Last week, Dr. Vivek Merthy, former US Surgeon General, spoke at a conference in Cincinnati. He discussed the current culture and its focus on wealth, fame, and power and described the need for counterculture actions, such as the power of being present for one another and talking to each other.

In his talk and book Together, he describes the impacts of disconnection, which increase the risks of everything health-related. Our challenge is whether we can be present and know each other in a time of growing polarization and focus on power and wealth.

He added that if you listen long enough, people will tell you what they need. I was reminded of a Summer BBQ I attended several years ago. It was designed so neighbours from various backgrounds would have a meal together and get to know each other.