COVID-19 Columns

September 17, 2020September 17, 2020

Overcoming Loneliness Caused by Juvenile Arthritis

COVID-19 Columns, Juvenile Arthritis News Columns

Juvenile arthritis can be such an isolating disease. Flares can cause you to miss out on activities and events. Doctors’ appointments may mean missing school and time with friends. And ... Read more

September 16, 2020September 16, 2020

The Importance of Paying Attention

COVID-19 Columns, SMA News Today Columns

In the beginning of the COVID-19 chaos, I tried to stay informed of updated health-related warnings and recommendations. I soon waved the proverbial white flag to ward off permanent whiplash ... Read more

September 16, 2020September 16, 2020

Making Adjustments After Ella’s Visit to the Pulmonologist

COVID-19 Columns, SMA News Today Columns

Our daughter with SMA, Ella, had a doctor’s appointment with her pulmonologist recently. Her grandparents took her to the appointment because my wife, Lindsay, and I were working. Ella and ... Read more

September 16, 2020September 16, 2020

My Concussion Worsened Instead of Getting Better

COVID-19 Columns, Lambert-Eaton News Columns

Friday, Sept. 18 is National Concussion Awareness Day. To raise more awareness of how dangerous concussions can be, I’m sharing the most difficult experience of my life. This is the ... Read more

September 15, 2020September 15, 2020

Battling the Insecurities of Chronic Illness

COVID-19 Columns, Sarcoidosis News Columns

Day is breaking and my uncertainty unfolds. If I’m lucky, I’ll silence it with a productive morning. If I struggle, the doubts echoing in my mind grow louder. Sarcoidosis batters ... Read more

September 15, 2020September 15, 2020

Things to Do While Waiting for a Cure

ALS News Today Columns, COVID-19 Columns

Big news buzzed through the ALS community last week about AMX0035, an investigational treatment for ALS that just finished a Phase 2/3 clinical trial. Early results indicated that AMX0035 slowed ... Read more

September 15, 2020September 15, 2020

I’m Rediscovering the Mental and Emotional Benefits of Exercise

Charcot-Marie-Tooth News Columns, COVID-19 Columns

I don’t like going to the gym. But, I like being at the gym. And I really love returning from the gym. I reconfirmed these facts last week. A few ... Read more

September 14, 2020September 15, 2020

MS News That Caught My Eye Last Week: COVID-19 Survey, MSVirtual2020, Zeposia, B-cells

COVID-19 Columns, Multiple Sclerosis News Today Columns

COVID-19 Pandemic Had Minimal Emotional Impact in Progressive MS Patients, Survey Finds I beg to differ. I have secondary progressive MS, and COVID-19 has bummed me out. I haven’t been ... Read more

September 11, 2020September 11, 2020

The More You Know About Sarcoidosis, the Better You’ll Be

COVID-19 Columns, Sarcoidosis News Columns

In order for me to do better, I have to do better for myself. That’s one of the obstacles we face when living with this “inconvenience” called sarcoidosis. One day, ... Read more

September 11, 2020September 11, 2020

Why a Flu Shot Is More Important Than Ever This Year

COVID-19 Columns, Multiple Sclerosis News Today Columns

Labor Day has come and gone here in the U.S. Now, flu season has arrived in the Northern Hemisphere. This isn’t the novel coronavirus we’ve been fighting all year. It’s ... Read more

September 10, 2020September 10, 2020

Create a Spa Retreat at Home During Your Period

COVID-19 Columns, Endometriosis News Columns

Last weekend, I got my period. Due to the stress of COVID-19, my pain levels have creeped up a little lately. While I was worried, I was also looking forward ... Read more

September 9, 2020September 9, 2020

10 Tips to Stay Cool When Heat Makes Fibromyalgia Uncomfortable

COVID-19 Columns, Fibromyalgia News Today Columns

Despite research to the contrary, every fibromyalgia sufferer I know agrees that extreme temperatures worsen our symptoms. Or perhaps the symptoms just become more difficult to bear. I am truly ... Read more

September 8, 2020September 8, 2020

Listening to Both Sides of the Mask Debate

COVID-19 Columns, Cystic Fibrosis News Today Columns

“I want to take my mask off.” I said these words to my daughters two days ago in a Barnes & Noble bookstore, even though I have pontificated novels to ... Read more

September 8, 2020September 8, 2020

Learning to Pivot When Living With ALS

ALS News Today Columns, COVID-19 Columns

All around me, I’ve been noticing how people, businesses, and organizations are pivoting to survive these challenging times. We’re getting confident using Zoom, dine-in restaurants have expanded their takeout business, ... Read more

September 8, 2020September 10, 2020

Learning to Pivot When Living With ALS

ALS News Today Columns, COVID-19 Columns

All around me, I’ve been noticing how people, businesses, and organizations are pivoting to survive these challenging times. We’re getting confident using Zoom, dine-in restaurants have expanded their takeout business, ... Read more