Health & Fitness

Some people have the ability to change lives. They may provide another with life-changing hope. They may offer profound compassion. They may simply love unconditionally. People like Sharon Chamberlain, chief executive officer at Northern Nevada HOPES, are changing thousands of lives every day by offering underserved and overlooked Nevadans hope, compassion and love.

The office of Dr. Merrit W. Dunlap, a Carson City family physician since 1999 and native Nevadan, put nearly 2,500 shots in arms since January in the fight against COVID-19.  Dr. Dunlap, his staff, and several volunteers held 12 drive-through vaccine clinics during January through April at the top floor of the Casino Fandango parking garage.

Wouldn’t it be nice if there were a place on the internet to read all of the happy, positive, celebratory thoughts about COVID vaccines? 

Turns out: You’re here! 

During our recent interview, Sally Kinter remained composed nearly the entire time she recounted her breast cancer story — from diagnosis and treatment to joining Breast Cancer 2 Bikini (B2B). But when asked why she applied to B2B — a rigorous training program that prepares breast cancer survivors for a public bodybuilding competition – her voice cracked. “I lost a lot of friends when I got cancer — people who had a hard time dealing with my diagnosis. I wanted to build a community of fellow survivors.”

One thing has become clear during the pandemic, shut down and shelter in place orders — we really like to get outside. More than 40 percent of Americans said they plan to do more outside due to COVID-19 and social distancing rules.

COVID-19 has been hard on everyone. It brings a lot of uncertainty to people, which can be anxiety-inducing. Now, imagine going through a pandemic and having to be responsible for another person and their needs. The pressure for family caregivers taking care of others during this time can be overwhelming. With the lack of in-person support groups available due to COVID-19, the Community Foundation is determined to connect family caregivers with one another during this time. 

With the travel restrictions due to COVID-19, many families are staying close to home and have turned to camping as an alternative to other types of vacation. Additionally, the RV dealerships are seeing an increase in sales by 30 percent over last year. With this influx of new campers and several months of closed campgrounds this past spring, it has been challenging to secure a camping reservation for this season.

Self-proclaimed workaholic Bob Lissner was looking for a place to share his experience and abilities after retiring from his position as the founder of Lifestyle Homes. He found that and more at Northern Nevada HOPES, where he has been volunteering for many years.

“I believe in their mission,” he says. “They’re providing medical care for people who wouldn’t otherwise have access.”

If you are feeling anxious, overwhelmed, stressed, sad or even angry about coronavirus, you are not alone. We have all been affected in some way. Coronavirus is a global phenomenon, and Reno/Sparks, Nevada is not an exception. In a short span of time, our “normal” at home, school and in our community has changed.

Any change requires an adjustment. Abrupt change, like what we face with coronavirus, can lead to a rollercoaster of painful emotions. That is why we are sharing with you our top five things to do to stay positive during these trying times.

For many, the global pandemic has been a crisis “perfect storm” — economic struggles, fears about health and personal challenges all coming together at the same point in time, resulting in unmatched emotional and physical turbulence.