This summer promised to bring renewed hope and freedom from the fear we experienced last summer. Getting the mRNA vaccines made me feel liberated. Finally, I could dine at my favorite restaurants, and see my friends and family. No longer did I feel that the insidious virus that causes COVID-19 was lurking behind every corner waiting to find me.
I love seeing a return to the summers we cherish in Western New York, filled with festivals, craft shows, farm markets, concerts, and county fairs. Yet, in the midst of all this hope that many of us are experiencing, there are still those in our community and nation who remain hesitant, more fearful of the vaccine than the virus. Sadly, it is their hesitancy that has the potential to make themselves and others sick, rendering this virus more powerful than we are. Now, as reports of COVID triple due to the more contagious delta variant, I want to stand up and shout, “Look at me! I took the vaccine and I’m okay! Don’t worry. You’ll be okay too! I want to tell them that if they don’t take care of themselves, it hurts all of us.
Meanwhile, there is so much for which I am thankful. We printed and distributed Buffalo Healthy Living Magazine throughout the pandemic, without missing an issue. People continue to rely on the information we provide, telling us we are their favorite magazine. We also now have Your Hometown Health Connection, a half-hour TV show that airs on WBBZ-TV Wednesdays at 8 pm and Saturdays at noon. So check out the listings on page 38 and tell us what you think. Also, check out some fun things to do on page 45 with more listed on our online calendar.
Enjoy the rest of summer and think about getting the vaccine if you’re still on the fence. I guarantee it will make you and everyone else safer.
Sincerely,
Annette
