News Headlines #2 --WIIFM (what's in it for me?)

Heat-related illness—protect those at risk.

Remember to watch out for people who are at risk for heat-illness:  children, the elderly, people with chronic medical conditions (and pets).  They should never be left in cars.   The interior of a vehicle can heat up very quickly when the sun is shining on it.  For example, interior temperatures of a car with windows cracked open can raise almost 20^oF in the first 10 minutes.  The CDC gives this good suggestion:  “to remind yourself that a child is in the car, keep a stuffed animal in the car seat.  When the child is buckled in, place the stuffed animal in the front with the driver.  When leaving your car, check to be sure everyone is out of the car.  Do not overlook any children who have fallen asleep in the car.”   More information can be found at http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/heat_guide.asp

Another excellent article from Yahoo Health gives information about keeping children safe from the heat at http://health.yahoo.net/experts/healthykidshealthyfamily/keeping-them-cool-heat

News Headlines--WIIFM (what's in it for me?)

Record breaking heat throughout much of the country brings the danger of heat related illness.  The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) gives this information:  “Getting too hot can make you sick…Heat exposure can even kill you; it caused 8015 deaths in the United States from 1979 to 2003.” How does a person keep cool when working in the hot weather?   

If possible, stay in an air conditioned environment.  Steps you can take to protect yourself from becoming overheated includes drinking plenty of liquids (non-caffeine and non-alcoholic are best fluid replacements), replacing salt and minerals (sports drinks replace salt and minerals we lose when sweating), and pacing yourself (take breaks in a cooler environment if possible).  People who work out in the weather need to protect their skin by using sunscreen and light-weight, light-colored and loose-fitting clothing including a wide-brimmed hat.  You see many construction workers starting very early in the morning so their day ends before the hottest heat and highest humidity. If possible, have a buddy working with you during the heat and watch out for each other’s health.  For more information, http://www.cdc.gov/Features/ExtremeHeat/?source=govdelivery

And the winner is....

It has been my pleasure to interview Christine Schwab for the past several days.  Now I will announce the winner of Christine's book, Take me Home from the Oscars.

The winner of Christine's book is Deepali Bankar.

Deepali, please send me your address (by my gmail address) so I can send you the copy of Christine's book, Take me Home from the Oscars.  Thanks and Congratulations. 

Christine Schwab Interview post #10

What advice would you share with someone dealing with rheumatoid arthritis (or any chronic disease)? 

Never, ever give up. Chronic disease is a roller coaster ride. Enjoy the highs and tolerate the lows knowing they will pass. Find a doctor who believes they can help you. Be pro-active.  Always try something new. Don't be fearful, embrace new treatments. Attitude is everything. Look at me. I have my life back. Was I afraid of taking a trial medicine? I didn't let myself go there. 

Thank you, Christine for sharing with us.  Readers, I recommend Christine Schwab’s new book, Take me home from the OSCARS:  Arthritis, Television, Fashion and Me. 

Christine Schwab interview post #9

Christine, on page 184 you summarized your fight for a normal life:  “Arthritis might have ravaged parts of my body, but I had fought back.  I might have lost control of my health for a while, but I managed my ability to deal with adversity.  I was still the same expert in style and fashion, but now I was also an expert in surviving.”  That’s a great statement and I (with your other fans) applaud your success.  Thank you for sharing your story.  

Thank you ! I so appreciate your support for this book. People like you will enable me to change how people perceive arthritis.

Christine Schwab interview post #8

I’m so glad to read Enbrel has put your RA into remission.  You’ve been taking it since 1997, fourteen years.  Are you still working full time?   This is your third book.  You’ve written Quickstyle and The Grown-Up Girl’s Guide to Style.  Do you plan to write more books?  

No to working full time.  My writing consumes most of my time. Media is important for promoting my writing and my goals. Social media now consumes way too much of my time, much to my surprise as I spend hours on FaceBook and Twitter. My life is the same mix of work, just in different proportions. Yes as to writing more books, I have so many books in my head waiting to get on paper.

Christine Schwab interview post #7

On page 97, you said, “rheumatoid arthritis took away the ability to be perfect, and not being perfect for me, even as an' adult, threatened every fiber of my being.”  How do you feel about this statement today?

Really if I am honest... The same. The book explains my childhood and why perfection was so important. And today I work just as hard to eat well, exercise, dress stylish yet appropriate and of course hair color. I am sure I will always be this way but it makes me feel good and that is important.  (Reader, notice Christine Schwab's 1st book published in 1998)