Chronic Illness Chic 1. Welcome

Welcome to Chronic Illness Chic, the place I refined my concept for Simplify Simplify-ing. These articles were originally published in HerCanberra. I'm delighted to share my experience with lifelong chronic illness, and Canberra's healthier, low fragrance, accessible and beautifully designed, products, businesses, places and allies.

In monthly articles I'm sharing chronic illness inclusive Sensitive Canberra across health, self care, fitness, food, style, home, building, garden, work, gifts, events & love. It's about beautiful design and businesses making inclusive choices easy.

Why am I so passionate about allergy & chronic illness?

Inclusivity, access to fresh air, living a connected life, and communicating our health needs? Because I know the extra mental load of Spoonie life ain’t it. Born with allergies and sensitivity to fragrances, products, and foods, I was misdiagnosed, and hospitalised, with anxiety and eating disorders, due to my weight.  I was fortunate to find and afford an integrative team and surgeon who diagnosed me at 34, with severe infections, endometriosis, and a plot twist: I was born with my uterus in my bowel and poorly formed sinuses.

At 40, I've finally been diagnosed with the root cause, Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (a connective tissue disorder) and Mast Cell Activation Syndrome. So now I’m rebuilding my health and sharing the tips, experts, and sustainable design I wish I had way before clean was TikTok cool, and gut health was a thing.  2025 is the perfect time!

Chronic illness info

• Though immune issues, chronic illness, food and environmental allergies and intolerances are rising, so are research and awareness. We’re seeing the health impacts of chemicals and fragrances, in our air, foods, self-care and cleaning products, and making healthier choices.

• Canberra is leading the way, passing legislation and initiatives such as ACT’s Human Rights Healthy Environment Amendment Bill 2023 and Healthier (Food) Choices Canberra.

• Naturally healthy materials, ingredients, selfcare and cleaning products are now widely available. With affordable, supermarket options, mid-range and luxury options.

• Integrative practitioners, science and testing are more accessible, supporting chronic illness and allergy patients, with digestive, immune, nervous system and hormonal health.

• Multiple Chemical Sensitivity is a recognised disability, with protective legislation, including Work Health and Safety in hospitals, workplaces and public spaces.

This is the time I dreamt of

Diagnosed, designing my Canberra life, glowing up and sharing each step, with HerCanberra, who champions diversity, ability, resilience, and having a great time doing your thing!

• In February, we’ll explore sensitive integrative health with allergy and chronic illness-inclusive practitioners, including GP’s, Specialists, Psychologists, Dieticians, Physios, Dentists and Dermal Clinicians.  I’ll be sharing how they might support you through diagnosis, treatment, lifestyle strategies, communicating your needs (especially with severe allergies), and opening up freedom in your life.

• In March we’ll be glowing up with sensitive self-care.  You’ll be learning how to nourish yourself with illness, to feel more confident in your gorgeous self (rashes and all).  Think: inclusive practitioners, spas, products and routines, skin, body, hair, dental and nail care, mindfulness, massage, and deep rest.

• In April’s sensitive fitness, we’ll be moving our body, in allergy and chronic illness-supportive ways (ideally with fresh air and natural deodorant).  I’ll be looking at everything from walking the dog to gyms and movement spaces, sports (including outdoor options) and professional sensitive athletes. Plus I’ll be looking at inclusive exercise physiologists, trainers and breathing instructors, and recovering with sauna, ice baths, float tanks or massage!

• In May it's sensitive food – think whole foods, gourmet, home cooking or convenient options, made delicious and on budget.  HerCanberra already loves sharing cafes, restaurants & bars, (including dietary needs) but I’ll be looking at supermarkets, shops, ingredients, producers, bakeries, markets, coffee, tea, drinks, treats, chocolate, experiences, and classes.

• In June we’ll find our sensitive style so you can feel like ‘you’, curate your wardrobe to spark all the joy, in a comfortable way for allergies and chronic illness.  We’ll explore the Canberra Centre with a stylist to find elevated looks and pieces in sustainable, low-fragrance stores with natural materials. And we’ll celebrate Canberra’s slow fashion, local designers, fashionistas, and events.

• In July we’re looking after our sensitive homes.  For anyone with allergies or chronic illness, home may be our only fresh-air sanctuary.  I’ll be sharing natural, low-frequency cleaning products that actually work, air filters, and Canberra cleaners using healthier products.  Plus, we’ll have some fun decorating with local homewares, ceramics, and glass, and exploring furniture stores and designers, art, and photography galleries.

• In August we’re in the sensitive garden.  Plants are crucial for fresh air and health, so we’ll ask the experts for advice on outdoor and interior plants, growing produce, and organic approaches to minimise chemicals, weed, and insect sprays, even for less than green thumbs.

• In September it's sensitive buildings.  There are many design and policy considerations in sustainable, inclusive, innovative, healthy spaces, homes, businesses and workplaces. Architects, interior designers, builders, and Sensitive Choice specialising in air quality, ventilation, moisture, mold, low VOC materials, and encouraging healthier behaviour.

• In October we’ll explore sensitive work, asking career and networking experts about navigating allergies and chronic illness and how to create aware, equipped, and inclusive work cultures and spaces.  I’ll also be looking at education around emerging legislation, and professionally communicating your diagnosed needs.

• In November our gift guide, featuring the beautiful businesses, products, and places explored through the year! By swapping fragrances for fresh air, things for experiences, vouchers or donations, and surprises for things you know they love, there will be something for every sensitive loved one.

• In December we’re making the most of sensitive Canberra by road testing dates and things to do with sensitive loved ones.  I’ll be looking at our overflowing events calendar, places, experiences, transport, and accommodation, through the lens of allergy and illness, with simple ways to boost inclusivity.

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