Rachel’s DVT and Pulmonary Embolism Experience
Bridging Nutrition Science and Patient Care: ANA and Jazz Pharmaceuticals Launch Cardiovascular Health Initiative
The Mentor She Wished She Had – How Elizabeth Became a Lifeline for EB Families
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Narcolepsy is more than just “feeling tired”—it’s a neurological condition that disrupts the brain’s ability to regulate sleep and wakefulness. People living with narcolepsy may experience excessive daytime sleepiness, sudden sleep attacks, sleep paralysis, vivid hallucinations, and in some cases cataplexy (a sudden loss of muscle control triggered by strong emotions).
While the exact cause isn’t always clear, narcolepsy is often linked to a deficiency of hypocretin (a brain chemical that helps control alertness), and may involve genetic and autoimmune factors. Certain risk factors—like family history or brain injury—can increase susceptibility, while triggers such as stress, lack of sleep, illness, or major life changes can worsen symptoms.
Understanding narcolepsy helps break stigma and encourages earlier diagnosis, better management, and stronger support for those affected. Awareness isn’t just knowledge—it’s empathy in action.
#NarcolepsyAwareness #SleepDisorder #InvisibleIllness #PatientWorthy
April is Stress Awareness Month 💙
Stress looks different for everyone, and so does healing. Small steps, taken consistently, can make a meaningful difference.
Let’s check in on ourselves and each other, reduce stigma, and prioritize wellbeing—this month and beyond.
#StressAwarenessMonth #MentalHealthMatters #SelfCare #PatientWorthy
Thank you Arelis for sharing your journey with vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG).
"I’m Arelis—most people call me Reli. I had VSG on June 23rd, 2020.
As a first-generation Dominican American, food has always been a big part of my culture and my life. By the time I got to college, I had tried just about everything to lose weight—gyms, bootcamps, pills, programs, even Dominican home remedies.
By 2018, I was around 275 pounds. I had been diagnosed with PCOS, experienced a few miscarriages, was dealing with chronic back pain, and had high cholesterol. That’s when I realized it was time to make a real change—for me.
Choosing weight loss surgery has truly changed my life—not just physically, but mentally and emotionally as well. I’ve maintained a 135-pound weight loss, which has helped me better manage my back pain and improve my cholesterol without needing medication.
More importantly, this journey has given me a completely new mindset, meaningful connections, and a version of myself I’m really proud of.
I didn’t just lose weight—I found myself."
#StoryShare #VSG #WeightLossSurgery #PatientWorthy #SleeveGastrectomy #WeightLossJourney
