Fundraising for a health-related charity walk/run? Get sponsored by PatientsLikeMe!

Looking for ideas for raising more money for an upcoming cancer walk, MS bike ride, or other health-related charity event where you’ll be hitting the streets? Learn more about PatientsLikeMeInMotion! It’s a program that sponsors you and your team as you walk, run, cycle (etc.) with a nonprofit organization to raise funds and awareness for your… Continue reading Fundraising for a health-related charity walk/run? Get sponsored by PatientsLikeMe!

Why is dietary advice so all over the place? Nutrition experts explain

If you’re confused about what kind of milk to drink, what type of cooking oil is “healthiest” or whether the Mediterranean diet is the ticket to heart health, you’re not alone. Nutrition experts dig into the complexity of dietary research. Digesting dietary advice The constant churn of nutrition news, books and blog posts — combined… Continue reading Why is dietary advice so all over the place? Nutrition experts explain

Advance directives: What are they and why should you have one?

If you find talking about end-of-life care and advance directives isn’t easy, you’re not alone. One 2013 survey by The Conversation Project found that while 90% of respondents said talking about it with loved ones is important, only 27% actually started the conversation. And according to another recent study, as few as 38% of patients living with a… Continue reading Advance directives: What are they and why should you have one?

Getting back in the groove — 5 hacks + hints for routines that work

Even if you haven’t been a student for several years, back-to-school season feels like the time to get back into a routine. What’s involved in a good routine? And what are the potential health perks of a basic regimen? See what the research shows, and join PatientsLikeMe to swap ideas with other members in this forum chat. How… Continue reading Getting back in the groove — 5 hacks + hints for routines that work

MS & Vertigo: How do you cope?

Ever have a sudden loss of balance or feel like the room is spinning? You’re not alone —it’s a popular topic in the forum, and vertigo might be to blame. See what other members have shared about their experience with this symptom and how they cope. What’s vertigo? Vertigo is the feeling that you, or the… Continue reading MS & Vertigo: How do you cope?

“Not tonight”: How health conditions can affect your sex life + relationships

Personal (but important) question: How’s your sex life? Explore how your diagnosis (and symptoms and treatments) can impact your romantic relationships, see what members are saying about the topic on PatientsLikeMe — and learn what you can possibly do about love-life struggles. Intimacy, interrupted According to sexologists, people with a variety of health conditions can… Continue reading “Not tonight”: How health conditions can affect your sex life + relationships

MS constipation blues? See 12+ treatment options

Feeling “irregular” on the regular? Constipation is a common issue for people living with multiple sclerosis (MS), affecting as many as 40% of patients. Over 15,000 MS members on PatientsLikeMe report experiencing bowel problems and of those, about 47% have reported it as “moderate” or “severe” – take a look here. With help from our team of… Continue reading MS constipation blues? See 12+ treatment options

Let’s talk: Parkinson’s disease, speech changes + communication issues

Parkisnon's Speech

Parkinson’s disease can cause your voice to become raspy, quiet or unsteady, and motor symptoms can make writing and typing more difficult. Have you experienced communication issues like these? See what others have tried — from Lee Silverman Voice Treatment and voice-activated “smart” devices to (drumroll please…) singing classes. How PD can impact communication Parkinson’s… Continue reading Let’s talk: Parkinson’s disease, speech changes + communication issues

It’s Self-Care Day! 7 “pillars” for taking care of you

Selfcare

Today is International Self-Care Day. There’s even a Senate resolution designating July 24 as a day to recognize the importance of self-care in the U.S. (it’s on 7/24 because, ideally, it should be a focus 24/7 for everyone). Has your self-care — from diet and hydration to hygiene and hobbies — been slipping because of competing priorities? Bring… Continue reading It’s Self-Care Day! 7 “pillars” for taking care of you

Staying mobile with assistive walking devices: Member Cathy weighs in

walking devices

Do you have difficulty walking or getting around? Have you considered using a wheelchair, walker or cane? Making the decision to use a walking or mobility aid can be difficult. You’re not alone. Here, PatientsLikeMe member Cathy living with multiple sclerosis shares about how she overcame the fear of losing her independence and how using a cane is… Continue reading Staying mobile with assistive walking devices: Member Cathy weighs in