Lisa Marie Basile is an award-nominated health journalist and patient leader. She's authored a few books, edits Luna Luna Magazine, and holds an MFA in writing from The New School in NYC.
Doctors have all the tools to ward off dementia—but is it working?
“MDs have higher levels of substance use, depression, suicide, and other mental health diagnoses, which could increase risk for dementia. Their profession does not make them immune.” — Anna Chodos, MD, MPH, professor of medicine at the UCSF, Division of Geriatrics, and executive director at Dementia Care Aware
Study Sheds Light On Virus That’s ‘Not on People’s Radar’
Among hospitalized children and teens, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) mostly affects younger, otherwise healthy infants, while the lesser-known human metapneumovirus (HMPV) tends to affect older children, many of whom have preexisting health conditions, according to a study published in Pediatrics.
Understanding Ankylosing Spondylitis Progression
“AS is a highly individual disease that doesn’t manifest in the same way for every patient,” Dr. Kapoor explains. “There really are no cut-and-clear stages of AS. There is a spectrum of disease, ranging from mild to very severe, without one type of disease manifestation.”
Many Patients With Vaginal Pain Feel Dismissed by Doctors
Patients with vulvovaginal disorders often feel dismissed by clinicians or think about stopping treatment even though they still have symptoms, according to findings in a new study in JAMA Network Open.
A Foster Child of the Opioid Epidemic
I sat on a wrought iron daybed facing an open window, and a warm breeze was pooling in. It was the first day in my second foster home. The room was made up to seem welcoming, but its pleasantness somehow felt oppressive. I felt dirty, worthless and consumed by fear.
Why it’s risky to stop ITP medication
If you have immune thrombocytopenia (ITP), you might know what it’s like to discover bruises seemingly out of nowhere or to have chronic nosebleeds. You might even be taking medications to help increase your platelet count to reduce bleeding.
Painsomnia Steals 51.5 Minutes of Our Sleep Every Night. How Do We Cope?
Painsomnia, or insomnia from chronic pain, affects a large number of U.S. adults.
94.8% of adults lost at least an hour of sleep to pain in the past week.
13 Poems About The Experience Of Chronic Illness
There are 133 million Americans living with a chronic disease, according to the National Health Council. These are diseases that limit a person’s quality of life and ability to perform everyday activities, and they can include everything from autoimmune diseases (which nearly 50 million people in the United States live with) and cancer to addiction and mental illness.
It’s important to note that living with the effects of trauma or managing life with a disability can impact one’s mental and p...
Body Fat Beats BMI in Predicting Death
Body fat percentage (BF%) may be a better predictor of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in individuals aged 20-49 years than BMI, according to a new study published in the Annals of Family Medicine.
A cautious approach or medical negligence? $30 million for botched delivery
“It is important to thoroughly assess the health of both mom and baby throughout the course of labor and follow published guidance regarding when to abandon attempts at vaginal delivery and convert to a cesarean section.” — Chris Norman, medical malpractice attorney
Clinicians Can Prescribe the Cure for Hepatitis C: Most Kids Never Get It
Fewer than 1 in 3 children with hepatitis C (HCV) see a clinician for care, and fewer than 1 in 8 receive treatment.
Does Your Endo Treatment Need A Refresh?
Managing endometriosis is not a one-size-fits-all prospect. Know your options and when it may be time to move on to the next one.
How Trauma Impacts Your Physical Health
Trauma and emotional distress can change us on a physiological level. If we are pushed too far, we may lose our ability to cope — and our bodies pay the price. Fortunately, you can mitigate your trauma response and enjoy better health.