INVISIBLE CHRONIC ILLNESS WEEK

Invisible Chronic Illness Week
September 8-14, 2008 in the U.S.

This is my submission for an article to be posted for this week.

This past June our daughter got married. It was a beautiful wedding and of course I cried. Now imagine planning a wedding for 200 guests that is predominantly gluten-free. What's gluten- free you ask?

Three years ago our daughter was diagnosed with an invisible illness called Celiac Disease. One year later another 4 of us were also diagnosed. Today there are 7 of us in our family that have Celiac Disease. This plunged all of us into an unkown world of new foods and diets. We got a crash course in all things gluten-free.

Celiac is an auto-immune illness that prevents the absorption of wheat, rye, barley and sometimes oats. I had no idea that these offending grains could have such an impact and that they were in just about everything!

Imagine having to giving up your favourite bread, pasta, cookies, pastries, processed meats, salad dressings, ice-cream cones, cereal, soy sauce - well you get the point.

I used to wonder why people stood and read labels at the grocery store. Just buy it already was the thought that popped into my head. Well... guess what - I'm now a label reader myself. Who knew that even bacon could have hidden glutens or soup in a can or even salad dressings of all things. But it's true - we all read labels now.

Some people in our family get sicker than others if they've accidently ingested gluten. Take for instance my oldest daughter, she gets violently sick for days. My brother on the other hand doesn't really experience any symptoms so it's much harder for him to stick to a regimented diet. Me, I just really gassy, bloated and the odd time have diarrhea - kind of like a flu.

So back to the wedding, what did we serve? We managed to have an amazing stuffed chicken dinner complete with gravy and steamed veggies. The buns of course were not gluten-free but we managed to score some really great pavlova for dessert for our gluten-free members. Once the dance began we brought out a huge 32" tower of fruit, some gluten-free and regular desserts. For a really cool alternative to serving all you can drink alcohol we served all you can drink espresso's, latte's and cappuccino's.

It's not easy eating gluten-free, especially when you travel. I have to bring a suit-case full of my own food just so I can be sure I have something to eat when we get to our destination. Airports can also be tricky. But like I have told my kids who are all celiac's you can either manage your disease or let the disease manage you.

MEETING WITH THE HEALTHY LIVING MINISTER

Imagine my excitement at being invited to meet with Manitoba's Healthy Living Minister Kerri Irvin-Ross on September 2, 2008!

All along I have believed that the Personal Healthcare Journal could benefit many people. Our own family has experienced the benefits and now others are experiencing the benefits of using this simple, easy-to-use tool.

Here's a quote from an Atikokan Healthcare Team member in Atikokan, Ontario: “The possibilities for how this book can be used to help not only seniors but anyone with multiple medical needs is astounding. It is simple and easy to read with lots of space for every aspect of a patient’s health needs. What most people don’t expect when they get this book is that there is also information on how to speak with your doctor as well as information on advanced directives. I can’t tell you how important the information on advanced directives is to both patients and families. The Atikokan Family Health Team is excited about the possibilities of this book and the many uses we will have for it. We are hoping that every senior in Atikokan will have one as well as all those other people who would benefit from this book.”

Our healthcare system is changing. We need to value the work our doctors and nurses do. They are pressed from all sides: family, work, patients, other healthcare professionals and even government.

If we can help them out by staying on top of our own health, their jobs will become easier and we will all benefit.

I'll let you know how the meeting goes.

POSTER CAMPAIGN

Advertising can get expensive - so how do you get the message out that the Personal Healthcare Journal exists? A Poster Campaign.

It's beginning. Doctor's offices, hospital emergency rooms, the Wellness Centre, Great West Life in Winnipeg, message boards at Victoria Beach and in healthcare centres in Kenora.

If you or a friend would be willing to hang a poster with little tear offs that tell people where they can pick up a copy of the Personal Healthcare Journal email me at betsy@mycarenecessities.com

MedTrade Here We Come!

Georgia World Congress Center
Atlanta, Georgia - October 28-30
Booth # 3979

Yes you read that right. There are over 725 exhibitors with over 240,000 square feet of show space - WOW!

Having been a part of many trade shows before the scope and magnitude of this particular show is extremely exciting to be a part of.

We'll gather together with a host of other companies eager to show their wares to thousands of attendees looking for the latest and greatest in healthcare products.

MedTrade has become the largest international show. Exhibitors and attendees from all over the world converge to discuss and learn about all things medical. Everything from sleep labs, mobility devices, breast surgery, ulcer care, oxygen therapy and much much more.

Making this the perfect place to showcase the Personal Healthcare Journal.

I'll keep you posted as the date draws closer.

HOSPITALS COMING ON BOARD

If you check out the column to the right you'll notice there are now three hospitals on board. Two in Winnipeg and one in Toronto.

I enjoy meeting with gift shop staff at the various hospitals. Did you know that most of the staff are volunteers? In fact the Victoria General Hospital gift shop manager is also a volunteer - now that's dedication!

Each store has its own unique blend of products but all are interested in one thing - that's to provide great gifts for hospital patients, friends and family - in fact some stores record that most of their sales come from hospital staff. Another great benefit is that money raised goes back into the hospital in some form or other.

The next time you're looking for a great gift stop by your local hospital gift shop - there's plenty to choose from - don't forget to pick up a Personal Healthcare Journal while you're there.

THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT

Well, the Dragon's Den auditions are closed and the tallies are in. The Personal Healthcare Journal didn't make it on to the show - but that's ok. Exposure is what I was really after. How can you lose with 4 free minutes of advertising on a national media website?

Anyway - thanks for voting and thanks for passing the word along that this great resource exists. I'll keep you posted.

Dragon's Den Audition on CBC

It's true - I've taken the plunge. Some people have called me brave - other's crazy - you be the judge. Click on the link Dragon's Den Audition to visit my audition tape for Dragon's Den. So why am I trying to get on Dragon's Den? Well... as my audition says - it all comes down to distribution. It's a great product but it needs to get across Canada and into the U.S. for people to really benefit from it. So... take a few minutes, sign up for a CBC account and please vote for me!

Thanks for your support.

BOOK EXPO CANADA

Book Travels without Author

It's true the Personal Healthcare Journal will be attending BookExpo Canada in the New Titles Showcase in downtown Toronto without me. It's kind of like sending your kid half-way around the world to do humanitarian work and hope that he'll come back in one piece.

Book Expo Canada for the unaware is where you go to be seen. Publishers, retailers, wholesalers and distributors converge in one place in Toronto for two glorious days to check out each other's stuff. Having never been there myself - my guess is that it's somewhat like a car or bike show - a lot of posturing and tire kicking along with admiration for new products and perhaps a little buying and selling.

Here's what I'm hoping for... some awareness and attention. My little company that can with one title is hoping someone will pick me out of the crowd and want to check out this guppy in a big sea of marlins.

I'll keep you posted. The show dates are June 15 & 16.