Here's a link to my latest CBC article--it came out this morning:
Hysteria, medical mysteries, and bias:sometimes unversity helps with life
The brief summary is that although hysteria is no longer a valid medical diagnosis--medical professionals still discount women's illness...and disregard the risks of Lyme disease, which is now prevalent in many places. I felt relieved that this got published; I hope it brings attention to a real issue of concern.
It was my second "advocacy" post of the week; My current column for the Jewish Post & News is also about how women can make change during times of political unrest. I related it to Yocheved, Moses, and her handmade, waterproofed baby basket. My mom knit pussy hats instead...but these were both lawful and powerful, skillful ways of speaking up during a difficult time.
My mom, dad, sister-in-law, and many others marched in Washington, D.C. today, and I am so proud of them and glad that they represented us. If we can remind the world and the U.S. political powers that be that women's rights are human rights and that women's bodies, health and well-being are human bodies, health and well-being--well, that is a huge and important step. It's a necessary step, and it seems like one we keep having to mention. (Oh, Doctor, do you think this could possibly be Lyme? --I can't tell you frustrated I felt to be dismissed out of hand so often, without being offered any viable solutions for how to get better.)
Winnipeggers had a march here, as they did in Yellowknife, Ottawa, Halifax, Vancouver, Toronto...and in many other places around the world. We weren't there...because we're still fighting this endless twin stomach bug. It's lasting forever!
Towards the late afternoon, my husband and one of our twins (the healthier one) decided to go out yarn shopping for Mommy. They set out through the back gate and faced a woman whose car was absolutely stuck in the deep slushy ruts of snow in our back lane...and blocking our cars' exit. Our temperatures have gone from frigid to crazy warm for January. As a result, everything is melting. It took the Professor an hour of effort to try to get this car out, and finally, another man with a truck came along and pulled her out...it took team work.
Nobody got out to buy a yarn treat, but that was just fine! I won't be running out any time soon. :)
It was the thought that counted, and the hope that someday, someone might help me just this way if I were stuck in the snow. Let's hope so.
Labels: CBC, hysteria, knitting, Lyme disease, politics, slush, twins, virus, women, women's health, Women's March, women's rights, writer's life
