loneliness has been declared public health Silicon Valley emergency.
On January 30, San Mateo County, located in California’s San Francisco Bay Area, passed a resolution officially declaring loneliness a public health crisis.
According to local reports, the Board of Supervisors passed the decision unanimously.
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“San Mateo County became the first county in the nation to declare loneliness a public health crisis after the Board of Supervisors unanimously passed a resolution drafted by my office on Tuesday,” said Supervisor David Canepa. I mentioned it in my post to X.
Loneliness has been declared a public health emergency in Silicon Valley. (St. Petersburg)
“Loneliness has a significant impact on health and is comparable to smoking a pack of cigarettes a day,” he added.
Canepa also said he is calling for the creation of a “minister of solitude” position in California.
It “will help those suffering in silence regain the meaningful connections they have lost.” In the midst of a pandemic.” He said.
Loneliness leads to worse health outcomes, including heart attacks, depression and even premature death, the Surgeon General has previously said. (St. Petersburg)
U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy also posted on X about the vote.
“When we released the Surgeon General’s recommendations on loneliness, we outlined what communities can do to encourage connection,” he said. “Thank you to San Mateo County for being the first in America to recognize loneliness as a public health emergency.”
The Surgeon General has previously said that loneliness is linked to worse health conditions, including: heart attackdepression, and even early death.
In response to the outbreak of the pandemic, California became the first U.S. state to issue a statewide curfew on March 19, 2020.
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Dr. David Campbell, clinical and program director at Recover Together Bend, an addiction and mental health treatment facility in Oregon, said he agrees with the decision to declare loneliness a public health emergency.
“Loneliness is undoubtedly a public health emergency, and its consequences are dire for both mental and physical health.”
“In America right now, it seems like we’re trading floor space and electronics for friendship and community,” he told Fox News Digital.
“Loneliness is definitely a public health emergency, and its consequences are both psychological and physical health. ”
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There is evidence that people facing extreme loneliness may face consequences such as an increased risk of heart disease, dementia, and heart disease. drug abusewhich can lead to obesity, decreased cognitive function, decreased life satisfaction and even premature death, Campbell warned.
“Today’s America seems to be trading floor space and electronics for friendship and community,” an expert told Fox News Digital. (St. Petersburg)
“To combat loneliness in an increasingly digital world, we need to reevaluate our relationship with social media and the virtual realm, strengthen social communities, and dramatically increase feelings of loneliness.” mental health awareness It recommended reducing barriers to access, increasing public participation, and improving social support systems. ”
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Mr Campbell also suggested people should become more involved in their communities, pursue activities, consider volunteering and spend time with friends and family.
Fox News Digital has reached out to San Mateo County officials for additional comment.
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