I just read about a study done by Evercare, a provider of health care for people who are elderly, disabled and chronically ill about subjects that are taboo or difficult to discuss.
One of the top on the list was chronic illness. “The survey, released Oct. 11, found that 82 percent of respondents said they knew someone with a chronic illness, but only 34 percent were likely to suggest ways for this person to better manage their care. That’s about the same number who said they’d debate politics (37 percent) or religion (33 percent) with a loved one or friend.”
Read more here.
I wish I knew those people! I’m so sick of getting unwanted advice that I could strangle the next person that tells me about this new juice or this new magnet mattress, or how I just need to pray more or relax more.
So Evercare, can you send those people over here to my neighborhood? You can even introduce them to some of my family members. They sound like they’d make great in-laws.
I think their numbers are too low. Every single relative and friend I have has been more than happy to tell me what I should do to feel better. I think the willingness of people to speak up depends greatly upon the condition in question. I’ve been guilty of telling a friend with a cold to “stay warm and eat soup” but I would have never suggested anything to my cousin who had a stroke for fear it may sound like I don’t think she’s managing her health appropriately. The one I get the most… “Maybe you feel bad because you aren’t as active as you use to be.”
“My disabling chronic illness is more real than your imaginally medical experties.”
That is the point I was trying to make. I left with no friend, tho…