In the age of texting and email we're beginning to lose the art of face to face conversations.

However, Healthy Communities Conference Committee Chair Ang Braun says more is at stake than many realize.

Highlighted at the latest Healthy Communities Conference this week, she says a surprising predictor of a person's health is communication and feeling connected.

"Joining a book club, those kinds of things are actually super important... It's not just about making a good income and having a nice house to live in, it's about feeling a part of something bigger," Braun says. "We're hearing that everywhere in our leadership."

People from health sectors across the region gathered in Winkler on Wednesday for the 19th annual Healthy Communities Conference.

"We've had such a great response from the community, the mix of people is fantastic... coming from all the different age groups and stages of life," Braun says.

She says collaboration is energizing and new friendships prepare for future projects.

"That also strengthens the whole network of supports and helpers in the area, it's really just a win-win," Braun says.

Hosted by Southern Health-Santé Sud, the conference focused on building resilience through all life's stages.

A number of speakers rounded out the day in including Dr. Michael Routledge Medical Officer of Health for Southern Health-Santé Sud.

The 19th annual Healthy Communities Conference took place this week at the Days Inn in Winkler

Psychotherapist and speaker Sherry Campbell spoke on personal resilience in challenging times. Photo by Patrick Simoens

The event took place April 19. Photo by Patrick Simoens

Medical Officer of Health for Southern Health Dr. Michael Routledge spoke on population health across the lifespan. Photo by Patrick Simoens