May is Huntington’s Disease (HD) Awareness Month and the Huntington’s Disease Society of America (HDSA) is helping spread the word. For each day of the month, the HDSA is sharing the real-world experience of someone affected by this neurodegenerative disease: patients, caregivers, social workers, doctors and public servants. You can see the latest every day… Continue reading “Faces of HD.” Raising awareness for Huntington’s disease
TEDMED 2013: Creating and experiencing wow!
One word comes to mind when describing my recent experience at TEDMED 2013 – WOW! Held annually at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C., TEDMED is a conference unlike any other. For 3 ½ days you are immersed in the ideas and creativity of people from around the world who bring diverse perspectives to some… Continue reading TEDMED 2013: Creating and experiencing wow!
Raising awareness for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
May is amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) Awareness Month. As many out there know, PatientsLikeMe was inspired by the life experiences of Stephen Heywood, who was diagnosed with this serious neurological disease back in 1998. Stephen’s brothers (Ben and Jamie) made many attempts to slow the progression of his condition, but their trial-and-error approach just wasn’t… Continue reading Raising awareness for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
“I choose hope.” Interview with Multiple Sclerosis Blogger Tricia
In our “Spotlighted Blogger” series, we’re talking with people who are sharing their personal health experiences to help raise awareness of disease and change healthcare for good. For our latest interview, we’re talking with Tricia who’s writing about her journey with multiple sclerosis (MS) on her blog Love My MS Life. Some of you may… Continue reading “I choose hope.” Interview with Multiple Sclerosis Blogger Tricia
The ‘something’ that helps you forget
If you’re living with a life changing condition, it’s sometimes hard to take your mind off it. We become consumed by medications, side effects, symptoms and everyday living. But every once in a while, we find something that can take our minds somewhere else. And for a time, no matter how brief, all those worries… Continue reading The ‘something’ that helps you forget
Keith & Sarah’s personal journey with rare lung disease. Part I, “Fine”
As part of our “Spotlighted Blogger” series, we’re talking with people who are sharing their personal health experiences to help raise awareness of disease and change healthcare for good. For our latest interview, we’re talking with Sarah and Keith. Sarah started writing about her fiancé Keith’s journey with a rare lung disease back in July… Continue reading Keith & Sarah’s personal journey with rare lung disease. Part I, “Fine”
Irritable Bowel Syndrome Awareness Month
Did you know that between 9%-23% of people around the world suffer from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)? However, many remain undiagnosed and just aren’t aware “that their symptoms indicate a medically recognized disorder.”[1] April is IBS Awareness Month and the International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders (IFFGD) is working to get information out to the… Continue reading Irritable Bowel Syndrome Awareness Month
Young professionals, students and patients gather to collaborate at 5th Parkinson’s Disease Summer School
The Parkinson’s Disease Summer School was founded in 2008 by Paul de Roos of the European Medical Students’ Association and Krzysztof Nesterowicz of the European Pharmacy Students’ Association. This year, the school is leaving its European roots and relocating to Montreal, Canada. Thirty participants from around the world will work in small teams to develop… Continue reading Young professionals, students and patients gather to collaborate at 5th Parkinson’s Disease Summer School
Raising awareness to lower stress
April is National Stress Awareness Month. According to the Mayo Clinic, our bodies release a burst of hormones when they perceive the threat of stress. It’s sometimes referred to as the “fight-or-flight” response.[1] It’s not a bad thing, but too much stress on a constant basis can negatively impact our health, relationships and overall quality… Continue reading Raising awareness to lower stress
Psoriasis in winter: what we’ve learned
The winter months can mean dry air, less sunlight, indoor heating, and heavy clothing – not the best conditions for people living with psoriasis. As part of our continuing seasonal series, we conducted a survey of our psoriasis community between October and March, receiving responses from over 500 patients. We asked everything from, “How does… Continue reading Psoriasis in winter: what we’ve learned