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Patients may feel alone when facing or living with an illness. It can be an emotionally charged experience filled with fear, anxiety, vulnerability, anger, sadness, and isolation. That’s what happened to me in 2003 when I was diagnosed with Polycythemia Vera (PV), a genetic blood cancer in the category of Myeloproliferative Neoplasms (MPNs). The MPNs are considered rare, as only about 250,000 people in the U.S. today are living with one of the three diseases in this category. At that time, the information on the internet was limited and pointed to a very limited lifespan of about 11 years. I was in my forties. I was monitored closely with some treatment by my first hematologist/oncologist, as I tried to figure out how to both live a normal life while bracing for and understanding the future. That’s when I found my patient community, called the MPN Research Foundation. Its website includes comprehensive educational information, reports on research underway to find cures, and the availability of clinical trials across the country. This foundation provides access to clinical professionals in the field as well as peer patients to discuss personal experiences coping with the disease. It also holds live patient-focused educational programs. Patient communities can be found online for most diseases, including undiagnosed and rare conditions. Focused on building expert resources and collective knowledge, patient communities can support people in significant ways. These are some examples: 📚    Educational resources - accessing educational materials on the specific health conditions and treatments, information on clinical trials, and ways to manage symptoms and side effects. 💡     Insights into living with a disease - hearing from other patients about how they are dealing with day-to-day issues, managing symptoms, coping strategies, and which treatments may be helpful. 💖    Emotional support - helping people by providing a safe space to share their struggles and requests for information, offering access to clinical and other resources, and by being a trusted forum for community discussion. 🏡    Caregiver and family support - supporting the patient’s caregiver or family through resources and encouragement. 🔬 Availability of clinical trials for the disease - providing continuously updated information on clinical trials actively recruiting for new patient participation. This information is also found on www.clinicaltrials.gov. Using the patient community website first can give patients a good orientation on the open trials. Patient communities work to supplement, not replace, the care and guidance provided by physicians. This enables you to engage more completely and effectively with your doctors for better health outcomes. Connecting with other patients and patient-focused resources can support you in your health care journey so you feel less alone. It did for me.

Most of us have heard the phrase “Died of a broken heart”. The more observant might have spotted how the death of an elderly person is often swiftly followed by that of a long-term spouse or partner. In the elderly, the death of one of their children can also be a trigger.   Many may not have realised, though, this is an Actual Heart Thing. Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) or "broken heart syndrome" is a form of stress cardiomyopathy - a sudden, transient cardiac syndrome involving dramatic left ventricular apical akinesis, mimicking acute coronary syndrome. Patients often present with chest pain, ST-segment elevation on ECG, and elevated cardiac enzyme levels consistent with myocardial infarction (MI). On cardiac angiography, left ventricular apical ballooning (takotsubo is the Japanese word for lobster pot) occurs during systole. There is no significant coronary artery stenosis.   A recent case-control study, said to include “one of the longest available follow-ups in TTS" has reported that mortality in TTS patients is substantially higher than that in the general population and comparable with that in patients having MI. The study included 620 Scottish TTS patients (mean age, 66 years; 91% women), matched for age, sex and geographical location (1:1) with MI patients and (1:4) with general Scottish population controls. Using comprehensive national data sets, researchers extracted information for all three cohorts on prescribed cardiovascular and non-cardiovascular medications, including the duration of dispensing and causes of death, and clustered the major causes of death into 17 major groups.   At a median follow-up of 5.5 years, there had been 722 deaths (153 in patients with TTS, 195 in those with MI, and 374 in the general population cohort). All-cause mortality in the TTS group was nearly 80% higher than in the general population (hazard ratio [HR], 1.78; 95% CI, 1.48-2.15; statistically significant at P < .001) but slightly lower than in patients having MI (HR, 0.76; 95% CI, 0.62-0.94; P = .012). Looking at individual causes of death in the TTS group, the excess risk was most strongly associated with cardiovascular causes, particularly heart failure (HR, 2.47; 95% CI, 1.81-3.39; P < .0001 vs general population), followed by pulmonary causes. Non-cardiovascular mortality was similar in TTS and MI groups. Prescription rates of cardiovascular and non-cardiovascular medications were similar between TTS and MI patients.   The only cardiovascular therapy associated with lower mortality in TTS patients was angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor or angiotensin receptor blocker therapy (P = .0056); in contrast, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers, beta-blockers, antiplatelet agents, and statins were all associated with improved survival in MI patients.   Loss-related stress is serious, and we can all look out for our elderly relatives or friends who might be in this position and would benefit from consulting a medic.

Stigmas surrounding palliative care are significantly harming our seriously ill patients. This extremely informative and insightful piece by Dr. Fred Divers and Julia Frydman in Oncology News Central delves into the critical need to change perceptions about #palliativecare to improve patient outcomes and quality of life. Palliative care is often misunderstood as only end-of-life care, which can deter patients and families from seeking these beneficial services early in the treatment process. "Misconceptions about palliative care can prevent patients from accessing essential services that can greatly enhance their well-being," they state. For #communityoncology practices, addressing these stigmas is crucial. The authors suggest that better education and awareness among both healthcare providers and patients are needed to ensure that palliative care is understood as a vital component of comprehensive #cancer care. It is important to integrate palliative care early in the treatment journey to manage symptoms, provide psychosocial support, and improve overall quality of life for patients with serious illnesses. The commentary calls for health care professionals to actively work on dispelling myths and educating patients about the benefits of palliative care. By doing so, we can ensure that all patients with serious illnesses receive the compassionate and supportive care they deserve, enhancing their treatment experience and outcomes. https://lnkd.in/eEfYpnBQ

https://lnkd.in/gNsE_umv Article title: Factors related to the progression of Chronic Kidney Disease after two years of follow-up of stage 3 Chronic kidney Disease Patients Author(s): Noemi Esparza Martín; Santiago Suria González; Elvira Bosch Benítez-Parodi; Rita Guerra Rodríguez; Germán Pérez Suárez; César García Cantón Journal: Archives of Renal Diseases and Management Journal ISSN: 2455-5495 Abstract Background: The problem of chronic kidney disease (CKD) progression is a panic and it is still inevitable. Patients and Methods: Prospective observational study of factors present at initial evaluation of stage 3 CKD patients proceeding from external consultations after two years of follow-up. Exclusion criteria: Under 40 or older than 79 years old, anemia, previous heart or hepatic failure, valvular or ischemic cardiopathy, arrhythmias, clinical arterial peripheral disease or immunosuppressive treatment. #ProgressionOfChronicKidneyDisease #RenalTubularAcidosis #AcquiredCysticKidneyDisease #Albuminuria #AlbuminuriaAndCKD #AlportSyndrome #AmyloidosisAndKidneyDisease #AnalgesicNephropathy #AnatomyOfTheKidneys #AnatomyOfTheUrinarySystem #AnemiaInChronicKidneyDisease #AnemiaOfInflammationAndChronicDisease #AngiotensinReceptorBlockers #ArteriovenousFistula #ArtificialKidney #Bedwetting #BiopsyOfTheKidneys #BiopsyOfTheProstate #BladderAndTheUrinaryTract #BladderControl #BloodInTheUrine #BloodPressure #BloodPressureControlAndCKD #BloodUreaNitrogen #BoneDiseaseOfKidneyFailure #CardiovascularDiseaseAndCKD #ChildhoodKidneyStones #ChildhoodNephroticSyndrome #ChildrenAndKidneyDisease #ChildsBedwetting #ChronicKidneyDiseaseAndDiet #Peertechz #PeertechzPublications #OpenAccess #ScientificJournals #PeerReviewedJournals #OpenAccessPublishers #ChronicKidneyDiseaseAndKidneyFailure #ChronicKidneyDiseaseAndNutrition #ComplicationsInKidneyDisease #ComplicationsOfKidneyFailure #Cystinuria #Cystitis #Cystocele #DiabeticKidneyDisease #DiagnosticTestsForKidneyDiseases #Dialysis #EctopicKidney #ErectileDysfunction #EndStageRenalDisease #EnuresisInChildren #EstimatedGlomerularFiltrationRate #GlomerularDiseases #Glomerulonephritis #Glomerulosclerosis #GoodpastureSyndrome #Hemodialysis #Hematuria #ImagingOfTheUrinaryTract #ImmunizationsAndCKD #InterstitialCystitis #KidneyBiopsy #KidneyCysts #KidneyDysplasia #KidneyFunction #KidneyInfection #KidneyTransplantation #MedullarySpongeKidney #MembranousNephropathy #NephroticSyndrome #NocturnalEnuresis #NutritionAndCKD #NutritionAndKidneyDiseases #PainfulBladderSyndrome #PediatricKidneyDisease #PerinealInjury #PeritonealDialysis #PeyroniesDisease #PolycysticKidneyDisease #ProstateProblems #Proteinuria #Pyelonephritis #RenalTransplantation #SimpleKidneyCysts #SolitaryKidney #SpongeKidney #Stoma #StressIncontinence #Ureteroscopy #UrinaryDiversion #UrinaryRetention

How can we better address the rising tide of cirrhosis in patients with type 2 diabetes? With roughly 1.5 billion people worldwide suffering from liver disease and the numbers rising, staying informed on advances in treatment is more important than ever. Understanding the link between diabetes, obesity, and liver disease can also be crucial for improving patient outcomes. Join a group of expert faculty as they dive into the interconnected risks of these three conditions, emphasizing the importance of early diagnosis and intervention. Learn about the latest clinical data, guideline-recommended screening protocols, and innovative treatment strategies to combat fatty liver disease. Advance your knowledge today: https://ow.ly/Pm3E50SmCL4 #HealthcareEducation #FattyLiverDisease #Endocrinology #PCP #CME

Rethinking AD Disease Management Beyond Slogans and Silver Bullets- In the realm of healthcare, we often find ourselves chasing after the latest slogans and silver bullet solutions. Whether it's "one little aspirin a day" or "one Lipitor to keep the bad wolf of heart attack away," these catchphrases have shaped our approach to managing health conditions. However, as time progresses, we're beginning to realize that relying solely on medication may not always be the best course of action. Over the past three decades, we've witnessed a shift away from emphasizing lifestyle changes and dietary modifications in favor of pharmaceutical interventions. Yet, in our pursuit of scientific progress, we've become ensnared in minutiae, losing sight of the bigger picture. This tendency to get bogged down in non-essential details has led to a lack of clarity in understanding the underlying pathophysiology of diseases, such as Alzheimer's. Despite extensive research on Tau and beta-amyloid proteins, we continue to struggle with defining firm diagnostic criteria for Alzheimer's disease. Moreover, the reliance on these biomarkers has been called into question, with numerous publications highlighting the limitations of p-values in supporting clinical assumptions. In some cases, the removal of amyloid deposits from the brain fails to yield significant improvements in cognition, underscoring the need for a more nuanced approach to treatment. Rather than rushing to develop new pharmaceutical interventions akin to "Ozempic-like" drugs, we must exercise caution. The trend of asymptomatic individuals seeking out preemptive treatments like Leqembi or Aduhelm raises concerns about potential black-market knockoffs and the broader implications of medicalization without clear benefits. As we navigate the landscape of disease management, let's move beyond simplistic slogans and silver bullet solutions. By embracing a holistic approach that incorporates lifestyle modifications, personalized medicine, and critical appraisal of emerging therapies, we can foster a more comprehensive understanding of health and wellness. Almost Always Heaven- WV

Argument for Early Detection of Illnesses is Better Than Treatment Later Premise 1: Increased survival rates Early detection often leads to more effective treatments and significantly improved survival rates for serious conditions like cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. For example, studies show that early-stage cancer patients have a much higher survival rate compared to those diagnosed at later stages. Detecting illnesses early allows doctors to intervene when the disease is still manageable, reducing the likelihood of complications or fatal outcomes. Premise 2: Cost-effectiveness Detecting diseases early can be more cost-effective for both individuals and healthcare systems. Treatments for early-stage conditions often require less complex and expensive procedures than treatments for advanced diseases. For instance, catching high cholesterol or hypertension early and managing it with lifestyle changes or medication can prevent the need for costly surgeries, such as heart bypass operations. Premise 3: Better quality of life Early detection allows patients to maintain a higher quality of life. Many chronic diseases that are not caught early can cause debilitating symptoms as they progress. By detecting and treating illnesses early, patients can continue leading active, productive lives without the physical limitations imposed by late-stage illness complications. Hey there! Have you ever thought about how important it is to invest in your health today for a healthier tomorrow? This 28th of September, we're offering an exclusive One Day Sale on our Medical Check-Up Packages to help you take that vital step towards transformation. Imagine waking up each day, confident that your health is in check, your heart strong, and your future secure. This peace of mind is priceless, but all too often, we wait until it’s too late. One of our clients once shared their story—having felt perfectly healthy, they were shocked when a routine check-up revealed underlying heart issues. Thankfully, they caught it early enough to take action, but they admitted they had put off those tests for years. Now, they live with a renewed sense of purpose, feeling empowered by knowing exactly where their health stands. This could be your story, too—taking action today and ensuring you're on the right path. For ONE DAY ONLY—on 28th September 2024—we’re offering two tailored packages: 1. Basic Medical Check-Up at RM 990 (Optional Heart Tests at 50% off) 2. Comprehensive Medical Check-Up at RM 2180 (Optional Heart Tests at 50% off) We recognize that heart health is one of the most important aspects of transforming your overall well-being. That’s why we’ve made it easier and more affordable to include these vital tests. --- This is your chance to take a proactive step toward long-lasting health. Don’t wait for a wake-up call—contact now for our One Day Sale and start your journey to a healthier you! Are you ready to transform your health?

Many people have health conditions in addition to #BoneCancer. Any health concern that you have at the same time as #cancer can be called a co-existing condition, a chronic condition, or a comorbidity. ~ How are co-existing conditions managed during cancer treatment? Common health problems and how to manage them during #CancerTreatment are discussed below. - Heart disease and blood pressure. Some cancer treatments can affect the heart or blood pressure. This is often a concern for older adults, who may already have a higher risk of these conditions. Ask your #OrthopaedicOncologist if your cancer treatment or any of your new medications might affect your heart or blood pressure. Work with your #oncologist, and your #cardiologist, which is a heart specialist, to adjust your medications, if needed, and protect your heart during cancer treatment. Your doctor may also test your heart function and blood pressure regularly during treatment. - Lung disease. Some types of #chemotherapy may increase your risk of #inflammation of the lungs, #cough, or shortness of breath. Tell your doctor if you have a chronic lung condition before starting cancer treatment. This includes #asthma, #emphysema, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (#COPD). - Diabetes. If you have #diabetes, you need to monitor your blood glucose, or blood sugar, levels closely during cancer treatment. Some chemotherapy and medications used for side effects, such as #steroids, can raise these levels. Levels might also go up because you are less physically active or under stress. Side effects, like #nausea and# vomiting, or changes in how you eat will also affect your blood sugar. Work with your doctor to make a plan for monitoring and managing blood sugar levels during treatment if you have diabetes. This may mean checking blood sugar more often or adjusting the dose of your diabetes medication. - Kidney disease. "#KidneyDisease" can refer to several different illnesses that affect your kidneys. While chronic kidney problems are much more common in older adults, they can happen at any age. Certain drugs, including some types of chemotherapy, can affect your kidneys and raise your risk of developing kidney problems or making existing kidney problems worse. If you have a history of kidney problems, you will probably have regular blood tests done to check how your kidneys are working. How well your kidneys work might determine the type of chemotherapy you can have, or how often it will be given. For consultation, please call on ph 022 3547 5757 or click on the link https://buff.ly/3U7tfmT

Signs and symptoms are described that we won't find early on, but we have to anticipate and learn to decode some that are hidden. Rare diseases typically affect patients from birth, involve multiple organ systems, are severely disabling, and can reduce life expectancy and impair physical and mental abilities. Between 70% and 75% of these diseases have exclusively pediatric onset. Two out of three rare diseases appear before 2 years of age, causing 20% of infant mortality and 10% of pediatric hospitalizations. Diagnostic delays and repeated consultations with various doctors before identification are common. In industrialized countries, the diagnosis of these diseases takes between 5 and 10 years, and in low-income countries, up to 30 years or more.

Evaluation of Kidney Function in Patients with COVID-19 Hospitalized in Imam Khomeini Hospital, Sari, Iran Authors: avatar Atieh Makhlough 1 , avatar Zahra Hamidi Nava 1 , * 1 Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran * Corresponding Author: Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran. Email: drhamidi69@gmail.com Journal of Health Reports and Technology: Vol.9, issue 2; e136983 Published Online: May 9, 2023 Article Type: Research Article Received: April 18, 2023 Revised: April 24, 2023 Accepted: April 27, 2023 DOI: https://lnkd.in/d2F6epnm How To Cite: Makhlough A, Hamidi Nava Z. Evaluation of Kidney Function in Patients with COVID-19 Hospitalized in Imam Khomeini Hospital, Sari, Iran. J Health Rep Technol. 2023;9(2):e136983. https://lnkd.in/d2F6epnm. Abstract Background: The 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has become a worldwide health problem since December 2019. This disease mainly targets the respiratory system, but it may also damage other organs of the patient's body, such as the kidney. Objectives: The main aim of the present study was to determine kidney function in patients with COVID-19 admitted to Imam Khomeini Hospital, Sari, Iran. Methods: The current study was cross-sectional type and its statistical sample included 498 patients with COVID-19 hospitalized in Imam Khomeini Hospital in Sari, Iran. To conduct this study, the required information including demographic, clinical and laboratory information of the patients was received and then recorded in the researcher-made checklist. Patients were evaluated in three stages (the beginning of the study, the third day of hospitalization and the sixth day of hospitalization). Finally, the result obtained for each of the aforementioned steps was recorded. Results: The results showed that 49.6% (247 people) of the evaluated patients were women and 50.4% (251 people) were men. Based on the results, the average age of the patients was 55.2 years. Among kidney disorders, chronic kidney disease (CKD) had the highest frequency (25.9%). According to kidney disease: Improving global outcomes (KDIGO), 12.9% of patients had acute kidney injury (AKI). The presence of kidney disease and the development of AKI had significant relationship with the need for intensive care unit (ICU) (P < 0.05). The results showed that although initially there was a significant relationship between kidney disease and ICU transfer (P < 0.05), but after removing the effect of age and gender variables, this relationship was not significant (P > 0.05). Conclusions: Based on the results of the present study, it can be concluded that underlying diseases such as kidney failure can be very effective in contracting COVID as well as increasing its severity, so it is necessary to take preventive measures and take special care of these patients.