Taking My Medicine

(APA image)

On the bright side I didn't get sick last year; the masking, distancing, staying indoors, and constant washing of hands protected against all viruses, not just the corona. On the other hand the gyms were closed (walking didn't burn as many calories), and I snacked overmuch and put on five pounds.

It's no comfort that I didn't do as poorly as others.

An APA Stress in America survey conducted in late February 2021 found 42% of U.S. adults reported undesired weight gain since the start of the pandemic, with an average gain of 29 pounds. Weight changes have come with good reason, as people’s diets, activity levels, sleep habits, and daily routines have been turned upside down by the pandemic.

Outside the lab

Americans deferred elective visits to the doctor because the medical establishment wanted to preserve beds and other resources for COVID-19 patients. Now that more than half the country is vaccinated, the fear is lessening, despite the recent spike from the delta variant.

Purely anecdotal, I know, but I've observed a snap-back effect as people try to catch up on treatments unrelated to the coronavirus. Last week there was a waiting line just to get into the hospital and then another line at the lab to register for a blood draw.

I didn't adopt the healthy eating, exercise, and sleep habits that the doctor recommended last year. I wouldn't be surprised if the test results show that I've crossed the line into Type 2 diabetes.

Although tempted to avoid hearing bad news, I'm going to see the doctor later this week for the annual check-up. There's still time to right the ship.

[Update - I spoke too soon about medicine getting back to normal, at least in Hawaii:

No open ICU beds at Queen’s

The Queen’s Health Systems has no available intensive care beds, has started canceling elective surgeries and procedures and has had to divert patients with emergency health needs to other hospitals as Hawaii’s surge in COVID-19 cases strains resources and threatens to grow worse.

“Our ICU beds are completely full,” said Jason Chang, chief operating officer of The Queen’s Health Systems and president of The Queen’s Medical Center...The beds are being occupied by an increasing number of COVID-19 patients, as well as patients who have experienced heart attacks, strokes and other traumas.]