I’ve had asthma since I was about sixteen but I never gave much thought to self-care tips for asthma control. Focusing on myself and my health wasn’t something that I was concerned about until I was much older.

I honestly think good nutrition is about listening to your body and I really do think it’s all about balance: some days I will absolutely be craving a steak and I will go for it, but on other days I’ll just fancy some veggies. 

Will I continue to use Health Storylines for Asthma? Yes, of course. Even though I have apps I am comfortable with for my calendar and medications, there is so much peace of mind and control over my illness.

No matter what you're struggling with, I think tracking your progress is a HUGE help! And Health Storylines has an amazing collection of apps that are sure to work for you! So I would highly suggest that you check them out and download a FREE app today!

When I talk about being chronically ill, I usually start the story around 2006 when I was diagnosed with Chiari Malformation but, I was diagnosed with asthma many years before that. Moving from the moldy, humid, East Coast to the dry desert has made my asthma attacks less frequent but I still suffer from daily asthma symptoms.

Now that I am older, I know that most events in the body have to do with ’cause’ and ‘effect’. As a result of this knowledge, I have set out to discover the where, what, when, and whys of my asthmatic episodes.

I love the idea of having a list on my phone app since I usually don’t forget my phone. There’s a place to record questions and notes from your visit. It’s difficult for me to stay organized with the brain fog I have time to time so this is a great feature for me!

This is an amazing app, in the world of technology, which can tend to overcomplicate our lives, if you ask me.Keeping up your health can be hard work. Think about it. We spend countless hours gawking at our smartphone displays, continually playing on social media, or those addictive online games, and watching videos that may actually have adverse affects on our health in the long run. But choose carefully, and your smartphone can be your most powerful…and healthiest weapon.

I also think about the women of the past who will inspire the women of the future. The women who my children may never come to know but will lovingly remember them through memory. There is that hope that my children, the women in my circle, will embody some of the things from women of the past. Forever. That is what we can do for them.

I have IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) and this app has helped me monitor my IBS and help figure out what causes me to have a flare and then I can record the results in the journal on the app. I also have Interstitial Cystitis, Endometriosis, Pelvic Floor Dysfunction, Anxiety and Depression.

I ask that when you come across someone with a rare disease like Cystic Fibrosis, you don't solely look at them like that's all their made up of- because they are not. They are normal, weird, smart, silly, happy and sad like you and me.

I am terrible at keeping orgainized track of many of my healthcare needs: doctor’s appointments, medications, sticking with a healthy exercise routine, taking medications on time, etc.

Today, we celebrate the great partnership we’ve built with you. Together, we stand in unity as a force to be reckoned with. To make our own decisions, to drive our healthcare outcomes, to build awareness - no matter what the reason, we are stronger when we work with each other. 

We started the Self Care Movement in 2016 hoping to build a strong community of people living with chronic illnesses and we want to thank you all for making that possible.

Maintaining good health with HIV can be difficult, especially because of all the different health regimens involved.  When did you take your last pill? Which pill on which day? 

Instead of giving up, though, I found ways to make these motion part of my day-to-day. Moving became my self care.

So how do we tell the difference? No, seriously, I’m asking you. Hopefully, you know because I clearly haven’t figured it out.

We can learn to prioritize, plan, pace, and manage daily life. And we can learn a lot about ourselves in the process.

My self care?  Trusting my doctor.  Listening to my body…when I’m tired, I rest,  when I’m hungry, I eat andwhen I’m afraid, I pray.  I ask for help.  I welcome the emotional and spiritual support of others.  And, the most important thing through it all, I try to stay positive. 

 I'm also teaching them about self-care which is important, not only because everyone should know how to take care of themselves, but also because three of my four kids inherited Ehlers Danlos Syndrome from me.