NASM • July 24 2025

Recharging Your Body and Mind this International Self-Care Day

International Self-Care Day, recognized each year on July 24, is a global reminder of the importance of daily habits, including self-care, that promote long-term health and well-being.

UPMC HealthBeat • July 16 2025

Are Receipts Toxic? | UPMC HealthBeat

Receipts are everywhere — in your wallet, purse, or pocket after nearly every purchase. But handling receipt paper may pose serious consequences.

PatientWing • June 25 2025

Outrunning a Rare Cancer: Brian’s Story of Grit, Hope, and Clinical Studies | Patient Stories | PatientWing

In early 2021, Brian O’Sullivan felt like he had made it through the pandemic relatively unscathed. He hadn’t gotten COVID-19, and like many others that year, he made a New Year’s resolution to take better care of himself. A routine physical and blood test seemed like a smart move. But the abnormal results that followed changed the course of his life.

PatientWing • June 25 2025

From Hospital Rooms to Boarding Gates, How Osteogenesis imperfecta Shaped TJ Kandola’s Life | Patient Stories | PatientWing

When Tajinder “TJ” Kandola was a baby, his parents knew something wasn’t quite right. Around four or five months old, TJ cried often and seemed to be in constant pain. “My mom said I was agony all the time,” he recalled.

PatientWing • June 5 2025

A Life Rewritten: Living Fully with Dermatomyositis | Patient Stories | PatientWing

When Megan Kirby Lance first noticed a rash in 2016, she didn’t immediately worry. But the telltale butterfly shape across her face, followed by patches on her elbows, knees, chest, and back, signaled that something deeper was happening. “I’m a hairstylist and makeup artist, so when my hands became involved, I knew I couldn’t ignore it,” Megan recalled. “That’s what pushed me to start digging.”

PatientWing • June 5 2025

Choosing to Fight Back Against Rheumatoid Arthritis | Patient Stories | PatientWing

Alison Jakubcin never imagined that at 28, she’d wake up each morning with her hands locked in place—numb, stiff, and immobile. “I couldn’t open my fingers,” she recalled. “I thought maybe I was just dehydrated or needed more sleep. I didn’t want to believe something serious was going on.”

PatientWing • June 5 2025

A Life They Said He Wouldn’t Have: Layton’s Story | Patient Stories | PatientWing

Angela Diven still remembers the moment her world changed. Immediately after delivering her son, Layton, via emergency cesarean-section (C-section) her husband, Chad, had a look she’d never forget. “He showed me a picture of our baby because I hadn’t seen or held him yet,” she recalled. “He wasn’t breathing, and his legs were deformed. I could tell he was in pain.”

PatientWing • June 3 2025

Understanding the Impact on Mental Health with a Rare Disease Diagnosis | PatientWing

Rare disease patients may struggle with the physical symptoms of their condition, but also the psychological burden of living with a disease that is poorly understood, often misdiagnosed, and has limited (or non-existent) treatment options.  Managing a rare disease—attending appointments, treatment regimens, and time spent resting or recovering—takes rare disease patients away from doing and spending time with people they love.

UPMC HealthBeat • May 23 2025

You’ve Just Been Diagnosed With Breast Cancer. Here’s How to Start the Next Conversation With Your Doctor | UPMC HealthBeat

Except for skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in women in the United States. There will be an estimated 59,080 cases of female breast ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) and 316,950 cases of invasive disease in 2025.

UPMC HealthBeat • May 22 2025

How Is PMDD Diagnosed? | UPMC HealthBeat

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) is a severe form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
While PMS and its mild to moderate mood changes, cramps, and fatigue are common among women, PMDD is marked by debilitating emotional and physical symptoms that negatively impact relationships, work, and disrupt daily life.

UPMC HealthBeat • May 21 2025

Postpartum Depression vs. Baby Blues | UPMC HealthBeat

Becoming a mother is an incredible, life-changing experience with a rollercoaster of emotions. Many new mothers experience mood swings, sadness, and anxiety after childbirth, often referred to as the “baby blues.” However, for some women, these feelings persist and become more severe, developing into postpartum (peripartum) depression (PPD).

UPMC HealthBeat • May 20 2025

Should You Disinfect Your Home After an Illness? | UPMC HealthBeat

After experiencing an illness, whether it’s the flu, a cold, or a more serious viral infection, one of the most important questions people ask is: Should you disinfect your home?
The answer is yes.
Disinfecting your home after being sick is important to prevent spreading germs to others and reduce the risk of reinfection.

UPMC HealthBeat • May 13 2025

What Should I Do if I Have a Family History of Heart Disease? | UPMC HealthBeat

Heart disease is a growing concern worldwide. Having a family history of the condition increases your risk. While genetics plays a role, lifestyle choices, early detection, and proactive management can reduce your chances of developing heart disease.

UPMC HealthBeat • May 12 2025

How to Make the Most of Your Doctor’s Visit | UPMC HealthBeat

A visit to the doctor sometimes feels rushed or overwhelming, leaving you unsure whether you’ve covered everything you wanted to discuss. Whether you’re going for a routine check-up, seeking treatment for a specific condition, or simply seeking peace of mind about an issue you’ve been having, you want to be prepared to make the most of your doctor’s visit.

UPMC HealthBeat • April 25 2025

Managing Emotions When Waiting for Cancer Test Results | UPMC HealthBeat

Few people are prepared to get a cancer diagnosis. You may feel anxious about how your diagnosis will affect you personally, professionally, physically, and mentally. Hearing you have cancer will likely set off a range of uncomfortable emotions.

UPMC HealthBeat • April 24 2025

What's the Connection Between Prescription Acne Medication and Birth Defects? | UPMC HealthBeat

Acne is a common skin condition that affects many people, particularly teenagers and young adults.
While most forms of acne can be treated with over-the-counter products, some cases, especially severe forms, may require prescription medications.

UPMC HealthBeat • April 23 2025

What are Dense Breasts? | UPMC HealthBeat

Breast density refers to the relative amounts of dense fibroglandular tissue (glandular and fibrous connective tissues) compared to nondense fatty tissue as seen on a mammogram. Breast density is a key factor in breast health. You cannot tell if your breasts are dense by how they look or feel.

PatientWing • April 23 2025

From Diagnosis to Advocacy: How a Leukemia Battle Inspired a Clean Skincare Brand | Patient Stories | PatientWing

When Charlie Razook’s initial symptoms surfaced, he had been living in Milan, Italy while pursuing his Masters in Business Administration (MBA) degree and interning at Valentino. A persistent rash and skin discoloration in the fall of 2017 sent him to multiple dermatologists, but treatments didn’t work.

UPMC HealthBeat • April 22 2025

When Should I Schedule a Virtual vs. In-Person Doctor’s Visit? | UPMC HealthBeat

In recent years, virtual doctor visits have become increasingly popular as a convenient way to access health care. However, there are still many situations where in-person visits are necessary.

UPMC HealthBeat • April 22 2025

Are Forehead Thermometers Effective? | UPMC HealthBeat

A thermometer is a tool used to measure body temperature. With technological advancements, forehead thermometers (also known as temporal artery thermometers) have become increasingly popular because they are easy to use and noninvasive.
However, a common question remains: Are forehead thermometers practical?

UPMC HealthBeat • April 21 2025

What’s the Difference Between a Disease, Disorder, and Syndrome? | UPMC HealthBeat

People often use the terms disease, disorder, and syndrome interchangeably in medical terminology, but each refers to a different concept in the health care field. Understanding these distinctions provides clarity in diagnosis, treatment, and overall health care communication.

PatientWing • April 21 2025

Navigating Epilepsy: A Journey of Uncertainty, Resilience, and Acceptance | Patient Stories | PatientWing

In the fall of 2008, a 17-year-old girl sat nervously in a cold, sterile room at a hospital, preparing for an electroencephalogram (EEG) test. It was a test that would later offer concrete evidence of something she had suspected for months but couldn’t articulate: the source of her mysterious health struggles.

UPMC HealthBeat • April 16 2025

How to Grocery Shop Like a Dietitian | UPMC HealthBeat

Grocery shopping is essential for maintaining a healthy diet. However, many people struggle to navigate grocery store aisles filled with tempting processed foods, marketing claims, and limited time.

UPMC HealthBeat • April 15 2025

Can Grapefruit Really Interfere With Your Medications? | UPMC HealthBeat

Grapefruit is a refreshing and nutritious fruit packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber. Despite its health benefits, grapefruit poses risks when consumed alongside certain medications.