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
Free exclusive eBook, plus recipes and health tips, delivered to your inbox.
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.
Deb Parker says
Thank you for your wonderful comments. I have faith in the American people, and keep them in my prayers. I wear my mask. I am 65 and in reasonably good health. I work on a farm and in the farm store. Currently, I’ve see a lack of mask on or properly worn. It’s because either because of weariness, but mostly lack of clear direction from the president. Why? Our governor has been a true leader in Connecticut. His guidelines have been measured and well delivered. Wearing a mask is the least I can do. I am stocking up on my grandchildren’s favorite baking ingredients, as they eat gluten free and paleo. I gladly will shut up and bake!
Elana says
Deb, agree, the lack of clear direction from the top is not helping our mask wearing efforts which is very, very sad. Take good care of you and those awesome grandchildren :-)
Anna says
Elana, thank you so much for your recipes and your voice. As someone who just managed to move away from the states before the pandemic, I am scared for my friends still there.
It is hard managing autoimmune diseases while having small kids and the stress of the pandemic and USA’s craziness adds too many layers on top of that. I will try to make an effort of baking a few more of your recipes since we all need to feel a bit more comforted at this time. Maybe the orange cake will be next.
Lots of love and admiration to you and yours.
Elana says
Anna, thanks for your comment. We are scared here in the states. A pandemic out of control without a clear message from the White House, plus a leader who has said he will not accept election results and has asked the white supremacist groups to “stand back and stand by,” and told his followers to monitor the polls. I could go on, but as you said, one can only take so much stress. Take good care of you and yours :-)
Eve says
I recognize my immediate reaction to folks deriding mask-wearing (good! let THEM not wear masks, and cull the herd of idiots!) as unworthy, especially right after Yom Kippur.
But I can’t un-hear it…
Eve I.
Elana says
Eve, it’s been way too long! You always leave the most transparent, thought provoking comments. Thanks for being on this healing path with me and sending you love.
Isabel Hutchinson says
About wearing masks. I am a retire New Zealand Registered Nurse (widely experienced, very well qualified).
I recommend you & your readers refer to Dr Russell Blaylock’s article about the “value” of wearing masks. Rancourt is another writer who’s articles re masks are worth reading – IMO. Masks are useless & conduce to rebreathing carbon dioxide which is damaging to one’s health.
I have lived since the late 1970s with M.S. I am now in my 81st year. I have had neither a cold nor the flu since 1983. I use no drugs – only vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids & etc. My diet focuses on high intake of saturated, animal fats (our brains became large(r) due to our ancestors eating as much such fat as they could lay their hands on. There are no such things as vegetable oils – all so-called are seed oils & are value-less toxic re humans’ health.
When a practicing RN, I cared for 4 MS patients – they all died in their 4th decade. I live in a town where live 4 women 1/2 my age; they can’t do anything that I am able to do – e.g., go walking (with a walking aid), look after myself, drive my vehicle, do my own shopping & etc.. Here in NZ, doctors & nurses don’t study health & wellness, so I take scant notice of (especially) what doctors say. I’ve had 2 test my vision- they didn’t adhere to relevant regulations re testing the vision of 80+ year olds. I could go on, but folk will “get the picture”.
Elana says
Isabel, thanks for your comment. I’ve spent plenty of time looking into Blaylock’s ideas which I do not find at all compelling. In fact, if you look at the case of Japan you see that mask wearing has kept their economy open. A shame that we cannot learn from such simple, clear, and efficacious examples. Glad to hear that your strategies are working for MS, you are very inspiring!
Jenifer says
You go, girl! COVID-19 isn’t political. It’s a disease and you have definitely been writing about your experiences living, cooking, and eating to minimize health risks. There is nothing wrong with stating facts. In fact, it is our duty to do so.
Elana says
Jenifer, well said! Let’s do the smart thing and live our best, healthiest lives. It’s pretty simple, at least it would be if there was a coordinated, clear effort on a national level. A girl can dream :-)
Lisa says
I’m assuming everyone wants cooks in restaurants to wash their hands and wear hairnets so why is it so hard to wear a mask during a (hello) pandemic?!? I’m glad you said what you said. We can’t all just pretend like life is anything like normal. It’s not. It’s scary and lonesome and hard. ❤️
Elana says
Lisa, could not agree with you more! Thank you for your fantastic comment. Big hugs to you and yours :-)
Joyce Hayes says
Thank you for your well considered words. I have two auto immune diseases and my life has been constricted by this pandemic but that is OK since I want my family whole at the end of this. I have no problem wearing a mask and keeping my distance from people. So thank you for your fabulous baking and your serious dialogue with the facts.
Elana says
Joyce, thanks for being on this path to health with me!
Diane says
Asymptotic Covid cases are real and wearing masks is the way to protect others and ourselves. A friend’s son found out he was exposed and four days later tested positive. Immediately after finding out he was exposed, he isolated. His mom or dad delivered him food. He used wipes when touching all surfaces and of course wore a mask in his shared household. He never got symptoms and he’s done with 14 days isolation now. Nobody in his household got COVID. Masks and protocols work.
Asymptotic cases are occurring and responsible actions like you discuss, Elana, are a gift to untold numbers of people.
Wear masks, Be safe, Be Well.
Elana says
Diane, what a thoroughly perfect comment. Thank you!
Sheila Perl says
Thank you, Elana for speaking out, I don’t understand the reluctance to put on a mask to keep yourself and your neighbours safe. My youngest daughter and I are immune compromised and we are so grateful when friends and neighbours don their masks, thank you.
I also enjoy so many of your wonderful recipes!
Elana says
Sheila, agree!
MorticiA says
Thank you for your thoughtful post! I’m sorry to hear you lost a loved one to Covid. I’m appalled and terrified but not surprised at what is happening in the USA. This is a situation that requires empathy and leadership from the top down, and epidemiology experts should be guiding the response, rather than politicians. Wear a mask, stay home if you can, and keep your distance. We have already steeled ourselves for a Christmas with no guests or family visiting, and any social visits to take place distanced and outdoors (and we live in Canada) for at least the next 12 to 18 months. No I door dining, movies etc. It is not worth dying for. A concerted wave of responsible behaviour would help us to get this pandemic under control quickly. I’m praying for people to make good choices and act responsibly, neighbourly, and considerately. It isn’t a hard thing to do and the consequences would be so positive! In the meantime I am doing some baking and enjoying your recipes (perhaps a bit too much). Wishing you and your family health!
Elana says
Morticia, great comment with fantastic perspective. Thanks for your support and we will hang in there together. Looks like it could be a very, very long haul. Take good care of you and yours :-)