For our kids, disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic are likely more than just that – temporary inconveniences, varying in severity, until life goes back to “normal.” Besides missing out on once-in-a-lifetime events, like graduations, birthdays and other milestones – at least in a way they would traditionally be observed – regular human interactions, part…
Every April, we recognize National Autism Awareness Month, which focuses on spreading awareness, improving understanding and promoting acceptance of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Most of us are aware of the challenges families impacted by ASD may face throughout their lives. Research studies, media reports, social media and events help us keep up to date. But…
In January 2021, the United States (US) Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER) published Advancing Health through Innovation: New Drug Therapy Approvals 2020. This report provides a summary of a number of approvals and highlights the novel therapies approved in 2020, continuing the generally upward trend in approval volume…
With much of our health focus these days on COVID-19 – avoiding it, the vaccination and dealing with friends and family who may contract it – American Heart Month reminds us about the leading cause of death, killing more than 650,000 Americans each year, in the United States: heart disease.[1] COVID-19 can directly or indirectly…
When it comes to healthcare, it is all about the individual, not their condition. Healthcare organizations endeavor to help patients achieve better health, and this goes beyond reducing symptoms and healing injuries. Behavioral economics—a science that was founded on the idea that “humans are irrational beings, but in highly predictable ways”—is empowering individuals to live…
Taking your medications exactly as prescribed (improving medication adherence) is one of the most important things you can do to enhance your health and prevent medical complications. For many Americans, medication adherence can be difficult to maintain. There are a number of barriers that we face every day, from social determinants of health (like medication…
Anxiety is a normal response to a constant barrage of bad news. Headlines and notifications related to recent events are taking their toll on mental health in what some call “headline stress disorder.” While this is not a medical diagnosis, the continued anxiety or stress from headlines may cause things like heart palpitations and chest…
As the new COVID-19 vaccine is being administered across the country, many people are feeling a mix of emotions. There is hope that the vaccine will normalize life and relief that the vaccine will save lives. There is also anxiety about its potential side effects, long-term effectiveness and availability. For some, the stress and uncertainty…