Invisible Illness

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What Is “Sick” Supposed To Look Like?

What Is "Sick" Supposed To Look Like?

What Is “Sick” Supposed To Look Like?

Just saw this brilliant video from Chanell white

The most frequent phrase many patients hear is, “but you don’t look sick!” I’ve heard it from family, friends, strangers, and even doctors! While that is a lovely compliment, I have always wondered what illness is supposed to look like for these individuals? The truth is illness often times is just hidden, only visible if you take a deeper look. It isn’t invisible like most people believe, it is just tucked away so the patient can live a more normal life. A coat of make-up and a cute outfit helps us feel more confident in our failing bodies, and seem more approachable to those around us.
Take to social media and post your side by side photos with the hashtag #invisibleorhidden

For more information on me, and my illness ‘Systemic Sclerosis’ visit my website at www.thetubefedwife.blogspot.com

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Invisible Disabilities: I Am Invisible No More! – Please share this brilliant online awareness video

Invisible Disabilities: I Am Invisible No More!

Invisible Disabilities: I Am Invisible No More!



Be a part of the 2018 Invisible No More® Campaign, launching in February! http://www.InvisibleNoMore.com We launched the Invisible No More® Campaign in 2010. Share your “invisible illness” and “invisible disabilities” stories and help change the world during the new 2018 campaign! “Let’s envision a world where people living with illness, pain and disability will be Invisible No More!”

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MRSA Infection – How you get MRSA

MRSA

MRSA

MRSA lives harmlessly on the skin of around 1 in 30 people – usually in the nose, armpits, groin or buttocks. This is known as “colonisation” or “carrying” MRSA.

You can get MRSA on your skin by:

touching someone who has it

sharing things like towels, sheets and clothes with someone who has MRSA on their skin

touching surfaces or objects that have MRSA on them

Getting MRSA on your skin won’t make you ill, and it may go away in a few hours, days, weeks or months without you noticing. But it could cause an infection if it gets deeper into your body.

People staying in hospital are most at risk of this happening because:

they often have a way for the bacteria to get into their body, such as a wound, burn, feeding tube, drip into a vein, or urinary catheter

they may have other serious health problems that mean their body is less able to fight off the bacteria

they’re in close contact with a large number of people, so the bacteria can spread more easily

Healthy people (including children and pregnant women) aren’t usually at risk of MRSA infections.

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COPD what are the causes of Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease?

COPD Awareness

COPD Awareness

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) occurs when the lungs and airways become damaged and inflamed.

It’s usually associated with long-term exposure to harmful substances such as cigarette smoke.

Things that can increase your risk of developing COPD are outlined below.

Smoking

Smoking is the main cause of COPD and is thought to be responsible for around 9 in every 10 cases.

The harmful chemicals in smoke can damage the lining of the lungs and airways. Stopping smoking can help stop COPD getting worse.

Some research has also suggested that being exposed to other people’s smoke (passive smoking) may increase your risk of COPD.

Fumes and dust at work

Exposure to certain types of dust and chemicals at work may damage the lungs and increase your risk of COPD.

Substances that have been linked to COPD include:

cadmium dust and fumes

grain and flour dust

silica dust

welding fumes

isocyanates

coal dust

The risk of COPD is even higher if you breathe in dust or fumes in the workplace and you smoke.

The Health and Safety Executive has more information about occupational causes of COPD.

Air pollution

Exposure to air pollution over a long period can affect how well the lungs work and some research has suggested it could increase your risk of COPD.

But at the moment the link between air pollution and COPD isn’t conclusive and research is continuing.

Genetics

You’re more likely to develop COPD if you smoke and have a close relative with the condition, suggesting some people’s genes may make them more vulnerable to the condition.

Around 1 in 100 people with COPD has a genetic tendency to develop COPD called alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency. Alpha-1-antitrypsin is a substance that protects your lungs. Without it, the lungs are more vulnerable to damage.

People who have an alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency usually develop COPD at a younger age, often under 35 – particularly if they smoke.

The British Lung Foundation has information about alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency. The charity Alpha-1 Awareness UK also provides information and advice.