Invisible Chaos - a Column by Athena Merritt

lung care, insecurities, employment, managing a disease

Athena, a former journalist and Pennsylvania native, was diagnosed with sarcoidosis in 2002. She’s admittedly addicted to books, Marvel, and football. She tackles life with humor, passion and curiosity, and hopes to reach others through her writing.

Viral Bouts Had Me Longing for a Virtual Doctor

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 rounds. I fought off the first bug with vitamin C, tea, honey, and over-the-counter cold medicine. Thoughts of virtual medicine from…

Pacing Myself During the Holiday Season

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 sarcoidosis and my other chronic health conditions can be unpredictable. The holiday season adds to the challenges. That’s why this…

How Not to Travel with Sarcoidosis

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 to Cleveland, all within a month, this self-proclaimed worst traveler is staying home. I love to travel, but trips wear…

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

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 postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), the goal was to gradually progress from exercising on a semi-recumbent cycle to upright workouts…

Big Dreams Can Help Us Overcome Health Setbacks

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 receive a grunted “hello” in response. But instead, I got a talkative young man with a dream. Dreaming big During the…

Tips to Cut Prescription Costs at Year’s End

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 take to help achieve that goal.  Review and renew Each fall, I take stock of my prescriptions and determine…

Healthy Eating in October Takes Willpower

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. At the bank. And everyone becomes a pusher of sugary treats in the days leading up to Halloween. “Aww, go…

Are You Missing Out on Ways to Cut Healthcare Costs?

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 to Dec. 7, allows you to review and make changes to your existing healthcare and prescription coverage. While it might…