If I were to write a book, it would be based on being a healthcare advocate. I’ve become one for myself, have tried to help others through this blog and now am an advocate for my daughter, who has been diagnosed with cardiac conditions and a sleeping disorder. The Title would be – Healthcare Advocacy Changes Lives (not very creative, but inspiring). Why am I writing about this?

As part of the Health Activist Writer’s Month Challenge, I’ll be writing here every day. My first prompt is – “Titles of my future book. Say you’re writing a book about your life, community, condition, or Health Activism. Come up with 5 working titles and a quick book jacket synopsis.”

For the quick synopsis of Healthcare Advocacy Changes Lives, it would read something like this – Multiple medical conditions changed her life, but she decided to take control of her healthcare and teach others to do the same. Connie Roberts teaches you that being an advocate can give you confidence and even save your life.

Some other book titles:

• Who Says You Aren’t Sick? (for those of us who have difficulty getting a definitive diagnosis)
• Your Doctor isn’t God
• Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Medical Questions
• Being Tired All the Time Isn’t Normal

What type of book would you write and what would the title be?

This post was written as part of NHBPM – 30 health posts in 30 days: http://bit.ly/vU0g9J

The MDA is presenting a free webinar for members on the subject of Educational Advocacy scheduled for  Wednesday, November 2 2 p.m. Eastern; 11 a.m. Pacific online.  Registration is required before the start of the program. Leading the program will be Marie Ritzo and Jill Castle  who will discuss information for families with school-age children affected by neuromuscular disease.

Marie J. Ritzo is a clinical social worker at Children’s National Medical Center in Washington, D.C. Ritzo provides social work services for the MDA clinic and the Surgical Care, Trauma and Burn Unit at Children’s.

Ritzo received her master’s degree in social work from the University of Maryland School of Social Work and Community Planning, with a concentration in clinical work with children and families. She has been a member of the Institutional Review Board and has received awards for her professional contributions, including the Dorothy Scallan Award for Excellence in Social Work (1998) and the award for Best Practice in Negotiating Systems from the Society for Social Work Leadership in Healthcare (2003).

Jill Anne Castle is a parent specialist for the Arizona Department of Education, where she helps parents navigate the special education process. Castle is currently finishing her master’s degree in educational psychology and is a candidate for BCBA (board-certified behavioral analyst).

Castle has a son who is affected by Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). She has dedicated her career to helping children with special needs receive the support they deserve.

Program Topics will include:

• The difference between IEP and Section 504 laws
• How to support your child in the school system
• The importance of forming a partnership with your child’s school
• Resources

Information for this post provided by the MDA.

The MDA has partnered with Walgreens for their Flu Shot Program. Since getting the flu can cause serious complications to those of us who have a Muscular Dystrophy diseases, the MDA offers free flu shots through a voucher program for members who do not have health insurance to cover the vaccination.  The flu shot is the best form of prevention.

Getting vaccinated against the flu is crucial to the health of people with a neuromuscular disease. It’s also necessary for family members and other close contacts to get the flu shot. The MDA (Muscular Dystrophy Association) also offers discount coupons for family members and caregivers of members. The cost with the coupon is $26. This is a new addition to the MDA’s Flu Shot Program this year.

Please check with your doctor before getting the shot, especially if you have Myasthenia Gravis, polymyositis, dermatomyositis, or take immune-suppressing medications. Also, the intranasal form of the vaccine is not recommended for people who have a neuromuscular disease.

You can redeem your voucher or coupon at any Walgreens and Duane Reade pharmacies, including Take Care Clinics. Thank you to the MDA and to Walgreens for providing a much needed service.