I love writing simple healthy recipes for you that work every single time. But something terrible is happening in my beloved country.
It’s so incredibly sad that I can’t bake it away with a batch of my world-famous Paleo Chocolate Chip Cookies the way I usually do.
Shut Up and Bake
For those of you who tell me to stick to the recipes, i.e., shut up and bake, I’m providing you this link to my Low-Carb Dessert Recipes, so stop reading this and hop on over to that!
Don’t worry, I totally understand. Sometimes things are just too much. Like right now.
COVID US Death Toll Hits 200,000
For the rest of you, this month, the US death toll for COVID hit 200,000. Given how much I love our incredible country this saddens me greatly. We are losing the war on COVID and it is a national tragedy.
US COVID Deaths off the Charts
We are in desperate need of solutions. According to Fox News, the USA suffers from 20% of COVID deaths in the world, although we are only 4% of the world’s population.1
Losing a Loved One to COVID
On a more personal level, the pandemic has impacted so many families, including my own. We Lost a Loved One to COVID in April and then went through the bizarre process of grieving during the pandemic.
COVID National Tragedy
Although I’ve been writing about health for two decades, the devastation wrought by the COVID-19 pandemic is the most traumatic thing I’ve seen by far. I can’t remotely compare it to what I experienced with my own MS Diagnosis, as the failures of this national tragedy make MS look like a picnic.
The War on COVID
Just to give some perspective, more people have died of COVID-19 than all of the US soldiers lost in the Korean War and each military conflict we’ve engaged in thereafter.2
It is as if we have had a 9/11 attack every day for 67 straight days.3 This is the death toll. And it keeps rising.
What Can We Do About COVID?
Here are some of my first hand COVID experiences. Additionally, I’ve outlined those of friends, as well as things I’ve read about.
COVID Testing
I live in Boulder, Colorado. Free COVID-19 testing just came here, that’s great. But may I ask why it didn’t start until Friday, September 18, 2020? We are at war against COVID. We can do better than this.
COVID PPE Shortage
Although not much talked about in the media, there is still a shortage of personal protective equipment or PPE.
When my husband and I went to get COVID tests earlier this month, we noticed the nurses did not change gloves between patients. This is unsanitary. The nurses confirmed it is due to the national PPE shortage.
Are We at War on COVID?
When we are at war, state governments should not be haggling against each other for resources. Traditionally this is the responsibility of the federal government.
However, when asked about coordinating supplies for our front line warriors, the White House responded that the federal government “is not a shipping clerk, “4 Wrong answer.
COVID Mask Wearing
I’m not looking for equivocation on mask-wearing or statements about how waiters feel about this issue.5 I don’t look to waiters for direction on how to conduct myself in the war on COVID, I look to executive leadership to take a stand.
Along those lines, I’m so grateful that Governor Polis has done this in Colorado. There are some bright spots in how the pandemic has been handled.
But in the end, there really isn’t that much of a political divide when it comes to mask-wearing. Both Democrats like Polis and Republicans, such as McConnell are far from cowardly when it comes to taking a stand that sends a clear and consistent message on mask-wearing.
Masks Suck
No one likes wearing a mask, it’s not fun. But neither is an economic lockdown. We’ve seen other countries use mask-wearing to get COVID under control so that their economies can re-open. Although we used to be a leader in these types of things, it’s not too late to learn!
Make America Again
The United States is an amazing country. During World War II we produced B-24 bombers around the clock. at its height, they were manufactured every two hours.6 As an American this type of historical accomplishment gives me hope.
It’s Not Too Late
It is not too late for a national government effort using the Defense Production Act to address shortages of testing materials and PPE to protect out amazing health warriors on the front line. It’s time to wage war against this terrible disease before another 100,000 American lives are lost.
Marie Carter says
Hi Elana,
I totally agree with everything you said here and also before when you told of your loss back in the spring. Our family and many others are so appreciative of your baking but also your ability and your use of your space to speak out about what needs to be said. I hope you won’t be shutting up.
Elana says
Marie, thanks for putting your support into words here :-)
Julie Hall says
Thank you so much for speaking up and sharing. I lost my 51 yr old husband to Covid July 20th. NEVER did I think I would be a widow at 48. This is real and needs to be handled SO much better.
I hope you and your family are well. Love your recipes!!
Elana says
Julie, I am so very sorry for your loss, this is a tragedy. Thank you for your kind words during this difficult time and take good care!
Judy says
I am almost in my mind boggled about this whole situation. It is so easy to try not to think about it. I just wanted you to know you and your family are in my prayers, and
I am constantly giving the Almighty for a special covering for peace for you and your family. I am just so amazed how may people do want to face the situation at hand, and I think that is why it still feels like the 1st of March. I knew something was coming, but I kept telling myself I was paranoid. I went from getting a blood test every week to, do not come unless we call you. If that does not make you wonder! I spent the next 4 mths. in my house, before getting a blood test. Someone bringing groceries, but still no one to talk to. I think that is the hardest part. Do you feel like you have been asleep, and this is just a dream? You are in my prayers
Elana says
Judy, it is quite mind boggling. I’m sending prayers to you on this challenging journey and thanks for being on this healing path with me.
Phyllis Lasky says
Elana, I am very sorry to hear about the losses you have suffered due to this pandemic; my heartfelt & deepest condolences to you & family. I can’t even imagine what it must have been like for you to grieve during this time, with all its restrictions. I have a nursing background (retired now) & I am shocked to hear about yours and your husband’s experience about being tested by someone who didn’t change gloves between each testing. In this case, the gloves were protecting the nurse but not all those being tested. I would think that wearing no gloves at all but washing his/her hands well between those being tested (if that was even possible) would have been safer. I hope that things improve in your country & my fingers are crossed for a positive election outcome. I have been enjoying many of your recipes for a number of years now; thanks for providing them. I also appreciate your sharing about your journey with your health issues; you are an inspiration, especially to those who are also dealing with their own challenges. Take good care.
Elana says
Phyllis, agree. The gloves protect the nurse but not the patients. This is the sad state of affairs we live in. That months into a pandemic we cannot procure basic equipment to protect our citizens. Very, very sad. Thanks for your kind and supportive words and for being on this healing path with me. Hugs to you and yours.
Victoria says
Though I appreciate your beautiful website, there is not a place to unsubscribe. Could you please assist to remove my email address? Thank you…
Elana says
Victoria, thanks for your comment! Do you wish to unsubscribe from my newsletter? LMK and I’d be happy to assist you :-)
Kristy LaFollette says
Elana! I love you so much. I have known you for almost 40 years and you have always ALWAYS put critical thinking first. You are a leader in this regard, always have been. People these days think this is political discourse, but it is not (as you know). This is full on propaganda and why COVID has taken tens of thousands more lives than it should. While these weirdo trolls that show up and make completely misinformed statements, I know you. I know you will share the correct info and move on. But I can imagine this toxic interaction can take its toll. AND you know how to create boundaries. I am so grateful you are here and able to give guidance. So many need it.
Elana says
Kristy, my BFF from DHS! Thanks for your kind words of support and sending you so much love :-)
Allison says
You have every right to speak up. People who want to censor their content providers are scared or willing to suspend reality for their comfort level.
Elana says
Thanks so much for your support Allison!
Lori Bolte says
Your post has made me tear up and I’m not a crier. It is so incredibly sad right now. The air is thick with mistrust and I’ve never felt that before. As I sit hear waiting for the first presidential debate to start, I encourage everyone to stay positive and bake away. Just scream while you’re doing it. Now is not the time for silence.
Elana says
Lori, it is so incredibly sad right now. Yes, we can scream while we bake. I did scream at the TV a few times last night.
Barbara says
Thank you for the very insightful blog. I agree with you!
Elana says
Thanks Barbara!
Kristie says
I’m so happy that I read wonderful people like you who are willing to put this out there. A pandemic is no time for politics, and yet here we are, with hundreds of thousands dying because some folks thought it would be cool to politicize a virus. Thank you for your smart suggestions. Now I’m ready to shut up and bake.
Elana says
Kristie, adorable comment that’s to the point, thank you!