Body Image and Mental Health: Impact On Self-Esteem 

Defining Body Image The National Eating Disorder Association (NEDA) defines body image as “how you see yourself when you look in the mirror or when you picture yourself in your mind.” It includes:  Many of us start to experience a negative self-image at a noticeably early age. Socialization and the media play a significant role… Continue reading Body Image and Mental Health: Impact On Self-Esteem 

Falling into Fitness: Embrace Autumn and Lower Your Cholesterol

As the heat of the summer months fades, and before we slip into layers of warm winter clothing, now is the time to enjoy what the crisp autumn air offers! There are a number of things one can do to stay active and get some fresh air. For those with high cholesterol, here is a… Continue reading Falling into Fitness: Embrace Autumn and Lower Your Cholesterol

Fizz and Kidneys: Is Soda Safe to Drink with Chronic Kidney Disease?

By: Kellsey Reed, RDN, LDN, PatientsLikeMe Contributor Cola, diet cola, lemon-lime, root beer…when it comes to soda, there are so many possibilities. While soda may be a tasty treat, is it acceptable on a kidney-friendly diet? It’s important first to understand the nutrients in soda and how they can interact with your kidney health.  What… Continue reading Fizz and Kidneys: Is Soda Safe to Drink with Chronic Kidney Disease?

The Truth About Vitamins and Supplements for Heart Disease

Medically Reviewed and Written By: Kathleen O’Shea Northrup, MD Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States for both men and women. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if there were vitamins or supplements you could take to help prevent heart disease? The appeal of preventing heart disease by taking a pill or… Continue reading The Truth About Vitamins and Supplements for Heart Disease

Decoding Dairy: Navigating Milk Consumption with Chronic Kidney Disease

By: Kellsey Reed, RDN, LDN, PatientsLikeMe Contributor Milk is a universal food, included in so many delicious dishes and treats. But is it safe to drink milk with chronic kidney disease?  The Nutritional Breakdown of Milk Milk is a controversial topic when it comes to CKD. Many state that milk should be limited to a… Continue reading Decoding Dairy: Navigating Milk Consumption with Chronic Kidney Disease

What Does It Mean to Be Diagnosed With Prediabetes?

Medically Reviewed and Written By: Kathleen O’Shea Northrup, MD Most of us have some understanding of what it means to have diabetes- medication, blood sugar monitoring, careful food intake- but what about prediabetes? And what do I do if my doctor tells me I have it? What Does “prediabetic” Mean? If you have been told that… Continue reading What Does It Mean to Be Diagnosed With Prediabetes?

Lp(a): Who Should Be Tested?

Medically Reviewed and Written By: Kathleen O’Shea Northrup, MD  Lp(a) – pronounced L-p-little-a- is a type of lipoprotein that is associated with much higher risks of acute coronary and vascular disease. It is estimated that 20-30% of the population has an elevated level. Lp(a) can not only cause narrowing of the arteries but can also increase… Continue reading Lp(a): Who Should Be Tested?

Cholesterol 101: What is LP(a)?

Medically Reviewed and Written By: Kathleen O’Shea Northrup, MD Lowering your cholesterol is a well-known way to decrease your risk of heart attack or stroke. You’ve likely heard of “good” cholesterol (HDL) and “bad” cholesterol (LDL), but what about Lipoprotein(a)? Lp(a), as it is more commonly known, has been the subject of increasing research in recent… Continue reading Cholesterol 101: What is LP(a)?

What is the Impact of Obesity on Autoimmune Conditions?

There are over 100 autoimmune conditions, like rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis, but experts still aren’t sure what causes them. Autoimmune conditions occur when your immune system mistakenly attacks the body instead of protecting it. Certain factors increase your risk of getting an autoimmune condition, such as smoking or having a family member with an… Continue reading What is the Impact of Obesity on Autoimmune Conditions?