Trying to be healthy can sometimes feel daunting. Working out and preparing nutritious meals only seem to add to our endless to-do lists. However, there are ways to get yourself in a healthier state without exerting so much effort. And often, it’s the small changes that can make a significant difference.   We compiled simple strategies that can help you start getting healthier. You can even start using these tips as soon as you finish reading this article. Cut back on ultra-processed foods   Eating a lot of ultra-processed foods, such as packaged sweets, ultra-processed meats, a ..read more

Over 5.6 million people in the United States live with limb loss and limb difference. Of this number, almost 2.3 million individuals have limb loss, and 3.4 million have limb difference. These estimates are from a white paper titled “Prevalence of Limb Loss and Limb Difference in the United States: Implications for Public Policy,” which was published in February 2024, just in time for this year’s Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month.   This new study, commissioned by the Amputee Coalition in partnership with Avalere Health, a US-based healthcare consulting firm, shows that the nu ..read more

Travel has increasingly become common; however, not everyone enjoys the privilege. This is particularly true for people with disabilities and people with limb loss and limb difference because most travel amenities and activities are not accessible for users of wheelchairs and other assistive devices, like prosthetic limbs. Fortunately, companies like travel agency Wheel the World are bridging the gap.   Wheel The World was founded by Alvaro Silberstein, a C6 quadriplegic. The travel agency was borne out of Silberstein’s numerous encounters with unreliable accessibility and information whi ..read more

Everyone experiences a lack of motivation at some point, and finding yourself in this position can be challenging. You don’t want to do anything, yet you have a lot of things on your plate. While depression is one of the most common causes of lacking motivation, taking certain medications and having certain health conditions, like ADHD, can also contribute.   If your lack of motivation is caused by depression, you may find that your level of motivation is directly related to how depressed you’re feeling. Depression can be chronic, or it can occur along with traumatic life events, such as ..read more

Six-year-old Shine Arslanian has encountered challenges that would shake the confidence of many adults, yet his determination remains.   In an interview with CBS News, Jamie Duby, Shine’s mother, said she draws inspiration from him daily as he continues exceeding her expectations. Her baby’s diagnosis blindsided Duby on September 16, 2017, the day Shine was born. He was rushed into emergency surgery at UC Davis Children’s Hospital. Spending three weeks in the UC Davis NICU, Shine was diagnosed with a rare combination of genetic conditions: Bartsocas-Papas type, Popliteal Pterygium Syndrom ..read more

Postural control, or maintaining proper body alignment, is crucial for performing daily activities and preventing falls. Unfortunately, people with below-knee limb loss struggle with postural control and balance due to the loss of sensory feedback and muscle control in the residual limb, as well as the limited range of motion of the prosthetic foot.  As a result, individuals with below-knee limb loss tend to rely on their sound side leg and use their prosthetic leg less while standing and walking. However, this adaptation can result in altered biomechanics of the intact leg, pelvis, and ..read more

Hannah Cvancara is an Orthopaedic nurse with unilateral below-knee limb loss. Born into a military family, she aspired to serve the country as a military nurse and use her skills to contribute to the well-being of service members. However, despite her qualifications, the Navy classified her as “medically disqualifying” because she uses a manufactured prosthetic left leg.   Cvancara lost her left leg below the knee due to a congenital condition called Fibular Hemimelia at the age of one. Despite these obstacles, she pursued her passion for nursing, obtaining her BSN degree from four differ ..read more

Patients with obesity often face weight bias in healthcare settings, where healthcare professionals judge and stigmatize them. To push back against weight bias, advocates in the US have introduced the first-ever Obesity Bill of Rights.   The bill, published on January 31, 2024, by the National Consumers League and National Council on Aging, has the support of 40 national obesity and chronic disease organizations as well as several lawmakers. The Obesity Bill of Rights comprises eight principles. These include the right to respect; the right to treatment from qualified health providers; th ..read more

The word ‘narcissist’ is often used to describe someone self-centered and lacking in empathy. However, Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) is a legitimate mental health condition that can make relationships challenging for the person living with the condition. Likewise, it can make it harder for others to maintain a relationship with the person.   However, some individuals can display traits associated with narcissism, even if they haven’t been diagnosed with NPD. These characteristics may include having an inflated perception of their own importance, creating an imaginary world to en ..read more

Navigating chronic pain, especially for a person living with limb loss, can be challenging. Chronic pain varies in cause, duration, frequency, location, and sensation. And many face challenges relaying this information to others, as well as being seen and heard.   Communication is the first step towards finding medical strategies that work. In this article, we discuss various methods you can adopt to help you effectively communicate about chronic pain. We also talk about strategies to help you manage your chronic pain, which can help when you’re in between appointments. Keep a pain journa ..read more