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Patricia Bailey's avatar

Great roundup of info, Victoria. And thank you for reminding everyone that Covid is still here and still causing harm. I appreciate that. Looking forward to grabbing a copy of Illicit Croissants at Dawn. It sounds perfect.

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Victoria's avatar

Thanks, Patricia. Absolutely! After last year’s hospitalisation, I’m VERY wary for us. Our local hospital closed a ward last month, and there’s been an increase in COVID cases (based on anecdotal friends/family/Carer forums messages).

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Amy Brown's avatar

What a comprehensive roundup as always Victoria. And Francesca Bossert is a dear friend who I’ve now met in person, when she’s in Spain, and I agree about her lovely book of poems, so fun. She’s an inspiration for how she manages to create and keep her spirits up in the face of severe chronic pain.

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Victoria's avatar

Thank you, dear Amy! Ah yes, I remember seeing your photo! Absolutely, I loved Doobie-Doo's goofyliciousness! Yes, IBD is debilitating.

Hugs!

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Emily Wojcik's avatar

Oh thanks so much for the shout out and the info! You’re always the best read—I learn so much. 💕

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Victoria's avatar

Aw Thanks, Emily. ❤️

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Kate Farrell's avatar

Incredible and impressive! A comprehensive gathering of research, personal experience, and current issues in caregiving to bring awareness to the entire spectrum of care-related discussions. Caregiving is really at the heart of society, isn't it?

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Victoria's avatar

Thanks, Kate. It definitely is, especially with the sociodemographic changes. Unfortunately, the crisis many people face is under appreciated.

I'm sure there will be more and more opinion pieces in November when the UK Autumn Budget is published.

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Kate Farrell's avatar

The situation is acute here in the US as well, getting worse with the cruel practices of the federal government. But by shining a spotlight on the neglect and need, we may see a change. You certainly amplify those voices to create change.

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Victoria's avatar

Thanks, Kate. That's the mission! xo

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Christine Vaughan Davies's avatar

So many good links here, thanks for gathering them! Also, I had no idea about October slide. Here I thought my migraines were increasing do to increased work stress and my kids busy schedule, but it helps to know others experience it too. I'm used to the SAD setting in around Jan or Feb, but I kept thinking, "why's it coming do early this year?"

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Victoria's avatar

Ouch! I'm sorry to hear your migraines are worse, Christine. I'm imagining that your work will also involve more stress - November/December is fraught in hospitals. I'm glad this post could offer some fresh insights. It makes a lot of sense. I just added how colder drier air can reduce our mucus membrane's protective layer...staying hydrated is essential, especially with the coughs and colds from patients! xo Take care.

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Jane Harrison's avatar

Thank you Victoria for sharing info about the October slide. Enabling more folks with chronic conditions to potentially have an ‘aha’ moment like I did when reading Jessica Slice’s piece! I had never heard of it so it was a revelation.

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Victoria's avatar

Yes, exactly, Jane Harrison! The first time I heard about ‘The October Slide’ was from Broadwaybabyto last year but I couldn’t find her article, so we may have had a notes/DM exchange about it. Kelly, I can add a link to this article if I missed your post.

I’ve put a reminder in my calendar for next year - I need to bring out the ‘warmers’ earlier!

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