Coronavirus Pandemic – YOUR actions matter

Pandemic - Earth with mask

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

The Coronavirus – a doctor’s story of anxiety

Coronavirus anxiety

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

Coronavirus in EVERYONE’s back yard

Covid-19 an update

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

Coronavirus in our own back yard

Outbreak

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

Letting go of fear – a parenting story

Letting go

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

Blowing the whistle on anti-vax false claims – Part 3

Common anti-vax tropes

Welcome to Part 3 of “Blowing the whistle on anti-vax false claims” – our final installment (for Parts 1 and 2, see here and here). If you’re like me, you’re tired of seeing these same old anti-vaccine signs show up at events around the country. I wish that I could bring my own signs with … Read more

The perfect comeback: a vaccine story

The counter argument

You know how you beat yourself up about not having the perfect comeback to someone who has just criticized or insulted you? How you then hyper-focus on what you would have said but by the time you come up with something that would blow the other person’s socks off, the moment has passed? Well, this … Read more

Blowing the whistle on anti-vax false claims – Part 2

Common anti-vax tropes

Well, hello again! So glad to see you back. Today we are continuing to tackle the misleading information that is seen on the signs in the photo above. Because of the volume of nonsense seen in this photo, I’ve had to split this blogpost into several different parts. Welcome to Part 2 of “Blowing the … Read more

Blowing the whistle on anti-vax false claims – Part 1

Common anti-vax tropes

This photo is taken from a gathering outside one of our recent local sporting events. These signs contain so much misinformation that I have to call “Foul!” Because of the sheer volume of hooey that needs debunking, this blogpost will be split into multiple parts. We will look at each message and address each claim. … Read more

Vaccine Medical Exemptions 101

Certificate of Medical Exemption

In response to the growing anti-vaccination trend, several states now limit personal and/or religious exemptions to vaccinations that are required for school entry. This leaves some parents desperately seeking medical exemptions in order allow their non-vaccinated children to continue to attend schools or daycares. And some medical providers are willing to comply… for a fee … Read more