Latest news with #PosturalOrthostaticTachycardiaSyndrome
Newsweek
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Service Dog Visits Aquarium, Dolphins' 'Special' Response Says It All
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A visit to the aquarium took a touching turn when Forest, a golden-retriever service dog, encountered the facility's dolphins. The dolphins' unusually strong and curious response to Forest, captured in a viral TikTok video by his owner Ashton McGrady, has left many wondering if they sensed his unique purpose. McGrady, 33, told Newsweek about the video, which has over received 2.5 million views, and what she believed drew the dolphins to Forest. "You won't believe how these dolphins reacted to my service dog," McGrady captioned the video. "I think the dolphins knew he was special." Photos from Ashton McGrady's TikTok video of dolphins at an aquarium reacting to her service dog. Photos from Ashton McGrady's TikTok video of dolphins at an aquarium reacting to her service dog. @radiantlygolden/TikTok McGrady provided insight into the incredible canine companion that captured the dolphins' attention. "Forest is my golden retriever service dog," she said. "He's task-trained to assist with my disabilities, including Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), syringomyelia, and autism spectrum disorder." Forest performs a wide array of vital tasks, including "cardiac alert, deep pressure therapy, retrieving medication, closing doors or cabinets, removing clothing, meltdown response," and more. The interaction with the dolphins was a first for Forest. "This was the first time he'd ever interacted with marine animals and definitely the first time meeting dolphins," McGrady said, adding that it was "truly something special … It felt like an unusually strong connection—almost like they sensed Forest's purpose." Watching the moment unfold, McGrady was deeply moved by Forest's disposition. "I was completely in awe," she said. "Forest was so calm and curious, and the dolphins were clearly engaged … As someone who relies on Forest for so much, seeing him connect so instinctively with another species was cool. It felt like the dolphins could sense the gentleness in him, or maybe even his purpose. It was a reminder that empathy and connection can transcend species." In the comments section, one former aquarium employee weighed in on the exact phenomenon McGrady witnessed: "I used to work at an aquarium! Dolphins LOVESSSS dogs. They don't understand them. Then find them SOOOO interesting. Same things with strollers. They can feel them roll around with echolocation. It's beautiful," they wrote. McGrady said she hopes this viral moment helps educate the public about the vital role of service dogs. They aren't pets, she added, but "highly trained medical tools and life partners for disabled people." And while Forest is cute, his function in her life is essential to her well-being. "Service dogs do so much more than people realize," McGrady concluded. "[He is] essential to my safety and independence. These dogs perform complex tasks … their presence can truly be lifesaving."
New York Post
5 days ago
- Health
- New York Post
Teen receives devastating medical diagnoses after doctors dismiss symptoms as ‘anxiety'
At just 19 years old, Sydney's teen Marissa De Santis spends most of her days in and out of the hospital, fainting up to five times a day, frequently seizing and battling chronic pain so intense it's left her bedridden for weeks. But despite her debilitating symptoms, doctors still dismiss her, telling her she 'looks fine' and sending her home. Marissa has Functional Neurological Disorder (FND), a complex and poorly understood condition that disrupts how the brain communicates with the body. FND affects movement, sensation, and even organ function — yet many medical professionals know little about it, and there's no cure. 'I just want to be independent,' Marissa told 'People have no idea what it is. They look at me and think I look fine.' Marissa's symptoms started in high school. She struggled to concentrate, felt constantly sick, and was often sent home vomiting or in pain. In 2022, she managed to graduate, but months later her health took a steep dive. Marissa has Functional Neurological Disorder (FND), a complex and poorly understood condition that disrupts how the brain communicates with the body. Gofundme She developed Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) that left her fainting every time she stood, sometimes collapsing on the stairs or in the shower. She's had seizures that left her shaking violently on the floor, with her two most recent ones on Monday. For five weeks earlier this year she was completely bedridden, unable to stand without passing out. She's since been admitted to hospital for a week at a time — but doctors usually just check her vitals, give her some pain medication and send her home. 'No one really knows what to do,' she said. 'I've had so many tests, they all come back fine.' And that's the kicker; People with FND do appear 'fine' on paper, but inside, their body is fighting for its life. After seeing doctor after doctor and being told it was all in her head or it was 'just anxiety', Marissa began to lose hope. 'My body was shutting down, and I was overwhelmed and exhausted beyond words. 'Then one afternoon, everything changed — my body started shaking violently. I lost control. I had a full-body seizure. My eyes locked shut. I couldn't speak, move, or cry for help. 'That was the moment I knew — this wasn't just anxiety. It was real.' Marissa's younger sister Helena, now 17, was diagnosed with FND at just 14. Helena also collapses, suffers seizures and lives with chronic pain, though Marissa's condition is more severe. Their mother Sylvia said that although it hasn't made it any easier, she was able to recognize Marissa's symptoms earlier. 'It's just heartbreaking,' said Sylvia. 'I want them to be better. There's no help, there's no answers, it's so frustrating.' 'Marissa should be worrying about who she's going to party with, not whether she can stand in the shower.' 'I just research and push doctors to listen. But I can no longer work or provide,' she said tearfully. Sylvia has had to quit working for their family's dog grooming business to take on the role of full-time carer in her home. 'We may need to look at selling our house. It's a constant battle,' she says tearfully. The family spends tens of thousands of dollars every year on weekly psychologists, fortnightly psychiatrists, cardiologists, neurologists, pain specialists, rehabilitation programs and even hypnotherapy. Marissa is also taking over 10 medications to help manage her condition, including for her heart and seizures. Marissa De Santis and service dog, Moose. Gofundme Earlier this year, Marissa was also diagnosed with autism level 2. Her care team believes autism contributed to her nervous system 'overloading,' triggering the FND. Marissa's autism diagnosis has meant the family now has access to minimal NDIS support but FND and POTS are yet to be recognize on their own. Recently, Marissa's family surprised her with a visit from a service dog named Moose. 'When Moose visited Marissa, her heart rate dropped drastically,' said her mum. Moose carries a hefty fee of $30,000 but will allow Marissa to regain a sense of independence and a better quality of life. He will be able to notify her of oncoming seizures or fainting spells. He will also be able to press a doorbell that sends an alert in case of emergencies and assist Marissa in learning how to walk again using his walking frame. Marissa has bravely spoken out about her condition for the first time, creating a GoFundMe to raise money to have access to Moose, who she says would be a lifeline. 'With a Moose by my side, I could reclaim parts of my life that I've lost — and maybe even feel safe enough to go outside on my own again,' she said. Marissa says all she wants is a bit of awareness about what she's going through. 'People have no idea what it is, but disabilities can be invisible. People often make a quick judgement but you can't tell what's going on inside someone's head.'
The Hindu
02-06-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
Integrating modern medicine with ancient wisdom
There has always been a gulf, and perceived incompatibility, between modern medicine and integrative medicine. While modern medicine is focused largely on abnormalities and finding cures for them, integrative medicine is focused on the entire continuum of human healthcare engagement: prevention, maintenance and cure, or to put it more specifically in medical treatment terms, rejuvenation, restoration and rehabilitation. Ancient medical systems such as ayurveda, yoga, acupuncture and tai chi have great potential for the human body, brain and mind, as many research papers have revealed. It has been pointed out too, that we may be erroneous in calling these older systems complementary, as they not only preceded much of modern medicine as we know it but have stood the test of time. Integrative medicine sits well within the philosophy that healthcare must be pluralistic, inclusive and adopt complementary approaches that restore equilibrium (the healthy condition) in an individual. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, United States, emphasises that integrative medicine is a holistic approach to health and well-being, using a coordinated and conjoint but optimal use of allopathy and complementary medicines. Integrative medicine may be defined as a 'single-window' healthcare service that adopts an evidence-based blend of traditional and modern medicines, with optimal use as either a combination or as monotherapy. Here we present one client's healing journey from a plethora of long COVID symptoms, to a state of well-being, with an approach that combines the best of modern science and the wisdom of ancient medical traditions. Mr. S and his healing journey Mr. S, a 52-year-old businessman, consulted us, burdened as he was by a complex web of physical and psychological challenges. Following a COVID-19 infection two years ago, he had begun experiencing persistent cognitive lapses, fluctuating moods ranging from irritability to agitation, muscular stiffness, low back pain, and a host of gastrointestinal issues including bloating and acid reflux. Compounding these problems were fatigue, palpitations, dizziness, sleep disturbances, and increased sensitivity to noise and light — symptoms that, taken together, seriously eroded his capacity to function both at work and at home. A comprehensive multidisciplinary evaluation conducted by our team of a physician, a psychologist, a physical therapist, and an electrophysiologist uncovered several key findings. Although Mr. S's EEG and ECG were normal, precision tests revealed significant autonomic dysfunction detected as Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS). POTS is diagnosed through a significant increase in heart rate on changing postures (usually 30 beats or more when one progresses from lying to standing) accompanied as well in some cases by a drop in blood pressure (systolic > 20 mmHG and diastolic > 10 mmHG) on standing up. Mr. S also suffered from marked anxiety, moderate depressive symptoms, and mild cognitive impairment. His score of 17 out of 30 on our comprehensive autonomic symptom checklist highlighted the extent of his dysautonomia. In light of these findings, the care team decided on an integrated treatment strategy, merging established modern medical practices with ancient healing wisdom to holistically address both his physical and psychological ailments. Central to his modern medical management was the judicious use of pharmacotherapy to stabilise autonomic imbalances, manage mood-related symptoms, and alleviate discomfort. The autonomic nervous system takes its origins in our limbic (emotional) brain, and the use of drugs that stabilise brain activity is, therefore, both logical and necessary. Augmenting this approach was a cutting-edge novel intervention Transcutaneous Auricular Vagus Nerve Stimulation (taVNS). Vagus nerve stimulation has long been studied for its role in modulating the balance between the body's sympathetic ('fight or flight') and parasympathetic ('rest and digest') systems. In taVNS, a small electrode stimulates the auricular branch of the vagus nerve near the ear. These sessions, administered four times weekly for 20 minutes each, are designed to prompt a parasympathetic response, helping to calm hyperactive stress circuits in the body. Research increasingly indicates that taVNS can reduce heart rate variability issues, lower inflammation, and alleviate mental health symptoms — making it particularly relevant for managing complex dysautonomia. Neuromodulation of this kind 'paces' the nervous system, like the cardiac pacemaker. Mr. S's psychological care included 10 hours of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to mitigate severe anxiety and moderate depression including cognitive retraining exercises to help his neurocognitive symptoms. It is well known that neurocognitive dysfunction that is perceived but not detected in formal testing, also called subjective cognitive dysfunction, is a common outcome of depression and anxiety. Under the guidance of a clinical psychologist, he learned to identify distorted thought patterns, improve stress management skills, and adopt healthier coping strategies. Muscle relaxation techniques further supported this process, helping him gain mastery over the physiological manifestations of anxiety — such as muscle tension and shallow breathing. His practice of cognitive retraining also helped in his gaining confidence about his cognitive performance. Physical therapy formed another pivotal dimension of his treatment. Through manual therapy, electrotherapy, and graduated exercise regimens, Mr. S found relief from muscle spasms, built endurance, and improved both gait and coordination. Meanwhile, complementary approaches from naturopathy and ayurveda provided a well-rounded, integrative model of care. Treatments such as acupressure, reflexology, and abdominal mud packs helped stabilise his digestive system and offered a soothing counterpoint to the physical and psychological stresses he had been enduring. Shiroabhyangam—a gentle ayurvedic head massage with warm kshirabala oil — further enhanced relaxation, improved sleep initiation, and encouraged a sense of inner calm. A structured yoga regimen completed his mind-body therapeutic journey. Incorporating pranayama (breathing exercises), sukshma vyayama (gentle stretches), chanting, and yoga nidra (deep relaxation), the programme empowered Mr. S to calm his overactive sympathetic drive and strengthen his parasympathetic tone. In tandem with a balanced, gut-friendly dietary approach, his digestive issues were addressed by reducing acid reflux triggers, incorporating probiotics to support healthy gut flora, and adopting smaller, more frequent meals to alleviate bloating. After five weeks, Mr. S reported markedly reduced dizziness, numbness, and muscular pain; substantial improvement in mood and sleep; and greater overall resilience. With his autonomic dysfunction significantly mitigated, he returned to a more productive and satisfying daily routine, bolstered by sensible nutrition, regular exercise, and continued yoga practice. Integrative medicine & the McDonald's paradigm Comprehensive and integrated care, including but not restricted to yoga, tai chi, qigong, acupuncture and other mind-body practices, are recommended as add-on interventions in mainstream care and such an approach is rapidly gaining application globally for persons with chronic diseases. In a large study of people with chronic neuropsychiatric symptoms in the U.S., it was found that 43.8% of U.S. adults with at least one neuropsychiatric symptom, used at least one Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) therapy. The multiplicity of symptoms appeared to be an important predictor of integrative medicine being considered. Other important considerations were the duration and chronicity of the complaints and the recommendation of the conventional care provider to consider CAM. Twenty per cent of patients used CAM because standard treatments were either too expensive or ineffective, while 25% used CAM because it was recommended by a conventional health care provider. Adults with at least one neuropsychiatric symptom were more likely to disclose the use of CAM to a conventional healthcare provider (47.9%). Our experience with Mr. S, one of over 15,000 people with chronic disease that we have treated using integrative medical therapy, indicates that such an approach holds promise for individuals experiencing dysautonomia as part of long COVID, and indeed a plethora of other chronic symptoms and diseases, especially in our experience, those affecting the brain and mind. Emerging data globally indicates that post-viral syndromes can involve persistent autonomic disruptions — symptoms such as palpitations, fatigue, and orthostatic intolerance often linger, long after the acute infection has remitted. Combining modern techniques such as taVNS, targeted medications, and structured rehabilitation with holistic therapies — yoga, meditation, acupuncture, and evidence-based traditional remedies — can help recalibrate the autonomic nervous system and foster a meaningful recovery. Reviewing the available research data including discussions at expert forums such as the World Congress of Neurorehabilitation (Vancouver, Canada, May 2024), where Buddhi Clinic had the opportunity to present a full symposium on integrative approaches to neurorehabilitation, the consensus appears to be that integrative medicine is the need of the hour, in an ageing world burdened by chronic disease. Bringing complementary and alternative treatments into the mainstream and seamlessly integrating them with modern (allopathic) medicine and treatments is therefore not just desirable, but essential. Integrative medical practice is criticised in some quarters. These criticisms arise from safety concerns, lack of well-designed efficacy studies, limited knowledge about drug interactions, less robust regulatory controls over products, perceived bias against CAM in mainstream medical journals, and conflict between research and clinical practice. Research in complementary and alternative healthcare approaches has increased in recent years, and sufficient data that support the benefits of certain practices in some illnesses are being reported. In addition, work in the field of non-pharmacological care research for conditions like cancer points out that these practices have become 'essential and critical' in providing optimal care and support to elders with this condition. With the support for integrative medicine by the Government of India, the future growth of such research appears bright. In our experience, the service paradigm has to be based on a McDonald's model: combining prescription (the Mac meal) with choice (just fries or a burger as one deems fit). For conditions of health and mild impairment, the choice model may work well, as it encourages patient autonomy; but in conditions of disease, where restoration and rehabilitation are required, a prescription model drawn up by the healthcare team may work better. The core of integrative medicine lies in its unique ability to encourage patient choice and participation in care; to be complementary (combining the modern with the traditional, seamlessly); to support in acute conditions and take the lead in chronic conditions; to focus on symptoms rather than diagnosis; and to take a practical, problem-solving approach to health and wellness. Most importantly, perhaps, combining modern medicine with ancient wisdom, leverages the power of human touch and communication, both powerful tools in the journey to health and well-being. Thus, as Mr. S's journey reveals, the synergy of modern medicine and ancient wisdom offers great hope for individuals confronting chronic diseases including those dealing with the complex aftermath of viral illnesses such as Covid. A truly holistic path to restored health and well-being has been brought to life by bringing together healing traditions, both modern and ancient. (Dr. Ennapadam S Krishnamoorthy is founder and CEO, behavioural neurologist & neuropsychiatrist, Buddhi Clinic, Chennai. Dr. Rema Raghu is co-founder & chief clinical officer, Buddhi Clinic, Chennai.)
Business Insider
31-05-2025
- Health
- Business Insider
Living on $3,400 a month: How one couple pays the bills while juggling medical debt and saving for gender-affirming surgery
Last year Alex Mixson and his wife Marley Britt were having a string of medical crises. She was unable to work because of an undiagnosed illness, and he had to have an appendectomy. "We couldn't afford Columbus anymore," Mixson said of the Ohio city where they lived. Multiple emergency medical visits drained their savings and racked up thousands of dollars in debt. Mixson, a trans man who's been transitioning for eight years, put off his top surgery to focus on saving money and helping his wife, who had been suffering from undiagnosed Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome — a condition that causes dizziness and lightheadedness that was making it difficult for her to work. "I'd rather take care of my wife than be comfortable in my skin," said Mixson, who is 26. The couple moved back to West Virginia, and both of them are employed, earning about $3,400 a month total. Mixson is building savings to have top surgery in the next few months. Britt and Mixson are part of a cohort of about 91 million Americans who cannot afford or don't have access to quality medical care. A study from the UCLA Williams Institute also found that while transgender people have high rates of enrollment in health insurance, 1 in 3 avoid seeking healthcare because of the cost. "It's a lot to struggle with, and it's hard," Mixon said, of his journey to afford surgery, "but it's so rewarding at the same time to just wake up and not feel so shitty about yourself." Finding community and fundraising for gender-affirming medical care Mixson works as a front desk receptionist, and his wife is a remote IT worker. Since spiraling into debt, the two have had to cut amenities like eating out and have chosen to prioritize rebuilding their emergency savings over paying back their medical bills. The two spend over half of their combined monthly paychecks on rent, transportation, utilities, and food, leaving them with about $100 a month to set aside for savings. "I haven't paid a medical bill. I just kind of let it sit on my credit," Mixson said. Britt was finally diagnosed with POTS this past month and is receiving proper treatment for it while working remotely. The newfound stability has allowed the pair to schedule Mixson's top surgery this summer. Mixson estimates that if insurance doesn't cover his top surgery, he'll be on the hook for another $10,000. He has saved some of that amount and started a GoFundMe to raise an additional $3,500. Mixson said it's been hard to fundraise from the small queer community in his hometown, as he said most are also struggling to make ends meet. Mixson has been posting to Reddit forums about his fundraiser in an attempt to reach a wider audience online and garner more support. As of March 31, he's only raised $980 toward his goal. He said that his close friends have been pivotal in helping him figure out things like insurance and extending cash in times of need, including $200 when he moved, so he and his wife could buy groceries. For Mixson, top surgery is a matter of safety in being able to pass as a cisgender man. Since starting testosterone, he said, few people recognize him from before his transition, but in the small city, word spreads quickly. There are moments when Mixson is afraid he'll be recognized. He's even more worried since the election, given that the Trump administration has pulled funding from institutions that work on DEI-related projects and purged inclusive language and mention of transgender people on federal websites, saying it promotes "woke" ideology. "I need to do what I need to do, keep my head down and come home," Mixson said. His wife has asked him to carry pepper spray in his car in case he is attacked. Research from the Williams Institute at UCLA in 2021 found that transgender individuals are four times as likely as their cisgender peers to be victims of violent crime. Despite the financial challenges, getting the surgery is important to Mixson. From a young age, he has struggled with body dysmorphia — feeling that his gender identity didn't match the gender he was assigned at birth. Mixson has been taking testosterone for five years and flattens the appearance of his chest using a compressive top, but that has also led to other kinds of discomfort. "I've been binding for years and it's at a point now that my back is almost always hurting," Mixson said, adding that his transition has brought positive changes to his mental health. "I am definitely more outgoing than I used to be. I feel stronger."
Miami Herald
11-05-2025
- Health
- Miami Herald
Managing PoTS: Tips for Living with the Chronic Illness Affecting Millions
Imagine standing up and your heart suddenly races as if you've sprinted a mile-except you haven't budged. For millions of Americans with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (PoTS), this dizzying, exhausting reality is their daily norm. Though not fatal, PoTS profoundly disrupts everyday life, causing a spectrum of symptoms-dizziness, near‑fainting, brain fog, palpitations, fatigue, tremors, chest discomfort, headaches, nausea and gastrointestinal distress. Recent data suggest PoTS is on the rise. "PoTS can be triggered by SARS‑CoV‑2 infection as part of long COVID," said Dr. Svetlana Blitshteyn, professor of neurology at the University at Buffalo. A 2025 study in The American Journal of Medicine found that nearly 80 percent of long‑COVID patients met the diagnostic criteria for PoTS. "Prior to the pandemic, at least 3 to 5 million people had PoTS, which has likely doubled after the pandemic," Blitshteyn told Newsweek. "We still don't know exactly how many Americans currently have PoTS, but it is estimated that millions more Americans are now suffering from this disease," added Dr. Brit Adler, a professor of medicine in the division of rheumatology at Johns Hopkins University. PoTS is described as an abnormality in the functioning of the autonomic nervous system, the system controlling breathing, gut function, heart rate, blood pressure and many other bodily functions. It can also be linked to problems like "low blood volume, vascular dysfunction, or other mechanisms," Adler said, adding that those with hypermobility syndromes like Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome often had the condition as well. PoTS comes as a result of the autonomic nervous system's "adjustment to being upright not functioning properly," Professor Lesley Kavi, the chairperson of the U.K.-based charity organization PoTS UK, told Newsweek. As many basic tasks in the day require postural changes and standing, a person with PoTS is constantly being put under strain as they navigate simple tasks. Symptoms tend to lessen when a patient is horizontal, but it can sometimes take a long time for symptoms to ease off once flared. Things like heat, prolonged standing, dehydration, stress, intensive exercise, viruses, infections, and menstruation can all worsen PoTS symptoms. Kavi said that major surgery, injuries such as concussion, and exposure to a traumatic event can trigger an onset of PoTS, but she added that there isn't enough data and research yet to be able to determine precisely what mechanisms are going wrong within the body. Dr. Zachary Spiritos, a specialist in gastroenterology and hepatology at North Carolina's UNC Health, told Newsweek: "Many people may be born with a vulnerability, and then something in the environment - often an infection or injury - triggers the onset of symptoms. It's multifactorial, and the exact blend is different for everyone." Prevalence estimates range widely: the Cleveland Clinic cites 1–3 million U.S. cases, while Dysautonomia International reports 3–6 million. This variability stems largely from under-recognition-most clinicians seldom consider PoTS during evaluation, according to Spiritos. Women account for approximately 80 percent of cases in the U.S., according to Dysautonomia International, likely due to hormonal influences and autoimmune predisposition. "This is partly because the X chromosome carries many immune-related genes, and women have two copies, which can lead to more robust, but also more error-prone, immune responses," Spiritos said, "[And] we see anecdotal patterns where estrogen can worsen PoTS symptoms, while testosterone may be protective." Lesley Kavi from PoTS UK said that avoiding symptom triggers can be a good place to start for managing the condition, although this is very individual. For some, this could include avoiding prolonged standing, dehydrating things like the heat, alcohol, and caffeine, she added. Increasing fluid intake is essential, Kavi said, adding an adult with PoTS should aim to drink between two to three liters of water a day, or more if they exercise or are in a hot environment. In order to ensure the water stays in your system, increasing sodium intake is also important, Kavi said. Patients are advised to increase their sodium intake to as much as 10,000-12,000 mg per day, but each patient will respond best to a different amount. Compression clothing, particularly tights or leggings that cover the abdomen, are helpful in boosting blood circulation too, Kavi said. Typically medical grade compression is required of between 20 to 30 mmHg. "Exercise can be something that helps the most for some people, but the problem with exercise is that it can make others feel really terrible afterwards, even for a day or two," Kavi added. Starting "low and slow" is always the way to go, Kavi said, adding that it was important to get expert input. The best forms of exercise to start with are horizontal, she added, pointing to exercise bikes, Pilates, rowing machines, and swimming. Although, it is always best to get professional support, Blitshteyn said. "While there are no cures, there is treatment to help you improve and function better in your life." It is also important to remember "you're not alone and PoTS is a real, physiologic disorder," Adler said. "Many people go years without a diagnosis and are often told that their symptoms are from anxiety and it is in their head." Spiritos said it's a good idea to educate yourself, as "understanding the condition is empowering," and recommended listening to the POTScast and Bendy Bodies podcasts. "Ultimately, community and knowledge are power, and with the right tools, you can get better," he added. Related Articles What to Eat When You're Living With Long COVIDHow This Simple Routine Could Improve Immune Function Over TimeWoman Struggles With Dangerous Heart Condition-Then Dog Changes EverythingMillennial Woman With Stoma Who Refuses To Stop Wearing a Bikini Applauded 2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
