PHighting Words – a Column by Mike Naple

November 29, 2018December 4, 2018

An Invisible Illness and the PHight of Our Lives

Columns, PHighting Words - a Column by Mike Naple

Wonder Woman has an invisible jet. Harry Potter has an invisibility cloak. I have an invisible illness. The people I sit next to on the metro cannot see it. ... Read more

September 20, 2018October 3, 2018

Using the Muppet Theory to Explain Anxious Episodes

Columns, PHighting Words - a Column by Mike Naple

Are you a Grover or a Bert? A Cookie Monster or a Kermit the Frog? You’re probably wondering what Muppets have to do with my journey living with PH. ... Read more

July 19, 2018July 26, 2018

An Open Letter to My Newly Diagnosed Self

Columns, PHighting Words - a Column by Mike Naple

In June, I attended my first Pulmonary Hypertension Association Conference in Orlando, Florida. Sitting in a packed ballroom full of strangers, I had never felt more seen. Many of ... Read more

May 3, 2018May 2, 2018

Raising Awareness: What Does a PHighter Look Like?

Columns, PHighting Words - a Column by Mike Naple

“Do you wear glasses?” The question took me completely off guard. I was standing in line at my local breakfast spot and staring the cashier in the face, wondering ... Read more

April 5, 2018April 4, 2018

Spending a Holiday in a Hospital Bed and other Spring Reflections

Columns, PHighting Words - a Column by Mike Naple

I’ve been quiet in this space for longer than I intended to be. Call it writer’s block or an exceedingly busy work schedule or no particular reason, really. I ... Read more

February 22, 2018February 21, 2018

PHighting for Rare Disease Awareness on Feb. 28

Columns, PHighting Words - a Column by Mike Naple

“It’s about the journey, not the destination,” is an oft-quoted phrase that is meant to remind us to be in the present and savor the special moments along the ... Read more

January 25, 2018January 24, 2018

Bouncing Back from a Checkup’s Mixed Results

Columns, PHighting Words - a Column by Mike Naple

The paper crinkled beneath me as I sat on the edge of the exam room table while waiting for my pulmonary doctor. I was at the hospital for my ... Read more

January 11, 2018January 10, 2018

PHighting Beyond Life Expectancy

Columns, PHighting Words - a Column by Mike Naple

Life expectancy is on my mind. Maybe it is because we are in the new year. Maybe it is my impending doctor’s appointments and tests that will update me ... Read more

December 21, 2017December 20, 2017

Why Setting Goals Is Part of My New Normal

Columns, PHighting Words - a Column by Mike Naple

I cannot believe 2018 is already upon us. I don’t know about you, but 2017 has felt like one ongoing, never-ceasing stress test. For many reasons. I have never ... Read more

December 14, 2017December 14, 2017

The PHun Side of Anger

Columns, PHighting Words - a Column by Mike Naple

I’m going to get this out of the way. There is no fun side of anger, regardless of how you spell it. I never considered myself an angry person. ... Read more