Chronic Bits 

ChronicPal Laurie Edwards writes eloquently and passionately about why womens' votes matter in the upcoming election, especially when it comes to health care. Read what she has to say, do your homework, and vote accordingly. (In fact, in some states, you can start voting early this week...and spend election day driving car-less folks to polls. Hint hint.)

Okay, you're already here, so you know that online support resources can really make a difference in the way you live with chronic illness. CNN just published a terrific story on how folks can not only get support but improved treatment by searching online for help. Thanks for the tip, Dee!

We're not sure what an anesthesioboist is, but we sure like what she's done with Grand Rounds this week. Head on over and get the best of the medical blogosphere, Babes.

Goodie Bags were distributed today to almost 2,100 people. Did you get yours? If not, subscribe today (it's free!) and check out the archives to catch up on what's hot for us sick chicks. XO, Team ChronicBabe!

What a kick-ass project: the Thousand Dollar Dress. Makes you think about the expectations you have—and the expectations others have for you. Enjoy and have a great weekend, Babes...

Dr. Val Jones has been blogging for a while at Revolution Health, but now she's got her own thing going at Getting Better with Dr. Val. Congrats are in order, and we're excited to see where she takes this new venture—we're sure it will be packed with terrific resources for ChronicBabes. And speaking of chronic, check out her recent interview with Ken Thorpe of the Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease.

In these insanely troublesome times, The Simple Dollar offers lots of great financial advice. And today, Trent's terrific site offers some wonderful, practical advice on life. Really simple, powerful stuff. A quick must-read, Babes!

Holiday season is coming, Babes, and we're going to be photographed a bunch. We're already stunning, of course, but who can't use a few tips on looking even better for the camera? Thanks, Photojojo!

Not sure what M.D.O.D. stands for, but we're kind of digging these cantankerous docs who blog—and they did a swell job of hosting Grand Rounds this week. We're mentioned at the end, and Editrix Jenni had a long-ish response to the editor's comments...see what you think.

Here's a step in the right direction: CVS drugstores nationwide (more than 6,200 of them) will now carry Fibromyalgia AWARE magazine, according to the National Fibromyalgia Association. Let's hope this is the beginning of a trend that brings more disease-focused publications to the mainstream magazine racks.

Alltop, one of our favorite site indexers (they serve only the best of the best), has added ChronicBabe to its rankings. It's a huge honor and we hope you'll take a moment to check out all that Alltop has to offer—we're in good company!

Movin' Meat, one of our fave doc bloggers, writes eloquently today about the distinction between universal health care as a right vs. a moral obligation (or entitlement). If you're following this issue, we consider this piece a must-read. (Thanks, Kevin, MD, for pointing us to it!)

Laurie Edwards, creator of A Chronic Dose, writes about our health care crisis and the cost of illness in America. Compellingly. Not boringly, like most of the stuff we've been reading lately. So dig in, Babes, and get educated—and then spread the word on the importance of funding health care research and treatment.

ChronicPal Stacy just let us know that the TMJ Association has introduced an online forum where those affected by temporomandibular joint and muscle disorders (TMJDs)—and their loved ones—can exchange information, share experiences and find mutual support. The forum extends the association's outreach to raise awareness about the realities of TMJDs and advance our mission to support TMJ patients and their loved ones. Check it out, Babes!