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
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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.
Bonnie Mann says
Der Elana,
The thought that you would stop sharing your deep thoughts, recipes and love makes me incredibly sad so stay strong and know that we are out here waiting to hear from you! When I see that I have a post from you I open it first because I always look forward to your thoughtful, kind and timely words as well as your amazing recipes. I have been following you and using your recipes for many years because they align with my health needs perfectly and are always so incredibly easy with the fewest possible ingredients. Through you I have learned so much about “alternative” foods and they have become a permanent part of my pantry. I can picture you in your kitchen preparing the same recipe over and over to get it just right and then, instead of keeping it for yourself, you share it openly on your site. All of that takes so very much work and an unselfish heart. So, thank you, thank you, thank you from my heart to yours.
Elana says
Bonnie, thanks for your amazing comment which made my day and warmed my heart. I hope someday I’ll be back on book tour and we can meet in person. In the meantime stay safe and take good care :-)
cia626 says
Elana, I always appreciate what you share in your blog – please keep sharing! As a person who worked in a hospital for more than 3 decades, I often had to wear a mask at work, so for me it’s not a big deal. At the beginning of the pandemic I was working in a hospital in Cook County, IL, and yes, Covid-19 is very real. Hospital staff wear masks to both protect themselves and their patients. Everyone wearing a mask now is the best way to not only protect yourself, but also the best way to love your neighbor. Let’s all be more loving!
Elana says
Cia, thanks for sharing your experience with mask wearing. There is so much misinformation about it. In fact, someone left a comment on this blog post claiming wearing a mask is bad for your health. All I want to say to these people is, talk to all of the surgeons, docs, nurses, etc. who wear masks all day and are fine. What the heck? But yes, in the end I agree with you. Let’s all be more loving!
Dedria says
This is a great blog, Elana. I appreciate all your readers who commented. It lets me know what other women are thinking. I just want to add that a group of people are unable to move forward without leadership. Leadership is everything you are a leader in eating food that does not aggravate health conditions. That is essential to living our best lives. Keep up the good work. Thank you.
Elana says
Dedria, thanks for your amazing words which I so greatly appreciate. Your comment brought tears to my eyes.
Nancy says
Thanks for your continued advocacy. Unfortunately, a number of our citizens are confusing the wearing of masks as a political issue and not a health issue. As you stated, the USA has 4% of the world’s population and 20% of the COVID deaths. One of the primary differences in countries with low illness and death rates is the use of masks. Such a simple thing for people to do. Not the total answer, but certainly a very important step.
Elana says
Nancy, it is very sad that so much contradictory information has come from the White House. Quite a shame that they cannot coordinate a response. And yes, masks are such a simple weapon in the arsenal that can help us fight this pandemic. Take good care :-)
JO MURRAY says
Love your beautiful user friendly and delicious recipes. I appreciate your courage in expressing what needs to be said. I agree with you!
Elana says
Thanks so much Jo!
Bill says
A person can bake and support the fight against COVID-19 at the same time. Thank you.
Elana says
Bill, well said!
Elizabeth says
Thank you, thank you, thank you & a million times I thank you. Your recipes, your love and sharing your Light, truth & wisdom- I receive wholeheartedly. Sending you my love and gratitude, prayers and blessings…
Walking with you…
Eliz
Elana says
Elizabeth, thanks for walking this path with me. Sending you so much love :-)
Mindy Fogel says
Thank you very much, Elana, for putting forward the facts about the covid situation in a respectful and factual way. I am always interested in what you have to say about any topic. Shana Tova!
Elana says
Mindy, thanks for your support. Happy new year to you and yours!
Janet Sale says
Hi Elana,
I’ve loved your recipe books, blog and outlook on life for many years. You have been a calming presence and I want to thank you for everything that you bring to my life. I agree completely with your post about the sad state of our country during this pandemic. In my state, masks are encouraged but not required. I find it very depressing that so many people choose not to wear a mask here. Please know that you are loved and appreciated for your thoughts, recipes and generous nature.
Elana says
Janet, wow. What an amazingly supportive comment. Thanks so much and big hugs to your and yours :-)
Gail Harrigan says
Thanks, Elana for continuing to shed light on how we, as individuals, can contribute to slowing the spread of COV-19 and the role so many of us were hoping the federal government would play in getting there. Here in NJ where we have lost so many people, testing is widely available but that did not happen for several months despite our governor’s plea for help. Fortunately, we had Rutgers University scientists and they developed a reliable rapid test that became available. I love your baking (we just finished a batch of the Keto Turmeric bars, yum!) but I also admire your use of your platform to make statements about the world in which we live.
Elana says
Gail, thanks so much for your support! I greatly appreciate it. Glad you are enjoying my recipes :-)