It may seem counterintuitive, but according to some of our members, there are actually some good things that can come out of being diagnosed with a serious illness. In the spirit of Thanksgiving – a time when many people are reminded of all the things they have to be grateful for – we thought we… Continue reading What’s Positive About Disease?
Category: HIV/AIDS
Common Women’s Health Conditions
When you think of women’s health, you probably think of conditions specific to the biologically female body. This includes pregnancy, gynecological concerns, menopause and breast cancer. But there are many common women affected health conditions outside of these select few that greatly impact women around the globe. Johns Hopkins reports, “Many health issues affect women… Continue reading Common Women’s Health Conditions
Coping with Changes in Physical Appearance
When you are diagnosed with a life-changing illness, your doctor may prepare you for how the disease will affect your physical functions. But as our members point out, patients also need to be prepared for the changes in physical appearance they may experience. For example, how do you deal with hair loss, facial swelling, weight… Continue reading Coping with Changes in Physical Appearance
A Patient Poem for the Modern Age
Can you be friends with someone you’ve never met in person? The members of our online health community – now 300, 000+ patients strong – think so. In fact, many of them say they depend on other members for support and encouragement, and for the all-important reminder that they are not alone. As evidence, here… Continue reading A Patient Poem for the Modern Age
Not Recognizing the “New Me”
For many newly diagnosed patients, accepting help can be as difficult as accepting the diagnosis itself. According to some of the members of our Parkinson’s disease community, here are a few signs that you may be struggling with the idea of becoming someone who might need help. Have you found yourself feeling resentful when family,… Continue reading Not Recognizing the “New Me”
The Importance of Open Access: An Interview with Patient Advocate Graham Steel
A native of Glasgow, Scotland, Graham Steel is a longtime “Guest Researcher Member” of PatientsLikeMe. Following the death of his brother Richard at the age of 33 from a rare condition known as variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (vCJD), Graham became involved in patient advocacy work, and most recently, in lobbying for open access to published scientific… Continue reading The Importance of Open Access: An Interview with Patient Advocate Graham Steel
Coping with Holiday Stress and Blues
It’s the most wonderful time of the year. Or is it? The holidays can be a time of merriment and joy marked by festive parties and family reunions. But they can also be quite challenging. Despite the great cheer advertised everywhere you look, some people find themselves struggling with stress, anxiety, loneliness and/or depression. This… Continue reading Coping with Holiday Stress and Blues
What Patients Are Thankful For
Thanksgiving is a time for remembering all the reasons you have to be grateful. For patients who face numerous health challenges, this can mean reminding yourself of all the things you have gained – not lost – since your diagnosis. One theme that we’re especially proud to hear our 120,000+ members express is how thankful… Continue reading What Patients Are Thankful For
Giving Caregivers the Recognition They Deserve
“The true strength of the American family finds its roots in an unwavering commitment to care for one another.” – President Barack Obama November is National Family Caregivers Month, “a time to thank, support, educate and empower family caregivers.” There are more than 65 million family caregivers in the US who day in and day… Continue reading Giving Caregivers the Recognition They Deserve
It’s the Season for Seasonal Affective Disorder
Now that daylight savings time has ended, the days are shorter, and before you know it, it’s nightfall. Has this affected your mood? Seasonal affective disorder (SAD), also known as seasonal depression, is a condition marked by a period of depression that occurs during the same season year after year. In most cases, that season… Continue reading It’s the Season for Seasonal Affective Disorder