I originally created these cards as part of a post about what to say at the doctor's office to help get the appropriate evidence-based care you should be getting in the first place from doctors and other healthcare professionals. They have been shared around a lot, and I love hearing from people about how they used them and how much they helped (even though they shouldn't be necessary to begin with, but that's a subject for another post!)
Then recently Marilou Morin contacted me and asked if she could translate them into French. Of course I immediately said yes. So below you'll find the English and French versions. These cards are intended to be helpful, but are not for every situation (and if you are looking for one link to give to your healthcare provider, I recommend this one) I'm not a doctor and this isn't medical advice, just what has helped me to get appropriate healthcare as a fat patient. You'll also need to use your own judgment as to whether you want to hand the cards to your healthcare provider, or just use the information from them to talk to your healthcare provider.
A reminder that nobody is obligated to engage in activism at any time, but especially at the doctor's office where there can be an extreme power imbalance. While medical fatphobia becomes our problem, it is not our fault - the problem is not fat people existing, it's healthcare providers who are working from a place of weight stigma. While there are clear arguments whenever a healthcare provider says that a health issue is caused by being fat. you can also do what you have to do to get the healthcare you need.
Was this post helpful? If you appreciate the work that I do, you can support my ability to do more of it with a one-time tip or by becoming a member. (Members get special deals on fat-positive stuff, a monthly e-mail keeping them up to date on the work their membership supports, and the ability to ask me questions that I answer in a members-only monthly Q&A Video!)
Need some fat-positive end-of-year cheer? Here's a playlist of re-vamped holiday songs that highlight things like the importance of fat-friendly seating, singing the praises of our amazing bodies, and just saying no to giving unsolicited weight-loss gifts. Enjoy!
Like this blog? Here's more cool stuff: Body Love Obstacle CourseThis e-course that includes coaching videos, a study guide, and an ebook with the tools you need to create a rock-solid relationship with your body. Our relationships with our bodies don't happen in a vacuum, so just learning to see our beauty isn't going to cut it. The world throws obstacles in our way - obstacles that aren't our fault, but become our problem. Over the course of this program, Ragen Chastain, Jeanette DePatie, and six incredible guest coaches will teach you practical, realistic, proven strategies to go above, around, and through the obstacles that the world puts in front of you when it comes to living an amazing life in the body you have now.
Price: $99.00
($79.00 for DancesWithFat members - register on the member page)
Wellness for All Bodies Program: A simple, step-by-step, super efficient guide to setting and reaching your health goals from a weight-neutral perspective. This program can be used by individuals, or by groups, including as a workplace wellness program!
Price: $25.00 ($10 for DancesWithFat members - register on the member page)
Love It! 234 Inspirations And Activities to Help You Love Your Body
This is filled with thoughtful advice from the authors Jeanette DePatie, Ragen Chastain, and Pia Sciavo-Campo as well as dozens of other notable names from the body love movement, the book is lovingly illustrated with diverse drawings from size-positive artist Toni Tails.
Price: $9.99 softcover, $7.99 Kindle, ($6.95 + free shipping for DancesWithFat Members)
Book and Dance Class Sale! I'm on a journey to complete an IRON-distance triathlon, and I'm having a sale on all my books, DVDs, and digital downloads to help pay for it. You get books and dance classes, I get spandex clothes and bike parts. Everybody wins! If you want, you can check it out here! ( DancesWithFat Members get an even better deal, make sure to make your purchases from the Members Page!)
Book Me! I'd love to speak to your organization. You can get more information here or just e-mail me at ragen at danceswithfat dot org!
I'm (still!) training for an Iron-distance triathlon! You can follow my journey at www.IronFat.com .
If you are uncomfortable with my offering things for sale on this site, you are invited to check out this post.
Hi, I'm Ragen Chastain. Speaker, Writer, Dancer, Choreographer, Marathoner, Soon to be IRONMAN, Activist, Fat Person. View all posts by danceswithfat
