NEW: Today, I released a Surgeon General's Advisory on the epidemic of loneliness and isolation facing our country, the destructive impacts it has on our collective health, and the extraordinary healing power of our relationships. Surgeongeneral.gov/loneliness #Connect2Heal 1/8
At the height of the #COVID19 pandemic, we gained a greater appreciation for how crucial relationships are to our well-being. The pandemic led to greater loneliness for many, but there was widespread social disconnection even before #COVID19. 2/8
Loneliness and social disconnection are more common than we realize. In recent years, about one in two adults reported experiencing loneliness. It's also more widespread than many other health issues including smoking, diabetes, and obesity. 3/8
This widespread social disconnection presents profound threats to our health and well-being. In fact, lacking connection can increase the risk for premature death to levels comparable to smoking daily. 4/8
There is a strong link between loneliness and isolation and many of the other health issues that we face today—including heart disease and stroke. Conversely, our relationships with one another are a source of healing that can reduce our risk of illness. 5/8
Strong relationships can improve health outcomes and positively impact population health. Bottom line: strengthening the social fabric of our nation is essential to improve our health and well-being. 6/8
It will take all of us—individuals and families, schools and workplaces, health care systems and communities—working together to shift our culture and policies to build greater social connection. 7/8
My advisory details the role each of us can play in bringing about this much needed change: surgeongeneral.gov/loneliness. 8/8 Our relationships are essen...

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More from @Surgeon_General

May 23, 2022
I'm grateful to @VP Kamala Harris for joining me today at @ChildrensNatl hospital to thank the staff for their heroic work and to announce my new Surgeon General’s Advisory on a growing threat to the nation’s health: health worker burnout. 1/7 Vice President Kamala Harris and U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Vice President Kamala Harris and U.S. Surgeon General Vivek U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy speaking at the podium as Vice President Kamala Harris accompanied at the podium by U.
Health workers nationwide have long grappled with systemic challenges that have driven burnout to record levels—from excessive workloads to physical/verbal abuse to poor access to mental health care. 2/7
.@VP Harris and I heard from health workers in a range of positions how the last 2+ years of the pandemic only exacerbated those challenges. 3/7
Read 7 tweets
May 23, 2022
NEW: Today, I released a Surgeon General’s Advisory calling the nation to address a growing threat to our individual and collective health: health worker burnout. Health workers have long had our back—it’s time for us to have theirs. surgeongeneral.gov/burnout 1/6
Over the past 2+ years, health workers have been on the frontlines of the #COVID19 pandemic, where they not only saved lives, but in too many cases, sacrificed their own health and the health of their families as they served others. 2/6
The stakes are high. If not addressed, the health worker burnout crisis will make it harder for patients to get care when they need it, cause health costs to rise, hinder our ability to prepare for the next public health emergency, and worsen health disparities. 3/6
Read 6 tweets
Apr 21, 2022
The recent court ruling has given travelers the option to choose whether or not to wear masks on flights, buses, and trains. Having been on a plane myself yesterday—and recognizing cases are on the rise in many states—here is why I will continue to wear a mask when I travel. 1/6
Even if you're low risk and aren’t concerned about #COVID19, you could transmit the virus to someone who isn’t so lucky—like the millions of Americans who can’t get vaxed (kids under 5), haven’t yet gotten vaxed, or have medical conditions that make them high risk. 2/6
People at higher risk depend on the rest of us to help break the chain of transmission and reduce spread. Our decisions affect others. 3/6
Read 6 tweets
Apr 18, 2022
On April 5, 2022 @POTUS Biden called on @HHSGov to coordinate across the federal government to develop and issue the first-ever interagency national research action plan on long COVID. 1/4
This will advance progress in the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and provision of services, support, and interventions for individuals experiencing long COVID and associated conditions. 2/4
In less than 4 months, @HHSGov will issue 2 special reports outlining services & supports across federal agencies to assist people experiencing long COVID, dealing with a #COVID19-related loss, or experiencing mental health & substance use conditions related to the pandemic. 3/4
Read 4 tweets
Mar 14, 2022
Florida's recent law restricting discussion about gender identity in school has understandably raised serious concerns. The law concerns me too. Let me explain why: 1/4
Learning that people are different and that not all families look the same—these are important lessons that start early in life, including in school. They help create a society based on understanding and respect. They help children know they belong even if they are different. 2/4
I grew up in Florida and am a proud graduate of the public school system. As a kid who often felt I didn’t belong, it helped tremendously when teachers openly discussed our different backgrounds. This built understanding and reduced shame. 3/4
Read 4 tweets
Mar 12, 2022
Yesterday afternoon in Austin, I met with transgender youth and their parents to hear how they are coping in light of the state’s recent directive equating gender affirming care to child abuse. 1/5
The pain and fear in their voices was heartbreaking. Parents and kids are terrified about being separated. They described the repeated attacks on their families as profoundly traumatic. 2/5
LGBTQ+ youth were already at increased risk of suicide and other mental health struggles. We should be seeking to provide them with support and medical care. The Texas directive threatens to do the opposite. 3/5
Read 5 tweets

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