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of the Internet has instead isolated people? Several studies even indicate the Internet may be a major reason why there has been a decline in the number and quality of friendships nowadays.
• Certainly humans are hardwired to have friends. Anthropologists tell us that a village is limited to the size of about 150 people because that is the maximum number of friends one can get to know when limited by only human verbal skills.
• The challenge and perhaps disadvantage of friendship turns around the listening and unselfish giving, the honesty, and the freedom of choice that is required with true friendship.
• But health advantages of friendship are enormous. Solid scientific studies find those with strong friendships have better mental and physical health, increased longevity, and a deeper sense of happiness. The opposite is also true: those friendless have increased risk for heart disease, more infections, and a higher incidence of cancer. Of course these illnesses come to people with friends too, but survival is longer and easier to those who are connected.
• It is so true that in this tough and tumble world, "We get by with a little help from our friends."
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• Dr. Rick Holm wrote this editorial for "On Call®," a weekly program where medical professionals discuss health concerns for the general public.  "On Call®" is produced by the Healing Words Foundation in association with the South Dakota State University Journalism Department. "On Call®" airs Thursdays on South Dakota Public Broadcasting-Television at 7 p.m. Central, 6 p.m. Mountain. Visit us at OnCallTelevision.com. 
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