COVID-19 Columns

July 16, 2021July 16, 2021

In the ICU, We Said Yes to the Hope of a Dress

COVID-19 Columns, Pulmonary Fibrosis News Columns

In the three weeks between my boyfriend Jonny’s proposal and our spontaneous elopement, we daydreamed about a big wedding. We decided to get married before he left for a year ... Read more

July 16, 2021July 16, 2021

Float With Me: An Introduction to ‘Float Like a Buttahfly,’ a New Column

COVID-19 Columns, Sarcoidosis News Columns

About 20 years ago I joined a program to lose weight, and ended up gaining not only a healthier body but also a much healthier mindset. Along the way, I ... Read more

July 16, 2021July 16, 2021

Using Cannabis to Treat Your MS? A Word of Caution

COVID-19 Columns, Multiple Sclerosis News Today Columns

People with MS who are using cannabis take heed: A research letter published in May in JAMA Network Open reports that calls to poison control centers about people intentionally or ... Read more

July 15, 2021July 15, 2021

Making Friends With Latex Predators

COVID-19 Columns, Cystic Fibrosis News Today Columns

A funny female pediatrician named Dr. C diagnosed me at age 5. After years of Mom begging doctors to pay closer attention to my symptoms, she stumbled upon Dr. C’s ... Read more

July 15, 2021July 15, 2021

Is Water Fascination a True Trait of Angelman Syndrome?

Angelman Syndrome News Columns, COVID-19 Columns

Ask an Angel’s parent if their kid loves water and you may not get the answer you expect. Do most children love water? Probably. Are all Angels fascinated with water? ... Read more

July 15, 2021July 15, 2021

Tips to Proactively Avoid and Manage Inflammation as an IPF Patient

COVID-19 Columns, Pulmonary Fibrosis News Columns

Excessive amounts of inflammation in the body often accompany chronic illness. For people living with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), a progressive and life-threatening lung disease, effectively managing inflammation is important ... Read more

July 13, 2021July 13, 2021

‘Christmas in July’ Gives Me the Energy to Get Through 2021

COVID-19 Columns, Pulmonary Hypertension News Columns

Deck the pool chairs. Fire up those outdoor grills and Hallmark movies, because we’re celebrating Christmas in July! You might view this as an odd way to start a column, ... Read more

July 12, 2021July 12, 2021

How to Know If Aging in Place Is Right for You

Alzheimer’s News Today Columns, COVID-19 Columns

In a recent AARP survey, three out of four Americans ages 50 and older said they’d prefer to age in their own homes and communities rather than somewhere else. Frankly, ... Read more

July 12, 2021July 12, 2021

Seeking Discomfort Can Help Me Accomplish What Seems Impossible

COVID-19 Columns, Muscular Dystrophy News Columns

I recently started watching a YouTube channel called Yes Theory, which inspires people to “seek discomfort.” The cast of the video blog often go on trips to remote parts of ... Read more

July 12, 2021July 12, 2021

The Squeaky Wheel Gets the Grease

COVID-19 Columns, Huntington’s Disease News Columns

Dear people working to find a cure for Huntington’s disease (HD), I imagine you all have various reasons for seeking a cure. Near the top of your list is probably ... Read more

July 12, 2021July 12, 2021

MS News That Caught My Eye Last Week: Sativex, IMU-838, Ibudilast, Supercomputer

COVID-19 Columns, Multiple Sclerosis News Today Columns

Sativex Eased MS Spasticity as an Add-on Therapy A reader in Belgium told me he has used Sativex for a couple months. He reported no dramatic improvements in his symptoms, ... Read more

July 9, 2021July 9, 2021

Lockdown Blues: Well That Was a Close Shave!

COVID-19 Columns, Multiple Sclerosis News Today Columns

Last year, winter never quite arrived, and spring kept springing up before being crushed down again. We imperceptibly melded into summer. Then the autumn leaves hung on, and hung on ... Read more

July 9, 2021July 9, 2021

Why I’m Open About My Experiences With Sickle Cell

COVID-19 Columns, Sickle Cell Disease News Columns

One of the many stereotypes of British people is that we can be extremely reserved. In many places in the world, it is common for people to greet one another ... Read more

July 9, 2021July 9, 2021

Don’t Let MS Stop You From Grandparenting

COVID-19 Columns, Multiple Sclerosis News Today Columns

My grandson, John, turned 5 in May, and my granddaughter, Hayden, turned 7 in June. I love being their Poppy, but I wish their Poppy didn’t have MS. I was ... Read more

July 8, 2021July 8, 2021

Reflecting on My Son’s Medical History

COVID-19 Columns, Hemophilia News Today Columns

I recently accompanied my youngest son to his comprehensive checkup at the Ted R. Montoya Hemophilia Program and Treatment Center. Located in Albuquerque and affiliated with the University of New ... Read more