Tag Archives: chronic illness

Don’t Let Chronic Illness Harm Your Marriage

There is a very interesting article in the September issue of More Magazine that talks about how marriages change once chronic illness enters the picture. According to the story, couples who consist of at least one spouse with a chronic illness have a divorce rate of 75%! And other couples who stay together say that they are only still married because of the insurance. This is some pretty scary information. So how can you prevent a chronic illness from taking down your marriage? The couples that do stay together and are happy may have a few secrets up their sleeves. … Continue reading →

What Are Invisible Illnesses?

“But you don’t look/act sick.” Have you heard these words or said them to a friend? Visible illnesses and conditions are easy to spot because the person may use a device like crutches or braces to assist in movement. They may limp, have an unusual posture, or make expressions of pain (physically or vocally) when they move. An invisible illness comes with few (if any) outward signs most (if not all) of the time. Some examples of invisible illness include: Asthma Depression Chronic pain Fibromyalgia Heart disease Diabetes Seizure disorders Osteoporosis Many people think of illness in terms of short-term … Continue reading →

Ten Ways to Help Your Child with Asthma Succeed in School

A child with asthma is eligible for special education, according to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004 (IDEA). Some parents don’t realize that their son or daughter with asthma can receive special accommodations in the classroom to help him or her have a better experience in school. “Special Education” does not only apply to children with learning disabilities and developmental delays. Children with chronic illnesses also have the right to receive an education in an environment that is sympathetic to their needs. Here are ten accommodations which can be made in the classroom to help your asthmatic … Continue reading →

No More Excuses…A Type 1 Diabetic Climbs Mount Everest!

Since I have two sons with juvenile diabetes, I often hear “I’m a diabetic,” excuses. “Mom, I have to eat this cupcake right NOW. My bloodsugar is low.” “Mom, can’t you excuse me from the 1.5 mile run at school, since I’m a diabetic?” Well, now I’m armed with proof positive that diabetics can do anything. And I mean anything. Will Cross doesn’t let chronic illness get in the way of achieving his dreams. Thirty years ago he was diagnosed with juvenile diabetes (type I) at the age of nine. Now, a 39-year-old father of six, he became the first … Continue reading →

“I Forgot I Had Diabetes!”

We were sitting around in our favorite gourmet burger spot, enjoying a celebration for my son who just turned twelve. Everyone had decided what size cheeseburger they wanted, how they wanted it cooked, and what kind of cheese would be grilled with the meat. We tried to keep an eye on the smaller members of the family, who had run over to the arcade, while my husband and I and our older children chatted about random stuff. Our pager buzzed, and the food was ready. Everyone hopped up to the counter and dressed their burgers, then eagerly sat down to … Continue reading →

Special Education and Children with Chronic Health Problems

Children with an acute or chronic illness have a tough road. Not only must they deal with the typical challenges of growing up, including school work, peer relationships, family stress, etc., but they must simultaneously cope with the symptoms of their disease. Conditions such as asthma, epilepsy, leukemia, sickle-cell anemia, diabetes, and even ADD/ADHD (Attention-Deficit Disorder/Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) fall under the classification of “other health impairment,” which is one of the thirteen recognized areas of disability. This is according to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004 (IDEA). (See my previous blog entry: “What Qualifies as a Disability?”) … Continue reading →