Chronic Bits:
As we prep for the new ChronicBabe site, we're shutting down the bits.
-Posted: 4/22/2013
It was nice while it lasted! But the new stream-lined ChronicBabe.com won't have news items per se - although Editrix Jenni will be writing about newsworthy stuff. Just wanted you to know that we haven't forgotten about this feature...we're just letting it rest. Thanks!
Feeling down? Try some Kid President
-Posted: 1/30/2013
Your Editrix has had a little bout of depression the past two days. Rough stuff. But Kid President is helping a lot. Enjoy!
In preparation for 2014 and ObamaCare:
-Posted: 1/24/2013
This handy-dandy tool shows you how ObamaCare will impact YOUR health insurance situation.
A look at "sick lit"
-Posted: 1/10/2013
Some folks are freaked out by it. We feel empowered by it. XO Jane contributor S.E. Smith gives us the lowdown on "sick lit."
Join us for a LIVE chat today!
-Posted: 1/9/2013
Let's get together and talk about our hopes and challenges for the new year. Editrix Jenni and our amazing moderators, Rachel and Helen, all have a bunch of resolutions and plans to talk about, and we can't wait to hear yours. Join us at the Forum today at 6pm PST, 7pm MST, 8pm CST, 9pm EST, 10pm AT (that's 1pm in Sydney and Melbourne on Wednesday, January 9).
Fantastic new campaign
-Posted: 1/8/2013
...by the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America. J'adore! Thanks for reporting it, NYTimes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Get the answers to frequently (and not-so-frequently) asked questions regarding ChronicBabe and founder Jenni Prokopy.
What's the difference between a chronic illness, a chronic disease and a chronic health condition?
What are some examples of chronic health conditions?
How does ChronicBabe.com serve its community?
How often is ChronicBabe.com updated?
I'd like to register for e-mail updates. Do you sell your member e-mail list?
Is the site endorsed by any health-related organizations or associations?
Can I trust the information on this site as much as I trust my health care providers?
Can I hire Jenni Prokopy to speak at an event?
What is a ChronicBabe?
A ChronicBabe is a woman living with a chronic health condition or illness. The emphasis on living is important - when we think of ourselves as "suffering with" or "afflicted by" a chronic condition, we start to adopt the mentality of a victim, something Babes just don't buy into.
What's the difference between a chronic illness, a chronic disease and a chronic health condition?
For some, the difference is significant: many women who live with chronic health issues prefer not to label them as illnesses or diseases, instead calling them health conditions and removing some of the stigma of being "ill." Others find the distinction to be simply one of semantics. Some believe that potentially fatal conditions should be labeled as "illness" or "disease, "while issues that are persistent but not fatal are health "conditions."
Every woman has the right to choose the language she uses to describe herself, and we embrace the use of each term, or any other darn thing you want to call your health issues. We're pretty open-minded.
What are some examples of chronic health conditions?
There are hundreds of chronic health conditions. These include things you're used to seeing in the news, like diabetes, AIDS, arthritis and asthma, to name just a few. But they also encompass conditions that aren't as easily diagnosed or labeled, like autoimmune disease, eating disorders, mental illness, reproductive issues and alcoholism. A chronic condition may loom large, affecting every aspect of a woman's life, or it may be something relatively small and easily manageable. If you've got it and it's sticking with you, it's chronic.
Why ChronicBabe.com?
Jenni, the Editrix, is a ChronicBabe. After being diagnosed with fibromyalgia, asthma, anxiety and Raynaud's phenomenon in her mid-20s, Jenni experienced a void in resources for herself and others in her situation: women coping with chronic conditions just as their adult lives were really getting started. She started this site to create a community for younger women who want to live full lives - women who know that even though they're Chronic, they're still Babes!
Make no mistake: we think any woman, at any age, can be a Babe. But this site caters to the younger Babes because there just isn't a lot of good information available on how to be young, wild, creative, sexy and daring while managing a complicated health regimen. The challenges for younger women are unique, and we deserve a resource all our own.
How does ChronicBabe.com serve its community?
We created the site so Babes can talk about their issues and share creative ideas to do more than simply cope. We want women to excel! We welcome contributions, from Babes first and foremost, who can offer personal experience when it comes to living life out loud. But we also want to hear from the folks who know Babes: spouses and lovers, co-workers and caregivers, friends and family - the people who make up a Babe's world. And we love to hear from members of the health care community who can offer advice, support and creative approaches to healthful living.
Who created the site?
Jenni Prokopy created ChronicBabe.com in 2005 after years of searching for useful information on living well with fibromyalgia and chronic pain. A full-time writer, Jenni found a creative outlet in writing about her life, and wanted to share her experience with other ChronicBabes. She finds inspiration in new places every day, and hopes this online community will inspire other young women with chronic health issues to be their best.
Can I contribute to the site?
Yes! We need Babes to write articles on their personal experiences, to review publications and other resources, to interview experts, to share photography and other visual expressions, and to be cheerleaders. If you're interested in becoming a contributor or staff member, send an e-mail with your ideas to: ideas@chronicbabe.com. Include your full name, a brief description of your ideas, a phone number where you can be reached and appropriate times to call.
How often is ChronicBabe.com updated?
As often as we darn well please. Sometimes that will be every day, but sometimes we might lag - that's the deal with grassroots online communities. Sometimes we are bursting with ideas and energy, but sometimes we just need to chill.
I'd like to register for e-mail updates. Do you sell your member e-mail list?
Nope. We will not sell our member e-mail list to anyone. We hate spam too!
Is the site endorsed by any health-related organizations or associations?
Lots of organizations, medical facilities and health care practitioners are big fans of ChronicBabe.com, but we aren't affiliated with any other organition - this project is produced by individuals. Of course, as we grow, we're open to the prospect of partnering with groups that help ChronicBabes.
Can I trust the information on this site as much as I trust my health care providers?
We do our best to provide accurate information, but this site is not meant as a substitute for professional medical care, diagnosis or treatment. We share opinions and news from a variety of sources, and what works for one person may not work for someone else. So please consult your health care provider before embarking on any new treatment. If you want to try something you read about, you may want to print out the article and share it with your physician first. ChronicBabe.com assumes no liability or responsibility for errors or omissions, or for actions our readers take in response to information posted.
Jenni Prokopy, founder of ChronicBabe, is a health writer. Does she write for any other companies or projects?
Yes! ChronicBabe.com's founder and editrix, Jenni Prokopy, is an award-winning freelance writer specializing in health care topics. She offers writing, editing and communications consulting services to many organizations and publications, in addition to her work on ChronicBabe projects. You can learn more by contacting her directly at 773.368.3074.
Can I hire Jenni Prokopy to speak at an event?
Yes! Jenni loves speaking to groups about her experience as a ChronicBabe, and about the many issues that young women face when living with chronic illness. She can tailor a presentation to fit your specific audience. Contact her directly at 773.368.3074 for more details.
