New updated COVID-19 boosters are now available. Here’s what you need to know if you’re immunocompromised.
By Tuberculosis Vaccine Might Offer Some Protection Against COVID
Studies find TB vaccine might help in the fight against COVID, however more research is needed and getting a COVID vaccine is still a must.
By Kelsey Kloss
Scientists Are Developing Self-Boosting Vaccines — Here’s What It May Mean for You
Fewer jabs and more effective treatments could be in your future.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated its COVID-19 guidance, loosening restrictions on social distancing and quarantining. Here’s what our community thinks — and how to keep protecting yourself.
By Recession-Proofing Your Health Care
Living with chronic illness is costly, so when the economy looks bleak it's natural to feel anxious about health care expenses. Here's help.
By Kelsey Kloss
5 Things We Still Don’t Know About COVID-19 in the Immunocompromised
Researchers hope new studies will shed light on these questions for those at high-risk for severe illness from COVID.
Here’s what to know about this phenomenon that can result in a positive COVID-19 test, even after treatment.
By Kelsey Kloss
COVID Cases Surging Again: 5 Reminders for Our Patient Community
Fortunately, you have more ways to keep yourself safe today compared to more than two years ago when the pandemic began.
By Kelsey Kloss
What We Know About How COVID-19, Long COVID, and COVID-19 Vaccines Differ Between Males and Females
More studies reporting sex-disaggregated outcomes are needed, but early clues shed light on how your risk may differ based on your assigned sex.
Living with chronic illness is costly, so when the economy looks bleak it’s natural to feel anxious about health care expenses. Here’s help.
By Kelsey Kloss
Everything You Need to Know If You’re Prescribed Paxlovid as an Immunocompromised Patient
See answers to all of your questions about this antiviral pill — from how it works to side effects and more.
By CreakyStaff
Rheumatology Patients Are Still Struggling with Shortages of Actemra, a Medication Being Used to Treat COVID-19
We talked with rheumatoid arthritis patients and rheumatologists to find out how this shortage is physically and mentally impacting our community — and what to do if you can’t access Actemra right now.
A new study found that many patients who tapered their meds wound up flaring.
Suspect Rheumatoid Arthritis? Seeing a Rheumatologist Within 6 Weeks Is Key
Time is of the essence when RA symptoms strike.
By CreakyStaff
EULAR 2020: 50+ Updates That Could Change the Way You Treat Your Arthritis
Held virtually, the 2020 medical meeting from the European League Against Rheumatism shared important medical breakthroughs and updates about managing rheumatic conditions.
The answer to this question can empower you to feel good about mask-wearing, even as others toss theirs aside, shares Laurie Ferguson, PhD, clinical psychologist and Director of Education Development at the Global Healthy Living Foundation.
By Kelsey Kloss
Your Thoughts on Lessons Learned from the COVID-19 Pandemic
Plus, why it’s perfectly okay not to “learn a lesson” at all.
By Kelsey Kloss
How the Immunocompromised Community Can Support Each Other During This Stage of the Pandemic
You may have a sense of being left behind as the rest of the world returns to normal activities, but connecting with other immunocompromised patients may help you feel less alone.
Our latest COVID-19 Patient Support Program poll reveals that 70 percent report feeling unsafe due to new, less restrictive COVID guidelines.
By CreakyStaff
New Poll Reveals Most Have Not Gotten Fifth COVID-19 Vaccine Dose
In the Global Healthy Living Foundation’s latest COVID-19 Patient Support Program poll, only 25 precent of respondents said they have already received their fifth COVID-19 vaccine dose, and some are waiting for a variant-specific booster.
By Poll Results: Our Community May Be Doing More Activities This Summer but Have Greater Worry Over Lack of COVID Safety
In the Global Healthy Living Foundation’s latest COVID-19 Patient Support Program poll, only 30 percent of respondents said they feel more comfortable doing activities in public this summer compared to last summer. That said, they were most comfortable planning gatherings with close family and friends.
New report finds New York is the best place to live for people with rheumatic disease; Wyoming is the worst.
By Dear Diary: It’s Infusion Day
Patient advocate Shelley Fritz shares her infusion day diary, including what she does before, during, and after each infusion and what lessons she's learned over the past decade.
By Stefanie Remson: Rheumatoid Arthritis Made Me the Amazing Person I Am Today
“Having RA has given me an opportunity to be kinder to myself, love myself unconditionally, and to help so many more people in the RA community find this place of peace."
Researchers set out to determine whether telephone-delivered talk therapy and exercise could have a significant impact on people with inflammatory rheumatic diseases.
By CreakyStaff
Why the Future of Patient-Centered Arthritis Research Will Involve Your Smartwatch
A new study from ArthritisPower shows that patients are very engaged when it comes to using a smartwatch along with short surveys to better understand rheumatoid arthritis symptoms.
By CreakyStaff
What Prompts Axial Spondyloarthritis Patients to Change Their Treatment? New Research Examines This Complicated Condition
Many axial spondyloarthritis patients are talking with their providers about their treatment plan — and wanting to prevent long-term damage is a major factor in how they think about it.
A new review from CreakyJoints provides recommendations for how providers can guide patients who are interested in cannabis for pain treatment.
Warning: Your Health Insurance Might Not Cover the Meds You Need Most
New study finds drug formularies often have exclusions that could harm your health or cost you more money.
Could Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) Make Osteoarthritis Worse? What a New Study Found
A new study suggests that NSAIDs, a common osteoarthritis pain treatment, could be making symptoms worse. But more research is needed.
A new study examined the effectiveness of digital exercise programs, which may be especially beneficial for osteoarthritis patients during the COVID-19 pandemic.
To Boost Bone Density, Doing More High-Intensity Exercise in the Teenage Years Seems Key
More time spent in moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity in adolescence was associated with greater hip bone mineral density at age 25 years, a new study found.
By Lupus Patients Who Don’t Exercise Are 3 Times More Likely to Become Depressed
Depression is common with lupus, but engaging in even just a little physical activity may significantly reduce your risk.
Rheumatoid arthritis patient Eileen Davidson has had her share of doctor visits virtually and in person. Here’s her take on the good and bad of telehealth — and why it’s transformed her care.
By Susan Jara
Rheumatoid Arthritis Pain: 7 Things You Should Tell Your Rheumatologist
Communication is the key to getting your RA pain under good control. Here’s what you need to discuss with your doctor if you’re experiencing an increase in RA pain.
By Susan Jara
How to Discuss Your Rheumatoid Arthritis Pain During a Telehealth Visit
Pain isn’t as easy to manage when providers can’t see and touch your joints in person, but you can effectively discuss and treat RA pain during virtual visits. Here’s how.
