NPR

In 'Together,' Former Surgeon General Writes About Importance Of Human Connection

Dr. Vivek Murthy tells NPR: "The reality is that loneliness is a natural signal that our body gives us, similar to hunger, thirst. And that's how important human connection is."
<em>Together: The Healing Power of Human Connection in a Sometimes Lonely World</em>, by Dr. Vivek Murthy

When Dr. Vivek Murthy was surgeon general of the United States during the Obama administration, he went on a listening tour of America: He wanted to hear firsthand about people's health concerns.

That meant addressing opioid addiction, diabetes and heart disease. And one more thing — something he wasn't really prepared for — the number of Americans suffering from a lack of human connection.

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