It is looking better

 According to the associated press coronavirus is moving down the list as the cause of death. 

The coronavirus was the third leading cause of death in the U.S. in 2020, behind heart disease and cancer, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. But now, as the outbreak loosens its grip, it has fallen down the list of the biggest killers.

CDC data suggests that more Americans are dying every day from accidents, chronic lower respiratory diseases, strokes or Alzheimer's disease than from COVID-19.

Vaccine is proven to help to slow down of Covid making it possible to get back to living. 

As we age our battle with cancer, heart disease, diabetes. With improvement we can feel more confident to treat the things that kill us.

45% of us are vaccinated of those who are not may be children and young people. Others not vaccinated have their own reasons. Distrust of the medical world, fear of the shots themselves, caught up in political conspiracies I am not sure of all the possible angles.

What is the % of those who would be most effected with Covid? I have talked to people who fear the vaccine may reduce their ability to fight cancer. 

My wife and I had time to think through the vaccine before it was created. We had decided if a vaccine was created that improved our chances to live fighting Covid we would take it. Like other  vaccines I knew we may experience some side effect. Strategy, pain killer, good night sleep and see in the morning. Little arm ache, but the next day OK.

What every your fear I would encourage you to take the shot. If you do not trust the big picture from now medical-political perspective, see your doctor who you trust for what to do. We all have fears concerning what may kill us. The shot vs. getting covid is no contest as I see it. World wide 3.9 million deaths, I would think the number is higher, but compared with 1918 flu pandemic of 20 million people we did really well. When you factor in 8 times more population it show even more how well we did. 

My hope is we continue to learn how to treat respiratory viruses. Improved hospital and nursing homes ventilation to fight infections in general. We need to make sure governments continue to streamline vaccine support as soon as possible. 

To celebrate being back in living I know how often I have failed, but I have targeted a 50 lbs. weight loss goal. Keep walking

zeph 1 14 2 7 SD 480p

the day of the Lord causes real trauma

Part 2 of intro to Zephaniah SD 480p

Understanding the events and times of the prophets. Brief snapshots of the minor prophets will help our reading and study of Zephaniah. These were dark days. Judah's fall was hastened by the beliefs and behavior of the leaders who introduced the gods of Canaanites to the people. Josiah's reforms could not stem the tide of hideous beliefs and behavior. The Day of the Lord is near. Taking a closer look...

Breathe in the Fresh Air

 After a weird year in isolation, it is good to see people getting back to the art of living. Outdoors without masks, vaccines improving our chances, and lots of things to look at regarding the care of Covid treatments and recovery. We have to take a look at what we did both good and bad to improve our progress the next time a virus hits. 

This time it was the elderly that took the hit. Of course, there were others and will sort out the complexities. 

When I looked back at the influenza epidemic in 1918 I discovered they use masks too. At that time they considered themselves modern. We look back at those times as history long ago. A reminder that we will be looked at similarly. 

At the beginning of this epidemic, I thought the advice to wait until difficulty in breathing before seeking help was a very bad idea. When Covid came to our home we got on it right away. 

I was concerned about the readiness of nursing homes to take on the task of care for Covid 19. 

Whether we liked it or not our hospitals would be in the same battle that those in 1918 faced. Despite all of our modern technology, healthcare professionals found themselves in a desperate battle. The bright side of this is all the information we can look at both to learn and to improve care.  

I don't think we are done with this virus and the mutations. Like the flu and Pneumonia, it will probably be  part of our yearly vaccines and care.

Back to our main battles in aging, fighting Cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, and other aging difficulties. A lot of routine testing was challenged by the Covid crisis.

There is an area that I haven't read much about concerning seeing the spiritual needs of in nursing homes and hospitals. Many people this year suffered alone. Is there a way to meet the needs of people spiritually that are aware of highly infectious diseases where safety and human touch are needed?  The church needs to be there. I was glad to engage in services online but I fell short in-hospital care. 

So we are back to walking, visiting friends, rebuilding our bridges. Covid added to the loneliness I think we all felt. This summer should be a time of real blessing. Concerns remain and I hope we learn as much as we can before the next germ comes our way. For now, keep walking.