and transform your health for the future!

Are great leaders born with innate abilities, or can anyone be shaped into a successful leader through practice and mentorship?

Leadership is like dancing; some may have natural abilities, but everyone can improve through training and practice. In this episode of the Straight Out of Health IT, J. Bryan Bennett, founder and Executive Director of the Healthcare Center of Excellence, explores the classic debate of whether leaders are born or made. According to Bryan, leadership is like dancing. He believes those with innate leadership traits, such as risk-taking and vision, tend to have a higher leadership ceiling, while qualities like empathy and humility may be more challenging to cultivate.

Bryan explains that great leaders take risks, articulate a clear vision, and demonstrate empathy and humility. Poor leaders, on the other hand, are often self-serving, toxic, and uninterested in others’ success. Leadership development can be aided by mentors, who play a vital role in guiding both young and seasoned professionals. Bryan emphasizes that leadership is a continuous learning process, and the best leaders are always seeking to grow.

Additionally, Bryan notes that leadership skills are generally the same across demographics, though perceptions may vary. He recommends investing in personal development through reading, attending conferences, and seeking mentorship, with both mentors and coaches playing crucial roles in career advancement. He also stresses the importance of self-reflection, having an external voice through a mentor, and always being open to growth as key strategies for becoming an effective leader.

Tune in to discover the key traits that shape effective leadership and learn how you can cultivate them in your own journey!