Human contact is the core of life, of health and of enjoyment. Contact with animals can also supplant this and even enhance it.
The true massacre of this pandemic is the breaking of contact of humans with each other, of children to their friends, of Church and Synagogue and Temple and Mosque members to each other, of parents in nursing homes and hospitals with their families. No wonder suicides are higher than ever. The real threat is us made to be separate from each other.
Isolation.
In prison, that is the worst punishment.
Yet we have done it voluntarily or by duress from fear mongers.
True tragedy.
I touch my patients and I hug them.
It heals us both.
Want to feel alive?
Hug ten people who hug you back. And make it a good squeeze heart to heart.
Please go hug 10 people and your animal friends and make sure you do it daily.
Have a great week.
Dr. David I Minkoff, MD