Is obese vs. has obesity. Is diabetic vs. has diabetes. Is hypertensive vs. has hypertension. Is pregnant vs. has a fetus. Is ill vs. has an illness.

There much talk about words and grammar within healthcare, and for the most part I think it’s all to the good.

However, I prefer to chose whether or not I use the verb “to be” or “to have” when I talk about myself.

I chose whether or not a particular health condition is part of my state of being, rather than a simple accessory.