Nasal spray vs Neti Pot, 2020

source: Rhinocort.com

Better late than never.

Twelve years ago (see February 16, 2008 entry), I first wrote about transitioning to a neti pot exclusively rather than using nasal spray and allergy pills.

Three days later, I failed. Unable to wean myself off either drug. (see February 21, 2008 entry). I dropped Rhinocort for Nasonex, then switched to an OTC brand called Nasocort. I switched back to Rhinocort about 3 years ago, when it became available over-the-counter.

Price point is much more reasonable now. In 2008, Rhinocort put me out $50/month. As an OTC, I can get it for about $17 to $18/month at Target and Amazon. For pills, I went to Clartin, then Zyrtec, and then to a generic version of Sudafed.

After a conference visit with a nurse practitioner 2 weeks ago, she strongly advised I go off Sudafed and go back to using Claritin or Zyrtec (both now available over-the-counter).

And to use a neti pot.

source: EarthHero

I still have the ceramic one I bought in 2008 (exactly like the one in the photo). The plastic travel version didn't work as well, mostly because the spout wasn't comfortable for my nostrils.

I have since purchased a new plastic travel sized nasal irrigation bottle. For me, it still doesn't work as well as the ceramic pot, but I'm willing to sacrifice convenience over comfort for a few days.

Over the past 2 weeks, it's been a routine of neti wash once or twice daily, then a Zyrtec pill and sprays of Rhinocort.

This past weekend, neti wash only, twice a day. Until this morning. Hard sneezes and small mountain of wadded tissues in the compost bucket forced my hand into a Zyrtec pill.

The sneezing hasn't completely stopped, but it isn't as hard or frequent. I am determined to continue the neti pot usage for the next month or two. I like the way my sinuses feel after the nasal rinse. And more importantly, I would really like to reduce my reliance on Rhinocort and Zyrtec.

In Memory of Vincent Chin: Why Calling it Chinese Virus Bothers Me

source: NBC News

I bet many of you have no idea who Vincent Chin is.

I bring this up because if we don't recognize why we're so sensitive about the term "Chinese virus", perhaps hearing about Vincent's tragic end might help you understand.

In short, 2 white autoworkers blamed Vincent Chin for the increased presence of Japanese auto manufacturers in the United States.*
(*taken from NBC News)

Vincent Chin was Chinese American. Not Japanese. A fight ensued. Vincent died of head injuries from the fight a few days later.

PBS's POV and NBC News have several YouTube videos on Vincent Chin, who died in June 1982. He was out with friends celebrating his upcoming wedding. Instead, his wedding became his funeral.

Here's a short NBC News clip that provides a brief, but very informative clip about Vincent Chin's story.

Gone Viral

COVID-19
source: Live Science

As the spread of COVID-19 forces us inside, normal life as we knew it is on hiatus for the time being.

Any public gathering of 50 or more has been closed or cancelled such as bars and nightclubs. Restaurants are limited to takeout and delivery only.

It's going to be a tough run for restaurants. With no dining on premises permitted, lack of business may or will force them to close or shut down completely. The small Korean owned deli in my building closed on Friday and won't open again until Tuesday due to lack of business. As a child of restaurant operators, I am showing my support by ordering takeout as often as I can.

Shopping, tourist destinations, commuter traffic is next to non-existent.

My Monday and Wednesday night bowling leagues are cancelled for the remainder of the month. Many offices have instructed staff to work from home.

The most significant changes for me since the state of emergency:
incessant hand washing, TV/OnDemand viewing and a nauseating overexposure of panicked grocery shoppers hoarding food, hand sanitizer and toilet paper.

Cover your sneezes and coughs in your elbow or crook of your arm.
Stay hydrated. Go out only when you have to until the viral numbers flatten out.
And as Sgt. Phil Esterhaus of the Hill Street precinct ended with each roll call, "Let's be careful out there".

Recap February 14, 2020 to March 8, 2020

Why I was MIA for the past month:

February 14 -18: President's Day Weekend in Napa to celebrate Sherman's and Kat's 5th Wedding Anniversary.

Private tour, Inglenook, Rutherford CA

Kat's family came in Thursday afternoon before the holiday. They stayed with me for the night before we headed to Napa. 

When we got to Napa, 26 people came in from 3 states: New York, Ohio and California. The majority of the guests stayed in the former 9-bedroom private residence of the winery owner (No Airbnb here).

It was hectic and chill at the same time, if that makes any sense. Our first night at dinner kicked off with a formal family photo session, then a lovely dinner and moving speech from Sherman that brought me to tears. We had so much fun that we'll likely be there again to celebrate Sherman's 60th birthday next year.

As soon as Sherman and Kat texted me they made it back home to New York, they told me they would begin plans for my 60th birthday. We decided to celebrate in Columbus. I'll fly out to Cleveland to meet everyone and visit Mom's sisters for the day. Drive to Columbus for the rest of the trip. Activities will likely include a visit to the zoo, perhaps some bowling, a cookout at Cindy's, and the birthday dinner.

February 22 - 23: Asian American Bowling Association Chinese (Lunar) New Year Bowling Tournament at 4th Street Bowl, San Jose.

Bowled 3 squads. Last squad on Saturday, 2 squads on Sunday. Best series was my Saturday squad (see photo). Overall, I didn't do too badly. But likely not enough to cash out this year.

It was on my drive home from San Jose that my tire pressure monitor warning light came on again for the third time in two weeks, the last two in the same day.

I have at minimum, a tire leak. When I last brought my car in for service, the adviser mentioned I'd likely need new tires on my next visit. 

Realized the tires were almost 3 years old. I likely hastened their demise because I didn't rotate them regularly as the warranty requires. Time to order replacements. Ordered another set of Michelins online at Costco. Because it wasn't safe to drive with a flat tire, I decided to arrange for a rental car. Two days later, I hailed 2 Lyft rides - one to get to work, the other to pick up the rental. 

February 29 - March 1: Overtime Saturday.

In the 6 years I've been with this company, I've never worked on a Saturday. Overtime was always discouraged, even if there was a ton of work to do. When my boss gave us the option to work that Saturday, I jumped on it. Not so much because I'd have a fatter paycheck. Mostly because I'd be less buried in work on Monday.

March 7 - 8: Tire installation day. 9 am appointment with a 12 pm deadline to return the rental. I was the first customer taken with an appointment. Saw the car put into the bay at 9:18 am. Got some shopping in. Car was finished by 10:45 am. Drove home. Jumped immediately in the rental to return it. Made it by 11:15. Hailed an Uber ride (use my $15 monthly AmEx credit). Got home shortly after 12 pm.

Big sigh of relief. I sat in the recliner aimlessly surfing on this laptop for 2.5 hours. Then spent the rest of the day doing laundry, stuffing my face and watching TV.

After a call this afternoon from my boss, I am instructed to work from home tomorrow. I get a little extra sleep to catch up from the daylight savings time change, but I'll be somewhat limited in what I can do.