Episode 96 - Social Wellness with an AiArthritis disease

In this episode, co-hosts Leila, Estela, and Kerry delve into the crucial topic of social wellness amidst living with AiArthritis disease. They explore the essence of social wellness, its significance and sharing personal insights on navigating social lives while managing health challenges. Join our co-hosts as they discuss both the supportive and challenging dynamics of maintaining an active social life with an AiArthritis disease and how online communities can positively impact social wellness. Drawing from community questions and experiences, they offer invaluable advice, practical tips, and thoughtful modifications to foster social fulfillment despite potential barriers. Tune in to learn how to prioritize social wellness in the face of chronic illness.

Episode Highlights: 

• Definition and exploration of social wellness, emphasizing its importance in maintaining overall well-being.
• How social wellness can negatively and positively affect your AiArthritis disease 
• Discussion on the cohosts' personal experiences with their social lives and how they navigate social interactions while managing their health conditions.
• Insights into the reactions of family and friends to the cohosts' social needs, highlighting both supportive and challenging aspects.
• How you can utilize technology to connect to your community to positively impact your social life. 
• Answering community questions and comments regarding social wellness by sharing practical advice, tips, and modifications for fostering social fulfillment despite potential barriers.

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Connect with our Co-Hosts:

• Leila is the Health Education Manager at the International Foundation for AiArthritis. She is a person living with Lupus Nephritis and Sjögren’s Disease. She is passionate about inclusion and diversity in health education and meeting individuals where they are at in order to learn in a way that resonates with them. Leila is on social media as @Lupus.Lifestyle.Lei sharing bits and pieces about her life with lupus and connecting with others. Connect with her on Instagram or TikTok.

Connect with Leila:

    Instagram: @lupus.lifestyle.lei

     TikTok: @lupus.lifestyle.lei

• Kerry is a writer and patient advocate living with fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, sarcoidosis, Sjögren's syndrome, and small fiber neuropathy/dysautonomia (to name a few). As these conditions took their toll and she became less physically able, Kerry became empowered to use her voice to advocate for herself and for patients like her. She is currently working on "Kaleidoscope," a collection of rare disease stories. 

Connect with Kerry:

    Instagram: @buttahflyk 

    Twitter: @buttahflyk 

    Facebook: @floatlikeabuttahfly 

    Website: http://bit.ly/floatlikeabuttahfly

• Estela Mata is the President and co-founder of Looms for Lupus, a non-profit organization that provides Lupus, Fibromyalgia and Mental Health Awareness, advocacy, and support to those living with these conditions, their loved ones, and caregivers. 

Connect with Estela: 

      Instagram: @estela_mata @looms4lupus

    LinkedIn: @Estela Mata-Carcamo

AiArthritis Voices 360 is produced by the Internatio