Long COVID Changes Everything, and it's going to be okay.

 Note: This is a Part Two of a blog about Post Exertional Malaise (PEM).  To read Part One, click here.  I used to be a very active person.  I love nordic skiing, hiking, climbing, and backpacking.  My husband and I like to garden and go birding in the evenings.  Back in Fall 2022, when I was first struggling with Long COVID symptoms, I found myself late canceling on climbing and camping trips with friends.  Gardening had become exhausting and I didn't know why.  So I did what any American would do - I assumed I contracted some form of laziness and looked for something new to motivate me.  This is when I found the wonderful small coaching business called Catalyst Rowing . For any of you who DON'T have PEM, I highly recommend checking them out!  Martha Laugen "Coach Martha", is an amazing woman who has created a safe and inclusive fitness community focused on working out with indoor rowing machines.  I immediately fell in love with the sport.  As a physical therapist I

 Hi everyone, I'm always keeping an eye out for up to date information on Long COVID treatment, and this just crossed my YouTube feed.  Now, let's all remember to take anything from YouTube (or TikTok. or Facebook. or Instagram) with a grain of salt.  But this is from a medical doctor on, the feed of an accredited and well-regarded university.  So it passes my sniff test.   Upon watching I realized this is ONE OF THE BEST short summaries of the symptoms of and treatment for Long COVID.  I'm out of energy today to write more, but stay tuned for a blog where I write about what I am doing and how that fits with his treatment plan.  I am also adding this video to my resource link blog.  Check that out as well for more helpful info on Long COVID . 

  A study in 2022 made the rounds in the news when it revealed women are twice as likely than men to develop Long COVID.  Research since has supported this, with additional data  in 2023 suggesting that middle aged women (35-49 years old) are among the most at risk demographic.   Why is this?  One important factor to recognize, especially with population level research, is the role of social determinants of health .  Women are more likely to struggle with lower socioeconomic status than men. They also deal with gendered responsibilities and healthcare disparities.  These are all indicators for lower health outcomes.   We need better socioeconomic safety nets and comprehensive healthcare for women in the light of this pandemic, and sooner rather than later.  Another important factor is the prevalence of autoimmune disease in women - 4 out of 5 people with autoimmune disease are female.  One of the top ten causes of death for women under age 65 is autoimmune disease.   Long COVID is po