Many people keep a journal, a place where they can write down everything from daily events to their innermost thoughts and feelings. It can be a very personal, even therapeutic exercise, especially when the writer is experiencing a health journey, or is a caretaker helping a friend or family member cope with a variety of health challenges. Sona Mehring, founder and CEO of CaringBridge, has unique perspective on this topic, since one of the many uses of the social media sites sponsored by CaringBridge is to provide a platform for personal health journals about your unique experiences of coping with [...]

CaringBridge has been here for families, friends and loved ones for more than 15 years. Our new blog, Uplift, is the newest way we hope to help. We’ll be sharing entries that speak to what it means to care and to cope. Because we’ve always believed that support matters most during difficult times. What will you find on Uplift? Personal stories and reflections from past CaringBridge users. Tips to ensure your own wellness and wellbeing. Stories of shared health conditions. Messages from our founder. What will all of our entries have in common? They won’t be what you’re likely to [...]

CaringBridge CEO Sona Mehring and Amplifier Jenny Counsell recently spoke about the benefits of sharing health updates in an ad-free space on American Public Media’s Marketplace Tech Report. Though CaringBridge gets calls from potential advertisers almost daily, Sona said we’ll continue to embrace the charitable giving model that has sustained our organization for over 15 years. “Monetizing,” simply put, means trying to make money at the expense of people visiting a site or participating in a social network like Facebook or Twitter. Running paid ads or selling certain information about site visitors are examples of monetizing. CaringBridge doesn’t do this. [...]

As a writer for CaringBridge, I try to be an Amplifier in all that I do for my day-to-day work activities. I find it so rewarding to play a part in supporting people facing any health condition—whether big or small, acute or long term—and those who care for them. However, I knew there was more I could offer you by sharing my story and introducing you to people who have helped me along the way. Obesity as a life-altering condition For the past 30 years, I have been on a health journey of my own. Thirty years is how long [...]

I first heard Darlene Kvist speak about the life-changing power of good nutrition in May, 2007 on her weekly radio show, Dishing Up Nutrition. At the time, I was 100 pounds overweight and feeling hopeless about my health (read my story). With her guidance, I got well and drastically improved the quality of my life. I hope you find information in her article that will help you on your health journey. Nell Kauls, CaringBridge staff member What do your day-to-day nutritional choices have to do with being a caregiver? A great deal, it turns out. The food you eat affects [...]