Day 22 of #dwarfismawarenessmonth

The world was designed for someone of average height so it becomes daunting especially for a child with dwarfism.

Small steps can be taken to make the home accessible for all inhabitants.

Your child needs as much independence as possible right from the start.

Making the home accessible will involve the Lp child in all household chores and activities.

A step stool to reach the sink, kitchen counter, the toilet seats.

Lower some of your mirrors so the child gets to look at themselves.

She or he needs to look at themselves as this will help with coming to terms with who they are.

Low raised furniture including beds make it easy to get on and off.

Ramps will go a long way not just for the little person ( we take shorter strides hence stairs tire us out fast) but for PWDs, the elderly, pregnant women and children.

However if cost is not a limitation then you can lower everything in the house especially light switches , door knobs , sinks and the toilet seat.

Accessibility is KEY when it comes to LPs and other PWDs.

#accessibility #independentliving

Day 23 of #dwarfismawarenessmonth

Let’s talk about the elephant in the room(Pun intended)

If there is anything that I have struggled with all my life it is the weight.

I have always been on the chubby end of the scale even as child.

My weight has been flip flopping and eventually I hit a BIG plateau!

I have to blame genetics ( have you met my family ?!)

What most people don’t know is that, People with Dwarfism are susceptible to being overweight.

PLEASE bear in mind that not all Little people struggle with weight.

Some LPs are Maa Shaa Allah

BUT We all know the dangers of being obese.

On aLittle body the effects are worse as it affects the bones, joints and the spine.

It compromises our already poor breathing system and will make our sleep apnea much worse.

There have been studies that link achondroplasia (commonest form of Dwarfism) especially to abdominal obesity though causes are yet to be discovered.

Most adults with dwarfism tend to become overweight with time although in some cases it starts during childhood , through the teenage years and accelerates as the LP grows older.

Medically they rely on the Body mass index (BMI ) as a standard for measuring obesity but it is a height dependent index and will therefore put most LPs at the obese end.

This standard of measurement because of my height, which is similar to a child’s, will conclude that I should eat childlike portions!

Y’all know how I love my steak

All kidding aside, this is a virgin land for nutritionists and dieticians to explore!!

(10% commission coz I have been dropping Biz ideas your way throughout my posts)

We need viable solutions for the long term.

Parents of LPs need to watch out for this raising health problem and put preventive measures in place.

We all know prevention is better than cure!!

Being mindful of what one eats( ) for adults is the first step.

portion control ( a reminder to myself first).

The choice of food contributes more to weight gain than the lack of exercise.

Introduction of some non aggressive exercise routine such as swimming or light cardio would also go a long way.

that is for LPs who have issues with their bones.

Otherwise follow an exercise regimen of your choice and keep switching it up to avoid making it boring.

Other things to watch out for include sleep habits , stress and anxiety and depression which all contribute to becoming obese.

As an advocate of mental health I cannot stress enough the importance of the emotional wellbeing of LPs.

We face a double stigma because of the Dwarfism and then the shame that people who are obese, face.

This makes it a whole lot worse

Communities should also be involved in advocating for healthier children both physically and emotionally.

If you make fun of us, exclude us from play activities or from befriending your children these will trigger emotional turmoil that may lead to overeating (binging).

Part of this long term plan of having LP adults that are healthy and happy is somewhat tied to how society looks at and how it treats LPs.

Be more accepting, kinder and more respectful.

(Disclaimer: I am not an expert on weight management clearly )

#happierandhealthier #Weightgoals

Day 29 of #dwarfismawarenessmonth

Jaliah Rashidah , my fashionista, this one’s for you!!

Most women fuss over their looks, that’s a given.

We want our hair to be perfect, our skins to be flawless and our clothes to be impressive.

I come from a line of very beautiful and fashionable women.

If you know any female in my family, you know how we do it.

So I was raised to always present my best self, regardless of the circumstances.

And I live with a woman who has over 100 pairs of heels in different colors , shades and textures.

Don’t get me started on her bag collection!!Princess Sharmirah Kimbugwe tell them!!

But anyone who knows me , knows that I love looking good.( no games)

Looking good for me evens the playing field a bit.

If you are going to stare at me , why don’t I wow you instead?!

I make a deliberate effort to look good for me, and if it pleases others ,well and good.

Unfortunately the beauty industry excludes women with disabilities and by extension Little women.

No one makes clothes for our bodies!

No one makes clothes specifically for LPs.

So we struggle with finding the right clothes and this applies to both men and women.

Kids clothes may fit some LPs that are tiny but they still are kids clothes and not all may be worn by an adult.

You don’t want to be caught in frills and bows and butterflies or in suspenders and

I love buying clothes ( shocker ) but then most arcades that carry variety are inaccessible for me while the upscale ones cater for a certain body size.

And let’s just say the styles are not fit for a Hijabi.

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So for me like most LPs, shopping for clothes and shoes is a HUGE dilemma.

(In comes ,my fairy godmother) Alhamdulillah

I am privileged and blessed to have an in house glam squad and Aminah got game!!

This girl is gifted, Maa shaa Allah

So she takes care of all my shopping needs.

She knows the right cut and style that flatters me

I love color and I don’t shy away from mixing it up.

We literally have all colors of scarves!!

She buys from everywhere and most pieces come as separates but she knows how to switch, match and blend them!!

We buy average height clothes and our tailor alters them.

Bless Namu and her good hands.

She has mastered the art of cutting up and stitching it all perfectly.

My brother Mate does the same thing with his pants and shirts.( he has his own “ Namu” or let’s say Semu

Unfortunately these alterations are costly and unaffordable for the average LP.

This is another business opportunity,someone that makes custom made clothes for LPs.

(Don’t forget my 10% cut)

As for the shoes woweee , for this one even me and my stylist struggle hard.

Most LPs have short but wide feet.

This means most kids shoes can’t fit us.

I usually buy the shoes myself because it requires trying them on first.

So When we find them, we usually buy in bulk!

Someone let me know if you come across a size 2 wide US .

It has to be an ordinary shoe ( nothing cutesy).

This is another business idea, LP shoes with adult type of styles for both men and women.

You are welcome

To the beauty industry just be a little more inclusive in your products and services!

The media hold the designers and fashion houses accountable including our Ugandan labels!!

Finally to my LP sisters, i am not saying wear makeup or buy expensive clothes, ( looking fantastic doesn’t mean breaking the bank) just make a little effort in how you look, it could just be your smile and that’s all

#iffabulouswasahijabi #flauntyourstyle