2024 has been a difficult year for David and me health-wise. There are still unresolved health issues from my visit to The Mayo Clinic for which I have several specialists to see in 2025. The most difficult has been that David was diagnosed with three types of cancer this year. The first was CLL Leukemia, Skin Cancer, and most recently Small Cell Lymphocytic Lymphoma. It is common for Skin Cancer to follow Leukemia but the Lymphoma was quite a surprise. Leukemia and Lymphoma are two different cancers and very alarming to me. We’re still waiting to see if radiation treatment is the next step.
We don’t focus on it or the future, we rarely talk about it except after doctor appointments. We focus on the blessings we have and live life for tomorrow.
We know God has a plan for each of us and we are cool with his plan.
Feeling sad all the time for no specific reason doesn’t always mean you have depression, but it does suggest you could be experiencing something more complex than sadness alone.
Sadness is a temporary state that often has a clear cause, like a big disappointment, the loss of someone close to you, or bad news from someone you love.
This type of sadness can fluctuate throughout the day. In certain moments, the emotional burden might feel particularly heavy. You might cry often, feel numb or drained, and struggle to concentrate.
At other times — when you get lost in something you enjoy or when a loved one distracts you — your sorrow may seem light enough that you can barely feel its weight. While it might linger in some form for days or weeks, it generally begins to ease naturally.
Persistent sadness is something else entirely. It can wrap around you like a heavy blanket, muffling the sensations and joy of everyday life. This sadness can leave you feeling low, empty, and defeated. You don’t know what caused your unhappiness, so you have no idea how to start feeling better.
Feeling sad isn’t at all unusual. After all, sorrow is a normal human response to disappointment and loss. Sadness that doesn’t have a clear reason behind it and doesn’t seem to improve, however, may suggest something else is going on.
While not everyone with depression will feel sad, unexplainable sadness you can’t seem to shake is one of the primary signs of depression.
If your sadness does relate to depression, you’ll likely feel sad nearly all of the time — almost every day, for most of each day, for a period of 2 weeks or longer. Sadness, in other words, seems to become a constant companion.
With depression, you’ll experience other symptoms, too. If several of the signs below accompany your sad or tearful mood, there’s a good chance you’re dealing with depression:
Chronic sadness, especially when related to depression, might also prompt regular thoughts of death or suicide. Even if you don’t have a plan to act on these thoughts, it’s always best to talk to someone you trust and get support right away (more on how to do this later).
You might begin to notice your feelings of sadness, along with any other symptoms you experience, follow a specific pattern. Depression can take different forms, and various underlying factors can have an impact on the way your symptoms show up.
A few things to look for:
Rapid shifts in mood
People living with bipolar disorder often experience episodes of depression as part of a cycle that also includes episodes of mania or hypomania.
You might notice you suddenly feel intensely happy, even euphoric. This abrupt change in mood might also involve:
impulsive behavior
restlessness and irritability
a renewed sense of energy that leaves you fixating on certain projects or activities
an increase in confidence and self-esteem
less of a need for sleep
This episode might last a week, or longer.
Somewhere around 40 percentTrusted Source of people with bipolar disorder have what’s known as mixed features. You could experience sadness and other symptoms of depression at the same time as mania.
This combination of symptoms can make it harder to understand what you’re experiencing, which could add to your distress.
Seasonal sadness
Maybe your sadness seems to arrive or intensify around the same time of year the days begin to shorten. Once the longer, sunnier days of spring and summer arrive, you feel better, year after year.
It’s pretty common to feel a little low in autumn and winter. The nights get long and cold, and there are plenty of days when you may not even see the sun.
If this seasonal sadness persists and becomes serious enough to affect daily life, you could have seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a type of depression that occurs along with seasonal changes.
Along with other common depression symptoms, you might also notice:
angry, pessimistic, or frustrated thoughts about the weather
withdrawal or increased avoidance of social settings
The media plays a role not only in misinformation about menopause but also in how it portrays women with menopause. Tune out the riff-raff and look for real answers. Menopause has been a woman’s curse long before I knew what it was and how it affected the lives of women. There are thousands of books on the market about menopause and I thought maybe it was time to look at the unconventional ways women deal with the debilitating symptoms.
Let’s look at unconventional options to help with menopause
Acupuncture
Acupuncture involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body to balance energy flow. Some women report reduced hot flashes, night sweats, and improved mood after regular sessions. While scientific evidence is mixed, it might be worth a try if you’re open to alternative therapies.
Herbal Remedies
Black Cohosh: Often used for hot flashes and mood swings. Some studies suggest it can be effective, but it’s not suitable for everyone.
Red Clover: Contains plant-based estrogens that may help with hot flashes, though results vary.
Evening Primrose Oil: Known for helping with breast pain and hot flashes. Always consult a healthcare provider before starting any herbal supplements.
Yoga and Meditation
These practices can help manage stress, improve sleep, and enhance overall well-being. Yoga, in particular, can increase flexibility and strength, which is beneficial during menopause.
Dietary Changes
Adopting a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can help manage symptoms. The Mediterranean diet, known for its anti-inflammatory properties, can be particularly beneficial.
Essential Oils
Lavender Oil: Known for its calming properties, it can help reduce stress and improve sleep.
Peppermint Oil: Can provide a cooling sensation, which may help with hot flashes.
Biofeedback
This technique involves learning to control certain physiological functions, such as heart rate and muscle tension, with the help of a biofeedback device. It can be effective in managing stress and related symptoms.
Hypnotherapy
Some studies suggest hypnotherapy can reduce the frequency and severity of hot flashes and improve sleep quality.
Remember, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatments, especially if you have underlying health conditions.
Next week I’m having Carpal Tunnel surgery on my left and at the same time he is removing the brace in my wrist from when I broke it in 2018. This will be the worst of the surgeries. I go back at the end of the month for Carpal Tunnel surgery in my right hand but that is a much easier surgery with a quick recovery. What makes it more frustrating is I have Ostearithrois of the carpometacarpal joint in both thumbs. This means, the cartilage in those joints has disintegrated and is bone on bone, and it’s quite painful.
My left hand will be bandaged for two weeks, and for several weeks after I can’t do any heavy lifting. I’m already practicing how to dress with my fingers only, boy that’s hard. You use your thumbs for so many things.
Luckily I have my husband to help me but he will be back at work so I’ll have to learn to do things for myself. I expect the first week to involve many pain meds and sleeping. After that, I’ll try my hand at writing to see if I can do it without hurting my wrist and thumb.
I will still read your post although I might not be able to comment.
I will miss your friendship and our conversations.
Taking medication every day can be tiring and frustrating. But when it comes to living a healthy life, accepting this support is an invaluable step.
When I was 14 years old, sobbing uncontrollably in classes and during cheerleading practice, a psychiatrist scribbled out a prescription for Prozac. I paced through the aisles of the pharmacy, flipping through copies of Vogue and smelling the bottles of shampoo while I waited for the pharmacist to spill the capsules into a bottle.
I knew something was “wrong” with me, but I wasn’t convinced swallowing these pills could make me feel better. I did know I was sad — so sad that it was agonizing to tumble out of my bed and make my way to the bus stop.
Finding what worked for me
Throughout high school, I cycled through the offices of many different psychiatrists. I was always looking for the next pill that could fix whatever was wrong with me.
After I got over the initial shock of needing to rely on psychiatric medications, I started to see these pills as hopeful objects that would bring me some relief.
Each new psychiatrist and each new medication change brought new hope that I would get better. The doctors were encouraged that we would find the right medication and that my life would become more manageable.
Then, during my senior year of high school, I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. And with that came lithium, pills that are amazing at evening out my moods. So, now I live the lithium lifestyle.
I have to remain vigilant about what my body is telling me because if the level of lithium in my blood gets high enough, I could get very sick. I’ve spent nights sleeping in emergency room beds because the lithium level became toxic and I needed fluids to rehydrate me.
Even still, there’s no denying that this medication has saved my life.
It’s rescued me from some of the deepest, darkest depressions — those times when I felt so broken and raw that I was not sure if I could go on. Lithium has sucked the depression out of my marrow and allowed me to have more of a life.
It’s clear that I need these chemicals to function. And I have a feeling that I will be taking lithium for a very long time, maybe even for the rest of my life.
But I can handle that. I am just grateful that lithium exists, that I can swallow a few capsules and be back on track to regaining myself.
The ups and downs
However, despite its success, there are some nights when I’m so tired that I’m tempted to go to bed without taking my pills. I don’t want to be reminded that I’m sick and that I’m different from all of my friends. I doubt they’re reliant on pills just to survive.
But then, I see flashbacks: me pacing through the corridors of the psych ward; me standing at the medication counter while nurses pour tablets and capsules into little cups; me rocking back and forth on my bed, hoping that I can somehow get some relief from my depression.
So I stumble to the bathroom sink, fill up a large glass of water, and then bring it to my bed. I spill my cocktail of tablets and capsules onto my comforter and start taking them.
I remind myself that these pills are a collection of chemicals that allow me to function, to get through the day without being interrupted by the manic or depressive symptoms of my bipolar disorder.
Taking pills has become a part of every day. And, for me, every day begins and ends the same way: with me taking the pills my psychiatrist has prescribed to keep my bipolar illness at bay.
Accepting the downsides
I think you know by now that, for me, taking my pills is not optional. The consequences are very real and very scary.
My medication keeps the depression at bay. It keeps me on the other side of that locked psych ward door, a place I don’t want to be. My medication allows me to live just like those who don’t need medication — so I can go to college and even get through grad school.
Even though I know all of this, it doesn’t mean I’m thrilled that I’ll be relying on psychiatric medication for the rest of my life. Of course, I worry about the long-term consequences on my body.
For example, I know that lithium can be hard on the kidneys. The medication that does so much for my emotional state can also make me nauseous with trembling hands. And it’s very embarrassing when I’m at a restaurant with friends and my hands tremble every time I reach over to put some food on my plate.
Someone very close to me passed away because he refused to be treated for his own mood disorder. I think of him when I’m reluctant to take my pills.
I know this person in my life didn’t want to take psychiatric medication because of the stigma of mental illness. I feel it myself when I go to the pharmacy to pick up my lithium. I still whisper the names of the medications I’m picking up so nobody will think I’m “crazy.”
The bottom line
Psychiatric medications are effective. I don’t care if I have to experience side effects because anything is better than depression to me. My pills have given me my life back.
I can’t say it’s easy to manage those side effects when they have me sitting in the emergency room getting fluids, but I don’t want to spend my days in bed, crying and isolated.
Depression is one of the most painful things I’ve ever gone through and I’m so grateful my medications exist to bring me back to the real world. I will keep taking them because I want to feel better, and this is how I can.
The article looks at a person’s life and how they manage their illness and medication. I can say without a doubt, that taking your medication as prescribed is the best way to manage your illness.
Click on the link at the bottom of the post to see the entire list for December.
Awareness Months
HIV/AIDS Awareness Month
National Drunk & Drugged Driving (3D) Prevention Month
National Human Rights Month
Safe Toys and Gifts Month
Seasonal Affective Disorder Awareness Month
Universal Human Rights Month
World Twin To Twin Transfusion Syndrome Awareness Month
Worldwide Food Service Safety Month
Awareness Days
Rosa Parks Bus Seat Refusal Anniversary – December 1
World AIDS Day – December 1
Giving Tuesday – 1st Tuesday after Thanksgiving
International Day of Persons with Disabilities – December 3
International Volunteer Day – December 5
Human Rights Day – December 10
International Animal Rights Day – December 10
Bill of Rights Day – December 15
One important awareness day for me is Giving Tuesday when many charities have donors who will double or triple your donation. I make all of my yearly donations on that day to help the money stretch further.
Reading memoirs and nonfiction about bipolar disorder helps connect with those living with this brain-based condition, whether you have it or love someone who does. By Natalia Lusinski
When it comes to bipolar disorder, sometimes it may be difficult for loved ones to understand what the person is experiencing. While they often view it through the lens of caregiving, they may not grasp the individual’s personal perspective.That’s where these books come in. They’ll help you feel less alone, whether you’re the one who has bipolar or know someone who does, like a friend, your partner, a parent, a coworker, a neighbor, a child, or anyone else in your social circle.We rounded up these 10 must-read books on bipolar from this year, perfect for personal reading or as a thoughtful gift for someone who could benefit from them.
1. Daddy’s Magical Rainbow – Having a Parent With Bipolar DisorderWhen a parent has bipolar disorder, it can be challenging for a child to understand the emotional ups and downs that come with the mental health condition. In Daddy’s Magical Rainbow – Having a Parent With Bipolar Disorder, author Sarah P. Foster aims to help children ages 4 to 11 better understand bipolar, though it’s also intended for readers of all ages.The story follows a little girl whose dad has bipolar disorder. She learns that “it’s the bipolar talking” — helping her realize it’s not her “fault” when her dad acts in certain ways, whether he’s angry, quiet, manic, or experiencing other emotions. Off the page, Foster is a special education teacher with 30 years of experience working with children. She also grew up in a home environment that was affected by mental health challenges. The illustrations add a lot of heart to the story and come with a unique touch. The illustrator, Lucie Pedersen, is only 10 years old, which likely explains why her artwork so naturally draws readers into the narrative.
2. An Impossible Life: A True Story of Hope and Mental IllnessAn Impossible Life: A True Story of Hope and Mental Illness, by Rachael Siddoway and Sonja Wasden, is an award-winning bestseller highlighting how bipolar disorder can affect anyone — it does not discriminate. The book follows Wasden’s journey after being admitted to a psychiatric hospital — against her will — by her husband and father when she was 35 years old. On the outside, her life seemed idyllic: She was a mother of three living in the suburbs with her successful husband. However, behind closed doors, she was battling with intense symptoms of bipolar disorder, including manic and depressive episodes, as well as delusions. The book offers hope to those living with bipolar or those who know someone affected by it. Since her experience, Wasden has become a dedicated mental health advocate. Oprah Winfrey even participated in one of her virtual mental health book club discussions to help inspire female inmates at the world’s largest women’s prison.
3. The Bipolar Therapist: A Journey From Madness to Love and Meaning The Bipolar Therapist: A Journey From Madness to Love and Meaning was written by Marcia Naomi Berger, LCSW. In this memoir, Berger is open and honest about her time spent in a psychiatric ward, particularly from the unique perspective of being a therapist who became a patient in the psych ward. Like anyone else, she had to confront the stigma and shameassociated with bipolar disorder. Through her story, we learn how this experience ultimately made her a more compassionate therapist. “Marcia Naomi Berger’s first-person account of her journey and transformation is courageous,” states Francis G. Lu, MD, professor emeritus in the department of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at UC Davis, in the editorial reviews. “As she writes, ‘Someone with mental illness is much bigger and more complex than their diagnosis.’”
4. Hogbook and Lazer Eyes Hogbook and Lazer Eyes is a graphic novel memoir by writer, actor, and stand-up comedian Maria Bamford and her husband, artist Scott Marvel Cassidy. The story is based on their unique courtship — told from the point of view of their pugs — and how they met on the dating site OkCupid, using the names “Hogbook” and “Lazer Eyes.” As it turns out, they had more in common than they initially thought: They both have bipolar 2 disorder. Whether you have bipolar or have been (or are) in a relationship with someone who does this heartwarming and funny book is sure to resonate.
5. Devout: A Memoir of Doubt In Devout: A Memoir of Doubt, author Anna Gazmarian not only reflects on living with bipolar 2 disorder but also her struggles with spirituality. Raised in an evangelical household, Bazmarian’s 2011 diagnosis at age 18 led to a crisis of faith as well. Now 31 and living in Durham, North Carolina, where she works as an outreach coordinator for The Sun Magazine, a national literary publication, Gazmarian spoke with bpHope about her memoir earlier this year. “The longer I’ve had my diagnosis, and the longer I’ve sought treatment, the more I’ve learned to cope with having it be only part of my identity,” Gazmarian says, adding that opening up about her bipolar diagnosis and its impact has been a healing process. She hopes her story will inspire others.
6. Bipolar, Not So Much: Understanding Your Mood Swings and Depression Whether someone is newly diagnosed with bipolar disorder or has been living with the diagnosis for some time, this book, Bipolar, Not So Much: Understanding Your Mood Swings and Depression, offers valuable insights. Written by Chris Aiken, MD, a psychiatrist and assistant professor at New York University and Wake Forest medical schools, along with James Phelps, MD, emeritus psychiatrist, Samaritan Mental Health in Corvallis, Oregon, the book draws on their medical expertise to help readers understand the complexities of depressionand how to manage and cope with it. The authors also emphasize that bipolar disorder is nota one-size-fits-all diagnosis. They explore various treatment approaches, acknowledging that different methods work for different people.
7. Be There: My Lived Experience With My Sister’s Bipolar Disorder Be There: My Lived Experience With My Sister’s Bipolar Disorder tells the story of author Linsey Willis, the younger sibling and caregiver to her sister Betsy, who has bipolar disorder. Betsy’s diagnosis at 21, despite being an Ivy League-educated woman, came as a shock and drastically changed the course of her life. The book not only draws readers into Linsey and Betsy’s experiences but also resonates with anyone who has a sibling or loved one living with bipolar. At its core, the story carries an important message of resilience and hope.
8. Living Well With Bipolar Disorder: Practical Strategies for Improving Your Daily Life In Living Well With Bipolar Disorder: Practical Strategies for Improving Your Daily Life, David J. Miklowitz, MD, professor of psychology at the UCLA Semel Institute, offers practical strategies for managing life with bipolar disorder. He addresses common stressors to avoid, how to cope when they arise, and ways to handle mood swings effectively. The book covers a wide range of topics, from managing depression, mania, anxiety, and irritability to navigating daily routines such as sleep, relationships, and work. It also explores maintaining physical health, managing substance use, and making the most of medicationsand therapy for long-term mood stability. “Dr. Miklowitz, an acclaimed authority in the treatment of mood disorders, provides clear and valuable suggestions for how to navigate a seemingly unnavigable condition,” Kay Redfield Jamison, PhD, professor of psychiatry and behavioral science at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, writes in an editorial review.
9. Crazy… Or Something Else Entirely: A (Mostly) Secret Journey With Bipolar Disorder Jillian Dumond’s Crazy… Or Something Else Entirely: A (Mostly) Secret Journey With Bipolar Disorder is a heartfelt and humorous memoir that offers a candid look at how bipolar disorder has impacted her life, particularly in areas like dating and relationships. Written in a conversational style, Dumond invites readers into her world, sharing personal experiences that are both relatable and engaging. What makes the book even more compelling are the contributions from her family and friends, offering insights into bipolar disorder from a caregiver’s perspective. Through these multiple viewpoints, the book not only provides a deeper understanding of living with bipolar but also highlights the importance of support and empathy from loved ones.
10. The Social Rhythm Therapy Workbook for Bipolar Disorder The Social Rhythm Therapy Workbook for Bipolar Disorder is written by Holly Swartz, MD, professor of psychiatry at the University of Pittsburgh, with a foreword by Ellen Frank, PhD, distinguished professor emeritus at the same university. In this workbook, Dr. Swartz explains how social rhythm therapy can help individuals with bipolar disorder reset their internal body clock, or circadian rhythm. By stabilizing daily routines and rhythms, this approach can reduce bipolar symptoms, lower stress, and support better mood management. The book offers practical tools for applying these strategies in everyday life to promote emotional stability.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Natalia Lusinski Natalia Lusinski is an editor and writer for bpHope and a wellness and lifestyle writer and editor, covering everything from health to travel to personal finance topics. Her work can be seen in several publications, including Business Insider, Yahoo, Forbes, Insight Timer, and the L.A. Times. She spent several years living abroad and is currently working on a travel/grief memoir. (If anyone happens to be in Portugal, she’d love a pastel de nata.) Back in L.A., she runs a popular pizza Meetup and is still trying to find her favorite slice.
Thank you for all the great feedback on the Blogger Highlight series, I’ve enjoyed meeting each blogger and sharing their site with you. This week we highlight the blog Solongasicanbreath. I’ve followed Marie for a short time but we connected straight away. She has ME which is a severe chronic illness and she graciously answered a question about the illness for me. Interestingly enough we have the same illness, ME and CFS are the same just different names. It sounds like CFS is more often used in America whereas the UK uses ME. I know the struggle and mine is not severe, I admire Marie’s outlook on life with the struggle she has.
In late 2011 ME – Myalgic Encephalomyelitis – entered my world after a viral infection and while I lost my full time job in Accounting, my hobbies (which included hot yoga, running with my local athletics club and horse riding), and everything that once defined me, I gained a swathe of space and time.
Since then, I’ve used this time to observe this odd world of ours, amend how I view the term “living” and dabble in writing and tree planting (my friends, husband and I have planted about 100 mainly native trees in our 3/4 acre garden).
I’m passionate about our environment and live as sustainably as I can. We grow a lot of our own vegetables while buying into consumerism as little as possible.
My poems, short stories and non-fiction can be found in the books Poems from Conflicted Hearts, Observant Observings, magazines and journals such as Slant,Caustic Frolic,ROPES, JuxtaProse, online resources Glossy News, Every Writer and newspapers Irish Examiner and Irish Independent.
From 2014 to 2021, I wrote a regular column for the magazine Athenry News and Views.
One very important post she wrote is about having ME its called Losing Myself. It’s a long read but worth every minute.
WHAT IS ME?
As per the CDC, ME is a serious and often long-lasting illness that keeps people from doing their usual activities.
It makes physical and mental exertion difficult.
Symptoms include trouble thinking, severe tiredness and other symptoms.
There is no known cause or cure. Care usually means treating the symptoms that most affect a person’s life.
HOW TO HELP PATIENTS WITH ME IN IRELAND?
There are many organisations available to patients and their carers.
Patients with Severe ME remain bedridden and need help with basic activities including nutrition and hydration.
Questions I asked
M. You’ve published many articles, how did you get involved in writing for magazines?
M. Like everything in life, by accident! In early 2014 after having some poems I submit to an anthology published, the publisher of the anthology asked if I’d enough material for a solo poetry book, which I did. And after that book Observant Observings was published and some articles appeared in local media to promote it, the editor of a local magazine reached out to me and asked if I was interested in writing a regular column for them. I said why not! I wrote an article for every issue from late 2014 to 2021 when the magazine ceased trading due to the impacts of the pandemic. And while I was writing for them, I began sending off work elsewhere which too has been published. Then, in 2016, after I wrote a letter to the editor of our national newspaper, The Irish Independent, following our general election at the time, and pointing out the reasons for anger in the country, the editor of the paper reached out to me, asking if I’d follow up with a full length journalistic piece, and that was published under my own name, which gave me another feather in my cap! Life lesson: take calculated risks! Have confidence in your ability and challenge yourself!
M. How do you find joy in your day?
M. Like many people living with long term illness, and being as limited as I am due to my ME, I’ve had to adapt and re-learn what living means without having a job or social life or the hobbies I once had (which included hot yoga, running with a local athletic club and horse riding). It didn’t happen overnight. But the more I sat with myself, the more I began to look outward, to see the seasons change, the light change within a day, etc. That’s where I now find joy. Watching the seasons roll in and watching how nature and her creatures react to each change. At present I have a hooded crow who for the last 3 years has showed up at my kitchen window for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Joy can be found in the smallest of places, and you don’t even have to dip into your pocket to enjoy it!
Be sure to pull up a chair and read through Marie’s archives, you’ll leave with more knowledge than you came with.
Our lung health is critical to having a healthy life. I learned more about Lung Cancer while researching for this post, and I’m so glad I quit smoking 20+ years ago.
—
Whether you are in perfect health, or you are living with a lung condition, there are many things you can do to protect your lungs and maintain your overall health and well-being.
Sometimes we take our lungs for granted. They keep us alive and well and for the most part, we don’t need to think about them. That’s why it is important to prioritize your lung health.
Your body has a natural defense system designed to protect the lungs, keeping dirt and germs at bay. But there are some important things you can do to reduce your risk of lung disease. Here are some ways to keep your lungs healthy.
Don’t Smoke
Cigarette smoking is the major cause of lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Cigarette smoke can narrow the air passages and make breathing more difficult. It causes chronic inflammation, or swelling in the lung, which can lead to chronic bronchitis. Over time cigarette smoke destroys lung tissue and may trigger changes that grow into cancer.
If you smoke, it is never too late to benefit from quitting. We can help whenever you are ready.
Avoid Exposure to Air Pollutants That Can Damage Your Lungs
Indoor Air Quality
Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) refers to the air in the buildings and structures that we work, live, and play in as well as the immediate area around these buildings and structures.
IAQ is important for ALL of us since we spend up to 90% of our time indoors.
It can be surprising to learn that indoor air can be even more polluted than the air outdoors.
Secondhand smoke, chemicals in the home and workplace, mold and radon all can cause or worsen lung disease.
Talk to your healthcare provider if you are worried that something in your home, school or work may be making you sick.
Outdoor Air Pollution
The air quality outside can vary from day to day and sometimes is unhealthy to breathe. Knowing how outdoor air pollution affects your health and useful strategies to minimize prolonged exposure can help keep you and your family well. Climate change and natural disasters can also directly impact lung health.
To protect your lungs from outdoor pollution consider the following:
Avoid exercising outdoors on bad air days
Avoid exercising near high traffic areas
Check Airnow.gov to find out the daily air conditions in your area
Don’t burn wood or trash
Get Regular Check-ups
Regular check-ups help prevent diseases, even when you are feeling well. This is especially true for lung disease, which sometimes goes undetected until it is serious. During a check-up, your healthcare provider will listen to your breathing and listen to your concerns.
The scariest part is that you can get Lung Cancer from our everyday environment. To many saying “mask” sends their eyes rolling but if you think about it, wearing a mask prevents the Flu and COVID-19, and it protects your lungs. I look at China and see most people wearing masks, my guess is that COVID-19 scared them into the habit.
The number of people with Diabetes is staggering and can cut your life short if not managed. Below are estimates for the United States and estimates based on ethnic background.
Estimated prevalence of diabetes in the United States
Total: 38.4 million people of all ages had diabetes (11.6% of the population) in 2021. 38.1 million were adults ages 18 years or older.
Diagnosed: 29.7 million people of all ages had been diagnosed with diabetes (8.9% of the population).
29.4 million were adults ages 18 years or older.
352,000 were children and adolescents younger than age 20, including 304,000 with type 1 diabetes.
Age-adjusted data from 2019 to 2021 showed that, for both men and women ages 18 years or older, the prevalence of diagnosed diabetes was highest among American Indian and Alaska Native adults (13.6%), followed by non-Hispanic Black adults (12.1%), adults of Hispanic origin (11.7%), non-Hispanic Asian adults (9.1%), and non-Hispanic White adults (6.9%).
Undiagnosed: 8.7 million adults ages 18 years or older had diabetes but were undiagnosed (22.8% of adults with diabetes were undiagnosed).
Read about the estimates of diabetes in the United StatesExternal link and the prevalence of both diagnosed and undiagnosed diabetes in the National Diabetes Statistics Report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
According to the American Diabetes Association’s Economic Costs of Diabetes in the U.S.External link, the total estimated cost of diagnosed diabetes in 2022 was $412.9 billion, including $306.6 billion in direct medical costs and $106.3 billion in reduced productivity.
Diabetes in America from NIDDK provides new and updated data on diabetes and its complications in the United States.
Diabetes in America, 3rd Edition from NIDDK in 2018 provides comprehensive data on diabetes and its complications in the United States.
National Diabetes Survey 2016from NIDDK presents findings from a 2016 survey that measured trends in diabetes awareness, knowledge, and behavior.
Diabetes and Obesity MapsExternal link from CDC show the age-adjusted prevalence of obesity and diagnosed diabetes among adults in the United States by county in 2004, 2009, 2014, and 2019.
Diabetes and African AmericansExternal link from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Minority Health provides prevalence data on diabetes among African Americans, including death rates, risk factors, and links to more information.
Diabetes and American Indians/Alaska NativesExternal link from the HHS Office of Minority Health provides prevalence data on diabetes among American Indians and Alaska Natives, including death rates, risk factors, and links to more information.
Diabetes and Asian AmericansExternal link from the HHS Office of Minority Health provides prevalence data on diabetes among Asian Americans, including death rates, risk factors, and links to more information.
Diabetes and Hispanic AmericansExternal link from the HHS Office of Minority Health provides prevalence data on diabetes among Hispanic Americans, including death rates, risk factors, and links to more information.
This content is provided as a service of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), part of the National Institutes of Health. NIDDK translates and disseminates research findings to increase knowledge and understanding about health and disease among patients, health professionals, and the public. Content produced by NIDDK is carefully reviewed by NIDDK scientists and other experts.
—
Why is Diabetic Medications so expensive?
Pharmaceutical companies spend billions of dollars in research and development to create new drugs, and for them to recoup their investment the FDA gives them a timeframe where the drug can not be made into a generic. If companies didn’t have a chance to recoup on investment, manufacturers would stop doing research to make more targeted drugs through the research they do. Brand names are more expensive for this reason. They are not public health services and are not operated by our government. Our government gets involved when the drugs are presented to the FDA for approval.
If you don’t have medical insurance, the cost of medication can put a dent in your monthly cost of living. Before picking up your medication even if you have insurance go on the app GoodRX to see if they have a less expensive price, and the pharmacist will honor the GoodRX price. If GoodRX doesn’t have a lower price ask the pharmacist if they know of any coupon codes. The first thing I do when taking a brand drug is go to the medication’s website to see if they have a co-pay program. I’m taking several newer brand medications and paying almost nothing because of the company’s co-pay cards.
I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia in 2015 and during the years that have followed, I’ve experienced many types of symptoms and flares. In the past six months I’ve had many waves of flares to differing degrees, and also have experienced symptoms I had forgotten were fibromyalgia-related. I had to go back and read the basics and all the types of symptoms a flare can bring about.
Here are a few symptoms that were new to me
Reactive skin, burning all over my body that felt like acid with the simple move of my shirt or wiping my hands dry.
The arthritis pain in my hands has reached a new level of pain.
Parts of my body hurt more than before.
Overview of Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain accompanied by fatigue, sleep, memory and mood issues. Researchers believe that fibromyalgia amplifies painful sensations by affecting the way your brain and spinal cord process painful and nonpainful signals.
Symptoms often begin after an event, such as physical trauma, surgery, infection or significant psychological stress. In other cases, symptoms gradually accumulate over time with no single triggering event.
While there is no cure for fibromyalgia, a variety of medications can help control symptoms. Exercise, relaxation, and stress-reduction measures also may help.
This is a short overview of whoever. There’s a wealth of knowledge available to read. Remember to check out the Fibromyalgia organizations. Look for respected sources because I ‘ve ran across several sites that are only selling supplements or pushed memberships. You want solid resources.
Some exercises may help, look for them and see how they fit in your life.
Understanding the impact of your words can make a significant difference. Discover more thoughtful ways to express yourself and create a more caring environment.
Words have immense power. They can uplift and encourage but also wound deeply, often without the speaker even realizing it. This is particularly true for individuals living with bipolar disorder, for whom certain phrases can be not just unhelpful but profoundly hurtful. While some of these comments might seem innocuous or well-meaning, they often reflect misunderstandings about the nature of mental health conditions.
These phrases wouldn’t just be hurtful to someone with bipolar disorder; they can be upsetting to anyone, as they often invalidate feelings and experiences.
The goal isn’t to police language but to encourage awareness and empathy. Many in our community have shared that specific comments, though well-intentioned, can worsen their struggles. Understanding why these phrases are hurtful helps us become better allies and offers support that truly helps.
Here are 10 of the most common and hurtful things people with bipolar disorder have heard:
1. ‘Snap Out of It’
This phrase implies that managing bipolar disorder is simply a matter of willpower, which dismisses the complexity and challenges of the condition. Bipolar disorder is a serious mental health condition that involves severe mood swings, including manic and depressive episodes. Suggesting that someone can “snap out of it” minimizes the profound impact these episodes can have on a person’s life. It also ignores the necessity of medical treatment, therapy, and lifestyle changes to manage the disorder effectively.
A more supportive approach would be acknowledging their struggle and asking how to help, such as, “I can see you’re going through a tough time. How can I support you?”
2. ‘Everyone Has Mood Swings Sometimes’
Comparing typical mood swings to the extreme highs and lows of bipolar disorder minimizes the severity of the condition. Mood swings in bipolar disorder are not just simple changes in emotion; they can be intense and debilitating, affecting every part of a person’s life, from their relationships to their ability to function day-to-day. This comparison can make someone with bipolar disorder feel misunderstood and isolated.
Instead, try expressing empathy without comparison: “I can’t imagine how hard this must be for you. I’m here to listen if you need to talk.”
3. ‘You’re Just Being Overly Dramatic or Emotional’
This can be particularly hurtful as people with bipolar disorder may react strongly due to their condition, and being told they’re overreacting can feel invalidating. Such a statement dismisses their genuine feelings and experiences, which are influenced by their brain-based disorder. It’s essential to recognize that their reactions are not within their complete control.
A better way to respond would be to validate their feelings: “It seems like this is really affecting you. How can I help?”
4. ‘I Wish I Was Manic so I Could Get Stuff Done’
This comment trivializes the manic episodes of bipolar disorder, which can involve risky behaviors, sleep problems, and impaired judgment, not just increased productivity. Mania is not simply a burst of energy; it can be destructive and dangerous. You might inadvertently romanticize a very challenging aspect of the disorder by saying this.
A more compassionate approach would be to ask how they are managing their symptoms: “It must be exhausting dealing with mania. What helps you cope?”
5. ‘Maybe You Should Pray More’
While spiritual practices can be a source of comfort for some, suggesting that prayer alone can manage bipolar disorder dismisses the need for medical treatment and professional support. Mental health conditions like bipolar disorder typically require a combination of medication, therapy, and lifestyle adjustments.
A more helpful comment would be: “I hope you find comfort in your faith, and I’m here to support you in whatever way you need.”
6. ‘You Don’t Seem Like You’re Bipolar’
This is along the same lines as “You seem so normal.” This statement can make someone feel like their struggles are being dismissed or that they are being judged for not showing visible signs of their condition. Bipolar disorder doesn’t have a “look,” and many people work hard to manage their symptoms and appear outwardly stable. It’s essential to recognize that internal experiences can differ greatly from outward appearances.
Instead, you might say: “I admire how well you manage your condition. How are you really feeling?”
7. ‘Why Can’t You Just Be Happy?’
Suggesting that happiness is simply a choice overlooks the complex factors that influence mood in bipolar disorder. Happiness is not a simple decision for someone with a brain-based disorder; it can be influenced by connections between brain cells, life circumstances, and other factors beyond their control. This question can feel dismissive and make the person feel blamed for their condition.
A more supportive statement would be: “I’m sorry you’re feeling this way. What can I do to help?”
8. ‘Have You Tried Just Not Taking Your Meds?’
This can be dangerous advice, as managing bipolar disorder often requires careful medical supervision, and abruptly stopping medication can have serious consequences. Medications for bipolar disorder are usually carefully prescribed and monitored by a healthcare provider to manage symptoms and prevent an episode. Suggesting someone stop their medication can undermine their treatment plan and pose significant risks.
Instead, express support for their treatment plan: “I hope your treatment is helping. How are you finding it?”
9. ‘You Just Need to Exercise More’
While exercise can be beneficial for mental health, suggesting it as a cure-all solution minimizes the complexity of bipolar disorder and the need for comprehensive treatment plans. Exercise is part of a broader treatment strategy that includes medication and therapy.
Instead of suggesting a simple fix, acknowledge the complexity of the condition: “Exercise can be helpful. What else is part of your treatment plan?”
10. ‘You’ve Got It So Good, Why Are You Depressed?’
This minimizes the person’s feelings and implies that their life circumstances should prevent them from feeling depressed, which is not how bipolar disorder works. Depression in bipolar disorder is not about having a bad day; it’s a severe symptom that can occur regardless of external circumstances.
A more empathetic response would be: “I know things might look good from the outside, but I understand that doesn’t change how you feel. How can I support you?”
Tanya Hvilivitzky has spent more than 30 years in the communications field — a career that has included stints as an investigative journalist, managing editor for a lifestyle and wellness magazine, corporate communications director, and researcher/writer. She has been with bpHope (and bp Magazine) since 2016, serving in roles such as features editor, interim editor, and, currently, senior editor. She has been devoted to mental health awareness since she was the editor of Schizophrenia Digest in her early days, and now with a particular focus on highlighting the complexities of bipolar disorder through compassionate, service-based journalism. As an award-winning writer/editor, Tanya received the Beyond Borders Media Award for her 2012 investigative exposé about human trafficking for Niagara Magazine. Her work on this critical topic also earned the Media Freedom Award “Honouring Canada’s Heroes” from the Joy Smith Foundation to Stop Human Trafficking.
Customer Service has become a relic term, not even common courtesy is extended today.
Medical doctor’s offices claim to be the top in the field with all these awards including ones for customer service. Why is it that I can’t get a critical question answered by my doctor through the portal?
I had to wait an hour on the phone until the receptionist could find a live person to talk with me, I didn’t have anything better to to do. Maybe it’s time we start charging for the hours we spend trying to get answers. It took me from 10/22/24 to 11/6/24 to get someone on the phone and schedule my surgery.
Today I had an appointment with my new pharmacist since I’m changing pharmacies. We scheduled last week to meet today at 2:00 pm, at 2:30 pm I called to say I had other things to do and when she was ready she could call to reschedule. I got a message back saying one of the pharmacists had a meeting that ran long. Why can’t you text me the minute you knew there was a conflict? Again where the hell is the communication. It’s like the medical community has decided it’s no longer their issue. I disagree!
Why did the powers that be allow text spam? Who’s making money here? Or is it that big business has so much power over the FTC that allowed this to happen?
Who is selling my email information? I get a 10-15 spam emails a day. It is impossible to track down because I will not click on any links. Be sure to read the Privacy Information for companies you sign up with to see what they do with your data.
All the issues I was having with Bots were because WordPress shares your information with its so-called partners. I had to search a bit but found a hidden sentence that if clicked allows WordPress to share information with their AI partners for training AI. Ok, I switch it off thinking that mess is over. Not so quick. I went three days without Bots and now they are back with a vengeance. I don’t have a complete problem with AI but I want to know how my content is used and how I get credit for the content. It also screws up the views, it can get so complicated that it’s not worth it. I will say that FaceBook/Meta is the AI bot that attacks my archives daily.
I realize not every town has these problems, that’s great for you. I hope it remains that way for a long time.
I’m observing that most businesses are pushing you to their portals so they don’t have to talk with you. How far down do we go from here? Will we have to make an appointment just to have a question answered?
I don’t care for this lack of human connection one bit, it will only spill over to the rest of our lives. Scary!
What bothers you today about the lack of communication?
The trip to the Mayo wasn’t quite what I expected but you have to remember I was only there for three days. I was scheduled for four days but was so frustrated I left early. The good is that a couple of things were ruled out. For one I don’t have cancer which was a major concern of mine, and I don’t have a bleeding disorder. They did discover I had weakness in my legs, hands, and arms but I did not stay around to meet with the Neurologist. I also found out I have several types of serious Anemia but my Immunologist doesn’t seem to care. Time for a new Immunologist. I even stopped my Antibody Infusion Treatments due to a lack of communication on his part. The Mayo for as good as they are can only handle so many areas of concern due to time constraints. They wanted me to come back for more testing but I refused. The trip cost was very high when you look at airport parking, airline tickets, a rental car, and a hotel, eating, and putting the dogs in the kennel. Not to mention my husband taking a week off work. Maybe I’ll go back at another time but for now, I’m seeking out doctors that can help me locally.
I sought out a Hand Orthopedic doctor for carpel tunnel and the pain I was experiencing. Through the process, I found out I have Osteoarthritis in my thumbs which is one reason for the severe pain. I now wear thumb braces, take low-dose pain medication for arthritis in my hands, and am having carpel tunnel surgery in both hands as well as having a wrist brace taken out that was put in when I broke my wrist in 2018. It’s moved and it causing pain. I hope to have at least the left-hand surgery done this month.
I’ve been battling one Fibromyalgia flare after another for months now. I’ll save the details for the Fibromyalgia post I’m writing.
I have also been battling low-grade depression probably caused by stress and worry. My depression is very sensitive to stress. I’m feeling better but still not my normal self.
One great action I’ve taken is to return to weekly chiropractor visits and monthly massages. This has helped me work the stress out of my body and work to align the degenerative areas. It’s a hurt-so-good stage.
Like everyone, there’s always something we are dealing with and we have to step up to the plate and deal with them. :)
Chronic illness is hard to live with, but coping by responding with excessive positivity can suppress our real feelings.
Those who live with chronic illnesses know all too well how frequently people shower you with meaningless platitudes like “just be positive” and “mind over matter.”
Of course, how we feel mentally affects our physical health, but being chronically ill also sucks sometimes. It’s OK to acknowledge that reality. But often, when we do, we’re told we’re being overdramatic or to force ourselves to “think our way back to being healthy.”
It’s time to reject toxic positivity and find coping mechanisms that actually work for you instead of methodologies that punish you for having “negative feelings.”
What is toxic positivity?
“Toxic positivity is an expectation that no matter how serious a situation or diagnosis is, a person should maintain an ongoing optimistic and positive outlook and attitude regardless of how serious the circumstances are,” said Chicago-based clinical social worker Iris Waichler, MSW, LCSW.
This invasive method of communication shows up in countless ways, often slipping out of people’s mouths without them even noticing. Sometimes, it comes from the inside, led by an internal battle to just “get over it,” but it typically arises when people place their life view onto others.
“Toxic positivity often looks like someone giving you a motivational quote instead of actually listening, helping, or being there for you,” said Kitty Underhill, a body and self-acceptance coach from London, England. “For example, you could be struggling and communicating that to a friend, and they shut down the conversation with a statement like ‘good vibes only’ or dismissing it as being ‘low frequency.’
“Toxic positivity also looks like using buzzphrases like ‘what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger’ and telling you that you need to have a more positive attitude rather than hearing you out — it’s an emotional cop-out,” she added.
The impact of toxic positivity is wide-ranging and pervasive, sometimes hiding beneath the surface for years before we’re able to recognize that it’s prevented us from feeling the full spectrum of human emotion without feeling guilty for not being cheerful enough for those around us.
“Toxic positivity may cause people to believe their feelings are not worthwhile, create self-doubt and shame, and make them believe their feelings are invalid,” said Waichler. “The unintended consequences may be enhanced insecurity, which lessens self-confidence and self-worth.”
How can it show up in our lives with chronic illness?
The effects may largely be the same, but chronically ill people deal with another poisonous layer when facing toxic positivity: disbelief.
Too often, disabled and chronically ill people are encouraged to “think themselves well” because it’s “mind over matter,” but this neglects reality. A positive outlook can improve someone’s overall well-being. However, it’s not a magical cure for incurable illness.
“A healthy person may not have a real understanding of the physical, medical, and psychological ramifications that chronic illness has on an individual,” Waichler said. “A healthy person’s attempt to “cheer them up” or be unrealistically positive can create feelings of alienation, resentment, and anger for the person on the receiving end.”
Toxic positivity is dismissive because it discards their feelings, insisting that they be processed on the other person’s terms. Unsurprisingly, this is a common occurrence between people with and without chronic illnesses, as it’s easily assumed that we’re being overdramatic or exaggerating our symptoms.
Faced with an onslaught of forced cheerfulness and disbelief, submitting to toxic positivity sometimes feels like the only option, but chronically ill and disabled people deserve to be heard.
“It can be easy to fall for toxic positivity, especially when a lot of ableism depends on disabled folks not speaking up about what they are experiencing and overriding their own comfort and pain levels to make abled folks feel more comfortable,” said Underhill.
“We must remember that toxic positivity is another way of shutting down unpalatable emotions and that our emotions still deserve to be heard and expressed,” she added.
Understanding the difference between toxic positivity and genuine positivity
“Genuine positivity makes space for the negative and doesn’t try to write it off or bat it away,” said Underhill. “Genuine positivity helps you to see things from different angles and perspectives, which can be helpful if we’re getting tunnel vision from feeling hopeless, angry, or upset from experiencing chronic pain issues.”
Where genuine positivity leaves spaces for pain while searching for light, comparatively, toxic positivity shuts down the conversation and obliterates the beautiful spectrum of our emotions.
Resisting the seductive pull of toxic positivity is exhausting, and sometimes, we fall under its spell before it’s possible to throw up a shield.
“If you’ve succumbed to toxic positivity, consider taking a step back to evaluate why you acquiesced,” said Carissa Hodgson, LCSW, OSW-C, director of programs and community outreach at Bright Spot Network and a clinical social worker. “Is it because you don’t have anyone who can authentically support you? Are you struggling with accepting your feelings about an experience? What is it that you need?”
Building your defenses
“To get rid of toxic positivity, it’s worth asking yourself the question, ‘Why do I feel like I cannot hold space for harder emotions?’” said Underhill.
“It’s also worth remembering that no emotion has a moral value. Emotions are not ‘good’ or ‘bad,’” she added. “Emotions are information that we can learn from and take into account.”
Allow yourself to feel everything you need to feel by granting yourself the gift of patience. There is no better defense against toxic positivity than the freedom to feel your emotions without judging them or suffocating them.
Confronting the toxic positivity around us
Try to practice patience when dealing with toxically positive people. It’s hard when you’re so regularly bombarded with it, but know that they are probably trying to empathize. It’s human instinct to jump straight to suggesting solutions. We all do it, even when it’s unwanted.
“Understand that the person is trying to be helpful,” said Waichler. “Help them to then understand how what they said makes you feel.
“Tell a well-meaning loved one with toxic positivity that you appreciate that they are trying to be supportive and positive about your medical condition,” she continued.
Developing healthier coping mechanisms
It’s crucial to develop additional coping mechanisms that manage the mental impact of chronic illness to resist the lure of toxic positivity long term.
“Educate yourselves about the medical condition and how it will progress so your expectations are realistic,” advised Waichler. “It will help you prepare for changes that will evolve in the future.”
Broaden your circle of friends to ensure that your support network is full of people who will understand your experiences with chronic illness. Your loved ones will support you, but unless they also have a chronic illness, they will struggle to understand. Fellow chronically ill people may be better suited to supporting you without relying on toxic positivity to do so.
However, be wary, too. Even the most well-developed support groups can fall prey to toxic positive influences.
“Toxic positivity is often a trojan horse found in online support groups and discussion boards — seemingly helpful and cheery but completely dismissive of the real struggles people are having,” said Hodgson.
As an additional shield, she suggests that people “Create an empowering mantra that entitles you to your feelings, such as ‘My feelings are real’ or ‘I have a right to feel how I want to feel,’ so when you see a dismissive statement, you can repeat your mantra to yourself and keep on reading.”
Medically reviewed on April 20, 2024
I can see how someone chronically ill can fall deep into the positivity route, it feels good at first but over time it overshadows the reality of being chronically ill. As mentioned in the post, many days suck and we can’t just cover them up as if they don’t exist. I’m all for positive energy but if someone just wants to change your thoughts and act like everything is ok, they are not doing you any favor.
Invisible disabilities are physical, mental, or neurological conditions that are not immediately apparent to others. Despite being “invisible,” these conditions can significantly impact a person’s life and require special accommodations and ongoing support.
Unlike conditions that other people can see, such as those requiring the use of a wheelchair, invisible disabilities often go unnoticed, leading to misconceptions about a person’s needs.
Examples of common invisible disabilities
Dysautonomia, also known as autonomic dysfunction, refers to a condition in which the autonomic nervous system (ANS) does not function properly. The ANS controls many crucial bodily functions, such as heart rate, blood pressure, digestion, temperature regulation, and respiratory rate. When the ANS is impaired, these processes can become dysregulated, leading to a wide range of symptoms.
Post-exertional malaise (PEM) where even minor physical or mental exertion can result in severe symptom exacerbation, often lasting days or weeks.
Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS): Fatigue lasting six months or more, and PEM
POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome) is a condition characterized by a significant increase in heart rate when a person stands up from a lying down position. It is a form of dysautonomia. People with POTS experience an abnormal response when they move to an upright position, leading to symptoms that can be disabling.
Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME): Causes widespread neuro-immune related symptoms including: neuroinflammation, immune dysfunction, muscle pain, headaches, cognitive dysfunction (often described as “brain fog”), dysautonomia, PEM, CFS and POTS.
Patients with Lyme and tick-borne disease are often left with persistent symptoms following treatment. In MyLymeData, now with over 18,000 participants, the three most frequently reported worst symptoms include neurological-associated symptoms (84%), fatigue (62%), and musculoskeletal-associated symptoms (57%).
For years, ILADS conferences have been the only place I heard clinicians and researchers expressing an understanding and a desire to help patients with complex, infection-associated chronic conditions (IACC).
Last week, I watched the final meeting of the CDC/HHS funded “Infection-Associated Chronic Conditions – Understanding and Engagement” (ICUE) project. During that meeting, LymeDisease.org’s Lorraine Johnson, represented and gave voice to the millions of patients living with chronic symptoms following infection with Lyme and/or other tick-borne diseases. (Read her summary of that meeting here)
With all the new collaborations coming out of the National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine (NASEM) workshop on “Lyme infection-associated chronic illness or “Lyme IACC,” I have high hopes for continued progress—not just for patients with chronic Lyme and co-infections, but so many other marginalized illnesses like long-COVID, ME/CFS, and dysautonomia.
For everyone out there suffering from an invisible illness: I just want to say that I see you, I hear you, and I believe you.
LymeSci is written by Lonnie Marcum, a physical therapist and mother of a daughter with Lyme. She served two terms on a subcommittee of the federal Tick-Borne Disease Working Group. Follow her on Twitter: @LonnieRhea Email her at: lmarcum@lymedisease.org.
I’m excited to share that NO MORE Week 2025 has been set for March 2nd through March 8th, the annual time when thousands of survivors, allies, employers, organizations, colleges, and communities around the world unite for the cause of ending domestic and sexual violence.
This year, our theme is NO MORE Silence. Every time we break the silence, we destigmatize conversations around domestic and sexual violence and help survivors find support. And, we help to prevent abuse by educating more people about healthy relationships and by creating a culture where abuse is not tolerated.
Now is the time to plan how you can be a part of NO MORE Week 2025. Here are some simple ways to get started:
Join the NO MORE Week Challenge:
Sign up for the NO MORE Week Challenge, a virtual Walk/Run that allows you to choose your distance—5K, 10K, or a half marathon—and complete it at your own pace in March. This year, every dollar raised will go to support victims/survivors of abuse. Rally your friends and family to sponsor your efforts, or form a team to amplify your impact.
Save Tuesday, March 4th to attend the 2025 NO MORE Week Tech Summit, “Empowering or Endangering? Tech’s Impact on Domestic and Sexual Violence.”During this free, online conference, global experts will discuss cutting-edge research, policy shifts and product development, providing a wealth of insights and opportunities for action. Early registration is now open!
Create an event – online or in person – to raise awareness on your campus, at work, or in your community. Whether it’s hosting a coffee or happy hour; holding a workplace conversation; or engaging friends on social media, every action will get more people to join the movement. Let us know what you’re planning so we can help amplify your efforts!
Check out our NO MORE Week 2025 Guide you can use to get more information and ideas. We’re looking forward to uniting once again on March 2nd because we know that we are louder, stronger and more impactful together! Thank you for your continued support.
How My Lyme Doctor diagnosed the first HIV/Aids patient in North Carolina
A second-generation physician from Illinois, curious about medical mysteries (“It’s just like detective work!”), young Dr. Joe Jemsek became an infectious diseases fellow in 1977. In 1979, Jemsek and his young family resettled in Charlotte, North Carolina, where he began a promising infectious disease practice at the renowned Nalle Clinic. Intrigued by reports of a “gay cancer,” Joe’s “detective” instincts led him to diagnose North Carolina’s first case of what would soon be known as HIV/AIDS. As the years went by, he grew absorbed by the AIDS epidemic, bearing witness to some of its most dire casualties — losing patient after patient to opportunistic infections — as well as to the first signs of hope with the advent of life-saving drugs in 1995.
I’m so proud of Dr. Jemsek, he took his knowledge as an Infectious Disease doctor and made history. Due to his commitment more research has been done and the lives on people with HIV/AIDS have improved.
What is HIV?
The human immunodeficiency virus, or HIV, is a virus that attacks the immune system, specifically CD4 cells (or T cells).
The virus is transmitted through bodily fluids such as blood, semen, vaginal fluids, anal fluids, and breast milk. Historically, HIV has most often been spread through unprotected sex, the sharing of needles for drug use, and through birth.
Over time, HIV can destroy so many CD4 cells that the body can’t fight infections and diseases, eventually leading to the most severe form of an HIV infection: acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, or AIDS. A person with AIDS is very vulnerable to cancer and to life-threatening infections, such as pneumonia.
Though there is no cure for HIV or AIDS, a person with HIV who receives treatment early can live nearly as long as someone without the virus. And a study in 2019 in the medical journal, Lancet, showed that an anti-viral treatment effectively halted the spread of HIV.
In September of 1982, the CDC used the term AIDS to describe the disease for the first time. By the end of the year, AIDS cases were also reported in a number of European countries.
Where Did AIDS Come From?
Scientists have traced the origin of HIV back to chimpanzees and simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV), an HIV-like virus that attacks the immune system of monkeys and apes.
In 1999, researchers identified a strain of chimpanzee SIV called SIVcpz, which was nearly identical to HIV. Chimps, the scientist later discovered, hunt and eat two smaller species of monkeys—red-capped mangabeys and greater spot-nosed monkeys—that carry and infect the chimps with two strains of SIV. These two strains likely combined to form SIVcpz, which can spread between chimpanzees and humans.
SIVcpz likely jumped to humans when hunters in Africa ate infected chimps, or the chimps’ infected blood got into the cuts or wounds of hunters. Researchers believe the first transmission of SIV to HIV in humans that then led to the global pandemic occurred in 1920 in Kinshasa, the capital and largest city in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The virus spread may have spread from Kinshasa along infrastructure routes (roads, railways, and rivers) via migrants and the sex trade.
In the 1960s, HIV spread from Africa to Haiti and the Caribbean when Haitian professionals in the colonial Democratic Republic of Congo returned home. The virus then moved from the Caribbean to New York City around 1970 and then to San Francisco later in the decade.
International travel from the United States helped the virus spread across the rest of the globe.
October was full of informative awareness months, and November will also be. The list is extensive, if you want to read about all the awareness months and days, click here.
Awareness Months
Native American Heritage Month
Movember
National Homeless Youth Awareness Month
COPD Awareness Month
Diabetes Awareness Month
Epilepsy Awareness Month
Lung Cancer Awareness Month
Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month
Awareness Days
International Stress Awareness Day – November 2
World Adoption Day – November 9
Veterans Day – November 11th
Humane Society Anniversary Day – November 22
National Recycling Day – November 15
International Day for Tolerance – November 16
International Transgender Day of Remembrance – November 20
International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day – 1st Saturday before Thanksgiving
Men, women, and people of all gender identities may experience depression at some point in their lives. Depression is a serious condition that affects how a person thinks, feels, and acts.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), women seem to experience depression at a higher rate than men. However, it’s thought that men may be underrepresented in these numbers.
This may be due to mix of social and biological factors that make it more challenging to notice and diagnose depression in men. They may also feel culturally pressured to act “manly” by hiding their emotions.
Because of this, it’s more common for men to have depression with symptoms that are different and sometimes harder to identify.
If you think that you or someone you love may be struggling with depression, read on to learn about the signs and symptoms that men may experience and what you can do next.
Men with depression may first notice its physical effects. While depression is thought of as a mental health disorder, it can also manifest in the body.
Many men are more likely to visit their doctors for physical issues than for emotional issues.
Some common physical signs of depression in men include:
When most people hear the word “depression,” they think of a person who seems very sad. However, sadness is just one of many possible emotions depression can cause.
In addition to sadness, men may experience the following emotional symptoms of depression:
agitation
aggression
anger
emotional withdrawal from friends, family, and colleagues
hopelessness
lack of interest in family, community, hobbies, and work
The mental, physical, and emotional symptoms of depression in men can also affect behavior. Because some men resist discussing their emotions, it’s often their behavioral symptoms of depression that are most apparent to others.
In men, the behavioral symptoms of depression most commonly include:
difficulty meeting work, family, and other personal responsibilities
drug misuse
drinking alcohol in excess
engaging in risky activities, such as driving recklessly or having unprotected sex
While discussions around mental health seem to be expanding in reach and compassion, there’s still some cultural and social stigma around depression— particularly among men.
Generally, men are socialized by society to hold in their emotions, though we know doing so isn’t healthy. In their efforts to maintain these social norms, many men may be compromising their emotional, physical, and mental well-being.
In addition, many men are never taught to recognize the less typical signs of depression that they’re more likely than others to experience.
Some men never seek help for their depression because they never recognize the signs. On the other hand, some men who do recognize the signs may struggle to discuss their experience because they fear the judgment of others.
As a result, when many men experience the signs of depression, they begin to work long hours or otherwise fill their time to stay busy, instead of addressing the depression itself.
Diagnosing depression and seeking treatment can help save lives. Suicide rates are high among men, especially those who have served or currently serve in the military. Additionally, men are three to four times more likely than women to complete suicide.
In continuing to open up the conversation, we can help men with depression recognize the signs. By seeking treatment, men with depression can live their fullest possible lives.
Depression is most often treated with talk therapy, medications, or both of these things together. A healthcare professional can help create a personalized treatment plan that works best for you.
Many men begin treatment for moderate cases of depression by scheduling an appointment with a talk therapist (psychotherapist). From there, the therapist might suggest specific types of care, such as:
However, for more severe cases, medication might be prescribed right away to help alleviate some of the physical, mental, emotional, and behavioral symptoms of depression. This may be the case for someone with suicidal thoughts or who has attempted suicide.
Be aware that these medications often take several weeks to months or begin making a noticeable difference in the way you feel. Be patient and stick closely to the treatment plan.
When to seek help
If you’re experiencing one or more of the above symptoms of depression to the point that it interferes with your daily life, consider scheduling an appointment to meet with a mental health counselor.
Most insurance plans provide coverage for such counseling, and receiving care is discreet and confidential.
If you’re experiencing suicidal thoughts, plan to attempt, or have attempted suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255, or dial 911.
While recent conversations around mental health have become more candid and inclusive, many men still find it difficult to talk about their emotions in a society that upholds traditional views about men.
It can also be challenging to identify the symptoms of depression in men, which are influenced by those same social factors as well as male biology.
By sharing knowledge about the symptoms of depression in men, we can help clear a pathway toward better, more inclusive mental healthcare.
With talk therapy, medication, or a combination of these two things, depression becomes a much more manageable part of the human experience.
Loneliness is more prevalent than ever — especially for people with chronic or invisible illnesses. Even when it feels difficult or impossible, here’s how you can stay socially connected.
If you live with a chronic illness, you likely know that loneliness is often an unexpected side effect. A chronic illness is a long lasting or permanent condition that requires ongoing medical treatment or limits activities of daily living. Examples include Crohn’s disease, endometriosis, fibromyalgia, and many other conditions.
And when your days are filled with attending doctor’s appointments, feeling too crummy to socialize, and constantly explaining your condition when you do make it out, it’s really no surprise that loneliness and chronic illness go hand in hand.
But now, this problem is becoming more prevalent than ever. The United States Surgeon General released an advisory in May 2023 calling attention to “the public health crisis of loneliness, isolation, and lack of connection in our country.”
If you’re living with a chronic illness, it can be helpful to create your own strategy for staying connected with others and preventing loneliness as much as possible. Take a look at why this is so important, as well as some accessible ideas to try.
The relationship between loneliness and chronic illness
People who live with chronic illness often feel the impact of isolation more than those without a chronic condition. Illness-related factors that can contribute to loneliness include:
being unable to socialize due to symptoms, fatigue, or pain
losing friends as a result of your illness
missing out on school, work, and hobbies
feeling as if nobody understands your condition and your lifestyle
managing a schedule crowded with medical appointments or hospitalizations
If your illness is mostly or entirely invisible, this can lead to even more feelings of isolation as you try to explain what’s going on in your body. And since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, many people with chronic illnesses have found that their loneliness has gotten even worse as they have continued to be conscientious about keeping their already-fragile bodies safe.
Even when you’re feeling relatively well, it can be hard to socialize. Chronic illness is often unpredictable, and our society isn’t set up to accommodate it. Fear of stigma or ableism might keep you at home. Or you may find that every ounce of your limited energy goes into school or work, with nothing left over for a social life.
Consequences of loneliness
Long-term loneliness can be a serious issue. The report from the Surgeon General stated that for older adults especially, the physical health consequences of a lack of connection include:
29% increased risk of heart disease
32% increased risk of stroke
50% increased risk of developing dementia
A lack of social connection also increases the risk of premature death by more than 60%. And loneliness and isolation increase the risk of mental health conditions such as depression, creating a vicious cycle.
Tips on preventing loneliness with a chronic illness
When symptoms and appointments dictate your life, it can feel nearly impossible to increase your social connection. But doing so is crucial for your mental and emotional health. Here are a few accessible ideas to try.
Start small
If the thought of ramping up your social life feels overwhelming, it’s OK to start small and take off the pressure, thinking in terms of acquaintances instead of best friends. Even “micro-interactions,” such as waving at your mailman or thanking a cashier, can give you a boost of connection.
Send someone a message on social media instead of passively scrolling, or go to a coffee shop on your next low-symptom day so you can be around people even if you aren’t directly speaking with them. These simple actions can have a bigger impact than you might think.
Find a community
Connecting with people who also live with chronic illness can stave off loneliness by reminding you that you aren’t the only one. Look for a support group run by a hospital or nonprofit — your doctor may have ideas. Or search online for a community similar to Bezzy. You’ll find countless social media groups, forums, and Zoom events created for people who live with certain conditions or chronic illness in general (including those who don’t have a diagnosis).
As you spend time with people who have similar experiences, it will become easier to articulate and explain your condition to people who aren’t sick.
Adopt a pet
Animals can help reduce stress and loneliness, and pet ownership is associated with lower levels of social isolation in adults. A pet is great company and can help you feel loved and needed.
If you can, consider adopting a pet. If you can’t put a lot of effort into caring for a pet due to your physical symptoms, look into a low-maintenance pet such as an adult cat. Or see if you can do any of the following from time to time:
care for or visit a friend’s or neighbor’s pet
visit a cat cafe
volunteer for low-energy tasks at a local humane society
visit a dog show, dock diving competition, or other pet-related event
Find a therapist
A therapist, counselor, or other mental health professional can help you navigate the mental and emotional side of chronic illness, including thoughts like “My illness makes me unworthy of friendship” and “Connection isn’t worth it.”
Look for a therapist who specifically focuses on clients with chronic illness. Ask your doctor for suggestions or search online. If you cannot pay for therapy, look into sliding-scale options or services offered by a nonprofit or community center.
Stay in touch
Remember, your social connections don’t always have to be big. If you can make it out for a night on the town, great! But if not, make sure you’re still doing something to stay in touch with the people you love.
Use email, social media platforms, phone calls, texting, or whatever communication method works for you. Planning video calls ahead of time might work best for one chronically ill person’s symptoms and schedule, while answering text messages on their own time could be better for somebody else.
Think about the options that are most accessible to you, and tell your family and friends that you want to intentionally catch up with them on a regular basis. Connecting with others as best you can will help you feel less isolated, even during flare-ups.
The bottom line
People are important. We need each other. We can’t live without each other. And even when it feels difficult or impossible, fighting for social connection is worth it.
Use these ideas to work around your chronic illness as you prioritize connection over isolation. Your body and mind will thank you.
Rape victims receiving closure is important to me and I hope to you too. Below is the background of Joyful Heart Foundation and how they started the initiative to End the Backlog. At the bottom, you will see why I’m flaming mad due to an unacceptable situation not far from where I live. Not to mention the atrociously high numbers of backlogged rape kits in Texas.
In 2015, the Joyful Heart Foundation played a fundamental role in the creation of the Sexual Assault Kit Initiative (SAKI), an important federal initiative for rape kit reform with then Vice President Biden. This program provided grants to communities to inventory untested rape kits, analyze those kits, investigate the resulting cases, prosecute offenders, and support survivors. This federal program has allowed jurisdictions to inventory more than 183,000 untested kits and send 90,000 kits for testing, resulting in more than 15,700 CODIS hits, almost 8,200 to serial violent offenders and 2,200 to serial sex offenders.
In 2016, the Joyful Heart Foundation launched its six pillar campaign to improve the way rape kits are handled nationwide and end the backlog of untested rape kits. Since then, we have helped pass 130 bills in 46 states affecting more than 321 million people and more than 136,000 survivors of reported rapes every year. Our campaign is one of the most successful state-level campaigns in history.
What is Joyful Heart Foundation
The Joyful Heart Foundation was founded in 2004 by Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (SVU) actress, director, and advocate, Mariska Hargitay. While playing Detective Olivia Benson on Law & Order SVU, Ms. Hargitay learned a tremendous amount about the crime of sexual assault. Letters from fans of the show poured in across the years; many were testimonies from survivors sharing their stories of abuse, isolation, fear, hope, and courage. As Hargitay became more informed about the topic, she was shocked and saddened by the prevalence of sexually-based crimes and how trauma impacts survivors, many for their entire lives. She felt she had to answer these survivor letters in a meaningful way. Her response was to create the Joyful Heart Foundation with the mission to transform society’s response to sexual assault, domestic violence, and child abuse, support survivors, and end this violence forever. Ms. Hargitay wanted to help survivors heal and reclaim joy in their lives.
What is the Rape Kit Backlog?
“To me, the backlog is one of the clearest and most shocking demonstrations of how we regard these crimes in our society. Testing rape kits sends a fundamental and crucial message to victims of sexual violence: You matter. What happened to you matters. Your case matters. For that reason, the Joyful Heart Foundation, which I founded in 2004, has made ending the rape kit backlog our #1 advocacy priority.”
Mariska Hargitay, Founder of The Joyful Heart Foundation
While the number of untested rape kits has decreased over the last decade – the backlog was once deemed to be 400,000 – today, we estimate that there are still 100,000 untested rape kits yet to be discovered.
You can clearly see the states who have tackled the backlog and those who have not. I’m ashamed of Texas, my home state, and these numbers send a clear message that women are not valued in Texas. A message coming from Governor Greg Abbott.
Let me give you an example and you will see what set me off last night.
Fort Worth is a smaller sister city to Dallas but this week, there was improper behavior with the law enforcement. I question if the entire city is flying blind. Last light at a City Council meeting the Chief of Police admitted that the deadline for clearing rape kits had once again not been met. He took responsibility and committed to correct the situation. I won’t hold my breath on that commitment. What shocked me even more was how the City Council acted like this was the first time they had heard about it. Who is overseeing the police????
The information only came out because the local news station invested. Here’s one of the findings.
On Wednesday, an NBC 5 Investigates series, “Justice Shelved”, revealed that more than 760 times in five years, Fort Worth police were late to submit rape kits to a lab in the state required 30 days.
New state records provided by the Department of Public Safety show Fort Worth police currently have 901 untested kits that are already past the 90-day mark, leaving victims who reported sexual assaults waiting for answers.
This is unacceptable and I think many heads need to roll and many more fired.
My father had ADHD and being a teen in his days must have been horrible, the medication of choice was tranquilizers. He wasn’t diagnosed until he was a teen but the minute he moved out he stopped the medication and I can see why. The issue is he didn’t go back to the doctor as medication evolved and it affected his relationships.
I also believe that doctors are too fast to diagnose ADD & ADHD. One important factor is that Medical doctors don’t have the training to diagnose and are often the ones who diagnose first. To have a proper diagnosis, you need a Psychiatrist, and do the testing for an official diagnosis. My last Psychiatrist listed me as ADHD, with no testing, and no conversation, it just showed up on my chart. I would not be ashamed if that was a proper diagnosis but it wasn’t. My proir Psychiatrist of 32 years never once mentioned it. It’s one of the reasons I no longer see my last Psychiatrist.
—
Every October is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Awareness Month, an occasion to raise awareness and support for those with ADHD.
In the United States, about 8.4% of children and 2.5% of adults have ADHD, making it one of the most common mental health conditions. Symptoms of the condition include ongoing patterns of:
Inattention, which means a person may find it challenging to focus or follow directions, but usually, it may not occur due to rebellion or challenges with understanding something.
Hyperactivity, which is when a person may feel the need to move constantly, even when it may be inappropriate for the situation.
Impulsivity, which means the person may have difficulties managing impulsive behavior and considering the long-term consequences of those actions.
Many people may have occasional difficulties paying attention, sitting still, or managing impulsive behavior. But for someone with ADHD, these difficulties tend to occur more often, which may affect how they perform certain daily activities.
During ADHD Awareness Month, communities shed light on this condition and rally to support those who have received diagnoses.
This information from the National Institute of Health has great resources and there may be more that I didn’t read on another page.
ADHD in Adults: 4 Things to Know: This fact sheet provides information about ADHD in adults, including symptoms, diagnosis, causes, treatments, and resources to find help for yourself or someone else.
Shareable Resources on ADHD: These digital resources, including graphics and messages, can be used to spread the word about ADHD and help promote awareness and education in your community.
NIMH Expert Discusses Managing ADHD: Learn the signs and symptoms of ADHD and how it is treated as well as tips for helping children and teens manage ADHD symptoms.
MedlinePlus: This resource from the National Library of Medicine provides information, research, and resources on ADHD and ways to learn more (also available en español).
Research and statistics
Journal Articles: References and abstracts from the National Library of Medicine’s PubMed
Statistics—ADHD: Statistics on the prevalence and treatment of ADHD among children, teens, and adults
Last Reviewed: September 2024
There is so much information available so don’t put off learning about ADHD, it could help direct your child or yourself to the proper help.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a month that has received a great deal of attention over the years due to the tremendous donations to support new treatment options. That does not mean we should look the other way and think it has enough attention. The success rate of survival has increased but there is still so much to know about Breast Cancer.
NBCF is dedicated to delivering comprehensive, educational information on breast health and healthy living. From understanding the importance of early detection, to knowing how to prepare for a mammogram, NBCF’s online resources and guides aim to empower women and men with useful information. View guides. Click here to learn more about breast self-examination steps.
The Patient Navigator Program is a proactive approach to helping patients overcome the barriers of cost, fear, and misinformation surrounding a disease and its prevention. Find a facility.
Other Resources
In addition to the breast care services that NBCF provides to women in need, the following resources offer financial assistance for breast cancer patients.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides access to breast cancer screening services to underserved women in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, 5 U.S. territories, and 12 tribal organizations.
The American Cancer Society (ACS) provides resource lists for free or low-cost mammograms and financial assitance based on your location. When you go to their website, Cancer.org, look for the “About Us” tab in the top right corner. When you click on that, select your state in the “Where We Help” menu to be directed to a list of local resources.
Breast and Cervical Cancer Treatment Program (BCCTP)
This state program is funded through Medicaid to provide underserved women free healthcare throughout treatment. The program is available in all 50 states. For the application process, contact your local hospital and ask to speak to a nurse or patient navigator regarding the program.
The CFAC is a coalition of organizations that help patients reduce financial barriers during cancer treatment. When you visit their website, select the type of assistance needed and enter your zip code to find resources near your area.
The Mammography Facility Database is updated periodically based on information received from the three FDA-approved accreditation bodies: the American College of Radiology (ACR), and the states of Arkansas and Texas to provide a list of facilities where mammography services are available based on your location.
Breast Cancer needs to be taken seriously by all and it starts with self-exams and reaching out at the first sign of trouble. You also need to keep your doctor aware of your family history because it can play a big role in whether to not you have the DNA makers for Breast Cancer. Always air on the cautious side.
Yesterday we spent the day driving around in the countryside looking at farms and fields of solar panels. we went to his tiny lake, but the description did not match the actual place. It was a tiny man-made lake with a shoreline that kids swim in during the warmer months. We went to The Peace Center and watched a great program on Native American Indians, tribe members from all over the country participated. There were many different ceremonial dances by women and men, live tribal music, and singing. It was beautiful. Unfortunately, I left my phone behind and so far the photos my husband took are well….not so good.
We also checked out what building we needed to be at in the morning and where to park. We’re set. Tomorrow isn’t a long day. I will meet with an internal medicine doctor in the morning and pick up an oximeter machine on Tuesday night.
We have the late afternoon free if we don’t decide to take a nap. The weather is cold here and naps feel really good.
Wednesday starts early at 6:40 AM with blood work and closer to lunch a meeting with a Hematologist. I expect at least one diagnosis to come out of this meeting since most of the blood work being done is focused on the blood itself if that makes sense. One of the problems I currently have is that my hemoglobin is low which means it’s not carrying enough blood through my body.
Unless something is added to my program, I’m off on Thursday and back on Friday afternoon to meet with the Internal Medicine Doctor, I expect a diagnosis to come from this meeting.
Take good care of yourself and I’ll keep you posted if anything new comes up.
We landed last night with just enough light to find our car and head to Trader Joe’s for some goodies. We grabbed some dinner there so all we had to do was bring half a ton of luggage into the room and eat. My husband was happy because a college football game was on. After watching for a few minutes, I laid down to rest after an exhausting day at airports, walking and pulling luggage.
It’s very chilly here compared to home so I’m glad I brought my extra warm clothes. We’ve slept in this morning and plan to head out to see a few sites. I don’t know everywhere we’re going but I have the Vietnam Veterans Memorial at the top of my list. I like to pay my respect when I travel, that’s the very least I can do.
Tomorrow is Columbus Day and a holiday for many, I will write a post about it this afternoon. We have free days until Tuesday and then it’s off to The Mayo for meetings with doctors, getting blood work, testing, and leaving with a diagnosis.
lookingforthelight.blog 