How is Marijuana Legal? State vs. Federal Law

For the last few years, the legal status of marijuana in the United States has been changing rapidly. The most commonly taken drug in the country, an estimated 48.2 million people used marijuana in 2019 according to the CDC. While it remains illegal at the federal level, a number of states have legalized its medical… Continue reading How is Marijuana Legal? State vs. Federal Law

Studies Cited in Abortion Pill Ruling Retracted

Sage Publications, an academic publisher, has retracted several studies that tied to a Texas judge’s ruling to suspend federal approval of the abortion pill mifepristone. They retracted the studies after concerns over unreliable data and conflicts of interest came to light. These were because of the authors’ ties to the anti-abortion movement. Citing the Studies… Continue reading Studies Cited in Abortion Pill Ruling Retracted

Is This The Future of Organ Transplants?

Nearly 120,000 people are in need of healthy organ transplants in the United States alone. Twenty people pass away every day waiting for a viable organ to become available. The most dire need is for kidneys, with a waitlist over 88,000 people alone. What are scientists doing to try and fix this problem? It turns… Continue reading Is This The Future of Organ Transplants?

Pregnancy and MS: What to Know

Discovering that you’re 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. The Basics Let’s start with the most important information. There is no evidence that pregnancy… Continue reading Pregnancy and MS: What to Know

Weight Loss Drugs Linked to Lower Depression, Anxiety Diagnoses

A recent study by Epic Research has come out on the link between GLP-1 medications and depression. They found that most weight loss drugs, particularly those belonging to the GLP-1 medication class like Ozempic, Wegovy, Zepbound, and Mounjaro, lead to a reduced likelihood of depression and anxiety diagnoses. The research involved over three million diabetic… Continue reading Weight Loss Drugs Linked to Lower Depression, Anxiety Diagnoses

Core Connection: Bone Density and Lupus

How Does Lupus Affect Bone Density? Lupus can lead to decreased bone density, a condition known as osteoporosis. Chronic inflammation, the use of certain medications like corticosteroids, and reduced physical activity due to lupus-related symptoms can contribute to bone loss. Additionally, hormonal changes and vitamin D deficiency associated with lupus can further exacerbate the risk… Continue reading Core Connection: Bone Density and Lupus

Mental Health and Gambling: Understanding Impulses

Let’s run through a few statistics. The commercial gross revenue of the gambling industry in the US in 2022 was $60.42 billion. That would make gambling in the US alone the 84th richest country in the world. In 2020, it was $29.98 billion. Bit of a leap! And that is revenue. That is money that… Continue reading Mental Health and Gambling: Understanding Impulses

Dealing with Chronic Back Pain

Chronic back pain stands as a widespread and debilitating condition affecting millions worldwide. Unlike acute pain, which often comes from injury or trauma and tends to resolve with time, chronic pain persists for extended periods. Effectively managing this necessitates a comprehensive approach that addresses physical, emotional, and lifestyle factors. So let’s get into it. What… Continue reading Dealing with Chronic Back Pain

Obesity and Kidney Health: New Research

A recent study looked into how being overweight affected kidney health, especially the risk of serious kidney problems. The study out of Korea, based on almost 15,000 kidney tests, found that people with a higher body mass index (BMI) – a measure of weight – are more likely to have certain kidney issues, increasing their… Continue reading Obesity and Kidney Health: New Research

Getting a Good Night’s Sleep with High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure affects nearly HALF of Americans over 20, more than 122 million people! While there are a number of side effects, its correlation with inadequate sleep is well-established. The impact of sleep on hypertension is a two-way street, making it crucial for those with high blood pressure to prioritize quality sleep. Research indicates… Continue reading Getting a Good Night’s Sleep with High Blood Pressure