To mask or not to mask – that is the question… among many many others. It’s now been over a month since I started writing about the novel Coronavirus that hit our world like a ton of bricks. In that time, what we know, or think we know, about this virus has changed. Likewise, guidelines … Read more
Recently, it occurred to me that “social distancing” may be too nebulous of a term. Mostly it occurred to me because my friend Janelle told me it was too nebulous. So, I guess it occurred to Janelle. But then it occurred to me that she is absolutely right! So, there you go. Obviously, some people … Read more
All 50 states are reporting cases of the novel Coronavirus. It’s a COVID-19 world now. Is this our new normal? More people are getting tested (though still not enough). The numbers of cases of COVID-19 are surging, and so are deaths from this frightening illness. Every day we read some new headline about risk factors, … Read more
Well, a great deal has happened since last I wrote. The World Health Organization upgraded the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) infection status to Pandemic. In Spokane, we now have identified our first 3 cases of COVID-19. Across Washington state (and in many other districts across the country), schools are closed for the next 6 weeks. Colleges are … Read more
Dear Everyone, As I sit here with a dull ache in my head, rubbing out the knot in my neck, trying to stop my heart from beating like I’ve had three cups of coffee (I’m a one cup girl, max), it occurs to me that I might just be stressed. The last few weeks, I … Read more
If you’re just tuning in, this is the second installment of my blogpost to keep myself, and you, up to speed on what’s happening with COVID-19. For the original story (and still some very good baseline information), click here. In the last week, we are no longer just seeing Coronavirus in Washington. We are now … Read more
Washingtonians are a pioneering people. We are tough. We are resilient. Unfortunately, with the report of the first US death from Coronavirus (COVID-19) in our own back yard, we are pioneering in a way that we didn’t necessarily want. And our toughness and resilience will be called upon to set an example to the rest … Read more
Even though this post may start out feeling like it has nothing to do with vaccines, I will bring it around in the end. I promise. But first, we are going to start with a parenting story. Watch out world, we’ve got a driver! I am inspired to write this post by the fact that … Read more
I am SOOO over the “vaccines cause autism” claim. One of the amazing things about science is that it entertains all ideas. It is welcoming of all hypotheses. In fact, testing hypotheses is what science is all about. But what makes a thing true (in scientific terms) is not how you or I feel about … Read more
When I first saw this tweet, the snarky, judge-y part of me spoke up. “Well, duh. This is EXACTLY what vaccines do!” But I had to check myself, because judging and snark rarely, if ever, further understanding. I have assumed (and you know what that does) that your average Joe or Jane knows how vaccines … Read more