Central PA Medicine - Spring 2017 - 6

daup h i n cm s .o rg

President's Message

T
Mukul Parikh, MD, DABA
President, DCMS

he worlds' most prevalent disease/
condition is something that does
not even have a diagnosis code
in the ICD-10 or -11 Manual.

This condition is much more prevalent
in the developed western world compared
to developing nations. It is not a physical
or mental disorder, but a social one. It
is a tremendous irony that we have the
largest numbers of human beings on
earth-currently almost 7 billion-and
still our most prevalent social disease/
condition is LONELINESS. It has a very
high potential to lead us to other true
diseases like depression (including suicidal
tendency) and dependence/addiction to
mood-altering drugs including alcoholism.

There are no primary treatment options
or medication for loneliness. Many people
self-treat in the affluent world with social
media outlets like Facebook, Twitter,
WhatsApp, etc., where they digitally
connect with friends, family and even
strangers to share their stories, opinions,
and feelings.
Smartphones and tablets have become
our best and constant companions to
overcome the isolation of loneliness.
There was a time when we had a shoulder
to cry on, a person or people to truly share
our deepest feelings without the fear of
being judged. But now, it seems we are
afraid to reach out or believe no one is
available in our perception. 
A whole industry of self-help/spiritual
gurus have sprung up to get us out of
this misery. Some ideas and suggestions
are worthwhile, while others just want to
make hay while the sun shines. No wonder
Patch Adams was so successful in treating
this and most associated conditions with
simple hugs and TLC. No healthcare policy
decisions or plans (ACA or ACHA) will
help us. So, what do we do? 

6 Spring 2017 Central PA Medicine

Just BE.
In time, we
can be
gregarious
and our
happy selves
which is our
intrinsic
nature
anyway.
Let your guard down and CONNECT/
COMMUNICATE with family and true
friends-especially old childhood friends.
Do not try to become (somebody or
something-a facade). Just BE. In time,
we can be gregarious and our happy selves
which is our intrinsic nature anyway.
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Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Central PA Medicine - Spring 2017
