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.