Category: Patient Experiences

Preparing for the Unexpected: What to Do During a Healthcare Service Outage

Early in the morning on July 19th, 2024, an IT glitch associated with Microsoft’s cloud computing services led to major outages to services worldwide. Airlines, health systems, law enforcement agencies, and banking were all affected. The outage was due to a faulty software update by the cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike. Long lines formed at airports as… Continue reading Preparing for the Unexpected: What to Do During a Healthcare Service Outage

Health Conditions that Impact Black Communities   

It has been researched and documented that Black individuals in the United States experience significant health disparities across sectors. “Compared to their white counterparts, African Americans are generally at higher risk for heart diseases, stroke, cancer, asthma, influenza and pneumonia, diabetes, and HIV/AIDS,” according to the Office of Minority Health. This same office reports, “Blacks/African… Continue reading Health Conditions that Impact Black Communities   

The Benefits of Cold Plunging and Cold Therapy for Chronic Pain and Chronic Illness

Chilling Benefits? What to Know About Cold Plunges Cold plunging and cold therapy, also known as cryotherapy, have gained popularity for their potential benefits in managing chronic pain and chronic diseases. Let’s explore the science behind this buzzed-about therapy and its potential to improve health and wellness. Understanding Cold Therapy and Cold Plunging Cold therapy,… Continue reading The Benefits of Cold Plunging and Cold Therapy for Chronic Pain and Chronic Illness

Ulcerative Colitis vs. Crohn’s Disease: Understanding the Key Differences

Medically reviewed and verified by Kate Burke, MD, MHA Navigating the Differences Between Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn’s Disease Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) affects millions worldwide, with Ulcerative Colitis (UC) and Crohn’s Disease being the two main types. While these conditions share similarities, understanding their differences is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment. Let’s explore what… Continue reading Ulcerative Colitis vs. Crohn’s Disease: Understanding the Key Differences

From Preclinical to Approval: How Clinical Trials Bring New Treatments to Market

Estimated reading time: 7 minutes Clinical Trials Explained Often, we hear of new treatments becoming available, but have you ever wondered what each new treatment has to go through to get approved by a regulatory body like the FDA? Before a new treatment is approved for commercialization, it needs to go through a meticulous trial… Continue reading From Preclinical to Approval: How Clinical Trials Bring New Treatments to Market

Hints and Ideas for Those with ALS or Mobility Issues and Their Caregivers 

Written by Leigh Ann Nielson, PLM Member My name is Leigh Ann Nielson and I was diagnosed with ALS/Lou Gehrig’s Disease on November 27, 2019. It has been quite a journey. I am not a doctor, nor do I advocate for not following your doctor’s advice. That said, you have choices. Be sure your medical… Continue reading Hints and Ideas for Those with ALS or Mobility Issues and Their Caregivers 

Working with a Chronic Condition: Your Rights and Options for Sharing with Your Employer and Taking Leave

Navigating Work with a Chronic Condition: Your Rights and Options Living with a chronic health condition can present unique challenges in the workplace. Many individuals find themselves struggling to balance their professional responsibilities with the unpredictable nature of their symptoms. If you’re in this situation, you’re not alone. In fact, over 51,000 members of PatientsLikeMe… Continue reading Working with a Chronic Condition: Your Rights and Options for Sharing with Your Employer and Taking Leave

Do I Need to Be a Member? Accessing Optum Perks Online Care

Optum Perks Online Care is a virtual healthcare platform that allows you to get questions and concerns addressed by licensed healthcare professionals! This means you can submit something you are wondering about, symptoms, and questions online at any time, and a healthcare provider will review and respond with treatment plan options in 15 minutes or… Continue reading Do I Need to Be a Member? Accessing Optum Perks Online Care

Complementary and Alternative Treatments for Amyloidosis

Medically reviewed and verified by Kate Burke, MD, MHA There is no cure for amyloidosis, but traditional treatment methods fall into one of two buckets. There are medications that can be prescribed to treat symptoms. These include chemotherapy drugs, heart medications, and targeted therapies for certain types of amyloidosis. The other approach is surgical. Stem… Continue reading Complementary and Alternative Treatments for Amyloidosis