A few weeks back a big celebrity announced she and her husband would be “Consciously Uncoupling,” in laymens terms = divorce. The press went wild. I heard about this on the daily news, the nightly news, and the news in between. From celebrity news shows to primetime shows, somewhere sandwiched in-between “Where is the missing plane?” and the weather.
I thought to myself, REALLY? Why is this so important? Who really cares how this person chooses to say something. While I personally couldn’t care less, I did care and notice how ridiculous it was to be getting so much press- for days!
Which led me to contemplate my recent couple of months of asking, pitching, sending advanced copies of my book (along with treats from my bakery) and pretty much pleading to help me support my book and help educate the public more about this greatly misunderstood disease by having me on their show as a guest.
All the shows in question I have been on many times prior to talk about whatever project I had been in, somehow do not want to speak to me right now. Many of which I wrote personally and told them about all the money and time I had spent to make my bakery happen, the book happen, my blog and future endeavors all regarding helping the celiac community and anyone who needed SAFE gluten free food a reality.
I made them aware of the dozens upon dozens of FREE food we have donated to autistic children groups and how it put a smile on their faces.
I wrote about the clear problem there is with truly understanding this disease and how in my book I open up my life in such an honest and raw way to expose the misconceptions of this disease (hopefully once and for all).
I made it clear the growing number of celiac cases and the link to cancers, infertility, dementia and current research on schizophrenia. I thought surely others would respond positively to such a heartfelt respectful plea. Right? At least give them enough of a reason in their extremely busy schedules to read the book and then make a decision as to whether or not to have me as a guest.
NOPE.
One show had the view that none of their hosts would be interested in this and said I was a beautiful person but “no thanks.”
Another said they like to keep the show light and entertaining. I told them I had no intention of coming on and crying but the answer was still no.
A few others said “they just don’t see a spot for me at this time” meaning really – PASS.
I have to be honest guys I have cried over this. I totally understand if I’m not right for certain shows, but most? I thought why don’t people want to hear about this? There has been so many jokes about gluten free eating lately that I figured this would be a great time to say why these jokes aren’t funny and can be actually dangerous to the many that MUST eat this way. A nice, heart to heart open dialogue from someone who has dealt with this disease up close and personal. This rejection especially made me sad when it was from people who I’ve met many times before and always showed up and gave them what they wanted, a good LIGHT interview. Why, from those who put themselves out there as helpful saviors to the community, wouldn’t they want to talk to me about a subject that plagues so many. Upon speaking with some friends about this we came to some realitiies.
First off, it all starts with your publicist. If you don’t have a 5k to 10K a month A-level publicist behind you, you’re pretty much not getting heard. It’s the truth folks, that’s how much a top line PR person costs. It works like this: big publicists have big time famous people, people that talk shows die to have on so that when they call a booker of a show they get answers and first priority. I know this because at one time I actually did have to spend that kind of money a month and I never had a problem getting on shows and then some.
Unfortunately I do not have that kind of money these days and frankly I think it’s insane. I do have a dear wonderful friend who is a great publicist and has her own firm. She busts her butt to do a great job without the help of celebrity client list 5 feet deep. I also believed having someone who actually had an genuine interest in me and this journey would matter. It does not.
Second, my dear friends sat with me and looked me straight in the face and said, “It’s you.” If I wasn’t upset already then I am now I thought. “ME” I replied. “Yes. You’re a strong voice with a lot of momentum behind you on this subject and you are going against the grain right now (no pun intended).”
“Why,” I thought, because I want to talk about this disease in an honest way, because I’m trying to help people who maybe can’t find the answers or the voice to get the answers THEY need from their doctors?? “Yes” they said.
They made me look at the title of my book, Jennifer’s Way, My Journey with Celiac Disease, WHAT DOCTORS DON’T TELL YOU, and How You Can Learn to Live Again. AHHHHHHHHHHH I thought, got it. Maybe they were right. Maybe I am seen as someone shaking the pot here. Maybe I somehow seem like I am bashing doctors? Absoluetly not. I have a great respect for doctors and can not imagine being one. Especially since one of my dear friends, who was part of this conversation, is a doctor and I see what he goes through up close and personal. Its a huge responsibility to hold a persons health in your hands and I see how that weighs on him.
However, no one can deny that I went decades without a proper diagnosis as so many do. You cannot deny the statistical FACT that on average it’s 7-10 YEARS for a proper diagnosis of this disease. I didn’t make that up, it’s the truth!
Which leads me to the third point my dear friends made, JENNIFER’S WAY. MY way. MY way of health from some actress?? Jennifer’s Way came from me finding MY road map to find some answers for this disease. Again, stated clearly in the book this is MY road map given to help you find YOUR way. I am not a doctor nor due I claim to be but what I am is someone who nearly lost her life due to this disease and has seen this disease change and turn my life and body into a monster at times and still managed, without FULL direction other than be gluten free, find not only my life again but become an advocate. SO yes I do think I have a right to share what I know – with others suffering.
My single intent on this journey is to help others drowning in a sea of symptoms and tests maybe get some answers sooner rather then 3 decades later like me. By telling my story someone may see their own and now have the tools to become their own health advocate. That will possibly save them from years of pain, struggle and possibly save their life.
It has been a struggle my friends. A struggle with this disease, then a struggle to open my bakery, a struggle to find a publisher who wanted to publish a truthful book – not just another cookbook, a struggle to find the right partners to take the bakery and make it global, and now a struggle to have people LISTEN to what I want to share in this book.
It hurts, I won’t lie – To have people CONSCIOUSLY UNLISTEN.
If you have learned anything about me from this blog then you know I do not give up easily. Especially when I see, hear and speak to so many of you, from the children to the adults, who are searching for answers, safer food choices, generic drug labeling to tell us CLEARLY if it contains gluten, safe food options and just some understanding. Is that really too much to ask? Is this not news worthy?
Maybe not – let’s talk about more celebrity “news.” It’s okay, I will get the word out there about my book and the disease attached to it. I believe when your heart is pure with good intention and your actions follow suit you just cant loose.
Stay tuned…
Be Well
Jennifer
Proof of some more CONSCIOUS UNLISTENING
written by a women tired of being sick
My goodness I cant thank you enough. You have no idea (actually you do) how it feels to have professionals not know what is wrong with your body and be made to feel like you’re crazy. I have been through too many tests, so many Dr.s its sad. I went to the ER one morning and after a series of test and xrays the Dr comes into my room and asks me i I have anything going on in my life right now. He thought it was anxiety. Even made ME think it was anxiety and wrote me scripts for zanex!!! I took them for 2 days and stopped. I knew that just wasnt it.It got to the point where I had to change primary care Dr.s becaue mine was so tired of hearing from me she began to get snippy and rude. She said it was my gallbladder and sent me to a GI specialist. She said lots of people my age eat too much fried food and dont realize it and that its an easy procedure.
I am working per diem at a hospital right now as we speak. I just had a heart to heart with a very nice woman who explained her symptoms to me and my jaw dropped, because it was the same carbon copy thing I was going through. She came through the ER and said ” I KNOW SOMETHING IS WRONG INSIDE OF MY BODY ANDIM NOT LEAVING UNTIL WE FIND IT.” I understood her frustration….. I just printed your article and eft it by her bed. Hopefully it helps her as much as you helped me. Ive been tested too much, paid wa too much in copays, just to be looked at as another depression/anxiety case. What about the people who are taking meds right now for depression….. do they need it???? Are they actually allergic to gluten? Monday I will ask for a test, but Im 99% sure I know the reults. God bless you for being beautiful inside and out. I may be even worse off than you guys because I am pescetarian…so thats THAT much les food I can eat : )
Let my new Journey begin.
Jenise
Jennifer,
Thank you so much for your continued fight for us who don’t have the platform, or don’t know how, to have their voices heard. I admire your dedication and I’m cheering you on! Your posts may be venting to you but to me, as a reader, I find comfort in knowing that others are going through similar struggles. I can’t wait until you ship your products nationwide and I can’t wait to read your book!
I am such a huge fan of yours and fellow Celiac. I am thrilled that you represent us, and with the strong, no bullshit approach. I thoroughly appreciate your message and the way you unapologetically stand up for Celiacs. It can be a debilitating disease. Yes, we can manage it by not eating gluten, but what people don’t know is that a setback can be a huge setback, and can happen unknowingly in our own kitchens, when we think we are not making any cooking mistakes!! It’s a hard lifestyle and just because there are lots of producs marketed to us, doesn’t mean we don’t struggle. I think that’s what the non-Gluten free, non-Celiac, regular everyday person sees. They just simply do not understand it. Like saying to an alcoholic, well just stop drinking! There! Problem solved. NO, it’s a little more complex than that. We have to make conscious choices every day and what works today might strangely not work tomorrow, at least from what I have found. It sucks! Keep fighting!! Have you tried the Oprah Network?? This really makes me think of her SuperSoulSunday stuff!
Stay strong; you’re helping those who are ready. I, too, continued damaging my intestines until I diagnosed my own celiac disease after 30 years of dermatitis herpetiformis, anxiety, depression, memory problems, etc. I want to get your book for two friends who choose to live in hell rather than go GF because tests came back “borderline” and “inclusive”. People definitely need educating. Thank you,
I love what you do for us. Never stop advocating for yourself and us in the celiac community. I appreciate what you have done for us. Recently a co-worker asked me how long I had to stay on the diet. When I replied “For the rest of my life”. he said “I could never date a person like you”. And this is from a person who must follow a certain diet because he is diabetic. I thought to myself “I would not date you either–not because of diabetes but because of your ignorance. Celiac disease is REAL and needs to be taken seriously. I won’t ever stop advocating for us. Celiac fist bump and power to us.
Jenise, you just told my story..years and years of going to Drs. and hearing I had anxiety. WHY?? My primary Dr. got angry with me, telling me I needed to learn to deal with my issues better and then I would feel better, oh, it would take up way too many pages to tell what I heard and went through with Drs. Jennifer, don’t ever give up!! Someone, somewhere will give you that opportunity to be heard. It took me over 30 years to be DX with gluten sensitivity and let me tell you, I have never felt better in my life, I get angry when I think of all the years I wasted being sick, the money spent trying to find someone to help me. Even though I don’t have a Dx of CD (blood test positive, endoscopy neg) Dr. wanted to retest me in 6 months, I decided to go gluten free on my own due to my symptoms getting worse. It was the best decision I ever made for me. Amazingly I haven’t been to a Dr. since I went GF since April 2013.
I was saddened by how that ‘celebrity’ was being ridiculed for her eating habits. Here most reaction has been ‘here you go Chris have a fry- up’ or Bet Chris is having a steak’ ( her book actually has steak in it..)
Given the media do want to speak to her right now, perhaps this is an opportunity to join forces? Help get the message across that these aren’t fad diets but changes people make because they have to ? Use their lust for the hateful story & turn it into something better.
Perhaps if we let them know as celiacs we are “consciously uncoupling” from gluten it may help? But on a serious note, as a fellow “pot stirrer”, I say keep up the fight. The world needs more of us!! And one day, we will be heard!
Jennifer, thanks for continuing to fight to be heard. As my journey goes forward I find myself becoming more and more private about my diet because my patience is running short with people and their willfully misinformed comments or complete disbelief. I’m grateful to people who actually have a platform who continue to speak out.
I’m really glad you are doing this for us. Keep trying–we have your back!!!
Keep shaking the pot, Jennifer. There are so many of us who have gone through years of illness, pain, and uncertainty, and we need you and others like you to be our voice. If it were cancer, or even diabetes, you would have no problem getting bookings for every talk show out there, but they all think Celiac is a fad disease, that will eventually go away. Thank you so much for standing tall and being a voice for all of us.
Thank you Jennifer!
I too went undiagnosed for over four decades simply because most medical professions had no idea what the actual symptoms for Celiac Disease are, nor which tests are needed to accurately diagnose.
I spend a great deal of time educating people on celiac.com along with people in my personal life. Everything we do gets us steps closer to living in a world that is safe for those with Celiac and perhaps just as importantly a world where we are not dismissed by medical professionals because our symptoms are not “textbook”.
You are getting your story out…despite the rejections. The truth isn’t popular or even pretty, but does find a way to be heard.
“Be well”
-Lisa “GottaSki”
Jennifer,
Thanks for all you do! A small corps of gluten free bloggers saved my life 7 years ago, when doctors were clueless. Renewed health was my blessing. But there was also a downside. I had to give up my lifelong career in food. Commercial kitchens proved toxic. No gluten free restaurants or kitchens in Indianapolis. No funds to start one. I’d apply for a job at your bakery if not for the unmanageable commute.
I started a charity garden to provide chemical free vegetables to a shelter for victims of domestic violence. Publicity could have helped us raise funds and recruit volunteers. The network affiliates and large newspapers weren’t interested. HOWEVER, weekly newspapers have supported us. We got two front page stories when Haven Garden hit the “one ton donated” mark. I know these stories were read because I got great feedback.
Your fabulous acting career provided you with access to big time promotional opportunities. It’s shameful that they ignore your new mission. Perhaps smaller newspapers, magazines and smaller market tv affiliates might help spread your message. I know it takes more effort and more staff to promote at the grass roots level. That raises the cost. Might be worth a try. You’d probably make some new friends and supporters along the way. Let me know if I can help.
Jennifer,
I share your frustration and hope you won’t let this setback keep you down. You are reaching so many people in other ways — your blog, facebook, twitter, etc. — and you are making a big difference. I count myself among the lucky that you are also reaching through your bakery.
It may sound corny, but your bakery makes me feel like I have a community of support. I have a place to go to get delicious, amazing treats that taste like they were made with soul and heart. It’s especially comforting knowing that I can walk in the door and feel SAFE. I think this is a difficult concept for many folks who haven’t struggled with this kind of disease.
Please keep up the good fight! You’ve got a community of folks backing you.
Big hug,
Gail
I work in the healthcare field and I have respect for doctors, but they are not experts. First and foremost, listen to your body, after all, you know it better than everyone else. I fell into the trap of adding more grains, healthy carbs etc to my diet. Not only did it excerbate my asthma, it upset my stomach.
Thank you Jennifer for all your hard work.
Never give up, Jennifer! Despite what it looks like on the outside, you are helping so many of us who struggle silently and voicelessly as the latest celebrity ridicules our disease by making it a diet fad, or the TV chef tossing gluten-laden pasta in our faces and feeling so smug about herself. Shame on them. I believe that despite the media not opening their doors to you, that the those of us in the celiac world will succeed and surpass those ignorant fools who only care about the breakups, drug lives, and other insanity of the celebrity world. Who cares? Tomorrow they will be yesterday’s lunch and yet, you will still be here, persevering to make the world a better place for those of us who, before going gluten free were dying from the inside out. God Bless you for being real.
Thanks for having a place that I can go and not feel insane.
When I finally figured out what was wrong with me (on my own) and having an attack that lasted 3 days with extreme abdominal pain, had my boss say to me, “What is it that you have? Oh….it’s one of those California diseases!” He proceeded to just break out into laughter.
I think that my hardest battle is that I am out of work now and can’t afford the proper doctor or vitamins. Insurance does not cover this. When will they figure out that this is a medical problem and not listed with the chiropractor (which insurance will not cover). I just try my best to follow whatever I can research on my own.
I am doing much better though. Almost got rid of most of my rashes and just have small issues every now and then. Mainly, I’m seem to be extremely tired. I’m sure some D etc. would help that. : )
Thanks again
California diseases!?! I’ve lived in California and the vast majority of the people are intelligent, educated, open minded and non- judgmental. Perhaps there’s a reason some people pick on it…jealousy? Most new thoughts start as “fringe” or “odd” ideas over history, from women’s suffrage to civil rights to organic food – all end up being good ideas, all were put down in the name of ignorance and fear. I’m lucky I still live in a place where people don’t think that way -I’ve never come across that type of reaction in over a year with Celiac – I don’t think I could work for someone like that, the bitterness would ruin my job performance. Good luck and hope you boss educates himself!
Loved this article and will share to my circle of friends. Please don’t give up. You are doing a world of good and we all need you. My daughter, who has Celiac, went through a similar undiagnosed struggle and she holds you up as a role model (we met with you to take a picture around a year ago). So, selfishly, I at least know you’ve impacted her greatly. Keep trying to tell your story because, when you do, you tell ours too.
With much caring and great thanks, your fan from Cincinnati
Thanks for all you do Jennifer. I am sure all of us can relate to the lack of support just in our own families and community, so we understand the lack of support overall. We all know people who are sick and we are sure they have celiac disease. We cannot convince them to try a gluten free diet for even a few weeks. The reasons give make no sense. My friend would rather take meds for her refux disease than give up her steady diet of noodles. Really? I get so frustrated. At the same time, I think small markets and small station shows would be a place to start rather than national shows. Here in Minneapolis we have a supportive community among whole foods activists, the farm to table movement. We also have a very active local tv show that probably would be supportive as the hostess is supportive of local foods and even has a small flock of chickens! The other tv stations also do local segments and the talk radio stations might be receptive as well. It is worth a try.
Perhaps some of the resistance to the gluten problem lies in the fact that it is so addictive. People do not want to be told that their “daily bread” might be killing them. It is a whole lot easier to stick the collective head into the sand and ignore it. This is the true “silent killer”.
I don’t know how you feel about Glenn Beck but he has recently been diagnosed with a Celiac type problem and has been told to eliminate gluten from his diet. Maybe he can help you promote your book? This is a problem that transcends politics.
Thanks for this Thanks for this Barrett! My daughter has sraveel food allergies, and some of the gluten free stuff has worked out for us. I am always interested in finding new things she might enjoy. I just hope I can get some of their products in my area .
What i don’t understood is in truth how you’re not auactlly much more well-liked than you might be right now. You’re very intelligent. You understand thus considerably when it comes to this matter, produced me for my part imagine it from a lot of numerous angles. Its like women and men aren’t involved except it’s one thing to accomplish with Girl gaga! Your own stuffs great. All the time handle it up!
Hi Jennifer,
Don’t you give up girl. I pass on your details to as many people as I can. In fact I was one of your first supporters over here when I saw you being interviewed on the Fox Channel. Here in Australia there is so much interest in the work you are doing if you ever get the opportunity to come over here I am sure our morning shows would love to interview you.
I think you should publish a list of the TV shows that are shunning you. As a 59 year old woman with Celiac disease that was only diagnosed 3 years ago, I too am sick of people who treat eating gluten free as a fad, rather than the life or death necessity it is to so many people worldwide. If you identify the shows and/or venues that refuse to have you appear I believe a lot of us would boycott those shows and refuse to watch them. I know I would! Sincere thanks for bringing this to our attention!
I think your idea of Jennifer publishing a list of the places that are ignoring her (and our) story is a great idea. But, I feel that just boycotting them won’t work because they won’t realize soon enough that we are ignoring them. I suggest that we take Jennifer’s list of Naughty ignorant People and write to them and let them know how we feel about their ignorance and how they are aiding and abetting the pain and suffering of the thousands and thousands of us who need all the help and education we can get on the subject of going and/or staying gluten free. What do you think of this addition to your awesome idea?
Oh how I would love that. Unfortunately it would not be noticed. I will say this- Its almost ALL the big shows you can see by turning on the tv. That being said I do have some upcoming on camera interviews that I am so VERY GRATEFUL FOR!!!!! I will absolutely post when they will air. All we can do is get more strength in numbers and help my book get attention so then I will have more ground to stand on. The more support we get as a community the bigger platform i will get to speak. Then we ALL get a voice!!!!!!!
Be Well
jennifer
Jennifer
Similar to Anne above, I first heard your sweet voice @ 12:30 am on FoxFiles on November 19, 2012 and your story on that show was the first crucial step in saving my Mom’s and my life. I am the “second comment” about whom who Gluten Dude tweeted you on Feb 18, 2014.
After 17 months, my CT scans just revealed this week that I no longer have cancer and we are hoping for the same results for my Mom next month after she has endured Stage 4 lymphoma 3 different times since 1998 and her being “gluten free” since November is now providing the ultimate healing that chemo treatments could not provide during the last 15 years.
Please continue your struggle to educate the uninformed and provide wonderful healthy food to our little community – the final result will be worth all of your efforts. You have already helped save 2 lives and I’m sure you will do the same for many more.
You have my eternal gratitude and respect! I look forward to receiving my preordered copies of your new book soon!
I sincerely have no words. I can not tell you that it is stories like this that render me speechless and cry my eyes out. To think that something I said helped you to get answers you needed to ultimately LIVE, is just mind blowing to me. I am so very humbled and grateful that you are well and sharing this incredible story. It is this reason why I get so very frustrated when media do not want to let me speak!!!!!!!!!!!! Its not about selling a book or a movie but about reaching people in need of information!!!!! How people can refuse this baffles my brain.
What your story also does though is make me understand the depth of what i”m doing and in no way will I STOP. You have inspired me and proven that my words matter. AND SO DO YOURS!!!!
I sincerely thank you
Jennifer
First off- You’re awesome.. Keep doin what you do! The world needs more people like you.
I wanted to let you know that there is a whole community of people trying to persevere every day with Autoimmune Hashimoto’s Disease. We suffer from a wide range of symptoms from anxiety, depression, palpitations, hair loss, nail/skin problems, fertility problems, digestive and weight problems, debilitating brain fog and fatigue… (Really the list goes on and on) as our thyroids are slowly destroyed. We also have to be %100 gluten free and most mainstream drs will not even tell us that, we find out by being our own advocates and amazing people like you! Going gluten free changes our lives and restores any chance we have at preserving what’s left of our thyroid and leading a successful, healthy, happy life. We have wonderful facebook support groups, amazing books and we are all on your side too! We too find it so frustrating when friends and family just do not understand or take us serious. This is a lifestyle we MUST apply forever! I work in 2 restaurants and see how “safe” the so-called gluten free menu items are… You couldn’t pay me to eat most of it and I am honest with customers. Broke my heart a few weeks ago to see this man try to convince and then get mad at this very young boy (maybe 6) who was gluten intolerant that he’d be fine getting the tacos because they’re on corn tortillas. I explained that they are cooked on the same grill as flour tortillias and the kid was panicking with tears in his eyes “no dad, I can’t eat those! Please! Mom never let’s me eat them, I can’t even have French fries!!” I took charge despite the dads anger and offered him our safest thing (what I eat everynight) and the kid was so happy that someone (besides mom who was not there) understood and had his back. It just makes me sick that his own father is too frustrated to listen and care that his own child clearly gets very ill. Anyway keep fighting for us all! Just wanted to let you know about the Hashimoto’s community and that we’ve got your back too!
I understand about Hashimotos disease only too well since my sister has it and my doc believes I very possibly may be following down that path. I also understand just how important CLEAN gluten free food is to ALL with an autoimmune disease. Its so frightening to me why people just don’t want to hear it. If I told you the number of people who come in my bakery just to tell me their story you would be amazed! Just to have someone to HEAR them is enormous.
I’m so very grateful for all the support and will keep doing my very best in making those of us dealing with an autoimmune disease have a safer better reality.
Thank you again for your support!
Jennifer
I have friends whose children, well you would be with me in begging them to try. The can’t comprehend that the tests are unreliable. This is what is happening to me too. I’m no one. I am only trying to talk to friends who are suffering without answers…they can’t hear me. I don’t understand and it breaks my heart. Keep on doing what you do! I’m going to too! Maybe we can reach a few…and that is enough!
Jennifer – try the Canadian media. It’s a smaller market I know, but one with a higher percent of Celiacs being diagnosed, and celiac is very well known in Canada. CTV,Global TV, CBC, Globe and Mail, National Post – I really think you’d find some interest!
Dear Jennifer, I truly believe you are on the path God meant for you to follow. I like the comment regarding Glen Beck. Not sure if you will choose to follow that but it’s worth a try. Also, Bill O’Reilly. You are not just an actress, with a disease, who wrote a book. You are trying to make life better for so many of us. I think you have been swimming against the current for so long, but please know you have many supporters out here who think you are awesome. You embarked on a second career, by accident, and I think you will be a great success in spite of the media who won’t give you the time of day. Success is the best revenge and I look forward to seeing your book on the New York Times Best Seller List!!!! You go girl!
I thank you!!!!!!!!!
jennifer
Jennifer, I’m so sorry to hear that you’re being given such terrible treatment. I wonder if it would help for you to contact William Davis, MD. He might be a great one to join forces with.
Or how about a media event at your shop?
Keeping a good thought for all your efforts!
I read your posts all the time.. I truly believe God intended that we be able to eat everything..in moderation. I think some where along the way we have spiritual rooted issues that cause physical issues in the body. Until they are address we are dealing with allergies in the body, where our body attacks itself.. I believe in full healing meaning we can eat what ever we want. I have come a long way but am not there yet.. I pray that we all break free from our allergies to food and get healed. Until then I am glad we have people like Jennifer’s Way to help us!
Hi Jennifer,
I’m rooting for you too. Now, I’m by no means a conventionally religious person – and it many not be cool to state this here, but I’m going to say a heartfelt prayer for you. Miracles do happen & you will find a legitimate, thoughtful news outlet to profile your book. Please keep us posted.
Hang in there, I just had a Celiac “meltdown” this morning. I sent this pic to my sister this week & you might appreciate it as well:
http://www.pinterest.com/pin/527343437588109316/
Heart hugs to you & everyone here.
A celiac meltdown happens often. Thankfully you have someone who will listen and a community who GETS IT!!!!!
thank you for your prayer, back at you
jennifer
Thank you Jennifer for all you do. I have been diagnosed with celiac for the last six years. I also have numerous food allergies to avoid as well. I have read in your post in the past that you have multiple allergies as well. I really appreciate your efforts to raise awareness of this disease and the difficultly we with celiac disease deal with when trying to eat out. I have very few foods I can eat out, as not only am I celiac but I am allergic to most of the major food groups. (corn, rice, soy, dairy, celiac, beans, peas) I find it extremely difficult finding foods I can eat unless I make the from scratch. It is not as simple as just buying different foods, as most of the alternitive foods also carry allery ingredients. But I manage somehow. It is very important that you keep on using your knowledge to share this information with the world. I have been told if one type of media does not get your blog and message try others, such as doing short videos on you tube. The important thing is to continue to get the word out there, no matter what the medium. Blog on Jennifer. I always love your posts. Cherie @ http://www.cheriesforgetmenots.com I have not been to active posting lately as I was spending time with my Mom before she lost her battle with cancer. I love my blog, but my family was still first. Please do not give out trying to get the word out there. I had to fight and suffer for years before I found out about celiac disease. It has changed my life. Not only does it help me feel somewhat better, I have lost 65 pounds doing so. Thank you Cherie
Keep Going Cherie!!!!!!!!! YOU and EVERYONE who has had to beg, plead, question doc after doc for answers are all taking charge of their lives and that should be applauded. It s a very difficult road but knowing what ails you is the first step. I too have a multitude of allergies but notice they get better as the gut heals more. Keep cooking and baking for yourself and know there are many who walk down the same path as you.
thank you for your support
Jennifer
Go Jennifer,
Keep it up. I find you’re idea to be brilliant actually. As I mentioned in a tweet to your page there are not many places in Ireland or even around the world that cater for this. When I was buying a Christmas present this past Christmas for a work colleague who is a coeliac it was quite hard to even a good cookbook for him.
I don’t get why ppl are so against hearing about this as it is very important to find out about this and to gain as much information as possible especially from those who are already going through it. I was been tested before through a simple blood test to see if I was a coeliac but was told no and the doctor said no more. I know I have sth wrong with me even if I am only highly intolerant to some foods but when you try to explain these symptoms it’s very hard for them to believe what you are saying as they are mainly internal symptoms and doctors mainly look for symptoms they can see like a fever or a cut.
I think Jennifer you are a marvel and to keep on going. As you may see from all these responses that there are people that are interested in what you have to say and want to learn from your experiences. Hollywood and the like are only interested in celebrity divorces, their misfortunes and being there to report when someone falls flat on their behind. This to me is not news and I hope you do get your word out there to as many as possible. As I mentioned before I think it’s a fantastic idea and I can’t wait to sample some of your food early May and to see you in person at your book signing in New York.
Best wishes
Sharon
Will see you in May!!!!!!!!!
Thank you!!!!!!!!!!!
Jennifer
Dear Jennifer,
Talk to those who are consciously listening, and there are plenty! There is so much work to do worldwide. Don’t throw your pearls to the pigs, rather move on with your great approach of service.
In the pioneer business (which you are in), ignorance is a painful and harmful side effect, as all medical history tells us.
Keep going unrooting the meaningless
All the best, Katrin
Thank you so much for a fabulous line I will take with me- “Don’t throw your pearls to pigs” fantastic. AND TRUE. Sincerely thank you for your support!
Jennifer
Dear Jennifer,
Your courage is inspiring. As you know, my story is very similar to yours. Decades of
“symptom-treating”, dismissals from various doctors, the inevitable “it’s probably anxiety and in your head” as I dwindled down to nothing before I finally got my doctor to see what was right before his eyes. (and his children HAVE celiac) I have my own opinions about the medical community and their lack of “awareness”, but they are coming around. They have to–it’s not the closeted “rare childhood” wasting disease they once thought it was.
The sad truth is: many of have to be tireless advocates–for ourselves and for others–but believe me, we are being heard.
Never give up. The celiac/GF community appreciates all you do for us. We support you. Our numbers will only grow, and soon, this “rare” disease will no longer be something people refuse to talk about.
Like GottaSki Lisa above, I believe in just telling it like it is about celiac, the good, the bad and the ugly. As I always say to the G Dude, we just have to keep telling the truth because our stories are what make it REAL and demand attention. I assure you, it’s not all deaf ears it’s falling on.
Chin up, hon…your message reaches more people than you may realize. (I had no clue if anything I ever said was being heard, but when some people I met at a GF conference told me “I know who you are–you’re IrishHeart!I love you. “, I was humbled beyond words.) We’re a big community –a loving community–and we stand firmly beside our celiac sister.
Affectionately,
Ginny “Irish”
I so appreciate your words and am truly grateful for this community. First people to reach out to me and help me understand what was going on with my body. I will keep pushing on even in the face of such ignorance and know that all WE do moves us one step closer to some understanding
I hope you get a chance to read my book. I bet you will find your story in the pages.
much thanks
Jennifer
The only way to own a success is to fight, sacrifice, and endure hardness till the task has been achieved. You are on your way!
Good folks are praying on your behalf, and that is like spinach to Popeye!
It is difficult for folks who do not have this dilemma to relate, so there is resistance; probably from fear of the unknown. These folks are not your enemies, they just aren’t part of the solution. The trick is to walk through the doors that open wide rather than try to bash them down. We were taught to plow through, and doctors were taught to misdiagnose. Hopelessly old school thinking. You do not want to be on that level, do you?
Chill, but stay busy and focused. When the Force is with you, you will fly at supersonic speeds. But every so often, you will HAVE to refuel.
Use that beauty, that intellect, that acting ability to your advantage and sell, sell, sell….! Sell what? the solution, of course. And, as my Gramma used to say: “You catch more flies with honey than vinegar!”
Avoid at all costs, when possible, spending time and energy on what is wrong. The curtain comes down on your performance, and potential friends wither away. Rather, assemble testimonies of success stories and make appeals for funds to further your work.
And remember, the average guy will be your most generous giver. Make it possible in every venue. Use PayPal on your website. Whatever floats your boat! Just tell folks what the money is for, and make sure it gets there….
Is there a research center in the plan? A place where average folks can come from around the world and get a diagnosis? Is there a medical center that would provide a wing for that purpose?
Is there a plan to set up non-profit bakery franchises around the world to meet this food need and provide jobs? I bet the Obama Administration would get behind you and help small business loans get processed. Bet there is even grant money available if FLOTUS were involved, to get you on your way with that….
Set up a foundation, if you havn’t already. No one gets a big salary. Keep it squeaky clean and make it a business model that makes the well heeled folks want to throw money at it.
And keep that beautiful smile going 24/7. There is so much more to do….
Sweetheart, YOU are on a mission…. and you will not fail.
God speed,
Ed Stull
P.S. When you are faithful in the small things, you will be given the opportunity to do more. When you are ready, and God is ready, the next phase of your development will follow seamlessly. Luv Ya!
I thank you, Ed, for a powerful wake up call. I do let the negative get me down at times. Maybe its because when I’m working in my bakery and so many people come in to just have someone who “gets it” LISTEN it just brakes my heart. Then to hear their stories of year after year of misdiagnoses that literally have taken so much of not only their lives but their hearts- it just makes me crazy.
I do have a FOundation that I started called, The Jennifer’s Way Foundation For Celiac Education, and have thought of exactly what you stated, a center for Celiac that focuses on diagnoses all the way to healing the gut. As far as a non profit bakery and getting loans from the government, I did try when I was opening my space and got nowhere. However, we do give a ton of product away to groups that NEED a clean gluten free product like charities for autistic children. In saying all this It still hurts to not be heard but I agree, SPEAK TO THE PEOPLE WHO ARE LISTENING and for this I thank you for your email. I am very grateful for this community and will do whatever I can to make things easier. I will start with the doors that ARE OPEN!!!!
Thank you
jennifer
I thought of this quote when I read your article:
‘First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win’. Mahatma Gandhi
The media in this country is not dedicated to presenting real news and informative, educational stories, only fluffy stories that they think will increase their ratings for their own selfish gain. Your experience shows that we need to be well informed ourselves and ask the right questions along the way rather than believe the rubbish that we are mindlessly fed as truth through the media. This is a long shot but why not try promoting your book and story in other english speaking countries where your shows have been a hit? Australia, NZ, UK, South Africa, even Europe? No one bats an eye lid in Australia or Europe if you ask for gluten free options whereas here I usually get a puzzled look or the stink eye here in the US….
Also Carol Alt does an Health show on Fox which is short but actually always informative and yes – you need to get on Super Soul Sunday!
Thank you for everything that you do xo
I LOVE and will take this quote with me on this journey
thank you
Jennifer
What show do you want to be on? I’ll bet if all us Celiacs who support you, got on their Facebook, twitter, etc pages, and made a stink, you’d be on it no time! I’m not about making a stink, but those of us that preach about celiac and gluten sensitivity to others, desperately need to be heard. I work with medical patients all the time who probably have the diagnosis and don’t even know it. We do a ridiculous number of tests for no reason, when all their symptoms are related to malabsorption form an inflamed gut! And most of the doctors won’t listen either- please don’t give up- we need a spokesperson with your ability to bring this to the forefront!
I was diagnosed with Celiac Disease in 2009 when I was 15 years old, and dealt with 8 months of doctors telling me I was crazy, I was a hypochondriac, it was “all in my head,” and that I was losing weight because I was anorexic. I had never felt so low than I did in those months leading to my diagnosis. I was really only diagnosed because I went into my doctors office and started balling my eyes out and my doctor was “fed up,” so she decided to run a bunch of blood tests to “prove I was okay.” Then she called to tell me my tTg level was almost at 600!! I was relieved but still upset that if I wasn’t so persistent I would have never gotten a diagnosis. It scares me to think of where I would be if I was still suffering! Even after being diagnosed, I still get sick quite often because of cross-contamination and continue to have people throw gluten jokes my way, tell me I’m lying when I say I can’t hang out because I am curled up sick as a dog, and so on! The suffering is so much worse than just physical pain. To have so many people around you tell you you’re liar when you are in such pain is something nobody should ever have to deal with! It’s because we don’t “look sick.” But this morning my best friend called me and started crying on the phone because she has been having severe GI symptoms for the past 2 months and she gets sick after everything she eats. She said that everyone is telling her she is faking it and everything is fine, that she is just being dramatic. So she called me because she knew I had gone through all of that and she needed to talk to me to reassure herself she is not crazy. It chocked me up that I had to spend 45 minutes on the phone with my best friend to let her know I am here for her, I KNOW she is not crazy and it is not normal to be that sick for 2 months straight. I should not be the one telling people they aren’t crazy, our doctors should be!! I will gladly reassure everyone suffering in this world that they are not alone, they are not crazy and they need to not give up in the search for a diagnosis! But I am 19 years old, where are the experts to reassure us? Where is the compassion? It is unbelievable!
To anyone out there suffering for answers and putting up with people giving them a hard time, keep on fighting! It will one day get better, you will get better, and you are NEVER alone in the suffering! Just read all of the comments on this blog!
Thank you Jennifer for being a voice for the Celiac community and being the one to reassure us that with an extra fight, one day Celiac Disease will not be ridiculed.
Amen Tori . . . and Jennifer. Recently diagnosed myself – it is the casual attitude about Celiac that is soooo frustrating. I don’t think most people think it’s a serious disease since the “prescription” is a GF diet. They just think it’s a “diet” thing. Keep up the fight.
So sorry to hear all of that – I’d never dream that still happens in 2014!
Have you tried a naturopathic doctor? I’ve had great success with them, I find a very open minded approach. Obviously, it doesn’t replace a standard MD, but it does add another point of view.
Im so very sorry you have had to deal with such ignorance. I agree, sometimes the emotional pain of not being heard and understood is worse than the physical ailments. This is why I’m trying my best to change the perceptions and educate people about this subject. Its one thing to have to deal with such a tricky disease but to also have to be ridiculed and be made to felt like your crazy is just too much. Just know you are heard here and your emotional pain is validated by many in the same boat. Wonderful of you for helping your friend the way you have. Keep it going!!!!!
Be Well
Jennifer
Dear Jennifer,
I feel your pain. I have experienced everything you have described. I have done extensive research on our illness and I continue to spread the word. My own family won’t listen to me or support me. My son became ill this year and refused to believe it has anything to do with celiac disease even though i have explained it to him. His doctor says let him figure it out himself. It took me until I was 50 years old to figure out what was ailing me. I don’t want him to suffer the way I did. My own husband is in complete denial and keeps buying junk food even when I am dedicated to feeding them amazing food. Just curious, did you watch the Gluten Summit webinars put on my Dr. Tom O’Bryan of http://www.dr.com? Do you follow Dr. Perlmutter of the book Grain Brain? One of the best books I have read recently is Beyond Gluten Intolerance by Karen Masterson Koch, CN. We have to educate one person at a time in a way that is calm and educational. People do want to learn. I know they are trying to figure out why they have certain illnesses. I spread my knowledge on Facebook as well. Keep up the good work and know that you are not alone. The word is spreading fast in San Diego, CA and there is a great deal of awareness in Seattle, WA. CA is a great state and perhaps you will find an open ear in Los Angeles. Sincerely, Jeannie, {I wear your shirt proudly.}
It just amazes me to hear of family, friends, etc., not believing or going along with the GF diet! I’m fortunate to live in a place where it seems everyone I’ve come across is knowledgable about Celiac, and it’s amazing to me that I’ve learned many of my friends in other places have family members with celiac, so they’re definitely knowledgable as well! I really think where you live makes an impact – there seems to be places where allergic/Celiac bullying is still socially acceptable, and that’s ridiculous. I went through it with allergies to tobacco and tobacco smoke, and wow, did location make a difference! In Denver and Southern California, I never remember one angry comment, snide remark, rolling of the eyes over about 15 years between the two. But in a handful of years in Minnesota, I had a lot of comments, people telling me I was a “wimp”, even hosts throwing menus on the table (actually, more like right at us) when we asked to be further from the smoke. My guess is Minneapolis/St. Paul has come a long ways since then, and even then, there were many great people as well, but it seemed like allergic bullying was socially acceptable to many people at that time. I ended up moving because of it, and life got a lot better.
Generally, I find bigger cities, more diverse cities, more open minded cities to be a lot better for things like this. And I’ve always been amazed how it changes from place to place!
Never ever give up. Sending love.
I am amazed that so many people are so dismissive of Celiac disease. I guess I should not be too surprised considering what my own sister recently said at a lunch for my daughter’s 16th birthday. I explained to the waitress that myself, my daughter, my son, and my mom all have to be gluten free, and when the waitress asked my sister if she too had to be gluten free, she responded, oh God no, I would kill myself if I had to eat like that. What makes me saddest is my sister and brother both have MS, and yet neither will get tested for Celiac, even though if they do have it, and eat GF, it may make them feel better and have less pain. It is incredibly hurtful that the media, and many people are so cruel about something that is a disease…not a choice! Jennifer, I hope you don’t give up trying to reach the “non-Celiac world” and help them understand this terrible disease!! Thank you.
Jennifer,
I read your blog because you are real. You speak to me because you talk about the struggles with Celiac. The difficulty in getting a diagnosis and the challenges to live with this illness. My son is 10 years old and we still do not have a definitive diagnosis but we are almost there. Living with this illness has been challenging but when I read your blog I see that we are not alone. Every accomplishment you post gives me hope and I thank you sooooo much for all that you share and all that you do for this community. Maybe daytime television will embrace your story and your book more than night time. I will continue to follow you and definitely buy your book! Wishing you strength, love and all the best! Keep going, Jennifer.
You have so much support and it’s appalling that something that is important and life changing is avoided to be talked about. It’s so true it’s taken about 20 years or more to finally figure out what was wrong with me . Being a blockhead and my following of blue bloods led me to you and your story. I had an inkling of my issue being celiac but hearing your story and it was like a mirror to what I went through. Don’t stop believing we are so indebted to you and your voice. What about gluten free cooking on the view or the talk they always have food on their. I’m with ya on this!!!! Can’t wait to order some gluten free products from your site!!!!! Love from canada
Jennifer,
Please don’t give up on account of media rejecting you. Most big media outlets only choose to talk about superficial trash these days. It is all about eyeballs. Your blog is niche but more powerful. The way you write is honest and heartfelt. I know how you and all others that have commented here feel. Although I realized what was making me sick quite fast thanks to a naturopathic doctor, I have been called paranoid by my own partner who saw me go through the absolute worse of this illness, when I could barely get out of bed, and who has complained and battled about every single change I have made in my life to make sure that I regained my health. There’s no limit to what people will do to preserve the status quo, it seems.
I would suggest that you rely on social media more to market your blog. You could create a network of related blogs that will promote (I can certainly do that with mine – stylishlyorganic.com) and you could do Google Hangouts which you can then post on YouTube to spread the word. Not long ago I came across an article exploring how personal YouTube channels are being so much more successful than brands in the new world of digital (among the top 5,000 channels on YouTube, only 74 belong to brands). Believe me, big brands, media and organizations are way behind in this (I work for one of them). I would also suggest you contact Sarah Wilson. It seems to me that she is in a similar quest to yours except she has Hashimoto’s instead of celiac. She is also just releasing her book in the US and seems to need support in promoting as well (http://www.sarahwilson.com/). Lastly, I have seen John Stewart and Stephen Colbert promote very interesting topics and books on their shows. I bet they would be willing to interview you! (Bill Maher would be another option, he is big on sustainability and natural diets).
Best of luck with your quest. You have certainly inspired me to start telling my story on my blog which I haven’t done yet.
Just stumbled upon a couple of creative marketing ideas:
http://alldaycreative.co.uk/free-copywriting-ebook/ – Pay with a tweet to download a book
http://ampleearth.com/ – Get interviewed by them or hire them for a viral campaign.
I LOVE seeing the personality that we often saw in your characters IS the real Jennifer. It’s what I always loved watching you on tv…beautiful but TOUGH and SCRAPPY. Scrappy makes you very real and down-to-earth. It’s a God-given fire and, quite frankly, I’m glad to see it used for something other than just acting. You were given a real purpose for being on this planet. Don’t let “them” pee on your fire!
I also believe you are to be the conduit to catapult others to continue the furtherance of our knowledge and life with this disease. Hang in there. And keep scrapping!
Thanks so much Jennifer for everything you are doing! It’s such a hard road for those of us with Celiac and (for me) wheat and other food intolerance. And THEN we get the joking, ribbing and ignorance from so much of the world – hurts more when the comments are from friends and family as well.
I have an rare auto-immune blood disease to begin with, the food issues came later – ER visits, etc, etc. It was a Naturopath who took the time to listen to me and work out what my issues were. I have been treated by world class doctors for my immune disease, but even they couldn’t find out what was causing my : eczema, muscle weakness, lethargy, muscle tremors, dizziness, muscle cramps, erratic menstrual cycles, vision problems, memory issues, lack of concentration, insomnia,etc. etc. I even collected my lab. tests and knew from working in the Vet. Medical Field that all my values were in the normal range but completely off from where they should be in relation to the others. All the while I was told, there is nothing wrong as far as we can see. They wanted to so sleep studies and spinal taps…maddening. My own hematologist stared at me blankly while I told him avoiding wheat, corn and dairy has given me back the energy I lost from the ITP, and that my CBC’s were looking better. And like others above, I was given a prescription for anxiety or depression more than once – and then chastised when I refused to take them to be filled. And I don’t even have Celiac. I have wheat, corn and dairy intolerance, but it is also autoimmune and destroys a body. I am sugar sensitive as well, which would be enough on it’s own. I get so frustrated listening to the joking at parties and annoyed by the teasing I get bringing my own food to events and/or asking what is in everything. I am overweight due to these issues, and the ribbing about me just trying to “diet celebrity style” makes me hurt, angry and frustrated. Like ANYONE would make this stuff up! Life is hard enough. My own mother even tells me I just need to drink more fluids, watch my calories and get more rest!!! ARRRRGGHHH, complete miss and this is a woman who drove me to many appointments for my blood disease?! Talk about conscious unlistening!
God bless you for your work. Keep going Jennifer. You are holding up the megaphone for us! I now have a handsome, strong and feisty 5 year old son – who shares some of my intolerance. He no longer can go to Grandma’s and Grandpa’s to sleep over because they are unwilling to give him his supplements and feed him food we can’t eat!!! (To PROVE to me it’s in my head. ARG.) And my siblings have decided that I am a “twitch” about food. Whatever.
Your blog is the soft place to land for the mind of a weary fellow sufferer. Thank you.
And a shout out to all of us who deal with the autoimmune issues pertaining to food. People just don’t know how rough it is. Hang in there!
Zune and iPod: Most people coamrpe the Zune to the Touch, but after seeing how slim and surprisingly small and light it is, I consider it to be a rather unique hybrid that combines qualities of both the Touch and the Nano. It’s very colorful and lovely OLED screen is slightly smaller than the touch screen, but the player itself feels quite a bit smaller and lighter. It weighs about 2/3 as much, and is noticeably smaller in width and height, while being just a hair thicker.
I’m not good at expressing myself in writing
I sure wish I could visit and speak with you in person. My story is just to long to get into online. Flint Michigan is a long way from where you are. You are a sweet young woman! I have daughters your age 
Becky is 41 and Christy is 38. Be happy and stay healthy 
So I want you to know I enjoyed your book. Good luck with the bakery and the book
Denise (Galwayfan)
Dear Jennifer,
I am so grateful for the opportunity to have seen you on the Katie show today and having been introduced to your website. I was diagnosed 10 years ago with lupus, but some of my questions about symptoms that didn’t seem to align were never answered. It was when I had a progression of neurological symptoms that were left undiagnosed–including near blackouts, (near-syncope), restless leg syndrome, and a temporary movement disorder–that I began a journey of research on my own. One of the most troubling symptoms was vertigo. After a few brief episodes over the course of a few months, I woke up one morning in the fall of 2011 with vertigo, and it has remained since. It never stops. I have it 24/7. I went to ear nose and throat specialists and was told the vertigo I was having wasn’t consistent with the that which is related to the ear. It wasn’t Meniere’s either. I went to allergists, cardiologists, and neurologists. Tests revealed nothing. I was beyond frustrated, especially when I found my new rheumatologist telling me after 10 years of treatment that she wasn’t convinced I had lupus after all. I was at square one.
Not long afterward I ran across research that indicated Celiac can mimic 53 other diseases, lupus being one of them. I ran across research that talked about brain ataxia possibly caused by gluten and that physicians were just now starting to pay attention to this possibility. Was there an answer for me? I stopped eating gluten, not aware that I should have been tested for celiac first, and it changed my life. Almost immediately it affected my level of fatigue, and after two weeks, I felt remarkably better. I had forgotten how fantastic feeling good actually felt!! Since then, other than my vertigo, I haven’t experienced my previous neurological symptoms. I’ve learned that some doctors are now realizing that damage can possibly occur to the brain stem with Celiac, and while some damage may be irreversible, it may become less intense.
Have you heard anything at all about brain ataxia as it may relate to Celiac?
Warm regards,
Brenda
If you doubt that your emotions can irritate your skin, have a look in.
No point chucking a list of 50 foods in your direction, when you
can’t fit them all onto the one plate. There are many skin care products on the market
and choosing the right one for your skin type and for the
skin condition you are experiencing makes it essential to seek professional
advice to ensure that your skin is taken care of properly.
Men who have these skin complaints should follow their doctor.
Skin diseases are the most common infections affecting people of all ages.
Because it’s hard for them to reach the top of their backs,
you may notice your cocker trying to rub themselves against anything they can find.
In other words, it is an allergic reaction to something your pet is encountering where he spends time.
It’s a common skin condition that can be easily
spotted and easily treated. Nearly all people have heard
of eczema, if just from TV and radio commercials, but what most do not know is there are many different types.
s recommendations for care, including taking any medications that are prescribed.
The important thing to remember when dealing with rosacea is that the quicker you handle the symptoms, the quicker you can get
rid of the condition. No one is entirely sure what causes this condition and treatment is very simple.
The affected part might swell depending on the circumstances.
The best way to deal with cocker spaniel skin problems is to make sure that you give your cocker a regular coat
trimming, as well as a condition-appropriate shampoo, and
of course, re-visit what he or she is being fed.
Our body system is made up of a big proportion of water
for various uses. Acne is one of the most common skin conditions that affects up to 80% of teens during adolescence and can affect adults into
their 40s along with women who are pregnant. Ringworm is, fortunately, not as common as a cause of skin disease as the other diseases listed above.
But unfortunately that happens all too often especially with teens and singles who are trying to compete with others
who have flawless skin. As babies grow and become more mobile, the chances of
Intertrigo occurring becomes less. Melasma is a
common skin condition that can occur from over
exposure to the sun and is quite common for pregnant women to experience this
during pregnancy but it goes away afterwards.