Brilliant post. So much I want to say but without the capacity to note it all right now! Many stand out elements.
In some ways I get the political thing in that I don’t like to get involved (though it could be argued I am now 🙃) but it’s important to be aware of the horror show that is going on and the continued negative impact this is having on the health of the nation (& the world), women’s right and marginalised people and communities. There are no winners here.
Thanks, Amber! I understand that some people consider themselves not very political. That’s a choice. But to criticize someone for their own chosen level of political engagement - especially when it pertains to the topic they write about - is both pretty ballsy and off the mark.
Come to think of it, hers was a comment on one of my Notes, which would not necessarily have to be health-related (though it happened to be). It’s my business what I want to post about! I was kind of giggling though because she made her departure from The Tonic sound like a threat. It’s an entirely FREE newsletter, lol. What exactly is the consequence to me if she leaves?! 🤷♀️🙃
Dear Amy - Must admit I can't read more politics, but because I always at least scroll my fave-publisher's articles ;-) I went through and saw 'That was US'!!! OMG Thank you!😅🩷 I miss that show SO much.
If you have brain-space for intrigue I recommend 'The Diplomat', or if you need some feel-good music, watch the John Williams Documentary on Disney—lots of insights into the composer-conductor.
I hear you! I hesitated to post this week. But I hope you’ll give it another pass because it’s pretty brief this time. I mostly link to others who have done it better.
ME TOO, I hope season 3 comes out soon. That ending!! Beth Ligorsky did a roundup of Kerri Russell’s work in her ‘Beth’s TV & Film Recommendations’ I’ve a feeling I’ll be binge watching That was Us now thanks to Amy!
Oh gosh, Teri! I was ALL in and hooked—savour each episode...there are 6 seasons I think though, so perhaps limiting/scheduling watch-time is a better approach ;-)
Thank you for including me in this important article (twice no less! I'm honoured!). I've worried about angering or losing subscribers due to my political content as well - but then I remind myself that heathcare and politics are inextricably linked. Many people suffer and die due to bad policies around healthcare, infection control and of course - the pandemic.
With a platform comes a responsibility to inform and speak up for those who can't. I will keep doing that and have trust that the people who are meant to stay WILL stay - and those who aren't will hopefully at least understand why I can't be silent anymore.
Disabled and marginalized individuals are facing one heck of an uphill battle right now - and the more voices calling out injustice the better.
I’m surprised they gave you a reason! I’ve got an email that goes out asking unsubscribes to share why they’re leaving (and it’s very kind! It just explains that feedback helps me grow). So far no one has done it lol.
It was in response to a Note I posted. That’s the only reason I know why. Otherwise, I have all the settings turned off related to unsubscribing. I feel like it’s none of my business if people want to leave. We won’t be for everyone!
Oh that makes more sense! I’m more than happy to hear why IF someone wants to tell me - but otherwise I have the notifications turned off too. My brain doesn’t need that every day lol.
You shouldn’t have to state this, as politics and healthcare are so deeply linked, but it’s good that you did. I think many people disconnect politics from its real ramifications on our lives these days. Also, thank you for reminding me to use my Curable app!
So true - politics are intrinsically tied into everyday life. We don’t get to pick and choose when not to be political - especially as sick people.
Funny, I have gone through a little dry spell lately with the Curable app. But I’m paying for it (monetarily), so I need to remember to use it! How do you find it helps you best?
The last picture though 😭 it always shocks me when people are aghast life is political. It feels disingenuous to brush over it all at a time like this right!
Thanks Amy, so glad I saw this Note! Nice breezy style, not forced, the newsletter was a good read! I read a couple of the links too & already learned a lot that I didn’t know before. Sincere thanks for making factual reporting fun to read!
Right there with you on the politics. Sigh. Trying to keep me brain talking in lower case. 😉
Regarding the Long Covid criteria. I have a disturbing feeling of deja-vu reading that criteria. The ME community has been buried by vague criteria (CFS & ME/CFS report from NAM) that ends up focusing on the least sick and ignoring the most severely ill.
Lumping multiple patient groups together has been harmful. I would like to see the following be the approach to categorizing to make sure patients get proper care.
Long Covid screen for
ME/CFS then screen for
ME as defined by the International Consensus Criteria (ICC).
I don't know how many fit the ICC, but those who do need to understand what they are facing.
I totally agree Colleen that even this NASEM definition of long COVID that experts supposedly worked on for months is far too vague. There is tremendous variation in symptoms and severity out there. It’s also changing over time for many, including me. I am not couch-bound as I once was, but I have new symptoms that are bizarre and ever-evolving. Thank you for linking to your piece - I learned a lot about the differences in ME and ME/CFS diagnoses. I will link to it in my next post.
I worked for a provincial health department for a number of years, and I was always saying that health is one of the most political things in life. I was shocked at how many argued with me about that. Have one million citizens? You have one million health journeys. Every story is important to them. And their families. Of course it’s political. Because political structures affect those stories, good or bad. It’s deeply personal.
Brilliant post. So much I want to say but without the capacity to note it all right now! Many stand out elements.
In some ways I get the political thing in that I don’t like to get involved (though it could be argued I am now 🙃) but it’s important to be aware of the horror show that is going on and the continued negative impact this is having on the health of the nation (& the world), women’s right and marginalised people and communities. There are no winners here.
Thanks, Amber! I understand that some people consider themselves not very political. That’s a choice. But to criticize someone for their own chosen level of political engagement - especially when it pertains to the topic they write about - is both pretty ballsy and off the mark.
Come to think of it, hers was a comment on one of my Notes, which would not necessarily have to be health-related (though it happened to be). It’s my business what I want to post about! I was kind of giggling though because she made her departure from The Tonic sound like a threat. It’s an entirely FREE newsletter, lol. What exactly is the consequence to me if she leaves?! 🤷♀️🙃
💯!
Dear Amy - Must admit I can't read more politics, but because I always at least scroll my fave-publisher's articles ;-) I went through and saw 'That was US'!!! OMG Thank you!😅🩷 I miss that show SO much.
If you have brain-space for intrigue I recommend 'The Diplomat', or if you need some feel-good music, watch the John Williams Documentary on Disney—lots of insights into the composer-conductor.
I hear you! I hesitated to post this week. But I hope you’ll give it another pass because it’s pretty brief this time. I mostly link to others who have done it better.
Another vote for The Diplomat! And if you love Keri Russell (I do)... The Americans is brilliant as well.
Love The Diplomat!
ME TOO, I hope season 3 comes out soon. That ending!! Beth Ligorsky did a roundup of Kerri Russell’s work in her ‘Beth’s TV & Film Recommendations’ I’ve a feeling I’ll be binge watching That was Us now thanks to Amy!
Yes, I missed This Is Us the first time—seems like a good time to dive in.
Oh gosh, Teri! I was ALL in and hooked—savour each episode...there are 6 seasons I think though, so perhaps limiting/scheduling watch-time is a better approach ;-)
And get the tissue box handy, Teri!
Will check out The Diplomat - thanks Victoria for the rec 😁
Thank you for including me in this important article (twice no less! I'm honoured!). I've worried about angering or losing subscribers due to my political content as well - but then I remind myself that heathcare and politics are inextricably linked. Many people suffer and die due to bad policies around healthcare, infection control and of course - the pandemic.
With a platform comes a responsibility to inform and speak up for those who can't. I will keep doing that and have trust that the people who are meant to stay WILL stay - and those who aren't will hopefully at least understand why I can't be silent anymore.
Disabled and marginalized individuals are facing one heck of an uphill battle right now - and the more voices calling out injustice the better.
Totally agree. Readers will come and go, sometimes for inexplicable reasons. I won’t let the fear of it censor me.
I’m surprised they gave you a reason! I’ve got an email that goes out asking unsubscribes to share why they’re leaving (and it’s very kind! It just explains that feedback helps me grow). So far no one has done it lol.
It was in response to a Note I posted. That’s the only reason I know why. Otherwise, I have all the settings turned off related to unsubscribing. I feel like it’s none of my business if people want to leave. We won’t be for everyone!
Oh that makes more sense! I’m more than happy to hear why IF someone wants to tell me - but otherwise I have the notifications turned off too. My brain doesn’t need that every day lol.
Love The Tonic and appreciate all your resources and insights. Thanks for the shoutout! :)
Thank you, Kelly! The feeling is mutual ☺️
You shouldn’t have to state this, as politics and healthcare are so deeply linked, but it’s good that you did. I think many people disconnect politics from its real ramifications on our lives these days. Also, thank you for reminding me to use my Curable app!
So true - politics are intrinsically tied into everyday life. We don’t get to pick and choose when not to be political - especially as sick people.
Funny, I have gone through a little dry spell lately with the Curable app. But I’m paying for it (monetarily), so I need to remember to use it! How do you find it helps you best?
The last picture though 😭 it always shocks me when people are aghast life is political. It feels disingenuous to brush over it all at a time like this right!
I’m guess she just didn’t like MY politics. She seems to have missed the part about this being MY newsletter 🤷♀️.
Zira says hi to her biggest fan 👋🏻
Certainly not "meandering" when there is a direct correlation to public health. Oh well, can't please everyone...
Exactly 👍🏻
Thank you!! I’m laughing a bit too hard at “Brie-call.” ❤️
You are SO my people 😂
Amy, just wanted you to know I am NOT unsubscribing. 😉
Divided States of America. So true. ❤️🩹
Haha, phew! 🥵
Thanks Amy, so glad I saw this Note! Nice breezy style, not forced, the newsletter was a good read! I read a couple of the links too & already learned a lot that I didn’t know before. Sincere thanks for making factual reporting fun to read!
Wonderful compliments! Thank you for finding me and for reading ☺️
Right there with you on the politics. Sigh. Trying to keep me brain talking in lower case. 😉
Regarding the Long Covid criteria. I have a disturbing feeling of deja-vu reading that criteria. The ME community has been buried by vague criteria (CFS & ME/CFS report from NAM) that ends up focusing on the least sick and ignoring the most severely ill.
Lumping multiple patient groups together has been harmful. I would like to see the following be the approach to categorizing to make sure patients get proper care.
Long Covid screen for
ME/CFS then screen for
ME as defined by the International Consensus Criteria (ICC).
I don't know how many fit the ICC, but those who do need to understand what they are facing.
I wrote about that here: https://colleensteckelmeiccinfo.substack.com/p/myalgic-encephalomyelitis-diagnosis
I totally agree Colleen that even this NASEM definition of long COVID that experts supposedly worked on for months is far too vague. There is tremendous variation in symptoms and severity out there. It’s also changing over time for many, including me. I am not couch-bound as I once was, but I have new symptoms that are bizarre and ever-evolving. Thank you for linking to your piece - I learned a lot about the differences in ME and ME/CFS diagnoses. I will link to it in my next post.
Thanks Amy. The more who understand... the faster things will get better.
I worked for a provincial health department for a number of years, and I was always saying that health is one of the most political things in life. I was shocked at how many argued with me about that. Have one million citizens? You have one million health journeys. Every story is important to them. And their families. Of course it’s political. Because political structures affect those stories, good or bad. It’s deeply personal.