I offer both in-person and online Discovery Sessions that focus on wellness – not just illness, but the overall concept of health as “…a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being.” (Straub, 2012)  If someone wants to look at their relationships, their work, their feelings about their health challenges, or simply wanting to open up to learning more about what is going on “inside”, the Discovery Sessions are a quick, easy and non-therapeutic (meaning they aren’t therapy) activity to tap into your intuition.

For PFAM, I did a session myself on addressing the theme on using images to ‘scrapbook’ my illness.  Below, you will see what you would do on an online Discovery Session with me.  The sessions only allow five minutes to put together the collage – that is important.  We want to tap into our intuition and choose images before we have a chance to block them out or think too much about them by bringing in our feelings, perceptions, concerns and so forth.  Every session begins with a prompt we come up with when talking before hand and, for mine today, I chose “How do I see my illness?”

Here’s what I came up with:

My notes that I took during the session:

“This image set offers me more image-reference rather than explicit photos, which made this session more reflective. Lots of blues, surprisingly more serene while doing it and images chosen imply it.

• Action refers to work, which is constant with C.I.
• Middle image is ripe tomatoes, I choose to represent setting seed.
• Smallest image of hospital bed acts as a constant reminder that floats above everything.
• Image showing invisible illness among visible social ties.
• Are those ruins or indications that over time I’ve been worn, but still here to be marveled at in terms of achievements?
• The colorful salad represents both nutrition, that I am what I eat, but also the ingredients I need to constantly choose to make my life the healthiest it can be.
• The images of the swirling circles, of course, represents my immune system that is involved with the work I must do. It interacts with the level of visibility I choose to have and the seeds I plant every day for myself and those around me.
• Notice the unintentional direction that seems to swirl towards the hospital bed, but is distracted from reaching it due to the other images it overlaps. Tells me I still can make a difference in my overall health direction.”

 (C.I.= chronic illness)

Again, these sessions aren’t therapy, even though they have therapeutic properties.  I am a wellness facilitator, which simply means I organize the setting and coordinate the process, but the participant – you – choose the image meanings, define the connections, and take from it what you want to use.  My role is in simply asking the questions without any expectations or judgment.  I supply the momentum to assist you in exploring what you want to learn from you yourself. Who better to answer your own questions?

I am offering these one to one-half hour online sessions for only $15 throughout December and January,  because I want anyone to have a chance to take part.  It is a wonderful, self-care opportunity to play and learn, without concerns of lacking ‘creativity’.  We didn’t worry about that when we made our first collage in grade school, so why stress out about it now that we are all grown up?  That need to explore is still within us, but we’ve had many years to build up our barriers and walls of fear.  If you have ever spent time with grandchildren or your own children and loved how carefree they are when creating, that is what these sessions can offer you, too.

This is the season for joy~ and online Discovery Sessions are just one more opportunity to create some for yourself (or a friend) who could use a little lightness in their day.

I have had the pleasure of meeting and collaborating with some amazing people, including the crew at the Spondylitis Association of America.

Although there isn’t an official chapter of the Spondylitis Association of America (SAA) here in Oregon, they do have a strong website and use social media (especially Twitter and Facebook) to connect with patients all over the country.  There is a support group listed on their website for our area, but if you can’t make it to Vancouver, WA where they are held, I encourage you to check out their website for all of their great resources and supportive options.

I hadn’t heard of AS until a friend of mine was finally diagnosed.  For years, she would talk about her symptoms and levels of pain that was just heart-breaking to listen to, leaving me helpless in giving her answers to the questions she so desperately sought from me.  Since then, I have learned a great deal from directly and through the SAA website.  My friend has also taken advantage of all they offer, has been able to develop better relationships with new doctors, continues to work full-time and is considering taking part in their PEER Mentor program as a “Mentee”.  She’s been officially diagnosed with AS for five years now and has come a long way, in spite of her continuing levels of constant pain.  The sense in knowing more about what is going on in her body and learning key tools in managing her symptoms have brought her to a stronger sense of personal determination and, well, hope.  That is the theme for the SAA and this celebration today. 

The words Ankylosing (“fusion”) and Spondylitis (“inflammation”) may be difficult to pronounce for some and you will often hear people refer to this disease as “Spondylitis” or just ”AS”. Straight from their website, the SAA describes AS as: 

“Ankylosing spondylitis (pronounced ank-kih-low-sing spon-dill-eye-tiss), or AS, is a form of arthritis that primarily affects the spine, although other joints can become involved. It causes inflammation of the spinal joints (vertebrae) that can lead to severe, chronic pain and discomfort. In the most advanced cases (but not in all cases), this inflammation can lead to new bone formation on the spine, causing the spine to fuse in a fixed, immobile position, sometimes creating a forward-stooped posture.” 

Other common symptoms include pain, stiffness and inflammation.  Organs may also be affected such as the lungs or eyes, and, rarely, even the heart.  You can find more information about how AS may affect a person by visiting their complications link .  There is no known cure (yet), but options to aid in managing pain and inflammation are available.  

Take time to read the SAA website and check in on the Hope and Apples stories  website (and take part on the chat via Twitter #worldasdaychat), you will recognize many tales of challenge and encouragement.  Lupus and AS, or other illnesses, have more in common than different.  There is one particular entry from Christina McDaniel, who shares her story, video and blog links, as well as some beautiful artwork.  I think many of us can relate to her image, even though we may not live with AS.  There are many voices to be heard today, however, so be sure to visit them all. 

Learn more about these inspiring individuals and, if your life is also touched by AS, definitely consider the SAA as a valuable resource.

Nothing brings home the challenges of stiff, achy joints and limited mobility quite like the dampness of a good Oregon winter.  We’ve been fortunate here so far in not stepping into that season full boar yet, but we know it’s coming.

Today, awareness is upon those daily challenges for people living with osteoarthritis and all the other forms of arthritis as it applies to their experiences in the workplace. There are a number of bloggers (one fav is Rheumatoid Arthritis Guy  ) and other resources speaking on this topic, offering insight, tips, information and additional resources that we strongly recommend everyone read.  Even if you don’t have this leading cause of disability in the U.S. (yet), there is undoubtedly someone you know who does and may benefit from you understanding it better.

Two must view links today are:

The Arthritis Foundation website

Their World Arthritis Day page offers up some specifics about today’s event, what osteoarthritis is and the how it is reflected in the workplace.  they also offer some extensive resource links for more information.

World Arthritis Day website

    This is the main website for the event that includes all forms of arthritis and rheumatoid diseases as a whole in their efforts to support patients. Their theme today and for all of 2009 is described below directly from their website:

“This year’s ‘Let’s Work Together’ theme considers the challenges of work, be it paid employment, voluntary work or work at home supporting a family, and embraces people with rheumatic diseases, healthcare professionals and employers.”   (Source:  World Arthritis Day website) 

On their site, they also offer results from the 2009 survey that show:

1)  the need in furthering awareness building efforts to continue in the workforce to allow for continued, supported employment options;  and

2)  state and legislative backing to encourage more adaptable/flexible working environments 

The survey is still open and you are encouraged to participate – just follow the link on the page and give your voice to today’s event.

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Even though the spotlight is primarily on arthritis in the workplace, I want to put a shout out for a local PNW event to celebrate and benefit the young patients living with arthritis.

CARRA (Childhood Arthritis & Rheumatology Research Alliance) is holding their annual CARRA Costume Ball on Saturday, October 17^th  in Camas, WA.  This event includes food, music, dancing, games and more and is open to all ages.  The party will be held at Prune Hill Elementary, 1601 NW Tideland St. from 6-9pm.  Tickets are $25 per family and proceeds go to furthering research and support for our young ones who are often overlooked when we think about living with arthritis.  Visit their website for more information.

Wishing you all a more flexible and less painful day today – stay warm!

“I appreciate the opportunity to share some of my background with your members who may need representation for matters concerning Social Security Disability (SSDI) and/or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). 

 As a certified rehabilitation counselor for over 27 years, I have been engaged in private practice in Oregon and Washington since 1980.  I am also a licensed professional counselor with the state of Oregon, as well as a certified disability management specialist.  I have extensive experience as a Vocational Expert with the Social Security Administration (SSA) and am certified by the Department of Labor to provide vocational services to federal employees.

In 1995,  I became a Vocational Expert with the Office of Disability Adjudication and Review (ODAR) with SSA.  In that role, I gained valuable experience providing testimony to assist the Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) with determining whether folks were able to work, under SSA regulations.  After over 13 years as a VE for SSA, I followed the counsel of several ALJs who recommended that I begin representing clients in their applications for SSDI/SSI. 

Most all of my clients are reassured to have access to an actual counselor who is well acquainted with the process upon which the disability determination in SSA is based:  ability to work.

I have extensive experience working closely with clients whose diagnoses include lupus and fibromyalgia, conditions that require the expertise of a professional who understands how the resulting symptoms so often prevent many people from sustaining work.  For many of my clients who suffer from these diagnoses, the real challenge is not found in getting a job, but in keeping the job. 

I have just completed my coursework for my doctorate in Human Rehabilitation, and look forward to concluding the dissertation requirement for my PhD in about a year.  While this credential certainly isn’t necessary or required for my work as a representative, many ALJs recognize the degree of proficiency afforded by years of such study.  It will be a powerful and respected credential for my clients who deserve the best representation available.

I serve clients throughout Oregon, Washington and Idaho and may be reached toll free at 1 (888) 355-5539 or by email at kheatherly@1hcc.net “

Jen Adams, Market Director for Chinook Book/EcoMetro here in Portland, passed along this information about their coupon book offer and their efforts to help keep our Portland communities thriving: 

“During these more challenging economic times, more people are looking  for ways to save money across all aspects of their life.  Chinook Book offers people the ability to save hundreds of dollars and maintain the  high quality of life they’re accustomed to living.  There are over 300  coupons with discounts on fine dining, theater, products for the home  and natural and organic foods and are available for preview here:  

Holiday Special on Chinook Book  

As we’re heading into the holidays, this is an ideal time to offer  folks new and creative ways to stretch their dollars. With Chinook  Book people save money and help keep dollars in our local community,  which is increasingly more critical today. 

“Your readers might also be interested to hear that  during the month of December,  Chinook Book is on sale for $15 at New  Seasons, Whole Foods, Bales, Food Front Coop, Alberta Coop, People’s  Coop and Powell’s Cedar Mills.  We’re also offering free shipping (a  $5 value) for orders placed on ecometro.com.   We currently have 150 school and community groups selling Chinook Book, so folks who are interested in picking up a copy of Chinook Book should check with these groups first.“    

This is going to be a season of caring – especially now.  Please show your support for our local communities and pick up this great stocking stuffer or hostess gift.   EcoMetro is permanently listed on our Resources page. 

Thanks, Jen ~ and to all who purchase one!