We all know that when we don’t sleep for an extended period of time our physical health suffers. We feel groggy, lethargic, and have difficulty concentrating. But sleep deprivation is not just a detriment to our bodies. It also takes a huge toll on our minds. According to the Columbia University Department of Psychiatry, there… Continue reading Sleep and Mental Health: The Importance of a Good Night’s Sleep for a Sound Mind
Category: Conditions
Living with a health condition? On the PatientsLikeMe blog, find helpful health information and patient stories about being diagnosed, trying different treatments, and living day-to-day with a chronic condition.
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
Building Resilience: Finding Strength During the Mental Health Struggle
What is Resilience? Resilience is a critical part of navigating mental health challenges. According to the American Psychological Association, “Psychologists define resilience as the process of adapting well in the face of adversity, trauma, tragedy, threats, or significant sources of stress—such as family and relationship problems, serious health problems, or workplace and financial stressors.” But… Continue reading Building Resilience: Finding Strength During the Mental Health Struggle
A Kidney-Friendly Guide to Enjoying Pasta with Chronic Kidney Disease
When it comes to pasta, there are endless options! Pasta bolognese, carbonara, marinara, pesto, penne, spaghetti…and so much more. But can pasta fit into a kidney-friendly diet? Yes, it can! However, there are a few things to keep in mind. What Should You Know About Pasta? Pasta originates from Italy and is typically made from… Continue reading A Kidney-Friendly Guide to Enjoying Pasta with Chronic Kidney Disease
An Apple a Day: Can You Eat Apples with Chronic Kidney Disease?
It’s that time of year! Fall is just around the corner, and all things apple-flavored are coming back into season. Apple pie, cinnamon apples, apple cider donuts, apple crumble, caramel apples…the list goes on and on. Can you enjoy apples when you have Chronic Kidney Disease? Let’s take a look! All About Apples Did you… Continue reading An Apple a Day: Can You Eat Apples with Chronic Kidney Disease?
Snooze or Lose: The Crucial Connection Between Sleep and Blood Sugar
There are few things that can make you feel better than a good night’s sleep. Restful sleep improves mood, energy levels, and overall health. But did you know that fluctuations in your blood sugar can affect your sleep? What Does Blood Sugar Do to Your Body? To understand how this works, it helps to know… Continue reading Snooze or Lose: The Crucial Connection Between Sleep and Blood Sugar
Coping With Chronic Stress: Management Techniques for Day-To-Day Life
According to the World Health Organization, chronic stress “can be defined as a state of worry or mental tension caused by a difficult situation.” Although stress is a natural human response that most people experience, too much of it can lead to serious health conditions. Both the body and mind can be negatively impacted by… Continue reading Coping With Chronic Stress: Management Techniques for Day-To-Day Life
You Just Found Out You Have High Blood Pressure…Now What?
High blood pressure- also known as hypertension- is a medical condition that affects nearly half of all American adults. That’s right, 48.1% of Americans over 20 have a blood pressure that is considered too high! So, if you have just discovered that you are one of the many people with hypertension, you are not alone.… Continue reading You Just Found Out You Have High Blood Pressure…Now What?
Anxiety: What it Means and How to Cope
Anxiety is a normal part of the human condition. As individuals, we experience different types of anxiety regularly. This anxiety is usually categorized as “worry.” Worry about money, family, jobs, etc. But for people who are suffering from an anxiety disorder, small “worries” turn into big, overwhelming thoughts and feelings that can become difficult to… Continue reading Anxiety: What it Means and How to Cope
Demystifying Fibromyalgia: Is There a Test, and How Do You Manage It?
Medically Written and Verified Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that can cause pain all over the body, in addition to fatigue, trouble sleeping, and emotional distress. People with fibromyalgia tend to be more sensitive to pain than those without it. Several symptoms can be experienced by people who suffer from fibromyalgia, including headaches, feeling “foggy,”… Continue reading Demystifying Fibromyalgia: Is There a Test, and How Do You Manage It?