advocacy – Page 3

NHBPM Day 2: My Big Caboose – Little Engine Remix

November 2, 2013 by Sarah Bramblette 2 Comments

Day 2 of National Health Blog Post Month and today’s prompt is “The Little Engine” taken from the children’s story, The Little Engine that Could:

Write 3 lines that start with “I think I can…”

Then write 3 lines that start with “I know I can…”

I had to laugh when I thought of the train analogy and my medical condition because my caboose is a much more prominent and powerful train car in my journey. Do trains still have cabooses? For a few years during my childhood I lived near train tracks and I would always love waiting for the end of the train to come by so I could wave to “Mr. Caboose Man”. My caboose (butt) is big because of Lipedema. But that size and weight does not hold me back, instead it is the real source of my power and strength. Living with Lipedema has made me strong, resilient, resourceful, and compassionate.

With that said…here is my Big Caboose – Little Engine Remix

I think I can be a catalyst for change.

I think I can encourage others to be their own advocates.

I think I can change society’s perception of obesity by sharing my story.

I know I can be myself.

I know I can survive.

I know I can win most battles with health insurance companies.

What do you THINK and KNOW you CAN do? What is your source of power and strength?

November Is National Health Blog Post Month

November 1, 2013 by Sarah Bramblette Leave a Comment

November is National Health Blog Post Month and Wego Health is providing daily prompts. Since I’ve been slacking recently at posting and even had my blog called “the inconsistent blog” I thought participating would be beneficial to me and my readers.

This year there will be Favorite Friday posts, and today is both the FIRST post of the month and a Favorite Friday!

Nov. 1 Favorite Fridays

Tell us what your favorite health apps are and how people can find them.

GoodRx (FREE) – My number one FAVORITE health app is GoodRX. It is an app, and a website, that helps you locate the lowest price prescription medications in your area AND provides discount coupons for many of the medications. I first heard about this app on NPR. I have used the app a lot recently as I have been in transition between health insurance coverage and do not have prescription coverage right now. I just present the coupon information to the pharmacy and they enter it and I get the discounted price. The price has not always been accurate, but within a few dollars, and still MUCH lower than original retail price.

MyFitnessPal (FREE) – This app is great for tracking food intake as it has a very diverse directory of foods, and a bar code scanner for foods that are not already in the system. Having been tasked with documenting my food intake at various points in my life it’s great to no longer have to keep a little notebook with me, or try and remember every bite at the end of the day. The app also tracks activity, and weight, and provides you an estimate daily calorie goal based on your weight goal (loss or maintain). MFP also syncs with many other fitness apps and devices.

Health Insurance Carrier App (FREE) – Apps vary by company but most major health insurance providers now have mobile apps. I find the apps most helpful in locating a provider or facility. How often are you in your doctors office and are referred for a test or to see a specialist and you have no idea if they accept you insurance. With the app you can quickly check the directory right from your phone! I have personally used the Humana app, but I went ahead and found the links for other companies: BCBS, Aetna, Cigna, United Healthcare.

This prompt made me realize I’ve NEVER even checked to see if any lymphedema or lipedema related apps exist. I found LymphTracker ($.99), which helps track measurements of your affected limbs. This can be very helpful, unfortunately when I went to purchase the app on my iPhone it said the app was no longer available. It would also be beneficial to have an app to locate lymphedema therapists, compression garment vendors, etc in your area.

Have you used any of these apps? Tell me if you found them helpful! Also if you have a favorite health related app share it with me in the comments!

Kids do not need a letter to know they are fat on Halloween

October 31, 2013 by Sarah Bramblette Leave a Comment

There is a woman in North Dakota who feels it’s her duty to save obese children from themselves this Halloween. She has decided to hand out “fat letters” to children to whom she deems are obese while giving candy to the other kids. I am left to wonder if she is doing any diabetes or dental checks on the normal sized kids. After all, the reality is that candy is not “good” for anyone.

But it’s Halloween, it’s the time of year kids to get to dress up as their favorite character and go walk about the neighborhood with their friends. That is unless you are the FAT kid. Then finding a costume, especially of a favorite character, is most likely not going to happen. Definitely, NOT going to fit into a store bought costume. So maybe you’re creative and have the means to create an awesome DIY costume, which I was THAT fat kid a few times. Yes, I wanted to be an alarm clock! What kid doesn’t want to be an alarm clock? No, I wouldn’t have rather been Rainbow Brite or Jem. (of course I would have) But my sister and I were GENIUS and cut out a round piece of cardboard, put some numbers on it, and tethered it around my neck. I was an alarm clock! Let’s go get some candy!

Trick or Treating was by far the most intense workout I got as a kid. I walked to school every day, but that roundtrip was nothing compared to the Trick or Treat challenge, cover the neighborhood in 1.5 hours. Yes, where I grew up Trick or Treat was scheduled. My friend’s mom led a small group of us around and kept us on task. We only went to houses where people were outside on their porches (wasted no time knocking on doors), we zigzagged across the street, then circled around to the next block. I really should stop and calculate the number of blocks we covered. The entire time it was “go, go, go”, we walked up steps, and up hills. And trust me, every huff n puff moment as trudged along as a clock I knew I was FAT. I didn’t need any well meaning neighbor giving me letter of notification!

But like most other things in my life, I wasn’t going to let my weight stop me from participating. I was not going to let being FAT keep me from enjoying the night out with my friends, trying to accomplish our mission of getting to every house on our route in the allotted time. Honestly, Halloween was NEVER about the candy. There was candy at home, the GOOD candy that my mom bought to pass out for Trick or Treat. If all I wanted was to stuff my face with candy, I could have sat at home and just ate what I wanted. No, Halloween like other holidays is about the experience.

The experience is same the reason I am excited about participating in Halloween as an adult. As a fat adult the costumes can still be a challenge, but my creativity and DIY abilities have served me well. Yes, I wanted to be Honey Boo Boo…I actually WON a costume contest as Honey Boo Boo! As for Trick or Treat, this year will be the first time in many years I will actually be at home, and live in a neighborhood where there will be Trick or Treaters. I do not have kids and I do not know many of my neighbors. I could easily turn off my porch light and stay inside. Instead I am excited that I can participate in Halloween, and I ordered toys to pass out. No candy. I admit I fear being seen as the “fat lady” handing out candy. I also know taste vary so much I could never possibly please all the kids with my choices. Then there are kids with food allergies. Choking hazards, we used to buy safety suckers to give the toddlers. Also, I just LOVE toys, and I picked out some really awesome toys. I also asked my parent friends on Facebook if they would be upset if their child was given a noise maker? As you can already read I’m putting way too much thought and effort into this….just buy some candy already.

Perhaps I’m too considerate of other people; perhaps the woman in ND should take a lesson from me. If her concern is really for the well-being of children then there are many better options she could do instead of fat shaming kids. How does a letter telling a parent their kid is fat help reduce childhood obesity? Yet she is STILL handing out candy to other kids, does their health not matter? Also health is not just physical, it is emotional too. Fat shaming kids on a day that is supposed to be FUN, is just mean and will hurt kids not help them. She could donate money to help local parks and recreation center, volunteer for local Halloween carnivals, or organize a Halloween themed fun run/walk for her community.

Hometown Advocacy: Coffee with Congressman Wenstrup

September 23, 2013 by Sarah Bramblette 2 Comments

Rep. Brad Wenstrup

Fresh off my return from #YWM2013 in Phoenix, AZ and my second year of advocacy training, I had the opportunity to put my skills to work at a local event held by my US Representative, Brad Wenstrup. On August 27th, Rep Wenstrup hosted a “Coffee with Your Congressman” event here in Portsmouth. I have previously communicated with Wenstrup’s staff members about HR 2415 – Treat and Reduce Obesity Act and The Lymphedema Treatment Act, but I know it’s a very special honor to be able to speak directly with my congressman. Rep. Wenstrup is a Podiatrist and was very aware and knowledgeable of lymphedema, and of course obesity is a major health issue for our area.

Again, I want to thank Rep, Wenstrup and his staff for the outreach into our community!

You can be an advocate without leaving home! Check out the links below learn more about the bills and to contact your representatives and ask them to support these two very important pieces of legislation.

Join me and visit the OAC’s Legislative Action Center to urge Congress to support the Treat and Reduce Obesity Act of 2013.

Join me and visit the Lymphedema Treatment Act Legislative Action Center to urge Congress to support the Lymphedema Treatment Act.

Healthcare and Social Media – Empowering Patients

August 12, 2013 by Sarah Bramblette Leave a Comment

Social Media is responsible for me writing this post. First, I saw a post on Facebook by ZocDoc, which I “Like” because a friend of high school who lives in NYC uses their services and “Liked” them one day, and being in the healthcare profession I wanted to learn more about the company, I liked what I read, especially their service philosophy. So I read this post from ZocDoc about Social Media and Health, and how bloggers can submit their writings on the topics. Hmm, I knew how much I utilized Social Media in my healthcare advocacy to help others and myself, but had I actually written a blog post on the topic of Social Media? No, but I knew I could, so I added it to my “to do” list.

Then the next day I saw my new Twitter friend, Rhiann, Tweet about Social Media and Health, and it happens to be a Blog Carnival writing prompt. Awesome! Now, I met her during a Twitter #HAChat hosted by WegoHealth.

Leslie at ‘Getting Closer to Myself‘ is hosting the ‘Patients for a Moment Blog Carnival’, and has given the following prompt.

1. Describe your illness in 140 characters.

Perfect it’s a Tweet! And to my delight, my normal Lipedema description fit into 140 characters.

Lipedema: Abnormal accumulation of subcutaneous tissue; primarily in hips, thighs, legs & upper arms. Does not respond to diet & exercise.

2. How has social media impacted your illness experience?

I was diagnosed with Lymphedema in 2001, and Lipedema in 2004, before Facebook, Twitter and even “Social Media” were the current means of communication on the internet. At the time I was diagnosed I connected with other lymph patients via Yahoo groups and message boards. I have also been very active on weight loss surgery forums, such as ObesityHelp. I have gained a wealth of knowledge, and many friends via the Internet. The internet has always been a means of support for me. I lived in a small town in Ohio, so the internet provided a means to reach out to people beyond my geographically limits. I then moved to Miami, FL, and the internet provided a way to meet new friends in my area and get healthcare recommendations.

In addition to getting support and information from the Internet, I have also given back. I started this blog to share my story and promote awareness of my conditions, Lipedema and Lymphedema. I also am advocating for two pieces of legislation currently in Congress. I was please to find a whole new world of Lipedema patients on Facebook. Until this year I knew only one other Lipedema patient. While I have been maintaining my illness, I had lost hope there was any other new developments in the treatment options or interest from the mainstream medical field. Through the new connections I made via Social Media I learned that in fact there are new options. And I met others LIKE ME, and NEAR ME! And there are plans for a small gathering this October, so we can meet and share our experiences in person.

I began promoting my blog by sharing posts on Twitter. It was there I found WegoHealth and began participating in #HAChat. And I realized there is a way to connect with other chronic illness patients, despite our conditions being different in disease, our daily lives share a common experience..typically themed in getting the best and most appropriate medical care for ourselves. Social Media has opened up an entire new world of support, and knowledge.

The entire experience has given me a renewed sense of empowerment. I am a healthcare advocate, my goal is help others. Social Media is helping me reach that goal.

Dancing for Dollars! Support me in the Walk from Obesity!

August 9, 2013 by Sarah Bramblette Leave a Comment

No tutu until I reach my fundraising goal of $1000!

If I reach my goal of $1000 in donations by the morning of the walk, August 18th! I will WALK IN MY SWIMSUIT (and tutu).

YOU Can Still Be a Part of #YWM2013 – Join Us!

August 8, 2013 by Sarah Bramblette Leave a Comment

It’s not too late to be a part of Obesity Action Coalition Your Weight Matters Convention!

Registration will be available on-site August 15th. Join us for a day or the entire event.

Can’t join us in Phoenix?

No worries there will be 5 sessions live-streamed via YouTube!

Here is the link to access all of the live-streamed educational sessions:

http://www.ywmconvention.com/ywm2013-live-stream/

During the Teaming-Up to Tackle Obesity event, those who can’t attend will also be able to ask questions during the Q&A using http://www.twitter.com/obesityaction and our official #YWM2013 hashtag.

This is a great opportunity to experience OAC and get a glimpse of what the information and resources they offer.

Check out my Top 5 Reasons YOU Should Attend #YWM2013 and watch for my LIVE updates from the convention on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

Featured on ObesityHelp

August 1, 2013 by Sarah Bramblette 5 Comments

I am honored to be today’s featured article on ObesityHelp.com – Advocate: A Decade in the Making. I have been a member of ObesityHelp since 2003 and have attended 7 of their events. October 4th & 5th I will attending the ObesityHelp 2013 National Conference in Anaheim, CA.

ObesityHelp asked me to share my experience and struggle with Lymphedema and Lipedema. Including fighting for insurance coverage of needed treatments. Both conditions affect individuals struggling with obesity, including those seeking weight loss surgery. Many like myself, are not aware they have Lipedema until after having weight loss surgery and noticing that despite massive weight loss their legs are still abnormally large.

Dear Boy Scouts of America, Participation is More Powerful than Exclusion

July 17, 2013 by Sarah Bramblette Leave a Comment

Go Big. Get Wild. But not you, you’re too big.

As a member of the Obesity Action Coalition, I received a Bias Buster Alert regarding the Boy Scouts of America’s BMI policy excluding participation in this years Jamboree.

Below is my letter to CEO, Wayne Brock. I encourage you to speak out on this issue and contact Mr. Brock. More information can be found on the OAC Bias Buster page: http://www.obesityaction.org/weight-bias-and-stigma/bias-busters/boy-scouts-of-america

Dear Mr. Brock,

As a member of the Obesity Action Coalition, I am writing to express my disappointment in the Boy Scouts of America’s BMI policy for attendees of the 2013 Jamboree. I live in southern Ohio, near the border of West Virginia, so I have seen a lot of local news coverage about the Summit and the excitement for this year’s Jamboree. It saddens me to know young men are being excluded from this “Wild and Wonderful” experience simply based on their weight.

I understand the BSA’s concern for health and safety, however, BMI is not a good indicator of health. As a morbidly obese child and teen I participated in many activities including attending 4H Summer camp. My cabin was at the top of the second hill, the restrooms and showers were on the first hill. Was it easy for me to climb the hills several times a day? Of course not, but I did it because I wanted to participate in camp, and as the days went by the climb became easier and I gained a sense of accomplishment. I participated in many camp activities, and there were of course some I was unable to participate in because of my weight, however, just being there and seeing all the possibilities motivated me to be more active so I could participate the following summer. If BSA were truly concerned with the overall health and wellbeing of your scouts you would encourage participation in the Jamboree no matter the fitness level. After all, HEALTH is more than just physical, there is also emotional and social element to health and wellness. Which is really better for health: these young men participating at the Jamboree with their peers, or sitting at home?

I also wanted to point out that many children and adults of normal size can suffer health emergencies during strenuous activities. I was in marching band and never once had an emergency while many friends often had asthma attacks after a performance. Also, consider the sad occurrence of children and adults with unknown cardiac issues collapsing during sporting events.

In addition, I am interested to know if Boy Scouts with other physical limitations are excluded from participating in the Jamboree? Are Boy Scouts with physical disabilities that require use of a wheelchair or other accommodations able to participate? I do hope the answer is, yes. If accommodations are being made for their inclusion than accommodations should be made so that ALL scouts can participate.

I look forward to your review of this policy and forthcoming changes.

Sincerely,

Sarah M. Bramblette

OAC Member

Two Bills, One Story

July 16, 2013 by Sarah Bramblette 3 Comments

A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. – Chinese proverb

My journey began many years ago, the steps have been difficult at times but I kept moving forward. Now is the time to put the past decade of personal struggle into action in order to help others.

Currently there are two bills before Congress, or in the process or being introduced, to which I fully support and want to see passed into law.

H.R. 2415 Treat and Reduce Obesity Act of 2013 – On June 19, 2013, Senators Tom Carper (D-DE) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Representatives Bill Cassidy (R-LA) and Ron Kind (D-WI) introduced the Treat and Reduce Obesity Act of 2013. This legislation will provide Medicare recipients and their health care providers with meaningful tools to treat and reduce obesity by improving access to obesity screening and counseling services, and new prescription drugs for chronic weight management.

Lymphedema Treatment Act – The Lymphedema Diagnosis and Treatment Cost Saving Act will improve coverage for the treatment of lymphedema, thereby reducing health care costs while improving patient care and quality of life for millions of Americans with lymphedema.

Step 1: I have shared my personal story via Obesity Action Coalition and Lymphedema Treatment Act.

Step 2: I have contacted my Congressman, and Senators regarding both pieces of legislation. A few weeks ago I received a phone call from Rep. Wenstrup’s office in Washington, D.C. in response.

Step 3: This week my U.S. Representative Brad Wenstrup’s staff will be hosting a Traveling Help Desk in my area. I plan on attending to share my story in support of BOTH bills.

The power is in us to initiate change….please join me on the journey!

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