Chills. Goosebumps. Tingles. “Autonomic sensory meridian response” or ASMR is described as a pleasurable wave of calm that comes to some people during exposure to gentle actions and/or sounds: think whispering, tapping fingernails or turning pages. These ordinary audio and visual triggers can inspire a deeply soothing effect on many people – making ASMR potentially… Continue reading ASMR – The Phenomenon Everyone’s Whispering About
“Smart” Gear for Cold Hands Due to Raynaud’s Disease?
Member Julia (mjguimaraes), a product designer in Montreal who’s living with Raynaud’s disease and multiple autoimmune conditions, is creating hand-warmers and other smart gear intended to help patients. She even involved fellow PatientsLikeMe members in shaping her first product. What’s in the works? Check it out! Helping (Cold) Hands Julia is originally from Brazil and began to… Continue reading “Smart” Gear for Cold Hands Due to Raynaud’s Disease?
Keto + other diet trends: Healthy or hype?
Keto. Carnivore. Fasting. What should you know about these diet buzzwords and the potential benefits or risks, especially when you’re living with an existing or chronic health condition? Take a peek (and always talk with your doctor before making big dietary changes). 3 Hot Diet Trends In 2019 According to Google Trends data (accessed in early 2019),… Continue reading Keto + other diet trends: Healthy or hype?
Supplement safety smarts
It’s easy to see the temptation of taking dietary supplements. Getting vitamins, minerals and herbs or other “health foods” in pill form sounds simple. And some of the products’ claims — “Live longer!” or “Have more energy!” — may seem enticing. But even though most supplements don’t require a prescription, it’s best to check with… Continue reading Supplement safety smarts
Lupus And Period Problems, Explained
Are you living with lupus (SLE) and experiencing problems with your monthly period? (Like, not getting it. Or having a really heavy, long period.) And have you ever wondered how lupus might play a role in this? Read on. What Does The Research Show? Small studies have found that people with SLE are at greater risk… Continue reading Lupus And Period Problems, Explained
Can dogs detect disease? Studies say…
Can “Spot” spot cancer, diabetes, Parkinson’s disease and more? We’ve rounded up some of what the initial research shows so far — and it’s not just fluff. “The full potential of dogs to detect human disease is just beginning to be understood,” says Claire Guest, chief executive of a U.K.-based organization called Medical Detection Dogs, which trains… Continue reading Can dogs detect disease? Studies say…
Family activities with a health condition
Your chronic health condition may steal your energy, but it shouldn’t rob you of family fun. Jeanette Alston-Watkins was diagnosed with lupus (SLE) when her kids were 11 and 14. Check out this Q&A about activities she enjoyed with them despite SLE. Try some of these with your children or grandchildren over the upcoming holiday… Continue reading Family activities with a health condition
Gift Guide: Gadgets for People with Health Conditions
Who needs another scarf or coffee mug? With the holiday shopping season upon us, PatientsLikeMe members are crowd-sourcing a list of handy products and tools that can actually help people living with pain, fatigue and other symptoms of chronic illness or aspects of aging. Check out the list below, for starters, and then join PatientsLikeMe or log in to… Continue reading Gift Guide: Gadgets for People with Health Conditions
Parkinson’s Freezing Triggers and Fall Prevention
Gait freezing and falls are common among people with Parkinson’s disease (PD). Take a closer look at patients’ experiences, common triggers of freezing and tips that may help prevent falls. What is known about freezing and falls? Researchers and movement experts have been studying gait freezing in people with PD for several decades. The exact… Continue reading Parkinson’s Freezing Triggers and Fall Prevention
Lupus Diagnosis and Lupus Self Test: Member Hetlena’s Pointers For Her Old (Newbie with SLE) Self
What would someone who has lived with lupus (SLE) for decades tell her younger, newly diagnosed self? PatientsLikeMe member Hetlena (@TheLupusLiar), who was diagnosed with lupus in 1993, recently answered that question for us in the following personal essay reflecting on what she’s learned through the years… Tips For A Newly Diagnosed SLE Patient “This… Continue reading Lupus Diagnosis and Lupus Self Test: Member Hetlena’s Pointers For Her Old (Newbie with SLE) Self