Insights, Blogs & News
IDA Spread Awareness at the 710 KNUS 94.7 KRKS 2011 Health Fair
IDA Had a Blast at the Health Fair on March 26th IDA was There Spreading Awareness about Invisible Disabilities, Encouraging Others and Meeting Some Amazing People! Attendees Enjoyed Free Admission, as well as Free and Affordable Health Screening! Numerous free services were offered, such as Body Mass Index, Blood Pressure Test, Bone Density Scan, Acupuncture, Ask a DOC, Orthotics, Natural Supplements & Weight Loss samples. Low cost blood screening was also available: Complete Metabolic Screen, HDL, Cholesterol, Thyroid, Prostate, Blood Count, Vitamin D, Testosterone. Health Fair Presented by Clinix Healing Center Sponsored by 710 KNUS, 94.7 KRKS and 990 KRKS.
Take the Time to Learn, Not to Judge
The mission of the Invisible Disabilities Association is to encourage, educate and connect people and organizations touched by illness, pain and disability. The term “touched by” is for both the caregiver (friend, family member, co-worker, healthcare worker, doctor, etc.) and the loved one living with the illness, pain or disability. In order to “encourage” we need to be educated which works best by listening to and asking questions of the person living with a health challenge or disability. We can tend to prejudge when with our eyes we do not see the illness or pain or when we have heard […]
I’m Not Just a Patient
“Who, me?” Patient? I ain’t no stinkin’ patient. Denial is a wonderful thing. After being a patient with a chronic illness for more than three decades, I became a wee bit tired of playing the role. No offense to anyone in the medical community, but it was a too-close connection that I didn’t want anything to do with anymore. I loved the providers, but loathed patienthood. It was a role I was more than willing to chuck. But could I? How the heck does one give up such an identity? It’s not exactly like resigning from a job. But wouldn’t […]
IDA observes Rare Disease Day on February 28
The Invisible Disabilities Association will be joining the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) and others around the world in observing World Rare Disease Day on February 28, 2011. On this day, millions of patients and their families will share their stories to focus a spotlight on rare diseases as an important global public health concern. “There are nearly 30 million Americans—and millions more around the world—affected by rare diseases,” said Peter L. Saltonstall, president and CEO of NORD. “Everyone knows someone with a rare disease. But, while many of these diseases are serious and lifelong, most have no treatment […]
It’s Not Easy Being the Observer, Either
“How do you do it?” How does anyone keep going through insurmountable difficulties? We’re talking the really big stuff. The stuff that can’t be fixed with chocolate (gasp) or a pitcher of margaritas or a box of tissues and a friend’s slobbered-on shoulder. We’re talking the ‘I don’t think I could ever get through it and I have no clue how they do’ type of situation. Many of you have been in that trench. For my friends in healthcare, you’re in the front row seat and sidecar of other people’s unimaginable lives much more often than the rest of us. […]
Free Financial Planning Webinar for Caregivers February 24, 2011
Financial Planning Webinar for Caregivers Thursday, Feb. 24 What is the value of a true labor of love? For family caregivers in the United States, the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) estimates their efforts were worth approximately $375 billion in 2007. In addition, the average family caregiver for someone 50 years or older spent $5,531 on out-of-pocket caregiving expenses in 2007—more than 10 percent of the median income for a family caregiver that year, according to AARP. It’s clear that being a family caregiver can be financially challenging. Allsup and the National Family Caregivers Association would like to help. […]