ButYouDontLookSick.com magazine is about living life to the fullest with any disability, invisible disease, or chronic pain and features a collection of articles, personal stories, book and product reviews, health resources and an active message board for the disabled, or those living with chronic pain or illness.
Voting is part of what makes our nation great. You don’t have to worry about being shot while you wait in line to vote. You don’t have to sit in jail and be force fed because you want the right to vote – the suffragettes did that for you. All you need to do is VOTE!
The only way to make changes in our country is to pick people who represent what you believe in (or at least some of what you believe in). Face it, nobody ever agrees on every issue. But you need to find candidates you believe will work for your best interests and cast your vote for them.
"Get Better, Get Well Gifts" at ButYouDontLookSick.com! Let us help you find that perfect gift!
Sometimes, when flowers smell, cards get old, and no amount of humor is going to be funny, you are at a total loss for what to give someone who is going through a hard time. You want to give something that tells your friend or loved one, you are thinking of them. You don't want to shy away while they have become sick. You want to let them know in an unique, yet useful way that you do care and you have done your research. You are not going to stop being their friend. The best gifts are the gifts that are not only a present, but give to a charity related to what your sick friend may be going through, or a gift in memory of someone they loved. In these hard economic times, I like a gift that does two things, gives someone something to open and makes them smile, but also a gift of a donation to a charity that can help others. Giving a gift that gives to others.
I think the best gifts are gifts that "give back". Gifts that either donate a portion of the proceeds to charity, or are inspired by patients, made by patients, etc. Some non for profits have the greatest gifts available. If you haven't shopped for some of the products listed below, you are totally missing out. There is a huge variety in price range, as well as type of gifts, so check it all out and let us help you find that extra special gift for someone who needs it. Some of the organizations listed below may be familiar to you, but others may be new organizations that could use the help to grow while helping others.
$11,000 raised for Lupus - Lupus Walk- 2008 – Team Donato- Miserandino reaches and EXCEEDS their team goal!
Sunday October 19, 2008 was a cold and windy day. I am proud to say that my team (Team Donato- Miserandino Family and Friends) did not just reach our goal of $10,000 but we exceeded it and raised $11,000 for the Lupus Alliance of Long Island/ Queens.
When I originally thought due to hard economic times, and less team members this year that we would raise less money, we as a team raised more then we even hoped for. I am so proud of my family and friends for pulling together, and putting so much effort in to raise money for this cause that is o close to our hearts. 15 years ago we set out to beat our previous year’s fundraising, and as each year passes- it gets harder and harder to do. But we are dedicated and have made this year no exception. We had 42 walkers, who all met early 9am on the cold day. It was so good to see family, friends and even some alumni of my college sorority Phi Sigma Sigma. Everyone makes this Lupus Walk a priority and I appreciate it so much. Unfortunately, I was too sick this year to actually walk. It broke my heart to make the decision to stay home and not lead the walk this year. For the first time in 15 years I could not walk. I needed to do what was best for my health, which was a hard decision. My husband and mother lead the team and collected everyone’s envelopes. They walked together for me and had a great day. Everyone met back at my house for our annual “lupus walk after party”. We all celebrated another successful year fundraising, but also living with lupus. Thank you to everyone who donated, fundraised and walked!
It is not too late, if you would like to make a donation to the Lupus walk, click here
**Because I was not able to actually be at the walk, my mother wrote a summary about the day. Please read her summary and see photos below.
Facebook, Twitter, and MySpace Oh My! ButYouDontLookSick.com on the web!
We love being connected with our readers! Since we have added those "handy dandy" features at the bottom of every article, we have noticed our readers have shared our articles, posted them on their personal profiles and more. We can not thank you enough for sharing this site with your friends and family. Even though we hope you come to ButYouDontLookSick.com every day for our new articles and tips.. we know there are other places on the web where you guys like to hang out. Social Networking is more and more popular and we like to stay connected! We can use technology as a tool to help each other and build a community.
Tips and Tricks for What to Pack for a Planned Hospital Stay
The following things are items that I or my friends have personally tried and found to be very helpful while in the hospital to make things much more bearable and enjoyable.
It would seem the writer's strike has limited the amount of new programming offered this fall. Either that, or I have just gotten pickier about what I will view. Either way, this year, I only found three shows I wanted to test drive.
Here are my thoughts so far:
AllTop.com has Chosen ButYouDontLookSick.com has one the best sites around!
We are proud to announce that we have been chosen to be featured on AllTop.com’s Lupus and Health sections! Thanks to Guy Kawasaki for suggesting butyoudontlooksick.com to be featured with such great company! Check out alltop.com for other great websites and blogs. AllTop.com is sort of a “digital magazine rack” of the Internet. It lists the titles and direct feeds of the best blogs and website and any given topic. Check it out!
October 17, 2008
Yes, I Still Have Lupus
This Sunday October 19th is the annual Lupus Walk fundraiser for the Lupus Alliance in my local area. I am a person living with Lupus. My family and I pride ourselves on being one of the top fundraising teams every year. We make phone calls or send email messages to family, friends and co-workers. We even try to “beat” our previous fundraising goals each year.
How does one deal with the unexpected and the obstacles that at first seem to be insurmountable? How does one view the world after one nearly loses it? Who comes to our aid, and who stays away? These and other questions are addressed in "The Diving Bell and the Butterfly".
This film is based on the book of the same name. It is the real-life story of Jean-Dominique Bauby, the French editor of Elle magazine, who had a devastating stroke in 1995 at age 42 that left him completely paralyzed except for his left eye. Despite this, he wrote his autobiography.
Any way you look at it, these are hard times. Economic recession, global warming, you know the list. So what’s a person to do? Learn, help where you can, and then watch a lot of funny movies. Stay home and rent movies! Here are my top 10 favorite comedy movies. What movies would you add?
Website Review: Cash4Books.net buys your used books, is easy to use and even allows you to ship them for free.
Times are tough; everyone is looking for easy ways to make money lately. If you are living with a chronic illness this is even harder to do, since taking on extra hours at work, or doing anything physical is close to impossible or a real threat to your health. Many people look to have garage sales, but they can be a long exhausting day. I know many people who have tried Ebay but between seller fees, shipping etc. it did not seem to make enough money to be worth it. I have found a very easy way to make some extra cash. By all means this will not make you a millionaire, but it can help a bit during these financially hard times. I like to read and I love books. I have a nice collection of special books that I want to keep. But I also have many books that I might not have liked, or were given as gifts and didn’t suit my taste etc. Do you have books in good condition that you no longer read, or do not want to hold onto? Cash4Books.net buys used books and even allows you to ship them for free. Go to cash4books.net, type in the books’ ISBN numbers (which you’ll find on the back cover, above the barcode or on the copyright page in the front of the books), and see if you can get cash for them. It is super easy!
Every month usually has an "awareness" campaign associated with it. A time of year, when during that month or week that organization combines their efforts to get information out to the public. For example October is Lupus Awareness Month and also Breast Cancer Awareness. You might notice more public service advertisments, or local fundraising walks in your area during these months. I thought it was interesting and important to have 1 list with all the national health awareness months. I have listed what I could find below. It is so important for all patients to support each other.
Press Release: ButYouDontLookSick.com now featuring Product Reviews for those dealing with Chronic Illness or Disability
Butyoudontlooksick.com is a online magazine designed to supply information, resources and support to those with any chronic and often invisible illness. It was begun five years ago by Christine Miserandino, a Lupus patient and someone who understands the need for this website first hand. In addition to the large directory of resources, tips, articles and personal essays, the site also features reviews on specific products and services that would be of particular interest to those suffering with any chronic illness.
Book Review: The Parent’s Guide to Family-Friendly Work, Finding the Balance Between Employment and Enjoyment by Lori K Long, PhD
This book is a comprehensive guide to all the points you need analyze, prioritize, and deal with while trying to combine a job and raising a family.
Nowadays, it’s often a necessity for both parents to work so they can afford to have children and pay for the children’s care, housing, and food. But it’s also necessary to spend some quality time with your children so they learn your values, get to know you, and you get to enjoy watching them grow, as well as teach them about life.
by Clair Davies, N.C.T.M.B.
Many people with a chronic illness also suffer from chronic pain. Yet few know that pain that does not stem from arthritis, neuropathy or a spinal defect, may in fact be caused by a knot in the muscle. Knots in muscles that refer pain or similar discomfort to other parts of the body are called trigger points.
Book Review: Persistence is Power! A Real-World Guide for the Newly Disabled Employee
written by: Jeanne Lazo & Carol J. Amato
When you unfortunately become disabled the world is spinning and you are overwhelmed by many stresses; including bills, paperwork and fears. You may even be angry and depressed and sometimes these feelings stop us from applying for disability or making the right choices for ourselves and our families.
My Family has been walking for 13 years in the walk along for Lupus on Long Island. Last year my team raised close to $10,000! With everyone's help we are hoping to beat that goal!
I just came across a product that I love so much, I took it to my hand therapist so she could recommend it to her other patients! I really struggle with opening jars sometimes - my hands hurt all the time, and they're very small. Jar lids are a terrible obstacle for me!
Like many people, I sometimes experience minor back pain after long hours spent in front of the computer. Also like many, I avoid the use of pills for minor complaints; especially after a nasty bout with bleeding ulcers last year.
A few months ago I discovered a cream called Joint Medic that has, much to my surprise, virtually eliminated my aches. Furthermore, it lacks the mess, burn and odor of other creams, and goes on in smooth, massaging strokes over sore joints and muscles.
Gift Guide: Retail Therapy, Shopping for Bags, Pocketbooks, and More!
"Get Better Get Well Gifts" month at ButYouDontLookSick.com! Let us help you find that perfect gift!
When someone we know is sick, we sometimes feel like we have to give them flowers, chicken soup, or a heating pad. And although all of those are great items, sometimes it is the fun and "for no reason" presents that cheer us up
the most. When you and your girlfriends can't get to the mall to shop, bring the shopping to them. Help treat them to something very special. When you are feeling low, sometimes you need a frivolous, fancy gift that you might never
get yourself. I love getting friends these kinds of gifts for the holidays, but especially when someone I love is sick. The fact is when people are going through cancer treatments, chronic illness or surgery, etc. they are thinking about their health and finances. Many times this leaves no room for "treats" like shopping. There is a reason why they call it "retail therapy".
One of the most common things us women shop for is bags. Wearing and using something new makes you feel good. So spread the love and shop for your friends who can't get out shopping. Here are my 3 latest suggestions for
pocket books, bags and accessories.
Get Well Gifts: 10 Gifts to Pamper the Patient- Use all 5 Senses!
September is "Get Better Get Well Gifts" month at ButYouDontLookSick.com! Let us help you find that perfect gift!
It is simple. If you smell good, you look good, and you feel good. Use all the patient's senses to start helping them to feel better. Touch, taste, smell, sight, and sound, they can all work for the road to recovery. Many times the patient won’t spend money on themselves for some of these seemingly “unnecessary” gifts. Many times when medical bills are high, finances get tight. These gifts will treat the patient to feeling good. I have listed 10 of my new favorites below.
Tips: Celebrate Halloween without the Effort and Money!
Halloween is one of my favorite times of the year and while last year I focused on great make-up tips I learned in college, this year I’m going to show you short-cuts to save both time and money on creating a costume and a
party, from things you have at home, without the usual effort! You can use one or two ideas or if your kids and friends are willing to help, why not try them all? Tailor it down to your energy, illness level and interests!
