patient advocacy

At the heart of every individual with type 1 diabetes is the desire to break through boundaries and self-limitations, while feeling optimistic about living a healthy life. Many of us are diagnosed young and raised within a rigid healthcare system based on blood tests, food rules, and fear. A life of pokes and injections is no walk in the park, but growing up knowing almost nothing about taking care of yourself is the ultimate puncture wound. In a world filled with countless temptations, what do you do when you feel hopeless, or when the act of improving your health seems impossible, or when you feel like no one is listening even though you're screaming at the top of your lungs? You do the only thing left that doesn't require a prescription: You take over. By embracing the challenges of diabetes as individuals, we become commanders of our health. Through the interactive science of blood sugar, insulin, nutrition, and exercise, we acquire lifelong skills to become our best and brightest advocates. Part memoir, part knowledge-boosting scientific adventure in nutrition and exercise, Type One Determination tells the story of the author's life with T1D, and how she grew up to become a fiery example of drawing strength from disease. This is Type One Determination: educational, inspirational, and a pointed message to all those invested in the lives of people with diabetes -- dust jacket.

"The Patient's Playbook is a ... narrative of personal stories that imparts lessons and illuminates strategies for better, and even life-saving, medical decision-making.... the book presents the most effective approach to getting the best from a broken system: sourcing excellent doctors, choosing the right treatment protocols in the "no mistake zone," researching with precision, and structuring the ideal support team..."--Provided by publisher.

Presents a history of chronic illness in America, looking at patient rights, the role of social media in medical advocacy, the origins of attitudes about chronic illness, and more.

The author discuses how the pink ribbon campaign raised awareness of breast cancer, argues that woman's health has not improved with the campaign, and examines alternative organizations that tackle breast cancer issues differently.