At the same time though, I have traveled enough while I have been fighting for my health to know that you don't "leave" your sick body and automatically get a "new one" so it is important to understand and prepare ahead of time for any trip when you are chronically ill. Traveling takes a risk and a courage- especially when you don't feel well, but when I was sick I wanted to live as fully as possible despite being sick. I wanted to grab onto life and experience it and live bigger than my world of illness allowed.
I have never regretted this for one moment and know that it is a large part of the reason that I still love traveling today and going on adventures near and far away!
So if you are taking that risk... if you are stepping out and grabbing onto life in a new way and are going for a visit to DisneyWorld while you are ill I applaud you. I applaud you for any small or big steps you are taking as you heal.
If you are looking for extra tips for your trip I shared a post a couple of years ago entitled 10 Tips for Enjoying Disneyworld with a Chronic Illness that may be helpful to read. Today I wanted to share 4 Tips specifically related to enjoying Animal Kingdom with a chronic illness and hope that these will help you in your next adventure!
1. Plan your Meal Times Ahead of Time
If you are looking for extra tips for your trip I shared a post a couple of years ago entitled 10 Tips for Enjoying Disneyworld with a Chronic Illness that may be helpful to read. Today I wanted to share 4 Tips specifically related to enjoying Animal Kingdom with a chronic illness and hope that these will help you in your next adventure!
If part of your Chronic Illness includes a special diet (like myself) you will want to research ahead of time which restaurants are allergen friendly. One of the great things about Animal Kingdom is the choices of "allergen friendly" restaurants and options that they have. One of my favorites in the park is Satu'li' Canteen which I shared a bit about in my post HERE, but it was definitely a great pick for those who have a chronic illness for a few specific reasons:
1. Many "spoonies" like myself try to eat a healthy diet and this place offers tons of different and yummy health options. You can see the menu HERE.
2. For those who have lots of dietary restrictions like myself, this place is a perfect solution for everyone. One of the things that I most appreciated about our experience here was that when I asked one of the staff members a question about one of my allergies she immediately pulled out an allergy friendly map that explained in detail every menu item and if it would be "dietary appropriate" for those who have a myriad of allergies (including dairy, corn, wheat, egg, etc.). This made it incredibly easy to choose something yummy and safe within my dietary restrictions without making a big production of anything.
3. I have to say that one of the things that I mentioned in my post, 10 Tips for enjoying Disney With a Chronic Illness, was the weather and heat factor. For some that are struggling with a chronic illness heat is extremely difficult and Satu'li' Canteen is a sit-down air conditioned restaurant (something that is typically only reserved for the more expensive restaurants in the Disney parks). Satu'li' Canteen offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner options and is located in the new Pandora section of Animal Kingdom.
If you are needing special assistance with figuring out dietary issues within animal kingdom you can call ahead of time or place your order on-line. You can find out more about this by clicking HERE. If you have questions and want to discuss several things you can email the Special Dietary staff who will be happy to help you. You can find out their contact information by clicking HERE.
2. Plan a Route
One of the best tips if you are trying to conserve energy to enjoy as much as you can is to plan out a route using the "My Disney Experience App" or just by studying a map. The "My Disney Experience App" can is a huge help with planning out a route for your time in Animal Kingdom and helps keep you up-to-date on wait times and fast pass information. You can find out more about the app by clicking HERE.
3. Stay with Your Group as Much as Possible
One of the things that I really enjoyed at Animal Kingdom was having the opportunity to hang out with my friends up till the moment that they got on a ride that I couldn't ride. When we arrived in Asia in Animal Kingdom we waited in line for Everst which my friends rode and really enjoyed. I wasn't able to ride due to health reasons, but this didn't make me wait outside. I see this happen a lot, but Animal Kingdom is really great about this. They encourage you to spend time with your loved ones and you can easily exit (without having to go back through the whole line) when your party goes to get on a ride. I know that at some theme parks this isn't an option, but at Animal Kingdom it is, and is wonderful that you don't miss out on time with people.
4. Enjoy the Shows and Presentations
One of the unique parts of Animal Kingdom is the plethora of shows and presentations that are available to the visitor. From Broadway caliber shows like The Lion King to talks about different animals there are numerous things to see and learn. For a lot of "spoonies" this can be a wonderful gift as it can give you a chance to sit down and rest a bit while you and your group are still enjoying the park!
If you are looking for additional tips for enjoying Disney with a Chronic Illness you can find my post 10 Tips for Enjoying Disneyworld with a Chronic Illness by clicking HERE and my post 11 Priceless Reasons You Should Stay at a Disney Resort if you are traveling to Disney World with a Chronic Illness by clicking HERE.
One of the things that I really enjoyed at Animal Kingdom was having the opportunity to hang out with my friends up till the moment that they got on a ride that I couldn't ride. When we arrived in Asia in Animal Kingdom we waited in line for Everst which my friends rode and really enjoyed. I wasn't able to ride due to health reasons, but this didn't make me wait outside. I see this happen a lot, but Animal Kingdom is really great about this. They encourage you to spend time with your loved ones and you can easily exit (without having to go back through the whole line) when your party goes to get on a ride. I know that at some theme parks this isn't an option, but at Animal Kingdom it is, and is wonderful that you don't miss out on time with people.
One of the unique parts of Animal Kingdom is the plethora of shows and presentations that are available to the visitor. From Broadway caliber shows like The Lion King to talks about different animals there are numerous things to see and learn. For a lot of "spoonies" this can be a wonderful gift as it can give you a chance to sit down and rest a bit while you and your group are still enjoying the park!
If you are looking for additional tips for enjoying Disney with a Chronic Illness you can find my post 10 Tips for Enjoying Disneyworld with a Chronic Illness by clicking HERE and my post 11 Priceless Reasons You Should Stay at a Disney Resort if you are traveling to Disney World with a Chronic Illness by clicking HERE.
Again, a huge thank you to Disney for making this trip possible. You truly gave a day of perfection and magic and inspiration. I can't wait to go back to Disney again. Thank you again so very much. If you are interested in reading more about the trip you can click on one of the links below:
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A huge thank you to Disneyworld for the tickets for us to enjoy the park and for me to have the opportunity to write about my different experiences. It was a gift that was beyond beautiful!
Sticking to a diet when we’re at home is hard. We have busy lifestyles, and it’s all too easy to reach for unhealthy snacks and meals when you are in a rush or need a quick energy boost. But, with careful planning and determination, we manage. Even harder, is trying to stick to that same diet while you are away from home. Whether you are going on a weeks vacation or taking a more extended break, it’s all too common to find that you’ve gained at least a few pounds on your return and that all of your hard work has been undone. Worse, is trying to rediscover your good habits after a week or more of over-indulgence and carefree eating.
But, sticking to a diet while you travel isn’t impossible. With a little planning and a lot of self-control, there’s no reason why you can’t have a great break and come home still on target with no guilt or regret.
Find a Plan That’s Right for You
Do you have to stick to the exact same diet? Or, could your break be a great excuse to try a new plan? At home, you might be able to count calories and stick to a careful meal plan, but away from home, it’s a lot harder. So, why not try a Ketogenic diet for weight Loss!!! Research different diet plans, and find one that suits your travel plan. Remembering that the diet that fits your home lifestyle and routine might not be ideal or even possible while you are away.
Allow Some Flexibility
Don’t get upset because you’re not allowed an ice cream on the beach when everyone else is having one. Give yourself some freedom and flexibility. Stick to your diet most of the time, but if you fancy a treat, have it, without feeling bad, just try to choose a smaller serving, and don’t make a habit of it.
Keep Moving
The main reason for holiday weight gain isn’t necessarily overeating. Sometimes, it’s a lack of movement. If you are usually at the gym five days a week or walking 10000 steps a day, and then you suddenly drop to nothing, instead laying by the pool all day, you are burning far fewer calories, and whatever you eat, weight gain is to be expected. Jump into the pool and do some laps in the morning. Go for an afternoon walk along the beach, and try some water sports of other local activities to keep yourself moving.
Pack Healthy Snacks for Days Out
Most of us enjoy days out exploring while we travel. This is often when we indulge. To avoid temptation, prepare some healthy snacks to take with you, and don’t go anywhere without a large bottle of water.
Cook
When possible, stay in accommodation with kitchen facilities. This way, you can cook at least some of your meals, instead of eating out all the time. Shop for healthy ingredients, find some local recipes, and spend time preparing healthy local cuisine for yourself. You might even learn some new recipes to take home with you.
*contributed post*
Today I am excited to share a new YouTube video on our time at the Hyatt Place Anchorage-Midtown in Anchorage, Alaska!
You can find the video HERE (or watch right below) and the new channel by clicking HERE! Thanks for checking it out, liking it, commenting, and following along y'all! *smiles*
You can find the video HERE (or watch right below) and the new channel by clicking HERE! Thanks for checking it out, liking it, commenting, and following along y'all! *smiles*
Happy Wednesday friends! I hope y'all have a wonderful day!
PS- Whatever your reason for visiting Anchorage is (even if you are an Alaskan resident and are looking for a perfect "stay cation", you will want to stay at the Hyatt Place Anchorage-Midtown and make this the home base of your plans. To be honest it is worth a trip over to the Anchorage area all on its own - that is how much I recommend it.
Interested in booking a stay at the Hyatt Place Anchorage-Midtown? You can connect with the Hyatt Place Anchorage-Midtown and make reservations here:
Phone Number: 1-907-562-1235
Additional Posts on our stay at Hyatt Place Anchorage-Midtown:
Blog Posts:
Instagram Posts:
Instagram Stories:
YouTube Video:
I hope that each of you have a chance to stay at the Hyatt Place Anchorage-Midtown. It is truly such a beautiful and lovely place. Please let me know if you have any questions!! And again, enjoy the video and let me know your thoughts!
A huge thank you to Hyatt Place Anchorage-Midtown for the complimentary stay and experience to stay at this new property. ALL opinions are my own.
UK visa appeal procedures can delay your trip to the UK, whether you are planning on coming for a short-term trip or the rest of your life. It’s not a situation that many people want to be in, as it can halt, or even completely destroy, your plans. Not only that, but the appeal process is designed so that the onus is on you to prove to the UK government that your UK visa application should be successful. The results of an appeal could be life changing, so you need to be sure that you’ve got the right advice to succeed.
Options When Dealing With A Visa Refusal Appeal
With UK visa refusals rising by some 18 per cent, don’t feel like you are alone in having your visa denied. Many people have to go through the disheartening process of more paperwork. However, UK law is consistently evolving, especially when it comes to cases relating to immigration. This is particularly true given the current refugee crisis that is affecting most of Europe. This means that the visa refusal appeal process can be hard to navigate; as there are always new legal cases appearing that can affect your case. Also, the process will differ in regards to what type of visa decision you are appealing. Is it a student visa? A marriage visa? Or a family visa? Each one has its own legal implications. However, there are generally a few actions you can take rather than giving up with the process. One such action is to appeal. This will require you to navigate your way through a web of legal terms, complex rules, and immigration authorities. This is a difficult process by itself, and it can cause a huge amount of emotional turmoil for you and your family. However, appealing is not even possible with some visas. Full rights of appeal for family visit visas have recently been removed by the UK government. So, in some cases, you may have no choice but to re-apply for a visa as opposed to going through the UK visa appeals process. Another option is judicial review, which is a process by which a decision in a case is legally challenged. However, fees in such reviews can run into tens of thousands of pounds, meaning it is not an option for most people. If you’re moving to the UK for business purposes, you can take advantage of the likes of https://physicaladdress.com in order to still have a UK address despite your refusal.
Getting Legal Help With Your Visa Appeal
So your best bet is either to make a visa appeal or re-apply with a fresh process. Both processes will cost money – this is unavoidable. However, the ramifications of such a decision could be life changing, so it is best to put whatever money you have towards getting legal help. Not only can this save you money on any further applications or appeals, but it can save you a lot of emotional stress. Having a legal adviser in your corner to help you with paperwork and review your case can positively affect your chance of success. In the appeal process, you have the chance to explain why you think your application should not be refused. While you may feel that you have a strong case, a legal adviser can make it even stronger. They will have the knowledge to reference similar cases and decisions in relation to visa appeals that could help your own appeal. However, you must act fast. Under UK visa appeal laws, you only have 28 days after being notified of the visa decision to make an appeal. However in some cases, as we stated, it may be that you need to make a fresh application. If you conducted the application process by yourself last time, you could make a fresh application through a legal advice team who could help identify the weaknesses of your initial application.
*contributed post*
Given the choice, most people would be perfectly happy with the idea of staying young forever. Not only would this give you the chance to avoid the aches and pains that can come with aging, but it would also make it possible to enjoy things which those in later life rarely get to engage in. Of course, though, no one gets to take advantage of this benefit, and everyone has to deal with the fact that they will get old one day. This doesn’t mean that you have to go down without a fight, though. To help you to find all of the support you need when it comes to maintaining your youth, this post will be exploring the different types of professional with the right skills to make this part of life easier for you.
Normal Doctors
It makes sense to see a doctor on a regular basis, even when you’ve got nothing wrong with you. Professionals like this will be able to notice long-term issues with your body, giving you the chance to change your lifestyle to match the health you want to have. Along with this, they could also spot more serious problems which will have a major impact on you, and this can be invaluable when you’re trying to maintain the right level of health. Most doctors will be happy to offer advice when it comes to finding ways to maintain your youth.
Opticians
Eye problems are some of the most common health issues people suffer as they get older. While this doesn’t have to have a huge impact on the way you live, no one likes the idea of making their eyes worse through inaction, and this makes it worth spending some time with an optician. Issues like glaucoma can leave people blind without the right kind of care, though the only way to spot something like this is through observation. This makes it crucial that you see professionals like this on a regular basis, even when you think your eyes are healthy.
Dentists
Eating is one of the most crucial elements in your life, with your body being unable to function without the right amount of food. When this act is uncomfortable, though, it can be hard to grit your teeth and get through it. It makes sense to see a dentist on a regular basis, giving them a chance to assess the damage to your teeth over time. Fixes for small problems are usually painless. Though these small problems can get much bigger when they are ignored, and this is something worth keeping in mind.
There are a lot of different types of dentists out there, and a lot of them stick to a very specific area. Figuring out when to see an orthodontist over going to a regular dentist can be confusing, though these professionals will be happy to talk you through the process when you get in touch. It’s well worth exploring your options when you’re thinking about this, as there are loads of different paths which can be taken when you’re trying to improve your oral health.
Mental Health
Like your mouth, there are a lot of different professionals out there which can help you to maintain your brain. For the sake of this post, it will be focusing on just two of them; mental health and brain health. Mental health is a challenge which a lot of people struggle with, with things like depression and anxiety making it hard to get through life. There are loads of different people out there who can help with this, making it worth doing some research before you get started with someone.
Brain health can be a little more challenging. You can work on this on your own throughout life, giving yourself puzzles and mental challenges to do each day, though this is something which a lot of people struggle to keep up with. Along with this, though, there are plenty of specialist doctors out there who can help with memory, keeping your brain active, and monitoring for issues which might come up in the future. With this part of your body being so important, it makes sense to learn exactly what needs to be done to push it in the right direction.
Orthopaedics
The bones and joints in your body do an excellent job of carrying you around for most of your life. As you get older, though, the strain which these parts of your body have been under will come to the surface, causing pain and discomfort, while also making it hard to live a normal life. Orthopaedic doctors are joint experts, and will have all of the skills required to work on this part of the body. This can help you to maintain the health of your joints, while also ensuring that you don’t have any problems arising which could be solved with some minor treatment. It’s never worth ignoring your joints.
Surgeons
Finally, as the last area to consider, it’s time to think about a medical professional which most people don’t have to see through much of their life; a surgeon. Pros like this will spend their days working on some of the most complex procedures, saving lives and improving bodies for the better. When you need someone like this, it’s crucial that you do plenty of research, working hard to find someone who will be able to handle the health issues you have. There are loads of sites around the web which can help with this, and you can even find reviews which will help you out.
With all of this in mind, you should be feeling ready to get started on the work you put into finding experts who will be able to keep you young. Of course, you will have to do a lot of the work along the way, but this will be worth it when you’re working towards keeping yourself in good shape. A lot of people ignore this side of life until it’s too late, though it never has to be this way.
*contributed post*
Looking after yourself can seem tough at the best of times, as there are so many negative temptations in life that are ready and waiting to pull you under. Admitting responsibility for the point which you are at is the first and most important step to take, as continuing is the direction of self destruction whilst blaming your woes on others will eventually lead you to catastrophic issues. Taking part in positive self care activities that benefit your body and mind rather than harming them can really turn your life around, as it’s amazing how many changes you can make when you decide it’s time to take back the reins. If you’re not happy with your current situation and feel as though you need to re-evaluate how much time and effort you commit to your health and wellbeing.
Eating Well & Forming Positive Habits
One of the most important things that you can change to help yourself is your diet and what you consume. You have full control over what you put inside your body, but generally it’s the first hurdle that people fall at due to the excessive amount of detrimental options that are just so easy to access. Fast food and takeaways do nothing but damage your health, and products that are high in fat and sugar dominate the supermarket in comparison to fresh, nutritious ingredients. Paying more attention to what you eat and drink can make a world of difference, as your well being can be improved dramatically when you begin to take care of yourself through nourishing meals consisting of fruit, vegetables, complex carbohydrates and proteins. Reducing your alcohol intake or finding some sober living programs can further improve both your mental and physical health, so should be an option you consider when searching for the best self care methods.
Meditation & Mindfulness
Practicing some kind of meditation or mindfulness on a regular basis is a great way to balance your thoughts and create a calm environment in which you can thrive. Find a comfortable, quiet place and set yourself down - in order to fully appreciate the experience it’s best to be alone without distractions. Close your eyes and try to clear your mind, focusing on taking deep breaths that are taken in through your nose and released out through your mouth. Make yourself aware of the weight of your body and the way that you are sitting, accepting and letting go of every passing thought that occupies your mind. Attempting this simple practice for an increasing period each session will help you to learn patience, and allow you to reach a state of mind in which you can appropriately deal with the various situations that life can throw at you in a positive and productive way.
Hopefully this guide can help you to understand some of the easy self care activities that you can implement to improve both your mental and physical health and well being today. Take a look at the food and drink you consume to see whether you can make any improvements, and try your hand at meditation.
*contributed post*
Adjusting to life with a chronic illness definitely isn’t easy. There are things you have to learn about yourself, many of which will be unique to you alone. As you live with your condition every day, it will become a part of who you are. Eventually, you will know exactly what to expect from life, as well as the best ways to care for yourself. Until that time comes, however, life will involve a lot of trial and error. While there are many blunders to be made, you can avoid some of the bumps in the learning process. With that in mind, here are seven mistakes you shouldn’t make.
1. Accepting The First Opinion
Asking for more than one perspective on your condition is critical to ensuring that you’re getting the right care. Even after so many years at school, doctors are human too. They forget things, make mistakes, and sometimes, just aren’t good at their job. If you don’t like your doctor or don’t agree with them, then don’t be afraid to look for a new one. Many people living with a chronic illness go through several different doctors before they find one that they truly click with.
2. Resisting Your New Diagnosis
Being unhappy with your care and being unhappy with your diagnosis are two very different things. Getting diagnosed with any disease or condition is hard and often life-changing. However, when you fight against your diagnosis, it doesn’t do you any good. If every doctor is telling you the same thing, then you eventually have to accept it. When you work with your condition, rather than against it, and accept the circumstances at hand, you can manage your health more effectively.
3. Sticking With Ineffective Treatments
Every person on this planet is unique in their own way. While there is a lot of information out there on what’s healthy and unhealthy for a person, you know your body best. No matter how well a treatment is supposed to work, you shouldn’t continue with it if it makes you feel worse. You are the one feeling the pain and experiencing all of the other symptoms, so you know deep down if a treatment is bad. Your body will tell you if something isn’t right; you just need to listen.
4. Deciding To Self-Medicate
People facing a chronic illness shouldn’t have to deal with endless pain. However, that doesn’t mean you should begin self-medicating either. Drinking alcohol or taking drugs as a method of pain management will likely only make your symptoms worse. It can also result in addiction, requiring you to go to treatment, like an inpatient drug rehab. Until you have a diagnosis and treatment plan for your chronic illness, you should work on cultivating a healthier lifestyle.
5. Focusing On The Body
Caring for your physical health can feel much easier than caring for your mental health. However, that doesn’t mean that one is more important than the other. Your mental health needs just as much love and attention as your physical body does. When trying to treat any condition, you have to treat the entire self. A healthy diet and the right supplements can do you a world of good, but you must find ways to eliminate stress from your life and improve your mood too.
6. Skipping Your Own Research
Doctors don’t know everything, despite what they might say. As tempting as it can be to leave all of the medical stuff to an expert, you must put the work in too. Your health is your responsibility, after all. By all means, find a good doctor and work with them, but you should also do your own research. Learn as much as you can about your condition by reading books, joining forums, and looking online. You must also come to doctor’s appointments prepared with a list of questions.
7. Forgetting To Enjoy Life
When chronic illness is getting you down, it’s easy to imagine how perfect your life would be if you weren’t sick. Far too often, those living with a chronic illness put their entire life on hold and make huge sacrifices to make healthy choices. However, it’s important to remember that enjoying life is a critical part of healing. If you’re making yourself miserable to try and be happy, you’re missing the point entirely. Enjoy what you have now, or you’re going to miss it tomorrow.
Living with a chronic illness can be tough, but avoiding the mistakes above will make life a little easier.
*contributed post*
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