From the desk of Dr. Gupta

In a time of social distancing, it may feel like we’re more disconnected than ever. I know it can be hard. My daughter’s 11th birthday was this week and it tore me apart to tell her that we couldn’t have the big birthday party she had been hoping for. But we did get to spend some quality time together by getting outside and going for a walk – while making sure we had ample space between us. I also reminded her that even though we weren’t going to have a party, it would be a birthday she would never forget and likely tell her own kids and grandkids about one day. There are still ways to stay connected, even though it may feel like there are fewer and fewer spaces for us to share. Remember that we can find each other online. Pick up the phone and call someone. Go outside for a walk with a neighbor. We don’t have to lose connection just because we can’t be as physically close as we are used to being. If anything, we are living in a time when our physical – as well as mental – wellbeing is reliant on each other. Our actions as individuals can impact our community’s physical and mental health. I look to our friends in Italy who have been dealing with the largest outbreak of coronavirus cases outside of China. Last week, in the city of Sienna, residents gathered on their balconies and sang songs to remind each other that they were in this together. It’s proof that humanity can transcend even the most difficult of times.