CHADDS FORD, Pa. — Richard Schwartzman, editor of Chadds Ford LIVE and a familiar presence in the community, is recovering from a recent bout with shingles. Friends and readers will be glad to hear that Schwartzman is on the mend and expects to resume his editorial duties in the coming weeks.
That means popular features such as the Police Log, Pet of the Week, Along the Ford, and Photo of the Week will return soon. He is also looking forward to returning to township and school board meetings, as well as covering community events in the area this October.
Schwartzman said the past two months have been difficult, but he is using the experience to encourage others to take preventive steps. “I’m not one to offer medical opinions, but for anyone who had chickenpox in their youth but has not been vaccinated against shingles, please talk to your doctor. I don’t want any of my friends or readers to experience this.”
In the meantime, his experience is a reminder to take a closer look at shingles and the steps we can all take to avoid it.
Understanding Shingles and Its Prevention
Shingles is caused by the varicella-zoster virus — the same virus responsible for chickenpox. While chickenpox fades in childhood, the virus can remain dormant in the body for decades and reactivate later in life. The condition often begins with tingling or pain on one side of the body, followed by a blistering rash. Other symptoms may include fever, headache, or fatigue.
Health experts warn that complications can be serious. The most common is postherpetic neuralgia, a form of nerve pain that can linger for months or even years. In rare cases, shingles can affect the eyes or ears, and in severe cases may contribute to neurological issues.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly all Americans born before 1980 are at risk of shingles because they’ve had chickenpox. Risk rises significantly after age 50 and is also higher for those with weakened immune systems.
The CDC strongly recommends the Shingrix vaccine for adults 50 and older, as well as for younger adults with compromised immunity. The two-dose vaccine has proven highly effective at preventing both shingles and its complications.
Doctors also advise simple steps to help keep the virus dormant: maintaining a healthy diet, managing stress, getting regular sleep, and avoiding direct contact with shingles blisters, which can spread the virus to those who’ve never had chickenpox.
As Schwartzman continues his recovery, we can all look forward to his return to Chadds Ford LIVE. His words of caution and experience serve as both encouragement and a timely reminder that shingles is preventable with proper care and vaccination.
About George Rotsch
George is the publisher of Chadds Ford LIVE along with DelawareLIVE, MilfordLIVE, and TownSquareLIVE. He is a professional communicator and marketing consultant. He has worked national brand and local non-profits and contribute to editorial strategy and as a reporter from time to time. He can be reached at george@delawarelive.com.
