tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-85120943858831279022024-03-09T19:46:50.060-07:00From This Point. Forward.~Mariah~http://www.blogger.com/profile/18167493614638596254noreply@blogger.comBlogger1020125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8512094385883127902.post-51189791141318747592023-11-09T09:12:00.001-07:002023-11-09T09:12:00.138-07:00The 5 Love Languages – A Tool For Improving Communication in Relationships<p><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNqsTsInNlJkYjlFMWGvJ2ALufclU2ah5ntZAb9rK6PZ-PpMDzYxfYQU2ZhUNv9WikzvgrKPnii8ylUl9SLQhJQPnd7EU23PQoDt67a2f7TdTK6Z7YA79f5prq7QnSOIFApYwPZD6BK3jYCM-gIegU4G6QEKch3tEWw4xM_KMsDbb4wjB9oS_3xf_3Ow/s683/Screenshot%202023-09-28%20at%209.13.35%20AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="624" data-original-width="683" height="185" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNqsTsInNlJkYjlFMWGvJ2ALufclU2ah5ntZAb9rK6PZ-PpMDzYxfYQU2ZhUNv9WikzvgrKPnii8ylUl9SLQhJQPnd7EU23PQoDt67a2f7TdTK6Z7YA79f5prq7QnSOIFApYwPZD6BK3jYCM-gIegU4G6QEKch3tEWw4xM_KMsDbb4wjB9oS_3xf_3Ow/w203-h185/Screenshot%202023-09-28%20at%209.13.35%20AM.png" width="203" /></a></div>Communication is key in relationships - especially when one
partner is living with a chronic illness. In this article I explain how my husband and I used "The 5 Love
Languages" quiz to better understand each other and improve our
communication as a couple. <p></p><h1 class="post-title item fn"><a href="https://www.mamasfacingforward.com/2023/01/26/the-5-love-languages-a-tool-for-improving-communication-in-relationships/">The 5 Love Languages – A Tool For Improving Communication in Relationships</a></h1><p><span> 💕Need even more info on this subject? Check out the "Relationships
& Intimacy" section, under the heading "Living" on
<a href="http://mamasfacingforward.com">mamasfacingforward.com</a>! 💕</span></p>~Mariah~http://www.blogger.com/profile/18167493614638596254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8512094385883127902.post-77942019062743567122023-10-26T09:10:00.001-06:002023-10-26T09:10:00.144-06:00Top 10 Tips for Lupus Pregnancy Planning and Success<p><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjep7CHbQeIzoBWS2baADPts_VZTPbtQhCuvFfFx-0J1eNAHn4kfzIBeGSsrSQI-U4lSpvYc2HEDDe5uKqkmAlf_yLUS69B1F-HcqKZH4dWbWc04L2pUKA2b8lCcAI23QtSj7YT-C8H6XzYQG8NZS_v_v0-kn2DZKvHti7HzFkv0FmC_HTbtlo_FXn7JA/s584/Screenshot%202023-09-28%20at%209.11.04%20AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="584" data-original-width="572" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjep7CHbQeIzoBWS2baADPts_VZTPbtQhCuvFfFx-0J1eNAHn4kfzIBeGSsrSQI-U4lSpvYc2HEDDe5uKqkmAlf_yLUS69B1F-HcqKZH4dWbWc04L2pUKA2b8lCcAI23QtSj7YT-C8H6XzYQG8NZS_v_v0-kn2DZKvHti7HzFkv0FmC_HTbtlo_FXn7JA/w220-h225/Screenshot%202023-09-28%20at%209.11.04%20AM.png" width="220" /></a></div><br />🤰Have any questions about lupus and pregnancy? 🤰Below you'll find our top 10 doctor-reviewed tips for lupus pregnancy planning and success!<p></p><h1 class="post-title item fn" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.mamasfacingforward.com/2022/01/15/top-10-tips-for-lupus-pregnancy-planning-and-success/">Top 10 Tips for Lupus Pregnancy Planning and Success</a></h1><p><span> </span></p>~Mariah~http://www.blogger.com/profile/18167493614638596254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8512094385883127902.post-18688836540436083752023-10-05T08:37:00.006-06:002023-10-05T08:37:41.173-06:00Book Review: Fair Play<p>We all know that running a household and parenting kids
requires endless emotional, mental, and physical effort! Unfortunately, without
an explicit negotiation of how the workload should be split, research shows
that women still do the bulk of childcare and domestic work, even in two-earner
families in which both parents work full-time! <span style="font-family: "Apple Color Emoji"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Apple Color Emoji";">🧹🧽</span> <span style="font-family: "Apple Color Emoji"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Apple Color Emoji";">🍼</span>
<span style="font-family: "Apple Color Emoji"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Apple Color Emoji";">🎒</span><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">For moms in this community, of course, there's the added
burden of living with a chronic illness. Taking care of your own health may
require dozens of appointments, trips to the pharmacy, long phone calls arguing
with your insurance company or copay assistance program, physical or
occupational therapy, and more - not to mention a very legitimate need for down
time to rest and care for yourself! </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Based on copious research, interviews, and testing, Rodsky
has developed a system that offers couples a way to divide up all domestic
responsibilities - or "cards" - and, most importantly, to divide them
FAIRLY. Rodsky encourages each mom to grab on to this mantra and repeat it
again, and again, and again: "I do not have to do it all."
Fair Play will help you learn how to make this mantra a reality within your
own home. </p><p class="MsoNormal"> </p><h1 class="post-title item fn" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.mamasfacingforward.com/2023/10/01/book-review-fair-play-a-game-changing-solution-for-when-you-have-too-much-to-do-and-more-life-to-live/">Book Review: Fair Play: A Game-Changing Solution for When You Have Too Much to Do (and More Life to Live) </a></h1><p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
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{page:WordSection1;}</style></p>~Mariah~http://www.blogger.com/profile/18167493614638596254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8512094385883127902.post-35409206201554584522023-10-05T08:35:00.000-06:002023-10-05T08:35:40.670-06:0030 Ways to Entertain an Active Toddler When You’re (Chronically) Ill<p><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7sVWBvQz0HIpDKKug5YN8vMNQfPChjh1Y5S4tUR4145f67Dhm9rUF0SLQdgTJLC2O_Ixuad2xjxJfTRgJSFOFNGO3d1DcGI5sIjFDKBidCcaOi2ZdyW-XhoLI4djVMAuLKc7qNDRud2IDEhE3c0nkwpeVa4aVPSyKA2wTddKUz4lmaLLAI-jy4XwFmA/s703/Screenshot%202023-09-28%20at%209.08.01%20AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="678" data-original-width="703" height="186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7sVWBvQz0HIpDKKug5YN8vMNQfPChjh1Y5S4tUR4145f67Dhm9rUF0SLQdgTJLC2O_Ixuad2xjxJfTRgJSFOFNGO3d1DcGI5sIjFDKBidCcaOi2ZdyW-XhoLI4djVMAuLKc7qNDRud2IDEhE3c0nkwpeVa4aVPSyKA2wTddKUz4lmaLLAI-jy4XwFmA/w193-h186/Screenshot%202023-09-28%20at%209.08.01%20AM.png" width="193" /></a></div>Moms don’t get to be sick. 🤒 And yet, we’re only human, no matter
how much we’re trying to be superwoman! Here are 30 activities to get you and your toddler
through a sick day or flare while being a chronically awesome parent:<p></p><h1 class="post-title item fn" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.mamasfacingforward.com/2019/07/02/featured-blogger-jennifer-mulder-of-the-health-sessions/">30 Ways to Entertain an Active Toddler When You’re (Chronically) Ill</a></h1><p><span> </span></p>~Mariah~http://www.blogger.com/profile/18167493614638596254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8512094385883127902.post-19812272890010938242023-10-03T09:02:00.003-06:002023-10-03T09:02:00.143-06:00Mamas Facing Forward Children's Book Reviews<p>
</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTLAJ618XdIKS51ef2gDEkYNuDjr723Ymz9ScNTcp2qxlw7q71LtB6ekcMQTKY_6a6GgUNNyIXpRGoaz7q6VhjyFMxL4DcbAgA_LKx66pG5SKT12hRGOQTM0I7Z5_1xJBLf0lrMS5M1xd1Y1y4pZBtpV3lOPpz7ZJLDl71vqzDa_m2gYGlLdJRTgiO4g/s616/Screenshot%202023-09-28%20at%209.03.15%20AM.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="616" data-original-width="584" height="188" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTLAJ618XdIKS51ef2gDEkYNuDjr723Ymz9ScNTcp2qxlw7q71LtB6ekcMQTKY_6a6GgUNNyIXpRGoaz7q6VhjyFMxL4DcbAgA_LKx66pG5SKT12hRGOQTM0I7Z5_1xJBLf0lrMS5M1xd1Y1y4pZBtpV3lOPpz7ZJLDl71vqzDa_m2gYGlLdJRTgiO4g/w178-h188/Screenshot%202023-09-28%20at%209.03.15%20AM.png" width="178" /></a></div>Perhaps one of the most challenging aspects of motherhood with chronic illness is helping your children understand what is going on with your body and encouraging acceptance about how your illness may impact them. How can you help them develop empathy about what you're experiencing, especially if your illness is invisible? Where's the line between being honest and making them worry? What's the best way to address their concerns in kid-friendly language? This is a topic that will likely need to be an ongoing discussion in your family - and sometimes reading a book together can help!<p></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Here is a list of every children's book we have reviewed on our site in one place, to make it easier to browse all the options. All of these books could be considered resources for helping kids cope with having a parent with a chronic illness, and often they can be useful even if the specific diagnosis mentioned isn't your own. But please take a look at each individual review to find out if the book will be a good fit for your family! </p>
<h4 class="has-text-align-center">Review of: <i><a href="https://www.mamasfacingforward.com/2022/10/31/childrens-book-review-aunt-barbys-invisible-endless-owie/">Aunt Barby's Invisible, Endless Owie</a></i> by Barby Ingle & Tim Ingle</h4>
<center></center>
<h4 class="has-text-align-center">Review of: <a href="https://www.mamasfacingforward.com/2023/09/06/childrens-book-review-how-do-you-care-for-a-very-sick-bear/"><i>How Do You Care For A Very Sick Bear?</i> </a>by Vanessa Bayer</h4>
<p></p><center></center>
<h4 class="has-text-align-center">Review of: <i><a href="https://www.mamasfacingforward.com/2020/12/07/childrens-book-review-how-many-marbles-do-you-have/">How Many Marbles Do YOU Have? Helping Children Understand The Limitations of Those With Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia</a> </i>by Melinda Malott</h4>
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<h4 class="has-text-align-center">Review of: <i><a href="https://www.mamasfacingforward.com/2023/09/18/childrens-book-review-in-my-heart-a-book-of-feelings/">In My Heart - A Book of Feelings</a> </i>by Jo Witek</h4>
<p></p><center></center>
<h4 class="has-text-align-center">Review of: <i><a href="https://www.mamasfacingforward.com/2022/10/21/childrens-book-review-mommy-has-to-stay-in-bed/">Mommy Has To Stay in Bed</a></i> by Annette Rivlin-Gutman</h4>
<center></center>
<h4 class="has-text-align-center">Review of: <i><a href="https://www.mamasfacingforward.com/2023/07/31/childrens-book-review-mommy-sayang/">Mommy Sayang</a> </i>by Rosana Sullivan</h4>
<p></p><center></center>
<h4 class="has-text-align-center">Review of: <i><a href="https://www.mamasfacingforward.com/2023/06/08/childrens-book-review-mommys-going-to-the-hospital/">Mommy's Going to the Hospital</a></i> by Josie Leon</h4>
<p></p><center></center>
<h4 class="has-text-align-center">Review of: <a href="https://www.mamasfacingforward.com/2023/05/22/childrens-book-review-mommy-whats-wrong/"><i>Mommy What's Wrong?</i></a> by <i>Jessica Hensarling</i></h4>
<p></p><center></center>
<h4 class="has-text-align-center">Review of: <i><a href="https://www.mamasfacingforward.com/2023/06/26/childrens-book-review-my-special-butterfly/">My Special Butterfly</a></i> by Kelli Roseta</h4>
<p></p><center></center>
<h4 class="has-text-align-center">Review of: <i><a href="https://www.mamasfacingforward.com/2022/06/24/childrens-book-review-noah-the-narwhal-a-tale-of-downs-and-ups/">Noah the Narwhal - A Tale of Ups and Downs</a> </i>by Judith Klausner</h4>
<center></center>
<h4 class="has-text-align-center">Review of: <i><a href="https://www.mamasfacingforward.com/2022/06/10/childrens-book-review-ravyns-doll/">Ravyn's Doll - How to explain fibromyalgia to your child</a> </i>by Melissa Swanson</h4>
<center></center>
<h4 class="has-text-align-center">Review of: <i><a href="https://www.mamasfacingforward.com/2022/02/12/childrens-book-review-some-days/">Some Days </a></i>(board book) by Caitlyn P.W. Jones</h4>
<h4 class="has-text-align-center">Review of: <i><a href="https://www.mamasfacingforward.com/2022/09/12/childrens-book-review-some-days-we/">Some Days: A Tale of Love, Ice Cream, and My Mom’s Chronic Illness</a></i> by Julie A. Stamm</h4>
<center></center>
<h4 class="has-text-align-center">Review of: <i><a href="https://www.mamasfacingforward.com/2022/09/02/childrens-book-review-what-does-super-jonny-do-when-mom-gets-sick/">What Does Super Jonny Do When Mom Gets Sick? </a></i>by Simone Colwill</h4>
<h4 class="has-text-align-center">Review of: <i><a href="https://www.mamasfacingforward.com/2023/05/26/childrens-book-review-when-mommy-is-sick/">When Mommy is Sick</a> </i>by Ferne Sherkin-Langer</h4>
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<h4 class="has-text-align-center">Review of: <a href="https://www.mamasfacingforward.com/2023/05/15/childrens-book-review-when-petes-dad-got-sick/"><i>When Pete's Dad Got Sick</i></a> by Kathleen Long Bostrom</h4>
<p></p><center></center>
<h4 class="has-text-align-center">Review of: <i><a href="https://www.mamasfacingforward.com/2022/09/07/childrens-book-review-why-does-mommy-hurt/">Why Does Mommy Hurt? Helping Children Cope with the Challenges of Having a Caregiver with Chronic Pain, Fibromyalgia, or Autoimmune Disease</a></i> by Elizabeth M Christy </h4>
<center></center>
<h4 class="has-text-align-center">Review of: <i><a href="https://www.mamasfacingforward.com/2023/07/19/childrens-book-review-wonder-mommy/">Wonder Mommy</a></i> by Jennifer </h4>
<p></p><center></center>
<p></p>
<p> </p>~Mariah~http://www.blogger.com/profile/18167493614638596254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8512094385883127902.post-35397804603613967382023-09-28T09:00:00.003-06:002023-09-28T09:00:27.171-06:003 Strategies for Parenting With Chronic Illness<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_LvsLW3cG8G3pZ6EKH_JH6iY4CctOCnTrN1Yg2JIjQbQOFxZL4s8AwbIFNJJ1GteVufMnyniBMwCevU48p8CMS3DulLN15nov2AyCbNqrGdcJl6D4hmcegHkilB77IWTLFi882Q0h9oNMD6DfX0mbatE3ZniiOZPqdEOsXHK5wje5yIL6Ms_NbXWhjg/s321/Screenshot%202023-09-28%20at%208.57.24%20AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="318" data-original-width="321" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_LvsLW3cG8G3pZ6EKH_JH6iY4CctOCnTrN1Yg2JIjQbQOFxZL4s8AwbIFNJJ1GteVufMnyniBMwCevU48p8CMS3DulLN15nov2AyCbNqrGdcJl6D4hmcegHkilB77IWTLFi882Q0h9oNMD6DfX0mbatE3ZniiOZPqdEOsXHK5wje5yIL6Ms_NbXWhjg/w217-h215/Screenshot%202023-09-28%20at%208.57.24%20AM.png" width="217" /></a></div><br />Here are <span>three strategies for parenting with chronic illness:</span><p></p><p><span>Strategy 1: <a href="https://www.mamasfacingforward.com/2021/09/20/3-strategies-for-parenting-with-chronic-illness-strategy-1/">fill your own cup first.</a> ☕ </span></p><p><span>Strategy 2: </span><span><a href="https://www.mamasfacingforward.com/2021/09/22/3-strategies-for-parenting-with-chronic-illness-strategy-2/">plan in advance!</a> 🗓️</span></p><p><span>Strategy 3: </span><span><a href="https://www.mamasfacingforward.com/2021/09/23/3-strategies-for-parenting-with-chronic-illness-strategy-3/">connect for support!</a> 🫶</span><span> </span></p>~Mariah~http://www.blogger.com/profile/18167493614638596254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8512094385883127902.post-78228899188126058872021-05-04T15:48:00.004-06:002021-05-04T15:48:32.123-06:00“If you’re trying to get pregnant, you kind of have to have sex”<div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg5E3vZHjIZaTuNqYnaqV8AxU2BVAcIitctH01EV5W7z9eBbp0bAChRe3_SEbk1Quxjq7vKa1Tc6E-d48leh_y4A6-8akBxz7MpDqPRYTvnYb4H18g-JAizcXsB1t-xTmkBMTptKBBC0o/s1646/Screen-Shot-2021-03-14-at-2.19.43-PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1590" data-original-width="1646" height="193" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg5E3vZHjIZaTuNqYnaqV8AxU2BVAcIitctH01EV5W7z9eBbp0bAChRe3_SEbk1Quxjq7vKa1Tc6E-d48leh_y4A6-8akBxz7MpDqPRYTvnYb4H18g-JAizcXsB1t-xTmkBMTptKBBC0o/w200-h193/Screen-Shot-2021-03-14-at-2.19.43-PM.png" width="200" /></a></div>When I first started thinking about getting pregnant after being
diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, I desperately wanted to hear from
other women who had succeeded in this goal. At the time, there wasn’t
much social media, but I did find a great book called <a href="http://www.suzieedwardmay.com/">Arthritis, Pregnancy and the Path to Parenthood</a>. It contained quotes and advice from real women, and I found it invaluable. <p></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">But I also found a problem: the book started off talking about the
possibility of having to change some of your medications before getting
pregnant and then jumped straight to talking about being pregnant. But
wait! If I stop my medications, won’t I flare? And if I’m in pain, how
do I ever get pregnant in the first place? Is there a chapter missing
from this book on trying to conceive while living with arthritis?? </p>
<p style="text-align: left;">That’s the question I asked Iris Zink, a rheumatology Nurse
Practitioner who recently wrote a book about intimacy and chronic
illness with Jenny Thorn Palter. (The book is called “<a href="https://www.intimacyandillness.com/">Sex – Interrupted</a>” and you can read my review of it<strong> <a href="https://www.mamasfacingforward.com/2021/02/01/book-review-sex-interrupted-igniting-intimacy-while-living-with-illness-or-disability/">here</a></strong>!)
Their book recommends a lot of alternatives to intercourse – which I
think is generally great advice for for maintaining intimacy in a
relationship while dealing with a chronic illness! But what if you want
to start a family? If you’re trying to get pregnant, you kind of have to
have sex!</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Iris and I decided to have a discussion about a topic we haven’t seen
anyone else talking about: the challenges many women face in actually
trying to conceive while living with a chronic illness. I share my
personal experiences, and Iris shares her expert advice in <b><a href="https://www.mamasfacingforward.com/2021/03/14/if-youre-trying-to-get-pregnant-you-kind-of-have-to-have-sex/">this video!</a> </b><br /></p>~Mariah~http://www.blogger.com/profile/18167493614638596254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8512094385883127902.post-79618569489004134932021-05-04T15:45:00.006-06:002021-05-04T15:46:06.759-06:00 4 Women Get Real About Living with Rheumatoid Arthritis<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYRN_F2SsD0RqgDf2t7n1iT6fTFh2RMM7AZvNDQ-JMOVw0Vpk1S46JO0LawM84RtloTUDzC57Love_2aIV4Biyyaj-M9-8gfNcg43besTd6ZsDE5kyR3rVCcSwpT4ymfHFguSwpZZIPyA/s2048/pexels-pixabay-53364.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1358" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYRN_F2SsD0RqgDf2t7n1iT6fTFh2RMM7AZvNDQ-JMOVw0Vpk1S46JO0LawM84RtloTUDzC57Love_2aIV4Biyyaj-M9-8gfNcg43besTd6ZsDE5kyR3rVCcSwpT4ymfHFguSwpZZIPyA/s320/pexels-pixabay-53364.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p><i>Your immune system is supposed to
protect your body, but if you have rheumatoid arthritis (RA), it
mistakenly attacks healthy joints, tissues, and organs—including the
eyes and lungs. As a result, the chronic autoimmune disorder causes
pain, swelling, stiffness, and loss of function in the joints. It can
also cause other symptoms including fatigue, appetite loss, and dry
eyes.</i></p><blockquote><p><i>RA affects 1.5 million Americans, and there is no cure. But it can be managed with medications and lifestyle modifications. </i></p><blockquote class="wp-block-quote"><cite><a href="https://www.womenshealthmag.com/health/a35632088/living-with-rheumatoid-arthritis/?fbclid=IwAR3OEpqVllXHwBnKbAjVK1TLcNm9th7_orVFhDbRySmot7tkr5hRbOC6fFI">Women’s Health</a></cite></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote class="wp-block-quote"><cite><a href="https://www.womenshealthmag.com/health/a35632088/living-with-rheumatoid-arthritis/?fbclid=IwAR3OEpqVllXHwBnKbAjVK1TLcNm9th7_orVFhDbRySmot7tkr5hRbOC6fFI"></a></cite></blockquote><p> </p><p>Women’s Health magazine featured four women – including Mamas Facing
Forward founder Mariah Leach – who discuss being diagnosed with
rheumatoid arthritis, how they each cope, and what they’ve learned from
living with RA. </p>
<h3 class="has-text-align-center" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.womenshealthmag.com/health/a35632088/living-with-rheumatoid-arthritis/?fbclid=IwAR3OEpqVllXHwBnKbAjVK1TLcNm9th7_orVFhDbRySmot7tkr5hRbOC6fFI">4 Women Get Real About Living with Rheumatoid Arthritis</a></h3>
<h4 class="has-text-align-center" style="text-align: center;"><i>Women’s Health</i></h4><p> </p>~Mariah~http://www.blogger.com/profile/18167493614638596254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8512094385883127902.post-25539168847996552522021-04-02T12:32:00.005-06:002021-04-02T12:32:48.941-06:00Colorado Lawmakers Debate Bill Surrounding Prescription Drug Prices<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhusY-YgYYe5bxlA3aDUN6WzWxErKQPiOGWby7RBtE-jWDPQVk3XGtLBRu11dUpuJCiLnHdIzCHVVk7f5lvq6veTwq_vSFZEMRyuKrc_Tv8oSXZUzQ82qCunRC4DAowx1cMn2E3x01ZEEg/s1256/Screen+Shot+2021-04-02+at+12.28.41+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="840" data-original-width="1256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhusY-YgYYe5bxlA3aDUN6WzWxErKQPiOGWby7RBtE-jWDPQVk3XGtLBRu11dUpuJCiLnHdIzCHVVk7f5lvq6veTwq_vSFZEMRyuKrc_Tv8oSXZUzQ82qCunRC4DAowx1cMn2E3x01ZEEg/s320/Screen+Shot+2021-04-02+at+12.28.41+PM.png" width="320" /></a></div>A little late sharing this, but I was recently interviewed by Shaun Boyd on CBS4 News (via Zoom!) about the new prescription drug affordability board bill being considered in the Colorado state legislature. <br /><p></p>You can view the news clip <b><a href="https://denver.cbslocal.com/video/5404342-colorado-lawmakers-debate-bill-surrounding-prescription-drug-prices/">here</a>. </b><br />~Mariah~http://www.blogger.com/profile/18167493614638596254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8512094385883127902.post-73536888190044867312021-03-02T13:22:00.000-07:002021-03-02T13:22:00.606-07:00Children's Book Review: How Many Marbles Do YOU Have?<div class="separator"><figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-style-circle-mask" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: left;"><br /></figure></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcc5LK3OFD1DHxajD0nnMVyD6VWqS0jmvuIgJTEAiUYfwvCXdxORvS-HcRy094-ESFHZnyesM3HPBnTmGec7Z_uy2wME6fyT_moP8QYpZbUYFjobppNPBdRGve8lRmFdfj8KrNJvmfl34/s2048/IMG_6229-2048x2048.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcc5LK3OFD1DHxajD0nnMVyD6VWqS0jmvuIgJTEAiUYfwvCXdxORvS-HcRy094-ESFHZnyesM3HPBnTmGec7Z_uy2wME6fyT_moP8QYpZbUYFjobppNPBdRGve8lRmFdfj8KrNJvmfl34/s320/IMG_6229-2048x2048.jpg" /></a></div>Perhaps one of the most challenging aspects of motherhood with chronic
illness is helping your children understand what is going on with your
body and encouraging acceptance about how your illness may impact them.
How can you help them develop empathy about what you're experiencing,
especially if your illness is invisible? Where's the line between being
honest and making them worry? What's the best way to address their
concerns in kid-friendly language? This is a topic that will likely need
to be an ongoing discussion in your family - and sometimes reading a
book together can help!<p></p><p><br />Click below to read a review of "How Many Marbles Do YOU Have? Helping Children Understand The Limitations of Those With Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia" by Melinda Malott. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="https://www.mamasfacingforward.com/2020/12/07/childrens-book-review-how-many-marbles-do-you-have/#prettyPhoto">Children's Book Review: How Many Marbles Do YOU Have?</a></b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Mamas Facing Forward</i><br /></p><p></p><div style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;">
</div><div style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;">
</div>
~Mariah~http://www.blogger.com/profile/18167493614638596254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8512094385883127902.post-24861949459153896252021-02-26T13:24:00.000-07:002021-02-26T13:24:00.233-07:00My Life with RA: Mariah Zebrowski Leach<div style="text-align: justify;"><i></i></div><blockquote><div style="text-align: justify;"><i><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPMp7PduEhF6T9u41xP8ZlPEp99hxgUIkwhuP0nSxVT3LQcqHXox6gbYf6mmmk07ych3jYW-0LhcvMjf941-rJgEwz2cBG5-YZvX8N7VaypcqVUJi6yeAvl2HyZrhX53Hja3W98ocuOUg/s1860/Screen-Shot-2020-08-04-at-12.39.31-PM.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1150" data-original-width="1860" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPMp7PduEhF6T9u41xP8ZlPEp99hxgUIkwhuP0nSxVT3LQcqHXox6gbYf6mmmk07ych3jYW-0LhcvMjf941-rJgEwz2cBG5-YZvX8N7VaypcqVUJi6yeAvl2HyZrhX53Hja3W98ocuOUg/s320/Screen-Shot-2020-08-04-at-12.39.31-PM.png" width="320" /></a></div>In some strange ways, I think RA helped prepare me for motherhood. Being diagnosed with RA taught me the importance of realistically allocating my time and energy – giving myself credit for what I can accomplish and letting go of guilt for unfinished tasks.</i></div><blockquote class="wp-block-quote" style="text-align: left;"><cite>Mariah Leach</cite></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote class="wp-block-quote" style="text-align: left;"><cite></cite></blockquote>
<p style="text-align: left;">RheumatoidArthritis.net interviewed me about living with rheumatoid arthritis for over a decade and my experiences with motherhood. </p>
<h2 class="has-text-align-center" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/spotlight/mariah-zebrowski-leach/?via=homepage-recents">My Life With RA: Mariah Zebrowski Leach</a></h2>
<h4 class="has-text-align-center" style="text-align: center;"><i>RheumatoidArthritis.net</i></h4>
~Mariah~http://www.blogger.com/profile/18167493614638596254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8512094385883127902.post-85217333347280746992021-02-25T13:27:00.000-07:002021-02-25T13:27:06.194-07:003 Tips for Achieving Big Life Goals While Living with Chronic Illness<div style="text-align: justify;"><i></i></div><blockquote><div style="text-align: justify;"><i><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC_B9-7E19979b5LHoiqY9nwGZUEcirM3eK_gS3UZLsgklkwji8_jDkOJzfPA1GQWxlk2H4XmVlOSRUAifLkHpcu9Z1U0iapeQL5jIsTjV_0qAVaD-eTFUd0-_3ffSlM4wE6bzISMReuI/s2048/iStock-831498880.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC_B9-7E19979b5LHoiqY9nwGZUEcirM3eK_gS3UZLsgklkwji8_jDkOJzfPA1GQWxlk2H4XmVlOSRUAifLkHpcu9Z1U0iapeQL5jIsTjV_0qAVaD-eTFUd0-_3ffSlM4wE6bzISMReuI/w200-h133/iStock-831498880.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>The uncertainty that comes
with diagnosis of a lifelong chronic illness can make it feel really difficult
to plan in advance. But living with a chronic illness shouldn’t mean giving up
on life goals that are really important to you...As an example of how to approach big life goals while living with a
chronic illness, I’m going to use what seemed like a pretty outrageous
goal that I set for myself in 2016: riding in the Arthritis Foundation’s
California Coast Classic.</i></div><p style="text-align: left;"><i>Mariah Leach </i><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">In this article I share some of the strategies I used in completing my goal of riding my bike 525 miles in the Arthritis Foundation's California Coast Classic - and how you can apply these same strategies to achieving big life goals while living with chronic illness. </p></blockquote><p style="text-align: left;"></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.mamasfacingforward.com/2021/01/11/achieving-a-big-goal-when-you-have-a-chronic-illness-4-tips/#prettyPhoto">3 Tips for Achieving Big Life Goals While Living with Chronic Illness</a></span></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Mamas Facing Forward</i><br /></p>~Mariah~http://www.blogger.com/profile/18167493614638596254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8512094385883127902.post-39457033487607500052021-02-23T16:06:00.000-07:002021-02-23T16:06:03.276-07:00Children's Book Review: Aunt Barby's Invisible, Endless Owie<p><span data-reactroot=""><span></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5kr_z65IfizTTSF0nrmC3yXxGiHdKOsRdILa0MgSPAiC5Qb0MJlUgcQt8c6sUM61Jjxv_WVRnby4A1M8e5UTjSKxX6VhjpwV_QbMHfy3YwsVaL114VdY3Ke38d89ofX2I-03kR_FKuV0/s1024/IMG_6227-1024x1024.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5kr_z65IfizTTSF0nrmC3yXxGiHdKOsRdILa0MgSPAiC5Qb0MJlUgcQt8c6sUM61Jjxv_WVRnby4A1M8e5UTjSKxX6VhjpwV_QbMHfy3YwsVaL114VdY3Ke38d89ofX2I-03kR_FKuV0/w200-h200/IMG_6227-1024x1024.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>A special kind of guest is coming to
visit! Aunt Barby has an invisible, endless owie - but there are lots of
things to help her feel better when she visits. With fun cartoon
illustrations, this book explains to children that while the owie may
never go away, neither will the love for them. <p></p><p><span data-reactroot=""><span>Today we're featuring our
review of "Aunt Barby's Invisible, Endless Owie" by Barby Ingle &
Tim Ingle - and we're giving away a copy of the book over on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/mamasforward">Instagram</a>!</span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="https://www.mamasfacingforward.com/2020/12/04/children's-book-review:-aunt-barby's-invisible,-endless-owie"><span data-reactroot=""><span>Children's Book Review: Aunt Barby's Invisible, Endless Owie</span></span></a></b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span data-reactroot=""><span><i>Mamas Facing Forward</i> <br /></span></span></p>~Mariah~http://www.blogger.com/profile/18167493614638596254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8512094385883127902.post-17442159179361722052021-02-19T13:33:00.002-07:002021-02-19T13:33:04.930-07:00Black Maternal Health<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVWeWOOiC1NE3ygwgaOb-tTXf7vi4_jV3OkqJNWbUYBrWBmQhUJKC79aNsKJk52LZzofTQPjbXsIY9M5182oD1cxx6sCKybBMV-zVSgz2aK3w6a_b0opGew-_RGF0XdfXd6ToOs0yl-rQ/s1194/Screen+Shot+2021-02-19+at+1.29.10+PM.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1194" data-original-width="1188" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVWeWOOiC1NE3ygwgaOb-tTXf7vi4_jV3OkqJNWbUYBrWBmQhUJKC79aNsKJk52LZzofTQPjbXsIY9M5182oD1cxx6sCKybBMV-zVSgz2aK3w6a_b0opGew-_RGF0XdfXd6ToOs0yl-rQ/w199-h200/Screen+Shot+2021-02-19+at+1.29.10+PM.png" width="199" /></a></div><p><span>In
honor of Black History Month, I wanted to take a moment to recognize
the disparities that Black mothers are still facing today when it comes
to maternal healthcare. </span></p><p><span>At school, my kids primarily learn
about Black History Month in terms of events that have happened in the
past – so when we talk about these issues at home, I always try to
create a link and make them aware of the disparities that continue to
exist today. It reminds me that I, too, have a lot to learn about these
inequalities – and what we might be able to do to address them. I hope
you will use the resources I’ve provided below and
take some time this month to learn more about Black maternal health.</span></p><p><span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.mamasfacingforward.com/2021/02/16/black-maternal-health/"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span>Black Maternal Health</span></span></b></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span><i>Mamas Facing Forward</i><br /></span></p><p><span><br /></span></p>~Mariah~http://www.blogger.com/profile/18167493614638596254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8512094385883127902.post-33825178572368216492021-02-18T13:19:00.002-07:002021-02-18T13:19:00.185-07:00The Role of the Mamas Facing Forward Facebook Group in the Chronic Illness Community <div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><p style="text-align: left;"><i></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHC-wt0Mk7VbH0q2n1R3C94EmLBXGNXQrRsqlUp5uDzB8DKyVvkElpWkQAMmm-NqEC10zbLQlc0Fs8o_WxNRF_yHI_nOVUS6QchvfT1fpfoaBVBRZcUIgMco8Leif9C5xwn60cIOMypi8/s1844/Screen-Shot-2020-12-04-at-4.48.05-PM.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="986" data-original-width="1844" height="107" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHC-wt0Mk7VbH0q2n1R3C94EmLBXGNXQrRsqlUp5uDzB8DKyVvkElpWkQAMmm-NqEC10zbLQlc0Fs8o_WxNRF_yHI_nOVUS6QchvfT1fpfoaBVBRZcUIgMco8Leif9C5xwn60cIOMypi8/w200-h107/Screen-Shot-2020-12-04-at-4.48.05-PM.png" width="200" /></a><i></i><i>In their open-ended answers, many participants spoke about not
wanting to feel isolated or alone, and shared how they wanted to be
connected to real people going through similar experiences. We linked
this desire for emotional support with the idea of community. While only
10 women chose emotional support as their primary motivation for
joining the group, more than three quarters of the women included at
least one answer that we thought discussed community. </i></div><blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>Mariah Leach</i></div></blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i> </i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This article is based on a presentation I gave at the virtual
American College of Rheumatology Annual meeting on November 8, 2020. This article shares some of the conclusions we've drawn from the open-ended answers of our survey. <br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">See Part 1 of this presentation: <a href="https://www.mamasfacingforward.com/2020/12/03/survey-shows-moms-with-chronic-illness-need-more-support-from-their-doctors/">Survey Shows Moms with Chronic Illness Need More Support From Their Doctors.</a></div><p style="text-align: left;"></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.mamasfacingforward.com/2020/12/21/the-role-of-the-mamas-facing-forward-facebook-group-in-the-chronic-illness-community/">The Role of the Mamas Facing Forward Facebook Group in the Chronic Illness Community</a></span></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Mamas Facing Forward</i><br /></p>~Mariah~http://www.blogger.com/profile/18167493614638596254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8512094385883127902.post-12276909490388830082021-02-16T13:12:00.002-07:002021-02-16T13:12:00.665-07:00Survey Shows Moms With Chronic Illness Need More Support From Their Doctors <div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMnobQ0O1lpvfcQqEi7oFaZDOB8xdHB6wA6wtdbp44Eo3-xhMXgg6O1qdzexyDjlKW8XS2DDblt1htv4tIH9UTRsPvcmd05XXLQ5aaDfa2jaQiMb3TUGEXFLe39DorHLNj98YI3VUzrlE/s2048/glenn-carstens-peters-npxXWgQ33ZQ-unsplash-scaled.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1362" data-original-width="2048" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMnobQ0O1lpvfcQqEi7oFaZDOB8xdHB6wA6wtdbp44Eo3-xhMXgg6O1qdzexyDjlKW8XS2DDblt1htv4tIH9UTRsPvcmd05XXLQ5aaDfa2jaQiMb3TUGEXFLe39DorHLNj98YI3VUzrlE/w200-h133/glenn-carstens-peters-npxXWgQ33ZQ-unsplash-scaled.jpg" width="200" /></a><i>During the survey, we asked what participants would like healthcare
providers, researchers, or policymakers to know about the experiences
and needs of mothers with chronic illness. We’re still working with this
data to see what we can learn from it, but interestingly at least three
quarters of the women answered this question by expressing frustration
that their needs were not being met. </i></div><blockquote><p style="text-align: left;"><i>Mariah Leach</i></p></blockquote><p style="text-align: left;"><i></i></p><p style="text-align: left;">This article is based on a presentation I gave at the virtual American College of Rheumatology Annual meeting on November 8, 2020. It shares the results of a survey conducted in the Mamas Facing Forward Facebook group.<br /><i></i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.mamasfacingforward.com/2020/12/03/survey-shows-moms-with-chronic-illness-need-more-support-from-their-doctors/">Survey Shows Moms With Chronic Illness Need More Support From Their Doctors </a></span></b><i><br /></i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i> Mamas Facing Forward</i><br /></p><br />~Mariah~http://www.blogger.com/profile/18167493614638596254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8512094385883127902.post-78843081614847387642021-02-12T13:10:00.002-07:002021-02-12T13:10:00.361-07:00ACR Convergence Today: Mothers with rheumatic diseases need more support from healthcare providers <div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWnmBOlUIJYHFIRr3h55Q_TVwNnwcbMDTrZkSkh5FA6BYnHXjij7799WAZqLeMD-cxMphb7Ca3RloQImLahU9-kHS6ETO1lhwjqyV0zrL9zk839wKL17RVdBVxL6Lhnk2DK9880hlAnSE/s2048/chris-montgomery-smgTvepind4-unsplash-scaled.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWnmBOlUIJYHFIRr3h55Q_TVwNnwcbMDTrZkSkh5FA6BYnHXjij7799WAZqLeMD-cxMphb7Ca3RloQImLahU9-kHS6ETO1lhwjqyV0zrL9zk839wKL17RVdBVxL6Lhnk2DK9880hlAnSE/w200-h150/chris-montgomery-smgTvepind4-unsplash-scaled.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>I recently presented at the
virtual American College of Rheumatology Annual Meeting alongside
researcher Courtney Wells and occupational therapist Cheryl Crow. This
article has an overview of the important points made during the session:</div><div class="post-content description" style="text-align: left;">
<h4 class="has-text-align-center" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.acrconvergencetoday.org/mothers-with-rheumatic-diseases-need-more-support-from-healthcare-providers/">Mothers with rheumatic diseases need more support from healthcare providers </a></h4>
<p class="has-text-align-center" style="text-align: center;"><i>ACR Convergence Today</i></p>
</div>~Mariah~http://www.blogger.com/profile/18167493614638596254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8512094385883127902.post-24894800622014370342021-02-11T16:03:00.001-07:002021-02-11T16:03:00.190-07:00On Valentine's Day and Every Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKmRGucfOjOi9qD3zlKFn8AC9WjajLLIgjeMXfwyG3ZESKlxez4TeO4qHHgFbcL6BpR-3A7XX69jToASy3JdiWT_vByefoZO03IJ-yl8BU1JPA-lx5KPmsIGlXUUhYeBdJKrbkrRUxZGs/s1440/QIDH6796.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKmRGucfOjOi9qD3zlKFn8AC9WjajLLIgjeMXfwyG3ZESKlxez4TeO4qHHgFbcL6BpR-3A7XX69jToASy3JdiWT_vByefoZO03IJ-yl8BU1JPA-lx5KPmsIGlXUUhYeBdJKrbkrRUxZGs/w200-h200/QIDH6796.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><p><span data-reactroot=""><span>Valentine's Day tends to provoke
expectations about romance - where everything is supposed to be perfect.
But, here in reality, life is hardly ever perfect. If you are lucky
enough to have a partner who supports you, I hope you will let them know
how much they mean to you - no matter what day of the year it is! </span></span></p><p><span data-reactroot=""><span>Today
I share the reasons I love my husband as supports me through living
with a chronic illness.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="https://www.mamasfacingforward.com/2020/02/10/my-supportive-partner/">On Valentine's Day and Every Day</a></b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Mamas Facing Forward</i> <br /></p>~Mariah~http://www.blogger.com/profile/18167493614638596254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8512094385883127902.post-52167422452437813442021-02-09T15:59:00.001-07:002021-02-09T15:59:03.200-07:00The 5 Love Languages – A Tool For Improving Communication in Relationships<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZD8P4z-9drCAaJQoOZgJEY6GnOphrcxHsop8WI3YQXkRxzI7khovWIpP4dUazAq6JMSsIhRWAbZLKQnLpepmYwhiz8N33XiMsSxlOeckfAaIjv3Cyw7IpLojQto2pxv1tzied2FrbMs4/s2048/iStock-839842624.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1252" data-original-width="2048" height="122" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZD8P4z-9drCAaJQoOZgJEY6GnOphrcxHsop8WI3YQXkRxzI7khovWIpP4dUazAq6JMSsIhRWAbZLKQnLpepmYwhiz8N33XiMsSxlOeckfAaIjv3Cyw7IpLojQto2pxv1tzied2FrbMs4/w200-h122/iStock-839842624.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Communication is essential in any relationship, but it’s
especially important in a relationship where one partner is living with a
chronic illness. A lifelong diagnosis can change the dynamics of a
relationship. It can alter the roles that each partner needs to play
going forward. It can create additional challenges that you'll need to
figure out how to address – <i>together</i>. <p></p><p><i data-rich-text-format-boundary="true">The 5 Love Languages</i> is a
book written by Gary Chapman in 1995, and the concepts it introduces can be a useful tool when communicating with your partner.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="https://www.mamasfacingforward.com/2020/02/03/the-5-love-languages-a-tool-for-improving-communication-in-relationships/">The 5 Love Languages – A Tool For Improving Communication in Relationships</a></b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Mamas Facing Forward</i><br /></p>~Mariah~http://www.blogger.com/profile/18167493614638596254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8512094385883127902.post-3379198808400098762021-02-05T15:46:00.001-07:002021-02-05T15:46:00.213-07:00Talking to Your Doctor About Sex & Chronic Illness<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRK8osTgOkryjVwv1KTb4phfbjiZ45Pq_Ru9b6UW1sbKqPhNrFRShvBVOGXa6vhhJxGmjqnFPu8JDarX3WeFxtUSxL51wBKmxxdDWXPUz2ZVWpMdZIIEMAdHTCF8XN15-VRC3lC8pQDRg/s2048/iStock-610262070-1-scaled.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1342" data-original-width="2048" height="131" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRK8osTgOkryjVwv1KTb4phfbjiZ45Pq_Ru9b6UW1sbKqPhNrFRShvBVOGXa6vhhJxGmjqnFPu8JDarX3WeFxtUSxL51wBKmxxdDWXPUz2ZVWpMdZIIEMAdHTCF8XN15-VRC3lC8pQDRg/w200-h131/iStock-610262070-1-scaled.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>It may seem uncomfortable or embarrassing to contemplate, but if you're struggling with your sexual health - and your doctor hasn't proactively asked you about it - it's a good idea to try to initiate the conversation yourself. <p></p>
<p>This article has some things to keep in mind as you consider how to approach your doctor on this personal subject.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="https://www.mamasfacingforward.com/2020/02/10/how-to-improve-intimacy-with-chronic-illness/">Talking to Your Doctor About Sex & Chronic Illness</a></b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Mamas Facing Forward</i> <br /></p>
~Mariah~http://www.blogger.com/profile/18167493614638596254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8512094385883127902.post-25537441904087427992021-02-04T15:36:00.002-07:002021-02-04T16:47:36.060-07:00Book Review: Sex – Interrupted: Igniting Intimacy While Living With Illness or Disability<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ5K8n6KWKNxWWQILTQHMRPWWKVS30ANIGhyHDWOQhM29SJoKVN2NqmCQVcVbmljjUDVVy7btyogAbIZbltV41XBoQrzuX2CtQXjhf_n3Wp7BoDP_o-B11QiB-bKQxw6f1Aje8DRXupyU/s2048/IMG_8229.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ5K8n6KWKNxWWQILTQHMRPWWKVS30ANIGhyHDWOQhM29SJoKVN2NqmCQVcVbmljjUDVVy7btyogAbIZbltV41XBoQrzuX2CtQXjhf_n3Wp7BoDP_o-B11QiB-bKQxw6f1Aje8DRXupyU/w200-h200/IMG_8229.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>Even though chronic illness is quite common (the <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/chronicdisease/resources/infographic/chronic-diseases.htm">Centers for Disease Control and Prevention</a>
says 6 in 10 adults in the U.S. have a chronic disease, and 4 in 10
have two or more chronic diseases) I've always had difficulty finding resources that addressed the impact chronic illness could have on relationships and intimacy. <p></p><p>Now there’s a book that addresses that exact issue: <i>Sex – Interrupted: Igniting Intimacy While Living With Illness Or Disability. </i>Iris Zink, rheumatology nurse practitioner, and Jenny Thorn Palter, former editor of <i>Lupus Now</i> magazine, have written a book that recognizes the intimacy issues chronic illness patients often face and offers useful suggestions for healthcare providers and patients alike. <br /></p><p>Click below to read my review of the book!</p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.mamasfacingforward.com/2021/01/29/book-review:-sex-–-interrupted:-igniting-intimacy-while-living-with-illness-or-disability/(opens in a new tab)"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Book Review: Sex – Interrupted: Igniting Intimacy While Living With Illness or Disability</b></span></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Mamas Facing Forward </i></p><p>You can also visit <b><a href="http://www.intimacyandillness.com">www.intimacyandillness.com</a></b> for more information.<b> </b>The first 50 people to purchase the book through their website will receive a free gift of a Pure Romance lubricant sample.<br /></p>~Mariah~http://www.blogger.com/profile/18167493614638596254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8512094385883127902.post-80642563409104565342021-02-02T13:05:00.001-07:002021-02-03T14:33:49.676-07:00 Rheumatoid Arthritis and Sex: Tips to Improve Intimacy<div style="text-align: justify;"><i><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHHXJxamj8LhMDDNONLUmuBZ3qBFZyLZmnamWk1LbUt5DkhEEnByPFGFHGI-6JFBT72H1UFog1HDb-HCGu_E_bdwnir4DBcV0PN3zlyhA5KEXeLSDWV1B7LefXPdvwKs7plrzbD7wx9mk/s2048/pexels-valentin-antonucci-1378723-scaled.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1366" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHHXJxamj8LhMDDNONLUmuBZ3qBFZyLZmnamWk1LbUt5DkhEEnByPFGFHGI-6JFBT72H1UFog1HDb-HCGu_E_bdwnir4DBcV0PN3zlyhA5KEXeLSDWV1B7LefXPdvwKs7plrzbD7wx9mk/w133-h200/pexels-valentin-antonucci-1378723-scaled.jpg" width="133" /></a></div></i></div><blockquote><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can make
its way into every aspect of your life, including your sex life…You can
still have a healthy sex life if you have RA…But you might have to find
different ways that work best for you and your partner.<cite> </cite></i></div><p style="text-align: left;"><cite><a href="https://www.webmd.com/rheumatoid-arthritis/features/rheumatoid-arthritis-and-sex">WebMD</a></cite></p></blockquote><p style="text-align: left;"><cite><a href="https://www.webmd.com/rheumatoid-arthritis/features/rheumatoid-arthritis-and-sex"></a></cite></p><div class="post-content description" style="text-align: left;">
<p>I was recently interviewed for the <a href="https://www.webmd.com/">WebMD</a>
article linked below, which gives tips for improving intimacy while
living with rheumatoid arthritis. I speak from personal experience when I
say this is a topic where it used to be impossible to find positive,
uplifting advice. That’s the reason I started speaking out on this very
personal subject in the first place! It’s exciting to see this topic
covered by a more mainstream health publication! Hopefully the article
will help bring awareness that couples facing these challenges are not
alone or unusual – and encourage people to reach out to their doctors
for help if necessary. </p>
<h4 class="has-text-align-center" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.webmd.com/rheumatoid-arthritis/features/rheumatoid-arthritis-and-sex">Rheumatoid Arthritis and Sex: Tips to Improve Intimacy</a></h4>
<p class="has-text-align-center" style="text-align: center;"><i>WebMD</i></p>
</div>~Mariah~http://www.blogger.com/profile/18167493614638596254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8512094385883127902.post-16721836746725349782021-01-29T13:05:00.004-07:002021-02-03T14:33:38.682-07:00 Tips for Parenting with Rheumatoid Arthritis<div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic8gOe7RgY9Xba5SsyFm09tuhGRZVXNL4POqcexV_fCWudgTaFNGTG8GTsET9S-NQM6azlynSuEwhVr3kfemi6sWNXqF6LposP4bCHOs_hU0XmZBFinywEnTW10zVU-5n6qN-hVmEnVWY/s2048/iStock-524157484-scaled.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic8gOe7RgY9Xba5SsyFm09tuhGRZVXNL4POqcexV_fCWudgTaFNGTG8GTsET9S-NQM6azlynSuEwhVr3kfemi6sWNXqF6LposP4bCHOs_hU0XmZBFinywEnTW10zVU-5n6qN-hVmEnVWY/w200-h133/iStock-524157484-scaled.jpg" width="200" /></a></div></div><blockquote><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>Parenting is tough – but rewarding
– to start with. Throw in a chronic condition like RA, and that
delicate balance between your self-care and your role as a parent can
easily get thrown off. These tips and strategies can help you handle
difficult days, manage your energy, and make meaningful memories with
your family.</i></div><div class="post-content description" style="text-align: left;"><blockquote class="wp-block-quote"><cite><a href="https://www.webmd.com/rheumatoid-arthritis/features/ra-parenting-kids">WebMD</a></cite></blockquote></div></blockquote><div class="post-content description" style="text-align: left;"><blockquote class="wp-block-quote"><cite><a href="https://www.webmd.com/rheumatoid-arthritis/features/ra-parenting-kids"></a></cite></blockquote>
<p>I was recently interviewed for the <a href="https://www.webmd.com/">WebMD</a>
article linked below, which gives tips for parenting while living with
rheumatoid arthritis. Though the article focuses on RA, many of the tips
mentioned would be applicable for other chronic illnesses as well! </p>
<p>I’ve always believed that parents living with chronic illness
deserved more recognition and support – its why I started Mamas Facing
Forward in the first place! So It’s exciting to see this topic covered
by a more mainstream health publication. Hopefully this article will
help other parents realize they are not alone – and find their way to us
where we can continue supporting them!</p>
<h4 class="has-text-align-center" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.webmd.com/rheumatoid-arthritis/features/ra-parenting-kids">Tips for Parenting With Rheumatoid Arthritis</a></h4>
<p class="has-text-align-center" style="text-align: center;"><i>WebMD</i></p>
</div>~Mariah~http://www.blogger.com/profile/18167493614638596254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8512094385883127902.post-36688446267868638062020-10-16T11:39:00.001-06:002020-10-16T11:55:35.529-06:00Healthline Live Town Hall: Healthcare Policy Edition<p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9lHbMrYKjRtGGdSAhYnAJ9gH_mwYm98uAKndXDcARrmHRsugFWf8ECIkg90AkSjQvX79DwSKkzn1_iwLz3WOAUklLXZ8IwczacrK8Q7wicv_67bw1eaYsN2N_nV6RjlrrDojy-raHSrY/s2048/Screen+Shot+2020-10-16+at+11.36.41+AM.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1101" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9lHbMrYKjRtGGdSAhYnAJ9gH_mwYm98uAKndXDcARrmHRsugFWf8ECIkg90AkSjQvX79DwSKkzn1_iwLz3WOAUklLXZ8IwczacrK8Q7wicv_67bw1eaYsN2N_nV6RjlrrDojy-raHSrY/s320/Screen+Shot+2020-10-16+at+11.36.41+AM.png" width="320" /></a></div><p>I recently had the opportunity to participate in <a href="https://www.healthline.com/health/healthline-live-town-hall-healthcare-policy-edition">Healthline's Live Town Hall: Healthcare Policy Edition</a>. (Disclosure: I was compensated for my time and expertise.)<br /></p><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Americans are so stressed about healthcare services and costs these days. This Town Hall discussion featured healthcare industry officials and patient advocates to have a non-partisan discussion of the healthcare issues that matter most in the upcoming election. Check out the full Town Hall Discussion below. <br /></p>
<div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">I've heard patient advocates say "vote like your life depends on it" - because it does! </span></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Get out there and VOTE!</span></b></p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/37llvraHfDo" width="560"></iframe></div>~Mariah~http://www.blogger.com/profile/18167493614638596254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8512094385883127902.post-72848632576164620462020-09-30T14:46:00.004-06:002020-09-30T14:46:48.443-06:00US Pain Foundation Multidisciplinary Care Panel<p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkIiTVxpGC1pzdM1Jw9oVwnd5_NxJ2Y_Mva3VEi5foO_KdNWYjQBIMg9wXko-QxR2oPjDiaj8jYQ-JwOW4S2PlUrxPI0PP8FnraNqa7f2ha81y0-aA_kQvj_kf1ZPmPNfy4OL5N5wcOLk/s2048/Screen+Shot+2020-09-30+at+2.42.47+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkIiTVxpGC1pzdM1Jw9oVwnd5_NxJ2Y_Mva3VEi5foO_KdNWYjQBIMg9wXko-QxR2oPjDiaj8jYQ-JwOW4S2PlUrxPI0PP8FnraNqa7f2ha81y0-aA_kQvj_kf1ZPmPNfy4OL5N5wcOLk/s320/Screen+Shot+2020-09-30+at+2.42.47+PM.png" width="320" /></a></div>This morning I had the opportunity to participate in a panel for the <a href="http://uspainfoundation.org/">US Pain Foundation</a>. The panel featured patient advocates living with various types of chronic pain, and we discussed the need for access to multidisciplinary care, as well as the many, many barriers patients face in receiving the care they need. <p></p><p style="text-align: left;">You can see a recording of the discussion below! <br /></p><p></p>
<div id="fb-root"></div>
<script async="" crossorigin="anonymous" defer="" nonce="p1lRxQKJ" src="https://connect.facebook.net/en_US/sdk.js#xfbml=1&version=v8.0"></script>
<div class="fb-video" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/U.S.PainFoundation/videos/788728171943752/" data-show-text="false" data-width=""><blockquote cite="https://developers.facebook.com/U.S.PainFoundation/videos/788728171943752/" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://developers.facebook.com/U.S.PainFoundation/videos/788728171943752/">My pain journey</a><p>A panel discussion with four individuals with chronic pain, moderated by CEO Nicole Hemmenway.</p>Posted by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/U.S.PainFoundation/">US Pain Foundation</a> on Wednesday, September 30, 2020</blockquote></div>~Mariah~http://www.blogger.com/profile/18167493614638596254noreply@blogger.com0