Diseases Articles

Cheat Sheet / Updated 09-12-2022

Having Parkinson’s disease (PD) makes for a challenging journey. Use the succinct information in this Cheat Sheet to recognize the important PD terms and acronyms, know where to look for related support, manage medications, and prepare emergency contact information.

Article / Updated 07-19-2022

All eight disease-modifying medications that are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat MS have been shown to be effective for people who experience relapses. So, as long as you continue to have relapses, you’re still a good candidate for most, if not all, of these medications. However, the evidence is pretty strong that these medications have their greatest impact early in the disease, primarily by reducing inflammation in the central nervous system (CNS) and reducing the number and severity of relapses. If you don’t have relapses — that is, if you have primary-progressive MS (and have never had relapses) or secondary-progressive MS (and used to have relapses but no longer do) — your options are much more limited. Some of the drugs for multiple sclerosis (MS) currently under study will no doubt turn out to be safe and effective options. Meanwhile, Novantrone (mitoxantrone) is the only one of the eight medications that has been approved for people with secondary-progressive MS whether or not they continue to have relapses. And to date, no medication has been found to be effective for primary-progressive MS. That doesn’t mean that those of you with progressive disease are out in the cold, however. If your MS appears to be progressing significantly in spite of whatever treatments have already been tried, your neurologist may recommend a chemotherapy drug, such as Imuran (azathioprine), CellCept (mycophenolate mofetil), Cytoxan (cyclophosphamide), or methotrexate. Even though none of these medications has been specifically approved for use in MS, they appear to slow the disease course for some people. These medications — like Novantrone — are immunosuppressants that are also used to treat various forms of cancer or to prevent transplant rejection. Because these meds work by suppressing the entire immune system (rather than selected parts of the immune system as occurs with the other MS medications), they all carry specific types of risks. These risks include infection, impaired fertility, and an increased risk of certain types of cancer. More treatment options for progressive MS are being evaluated in clinical trials. If you’re interested in participating in a treatment trial, ask your neurologist if you would be a good candidate for any trials going on in your area. And check out the National MS Society website for more information about trials for progressive MS. You may also hear or read about bone marrow transplantation (also called autologous stem cell transplantation because the treatment involves stem cells from your own body), which is sometimes used in an effort to control very active, progressive MS. This is a procedure in which your immune system — including the immune cells that are thought to be causing damage in your central nervous system — is destroyed by chemotherapy or whole body radiation and is then replaced using immune stem cells from your bone marrow. This highly invasive treatment has been studied in small numbers of people with some success. Because this procedure poses significant risks and is still experimental, it may not be reimbursable by most insurance policies. The fact that the available medications aren’t particularly helpful for progressive MS doesn’t mean that you have no other options. On the contrary, this is the time to call in the troops. A healthcare team — particularly one at an MS care center that’s staffed by specialists — has a great deal to offer people who have more advanced disease.

Cheat Sheet / Updated 04-26-2022

Thyroid problems affect around 30 million people in the United States, says the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists. If you suffer from a thyroid condition, this Cheat Sheet is here to help you to recognize and manage your symptoms, and avoid the triggers that can cause a flare-up of thyroid problems.

Cheat Sheet / Updated 04-25-2022

Arthritis could manifest as anything from a mildly annoying creak in a joint to debilitating pain; and while there's no cure for arthritis, there are techniques to manage the condition. This Cheat Sheet offers advice on talking with your doctor about alternative therapies for arthritis, identifying false claims for alternative therapies, using supplements to ease arthritis symptoms, what to ask your doctor when considering surgery, and how to save money on prescription drugs. It also provides a list the acronyms medical professionals commonly use to describe the different types of arthritis.

Cheat Sheet / Updated 04-25-2022

Take a look at recommended guidelines for cholesterol, blood pressure, and body mass index (BMI) and get your numbers checked to see if you’re at risk for health problems. Adopt some healthy habits that will help you keep your cholesterol under control.

Cheat Sheet / Updated 04-25-2022

Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are the two major types of inflammatory bowel disease. They’re part of a group of disorders in which the small and large intestines become inflamed. The exact cause is a mystery, but scientists have discovered some clues as to what may cause Crohn’s and colitis. The symptoms of the diseases can vary in each individual, but some symptoms are more common than others. The good news is, you can take steps to reduce your symptoms and keep them from interfering with your life.

Cheat Sheet / Updated 04-13-2022

Whether you've recently been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) or you've been living with this chronic illness for years, you want to live your life as fully and comfortably as possible. The good news is that you can! The symptoms of MS are manageable with medications, and rehabilitation strategies and treatments can reduce disease activity and slow progression. This Cheat Sheet provides insightful information about what you can do to stay active and feel your best.

Cheat Sheet / Updated 03-24-2022

To overcome an addiction, first you need to recognize it in yourself or a loved one. Explore addiction recovery programs and their treatment methods when deciding how to deal with your addictive behavior, or that of a family member.

Cheat Sheet / Updated 03-18-2022

Do you think that you or someone you know suffers from an eating disorder? Learn what the three major eating disorders are and how they differ from less worrisome, yet still risky, eating problems. An eating disorder can be a serious threat to your life. If you believe you might have an eating disorder, seek help from your doctor or another medical/mental health professional. In the meantime, there are online resources to help you understand more about eating disorders, and to help you or someone you love start the road to recovery.

Cheat Sheet / Updated 03-15-2022

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) often appears to be a collection of unrelated symptoms affecting your menstrual cycle, fertility, appearance, and weight. But when you put the puzzle pieces together, you can see not only how the symptoms relate to one another but also how simple lifestyle changes can have a positive impact on them. Unlike many disorders, PCOS can improve if you take steps to manage the causes. Recognizing the symptoms of PCOS early and working on improving insulin resistance through diet and exercise can help prevent complications of PCOS, including infertility.