PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — There is no doubt that the COVID-19 pandemic has had a dramatic impact on the mental and physical health of many people.
According to U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek H. Murthy, one of the lingering effects is social isolation and the growing use of online tools replacing human interpersonal interaction.
He has released an advisory addressing the issue of loneliness and found it impacted 50% of adults in the United States. Murthy’s goal is to find ways to address the isolation and build social connections. He is calling on healthcare professionals to talk with their patients about different social supports and teach them about the benefits of regular connections with others.
Get more medical reports from Dr. Brian McDonough.
KYW Newsradio’s Medical Reports are sponsored by Independence Blue Cross.