Patients with a rheumatic disease are at a higher risk for infection due to their disease or medications. Dr. Chris Mecoli from the Division of Rheumatology speaks with Dr. Erika Darrah about steps a patient could take in order to prevent infections.
Cold weather can be difficult for those living with a rheumatic disease. Flares, falls, and pain may happen. Here are 5 tips to help you avoid these challenging symptoms: 1. […]
People with rheumatic diseases are at higher risk for complications if they get the flu. So, while it’s important every year to get the flu vaccine, this year it is […]
Masks are required almost everywhere you go. Whether it’s the grocery store, the bank, or walking down the street, understanding the basics of wearing a mask is essential.
Before you put your mask on, make sure to wash your hands for at least 20 seconds. Make sure your mask covers your nose, mouth, and chin and is comfortable around your ears. Wash or dispose of the mask after each use, and be sure to wash your hands after removing the mask.
Telemedicine is increasingly being used for health care delivery. Telemedicine is new for most people. Some are apprehensive about technology and other concerns with a video platform.
Mindfulness meditation is a well-established technique that can reduce stress and lead to improvements in pain, fatigue, sleep difficulties, and overall quality of life. Mindfulness programs come in a variety of forms and can be practiced in a group setting or individually through use of smartphone applications. This could be beneficial for overall stress & mental health in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Dr. Dana DiRenzo provides a general overview of mindfulness and how it may be useful to you as someone with rheumatic disease.
Shingles, a painful rash that is a reactivation of the chickenpox virus, generally affects people with weaker immune systems, or patients on medications that impair the immune system (corticosteroids, mycophenolate, biologic therapies, and many others).
In this video, Dr. Chris Mecoli explains how these vaccines work and who should receive the vaccine.
In the United States, measles were declared eliminated in the year 2000. Measles is still present in other countries and outbreaks in the U.S. happen every year. Victoria Ruffing, RN, BC, explains what measles are and what patients with rheumatic diseases need to know.
Sleep problems can occur in patients with psoriatic arthritis. While there are unfortunately many causes of these problems, there are also many solutions. In this video, Victoria Ruffing, RN, BC, the director of patient education at Johns Hopkins Rheumatology, discusses ways to combat sleeplessness and feel more restful throughout the day.
Progressive Muscle Relaxation is a deep relaxation technique that can be performed in many different settings. Practicing progressive muscle relaxtion several times per week has been shown to improve stress, anxiety, sleep, and pain. Follow along as Drs. Neda Gould and Dana DiRenzo demonstrate.
Guided Imagery is a helpful tool for relaxation and can be performed in a seated position or lying down. Benefits of performing guided imagery on a routine basis include stress reduction, lowered blood pressure, and improved pain. Drs. Neda Gould and Dana DiRenzo will demonstrate.
