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Every Body is a Beach Body: Chronic Illness and the Media, Representation, and Inclusivity

by Ariela Paulsen August 6, 2019August 6, 2019
written by Ariela Paulsen
Every Body is a Beach Body: Chronic Illness and the Media, Representation, and Inclusivity

We live in an exciting moment in which advertisements and social groups are moving past the expectation and portrayal of “perfect” bodies in favor of inclusivity.  Diversity — of size, shape, race, culture, etc. — is finally being celebrated! Creative ads break down the gender expectations perpetuated for decades by the very same industries.  Beauty product suppliers now question what we mean by “beauty.” LGBTQ+ actors are finally being cast as beloved characters on TV. Stigmas and body shaming are being replaced by ads celebrating all bodies for what they can do. We see images of people who look shockingly normal and hear slogans like “every body is a beach body!”

It is a breath of fresh air for those of us who have felt left out, or even pushed out, of the mainstream.  Chronic illness has a way of magnifying one’s differences, and creating new ways for you to stand out from the crowd.  It feels amazing to finally be included.

And yet…

For all the celebration of diverse body shapes, multiracial hair, and non-patriarchical gender expression, where are the spoonies?  Where are the bodies with scars, hypermobility, feeding tubes, bald heads, and wheelchairs?  

Even in this, we are starting to see change!  Adaptive wear is becoming more prominent. Brands like Aerie are actively seeking spoonie models for mainstream products.  Beyonce’s fashion line currently features a model with muscular dystrophy.  Prominent figures like Selena Gomez, Yvie Oddly, and Dan Reynolds are opening up about their conditions.

Representation is an integral part of Mighty Well’s mission.  Our products are not only created for patients, but designed and modeled by patients!  You can read about the medical intervention that led to our PICCPerfect PICC line covers here and our models’ stories in our Meet Mighty Model series.  More than this, our products are specifically designed so that they are not only functional, but also a fashion statement you can be proud of!

Let’s take this moment in history to be honest with ourselves and those around us, to boldly wear the gear we need and not feel the need to hide our experiences!  The more visibility we gain, the more the world will accept us for what we are — mighty!

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Ariela Paulsen

Ari struggled with a wide array of health problems for decades before being diagnosed with EDS/POTS/MCAS/etc at age 25. She began writing as a way to heal while spreading information and helping others through their own journeys. She loves being part of the Mighty Well team, sharing the stories and strengths of spoonies everywhere!

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Hi, We're Mighty Well.

The mission of Mighty Well is to help patients and their caregivers turn sickness into strength. We are leading the global charge that changes the perception of patients from victims to fighters. We do this by improving the experience of being a patient. We create the products we wish we’d had: functional and stylish apparel and accessories that you can wear with confidence - and content that can help you get through the good times and the bad. It’s wellness you can wear.

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It all started with a cut off sock, a cute hockey player, and an 8 AM finance class. Oh, and a PICC Line. That moment inspired us to launch our first product, the PICCPerfect PICC Line Cover.

 

We know it stinks to feel defined by a diagnosis or feel like just a name on a doctor’s chart. Sounds like you? Read how our founder turned sickness into strength.

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