Dear Community,

Have you, like us, lost count of how many times your doctor has asked, "Are you pregnant or planning to be?" Perhaps those conversations leave you feeling overwhelmed, confused about medication, or utterly alone in the face of countless unknowns about conceiving and carrying a baby? If so, we hear you. You are absolutely not alone.

Here at InflamMed, we know firsthand the ache of feeling seen as "complicated rather than complex", and the significant information gap concerning fertility and pregnancy for individuals with chronic inflammation and illnesses.

That's precisely why we're so incredibly proud to launch InflamMed's Pregnancy Series, passionately led by our own Elyse Robi! This vital series aims to provide essential medical and community support, offering a crucial space to dive into the questions, fears, and realities of this unique journey.

For our first bi-weekly dispatch, we will be sharing Elyse’s profoundly moving story about her journey with Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP) and Pubic Symphysis Dysfunction (PSD) during pregnancy. Elyse’s experience vividly highlights the immense physical and emotional toll of chronic pain during pregnancy, where her symptoms were too often dismissed or misunderstood by healthcare providers. She felt "left on [her] own to figure out how to get through this", leading to her powerful call for a "fundamental shift in how we understand and treat maternal health challenges".

Most importantly, Elyse's story doesn't just validate; it also offers practical strategies and support for managing PGP, including actionable tips on physical positioning, mobility, pain management, and mental health resources. This is about providing the tools shewished she'd had.

We invite you to read Elyse’s story and join us as we figure this out—together. Over the coming weeks, we will delve into more vital topics, from navigating fertility with a chronic condition and the emotional toll of high-risk pregnancy, to postpartum adjustments and the future of reproductive care.

We are committed to empowering you with knowledge, validating your experiences, and advocating for the comprehensive, compassionate care you truly deserve. Thanks for sticking with us.

📬 Stay tuned as we explore fertility, medication decisions, postpartum transitions, and more.

Prevention Isn’t New — But It Still Isn’t Whole

The UK government has just released its long-awaited 10-Year Health Plan for England— and we’re glad to see prevention finally getting the attention it deserves. After years of crisis-mode medicine, this shift is long overdue.

The plan highlights mental health as central to wellbeing. It echoes what we’ve long said: prevention must come before reaction.

But there’s one glaring omission: nature.

There’s no mention — not one — of how access to green space supports physical and mental health, even though the evidence is staggering:

• Growing up near green space can reduce adult mental health issues by 55%

• Green neighbourhoods lower the risk of depression by 16% and anxiety by 14%

• Biodiversity strengthens both ecosystems and our immune systems!

What if doctors routinely prescribed time outdoors? (If interested please check out our podcast episode with GP Dr Hannah Coysh who talks more on this topic and why she is prescribing time in nature to her patients).

Scotland’s Green Health Partnerships show it can be done. It’s time England caught up.

If we’re serious about prevention, we must stop separating human health from ecological health.

Thanks for sticking with us.

Whether you’re navigating pregnancy, policy, or just trying to get through another week with chronic inflammation, we’re glad you’re here.

Warmly,
Team InflamMed

The Earth is not yet flat and we have not fallen off its edge!

But if you’ve tried to access healthcare recently, it might feel like we’re sliding perilously close. Day in, day out, headlines scream that the NHS is on the brink of collapse. You don’t need to have a long-term condition to notice — even the fit and healthy are struggling to book a GP appointment.

And still, prevention is a whisper in the wind. As Lord Darzi said years ago, and Wes Streeting echoed recently: the NHS can be extraordinary in a crisis, but for many of us living with long-term illness, it rarely feels like we get its best. Cancer, autoimmune conditions, pain syndromes, asthma — these aren’t edge cases. They are common. And still, the system doesn’t feel built for us.

But don’t worry, AI will save us.

Except… humans need humans to care. That is what we’re missing most care; real, human, consistent care. We know it because we’ve felt it — over and over — at InflamMed. The loneliness of misdiagnosis, the gaslighting, the silent waiting lists. The ache of being seen as complicated rather than complex. Would it be too much to talk of medical abuse?

It’s not just patients who are burnt out. Healthcare professionals are too. So while we wait for the tech revolution, how about we invest in the humans who still show up? Let’s resource the ones who care enough to ask the second question, to read the notes, to say, “I believe you.”

What We’ve Been Up To

Smarter Tracking for Flare-Aware Movement: Our Collaboration with Mana Medical

We recently published an article about the invisible minefield that is physical activity when you live with chronic inflammation. You know the game: push too hard, flare. Rest too much, stiffen. Move carefully, still flare. No one wins.

Mana Medical is running a beta trial of their new app designed for people with inflammatory conditions who want to better understand how their body responds to physical activity.

The beta uses your wearable and a daily symptom check-in to help you recognise patterns, avoid flare-ups, and regain a sense of agency.

You’ll receive:

• Free 6-month InflamMed premium subscription

• £20 Amazon voucher

• Early access to a tool designed for people with inflammation, with people like you

It takes seconds a day. You just need:

• An iPhone

• A wearable device

• Willingness to share honest feedback

Spots are limited — sign up here. Don’t have an iPhone (like us)? Don’t worry. Mana is already working on other operating systems as part of phase 2.

Pregnancy & Inflammation: What We’re Building

We’re deepening work on our Pregnancy & Inflammation series.

We’re curating powerful first-person stories — from surrogacy struggles, autoimmune flare-ups, fertility challenges, and complicated choices around meds and motherhood, from people who’ve lived it.

We’ll also feature expert input to ground these stories in clinical context.

Why are we doing this? Because chronic inflammation and pregnancy is not a niche. And yet, so many of us are left in the dark. We want better information, yes. We also want honesty, empathy and solidarity.

Finally…

Natasha will be speaking at the British Society of Lifestyle Medicine conference later this year. Ever wondered what lifestyle medicine actually means when you live with unpredictable health? Stay tuned.

We wanted to acknowledge that we’ve been quiet lately — not because we’ve fallen off the edge of the Earth (though it’s felt close at times), but because like many of you, we’ve been managing our own health. InflamMed is run by people living this reality — the flare-ups, the fatigue, the constant recalibration. That’s why we disappear sometimes.

Thanks for sticking with us.

Warmly,
Team InflamMed

In this issue, we’re diving into some crucial conversations about structural inequality, labour, and the impact of work on our bodies. Let’s get into it.

What Caught My Attention This Past Month?

Structural Ableism and Fire Safety Failures

The recent Altadena fire tragedy is yet another stark reminder of how structural ableism creates and perpetuates social inequalities. Reports indicate that disabled residents were disproportionately affected due to inadequate infrastructure, inaccessible evacuation routes, and a lack of emergency preparedness that considers diverse mobility needs.

The Grenfell Tower fire in 2017 exposed similar deadly failures. 41% of disabled residents in Grenfell Tower lost their lives—a devastating consequence of ignored safety concerns and the absence of Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs). Despite recommendations from the Grenfell Tower Inquiry, the UK government has yet to fully implement mandatory PEEPs, leaving disabled residents across the country at risk.

• Disabled father and son left to burn

• 8 years after Grenfell and still no adequate support

Chronic Inflammation and the Toll of Work

How does our jobs impact our bodies? We are all familiar with musculoskeletal disorders and diseases resulting from long term exposure to chemicals or particulates. The impact of high-pressure and precarious working environments in white collar roles on chronic inflammation is becoming increasingly clear.

For a deeper look at the historical and contemporary impact of labour on health, if you can, visit “Hard Graft: Work, Health and Rights,” a Wellcome Collection’s exhibition. This powerful show uncovers stories of undervalued work, exploitation, and the long fight for workers’ rights.

• 📅 Hard Graft: Work, Health and Rights, Wellcome Collection, London, 19 September 2024 – 27 April 2025. Free entry.

Could a 4-day work week be the answer?

Iceland’s experiment with a four-day workweek has sparked global discussions about sustainability in employment—demonstrating that effectively reduced work hours can improve productivity. But does this always translate into a healthier workforce?

According to the report, 42% of workers reported decreased levels of stress in their private lives. Women, in particular, saw enhanced work-life balance and were more likely to benefit from reduced hours.

• Iceland’s Four-Day Workweek Experiment

The DEI Backlash: What’s Next?

DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) programmes are facing increasing pressure, with major corporations rolling back initiatives under the guise of “efficiency” or “meritocracy.” Apple is doubling down on its DEI efforts, while Amazon has quietly dissolved key teams. What does this mean for workplace equity and inclusion moving forward? What does this mean for our community where raising awareness in workplaces has only just begun?

• The Defense of DEI: Apple vs Amazon

What We’ve Been Up To

Digital Health Revolution: Chronic Inflammation Series Wrap-Up

Our Digital Health Revolution for Chronic Inflammation series has almost come to an end! If you missed any instalments, catch up on the final pieces here:

• Can digital health bridge the gap in chronic care for low-resource settings? Read our interview with Muji Bekomson, founder of iLIVE Digital Health

• , patient advocate and entrepreneur, and I dive into why patient-led innovation is not just important—but essential.

This series will conclude with a curated list of apps, tools and platforms recommended from the series and community discussions.

Work-Life Balance: A Personal Reflection

A four-day workweek, meaningful work, good pay—sounds like a dream, right?

Six months into a new role—one that prioritises sustainability and balance—I should feel content. But the tug of war continues.

Is it possible to build a thriving career without sacrificing the very things that make life meaningful? I’m still negotiating that answer every day.

🔗 Read my latest reflection on the work-life tug of war

Thanks for reading! If any of you are like me (and live in London), I hope you are starting to feel better with more sunshine.

Until next time,
Natasha and the InflamMed Team

The last newsletter of 2024 is landing in your inbox now, 10^th Jan 2025. A tad late! Well, that’s how it is. We work on Crip Time at InflamMed, meaning that we work to the rhythm of our health, and sometimes it does not quite align with the Gregorian calendar. We have decided not to stress about it.

Gwyneth Paltrow launched her newsletter goop back in 2008. The story goes that she only ever wanted to share her tips about lifestyle and wellness with us. Her eyes were soon opened to the business potential of her platform. And the rest is… Goop, Inc —a brand and business valued to about a $ ¼ million today. Lawsuits and warnings from medical bodies regarding health claims have done little to slow down Goop’s growth.

Paltrow has inspired many celebrities to engage in similar wellness and health business ventures, all facilitated by social media platforms. When Elle Macpherson praises The Super Elixir™ for her good looks, the iconic ingestible beauty green powder she developed, it may motivate some to invest, and others to smirk “Money wasted but no real harm done.” However, when WelleCo’s founder shares overcoming breast cancer with alternative therapies, cherry-picking information1 about her health journey, something else is happening.

We can only be pleased for her recovery and good health, and personal choices about one’s health are to be respected. But celebrity, health and business make a very uncomfortable mix. Misinformation, if not disinformation, can easily seep in and public health has been shown to suffer.

Share

What Caught My Attention This Past Month?

1. Health is a hot topic! Don’t we know. Health-related podcasts are now competing with business and entrepreneurship podcasts for the position of the third most popular category.

   Steven Bartlett, host of the Diary of of CEO, one of the most listened to podcast across most of the English speaking world, has decided it was time for him to combine both to grow his audience— earnings from his podcast for 2024 are expected to reach £20M. However a BBC World Service investigation shows that the Dragon’s podcast contributes to the spread of health misinformation by leaving controversial health claims about diets, cancer and vaccines among others, little to unchallenged, defending his stance as wanting to “present some of the other side" as "the truth is usually somewhere in the middle.”

   Podcasters may claim they are sharing information, but they are actually sharing harmful misinformation, says Dr David Grimes from Trinity College Dublin.

   Mr Bartlett’s motives are probably purely financial. Cecile Simmons, a researcher in disinformation, points to studies that have shown health and wellness misinformation content grow audiences.

   

   He has financial stakes in health and wellness companies. And once you have financial interests, you have then the further interest in focusing on health and nutrition," says Ms Simmons.

   Health-related clickbait content with scary titles does really well online with the algorithm amplifying that," she said.

2. Imani Barbarin from crutches_and_spice offers a sharp analysis how the U.S. healthcare system frames disability by shining a light on the circumstances that led Luigi Mangione, a seemingly privileged young white man suffering from chronic pain, to fatally shoot UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson last month. Business and healthcare just do not mix.

   This system would drive anyone mad, and that’s exactly how we need to position this conversation…

3. The continued blurring of health and lifestyle topics is not all grim and grey though. Chronic inflammation is now getting mainstream media attention. This article in The Telegraph is a good entry read with clear and concise information distinguishing acute from chronic inflammation.

4. The Financial Times reports on UK employers actively seeking neurodivergent workers, such as those with autism or ADHD, to gain a competitive edge, recognising unique or heightened skills. Isn’t that good news? Adaptation to market needs, a new workforce make-up, reassessment of behaviours over hard skills? How will recruitment methods rise to the challenges? Will we see the rise of neurodivergent elites or sweatshops? Which arguably both already exists—think medics, Silicon Valley top (and low) dogs and university research staff. An exciting trend to closely watch.

What We’ve Been Up To

We launched our Digital Health Revolution For Chronic Inflammation series with Mark Nicoll, founder of paincation. Mark shared his health journey with Crohn’s disease, but most importantly to him now, how it has lead him to harness upcoming technology to disrupt pain management care with mixed reality.2

Coming up for the second opus, an interview with Pavendeep Rai, Kuma Health Co-Founder, where she will be discussing how AI companions are revolutionising autoimmune disease management with personalised, data-driven support.

We continue to read ’s Crip News and thank him for his weekly accessible digest of disability arts and news. We encourage you to subscribe.

Crip News

A weekly roundup about disability arts and politics.

By Kevin Gotkin

That’s it for now. Until next time!

Natasha and the InflamMed Team

Understanding them requires stepping back, seeing the connections, and examining the broader systems of care—or the gaps and failures within them—that shape these decisions. Assisted dying, seeking medical help or navigating medication aren’t isolated choices; they’re part of a larger, interwoven fabric of humanity and care. We need to hear multiple stories, multiple perspectives.

And yes, sometimes it requires that extra bit of hard work, like willingly gulping down a spoon of cod liver oil, let alone a second! The announcement of the new US president elect surely tasted like one.

What Caught My Attention This Past Month?

The Assisted Dying Bill Passed - This is monumental. It raises important questions about care, choice, and the societal frameworks that support—or fail to support—those in need.

Hannah Betts' recent article on SSRIs, depression, and suicide is a must-read for anyone navigating mental health or supporting someone who is. ’s nuanced take challenges us to rethink the way medication and care are approached.

• On a similar note, “Hey! Remember Sad Blob?” from our editor, brings us a personal and reflective narrative on her journey with Sertraline, an SSRI commonly prescribed for depression, PTSD, and anxiety. She says:

  “Taking Sertraline has not become more significant or revelatory of anything more than taking Cetirizine when pollen is high.”

3 Days of Healing, Hope and ‘Snake Oil’ With the Wellness Elite highlights the growing allure—and pitfalls—of the wellness industry, especially for those who feel underserved by traditional healthcare. While the Florida event drew criticism for its promotion of pseudoscience and high-ticket remedies, it also underscored the hunger for accessible, holistic health solutions. Seeking innovative approaches and maintaining critical discernment is a tightrope to walk.

“Skepticism of information sources is healthy, but wholesale disregard of scientific discovery is not, and ‘trust your body’ is insufficient as a sole metric of meaningful health decisions.”

UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson shot outside a Manhattan Hilton (New York City, USA). UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson’s murder has stunned many. The chilling detail: shell casings inscribed with the words “delay” and “deny.” Reactions have ranged from outrage to grim humour, reflecting the frustrations with for-profit healthcare. In her incisive piece, explores her personal ordeal with health insurance denials and reflects on the broader implications of a system prioritising profit over care. Her poignant question resonates:

“What happens when those most impacted by systemic injustice lose faith in reform and demand accountability in unimaginable ways?”

What We’ve Been Up To

Reflections on Assisted Dying: After a candid discussion with discussing the motives behind the End of Life Bill and her personal experiences with chronic illness, it became clear InflamMed needed to support her story. Shabnam shares her journey with chronic pain and raises critical questions: Are systemic healthcare failures coercing the vulnerable? How might biases in care shape decisions about life and death? Why must we redefine dignity to value interdependence and all lives?

The key message, which Shabnam puts so eloquently herself:

“Let’s talk about living well first, before talking about dying well.”

LUCKY, lucky – An Immersive Journey: The last chapter of ’s BED 6 story is live! This collaborative piece brings Ebony’s poignant words to life with ’s prints and ’s voice.

Ebony’s story of resilience and reconnection challenges us to rethink recovery, support, and community inclusion. 📢 Don’t forget to unmute!

Stay tuned for the Digital Health Revolution for Chronic Inflammation series launching on Tuesday.

Let us know your thoughts on the stories and questions raised in this newsletter. Challenge us or cheer us on. Because if we can’t say it at Christmas, hey?!

Until next time,

Natasha and The InflamMed team

P.S. If you found this newsletter meaningful, share it with someone who might need to hear these stories.

For me, it’s a perfect time to observe how my meds hold up as the temperature drops and food temptations rise. Between chillier evenings, busier social calendars, and seasonal treats, I tend to notice an uptick in my inflammation. But with the cold masking the usual signs, I have to remind myself to keep an eye on those flare-ups.

This past month has been a quieter one for InflamMed—less posting, more reflecting. We’re building up fresh content, and I’m excited to share some teasers soon!

What Caught My Attention This Past Month?

• Assisted Dying Debate - Law Change in the UK. The Reuters article offers a broad overview, but leaves much room for reflection. Notably, the report suggests that two-thirds of Britons favour the proposal without delving deeply into why. This statistic begs the question of how societal views on chronic illness and disability shape the broader public’s perception of assisted dying, especially when inclusion in life for disabled people is limited by systemic barriers. If life itself is inaccessible, how might this bias extend to death?

• The New Almodovar film: The Room Next Door. It’s beautifully shot, topical and features two great actresses - Tilda Swinton and Julianne Moore. It tackles the complex issue of euthanasia from the perspective of an ex-war journalist who lives in New York and is having no luck with a novel immune treatment for her cancer. 

• Kirsty Young interviews Gabor Maté on her Young Again podcast (BBC Sounds) who shows how trauma can affect the immune system. If you are interested in learning more about Gabor Maté’s work, I recommend reading a well-balanced view in The Conversation: Gabor Maté claims trauma contributes to everything: from cancer to ADHD. But what does the evidence say?

• The Inflamed Mind on BBC Radio 4 exploring the mental health-inflammation connection, thanks to one of our community members for recommending it!

  InflamMed Community is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support our work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

• Dr Chris Wincup, a Consultant Rheumatologist at King’s College Hospital was interviewed on Kuma Health - He talks about Lupus, Digital Health and novel treatment. You can also check out my full interview with Kuma Health here.

• I’ve been thoroughly enjoying substack (The Bed Perspective), where she talks about navigating her chronic illness from an anti-ableism perspective. I especially enjoyed her recent article on entering and embracing ‘crip time’. 

What We’ve Been Up To

What we’ve presented this October has been that bit more challenging, from lived experience of institutionalisation and dehumanisation in the name of health and care to baby loss. Taking a slower pace this month felt right for everyone involved.

• We’re proud to bring you ’s voice, supported by ’s artwork—a true team effort. Kate will be sharing her final print inspired by Ebony’s story soon, along with insights on using art to calm the fires in our minds and bodies.

• A heartfelt but also practical conversation with Dr Hannah Coysh on the Invisible Insights podcast series showed us that our doctors are also just humans and face miscarriage and grief as well. This is the last of the series, we’ve hoped you’ve enjoyed it! We are gearing up to release a new series in the new year, more focused on inflammation and as always, lead by your personal stories.

• With Sad Blob, our editor contributed a short piece about her own take on Sertraline and depression management.

What We Are Excited About

I will be reuniting with to share our favourite health tech gizmos and engage in an honest conversation on digital health challenges and opportunities for monitoring and guiding care for chronic inflammation.

Listen back to my first InflamMed conversation with Roi. If you are a bit pressed for time, have a look at the bitesize series1 produced by our editor. 

Finally, I’ll leave you with an autumnal Haiku (with help from ChatGPT):

Silent fire within,

cells whisper of battles fought,

strength blooms through the ache.

Until next time,

Natasha and The InflamMed Team

Nonetheless, September was a busy month. Personally, I moved flat, which is normally a recipe for a flare-up, so I’ve been extra mindful. Professionally, we grew our team and we collaborated on some exciting content pieces.

So, let’s start with…

What Caught My Attention?

• As we navigate the healthcare landscape together, the recent NHS report by Lord Garzi highlights challenges familiar to many of us—underfunding and long wait times. However, there’s hope: “The NHS is now an open book. The issues are laid bare for all to see. And from this shared starting point..."

• We like uncomfortable and intersectional discussions at InflamMed. This article by Lindsay Johnstone on losing her orgasm is incredibly raw and we need more of it. This line particular resonated and perhaps with you too:

  “I get it: it’s sensitive stuff – literally – but I can’t be alone and I want to talk about it with you.”

  Lindsay talks about her puzzlement over being diagnosed with PCOS at the age of 41, when the symptoms had been there all along, as well as her frustrations with the healthcare system and much more. A reminder to check out our guest post from Chloe Wheeler on her journey with PCOS.

• We also like perspectives and this recent article in the New Statesman by Tracey Thorn spells out what it feels like to watch someone you love go through chronic illness.

  “You can’t truly share in pain, or suffering; you can’t share stays in hospital, or scans, or drug treatments.”

• Titling the Lens, a disability consultancy, have put a call out for research participants, it’s paid, but they are specifically looking for people who face challenges with dressing, shopping, or any aspect of clothing access.

What We’ve Been Up To

• We welcomed as our Head of Marketing and Communications. We also welcomed our newest contributing writer , an incredible advocate for chronic illness and neurodiversity. And no surprise at all - was promoted to Editor!

• I took part in an expert panel on autoimmune diseases hosted by our partners Kuma Health, alongside a Clinical Rheumatologist at King’s College London (my hospital!) and the Director of National Partnerships at Arthritis UK. It was fun, a little spicy, but overall well-balanced.

• The latest releases on the Invisible Insights podcast:

  • Meet Inder Virdi: after navigating his own chronic illness, he transformed his life by becoming a nutritional therapist and health coach. His focus on diet brought remarkable improvements, sparking his passion to guide others on their health journeys. He debunks myths around vegetables, fatty acids and intermittent fasting.

    • To complement this podcast, found this easy-to-digest article in the NY Times: “There’s no one-size-fits-all approach, but certain dietary patterns are more associated with longer lives than others.”

    • As a result of this discussion and the media attention around Elle Macpherson’s cancer journey, I was motivated to write about the dangers of cherry-picking information, which does not in any way lessen how glad we are that Elle is well.

  • Meet Abi Boughton-Thomas: a captivating coach and solution-focused therapist. Drawing from her own mental health challenges and her husband’s ADHD, Abi shares her inspiring transition from speech therapy to positive psychology. She focuses on strengths-based coaching and trauma-safe practices while offering valuable insights on integrating coaching into the NHS.

What We Are Excited About

• Mark your calendars! Our season finale of Invisible Insights features Dr. Hannah Coysh, a GP in Yorkshire. She discusses the crucial role of empathy in medical training and her holistic approach to grief counselling for GPs dealing with miscarriage. I learned so much during our conversation, including how exposure to nature can enhance healing!

• We will soon be launching a series on pregnancy and chronic illness. Why now? Hum… I doubt I am the only one to be asked – first thing – by consultants whether I’m pregnant or expecting to be so (presumably because of my medication and my ripe age...). Now that I am finally thinking about it, I have no clue where to begin! So, I have turned to some of you and started asking “what can I expect?” And that’s how our conversation with began. Her story and insights really resonated with us and we can’t wait for you to read the series.

• We will announce our next podcast season shortly. Expect some changes, including a new theme tune and a new look! We will be doing a call out for guests in the near future, so please keep an ear and an eye out - we want to continue telling your stories.

Now that the paralympics are over, I want to end with something to think about. I think we all agree that paralympians are professional athletes, just the same as olympians. Why have parallel games? Why have two ceremonies more precisely?

While it is logistically completely understandable that having all sporting events at the same time would be difficult – if not unsafe – there is no reason not to have paralympians and olympians opening and closing the games together. I would hate to speak for Céline Dion, but I am certain she was singing for all of us that night from the Eiffel Tower.

Until next time,

Natasha

First, I apologise for the delay in this newsletter. August has been a whirlwind— between flat hunting, a family bereavement, and starting a new job, it’s been a challenging month. But rest assured, I take this newsletter very seriously and have been gathering content throughout the month to share with you.

Second, where do I begin...

What Caught My Attention?

• Kirsty Young’s Interview: I was curious about what happened to Kirsty Young, the beloved host of Desert Island Discs. She opened up about her struggles with Rheumatoid Arthritis and Fibromyalgia. However, most news outlets’ coverage (The Guardian, BBC, etc...), largely overlooked her discussion about the privilege of being able to step away from a job she loved, which she identified as a major source of stress and flare-ups. This point is crucial, as it highlights the complex interplay between work, stress, and chronic illness. She doesn’t say anymore than we already know, but I felt heard and validated - it’s well worth a listen.

• Dan Taberski’s Podcast Hysterical: If you’re fascinated by the mysteries of the mind and how societal pressures can manifest in unexpected ways, I highly recommend Dan Taberski’s latest podcast, Hysterical. This gripping series revisits the 2011 case in Le Roy, New York, where a group of teenage girls suddenly developed Tourette’s-like symptoms, sparking national media attention and a flurry of theories. Taberski masterfully explores the psychological and social dynamics at play, making it a thought-provoking listen.

What We’ve Been Up To

• We are thrilled to welcome Dileep Marway to the InflamMed community! , a technologist with over 15 years of experience, has just published his first article with us, “Breaking the Mould: Overcoming Discrimination and Embracing Authenticity in the Workplace.” In this compelling piece, Dileep shares his personal journey and offers strategies for overcoming workplace discrimination.

• We also encourage you to read our Editors, Dr Charlotte Bonneau's, commentary on the recent UK riots, “Riots and Flare-ups: How Are Riots, Inflammation, and the Workplace Related?” Reflecting on the connection between societal unrest and chronic inflammation, Dr Bonneau expands on a powerful conversation we had: “What is it that affects inflammation? It's everything, it's your environment, it's politics, it's what you're eating…” Both articles provide deep insights into the intersection of health, societal issues, and the workplace.

• We’re excited to announce our first tech partnership with Kuma Health, aligning our mission to empower those with autoimmune and inflammatory conditions through innovative technology and community support.

  

  Join us on September 12th, 2024, at 5 PM BST (12 PM EST), for Kuma Health’s webinar (above), I’ll be participating alongside an expert panel. We’ll explore the key challenges faced by those living with autoimmune conditions and discuss how cutting-edge research, digital technologies, and online patient communities can drive meaningful improvements. Don’t miss out—register now!

Invisible Insights Podcast

• Podcast Episode #10: Managing PCOS in the Workplace with Chloe Wheeler

  In this episode, shares her experience with PCOS and its impact on her career. She discusses workplace challenges, the adjustments she’s made, and the importance of self-awareness, self-advocacy, and open conversations. Don’t miss this insightful discussion!

• New Guest Post by Chloe Wheeler: Managing PCOS in the Workplace

  Chloe’s new guest post dives deeper into managing PCOS at work. She offers candid insights and practical tips on navigating symptoms and creating supportive environments. Available now for paid subscribers!

• Coming Up: Podcast Episode with Inder Virdi

  In our next episode, I interview Inder Virdi, a nutritional therapist and health coach, about the vital connection between physiology and psychology in overall health. Inder shares his personal health journey, discusses the role of chronic inflammation in invisible conditions, and debunks common diet myths. Don’t miss this enlightening conversation!

I hope everyone is enjoying the Paralympics (more on this in our next newsletter).

I want to leave you with this:

Apple’s short film The Relay exemplifies how designing for diverse needs benefits everyone.

Until next time,

Natasha

What Got My Attention This Past Month

• A quick note on Celine Dion, as I mentioned her in our last newsletter, she made a surprising comeback after 4 years of intense therapy. Watch her close out the opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympics:

• We’ve got a new Government in the UK, with a flurry of announcements. The following stood out to me:

  • Employment Rights: The proposed Employment Rights Bill could bring the most comprehensive reforms since the minimum wage was introduced. It aims to solidify workplace rights from day one, including contracts that reflect actual hours worked for those on zero-hour contracts, and improved rights to sick pay and parental leave. With an intention to establish a single enforcement body to ensure these rights are upheld effectively.

  • Work and Health: Plans to integrate work, health, and skills strategies more closely reflect an urgent need to address the rising disability rates among the working-age population. Localised initiatives led by Mayors could pave the way for innovative, place-based solutions to foster employment among those currently inactive due to health issues.

  • NHS Under Scrutiny: Our new ministers have reported that challenges within the NHS are more substantial than previously disclosed, with further investigations pending to uncover the extent of these issues. We will have to wait and see.

• What is burnout really? In her deeply personal essay “The Picture That Prompted a Life Change,” Sam Baker shares her tumultuous journey from professional burnout to embracing wellness. Sam recounts the pivotal moments marked by physical breakdowns and the undeniable signals from her body that demanded change. Through her experience, she offers invaluable insights into the importance of listening to our bodies, especially for those managing chronic conditions; slowing down can sometimes be the key to moving forward.

  • Sam mentions a book which is also on my bedside table: The Body Keeps The Score by Bessel van der Kolk. A deep-dive into where trauma goes and how it impacts on our bodies; for those who want a quick overview here is a video from The School of Life.

  • I recommend following The Shift with , she was the Editor at Cosmo, Red, Company for many years and is now a “recovering magazine editor.” She talks about the shift that happens to women in their 40s.

This nicely leads on to…

What We’ve Been Up To

This month, , our co-founder, shared insights at the “Building an Engine for Growth to Supercharge Your Business” virtual roundtable. He discussed the critical role of supporting people with chronic health conditions in business. David emphasised that businesses that adapt to these needs not only foster inclusivity but also boost their overall success and innovation. He underlined the importance of visionary leadership and flexibility in building a culture where everyone, particularly those with chronic conditions, can excel. Look forward to more insights from this discussion.

Invisible Insights Podcast

We've had the privilege of hosting insightful discussions that shed light on both personal journeys and medical advancements in chronic health management.

• Dr. Raphael Micheroli on Rheumatology and Patient Partnerships
  Join Dr. Raphael Micheroli, a rheumatologist based in Switzerland, as he discusses the progression of rheumatology in the digital age and offers insights on how patients can improve their healthcare experiences through second opinions and more. Watch here or listen on the go.

• Elif Tek Shares Her Journey with Endometriosis
  Elif Tek, in her open and compassionate manner, shares her personal battle with endometriosis, highlighting the challenges and the need for greater awareness and support. Don’t miss this enlightening conversation. Watch here or catch it on Spotify.

Towards An Understanding Between Patients and Healthcare Professionals

This month's episodes with Dr. Raphael Micheroli and Elif Tek highlighted a growing understanding between healthcare professionals and patients. These discussions revealed a shift towards mutual recognition—healthcare providers acknowledging they may not always have all the answers, and patients understanding the importance of actively participating in their healthcare. This evolving relationship emphasises that while healthcare providers guide and support, patients also bear responsibility for voicing their needs and experiences to ensure effective communication and care.

Dr Sam Shergill, a GP based in London, in a guest post calls on the new Health Secretary, Wes Streeting, to prioritise effective workforce strategies that not only retain but also empower GPs to provide the best possible care. Dr. Shergill vividly illustrates the broad scope of issues GPs manage daily—from complex chronic conditions to critical acute interventions—underscoring the vital role of GPs in our healthcare system.

"We cannot care for our patients if we do not care for ourselves and our colleagues."

Coming Up

Our next guests on the Invisible Insights podcast:

• Chloe Wheeler, who now runs her own Operations Consultancy, talks about how she navigated her professional life whilst managing polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

• Inder Singh-Virdi, a nutritional therapist with an inspiring chronic health journey of his own. We explore the role of chronic inflammation in invisible conditions and the impact of delayed diagnosis on health outcomes. Inder also debunks myths and misconceptions related to diet and nutrition.

We’ll be announcing our latest contributing writers shortly too.

Closing Thoughts

This month has been tough with an unexpected flare-up. I wrote a piece summing up how that felt. I want to echo my thanks to my support network, which also includes this community.

Until next time,

Natasha

What Got My Attention This Past Month

Celine Dion - I Am: Celine Dion
The queen of power ballads, Celine Dion, opens up in the Amazon Prime documentary about her private battle with stiff-person syndrome, a powerful reminder of the invisible struggles many face. Rarely do we see a person of this status be so vulnerable, revealing how long she had been suffering before diagnosis (spoiler: 17 years!), her daily medication regimen, and the impact of her condition through raw footage of her painful spasms.

Stepping Into the Spotlight

Recently, I swapped roles to guest on ’s podcast, sharing my journey with rheumatoid arthritis and the drive behind InflamMed. It was an enriching experience to delve into my personal challenges and the formation of our community. Tune in to uncover the empowerment in our stories and the upcoming projects we’re excited about.

Charlotte is breaking down my podcast with Roi over the next month (find out more below).

Life with Chronic Illness

Our daily lives often begin with 'batteries' partially depleted—a metaphor that resonates deeply within our community. I created this visual to help articulate the unique challenges of managing energy day-to-day and underscores our resilience and strategic life management.

Imagery in Chronic Illness: Balancing the Poetic with the Pragmatic

Inspired by Susan Sontag’s work ‘Illness as Metaphor’, in our latest article we dive into how imagery and metaphors like 'burning', 'spoons', and 'icebergs' shape our understanding of health and illness. We explore the powerful role language plays in either supporting or stigmatising those with chronic conditions.

Welcoming New Voices

• , as our new Advising Editor, brings a rich background in scientific research to enhance our community's understanding. Her first series breaking down my podcast with Roi can be found here.

• joins us with a wealth of experience as a Clinical Specialist Physiotherapist and health & wellness writer. Read his introduction here.

Invisible Insights Podcast

Catch the latest episodes where we dive deep into the lives and challenges of those impacted by chronic conditions, featuring powerful discussions with:

• Alice Hargreaves, founder of Sick in The City (SIC), dedicated to creating more accessible and inclusive workplaces, who shares her own journey of disability, chronic illness, and neurodivergence.

• Dr. Aamir Hussain, from an immunology researcher to content creator, whilst caring for his mother with a chronic illness.

You can also find us on Spotify.

Coming Up

On the Invisible Insights podcast:

• Adéla Odrihocká, an award-winning rare disease advocate, based in Czech Republic, Adéla has dedicated her career to advocating for individuals living with rare diseases and disabilities. This episode drops later today!

• Dr. Raphael Micheroli, based in Zurich, Switzerland, serves as Rheumatologist at both the University Hospital Zurich and UZR Basel. With a strong commitment to a patient-centred approach, he provides invaluable insights into navigating chronic conditions.

Closing Thoughts

Celine Dion's poignant reflection in her documentary, "It’s in the muscles, it’s in the tendons, it’s in the nerves. You can’t see anything. Because it’s not seeable," is a powerful reminder of the unseen battles many in our community face. Let's continue to support each other, share our stories, and build a network that understands and transcends these challenges.

Until next time,

Natasha

P.S. 🌈 Happy Pride! Check out this creative rainbow made from fruit (and a few olives!) by a friend:

I was going to start by rounding up things we read in the media that caught our attention:

• Employers re-examine wellbeing strategies - 10% of all workers and nearly 15% of those under 30 report feelings of depression—a 43% increase since 2016.

• Employers urged to look beyond perks to support staff - 58% of working-age adults experience significant work-related stress. It’s going to take more than wellness apps to see genuine improvement in employee health outcomes!

• Wondering how the UK ranks in the latest Global Mental Wellbeing Assessment? Yes, you read that right — the UK has the second worst overall measure of mental health globally, ranking only better than Uzbekistan.

InflamMed News

I was also going to tell you we’ve brought on two more contributing writers: and . Ebony is a talented comic book writer who has autism, ADHD, and Emotionally Unstable Personality Disorder (EUPD). It turns out David Dyer has been generously advising people about his journey to recovery from Long Covid, we both realised that his knowledge and wisdom needed a bigger stage.

We also announced David as Co-Founder of InflamMed. David and I have been working hard behind the scenes and we will be launching 🥁 🥁 🥁 InflamMed at Work (stay tuned for more announcements!).

I was going to shout about our latest episodes on the Invisible Insights podcast with the brilliant Heir and the inspiring . Nadine and I talked about breaking past limitations often placed on those with chronic conditions and Nadine compared the healthcare system in Mexico to the UK.

Nuri and I talked about her choice to do nutrition + Breathwork facilitation after her recovery from Hashimoto’s disease. This is also where I was going to announce 🥁 🥁 🥁 the exciting partnership between and InflamMed! We will be publishing more details soon for a Breathwork workshop in July. Stay tuned.

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Read more

You might have noticed this newsletter arrived a day late! I just got back to my laptop after a rejuvenating 48-hour break from screens—I highly recommend it.

Addressing the "Sick Note Culture"

There's an increasing trend of long-term illness shrinking our labour force, especially post-Covid-19, amidst a growing mental health crisis. Yet, the response from government has been to scrutinise those off work, branding it a “sick-note culture”, rather than addressing the root causes like inadequate healthcare, toxic work environments, and a lack of inclusivity.

Spotlight on Nuri Camrass

I’m thrilled to introduce Nuri Camrass as a new contributing writer at InflamMed. Read her warm introduction and her debut article on which foods promote or reduce inflammation is a must-read for anyone looking for the right approach to improving their health through diet.

Invisible Insights Podcast Update

We’ve just released our second episode of Invisible Insights: #2 Challenging Healthcare Norms with Roi Shternin. Roi is a self-proclaimed patient empowerment renegade, who shares his journey into patient advocacy, his battle with POTS and IBS and discusses the barriers that patients face in the healthcare system. He emphasises the importance of holistic care, the need for patients to learn how to advocate for themselves and the surprising importance of knowing our roots.

Exciting News 🥁 Invisible Insights is now available on Spotify! Listen on your commute, during your downtime, or while waiting for that inevitably delayed train.

What’s Next?

Stay tuned for our next episode featuring Nadine Heir. Nadine is a brilliant writer, the Founder of WriteWiser and has her own substack that I highly recommend: Migrant in Mexico.

Check out her latest post on the mental health benefits of training and powerlifting.

On the podcast, she openly discusses living with GAD, IBS and Scoliosis for the first time in such a public format. If you watch it, you may find a few feline guest appearances too. The episode will be released Monday 6th May, stay tuned!

Inclusivity in Practice: John Lewis & Partners

In a pioneering move, John Lewis has posted all its job interview questions online. This inclusive approach is a game-changer, especially for individuals who are neurodiverse or suffer from anxiety. It’s a step forward in diversifying the talent pool without requiring candidates to disclose sensitive personal information. Let’s hope this is just the start!

Other Reading and Recommendations

• George Monbiot sheds light on The Mistreatment of ME/CFS Patients, historically mislabeled as psychosomatic largely due to gender biases.

• Explore our feature on chronic conditions predominantly affecting women. After posting, someone reached out to add that for MS there is almost 4 times more women diagnosed than men.

• Whilst we are on the topic of gender bias, I highly recommend checking out The Invisible Women substack by Caroline Criado Perez.

• Here is a random rendition of Dolly Parton’s 9 to 5 on a recent rainy Sunday in London, which (if you didn’t know) she wrote whilst on the set:

To close, a thought-provoking reflection from Inflamed by Rupi Marya and Raj Patel:

“Medicine that is mindful and active” —a call to consider how our environments, policies, and practices are deeply interwoven with our health.

Until Next Time,

Natasha Punia

There's a pervasive stigma associated with invisible and non-apparent disabilities, often encapsulated by comments like "you look fine" or "it doesn’t seem like anything is wrong". This perception can force individuals into a cycle of constant justification, complicating the process of disclosing their condition or disability, especially in the workplace. To aid in this, we've compiled practical tips and an example checklist for navigating employment with an invisible disability.

Reevaluating Exercise: Beyond the Gym

"Is Smoking The New Sitting?" This provocative question from Daniel Lieberman's Exercised: The Science of Physical Activity, Rest and Health challenges our societal norms around exercise. Lieberman's book dispels myths about the necessity of rigorous gym routines or marathon running for health. I delve into the book's insights to propose a more sustainable approach to building exercise routines that accommodate individual needs.

The Challenge of Building Sustainable Habits with Invisible Disabilities

Inspired by James Clear's Atomic Habits, I've been reflecting on the unique challenges faced by individuals with invisible disabilities in forming new habits. Given that habits are built upon beliefs, does the inherent uncertainty of living with an invisible disability complicate our efforts? For instance, consider strength training within the context of an inflammatory condition; the fear of flare-ups is real. Thus, our first step must be to embrace this uncertainty.

Other insights:

In Conversation: Employment and Mental Illness: A heartfelt discussion with my friend Kate Beaumont sheds light on navigating employment while managing mental illness. Kate's powerful insights offer a path forward for those facing similar challenges.

The Importance of Cultural Identity for Well-being: After confronting my own estrangement from my cultural roots, I've come to appreciate the profound impact of cultural identity on well-being. Exploring this has revealed it as a crucial component of mental and emotional health.

This Month’s Recommendations:

• Living with Long Covid: Don't miss this insightful article recommended by Roxanne Gay in The Audacity, which offers a poignant look into the realities of Long Covid.

• Storytelling with Elif Shafak: Immerse yourself in the captivating narratives presented on Elif Shafak's Substack. Her masterful storytelling invites us into worlds both rich and complex.

• Artistic Expression in Bristol: If you find yourself in Bristol, the "Concealed/Revealed: Disabled, D/deaf, and Neurodivergent Artists Driving Creativity" exhibition at the Bristol Museum & Art Gallery is a must-see. This showcase not only highlights the creative prowess of disabled artists but also critiques the historical concealment of disability within the art world, featuring luminaries such as Henri Matisse and Francisco Goya in a new light.

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