From the photographer that brought us the Just Breathe and SaltyGirls books, the much anticipated The SaltyLife magazine is hitting homes. After all the hype, what do we think about this new magazine?

The SaltyLife

First, a little background on the magazine. So what is The SaltyLife magazine about? The SaltyLife is a magazine designed to provide information about cystic fibrosis and its community. In an email interview, the creator, Ian Pettigrew, stated, “the vision for the magazine is to have it as a concise, reliable resource of information for those with CF (and those affected by it). But to also temper that with some levity, like the Salty Portraits section, where individuals get to tell there own story.” Pettigrew was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis when he was 38 years old. His passion for photography and late diagnosis of CF led him to his first two projects to spread CF awareness with a focus that it is no longer a childhood disease. “The idea was born out of my first two books, Just Breathe and SaltyGirls. I wanted a greater platform to reach more people and I thought the magazine format was the best way to accomplish that.” What an exciting idea it is!

BONUS: It comes in both print and electronic versions!

One of my favorite parts about The SaltyLife magazine is that it encompasses such a wide variety of topics. There are articles covering everything from lifestyle to medicine. In regards to the wide variety of topics, Pettigrew stated, “We are already trying to diversify topics. Issue 2 will introduce a new section that is just for Teens/Tweens about their issues.” This certainly is a magazine tailored perfectly to cystic fibrosis – it helps that the staff is a collection of individuals who are also battling CF.

Lifestyle

The SaltyLife does a wonderful job at covering the bases of different lifestyles of people living with cystic fibrosis. The feature of the magazine covers motherhood. A topic that I am not all that familiar with, but am always impressed by. I always wondered what it would be like to be a parent with CF. The magazine showcases both mothers with CF and mothers of CF patients. I was glad to be able to hear about both perspectives. It makes me both hopeful for my future and thankful for my past. Make sure to thank your mom and give her a big hug – this feature will definitely make you want to!

Exercise within the CF community has becoming a quickly growing topic. Finding what works for one person can be very different for what works for the next. There are two different articles covering the topic of exercise. The best part is that they are different types of exercise. The articles covering James Cameron, a bodybuilder and personal trainer, and Emily Schaller, founder of Rock CF Foundation, whom both live with CF, discuss the benefits of exercise as a part of the CF lifestyle. Both share their stories and what makes them successful along with some tips and tricks to getting started yourself. Be prepared for some inspiration!

Along with exercise, diet is a key ingredient to a healthy lifestyle. There is a recipe section from a chef that has first hand experience with caring for someone with cystic fibrosis. Not only are they delicious, but they are recipes that are easy to whip up from leftovers when you may not have a lot of energy. I looking forward to hearing more about diet and nutrition as the magazine grows!

Community

Have you ever just felt lost when it comes to cystic fibrosis? Finding community is one of the most difficult aspects of CF because there are no support groups due to the high infection risk. It is so cool to see and hear stories from other CF patients. While every person’s story is different, there is something uniting about knowing that there are real people out there who are fighting the same battle as you. It is easy to get weighed down by our own health and challenges, so it can be really encouraging to hear a fresh perspective.

Hobbies are typically a huge part of a CF patient’s life because we are not always able to work. It also serves as a distraction from our health and something to work for. Music and travel are two of my favorite hobbies, so I was really excited to see that there were articles about both hobbies. You can read about first-hand experience on the joys and challenges behind these hobbies. Maybe you are looking for a hobby or thought you had to restrict yourself from participating in certain hobbies. This magazine continues to inspire by sharing real-life experiences.

Aside from indirectly meeting other CF patients, there are several interviews with CEOs and other professionals within CF organizations. We get to meet the people who are battling for us! It encompasses organizations around the world. It was really fun learning the similarities and differences between the organizations around the world. The internet is allowing us to make friends around the world, so it is important to learn about the organizations that are fighting for their lives as well as our own.

There is so much more to share under this community section, but you will just have to pick up an issue and read for yourself. It is SO worth it!

Medicine

Medicine is one of the most important aspects of our health to be educated on. It is largely one of the reasons that we are all here today reading this review. While most people think of medicine as purely pills, IVs, and other pharmaceutical drugs, The SaltyLife opens our eyes to ALL aspects of medicine. There are articles covering alternative medicine, pharmacy medicine, and explaining the medicine of CF. I believe that it is so important to be knowledgable about medicines. Only YOU know your body best and ultimately decide what goes into it. How can you decide what to put into it if you are lacking on the education? This magazine is proving to be a one-stop read on different types of medicines and the why behind them. I am an extreme believer in knowledge and education. To be able to have a resource that provides a manageable, yet informative amount of information is key to advancing that education.

The Review

I would absolutely recommend this magazine. It is incredibly easy to discover and indulge in the life of cystic fibrosis. Whether you are battling CF, care for someone with CF, or are just curious about CF, this is an excellent resource for a true looking glass into the disease and its culture. I enjoyed reading about all of the different stories that those with CF shared. There were organizations, people, and groups that I was familiar with, but had no idea what had brought them to where they are today. What I am most excited about for future issues is to see how the magazine progresses. I am so impressed that the very first issue of this magazine turned out so well, especially considering that there is nothing else like it! The writing in all of the articles was interesting and easy to read. The organization of the magazine was easy to read and uncluttered. This is a totally unique idea and was executed so well. My hope is that the magazine continues to grow with the community. Not only to spread CF awareness, but to educate and inspire.

Please make sure to share your thoughts and opinions all across social media! After all, this is a magazine specifically tailored to its audience. There is an incredibly kind and caring staff behind the scenes of this magazine. When asked about diversifying and deciding topics, Pettigrew responded, “We are very active on social media and I like to personally respond to people. If I see there is a demand for something I’ll discuss it with my associate editors and we’ll make a decision.” Make sure to preorder your issue NOW!

“You have no idea how much it’s appreciated, and the difference you have helped make.” – Ian Pettigrew on his reflection of the Just Breathe book

If you would like to advertise or know anyone that would like to advertise in The SaltyLife magazine check out how here.