When I graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Philosophy in 2000, philosopher Dr. Miller from UW-La Crosse told us:
“Human health is the biggest philosophical problem that will need to be solved in the 21st Century.”
He wasn’t wrong when you consider we have some health problems including the lack of a national health care system, pharmaceutical company influence of politicians, environmental degradation, and the COVID pandemic.
I have to admit I probably over-social distanced in my years way before COVID-19 hit the scene. As a Midwestern white male, I’ve even kept my distance even from my parents. Hugs always seemed awkward especially during a typical cold and flu season.
However, I have recognized in this “season 3” of COVID-19 (“Ominicron”) is that social distancing has it’s own risks both financially and health-wise.
The human condition requires interaction for individual health and well being.
Human contact is medicinal. Hugs are medicinal. Sharing positive experiences is medicinal.
We are social beings that are hard-wired for human interaction and contact. We grew up being held. We grew up interacting in close quarters with other humans.
Some of the potential side-effects caused by social distancing:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Over-use of meds
- Over-use of drugs
- Obesity
- Loneliness
All 6 of these things can contribute to the largest health issues of heart attacks, cancer, and stroke. All of these health risks should be considered in how much we give up our social-humanity when trying to prevent COVID spread.
The other thing people are failing to consider in terms of lockdown is that heart attacks, cancer, and strokes have had little media attention because of how much money has been pumped into COVID advertising. These large issues have been overshadowed initially because the VID was unknown to what it meant for death counts; it was potentially a disease that could kill you immediately.
As it turned out, the majority of people that have died over the three seasons had one or more preexisting health conditions such as obesity, breathing issues, heart issues, etc. The VID was just finishing off people that the health care system failed to help to begin with.
Now, as the virus loses its grip in it’s third season, it is time to move forward and stop the fear-mongering of the VID. Yeah, it sucks that VID is another part of our reality, but I can’t take it seriously at this point. We need to get back to talking about the bigger health issues that our county and world face.
