Tag: Awareness

Is Being Overweight Really Your Fault?

Obesity is a major public health concern in the United States. According to the CDC, two-thirds of Americans are overweight, and about one-third live with obesity. Obesity increases the risk of getting chronic health conditions like heart disease, type 2 diabetes, stroke, and even some cancers. But obesity is not just about personal choices. It… Continue reading Is Being Overweight Really Your Fault?

Navigating Pregnancy Challenges with Lupus

Approximately 90% of systematic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients are women, with the condition most frequently diagnosed during their childbearing years (ages 15 to 44)1. This timing presents unique challenges for those navigating pregnancy and motherhood.  Pregnancy Risks With a Lupus Diagnosis Studies show that women with lupus face a higher risk of obstetric complications, including… Continue reading Navigating Pregnancy Challenges with Lupus

Lupus and Mental Health: Understanding Neuropsychiatric Symptoms and Care

Mental health is a critical aspect of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), a chronic autoimmune disease that affects multiple organ systems. Between 15% and 75% of individuals with SLE experience psychological symptoms, such as depression, anxiety, cognitive dysfunction, and psychosis1-4. These can either result directly from the disease or arise as secondary effects due to its… Continue reading Lupus and Mental Health: Understanding Neuropsychiatric Symptoms and Care

Living with Lupus Nephritis: Symptoms, Risk Factors, and Ongoing Care

Lupus nephritis (LN) is a serious and frequent complication of Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), a chronic autoimmune disorder that leads to inflammation and damage in multiple organ systems, particularly the kidneys. It typically emerges within 3 – 5 years after SLE diagnosis and increases the risk of end-stage renal disease (ESRD).  It affects approximately 40%… Continue reading Living with Lupus Nephritis: Symptoms, Risk Factors, and Ongoing Care

Empowering Yourself with Lupus: Key Steps to Advocate for Your Health and Well-Being

Systematic lupus erythematosus (SLE / Lupus) affects everyone differently, with symptoms that can fluctuate over time1. The most reported symptoms of lupus include fatigue, joint pain and swelling, and skin (butterfly) rashes2. However, some of the rarer symptoms, such as gastrointestinal issues (abdominal pain and nausea) and pulmonary complications (interstitial lung disease and lupus pneumonia),… Continue reading Empowering Yourself with Lupus: Key Steps to Advocate for Your Health and Well-Being

Does Practicing Self-Compassion Help Heal Trauma?

If you have ever felt like your struggles with eating, body image, or weight run deeper than willpower, you are not alone. There is growing evidence that trauma, especially from childhood or significant life events, plays a powerful role in how we relate to food, our bodies, and ourselves. But how exactly does trauma impact… Continue reading Does Practicing Self-Compassion Help Heal Trauma?

Unmasking Diseases that Mimic MS and nrSPMS

Medically reviewed and verified by Kate Burke, MD, MHA When it comes to diagnosing a neurological condition, doctors run a battery of tests. You may be wondering why this is! The reality is that many diseases share overlapping symptoms and signs. It takes time and careful consideration to figure out exactly what condition is causing… Continue reading Unmasking Diseases that Mimic MS and nrSPMS

Pregnancy and nrSPMS: What You Need to Know

Medically reviewed and verified by Kate Burke, MD, MHA Discovering that you are pregnant is a moment filled with joy. If you are living with multiple sclerosis (MS), it can be natural to have questions and concerns about how pregnancy might impact your health and the course of your condition. You may also wonder about whether MS… Continue reading Pregnancy and nrSPMS: What You Need to Know

What is the Difference Between RRMS and SPMS?

Medically reviewed and verified by Kate Burke, MD, MHA Multiple sclerosis is not a disease that takes a single course over time. It can affect everyone differently! That is part of the reason why it is so hard to diagnose – because no two people experience it the same way. There are different types of… Continue reading What is the Difference Between RRMS and SPMS?