Posts by: Athena Merritt

Athena Merritt

Athena Merritt was a journalist for 20 years until her prolonged battle with sarcoidosis forced her out of work. As she rebuilds her life, she hopes to bring humor, inspiration and knowledge to others in the process.

December 10, 2019December 10, 2019

Viral Bouts Had Me Longing for a Virtual Doctor

Columns, Invisible Chaos - a Column by Athena Merritt

I had my flu shot at the beginning instead of the tail end of flu season this year. Unfortunately, there’s no vaccine for the seasonal viruses currently making the ... Read more

December 3, 2019December 3, 2019

Pacing Myself During the Holiday Season

Columns, Invisible Chaos - a Column by Athena Merritt

I used to be a notoriously late holiday shopper, scrambling in stores on Christmas Eve to complete my gift list to the amusement of my family. But life with ... Read more

November 26, 2019November 22, 2019

How Not to Travel with Sarcoidosis

Columns, Invisible Chaos - a Column by Athena Merritt

More than 55 million people plan to travel 50 miles or more for Thanksgiving this year, according to AAA. But I won’t be among them. After two exhausting trips ... Read more

November 19, 2019November 15, 2019

I Went One Step Too Far in Pursuit of My Fitness Goals

Columns, Invisible Chaos - a Column by Athena Merritt

I’m often my own worst enemy. Last year, I decided to add some variety to my usual cardio workout. When I started a cardiac rehabilitation program to manage my ... Read more

November 12, 2019November 8, 2019

Big Dreams Can Help Us Overcome Health Setbacks

Columns, Invisible Chaos - a Column by Athena Merritt

Boarding an airport shuttle bus at 3 a.m. on a recent Sunday, I didn’t expect much in the way of conversation when I greeted the driver. I thought I’d ... Read more

November 5, 2019November 1, 2019

Tips to Cut Prescription Costs at Year’s End

Columns, Invisible Chaos - a Column by Athena Merritt

For many like myself with sarcoidosis and other chronic illnesses, reducing prescription costs is an ongoing effort. As the year winds down, there are a few actions we can ... Read more

October 29, 2019October 28, 2019

Surviving Sarcoidosis Battles and Forging Ahead Without Answers

Columns, Invisible Chaos - a Column by Athena Merritt

Getting out of bed in the mornings has become an adventure. Even if I remember to guzzle water and rise slowly to prevent the onset of lightheadedness from my ... Read more

October 22, 2019October 18, 2019

Healthy Eating in October Takes Willpower

Columns, Invisible Chaos - a Column by Athena Merritt

Healthy eating is a year-round struggle for me, but the month of October is when temptation is at its worst. Candy is everywhere. At work. At the doctor’s office. ... Read more

October 15, 2019October 11, 2019

Are You Missing Out on Ways to Cut Healthcare Costs?

Columns, Invisible Chaos - a Column by Athena Merritt

At this time of year, a window opens for millions of people to find savings on their healthcare costs. Medicare’s annual open enrollment period, which runs from Oct. 15 ... Read more

October 8, 2019October 8, 2019

My Brother’s Move Home Has Lightened My Sarcoidosis Burden

Columns, Invisible Chaos - a Column by Athena Merritt

I don’t cry often. So, one morning recently, as I stared out of the window at breakfast, I was surprised when tears started streaming down my face. I had ... Read more

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