Accessibility Wins (and We Meet the Prime Minister)
This past Friday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced that the federal government is giving Toronto Community Housing Corporation (TCHC) $1.34 billion for repairs. And! 20 percent of that is earmarked to improve accessibility. And I got to meet him. But more on that later. The National Housing Strategy and accessibility You have read about the…
My Favourite Books That Helped Me Live Better with Chronic Illness
This post may contain affiliate links. I have read voraciously for pleasure since I was a child. Somewhere along the way, I discovered that books can also educate, support, and help you figure out how to live in this world. This can be extra helpful when you live with a chronic illness and are flailing…
I Am Not a Burden Because of My Chronic Illness
There is no maximum number of ‘asks’ when it comes to needing help from a loved one, so why does it often feel uncomfortable to make yet another request? I explore what it’s like to feel like a burden when you need help and what to do about it in my new article for HealthCentral:…
KDP Select and Bookbub Promotions: An Indie Author Experience
There are a couple of methods to tell a lot of people about your book, rather than just one or two who might catch a tweet or Facebook post. At the end of last year and the beginning of this one, I tried two of them: a KDP Select Free Book Promotion for Chronic Christmas:…
Lisa Sniderman: Being a Light in the Darkness for People with Chronic Illness
Lisa Sniderman`s book A Light in the Darkness: Transcending Chronic Illness through the Power of Art and Attitude is a memoir of her life as an artist with dermatomyositis, a rare autoimmune disease. Using her artist persona, Aoede, the Muse of Song in Greek mythology, she greeted songs informed, winning multiple awards, until sidelined by…
#3Things FAQ: Small Steps to Build a Better Life with Chronic Illness
You may have seen me talk about #3Things on various social media channels. In case you don’t know what I mean, here’s an FAQ. What, exactly, is #3Things? #3Things is a gentle way to build a better life with chronic illness. I wanted to help people with chronic illness accomplish goals in a positive way that respects…
#3Things: March 2019
The monthly #3Things Facebook Live took place yesterday. We talked about smoothies, meditation, gratitude, piles of paper, and talking. It was great! I’ve got a Facebook Live schedule now. #3Things happens on the first Thursday of each month and #AskLene on the 3rd Thursday of the month. Both usually at 2:30 PM ET. Would love…
At-Home RA Test Could Be a Quicker Path to Treatment
One of the biggest challenges in having rheumatoid arthritis is simply getting diagnosed. In my new article for HealthCentral, I look at the pros and cons of a new at-home diagnostic test for RA: “Many people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) experience difficulties in getting a diagnosis. The lag between first appearance of symptoms and the…
A Story About Mushrooms (No, Not That Kind)
Last week, when I made the rounds of the market for my weekly groceries, I stalled out at the green grocer. More specifically, I was entranced by a bin of cremini mushrooms. I could feel myself drooling, just a little, and the urge to buy all of them, every single one, and eat them right…
Can Green Smoothies Improve My Chronic Illness?
Image description: A glass with a green smoothie surrounded by apples and kale. This post may contain affiliate links. Thanks for supporting The Seated View! I have joined the green smoothie craze. The universe presented me with several pieces of information, plus one sudden craving for All.The.Greens! that together got me going. I’ve received a…
What You Need to Know About RA and Osteoporosis
RA comes with an increased risk for other medical conditions. One of these is osteoporosis. In my new article for HealthCentral, I take a closer look at risk factors and prevention: “Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), steroids, a sedentary lifestyle, being low on vitamin D — these all are risk factors for developing osteoporosis and may be…
Could Vagus Nerve Stimulation Cure RA?
A new drug-free treatment holds promise for RA. I investigate in my new artcile for HealthCentral: ““Vagus nerve stimulation cures rheumatoid arthritis!” You may have seen this statement in multiple places over the past few years, but is it true? Can rheumatoid arthritis (RA) really be cured by stimulating a nerve in your neck? To…