Chronic Bits 

Carol Sveilich, author of Just Fine: Unmasking Concealed Chronic Illness And Pain, is putting together a new book focusing on the real lives of people living with depression, anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, bipolar, OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder), panic attacks or related disorders. Contact Carol at writefaceforward at yahoo dot com to learn more. Docs and other health care providers in the field are also invited to participate! 

We dig this site, full of insightful writing on the arts, cultural issues, feminism, entertainment and more. It's a community of women sharing their voices on essential issues...and having fun. Check out Empowerment4Women today.

Grand Rounds is fresh at Dr. RW. As usual, an excellent collection of health and medical writers with interesting stories and news. For newbies: check out the Grand Rounds archives.

With the cooperation of Lynne Matallana, president of the National Fibromyalgia Association, Dr. Stuart Silverman of Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, and numerous patients and caregivers, filmmakers Stephen Eyer and Daneen Akers have produced "Living With Fibromyalgia," a new documentary available now on DVD. Watch the trailer now.

Have you ever thought, "Hey, this Sharps container is really ugly, I wish I had a cute cover for it?" Or, "Hey, these foot warmers that I put in the microwave are really ugly, I wish I had some that were cuter?" Chronique Couture is a soon-to-open online shop specializing in all things cute for ChronicBabes, like walker bags that would make anyone want to use a walker...custom-made canes...and tons more goodies. Owner Kimberly Flynn says: Chronic is "forever, lasting" so Chronique Couture can be looked at as always unique/stylish fashions that can "dress up your disability." The site will launch soon; for now, sign up for the newsletter and get notices about great deals. (In fact, the first 24 hours the store is open, you can get a 24% discount!) 

Here in Chicago, local radio guys Mike Stephen and Andy Hermann (producers of a show on venerable WGN) have teamed up to bring us Outside the Loop: Chicago's Almost Above-Ground Audio Magazine, a weekly podcast every Thursday highlighting local newsmakers, artists, musicians, and other folks doing great stuff in Chicago. Editrix Jenni Prokopy is featured in an interview this week's edition, launching Thursday, November 23 - yes, that's Thanksgiving Day - talking about the site and our plans for the future. So tune in!

So begins a dramatic monologue about disability shame by Laura Minges, worth checking out today. Or check out "Thumbs Down to Disability," a short film that asks why Hollywood always portrays disabled folks in a pitiful light.

A product of the National Women's Health Resource Center, the Metabolic Syndrome Health Center has tons of great information. Our favorite: find out if you're an apple or a pear.

The best craft show in Chicago is happening next weekend: the DIY Trunk Show, with 80 vendors showing the best in DIY-made goods. Last year Editrix Jenni did all her holiday shopping in one day at the show! Come meet Jenni and the creators of the ChronicBabe handbags and jewelry in person, on November 18 from 10am to 4pm at the Pulaski Park Auditorium.

Playing Santa this year? Do the Babe a favor and click here to shop Amazon.com - we get at least 5% of the purchase price, which adds up fast and helps us grow! Click through one of the handy links all over our site every time you place a new order and we'll get credit. It's like you're giving two gifts!