Health & Fitness Resources
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The Origin of the “WTF!” Name
Some names have no meaning and some names mean absolutely everything to and about the bearer of the name. Our name falls into the latter category. Despite the more popular acronym, WTF! stands for Worth The Fight! The origins of our name began with someone that I love to the moon and back, who was struggling with depression. This…
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Struggling Through the Holidays
‘Twas the night before Christmas and despite the sleeping spouse, there was still one stirring in the Chiarian’s house. The stockings were hung by the chimney with care, as all hoped their sick loved one would be able to be there. The family was nestled all snug in their beds, while visions of disappointment danced…
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September Is Chiari Awareness Month
It’s hard having a chronic illness that isn’t all that understood. As patients, we have to fight on absolutely every level! Before diagnoses, we fight for someone to hear us when: Around diagnoses, we fight to: When our doctors continue to dismiss our symptoms, we need our friends and families to understand:
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Christmas Presence
Making homemade stockings and cutting flowers for wreaths. Baking treats and devouring them with hot cocoa by the tree that we spent hours decorating. Shopping for just the right gifts and wrapping them meticulously, so those I love know just how special they are. I remember all the traditions that we did together as a…
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Holiday Hug
The week before Christmas in my home is filled with gift wrapping, cookie baking, dogs barking, people talking (loudly)… On a normal day, we feel the pain in the stiff neck, the backache, the headache, (the list could go on). When we are surrounded by stressors, they can take a toll on a person, especially…
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The Prayer of An EDS/Chiari/Comorbid Patient
As we lift up a warrior fighting EDS, Chiari, and/or Comorbids,We are believing You for: Knowledgeable doctors/surgeonsWith hearts for the patients that are trusting themEars to hear themAnd a willingness to unlearn and relearn CSF leaks to sealCranial masses to disappearNarrowed venous structures to widenAnd cranial pressures restored to normal Sticky…
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More Than a Headache – A Warrior’s Poem
It started with a headache, But it didn’t go away. Soon I would find out That it was here to stay. They all say, ‘the sun’s out, go out and get some air!’ But my wobbly legs ache, not to mention every strand of my hair. Every Doctor says, ‘You look just fine! It must…
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A Mother’s Story
Today is 11th April, 2019. Spring is in the air, yet I struggle to appreciate its presence. My daughters are at school, my son is at home in bed yet again. Like so many other days he is unable to get up. My son is 19 years old and looks just like any other 19…
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Walnut-Crusted Chicken Salad with Blueberry Balsamic Vinaigrette – “Anti-Inflammatory”
INGREDIENTS: Blueberry Balsamic Vinaigrette: ½ cup fresh blueberries ¼ cup aged balsamic vinegar 2 teaspoons honey ¼ cup avocado oil or light olive oil ¼ tsp sea salt ¼ tsp ground black pepper ¼ teaspoon onion powder ½ tablespoon whole grain Dijon mustard Walnut-Crusted Chicken:
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When A Chiari Woman Passes Away
When a Chiari woman passes away it changes so much for so many. It leaves a hole in the hearts of the Chiari community because, even as dysfunctional as we are sometimes, we know we’re all in this together! We know what it’s like to have conditions that so few understand, including our doctors. We…