Halloween can be a night of frivolous fun, but it can also feel dangerous and scary — and not just because ghosts and goblin costumes roam streets that night. Invisible threats such as germs and allergens lurk in the shadows, too. People with such conditions such as food allergies don't get a thrill from a close call with these serious threats. For some, Halloween is much more complicated than throwing on a costume, knocking on a neighbor's door and getting a free bar of chocolate. Carefree fun like that almost doesn't exist because there are additional risks to mitigate and plans to modify, all while preparing for the worst and hoping for the best. It's draining! [More]

October is my favorite month! The mornings are cooler, the light is golden and the air smells like fallen leaves. And, of course, there’s my favorite holiday, Halloween. When October rolls around, I finally feel like I can slow down after the chaos of summer. [More]

Sweater weather is almost here! It's officially fall, but warm summer weather hasn't quite faded into the cool, crisp air of autumn yet. The changing leaves signal colder weather is on its way, but every year, it takes me by surprise. By now, you would think I would be prepared! [More]

When you first hear that your pain may be with you for the long haul, it's a shock that can echo through every part of your life. There's the fear of change, the frustration of unpredictability and the nagging question of how to keep living on your terms. You're not alone in wondering if joy and purpose are still within reach. They are. What comes next isn't about surrendering, it's about learning a new rhythm. The following strategies aren't quick fixes; they're sustainable moves that help you manage symptoms while protecting the parts of life that matter most. [More]

After years of diagnostic gymnastics, sometimes it feels like I can’t remember who I was before my medical journey began. Sometimes I look at myself in the mirror and wonder who I am at all. Do you ever feel that way? [More]

Consistency advice usually starts with one assumption: that your energy is stable. But if you're living with an autoimmune or immunodeficiency condition, that assumption collapses fast. Good days come with asterisks. Bad days rewrite your plans. You're not short on motivation; you're negotiating with biology, side effects and invisible limits. That doesn't mean your goals are out of reach. It means your systems must be designed differently. What follows isn't a list of tips. It's a recalibration built for people who can't afford to waste energy and need their routines to flex, not fail. [More]

I just got done moving. You would think I would have thought of everything—but nope, I was wrong. I somehow managed to forget a whole bunch of things, like shutting off the Internet at my old place when I set it up at my new place. Yep, I got billed twice. Twice! You'd think after packing box after box, I'd remember something simple like that. But moving is messy, stressful and sometimes downright funny. And when you add living with a chronic illness to the mix, there's even more to keep track of. [More]

Summer heat is here again, making the already long list of signs and symptoms to watch out for even longer. You might take a vacation, but your chronic illness sure doesn't!
I know you'd like to relax this summer, forgetting your troubles and soaking up the sun — and you should! — but don't forget to pay close attention to your body when spending time in the sun. Warmer-than-usual temperatures and long-term sun exposure can make some conditions worse, interact with your medications and/or cause heat-induced illnesses. [More]