For many experts, the last few years have represented a mental health crisis. Feelings of anxiety and depression have grown significantly since the start of the global pandemic in 2020. A recent report from JAMA noted increases in people who are in mental health treatment, across all ages. This was particularly prevalent for the use… Continue reading A New Approach to Mental Health Treatment? AI Chatbots
Executive Order Promoting Women’s Health Research
President Joe Biden has signed a sweeping executive order aimed at advancing women’s health research. This marks a significant step forward during Women’s History Month. Described as the “most comprehensive set of actions” by a president in this regard, the initiative will focus on addressing diseases and conditions that disproportionately affect women. In his State… Continue reading Executive Order Promoting Women’s Health Research
World’s First: Surgeons Transplant Modified Pig Kidney into Live Human
A surgical team at Massachusetts General Hospital has conducted the world’s first genetically edited pig kidney transplant into a living human. Surgeons successfully connected the pig kidney’s blood vessels and ureter to those of 62-year-old Richard Slayman. Mr. Slayman suffers from end-stage kidney disease, and is reportedly recovering well after the surgery. Richard Slayman had… Continue reading World’s First: Surgeons Transplant Modified Pig Kidney into Live Human
Clinical Trials: What Are They, and Should You Participate?
Clinical trials play a vital role in advancing medical knowledge and developing new treatments for chronic conditions. If you’re living with a chronic illness, you may have considered participating in a clinical trial but felt uncertain about what it entails. What are clinical trials? These research studies are conducted with human volunteers to evaluate the… Continue reading Clinical Trials: What Are They, and Should You Participate?
Navigating Social Events with Chronic Pain
As the warmth of spring beckons, so do the gatherings and festivities that come with the season! However, navigating social events for anyone managing chronic illnesses and pain can present unique challenges. Chronic pain in particular can throw up roadblocks left and right. Besides the physical side effects that make it hard to engage in… Continue reading Navigating Social Events with Chronic Pain
Unveiling the Hidden Struggle: Teenage Boys and Mental Health
Recent insights into teenage mental health reveal a sobering reality: young men are grappling with depression and anxiety at rates comparable to their female counterparts. Yet, many boys face undetected mental health challenges, lacking the support and intervention they desperately need. Boys may express mental distress through irritability, aggression, and impulsivity rather than traditional signs… Continue reading Unveiling the Hidden Struggle: Teenage Boys and Mental Health
Depression Poses Higher Heart Disease Risk for Women
New research has found a concerning connection between depression and heart disease. Researchers found a particularly strong connection in the heightened risk for women. Analysis of data spanning from 2005 to 2022 revealed that women with depression face a 64% increased risk of heart disease compared to men. The study involved over 4 million participants.… Continue reading Depression Poses Higher Heart Disease Risk for Women
Sweetened Beverages Linked to Increased Heart Risk
In a recently published study, researchers shed light on a concerning link between sweetened beverage consumption and atrial fibrillation (A-fib). This is a potentially dangerous heart risk characterized by an irregular heartbeat. Atrial fibrillation is a serious health concern. It is known to lead to complications such as stroke, blood clots, and heart failure. It… Continue reading Sweetened Beverages Linked to Increased Heart Risk
How to Enjoy Sweet Potatoes with Chronic Kidney Disease
Mashed, roasted, or baked, sweet potatoes are a tasty alternative to white potatoes. They contain beneficial vitamins and minerals, making them a powerhouse of nutrition. But are you able to enjoy them when you have chronic kidney disease? Let’s find out. Sweet Potato Nutrition Information for Chronic Kidney Disease Sweet potatoes are root vegetables that… Continue reading How to Enjoy Sweet Potatoes with Chronic Kidney Disease
Tempeh: A Plant-Based Protein Option for CKD
Have you heard of tempeh? Tempeh, a plant-based protein source, derives from fermented soybeans. It is a traditional food in Indonesia, specifically the Island of Java. Tempeh is like a soybean “cake”, making it a great alternative to tofu or soybeans. While tempeh frequently features in plant-based diets, can you still savor it with CKD?… Continue reading Tempeh: A Plant-Based Protein Option for CKD