Columns

With December Winding Down, I’m Reflecting on 2019

It’s not uncommon to take a step back and assess the year now that we’re well into December. For many, this includes reflecting on goals accomplished — if any — and the state of one’s career or business. It also includes acknowledging the impact of life-changing events, such as graduations,…

Spreading Gratitude Throughout the Seasons

The holidays are upon us, and like so many people, I have a lot to be thankful for. I was recuperating from lengthy hospital stays during the holidays the past two years. This year, however, is different. For the first time in two years, I can…

My Recipe for Surviving the Holidays with Sarcoidosis

The holiday season is here once again. Before sarcoidosis, I embraced the holidays as a festive time. Things have changed since then. However, I have found a “recipe” for approaching the holiday season: a way to stay as stress-free and healthy as possible, despite my chronic illness. I…

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…

Small Dietary Changes Can Make a Big Difference

A few months ago, I enrolled in two online courses: a naturopath nutritional course and a master herbalist course. I hoped to gain knowledge about living a more holistic lifestyle. I’ve always believed that adopting a more healthy lifestyle can provide long-lasting benefits for anyone living with chronic…

Bouncing Back Through Creativity

It has been over a month since I first came down with the virus. I slept through the first week and a half, but was eventually able to get out of bed. I started with at least half of the day and progressed from there. The virus isn’t completely…

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…

Feeling Thankful for the Blessings in My Life

The Thanksgiving holiday is fast approaching here in the United States. It’s a time when many of us think about the aspects of our lives for which we are thankful. In the early years following my diagnosis, I wouldn’t have placed the words “thankful” and “sarcoidosis” in the same sentence.

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…