Chronic Bits 

We've been fans of Jennifer Jaff for years, and now she's doing even more as a patient advocate (if that's possible) by working with Revolution Health to reach a massive audience. Check her out!

Kim Painter, a health columnist for USA Today, writes about how we can use positive experiences to improve quality of life while living with chronic illnesses like MS. Editix Jenni was included in the piece, and Kim is asking ChronicBabes and Dudes for their favorite methods of spirit-boosting: "Send your suggestions to kpainter@usatoday.com and I'll feature some in an upcoming column. Please include your full name, hometown and phone number so I can contact you." Get writing, Babes, and tell her we sent you!

Friday laugh-along moment: Panexa, a completely useless drug brought to you by Stay Free magazine.

Join Lynne Matallana, president and founder of the National Fibromyalgia Association, as she discusses National Fibromyalgia Awareness Day and the NFA's "Caring by Sharing" campaign tomorrow, April 25, from 10-11am Pacific Time, 1pm EST. You can listen live at Blog Talk Radio or call in to listen live at (646) 915-9615.

LOVE love love LOVE this necklace from Etsy vendor nervoussystem. Saw it on d*s and fell in love. Wish Santa would come early this year!

One of our favorite bloggers, Amy Tenderich of Diabetes Mine, has reviewed the new book from another one of our favorite bloggers, Laurie Edwards. Your pal Editrix Jenni is interviewed for Life Disrupted, which we think is going to be a bestseller. Read Amy's review and order your copy now.

Grand Rounds is new over at Dr. Val and the Voice of Reason. It's our favorite blog carnival, Babes!

We reported earlier that water tests were turning up traces of drugs in lake water used for drinking water. Now the EPA is asking residents of the Great Lakes not to flush their unused meds down the toilet. Apparently they are setting up collection centers to accept old meds on Earth Day, but what about the rest of the year? Their FAQ on the issue leaves something to be desired. This About.com article suggests returning them to your pharmacy or doctor if possible.

The BBC reports that new research (which looks at a ton of previous studies) shows common tools for the treatment of asthma (air filters, mattress covers, etc.) have little effect in treating the disease. Bummer for Babes like the Editrix, who just bought two pairs of mattress encasements for her beds. We're taking this report with a grain of salt.

Grand Rounds, our favorite blog carnival, is fresh at Women's Health News. It's the best of the medical blogosphere, Babes.

Women and girls Out Moving Across the Nation, that is. It's an eight-week physical improvement challenge starting on Mother's Day (May 11), and Editrix Jenni is considering joining or even starting a team so we can motivate each other. Interested in being on a team? Let the Editrix know and if we have a few Babes, we'll go for it.

Ah, we're just trying to come up with witty headlines with Twitter in them. Cut us some slack. Anyhoo, Editrix Jenni is Twittering and would love to be in touch with you, too. If you're all a-Twitter, check her out.

For your reading pleasure: Grand Rounds at Dr. Wes's blog. Get the best of the medical blogosphere!

Ew. Anatomy tattoos are creepy! Or, kinda cool. You decide.