The human nose, so remarkably varied in size and shape, is arguably the central dominating feature of our faces. It's certainly the most hardworking, being responsible not just for our ability to breath and smell but also for our ability to taste food. Is it any wonder that it is also host to a parade of maladies? Sinusitis, allergies, anosmia (the loss of the sense of smell), nosebleeds, fractures, colds: all of these and more can turn this vital organ into a hotbed of pain and misery.
This month's Alaska Pulse explores some of the most common nasal afflictions, but as usual we've set aside space for topics that may not adhere to our chosen theme but are nonetheless important and worth reading. First and foremost of those is a moving contribution by Andrew Wellner, the former publisher of the News-Miner's sister publication, The Kodiak Daily Mirror. We thank Andrew for sharing his thoughts and feelings with us, and urge you, dear reader, to share them too.
Dorothy Resch Chomicz
Editor, Alaska Pulse
