BeWell Blog

Holiday Gift Guide: 20 Thoughtful Gift Ideas for those with Chronic Illness

Holiday Gift Guide: 20 Thoughtful Gift Ideas for those with Chronic Illness

The holiday season is the best time to extend appreciation and give support to one's loved ones, particularly those who are burdened by a chronic illness. The best gifts you could offer them are things they can use to keep...

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Coping with a Serious Diagnosis: How to Take It In and Stay Positive

Coping with a Serious Diagnosis: How to Take It In and Stay Positive

Written by: Amanda Phillips Receiving a serious diagnosis can be one of life's most overwhelming moments. An autoimmune disease, a chronic illness, even cancer—whatever it is you hear from your doctor may make the world stop spinning for that one...

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From Strength to Vulnerability: How to Open Up About Chronic Illness as a Man

From Strength to Vulnerability: How to Open Up About Chronic Illness as a Man

Written by: Benjamin Ruehrdanz Society tells men to be stoic, to push aside pain and not to talk about their problems. Ultimately, regardless of gender, difficulties in talking about your condition come down to a practice in vulnerability. Hiding your...

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Tips and Tricks from a Nurse-Turned-Autoimmune Disease Patient

Tips and Tricks from a Nurse-Turned-Autoimmune Disease Patient

Being a patient is never easy, but being a patient after having been a nurse has been a whole different reality. I never thought I would ever be on the other side of the bedrail, but since being diagnosed with...

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Understanding Medical Gaslighting: What It Is and How to Respond

Understanding Medical Gaslighting: What It Is and How to Respond

Written by: Amanda Phillips If you have lived with any type of chronic illness for any amount of time, there is a good chance that at one point or another, you felt your symptoms were not taken seriously by a...

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Trick-or-Treating Made Accessible to Kids with Medical Conditions

Trick-or-Treating Made Accessible to Kids with Medical Conditions

Written by: Amanda Phillips Halloween is one of the most magical times of the year when kids get to dress up, eat candy, and have fun in their neighborhoods. For children with medical conditions, however, traditional trick-or-treating can present challenges...

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Holiday Cheer When You Have Chronic Pain

Holiday Cheer When You Have Chronic Pain

Written by: Amanda Phillips The holidays are often described as the most wonderful time of the year, but for those living with chronic pain, they can also be the most challenging. The hustle and bustle, long gatherings, and even colder...

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Thanksgiving Travel Preparation with Chronic Illness

Thanksgiving Travel Preparation with Chronic Illness

Written by: Amanda Phillips Thanksgiving is about family, friends, and tradition, but it often involves travel to reach loved ones. Traveling during the holiday season can be quite overwhelming for people living with chronic illnesses. Waiting in crowded airports, enduring...

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How to Cope with Seasonal Affective Disorder: Keeping Your Mind Well When Days are Dark

How to Cope with Seasonal Affective Disorder: Keeping Your Mind Well When Days are Dark

Written by: Amanda Phillips Living with a chronic illness is never easy, but the shorter, darker days of winter can make it especially challenging. A lack of sunlight can leave many people feeling sad, listless, and lethargic—all symptoms of a...

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How to Keep Your Immune System Going During Cold and Flu Season

How to Keep Your Immune System Going During Cold and Flu Season

Written by: Amanda Phillips Daylight hours are at a minimum, and temperatures are well below freezing—so, yes, cold and flu season is most definitely here. If you have been diagnosed with a chronic disease or cancer, the cold time of...

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Tips for Staying Warm and Healthy: Preparing for Cold Weather with Chronic Illness

Tips for Staying Warm and Healthy: Preparing for Cold Weather with Chronic Illness

Written by: Amanda Phillips When the temperatures drop, living with a chronic illness means adding another layer of symptom management into your daily routine. Cold weather can trigger flare-ups, worsen joint pain, and increase discomfort. But with a little planning,...

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Managing Stress and Fatigue During the Holidays with Chronic Illness

Managing Stress and Fatigue During the Holidays with Chronic Illness

Written by: Amanda Phillips While the holiday season is a time of grand celebration, family gatherings, and holiday traditions, for those of us with chronic illnesses, holidays bring added stress, extra exhaustion, and symptom management as we attempt to keep...

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