Columns

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…

Being diagnosed with a chronic illness is humbling! When I was diagnosed with sarcoidosis more than 10 years ago, I didn’t understand much about the condition. It wasn’t until I went for a sleep study that it…

Fall is typically a great time of year for me, despite my sarcoidosis. Mild temperatures and a decrease in humidity usually allow me some much-needed outdoor time. But it’s not working out that way this year. I came down with a mild cold in September that lasted about a…

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 postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome, there’s my trick leg to deal with. Several months ago, my left leg began checking out…

I eat well, get adequate sleep, and lead a balanced lifestyle overall. My routine includes trying to keep my life as stress-free as possible. But despite my best intentions, an event invariably occurs to disrupt my attempts to maintain calmness. Sometimes it’s an unexpected household issue or a sick dog…

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…

I haven’t felt like myself the past couple of days. One night, I drifted off at about 11 p.m. only to wake up around 2 in the morning. I wasn’t able to fall back asleep and didn’t want to disturb my wife, so I went downstairs. Last…

I miss many things about life before my sarcoidosis diagnosis. On that list are good health, get-togethers with family and friends, and trips. The ability to work a full-time job is high on the list, too. Some people might wish that they didn’t have to work, but I’m the…

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…

The other day, I took a 20-minute drive to a local lake. During the summer season, the location is crowded and busy, but after Labor Day, it’s quiet and tranquil. Now that fall has arrived, the scenery is beautiful as the leaves change their colors. I sat on a bench…