Some years ago I went through an extensive training to be an
advocate for children going through the court system. It was early days
of my symptoms of my condition and though I was, per usual, juggling my
life, I was determined to finish the training and get certified as a
'CASA" (which means "house" in Spanish... hence my reference to it!)
That was years ago, but I've reflected on several occasions the power of 'standing in the gap' for someone. In this case, it was children often neglected or abused that had little influence or power on their own.
But you might be wondering:
"What the heck does being an advocate have to do with having an AutoImmune Disorder?"
Everything, in fact.
Let's start out with some (sobering) details:
In 2011 a new estimate states that 1 in 12 women and one in 20 men in the U.S. will develop some sort of autoimmune disease in their lifetime.
What is interesting to note is women are more likely to be diagnosed or experience symptoms than men. Why is that?
There are different theories on this Phenomenon what is beginning to gain more recognition of what I'll call the "Auto Immune Personality."
Do you know this woman?
She's the one that does more on 2 cylinders that others do on 4.
The first to help, the last to go home and burns the candle at both ends.
But there can be another characteristic with women, even when they're faced with a major health condition.
And that is they hand over their power to their health care professionals. Even successful, strong women such as business owners do it. But this can be a costly mistake. They can lose the ability to advocate or as some folks would call it "stand up for" oneself
I strongly urge you to be different and consider a new paradigm. And that is to PARTNER with your Practitioners. This then requires you to ask questions, speak up when you have a question and voice when you have a concern. And share the details of what you feel is important, with your health care professionals.
Is that hard for you? You're not alone!
Remember no one knows your body like you do. Especially at this time, you'll be required to use your words, express your concerns and basically be the boss of you.
This is with family members, friends, medical professionals and in your business or work place.
More than ever, YOU need to be there for YOU.
That was years ago, but I've reflected on several occasions the power of 'standing in the gap' for someone. In this case, it was children often neglected or abused that had little influence or power on their own.
But you might be wondering:
"What the heck does being an advocate have to do with having an AutoImmune Disorder?"
Everything, in fact.
Let's start out with some (sobering) details:
In 2011 a new estimate states that 1 in 12 women and one in 20 men in the U.S. will develop some sort of autoimmune disease in their lifetime.
What is interesting to note is women are more likely to be diagnosed or experience symptoms than men. Why is that?
There are different theories on this Phenomenon what is beginning to gain more recognition of what I'll call the "Auto Immune Personality."
Do you know this woman?
She's the one that does more on 2 cylinders that others do on 4.
The first to help, the last to go home and burns the candle at both ends.
But there can be another characteristic with women, even when they're faced with a major health condition.
And that is they hand over their power to their health care professionals. Even successful, strong women such as business owners do it. But this can be a costly mistake. They can lose the ability to advocate or as some folks would call it "stand up for" oneself
I strongly urge you to be different and consider a new paradigm. And that is to PARTNER with your Practitioners. This then requires you to ask questions, speak up when you have a question and voice when you have a concern. And share the details of what you feel is important, with your health care professionals.
Is that hard for you? You're not alone!
Remember no one knows your body like you do. Especially at this time, you'll be required to use your words, express your concerns and basically be the boss of you.
This is with family members, friends, medical professionals and in your business or work place.
More than ever, YOU need to be there for YOU.
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