This post will be different from my usual writing.  Since two remembrance days happen in November and the Soviet famine directly impacted my family I felt that I needed to post the following information.  We must not forget.

This was to be posted on November 11th but my health did not cooperate.  I figure “better late than never.”  It is so important to remember the men and women who fought in World War 1 and World War 2 and in other conflicts not mentioned.  Many of them gave up their lives so that we could live in a democratic country.  We must be diligent not to lose our freedoms.  As we experienced with COVID the world can literally change overnight.  We must make sure that our government officials are people that will uphold the laws that we hold dear.

Holodomor was the man-made famine that ravaged the  Soviet republic of Ukraine from 1932 to 1934, peaking in the late spring of 1933.  It occurred in the growing regions of Soviet Russia and Kazakhstan. The Ukrainian famine, however, was made deadlier by a series of political decrees and decisions that were aimed mostly at the Kulaks.  The famine of 1932–34 is often called the Holodomor, a term derived from the Ukrainian words for hunger (hold) and extermination (more).  Stalin was responsible for the murder of 60 million people during his reign from 1928-1934.  Holodomor Remembrance Day occurs on the fourth Friday in November.

At the beginning of November, I had an appointment for an ultrasound with my Hepatologist to discuss the results of my blood work done a few weeks earlier.  Some of the results were higher than normal which was rather disconcerting.  Hopefully, I can get the numbers back down with diet changes and exercise.  Pain can be a hindrance to exercise.

My cardiologist is keeping a close eye on my heart issues.  These episodes of shortness of breath accompanied by a high heart rate are also worrisome.  The EKG device recommended by my cardiologist has been a great investment.  When these issues arise I take an EKG test and email the result to my cardiologist.  If the email gets to him during office hours he calls me immediately; if it happens at night he calls me the next morning.

My family doctor has been a great help by referring me to several amazing specialists.  I have been so fortunate.

Well, I have rambled on long enough until next time.  Take care and keep safe.