Quarantine and hair loss, giving yourself time to heal, and demanding justice
"I'm not here just to occupy space. I'm here to create it." -Rep. Ayanna Pressley
We’re halfway through 2020, and I think it’s fair to say the world has been facing some really challenging times. I hope you’re all staying safe and healthy out there while also doing your part to engage in the tough conversations we all really need to be having.
This first newsletter is going to be a bit of a test run. Hopefully there’ll be something in here that will catch your eye. (Links to contact me will also be at the bottom of each newsletter.)
And in case you missed the introduction post to this newsletter, you can read it here.
xo Traci
"I'm not here just to occupy space. I'm here to create it." -Rep. Ayanna Pressley (via The Root, 01/16/20)
Every time Rep. Ayanna Pressley of Massachusetts is on my TV or social feeds, I feel a burst of empowerment seeing her embrace her alopecia. She’s using her platform and her position as an elected official to call out injustices against the Black community and push for changes to end police brutality. It’s inspiring.
Learn more about the resolution introduced by Rep. Pressley and Reps. Ilhan Omar, Barbara Lee, and Karen Bass to condemn police brutality, racial profiling, and the excessive use of force.
Around the web…
English badminton player Toby Penty recently discussed his alopecia diagnosis with BBC Sport. His honesty is refreshing, and it’s a good reminder that we all struggle with how we feel about alopecia from time-to-time … and that’s OK. Expressing anxiety or fear doesn’t equal weakness. "I feel like I tried to rush myself into feeling good about myself again rather than letting this process take the time it needed,” Penty told BBC Sport. "I think nowadays we are always trying to rush everything. I think it's OK to give yourself time, and that's something I have learned - that time is a good healer.”
Do you know people who are starting to experience hair loss during this time of quarantine? Shape magazine explained why that might be happening. (Note: The bottom of this article lists some products they say can combat hair loss. Anytime an article or anything I share in this newsletter contains talk about “remedies,” I’m going to put my own disclaimer with it because I don’t believe in only advocating for “hair loss cures” when talking about alopecia or hair loss. Not all “remedies” or “cures” work for everyone, so be mindful of that before buying or using any products. You should also always consult with your physician before taking any supplements or drugs.)
Got a friend complaining about their “DIY quarantine haircut”? This is the time for us alopecians to chuckle a bit. The author of this humorous essay doesn’t say whether or not he has alopecia, but it’s definitely something anyone who’s experiencing hair loss can relate to!
In case you missed it…
Does having alopecia put you more at risk for COVID-19? That’s a question I’ve seen some people in my networks asking online. Although alopecia is an autoimmune disease, according to the National Alopecia Areata Foundation, there’s been no evidence that shows that it puts you at a higher risk of contracting the virus.
That might differ though if you have other underlying conditions or are on immunosuppressants. Always be sure to consult with your physician before making any decisions about your health.
Additional listening: “2 Minute Tuesdays: COVID-19 & Alopecia Areata - Are We More At Risk?” (Alopecia Life podcast)
Alopecia &… Spotlight: @men.of.alopecia
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Talk to me:
Email: alopeciamua@gmail.com
Instagram: @alopeciamua / @traciglee
Twitter: @traciglee