BeWell Blog

a person walking on a trail on a cold fall day

When the Cold Bites: How Changes in the Weather Impact Autoimmune Flares and Chronic Pain

October with its soothing tradition, pumpkin patches, the shaking out of blankets, the sunsets that occur so much earlier and tell you to stay indoors. But for individuals with autoimmune disease or chronic illness, October more often than not brings...

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women in pink walking at a breast cancer event

Against the Pink Police: Why Wearing Pink in October Can Be an Act of Solidarity

Every October, pink ribbons sprout on everything from coffee cups to sneakers. In the cancer community, that wave of pink is meant to symbolize support, awareness, and hope. But in recent years, the backlash has grown: the charge of “pink-washing”...

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a gold ribbon next to a teddy bear and a child's shoe

Beyond the Gold Ribbon: Everyday Acts to Support Childhood Cancer Families

Each September, gold ribbons serve as a reminder that it's Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. The symbol is powerful, but childhood cancer families need more than awareness, they need real, every-day support. If you have ever found yourself pondering, "What can...

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September Is Pain Awareness Month: 5 Soft Ways to Honor Your Body

September Is Pain Awareness Month: 5 Soft Ways to Honor Your Body

September is Pain Awareness Month, a time when the world comes together in solidarity for what millions of us experience every day. If you're reading this and live with chronic pain, then you already know how awareness months can simultaneously...

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Fall scene in a kitchen with a drink in a mug with whip cream.

The Autoimmune Patient's Comforting Fall Drinks Guide without a Sugar Crash

And here is what you do: it's October and you're walking down the street when that divine smell of cinnamon and nutmeg wafts out. Your head is already screaming "pumpkin spice latte!" but your body—the one that has sat through...

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10 Ways to Be One Step Ahead of Germs This Cold and Flu Season

10 Ways to Be One Step Ahead of Germs This Cold and Flu Season

When you're fighting chronic illness, autoimmune disease, or chemo, "it's just a cold" doesn't even cross your mind. What is so bothersome to everyone else can take you out of commission for weeks or hospitalize you. Your immune system is...

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Fall scene in a cozy living room with autumn leaves outside the window at dusk.

Fall Light Science: How Autumn Days Could Re-Set Your Spoonie Sleep Cycle

Fall's changing light patterns can naturally help reset disrupted sleep cycles common in chronic illness. As days shorten and sunsets arrive earlier, your body produces melatonin sooner, making it easier to fall asleep at a reasonable hour. Simple changes like getting 10-15 minutes of morning sunlight and dimming lights after dinner can work with autumn's natural rhythm to improve sleep quality for those managing fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, POTS, and other conditions.

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A picture of a bright and cheerful classroom. It appears to be elementary school.

Back-to-School & the ADA: Know Your Child's Rights (and Reduce Stress)

Ill back-to-school? Learn about your child's ADA rights and 10 reasonable accommodations that make school less stressful and safer

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Flat lay of a planner, writing utensils, medications, pill holders and a water bottle. This depicts back to school for chronically ill.

Back-to-School Preparation When You're Chronically Ill

Back-to-school preparation with chronic illness? These are some tips to reduce stress, organize medication, and prepare school or college essentials.

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close up picture of a peach on a peach tree

August's Natural Medicine Cabinet: What Late Summer Foods Can Teach Your Chronic Illness

There's something strangely earthy about strolling through a farmer's market in August. The harvest is so abundant on the ground, it's almost shy—tables brimming with colors I'd forgotten to expect of the gray winter months. But for patients of chronic...

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Women in a wheel chair painting a colorful mural on a wall.

Beyond Visibility: Reframing Wellness Through the Prism of Disability Pride

Disability Pride Month is in July, and visibility is vital, but I just can't stop thinking about something more. What if we're not just asking to be included in wellness conversations—what if we're actually pioneering them? After decades of navigating...

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Picture of the ocean in evening light. Blue water, blue sky, gentle surg and warm clouds.

Salt, Sun & Spoonies: In Which the Ocean Enables Chronic Illness Wellbeing

Have you ever noticed how your mood improves when you've spent some time by or in the sea? There actually is some scientific basis to this. The ocean is not just a pleasant picture to us chronically ill folk—it possesses...

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