On September 11th, an advisory panel to the FDA ruled that an active ingredient in many common over-the-counter cough and cold products is not effective. Phenylephrine, the drug in question, was found to reach the nose less than 1% of the time it was administered orally. Here is a short guide to all the questions… Continue reading The FDA’s Ruling on Cough and Cold Medicines: What You Need To Know
Category: Tips
Chronic Pain Flare-Ups Explained: What Are They? How Do You Recover?
If you live with chronic pain, you already know that there are some times when the pain is significantly worse than others. These sudden episodes of increased pain are known as flare-ups. The cause of flare-ups can be as diverse as the cause of the chronic pain itself and can vary depending on what type… Continue reading Chronic Pain Flare-Ups Explained: What Are They? How Do You Recover?
Is There One Best Diet for Type 2 Diabetes? Eating Right for Your Blood Sugar
If you have been diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes, you have probably been told just how important it is to have a healthy diet. In addition, losing just 10% of your body weight has been shown to make blood sugars easier to manage, and sometimes even leads to being able to decrease or even stop… Continue reading Is There One Best Diet for Type 2 Diabetes? Eating Right for Your Blood Sugar
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
Tailgate Delights: Low-Sodium Snacks to Enjoy on Game Day
What’s the Deal with Sodium and CKD? Sodium management is key when you have chronic kidney disease. This is due to the fact that sodium can influence how the kidneys function and blood pressure. Excessive amounts of sodium can make both kidney function and blood pressure worse. Therefore, following a low sodium diet with CKD… Continue reading Tailgate Delights: Low-Sodium Snacks to Enjoy on Game Day
Sleep and Mental Health: The Importance of a Good Night’s Sleep for a Sound Mind
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
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?