4 years later, how long Covid has changed lives.

A group of cyclists save a friend from a cougar attack. Hammy stretches to help your back.   THIS IS TODAY March 18, 2024 [VIEW IN BROWSER]( THIS IS TODAY A group of cyclists recount the harrowing story of fighting off a cougar attack. Plus, people with long Covid describe the mysterious condition's "devastating" effects, and the best hamstring exercises to avoid lower back pain.   The Latest   [A woman pinned a cougar in 'hand-to-hand combat' to save a friend trapped in its jaws.]( A group of cyclists in the Seattle area shared how they [fought off a cougar to save a friend]( who was dragged off her bike after the animal got its jaws around her face. Keri Bergere sustained neck and face injuries and was treated at a hospital following an incident on Feb. 17 on a trail northeast of Fall City, Washington. Fellow riders Annie Bilotta and Tisch Williams told NBC affiliate KING of Seattle how they were able to free Bergere from the attack. "We're hand-to-hand combat-battling this thing," Bilotta said. It took 15 minutes, but they were finally able to [free Bergere from the animal's jaws]( and pin it down. [Continue reading](. [The Princess of Wales skips St. Patrick's Day celebration as questions continue about her health.]( Speculation continues to swirl about the former Kate Middleton's health as she recovers from abdominal surgery. The Princess of Wales, who's been out of the public eye since December due to the procedure, [missed the yearly tradition]( yesterday of celebrating St. Patrick's Day with the Irish Guards. The parade came after Prince William [attended a March 14 event without Kate]( that honored the legacy of his mother, the late Princess Diana. [Here's the latest](. [💔 How long Covid symptoms change patients' lives: ‘Debilitating, devastating, demoralizing.']( While much of the world has moved on from the COVID-19 pandemic, those enduring what is known as [long Covid]( are still caught in its grip. To mark four years since the WHO declared Covid a pandemic, reporters Caroline Kee and Meghan Holohan spoke to leading experts as well as several people who suffer from [persistent symptoms]( like brain fog, dizziness, and rapid heart rate. In some cases, the effects have cost them their careers, mobility, or more. “You start to think you’re losing your mind, like this isn’t real,” one person told us. [See their stories here](. [🩱 Shopping Diaries: Model Iskra Lawrence talks body confidence and the swimsuit she calls ‘shapewear perfection.']( In the latest edition of TODAY's Shopping Diaries, [British model Iskra Lawrence]( shared her [beach must-haves]( that can get you ready for any upcoming spring getaway. Get discounts on her favorite midi cover-up, sun hat one-piece bathing suit, sunscreen mousse and more. [Shop her 9 picks here](.       Start TODAY   Achieve your life and health goals with easy tips. Sitting all day at work can leave your hamstrings feeling tight and make you more susceptible to lower back pain. Avoid pulling a hammy (and increase your knee and hip flexibility in the process) with these [16 hamstring exercises](. Movements like reverse lunges and glute bridges (above) don't require any equipment and will help tone your legs. [See them here](.   What's for breakfast?   Allow us to do the meal-planning for you Set the tone for a week of healthy eating at the breakfast table with these [easy egg bites]( from chef Brittany "Stikxz" Williams. The bite-size egg muffins are packed with veggies and make for a quick, protein-filled meal. Freeze some for busy mornings later in the week. [Get the recipe](, and check out [this week's meal plan](.   Daily Delight   A little pick-me-up before you go. The most adorable little leprechauns on St. Patrick's Day were in the NICU at Mass General for Children and Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Massachusetts. The nursing staff told us they [costumed the babies in green and gold]( for the holiday yesterday to "bring joy to nervous families in need of celebrations and smiles." Whether it was jaunty green hats or Boston Celtics gear, the staff made sure to spread some cheer for the holiday. [See all the photos here](.   Thanks for letting us in your inbox! See you tomorrow. Written by Scott Stump | Edited by Philip Caulfield Enjoying This is TODAY? Invite a friend to[subscribe here.]( Send us Feedback Follow us on Facebook More TODAY Newsletters 30 Rockefeller Plaza New York, NY 10112 [Manage Subscriptions]( | [Unsubscribe](listvar=sub_today) | [Privacy]( | [Contact]( [MANAGE SUBSCRIPTION]( | [UNSUBSCRIBE](listvar=sub_today) | [PRIVACY]( | [CONTACT](