Staying Positive During a Global Pandemic

As I write this, I am watching the news. Shocker, right?

As of the writing of this column, 63 cases of COVID-19 have been reported in the greater Houston area, although that number undoubtedly will increase. Life has been full of unknowns, especially in recent weeks. It is overwhelming trying to decipher the media while doing what is best to protect ourselves and our loved ones.

I am not a massive fan of the news. I stay up to date on significant issues, but I would rather avoid the added stress. Besides, my husband is a huge CNN fan. He usually updates me on top stories, regardless of whether I want to know (hehe).

Every morning, I wake up and thank God for another day. Giving thanks has been a part of my morning routine for several years, since my close encounters with death. The reality of death is not new to me and the six in 10 Americans living with chronic diseases. I feel as though I need to thank him even more for every day during this worldwide pandemic.

When I wrote last month about living well while taking precautions, I meant it. I am immunocompromised due to pulmonary hypertension and coexisting illnesses. I regularly take precautions to help protect myself. But over the past several weeks, I have noticed a few areas of potential improvement. Yes, even me, a “germaphobe,” according to my husband.

I’m not surprised that some people are making statements such as, “This is similar to the flu,” or “The coronavirus only affects the elderly and the sick.” Healthy individuals often do not recognize early flu or viral symptoms. Please take precautions by washing your hands and observing social distancing.

I am positive that most people have elderly or “sick” loved ones and neighbors. Consider what you can do to help them while also protecting yourselves and your families. If you are sick, staying home may help save the lives of others.

To all of my friends in the high-risk group: Let’s reach out and help others via phone, email, and social media. We may be on lockdown, but we still can lift others. We can try to calm friends and family members in need of comfort. This is a frightening time. I worry about every one of you. The thought of losing a family member or friend to this nasty virus scares the heck out of me — more than my own health, honestly.

Y’all are not alone during this disruptive and unpredictable time. If you need a friend, text or call me. Feel free to reach out on social media. To my family, friends, and neighbors: If you need something, ask. I am always willing to share. Though I prefer to keep my distance during this time, I am here in other ways. Air hugs!

I would like to share a short Bible verse that offers me hope and strength through the many storms of life. Keeping our calm during these storms can be challenging, but Psalm 46:1 says, “God is our refuge and strength, a well-proven help in trouble.” Amen!

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Note: Pulmonary Hypertension News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Pulmonary Hypertension News or its parent company, Bionews Services, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to pulmonary hypertension.