The most wonderful time of the year can also be the most lonely time of the year for some.

For people experiencing loneliness, it could get worse during the holiday season.

New York state just recently became the first state to appoint a loneliness ambassador. Media personality and sex expert Dr. Ruth Westheimer will help New Yorkers with social isolation.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, social isolation is associated with physical and mental health issues such as cardiovascular disease, depression and earlier death.

Dr. Linda Fried, the dean of Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, joined anchor Rocco Vertuccio on NY1 Sunday morning to talk more about loneliness.