The hottest Chronic Illness Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Health & Wellness Topics

Why Bother Checking? Halloween Candy Is Already Full of Poisons.

The Society of Problem Solvers • 359 implied HN points • 30 Oct 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Nutrition Diet Chronic Illness Health Education Public Health
  1. Many popular candies contain harmful ingredients like seed oils and food dyes, which can affect health negatively. It's important to pay attention to what's really in our food.
  2. Instead of just worrying about safety from external dangers, we should recognize that the candies we buy might already be unhealthy. Eating the right foods can lead to better health outcomes.
  3. Solving health problems is possible with the right changes in diet and lifestyle. A focused approach like the Carnivore diet could help improve chronic health issues.

Movers and Shakers: Help!

Rory’s Always On Newsletter • 892 implied HN points • 27 Oct 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Chronic Illness Caregiving Health Policies Mental health
  1. Parkinson's disease can progress in ways that become very hard for patients and caregivers. It's important to prepare for these changes to ensure proper care and support.
  2. There are resources and help available for those caring for someone with Parkinson's, like occupational therapy and local support groups. Connecting with others can provide useful information and comfort.
  3. If you live outside of areas with great services, reach out to your local Parkinson's group and keep the Parkinson’s UK helpline number handy for expert advice.

Guardians of the Brain

Ground Truths • 9404 implied HN points • 08 Dec 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Neuroscience Immunology Chronic Illness Autoimmunity Clinical Research
  1. The brain has a vital connection with the immune system, challenging the old belief that the brain is cut off from it. New studies show that brain immune cells can help prevent and treat diseases.
  2. Recent research has discovered ways to program T cells to respond to brain issues, which may aid in treating brain tumors and autoimmune diseases. This could lead to better therapies by specifically targeting brain conditions.
  3. There is a newly understood communication path between the body and brain that controls inflammation and immune responses. Understanding this connection can improve treatments for autoimmune diseases and conditions like Long Covid.

When MAHA Forgets the Working Class

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 955 implied HN points • 29 Jan 25
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare access Chronic Illness Working Class Health Policy Insurance
  1. Health advice that seems extreme or unattainable can push regular people away. It's important to give advice that feels realistic and achievable.
  2. Personal experiences with illness can be heavily influenced by socioeconomic status. Financial worries about healthcare can be a barrier to education and opportunities.
  3. Policies like the Affordable Care Act can make a big difference for people with preexisting conditions. They can open doors for education and better health insurance options.

Big Pharma Saved My Life

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 653 implied HN points • 31 Jan 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Healthcare Pharmaceuticals Medical treatment Personal Stories Chronic Illness
  1. The American healthcare system has many problems but still plays a crucial role in saving lives.
  2. Personal experiences highlight the importance of pharmaceutical advancements in treating serious health conditions.
  3. Faith and medical technology together can have a profound impact on survival and recovery from critical illnesses.
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Movers and Shakers: Can you sue over Parkinson's?

Rory’s Always On Newsletter • 674 implied HN points • 05 Oct 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Environmental health Legal issues Epidemiology Chronic Illness
  1. It's unclear if people with Parkinson's can sue for their condition. A recent case showed the link between Parkinson's and chemicals like TCE isn't proven enough yet.
  2. The case of Holmes v Poeton involved a worker who claimed his Parkinson's was caused by chemical exposure at work. Courts found the evidence too weak to support this claim.
  3. Studies suggest some chemicals might increase the risk of Parkinson's, but proving direct causation is hard because many factors can influence health conditions.

How to Fix the NIH

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1372 implied HN points • 11 Dec 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Health Policy Chronic Illness Healthcare system
  1. Institute directors should have term limits of 5 to 10 years. This helps bring in new ideas and prevents one person from holding too much power for too long.
  2. More funding needs to go towards preventing chronic diseases rather than just treating them. Preventive care is important for keeping people healthy and can save money in the long run.
  3. The NIH should be more transparent about financial conflicts of interest. People deserve to know how research funding is influenced by financial ties to the industry.

Flu activity increases again

Force of Infection • 183 implied HN points • 07 Feb 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Public Health Disease Prevention Epidemiology Health Education Chronic Illness
  1. Flu activity is on the rise, hitting its highest level since 2002. This means more people are going to the doctor with flu-like symptoms.
  2. Younger children are getting hit hardest, with nearly 17% showing flu symptoms. Older adults are at greater risk for serious illness, even though their overall illness rates are lower.
  3. To prevent the flu, it's important to wear masks in crowded places, ventilate indoor areas, and get vaccinated. If you do get sick, antiviral medications can help you recover faster.

Technology indistinguishable from magic

Wrong Side of History • 470 implied HN points • 31 Dec 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Pharmaceuticals Gene Therapy Chronic Illness Public Health
  1. Medical technology has advanced a lot recently. Many serious diseases, like diabetes and HIV, are now much easier to treat than before.
  2. New treatments for conditions such as schizophrenia and allergies are being developed, showing promise for better ways to help people who suffer from these issues.
  3. Innovations like gene therapy and cancer vaccines are changing how we approach some of the most challenging health problems, potentially offering cures or significantly improved treatments.

Living in ‘survival mode’ causes chronic illness, and may even kill you

Changing The Channel • 8192 implied HN points • 06 Dec 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Chronic Illness Stress Mental health Burnout Health Impact
  1. Living in chronic stress from survival mode can lead to chronic illnesses and impact life expectancy
  2. Moving abroad is not just for the rich; many Americans are seeking a better quality of life due to the high cost of living and lack of a social safety net in the United States
  3. Chronic stress is normalized in America and can contribute to chronic illnesses, making it essential to address the root causes of stress in society

A Former Republican Lawmaker’s Constant Fight with UnitedHealthcare’s Medicare Advantage Plan to Stay Alive

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 759 implied HN points • 26 Jun 24
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare access Insurance Issues Patient Advocacy Chronic Illness Medicare Disability Rights
  1. Healthcare can be a huge struggle, especially when battling a serious illness. Many people might face denied coverage and have to fight tirelessly for the treatments they need to survive.
  2. Financial strain can impact access to necessary medical treatments. Some individuals may even resort to fundraising or selling personal belongings to cover their medical costs.
  3. Certain Medicare Advantage plans can limit access to essential care and providers. This can be frustrating for those who need specialized treatments, forcing them into difficult situations.

mRNA Covid jabs often cause long-term thyroid damage, a big new study shows

Unreported Truths • 49 implied HN points • 16 May 25
🏥 Health Politics Vaccines Public Health Autoimmunity Research Chronic Illness
  1. A new study shows that people who got mRNA Covid vaccines had a 30% higher chance of developing thyroid disease after a year compared to those who didn't get vaccinated. This means many might be facing thyroid issues globally.
  2. The risk of thyroid problems grows over time, and those who received fewer shots in a year had an even higher risk of developing these issues. This suggests that the vaccines might cause long-term autoimmune reactions.
  3. The thyroid plays a crucial role in our metabolism and health, and these newly found connections could lead to serious issues for many people, like heart problems or anxiety, over time.

Tuskegee for everyone

Disaffected Newsletter • 2358 implied HN points • 19 Sep 23
🏥 Health Politics Medical Ethics Public Health Vaccination Debate Chronic Illness Healthcare system
  1. Many people are starting to distrust the medical system, especially after the experiences during Covid and how vaccines were handled. It's important to question the advice given and think critically about health decisions.
  2. Listening to your intuition about your health can be crucial. Signs of something wrong shouldn't be ignored, and recognizing these early can save lives.
  3. Chronic health advice, like dietary recommendations, can often be wrong or outdated. People should be open to new information and trust their own experiences over established guidelines.

Updated estimates of Long Covid in England and Scotland show that it remains a serious issue

Independent SAGE continues • 239 implied HN points • 27 Apr 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Epidemiology Healthcare policy Chronic Illness Health Research
  1. About 1.1 million people in England and Scotland are estimated to have Long Covid lasting at least 12 weeks, which is a significant number. This suggests that Long Covid is still a serious health problem affecting many individuals.
  2. Most people with Long Covid have been living with it for a long time; over 50% have had it for more than two years. Many new cases are still emerging, especially among those with repeated infections.
  3. Long Covid significantly impacts daily life for many, with nearly 73% experiencing some limitations and about 23% facing major difficulties in their daily activities. Common symptoms include fatigue, shortness of breath, and difficulty concentrating.

When (not if) Our Bodies Crumble

The Soup • 982 implied HN points • 25 Mar 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Chronic Illness Healing Community support Self-care
  1. The story talks about a personal journey with a child's chronic illness and the struggles faced as a family.
  2. It discusses the importance of recognizing and supporting those with chronic illness and disabilities in the community.
  3. The author shares insights on healing, community support, and the creative process behind writing and publishing a book.

What does the latest data tell us about Long Covid?

Independent SAGE continues • 219 implied HN points • 27 Apr 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Epidemiology Healthcare policy Chronic Illness Health Inequality
  1. Long Covid is still a big health problem, with about 2 million people in the UK affected as of March 2024.
  2. Certain groups are more likely to suffer from Long Covid, such as those living in poorer areas and certain ethnic groups, especially Mixed and Asian communities.
  3. Many people with Long Covid experience serious symptoms that greatly affect their daily activities, especially if they've been suffering for over two years.

Meet Dr. Hurley – a physician (and now a patient) bent on righting the wrongs of insurance denials

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 1218 implied HN points • 05 Jun 23
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare access Insurance Issues Patient Advocacy Chronic Illness
  1. Dr. Hurley, a physician turned patient, fights against health insurance denials that affect patients' access to care. His own experience with his son's surgery denial opened his eyes to the struggles many face with insurance companies.
  2. He wants to reform the medical claims process, aiming for fairness and accountability from insurers. By using his legal education and experience, he hopes to help others navigate the complicated system and advocate for their healthcare rights.
  3. Dr. Hurley emphasizes the importance of having qualified specialists review insurance claims. He believes that having doctors without the right expertise making decisions harms patients and wants to see changes that hold these reviewers accountable.

Dr. Daniel Hurley, advocate for health insurance reform, dies at 50

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 759 implied HN points • 16 Aug 23
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare Reform Medical Ethics Insurance Policy Patient Advocacy Chronic Illness
  1. Dr. Daniel Hurley was a strong advocate for health insurance reform. He wanted to bring more transparency to the insurance industry.
  2. Even while battling cancer, he worked hard to fight against insurance companies that denied necessary medical treatments. He was determined to make changes that would help patients.
  3. His passing at 50 is a big loss, but his family and friends plan to continue his mission for better healthcare practices.

New blog, new life

VS Blog • 419 implied HN points • 06 Sep 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Physical health Cognitive Function Chronic Illness Recovery
  1. The author took a break due to feeling inadequate after a past failure, but eventually found the courage to return online.
  2. Long COVID impacted the author's health, causing cognitive dysfunction, but they are now recovering with therapy and treatment.
  3. The author started teaching about Large Language Models and successfully turned it into a lucrative online educational business.

Story Thirty-Five

Stories From The Rail • 379 implied HN points • 21 Oct 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Disability Mental health Caregiving Chronic Illness Self-care
  1. Sometimes even simple words can be hard to recall, especially for someone with brain injury. This can be frustrating and challenging.
  2. Living with a disability can be terrifying and isolating, impacting personal relationships and daily interactions in unexpected ways.
  3. Support and understanding from loved ones, mentors, and communities are crucial for individuals dealing with disabilities. Honoring their struggles and experiences is important for building empathy.

Long-COVID patients face treatment denials, skepticism from clinicians

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 319 implied HN points • 17 Nov 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Chronic Illness Healthcare access Patient Advocacy Medical Research Public Health
  1. Long-COVID patients often struggle to be understood by doctors, facing skepticism about their symptoms. Many doctors don't have clear guidelines for treating long COVID, which can leave patients feeling frustrated and ignored.
  2. Symptoms of long COVID can be very varied and affect many parts of the body. People report issues like extreme fatigue, brain fog, and pain, which can significantly change their daily lives.
  3. The cost of treatment can be a huge burden for long COVID patients, especially in the U.S., where many face denied claims for necessary medications. This financial strain adds to the challenges they already face in managing their health.

The U.S. Disease Epidemic and MAHA

Who is Robert Malone • 20 implied HN points • 14 Nov 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Pharmaceuticals Chronic Illness Healthcare Reform Nutrition
  1. Many Americans are suffering from serious health issues, with a high number living with chronic illnesses. This shows that despite advances in healthcare, people's health is getting worse.
  2. The current medical system heavily favors pharmaceutical companies over patient care. This creates a cycle where dangerous drugs can be approved while underlying health problems are ignored.
  3. Environmental factors, like toxins in food and other products, are major contributors to health issues. A reevaluation of health policies and standards is needed to protect people's well-being.

I've Been Diagnosed with Mild Neurocognitive Disorder Secondary to Multiple Sclerosis

lettersonbeing • 157 implied HN points • 25 Jun 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Chronic Illness Anxiety Cognitive Function Disability Mental health
  1. The author received a diagnosis of mild neurocognitive disorder secondary to multiple sclerosis, which has had an impact on their cognitive function and ability to work.
  2. The diagnosis has brought a mix of relief and anxiety, as the author grapples with the implications for their future, including concerns about financial stability and support.
  3. Despite the challenges, the author finds humor in the face of fear and uncertainty, learning to navigate life with a new perspective, acceptance, and hope for the future.

mRNA vaccines: let's be sick a whole lot less and maybe cure cancer

Everything Is An Emergency • 112 HN points • 05 Mar 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Vaccines Chronic Illness Cancer Research
  1. Developing drugs that target pathways triggered by pathogens can lead to faster, more effective treatments for various diseases, even when the specific pathogen is unknown.
  2. mRNA vaccines are faster, cheaper, and more flexible to make than traditional vaccines, offering a promising future in preventing infections and addressing persistent pathogens like herpes.
  3. mRNA vaccines have the potential to be used as personalized cancer vaccines by instructing the body's cells to create proteins that trigger an immune response against cancer cells, showing great promise in cancer treatment and immunotherapy.

A closer look: what you need to know about insurance companies' and PBMs' "copay accumulator" scheme

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 159 implied HN points • 20 Jan 23
🏥 Health Politics Insurance Issues Patient Advocacy Legislation Pharmaceuticals Chronic Illness
  1. Copay accumulators are a practice where insurance companies and pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) do not count patient discounts towards their deductible. This forces patients to pay more out of pocket for expensive medications later in the year.
  2. Many patients, especially those with chronic illnesses, are impacted by these accumulators, facing higher healthcare costs that can lead to stress and difficult financial choices. Advocacy groups are working to raise awareness and ban this practice.
  3. Insurance companies argue copay accumulators help control drug costs, but many believe it's just a way to make more money at patients' expense. Some states are taking steps to ban it, but many patients still lack protection.

Life with Crohn’s Disease is a Never-Ending Fight with Insurance Companies

JoeWrote • 44 implied HN points • 13 Feb 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Healthcare Insurance Chronic Illness
  1. Living with Crohn's Disease involves a continuous battle with insurance companies, making access to necessary healthcare challenging.
  2. The American healthcare system's bureaucracy and profit-driven approach create unnecessary burdens for individuals with chronic illnesses.
  3. Personal experiences highlight the flaws in the American healthcare system, emphasizing the need for reform towards universal healthcare coverage.

The Impact of Long COVID

The Weekly Gazette • 19 implied HN points • 17 Jun 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Chronic Illness Healthcare access Research Funding Patient Advocacy
  1. Long COVID can cause serious, long-term health issues like fatigue and insomnia for many people, severely affecting their daily lives. It shows that COVID-19 can have impacts even after the infection is gone.
  2. Research on Long COVID is ongoing, but there is no single treatment available yet. Many patients end up managing symptoms on their own while waiting for better solutions.
  3. Long COVID has brought attention to other similar conditions, like chronic fatigue syndrome, which have also been underfunded. Patients are increasingly advocating for more research and treatment options.

Long COVID – a dystopian game of pinball

Independent SAGE continues • 1 HN point • 01 Aug 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Chronic Illness COVID-19 Medical Research Healthcare policy
  1. Long COVID can make people very sick for months or even years after they initially recover from COVID-19. Symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, and breathing problems can really affect daily life.
  2. There isn't a simple test to diagnose Long COVID, which can lead to people doubting its seriousness. However, it's a complex condition that can affect many different parts of the body.
  3. To help prevent Long COVID, it's important to get vaccinated, avoid crowded places, and take care of yourself if you do get COVID-19. Rest and anti-viral medications can help with recovery.

Douthat's Chronic Lyme Journey

Holodoxa • 39 implied HN points • 25 Jun 22
🏥 Health & Wellness Chronic Illness Memoir Medical Advocacy Personal Growth Science Writing
  1. Ross Douthat's memoir, _The Deep Places_, highlights the challenges of chronic Lyme disease, blending his personal story with science and social commentary.
  2. Douthat advocates for experimental treatment in chronic Lyme cases, questioning traditional evidence-based medical approaches that may not always be effective.
  3. The narrative showcases Douthat's journey through illness and growth in a compelling and thought-provoking manner, shedding light on the complexities of chronic diseases.

The Cause of my Mental Illness

Christian Bonanno • 1 HN point • 12 Jun 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Genetics Nutrition Chronic Illness Biochemistry
  1. The author discovered through genetic testing that they had a homozygous carrier of minor alleles in the Purine Nucleoside Phosphorylase gene, affecting their immune system and mental health.
  2. Partial Purine Nucleoside Phosphorylase Deficiency can manifest with mild-moderate immune abnormalities in the third decade of life, impacting immune function and typical development.
  3. Having excess GTP due to the gene deficiency could lead to over activation of serotonin and dopamine receptors, potentially causing symptoms of Bipolar Mania and Schizophrenia, and zinc supplementation might help counteract these effects.