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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…

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 been feeling worn out and overwhelmed for weeks, fearing that the life I’ve rebuilt would come crumbling down. I hadn’t felt…

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is getting more coverage in the news. I’ve often wondered if I have PTSD since I started experiencing symptoms after I was diagnosed with sarcoidosis. Most people probably believe that PTSD only affects veterans, victims of sexual assault, or people who have witnessed death or…

Pain throws down the gauntlet the moment I wake up in the morning. As I’m lying in bed, taking stock of my symphony of aches, pain sends its troops with a message: “Pull the covers back up and maybe we’ll show you mercy. But we make no promises if you…

Every day that I live with sarcoidosis is full of adventure. Some of those adventures are appointments with various doctors. My two main appointments are checkups with my pulmonologist and my cardiologist. This particular adventure was with…