November marks several important health observances in the United States. The Department of Health and Human Services and related health organizations use this month to raise awareness about chronic health conditions and support public education. The November Health awareness calendar marks:

• Diabetes Awareness Month
• COPD Awareness Month
• Lung Cancer Awareness Month
• American Epilepsy Awareness Month
• National Family Caregivers Month

These observances highlight a specific health challenge and they each encourage us to focus on prevention, early detection, and treatment.

Diabetes Awareness Month 2025

Diabetes is one of the most common chronic conditions in the United States, affecting about 38.4 million people, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). It happens when your body can’t properly regulate blood sugar, either because it doesn’t make enough insulin or can’t use it effectively.

There are two main types:

• Type 1 diabetes which is autoimmune and usually begins early in life.
• Type 2 diabetes which is more common and linked to lifestyle and genetics.

Over time, high blood sugar can damage blood vessels, nerves, eyes, and kidneys. You might not notice symptoms initially, but subtle warning signs include increased thirst, fatigue, and frequent urination.

What’s essential is understanding risk factors. A family history of diabetes, being overweight, having high blood pressure, or leading a sedentary lifestyle all increase your chances. But prevention is possible. Even small changes like walking daily, choosing whole foods, and keeping routine checkups make a difference.

If you already live with diabetes, talk to your doctor about your long-term action plan. Managing blood sugar is about learning what your body needs. Regular monitoring, balanced meals, and staying active can help you feel stronger and more in control.

COPD Awareness Month

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a long-term lung disease that makes it hard to breathe. It includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema, which damage your airways over time.

If you’ve noticed shortness of breath, a persistent cough, or frequent respiratory infections, it’s worth bringing up with your doctor. These are common COPD symptoms, but they can easily be mistaken for aging or allergies.

The leading cause of COPD is smoking, though exposure to air pollution and workplace dust also plays a role. In the US, nearly 16 million adults have been diagnosed, and many more likely go undiagnosed.

COPD is progressive, but with treatment and early action, you can slow its progression. Medications, inhalers, and pulmonary rehab programs can help you breathe better and stay active. You also want to avoid secondhand smoke (or quit smoking if you haven’t already).

Lung Cancer Awareness Month

Lung cancer is one of the most serious health threats we face. It’s the second most common cancer and the leading cause of cancer death in the United States. According to the American Cancer Society, we have about 226,650 new cases and 124,730 deaths from lung cancer in 2025.

Common signs include a chronic cough, chest pain, unexplained weight loss, or shortness of breath. However, in many cases, early lung cancer causes no symptoms at all. That’s why lung cancer screening is so important.

If you’re between 50 and 80 years old, have a history of heavy smoking, or have recently quit, talk to your doctor about a low-dose CT scan. It’s the most effective tool for catching lung cancer early, when it’s most treatable.

The main risk factors include smoking, exposure to radon gas, air pollution, and a family history of cancer. Even if you’ve quit smoking, your risk remains higher for several years, which makes continued screening critical.

Today, treatment options are evolving quickly – from surgery and radiation to targeted therapy that zeroes in on cancer cells while sparing healthy ones. Many cancer centers now offer personalized treatment plans that extend survival and improve comfort. Lung cancer prevention research is also ongoing, aiming to detect the disease earlier and reduce risks before it develops.

American Epilepsy Awareness Month

Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that affects about 3 billion people worldwide. It causes recurrent seizures or sudden bursts of electrical activity in the brain that can look very different from person to person.

For some, an epileptic seizure may last a few seconds and cause a blank stare. For others, it may lead to convulsions or temporary loss of awareness. While medication controls seizures in many people, about one-third still struggle with breakthrough episodes.

If you or someone you love lives with epilepsy, knowing epilepsy and seizure first aid is essential.

Here’s what to do:

• Stay calm and time the seizure.
• Gently place something soft under their head.
• Do not restrain them or put anything in their mouth.
• Once it ends, help them rest and stay with them until they’re alert again.

The Epilepsy Foundation offers excellent resources to help educate family members and caregivers. Raising awareness helps reduce stigma and ensures more people understand what epilepsy truly is and isn’t.

While epilepsy is a long-term condition, modern treatments, including medication, diet therapy, and nerve stimulation, are improving quality of life. However, awareness still matters most, especially in helping people recognize seizures and respond safely.

National Family Caregivers Month

Behind every patient is often a caregiver. Someone who sacrifices time, energy, and sleep to ensure their loved one is okay. National Family Caregivers Month is dedicated to them.

In the United States, over 53 million people provide unpaid care to family or friends with chronic illnesses. They coordinate appointments, manage medications, and offer emotional support, all while balancing work and personal life. It’s one of the most selfless acts of love there is.

But caregiving can also take a toll. Many caregivers experience exhaustion, stress, and feelings of isolation. This month, the goal is to raise awareness and encourage communities to provide caregiver support.

If you’re a caregiver, remember that your well-being matters, too. Here are small but powerful steps that can help:

• Take breaks when you can, even short ones.
• Connect with other caregivers online (on social media platforms) or through local groups.
• Ask for help and accept it when offered.
• Speak with your healthcare provider about stress and burnout.

Why Research and Participation Matter

Awareness helps you recognize symptoms early, understand your risk factors, and seek the care you deserve. But awareness alone isn’t enough. Real change happens when we take action – when we get screened, make healthy choices, support one another, and contribute to the science that moves medicine forward.

For chronic conditions like diabetes, COPD, lung cancer, and epilepsy, ongoing research is what leads to better treatments and prevention strategies. That’s where organizations like Science 37 come in.

Science 37 can connect you to at-home clinical trials, allowing you to participate in medical research without the stress of frequent travel or hospital visits. Our decentralized clinical trials for chronic conditions make it easier for patients and family members to be part of the discovery process, right from the comfort of home.

If you or someone you love is living with these conditions, consider exploring current studies through Science 37’s study page. Your participation could help shape the future of treatment and bring hope to millions facing similar challenges.

Autoimmune disorders are among the most common yet least understood health conditions today. They occur when the immune system, designed to protect you, turns against your body. Instead of fighting off infections, it begins attacking healthy tissues, blood cells, or organs. More than 80 different autoimmune diseases exist, and each comes with unique symptoms and challenges.

What Autoimmune Disorders Mean

The immune system protects your body from infection by identifying and fighting off viruses, bacteria, and toxins. With autoimmune disease, the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues. The target could be the thyroid gland, the pancreas, the nervous system, or even blood cells.

Because the attack can happen in different organs, the symptoms are wide-ranging. Some people experience fatigue or muscle weakness, while others deal with digestive problems or skin rashes. Autoimmune disorders are chronic, which means they rarely go away. They require careful diagnosis and a long-term treatment plan.

A Closer Look at Common Conditions

Each autoimmune disorder looks different. Knowing the range helps you see why no single approach works for everyone.

• Graves’ disease. This condition affects the thyroid gland. When your immune system disrupts thyroid function, it produces too much thyroid hormone. Symptoms may include rapid heartbeat, weight loss, anxiety, or heat intolerance. Genetic risk factors are essential because Graves' disease can run in families.
• Multiple sclerosis (MS). In MS, the immune system damages the protective coating around nerve fibers. This disruption slows communication between the brain and the rest of the body. Muscle weakness, numbness, and balance issues are common. MS often follows a cycle of flares and recovery, but can also progress steadily.
• Type 1 diabetes. With this condition, the immune system destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. Without insulin, your body cannot control blood sugar levels. Daily insulin therapy and blood sugar monitoring are essential to prevent serious complications.
• Systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus). Lupus is one of the most complex autoimmune disorders. It can affect joints, skin, kidneys, heart, and blood cells. Symptoms flare unpredictably, making lupus difficult to diagnose and manage.
• Ulcerative colitis. This disorder affects the colon lining. Immune system attacks cause inflammation, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and rectal bleeding. People with ulcerative colitis often need ongoing medication, lifestyle changes, and close health care follow-up.
• Celiac disease. In people with celiac disease, gluten triggers the immune system to attack the small intestine. This prevents the body from absorbing nutrients properly. Fatigue, anemia, and digestive distress are common, and the only effective treatment is a strict gluten-free diet.

Why Diagnosis Is Difficult

Getting an accurate diagnosis for an autoimmune disorder is not always straightforward. Many early warning signs (fatigue, joint stiffness, digestive upset, skin rashes, or muscle weakness) also occur in other conditions. Because of this overlap, you may be treated for something else before doctors recognize the underlying autoimmune process.

Studies show that people with autoimmune disorders often wait years before receiving a correct diagnosis. This delay can allow symptoms to worsen and add stress that directly affects mental health outcomes. Living without answers can make flare-ups harder to manage and may leave you uncertain about the future.

Another challenge is that no single test confirms every autoimmune disease. A diagnosis usually requires a combination of blood tests, imaging studies, and physical exams. Doctors may look for antibodies that suggest the immune system attacks blood cells, the thyroid gland, or other tissues. Yet even when antibodies are present, the results do not always point to one clear condition.

Risk factors add another layer of complexity. Autoimmune disorders tend to run in families, but the inheritance pattern is not straightforward. You may carry specific genes that increase your risk, yet never develop disease. On the other hand, someone without a family history may still be diagnosed.

Why Awareness and Research Matter

Awareness does more than put a name to an illness. It helps you spot early warning signs, seek care sooner, and feel confident advocating for yourself in health care settings.

Autoimmune disorders often hide in plain sight because fatigue, joint pain, or digestive upset seem ordinary until they become chronic. When more people understand that these symptoms could signal autoimmune conditions, fewer patients are left searching for answers in silence. Awareness also opens the door to emotional support, something just as important as medical treatment when living with a chronic condition.

Research is equally critical. Autoimmune disorders rarely follow a single pattern, which is why no one-size-fits-all treatment plan exists. Medical research is uncovering why these diseases often run in families, why women are more frequently affected, and how risk factors like infections or diet can trigger disease in someone already predisposed.

This knowledge is guiding the development of therapies that improve not only physical symptoms but also mental health outcomes, an area too often overlooked. For example, studies now explore how controlling inflammation in systemic lupus erythematosus may ease depression, or how stabilizing blood sugar in type 1 diabetes supports overall well-being.

Clinical trials make this progress possible. Unfortunately, traditional trials can be out of reach for many people. If you live with ulcerative colitis and experience unpredictable flare-ups, or if multiple sclerosis leaves you with mobility limitations, frequent clinic visits may feel impossible. Fatigue alone keeps many from participating. That is where decentralized clinical trials are changing the landscape.

Decentralized Clinical Trials at Science 37

Through organizations like Science 37, research can come directly to you. Virtual check-ins, at-home data collection, and medication delivery make participation realistic even if traveling to a hospital is difficult. This model not only gives more patients access to cutting-edge care, but also ensures autoimmune research reflects the diversity of real-world experiences, something essential if we want treatments that work for everyone.

If you live with Graves’ disease, lupus, celiac disease, type 1 diabetes, multiple sclerosis, or ulcerative colitis, consider exploring clinical trials with Science 37. Joining research is more than contributing data. It is helping build a future where autoimmune diseases are diagnosed faster, treated more effectively, and understood more fully.

If you always feel tired, even after what seems like a full night’s rest, you may wonder if something more than ordinary sleepiness is happening. For some people, the explanation lies in conditions such as narcolepsy or idiopathic hypersomnia. These neurological sleep disorders affect how your nervous system regulates sleep and wakefulness.

According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), narcolepsy affects an estimated 125,000 to 200,000 people in the United States. Idiopathic hypersomnia is even rarer, affecting an estimated 10 out of every 100,000 people worldwide. Because these disorders can be hard to recognize, experts believe many people remain undiagnosed or misdiagnosed with other sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea or depression.

Narcolepsy vs. Idiopathic Hypersomnia

Narcolepsy and idiopathic hypersomnia are both chronic sleep disorders. They cause excessive daytime sleepiness that doesn’t go away, no matter how much rest you get at night. But while they may sound similar, they affect your body differently.

Narcolepsy is a disorder of the nervous system that changes how your brain controls sleep and wake cycles. People with narcolepsy often enter rapid eye movement (REM) sleep too quickly and at the wrong times. In a healthy brain, REM sleep usually begins about 90 minutes after you fall asleep.

With narcolepsy, it can happen almost immediately. This sudden switch can cause symptoms like muscle weakness (known as cataplexy), vivid dream-like hallucinations, and even temporary sleep paralysis. Doctors recognize two main types of narcolepsy:

• Type 1 includes cataplexy and is linked to low levels of hypocretin, a brain chemical that helps regulate wakefulness.
• Type 2, which involves sleepiness without cataplexy.

If you have narcolepsy, you may notice some or all of the following:

• Excessive daytime sleepiness.  Persistent difficulty staying awake during the day, even after adequate nighttime sleep.
• Cataplexy. Sudden loss of muscle control, often triggered by laughter, excitement, or stress. (Linked to Type 1 narcolepsy).
• Sleep paralysis. A temporary inability to move or speak when falling asleep or waking up.
• Hallucinations. Vivid, dream-like images during sleep-wake transitions.

Fragmented nighttime sleep. Difficulty staying asleep at night, despite sleeping more than average.

Idiopathic hypersomnia (IH) is different. The word “idiopathic” means “without a known cause.” People with IH experience deep, prolonged sleep that doesn’t leave them feeling refreshed. You may sleep 10 hours or more at night and still wake up with heavy sleep inertia - that groggy, foggy feeling that makes it hard to get out of bed or function during the day.

Unlike narcolepsy, IH doesn’t involve sudden REM sleep episodes or cataplexy. Instead, naps are often long and unhelpful, leaving you feeling just as tired as you did before.

Idiopathic hypersomnia shows up differently, although it also causes excessive daytime sleepiness. Some of the most common symptoms include:

• Long sleep times. You may regularly sleep 10 hours or more at night.
• Sleep inertia. A heavy, groggy feeling upon waking that makes it hard to get out of bed. This can last for hours and feels like being stuck in a fog.
• Unrefreshing naps. Unlike narcolepsy, naps usually don’t help. You may wake up just as exhausted as before.
• Cognitive difficulties. You may experience trouble with memory, focus, and decision-making.
• Persistent fatigue. You still feel drained even when tests show you’ve had “enough” sleep.

Misconceptions and Stigma

One of the hardest parts of living with narcolepsy or idiopathic hypersomnia is not just the symptoms themselves, but how others perceive them. You may have heard comments like, “You’re just lazy” or “Everyone gets tired, just try harder to stay awake.” These assumptions dismiss the reality of what you’re going through in the long term.

Both narcolepsy and idiopathic hypersomnia are legitimate neurological disorders. Changes in the nervous system, disruptions in REM sleep, and low levels of hypocretin explain why your body struggles to regulate wakefulness.

Willpower alone cannot override these conditions. When people view your symptoms as a character flaw, stigma grows, and support often fades. Awareness is the first step to changing that.

Why Awareness and Diagnosis Matter

Awareness matters because without it, many people continue to suffer in silence. When narcolepsy or idiopathic hypersomnia isn’t recognized, the symptoms often get brushed off as simple tiredness, depression, or lack of effort. That misunderstanding delays proper care and keeps you from finding strategies and treatments that could help.

Awareness also reduces stigma. When your friends, family, or coworkers understand that excessive daytime sleepiness results from a neurological disorder, not laziness, then they’re more likely to support you instead of doubting you. That support can make everyday challenges less isolating.

On a broader level, awareness encourages research and better clinical practice. The more these conditions are talked about, the more likely it is that doctors will screen for them, that funding will go into sleep studies, and that new treatments will be developed. Increased awareness means better chances for an early diagnosis, fewer misdiagnoses with conditions like sleep apnea, and more tools to improve your quality of life.

Treatment and Support

Although there is no cure yet, treatment can make a significant difference in managing symptoms:

• Medications: Stimulants such as modafinil, armodafinil, or methylphenidate can improve wakefulness. Sodium oxybate is another option, often used to address both sleepiness and cataplexy in narcolepsy. Each medication has potential for a side effect, so finding the right option requires collaboration with your doctor.
• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): CBT helps you adapt to the daily challenges of chronic sleep disorders while reducing stress and building better coping strategies, benefiting both your physical and mental health.
• Lifestyle changes: Scheduled naps, consistent bedtimes, limiting alcohol, and adjusting your work or school schedule can make life more manageable.
• Community support: Talking with others who live with narcolepsy or idiopathic hypersomnia can ease isolation and provide encouragement.

The Role of Research

Right now, there is no cure for narcolepsy or idiopathic hypersomnia. That reality can feel discouraging, but it also highlights why research matters. Every study brings scientists closer to understanding how the nervous system controls sleep and why problems like disrupted REM sleep, low levels of hypocretin, or extreme sleep inertia happen.

Research has already given us better tools than we had a decade ago. What’s missing is a true solution that goes beyond symptom management. Ongoing studies are exploring new medications, safer options with fewer side effects, and even potential breakthroughs that could change how these conditions are treated.

Clinical trials are how these discoveries move from the lab into real life. When you join a study, you’re not just helping yourself. You’re contributing to the future of care for everyone with narcolepsy or idiopathic hypersomnia. Your participation helps researchers test whether new treatments really work and how they can fit into clinical practice.

Thanks to our decentralized clinical trials, you can participate from home. Instead of worrying about long drives or missed work, you can connect with study teams virtually, use remote monitoring tools, and fit participation into your life. That flexibility removes barriers that often hold people with sleep disorders back.

Choosing to join a Science 37 trial means two things: you gain access to innovative treatments that may improve your daily life and help build a future where no one has to live years undiagnosed or misunderstood.

As the days grow shorter and temperatures drop, your routines naturally shift. You may find it harder to keep up with healthy eating, staying active, or even getting enough sunlight. The colder months also bring a higher risk of cold and flu season, and many people notice changes in their mental health, including risks for seasonal depression.

But with a few steady habits, you can protect your immune system, safeguard your physical health, and enjoy the winter months with more energy and resilience. As you focus on your wellness, it’s worth knowing that medical research, including decentralized clinical trials, is advancing treatments for seasonal illnesses and chronic conditions that affect families, professionals, and older adults like you.

Let’s explore some winter and fall health tips to help you stay strong this season.

Nutrition That Fuels Your Immune System

When it’s chilly outside, comfort foods are tempting. But what you eat now can make a real difference in how strong your immune system is. Seasonal fruits and vegetables like sweet potatoes, squash, apples, and dark leafy greens give you the vitamins and fiber your body craves this time of year.

Vitamin C from oranges, bell peppers, and berries can help protect against infections. Vitamin D, found in fatty fish, fortified milk, or sunlight when available, supports bone and immune health. Zinc from nuts, seeds, and beans helps your body heal and defend against illness.

Don’t forget hydration. It’s easy to skip water in cold weather, but staying hydrated keeps your energy up and helps your immune system do its job. Warm herbal teas, broths, or even water with lemon are simple ways to remind yourself to drink.

• If you’re juggling family life, make hearty soups with dark leafy greens and sweet potatoes. They’re easy, affordable, and keep well for leftovers.
• If you’re a busy professional, pack snacks like yogurt, citrus fruits, or trail mix so you don’t skip meals.
• If you’re an older adult, focus on calcium- and vitamin D–rich foods to keep bones strong through the winter months.

Remember: healthy eating is not about perfection. It’s about fueling your body with the nutrients to stay healthy and fight infections.

Exercise

Cold air sometimes makes you want to curl up indoors, but regular physical activity is one of the best defenses against winter sluggishness, seasonal depression, and even illness. Exercise boosts circulation, strengthens your immune system, and supports both mental and physical health.

If the temperature is extreme, stick to indoor activities. Workout apps, yoga videos, or resistance bands can get you moving in your living room. If you head outside, dress in layers you can remove easily once you warm up. Fresh air walks, raking leaves, or even a brisk family hike are outdoor activities with real health benefits.

• With kids at home? Try a family dance party after dinner.
• At the office? Take a 10-minute walk during your lunch break.
• Retired or older? Gentle chair yoga or balance exercises can improve mobility and prevent falls.

The key is consistency. Even small bursts of activity add up and help you stay healthy through the cold weather.

Sleep and Stress

Your immune system depends on sleep to recharge. Aim for 7–9 hours a night. Going to bed and waking up at the same time every day helps regulate your body. A dark, cool, quiet room makes sleep deeper.

Stress weakens immunity, too, and during the winter months, stress often rises as schedules get busier. That’s why stress management is just as important as sleep. Try deep breathing, journaling, or five minutes of mindfulness to reset. If you’re a professional, it helps to block off a short “no-work zone” in the day for rest or fresh air.

Tips to Prevent Cold & Flu

Every fall, you face a higher risk of getting sick. But you can lower that risk with a few wise choices. The flu shot is one of the most important. It’s recommended yearly for most people six months and older, and it helps reduce the chance of severe illness.

You can also protect yourself with everyday preventative care:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water.
• Cover coughs and sneezes.
• Disinfect surfaces like doorknobs and phones.
• Keep your family medicine appointments up to date.

How to Support Your Mental Health Through Shorter Days

When daylight fades, you may notice changes in mood, energy, or focus. That’s because shorter days can trigger seasonal depression for many people. Signs include feeling sadness, general fatigue, or withdrawing from activities you usually enjoy.

You don’t have to wait until symptoms get worse. There are simple, effective ways to protect your mental health:

• Get fresh air and natural light in the morning. A 20-minute walk can reset your body clock.
• Use a light therapy lamp if sunlight is limited.
• Keep routines steady. Meals, sleep, and physical activity all affect your mental health.
• Stay social. Call a friend, plan family dinners, or join community events.

How Research Is Shaping the Future of Winter Wellness

While you focus on healthy eating, physical activity, and preventative care, medical research is opening new doors to help you stay healthy during winter and beyond. Decentralized clinical trials now make it possible to join studies from the comfort of your home, whether caring for a family, managing a busy work schedule, or looking for better ways to handle chronic conditions as you age.

Researchers are studying everything from flu shot improvements to treatments for seasonal depression and immune system support. New options are also emerging for managing chronic diseases that often feel harder to control during cold and flu season.

Joining a decentralized clinical trial through Science 37 lets you contribute to this progress without the hassle of extra travel. It’s a good time to take charge of your physical health, support medical advances, and connect with innovative care that meets you where you are.

Ready to explore your options? Visit Science 37 to see how you can stay healthy this season and help shape the future of winter wellness.

Sepsis is one of the leading killers in the United States, and it often slips by unnoticed until it’s too late. You won’t see it plastered on billboards like heart disease, and it doesn’t get the kind of media coverage that cancer does. Yet the numbers are staggering.

Each year, around 1.7 million people are diagnosed with sepsis, and nearly 350,000 die from it. That’s one out of every three hospital deaths. Think about that for a second. Every 90 seconds, someone loses their life to sepsis. Even more sobering, it takes the lives of more children each year than cancer.

What’s scary is that most people have no idea what sepsis even is until it strikes someone they love. It doesn’t announce itself with a clear label. It can start as something small, a cut that looks irritated, a urinary tract infection that lingers, or a cough that won’t go away, and then, suddenly, the body’s response spirals out of control. A seemingly minor infection can turn into a full-blown medical emergency before you even realize what’s happening.

That’s why Sepsis Awareness Month exists. This is the time to pull back the curtain on a condition that has touched countless families but remains misunderstood. The more we talk about it, the more people recognize the signs and symptoms of sepsis, and the faster they can act. Awareness truly is the first step toward saving lives.

What is Sepsis?

At its core, sepsis happens when the body’s response to an infection goes haywire. Normally, when a bacterial infection sets in, the immune system releases white blood cells to fight off the invader. That’s how healing usually works. But sometimes, the immune system goes into overdrive. Instead of helping, the response floods the body with chemicals that trigger massive inflammation.

This causes damage to tissues and vital organs like the lungs, heart, or kidneys. When the body can’t keep up, things spiral quickly toward organ damage and, in the most dangerous cases, septic shock, where blood pressure crashes.

Sepsis isn’t just a bad infection. It’s the body turning against itself, and it can become fatal in hours. That’s why healthcare professionals stress that sepsis is always a medical emergency.

Why Early Detection Is Key

The frightening thing about sepsis is how fast it moves. Someone might feel fine in the morning, only to fight for their life by evening. The faster sepsis is recognized, the higher the chance of survival.

A helpful tool to remember is the “It’s About TIME” campaign:

• T – Temperature: Higher or lower than normal.
• I – Infection: There’s a known infection or a recent one.
• M – Mental Decline: Confusion, new trouble speaking, or sudden forgetfulness.
• E – Extremely Ill: Severe pain, difficulty breathing, or a sense that something is wrong.

Every one of these red flags points to danger. If you notice them, don’t wait and see if things improve. Call for help, head to the ER, and make sure the doctors check for sepsis.

Who is at Risk for Sepsis?

Sepsis can strike anyone, but some groups are especially vulnerable:

• Older adults, because aging weakens the immune system.
• Infants and young children, whose immune defenses are still developing.
• People with a weakened immune system, including those on chemotherapy, transplant patients, or people living with HIV.
• Anyone with chronic illnesses, like diabetes, kidney disease, or heart problems.
• Patients who have recently been in US hospitals, had surgery, or are recovering from serious illness.

That said, don’t think sepsis only happens to “other people.” Healthy, active adults can develop it too. A skin wound, a dental abscess, or even the flu can be enough to set it off.

The Signs and Symptoms of Sepsis

Spotting sepsis early means knowing what to look for. Common signs and symptoms of sepsis include:

• Fast heart rate
• Rapid breathing
• Fever, chills, or very low body temperature
• Extreme weakness or fatigue
• Confusion or other signs of mental decline
• Slurred speech
• Low blood pressure
• Skin that feels clammy or looks mottled

When an infection advances to sepsis and septic shock, blood pressure plummets, organs fail, and death can come quickly without treatment.

Doctors diagnose sepsis by checking vital signs, running blood tests, and confirming the presence of infection. Quick action with IV antibiotics, fluids, and supportive care is the only way to turn things around.

The Toll of Sepsis in Hospitals and Beyond

Sepsis is the third most common cause of death in US hospitals. Beyond the immediate danger, survivors often face long-term complications. Recovery can be grueling, with problems like:

• Ongoing fatigue
• Memory loss or mental decline
• Repeated infections
• Lingering pain or shortness of breath
• Chronic organ damage

This is sometimes called post-sepsis syndrome. It affects patients physically and mentally. Families often describe it as a complete shift in their loved one’s life, sometimes making it difficult to return to work or manage daily activities.

How to Lower the Risk

The truth is, you can’t prevent every case of sepsis, but you can reduce the odds. Here’s what helps:

• Infection prevention: Wash hands often, clean wounds, and seek care for injuries that don’t heal.
• Stay up to date on vaccinations: Protect yourself against pneumonia, flu, and other illnesses that can lead to sepsis.
• Manage chronic illnesses: Keep conditions like diabetes, heart disease, or kidney disease under control.
• Pay attention to changes: If an infection feels worse instead of better, get checked.

Why Sepsis Awareness Month Matters

Ever wonder why September spotlights sepsis? It’s because awareness truly saves lives. During Sepsis Awareness Month, families, survivors, and organizations flood social media with resources, personal stories, and a powerful reminder: sepsis isn’t rare.

Talking about it openly makes all the difference. The more people who know the warning signs, the faster they can act when it matters most. Even something as simple as sharing a post online might help someone recognize the danger in time, and that could be the very thing that saves their life.

The Role of Clinical Research

Sepsis has been a puzzle for researchers for decades. Because it develops quickly and varies so much from patient to patient, running clinical trials for sepsis has always been complicated. Still, progress is being made.

Scientists are working on faster ways to diagnose sepsis, stronger drugs to fight bacterial infections, and treatments to limit organ damage. Some trials focus on helping the immune system respond more effectively instead of spiraling out of control.

One of the most promising changes is the growth of decentralized clinical trials. Instead of patients needing to travel to big hospitals for every visit, these trials can often be done closer to home, through local clinics, telehealth, or even wearable devices that track vital signs. This makes it easier for more people to take part, which speeds up discoveries and brings us closer to better treatments.

Science 37 is leading the way in this shift, making it possible for patients and families to contribute to research without leaving their communities. It’s a step toward more hope, more answers, and ultimately, more lives saved.

Every fall, families across the country prepare for the back-to-school season with new supplies, fresh routines, and a sense of excitement. But along with math homework and after-school activities, something else shows up in classrooms: germs.

Research shows that schools in more than 90% of US counties exhibit an infection risk higher than 1%. This means the start of the school year creates the perfect storm for contagious illnesses to spread quickly among school children. Parents and caregivers often find themselves juggling not only academics but also frequent trips to the doctor for coughs, runny noses, or worse.

The good news? While some illness is almost inevitable, families can take practical steps to reduce the risk, support their children’s immune system, and know when to call a primary care physician. With ongoing research, including decentralized clinical trials, the future holds even more hope for keeping families healthy during the school year.

Why Kids Get Sick So Often During the School Year

Parents often sigh, “My child gets sick every two weeks once school starts.” It may feel exaggerated, but there’s some truth behind it. The classroom has long been a hub for sharing germs.

School children spend hours each day in close quarters, breathing the same air, touching shared desks and supplies, and sitting just a sneeze away from their classmates. When one child has a cough or sneeze, droplets can easily spread to others. Add in lunch tables, recess, sports, and after-school activities, and the opportunities for infection multiply.

While frustrating, this exposure is also part of how children build their immune system. Each encounter with a virus or bacteria helps the body learn how to respond in the future. That said, no parent wants their child sidelined by illness week after week. Knowing which infections are most common and how to prevent them can make the school year healthier and less stressful for the whole family.

The Most Common Illnesses to Expect

As children head back to school, certain illnesses consistently rise in frequency. Understanding the signs can help families know what to watch for and when to seek help from a health care provider.

1. The Common Cold

The common cold is a rite of passage for school children. Caused by viruses, it spreads easily through coughs, sneezes, and contaminated surfaces. Symptoms include a runny nose, cough, mild sore throat, and fatigue. Most cases resolve on their own, but rest, fluids, and comfort measures are key.

2. The Flu

Unlike a cold, influenza (flu) comes on quickly and hits hard. High fever, chills, body aches, and fatigue can keep kids home for a week or longer. A flu shot every fall is one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk.

3. RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus)

RSV is especially concerning for infants, toddlers, and older adults. It can start with cold-like symptoms but progress to wheezing and breathing difficulties. Parents and grandparents caring for young children should stay alert for worsening symptoms.

4. Strep Throat

Strep throat is caused by bacteria, not a virus. Symptoms include sore throat, fever, and swollen glands. Unlike a cold, strep requires antibiotics prescribed by a primary care physician. Left untreated, it can lead to serious complications, so timely diagnosis matters.

5. COVID-19

COVID-19 continues to circulate, especially in crowded indoor environments like schools. While some cases are mild, others may be more severe. A COVID-19 vaccination provides essential protection and helps reduce the severity of symptoms.

6. Stomach Bugs

Stomach viruses can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Dehydration is the biggest concern, particularly for younger children. Hand washing and avoiding shared food and drinks are the best defenses.

Everyday Prevention Tips That Work

The best approach to back-to-school health isn’t eliminating germs altogether (an impossible task) but lowering the chances of infection and keeping the immune system strong. Here are practical steps families can take:

Hand Washing & Hand Sanitizer

Good hand hygiene is one of the simplest and most effective defenses. Teach children to wash their hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before eating, after using the bathroom, and after blowing their nose or coughing. When soap and water aren’t available, hand sanitizer is a useful backup.

Cough & Sneeze Etiquette

Kids are notorious for sharing germs. Encourage them to cover their mouth and nose with a tissue or their elbow when they cough or sneeze. Remind them to throw tissues away immediately and wash their hands afterward.

Stay Home When Sick

As tempting as it may be to keep up with your routines, sending a sick child to school only spreads illness further. Staying home allows time for rest and prevents classmates from catching the same bug.

Healthy Sleep Routines

Sleep is the body’s repair mode. School children need consistent bedtimes to get the recommended hours of sleep each night. Lack of sleep weakens the immune system, making it harder to fight infections.

Eating Healthy

Nutrition is another line of defense. Encourage meals rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and protein. A strong diet provides vitamins and minerals that strengthen the immune system and help children recover faster when they get sick.

Hydration

Water helps flush toxins and keeps the body functioning well. Encourage children to carry a water bottle to school and limit sugary drinks that can weaken immunity.

Routine Checkups & Vaccines

Regular visits to the primary care physician help ensure children are growing well and staying healthy. Annual flu shots and up-to-date COVID-19 vaccinations are important tools for preventing severe illness.

Supporting Your Family’s Immune System

Beyond hygiene and vaccines, lifestyle choices are essential in keeping the immune system resilient.

• Sleep: Consistent, age-appropriate bedtimes.
• Nutrition: Balanced meals across households are rich in protein, carbohydrates, and vitamins.
• Exercise: Outdoor play and regular physical activity keep children strong.
• Stress management: Overloaded schedules can weaken immunity. Downtime matters.

Remember, no family can prevent every cough or runny nose. The goal is to reduce the frequency and severity of illnesses. Even when a child does get sick, good overall health helps them bounce back more quickly.

When to Seek Medical Care

Not every cough or sore throat requires a doctor’s visit. But there are times when calling a primary care physician is the right move:

• High fever lasting more than a couple of days.
• Severe sore throat, especially with fever (possible strep throat).
• Difficulty breathing or wheezing (may indicate RSV, asthma, or severe flu).
• Persistent cough not improving after a week.
• Signs of dehydration from stomach bugs: dry mouth, no urination, and dizziness.

You don’t need to rush to the ER for every runny nose. However, if symptoms are severe or worsening, timely medical care can prevent complications.

Research & The Future of Infectious Disease Care

While prevention at home makes a big difference, clinical research pushes things forward in ways that directly impact families.

In recent years, we’ve seen real progress in how doctors and researchers approach illnesses like the flu, RSV, strep throat, and COVID-19. Faster testing means you no longer have to wait days to know whether your child’s sore throat is strep or just the common cold. New vaccines and treatments are helping prevent the most severe cases of flu and COVID-19.

Science 37 is part of this progress. Through decentralized clinical trials, we’re making it easier for families to participate in studies that advance treatments for the illnesses that most affect schoolchildren. Instead of requiring long trips to a hospital, our trials bring participation closer to home with virtual visits, local labs, or home-based kits. That means more parents and grandparents can contribute to research without putting their lives on hold, and discoveries happen faster.

Around 1 in every 10 patients is harmed in a health care setting, and more than 3 million deaths occur annually due to unsafe care. That sobering statistic from the World Health Organization (WHO) is exactly why September 17, World Patient Safety Day, matters so much.

Every year, this global awareness day reminds us of a simple truth: patient safety is the foundation of quality care. Whether you’re visiting your family doctor, giving birth, or considering joining a clinical trial, your safety should always come first.

Yet if you’ve ever wondered whether clinical trials are safe, you’re not alone. Skepticism is understandable. With so much misinformation circulating online, it’s easy to fear being treated as a “test subject” or worry about unexpected side effects.

On World Patient Safety Day, it’s worth looking closer at what really happens in clinical research. The reality is reassuring: clinical trials are among the most carefully regulated and ethically monitored areas of modern health care.

This blog will help you understand why patient safety is at the heart of every trial, the protections in place for participants, and how being part of research not only safeguards you but also advances public health for everyone.

What Is World Patient Safety Day?

World Patient Safety Day happens every year on September 17, and it was created by the World Health Organization to protect patients from harm. The idea is simple: no one should be put at risk when they’re receiving health care.

Unsafe care is more common than most people realize. Mistakes in diagnosis, medication errors, or gaps in hospital safety lead to millions of deaths worldwide each year. World Patient Safety Day raises awareness of these issues and pushes health workers, governments, and communities to do better.

Each year, the day focuses on a theme. In 2025, the spotlight is on safe care for every newborn and every child. Children are among the most vulnerable patients, and ensuring their safety also strengthens care for everyone.

So why does this matter if you’re considering a clinical trial? Because the same principles that guide World Patient Safety Day, safety first, preventing harm, protecting dignity, are the foundation of every trial. It’s not about being a “test subject.” It’s about being cared for and respected while helping improve treatment for yourself and others.

Why Safety in Clinical Trials Is Non-Negotiable

Every modern medical treatment—from vaccines to cancer therapies—exists because of clinical trials. But unlike myths might suggest, trials are not “wild experiments.” They are controlled studies designed with rigorous safeguards.

In fact, clinical trials have more layers of oversight than most areas of routine care. That’s because researchers, regulators, and health care systems recognize the responsibility that comes with inviting patients into research.

Here’s why safety is non-negotiable:

• Ethical foundations: Clinical trials follow the Declaration of Helsinki and Good Clinical Practice guidelines, which prioritize patient well-being above all else.
• Independent review: Before a trial can even begin, it must be approved by an ethics committee or Institutional Review Board (IRB) to ensure participant protection.
• Regulatory oversight: Agencies like the FDA (in the U.S.) or EMA (in Europe) closely monitor protocols, data, and patient safety throughout the study.
• Continuous monitoring: Every potential adverse event, from mild side effects to unexpected reactions is documented, investigated, and reported.

Clinical trials cannot move forward without proving that patient safety comes first.

The Layers of Protection in Place

If you’re considering joining a trial, it may help to understand the many layers of protection built around participants. These are like safety nets designed to catch risks before they ever reach you.

1. Informed Consent 

Informed consent is a process where researchers explain the purpose of the study, what’s expected, possible risks, and your rights. You can ask questions, take your time, and ultimately decide if it feels right for you. Importantly: you can leave a trial at any time, without penalty.

2. Protocols & Controlled Studies

Every clinical trial follows a strict protocol, a detailed plan that spells out exactly how the study will run. From how medications are given to how side effects are tracked, nothing is left to chance. This ensures the study remains a controlled study where your health is monitored closely.

3. Oversight by Experts

Health workers, nurses, and physicians trained in research safety are with you every step of the way. Trials are not isolated labs. They’re supported by entire health care systems who are committed to safety and transparency.

4. Monitoring Adverse Events

Even with the best planning, side effects can happen. That’s why adverse event monitoring is continuous. If something unexpected occurs, safety boards and regulators step in immediately to adjust or stop the study if necessary.

5. Global Standards

Because the WHO and other international bodies prioritize patient safety, trials conducted in different countries must align with global health standards. That means participants should expect the same protections no matter where a trial occurs.

Patients Are Partners, Not Test Subjects

One of the biggest myths about clinical trials is that participants are treated like “guinea pigs.” The truth couldn’t be more different. When you join a trial, you are a partner in science. Your contribution is valued by researchers and future patients who may benefit from safer, more effective treatments.

This partnership means:

• You are listened to. Your feedback about symptoms or side effects is critical.
• You are supported. Health workers prioritize safe care at every stage.
• You are respected. Your participation is voluntary, and your rights are protected by law.

Addressing Common Fears and Myths

It’s normal to feel hesitant about clinical research. Let’s address a few common concerns:

• “I’ll be given unsafe medication.” In reality, trials only progress after extensive lab and early-phase testing to ensure safety. You’re never given a treatment blindly.
• “If something goes wrong, I’m stuck.” This is simply not true. Trials have built-in safety pauses. If a preventable harm or risk is detected, studies are adjusted or stopped.
• “I’m just a number.” Far from it. Your health outcomes are central to the trial. Every participant’s safety is carefully tracked, and studies exist to improve diagnosis, medication safety, and safe care for patients.

When you know the facts, it becomes easier to separate rumors from reality.

Why Patient Safety Benefits Everyone

The ripple effects of patient safety go far beyond one trial. When clinical research prioritizes safety, it strengthens entire health care systems, improves health outcomes, and reduces patient harm.

• Policy-makers can create stronger protections for patients.
• Health workers gain tools and training to deliver safer care.
• Member states within the WHO share insights to improve global health.
• Families benefit when unsafe care and its devastating consequences are prevented.

On World Patient Safety Day, this shared responsibility reminds us that when one patient is safe, entire communities are safer too.

Safety First, Always

If you’ve been considering new treatment options or simply want to contribute to advancing medicine, participating in a clinical trial could be a safe and meaningful option.

At Science 37, patient safety is at the heart of every trial. With decentralized clinical trials, you can take part from the comfort of your home, knowing that rigorous standards and real-time monitoring are always in place.

Your health. Your choice. Your safety. If you’re ready to explore whether a clinical trial is right for you, consider joining one of Science 37’s ongoing studies today.

Every clinical trial has specific inclusion and exclusion criteria – the medical “must-haves” and “must-not-haves” for participants. Instead of relying on memory or initial questionnaires alone, a medical record review dives into your health history (your diagnoses, lab results, medications, and other relevant information.) to see if you truly meet those criteria. This eliminates the guesswork.

Carefully reviewing a patient’s medical records makes it possible to identify only those who fit the trial criteria and ensure all qualifications are met. In other words, accurate eligibility matching via records increases the validity of trial results and reduces risks for participants.

For example, if a cancer trial requires a specific tumor marker or prior treatment history, a pre-enrollment record review will spot that information in your file. There’s no need for “maybe this patient qualifies.” The review process confirms it. It’s like an accurate claims review in insurance, where every detail is verified upfront for accuracy.

This means no surprises later: you and the study team know that you check all the right boxes from the start. Trial matching becomes more precise and reliable, sparing you the disappointment of false starts and sparing researchers the distraction of pursuing unqualified candidates. It’s a win-win anchored in solid data.

Reducing Screening Delays and Failures

One of the biggest advantages of pre-screening patients via medical records is a drastic reduction in unnecessary screening steps and delays. Traditionally, a lot of time (and effort) is spent on candidates who ultimately turn out not to meet the criteria – a source of delay, cost, and frustration for everyone.

Effective pre-screening can weed out ineligible participants early, preventing situations where someone goes through initial exams or travels to a site only to be sent home as ineligible. In fact, the most immediate impact of a robust screening process is fewer ineligible participants proceeding further into the trial. This directly cuts down wasted resources and wait times.

A well-designed pre-screen using medical records lets the team focus only on truly eligible people, optimizing recruitment efficiency. One study showed that even using an electronic pre-screening method to automatically exclude ineligible patients significantly reduced the burden on research staff and sped up the process. Another analysis found that pre-screening strategies led to time reduction and less financial burden for trials overall.

Ensuring a Better Trial-Patient Fit

Medical record reviews ensure that when you’re told “you qualify for this study,” it’s accurate. This creates a better match between you and the trial – protecting your safety and giving researchers cleaner data with fewer protocol issues. Aligning on eligibility upfront acts as a quality check, confirming details like disease subtype or recent test results before you even visit a research clinic.

This process often uncovers what a basic intake form might miss, such as a genetic marker, prior therapy, or a diagnosis code that could exclude you. Advanced tools like large language models review unstructured notes and relevant medical documentation, linking eligibility criteria to ICD-10 diagnosis codes. These AI-driven insights are paired with human oversight from experienced medical professionals, ensuring accuracy and context.

With this blend of AI and expert review, you can qualify faster for the right trial. It creates a smoother clinical research journey, minimizing unexpected issues and matching you to studies that meet your needs.

Reducing Patient Burden with Decentralized Screening

Living with a chronic condition often means juggling appointments, tests, and treatments. The last thing you need is a clinical trial that adds even more to that load. Medical record reviews help ease that pressure. When your health history is reviewed before enrollment, research teams can avoid repeating tests you’ve already completed, which means fewer trips to clinics and fewer procedures that don’t serve a medical purpose.

If your medical records already include recent lab work or imaging that meets the study’s requirements, there’s no need to redo them. That saves time and reduces exposure to unnecessary side effects from duplicate testing. This careful approach limits the number of in-person visits and helps ensure you’re only asked to participate in absolutely essential procedures. It’s a safer, more efficient way to qualify, built around respect for your time, your health, and your experience as a patient.

With this thoughtful review process, you can qualify faster, often without leaving home. It’s medical care designed for your life, not the other way around.

Smarter Clinical Trial Matching with Science 37

At Science 37, we make it easier for you to join a clinical trial, no matter where you live. Using our decentralized trial screening, we connect you to research studies from the comfort of your home. Our team of doctors and mobile nurses is licensed across all 50 states so that you can get the care and support you need without having to travel far.

Here’s how it works: once you show interest in a study and give informed consent, we securely access your electronic health records. Thanks to our strong partnerships, we can search through a vast network of medical providers’ databases, covering over 35 million patients. With help from AI in clinical trial matching, we find people who meet the exact criteria for each study, even if they’re outside traditional research areas.

If you’re a match, our doctors begin a full medical record review. We look at your diagnosis codes, lab results, medications, and other relevant medical documentation to determine your eligibility. Since this happens before enrollment, you don’t have to do new tests or make unnecessary trips. It saves you time and energy.

We use advanced tools like large language models to scan your records quickly, but every step still includes human oversight. Our trained medical professionals confirm the details to make sure nothing important is missed. After the review, we’ll send you a clear update: either you’re eligible and ready to move forward, or we’ll help you explore other clinical research options.

This fast, thoughtful review process helps you qualify faster for studies that match your medical care history. It also allows trials to stay on track, especially when different phases of clinical trials include specific treatment or health requirements. Having your standard treatment history confirmed ahead of time builds confidence for both you and our team.

Living with a chronic health condition can feel overwhelming, but you're not alone. In fact, the CDC reports that 6 in 10 adults live with at least one chronic health condition, and 4 in 10 manage two or more. From autoimmune disorders to asthma, arthritis, and diabetes, millions of people are navigating daily challenges just like you.

The good news is, with the right habits and support, it’s possible to take control of your health and protect your quality of life. Let’s explore some simple, effective ways to do just that.

Empower Yourself with Knowledge and a Positive Mindset

Understanding your condition is the first step toward coping confidently. Learn about your diagnosis – what it is, why it happens, and how it progresses. Knowledge is power, and being informed helps you make better decisions. For example, a diabetes education program can teach skills to control blood sugar, reduce complications, and improve overall health.

It’s also important to work on your mindset. Try to view your daily management as acts of self-care rather than burdens. Finding your personal “why" can be motivating. Perhaps you want to stay healthy to play with your kids or grandkids, or you have goals like traveling in retirement. Use that reason as motivation to stick with healthy habits. Remember that chronic diseases develop over time, and improvement can also happen over time.

Follow Your Treatment Plan and Work with Healthcare Professionals

Work closely with your healthcare team (doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals) to understand your medications and therapies. Take medications exactly as prescribed and ask questions if you’re unsure about anything. Sticking to the plan helps prevent disease flare-ups and complications.

For instance, if you have high blood pressure or heart disease, taking your blood pressure medication regularly can protect your heart and prevent serious issues like stroke. Make sure you attend regular checkups as advised. These appointments let your doctor monitor your progress and adjust treatments if needed.

Monitor your health at home as recommended. Many chronic conditions benefit from daily or weekly tracking. If you have diabetes, you may need to check your blood sugar; with hypertension, you might track blood pressure; with asthma, you could use a peak flow meter.

Keeping an eye on your numbers helps you catch any concerning changes early. Don’t hesitate to contact your doctor if something seems off – for example, a sudden spike in blood sugar or a new symptom. It’s always better to address minor issues before they become big problems.

Healthy Eating Habits for Steady Energy and Blood Sugar Control

Healthy eating is one of the most powerful daily tools for managing chronic health conditions. A balanced diet gives your body the necessary nutrients and helps control risk factors like high blood sugar, high cholesterol, and excess weight. Unfortunately, only 1 in 10 adults eats enough fruits and vegetables, but improving your diet can have immediate and long-term benefits for chronic disease management. Here are some nutrition tips:

• Focus on whole foods: Aim to eat more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins (fish, poultry, beans), and healthy fats (like nuts or olive oil). These foods provide vitamins and minerals that support your body and immune system. They also help maintain steady energy levels throughout the day.
• Portion control and meal planning: For conditions like type 2 diabetes or heart disease, watching portion sizes is key. Try using a smaller plate or measuring portions to avoid overeating. Plan your meals with a balanced protein, fiber, and healthy carbs to keep your blood sugar steady. For example, if you have diabetes, pair whole-grain carbs with protein or healthy fat to slow sugar absorption. Planning meals also prevents those last-minute fast food choices.
• Limit added sugars and salt: Too much added sugar can spike blood glucose, and excess salt (sodium) can raise blood pressure. Read food labels – you might be surprised that many packaged foods contain hidden sugars and high sodium.
• Choose heart-healthy options: If you have high cholesterol or heart disease, reduce saturated and trans fats (in fried foods, fatty meats, butter, etc.), which can raise cholesterol. Replace them with healthier fats like avocados or fish oil. The AMA notes that even simple diet tweaks, such as reducing sodium by eating fewer processed foods, can help manage high blood pressure and protect your heart. Every meal is an opportunity to nourish your body and support your heart health.

Remember, you don’t need a fad diet – consistency matters more. If possible, ask your doctor about meeting with a dietitian who can personalize a meal plan for your condition. Learning how to enjoy your favorite foods in a healthier way (for example, baking instead of frying, or using spices instead of salt) will make healthy eating sustainable. Over time, these habits can improve lab numbers (like improved cholesterol or glucose levels) and help you feel better daily.

Staying Physically Active (Safely) to Boost Your Health

Regular physical activity can dramatically improve your health and quality of life when living with a chronic condition. The American Medical Association recognizes that exercise strengthens your heart and lungs, improves circulation, controls weight, and boosts your mood. Staying active can immediately help you feel and function better – it improves sleep, reduces pain, and enhances mental health.

Many chronic conditions, from diabetes to arthritis, benefit from exercise. For example, exercise helps your muscles use blood sugar more efficiently, which can lower blood glucose levels. For arthritis or chronic pain, gentle movement can reduce stiffness and pain over time. Exercise is also a natural stress reliever.

Aim for regular exercise, but tailor it to your abilities and condition. Health authorities recommend about 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity (like brisk walking, cycling, or swimming), plus strength exercises twice weekly.

If that sounds like a lot, remember: any activity is better than none. You can break it into small chunks (even 10-minute daily walks). If you haven’t been active, start slowly and gradually build up. Always check with your doctor on what types of exercise are safe for you, especially if you have specific limitations.

Managing Stress and Mental Health

Chronic illness can affect your mind, body, and emotions. Stress and mental health are closely intertwined with physical health. Stress, in particular, can trigger symptom flare-ups or make chronic conditions worse.

The stress hormone cortisol plays a role in the progression of chronic diseases. When you’re under chronic stress, cortisol stays high and can contribute to issues like weight gain (especially around the belly) and higher blood pressure. You might notice, for instance, that stress can trigger an asthma attack or a pain flare in conditions like fibromyalgia. Learning to manage stress is, therefore, a key daily strategy.

Stress-reduction tips:

• Practice relaxation techniques: Techniques like deep breathing exercises, meditation, progressive muscle relaxation, or gentle yoga can calm your mind and reduce stress hormones.
• Prioritize good sleep: Lack of sleep is a big contributor to stress and can worsen your body’s inflammation and pain. Aim for 7-8 hours of quality sleep per night.
• Keep a journal or stress log: Note your feelings and track what triggers your stress to gain insights. For example, if you notice your autoimmune disease flares up after intense work deadlines, that’s a sign to incorporate stress management during those times. Journaling is also therapeutic and can help you release worries.
• Stay connected and seek joy: Do things that make you happy and relaxed. Spend time in nature, play with a pet, pursue a hobby, or connect with friends. Laughter and enjoyment can lower stress hormones. Balance the hard work of managing your condition with activities that remind you of the joy in life.

Mental health matters too. It’s normal to feel anxiety, sadness, or even depression when you’re diagnosed with a chronic condition. It’s a significant life change. Be kind to yourself and recognize when you might need help.

Poor mental health can drain your motivation to keep up with healthy habits, so address these feelings head-on. Talk to a therapist or counselor if you’re struggling; treatments like cognitive behavioral therapy can relieve stress, anxiety, or depression and even improve physical health outcomes for chronic disease patients.

Joining a support group (in-person or online) for people with your condition can also alleviate feelings of isolation and provide practical tips from others who understand. Don’t hesitate to reach out. Mental and physical health are two sides of the same coin, and caring for both will help you thrive.

Building a Support Network

You don’t have to do this alone. A support system can make a difference in managing a chronic condition. Family members, friends, and peers can provide emotional support and hands-on help. Let your loved ones know what you’re going through and how they can assist – whether it’s accompanying you to doctor appointments, joining you for a daily walk, or simply listening when you need to talk. Sometimes just sharing your concerns with someone you trust can lighten the mental load.

Consider joining support groups related to your condition. There are support groups for everything from diabetes and heart disease to cancer and rare autoimmune disorders. These groups (which meet virtually or in person) allow you to connect with people who truly “get it.” You can trade tips, celebrate successes (like improved blood test results or small weight loss victories), and problem-solve challenges together. Many patients find that support groups reduce feelings of loneliness and boost their confidence in managing their condition day-to-day.

Also, don’t underestimate the help that various healthcare and community resources can offer. Ask your doctor about programs in your area. These are often free or low-cost programs, sometimes run by hospitals or public health departments, teach practical skills and offer group support. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that such programs help people gain control of their symptoms and daily life.

Embracing Medical Advancements and Clinical Trials

Healthcare is always evolving, and new treatments for chronic conditions are continually being researched. Today, you can participate in medical research without leaving your home. Organizations like Science 37 provide decentralized clinical trials to help people like you access the latest medical developments for chronic issues.

If standard treatments aren’t fully controlling your condition or you’re interested in the latest therapy, trials can provide access to new options under careful medical supervision. You’ll typically get extra monitoring and personalized attention from the trial’s medical team, which can feel like an added layer of care. For example, there are trials for new autoimmune disease therapies, asthma biologic drugs, diabetes technologies, and more.

Chronic itching can feel unbearable, and when it lingers without a clear cause, it’s more than just skin deep. This intense, unrelenting sensation is known as pruritus, and for many people with liver conditions like primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) and primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) it’s one of the most frustrating and misunderstood symptoms. Often dismissed or misdiagnosed, pruritus is a hidden agony that may point to a more serious underlying issue: liver disease.

Why Does Liver Disease Make You Itch?

Chronic itching is one of the common symptoms of liver disease, particularly conditions affecting the bile ducts such as PBC and PSC. Here's what's going on:

When your liver isn't functioning properly, especially when bile flow is obstructed or slowed, bile acids ​​(normally essential for digestion) start accumulating in your bloodstream. Instead of being eliminated naturally, these acids build up, travel to your skin, and irritate nerve endings, leading to intense itching. But that's not the whole story.

Alongside bile acids, other substances like bilirubin (the cause of jaundice) and endogenous opioids (your body's natural painkillers) increase due to liver dysfunction. This mix of substances creates an environment of constant skin irritation, often without visible signs. Unlike typical itching caused by allergies or skin conditions, pruritus from liver disease usually doesn't come with an obvious rash, making it harder to diagnose correctly.

Misdiagnosed and Misunderstood: Your Frustration Explained

Chronic itching from liver issues is a long-term side effect directly connected to your internal health. Doctors can mistakenly dismiss it as another case of eczema, psoriasis, or stress-induced hives. Unfortunately, this leads you down a frustrating road of ineffective treatments, endless creams, and sleepless nights, while the actual cause remains hidden.

Because pruritus due to liver problems doesn't leave visible marks at first, healthcare providers can overlook the deeper liver issue for months or even years. This delay can allow liver damage to progress unnoticed, increasing the risk of liver failure, among other complications.

The Biological Mechanisms Behind Liver-Related Itching

What makes liver disease cause such intense itching? Scientists don’t yet have a complete answer, but they have several theories, and it’s likely a mix of factors rather than one single culprit. Here’s what current research suggests:

Bile Acids Buildup

In cholestatic conditions, bile flow is sluggish or blocked, causing bile acids (bile salts) to accumulate in your bloodstream. One long-held theory is that these bile salts deposit in the skin and irritate nerve endings, triggering the itching sensation.

The itch in liver disease tends to be body-wide (generalized) and can be “mild to exhausting” depending on disease severity. It often flares up more at night or with heat (you may notice it intensifies after a hot shower or under warm blankets). However, interestingly, not everyone with high bile acids itches, and itch intensity doesn’t always align perfectly with bile levels. This tells us that bile salts are just part of the story, not the whole story.

Other “Itch Chemicals” in the Blood

Liver disease can throw off the balance of many substances in your body, and some of these can affect itch nerves. For example:

• Bilirubin, the pigment that causes jaundice, might directly stimulate itch receptors when it builds up.
• Research has also pointed to an imbalance in endogenous opioids – basically, your body’s natural painkillers. Paradoxically, these opioids can worsen itching (which is why opioid-blocking medications like Naltrexone often help cholestatic pruritus).
• Likewise, histamine (a chemical involved in typical allergic itching) is sometimes elevated in cholestatic patients. But if you’ve tried antihistamine pills and found no relief, you’re not alone – histamine is not the main driver here, and cholestatic itch usually doesn’t respond to antihistamines the way an allergy would.
• Other contributing factors include serotonin, female sex hormones (many PBC patients are women), and even alterations in calcium or phosphate levels.

Nerve Sensitization in the Skin

Another exciting avenue of research looks at how liver disease makes your nerves hypersensitive. One study in PBC found that patients had high levels of a lipid called lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) circulating in the blood. When scientists injected this substance into mice, the mice started scratching more. The theory is that LPC (or related compounds) may accumulate and “activate” skin cells (keratinocytes) and nerve fibers, essentially turning up the itch signal.

In cholestatic pruritus, the itch nerves might be over-stimulated by these circulating pruritogens (itch-causing agents). This could explain why the itching often has no visible rash – the problem comes from within, at the nerve level, not from an external irritant or skin disorder. (Scratching itself can cause skin lesions over time. Many people with chronic itch develop excoriations or even prurigo nodularis, which are raised scratch nodules from chronic injury.)

The Toll on Daily Life and Mental Health

Chronic itching can be just as debilitating as chronic pain, and anyone who hasn’t experienced it might not realize how serious it is. Imagine night after night of broken sleep – itching tends to worsen at night, robbing you of a good night's sleep. You might be pacing, taking cold showers, or scratching in frustration when you should be resting.

Over time, this sleep deprivation leads to daytime fatigue, brain fog, and irritability. It’s hard to concentrate at work or enjoy time with family when you’re utterly exhausted and you feel like your skin is crawling 24/7. The constant distraction of an itch can make even simple daily tasks a challenge.

Psychologically, it wears you down. Patients often report increased anxiety and depression; some dread nighttime because they know the torture that awaits them when they lie down. In surveys, the physical and psychological burden of long-term pruritus is immense.

Researchers note that chronic itch patients rate their quality of life as low as patients with chronic pain or advanced heart failure. A small but significant number have even voiced suicidal ideation due to the unrelenting torment.

Home Remedies for Cholestatic Itch

When it comes to pruritus treatment in liver disease, the approach is usually layered. At first, you might try home remedies and lifestyle tweaks to soothe the itch.

• Keep your skin well-moisturized because dry skin can worsen itching
• Use gentle, fragrance-free moisturizers and soaps
• Take cool or lukewarm baths (not hot showers)
• Apply cold, wet cloths to itchy areas to calm the fire on your skin’s surface
• Wear loose, cotton clothing to reduce friction and keep you from overheating
• Sleep with a fan or in a cool room, since heat can trigger itch flare-ups
• Try not to scratch. Scratching gives brief satisfaction but ultimately makes the itch-scratch cycle worse, and it can lead to broken skin and infections
• Keep nails short or wear thin cotton gloves at night to minimize skin damage

These steps can provide some relief and are worth trying, especially for mild irritation or while waiting for medications to kick in.

Treatment Options: What Works (and What Doesn't)

When simple measures aren’t enough (as is often the case with cholestatic itch), doctors have a range of treatment options: unfortunately, each has their pros and cons. You may have to work with your doctor through trial and error to find what works for you. Some of the main treatment options include:

• Bile Acid Binders (e.g., Cholestyramine): These medications bind bile acids in your gut and help reduce itching. They offer partial relief for many, but side effects like constipation or bloating can make long-term use difficult.
• Rifampin: A medication that enhances your liver’s ability to clear irritants, reducing itching significantly for some patients. However, close monitoring is required to prevent potential liver damage.
• Opioid Antagonists (e.g., Naltrexone): Since opioids contribute to itch intensity, drugs like Naltrexone often provide relief by blocking opioid receptors. However, initial side effects and dose adjustments might be necessary.
• Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs): Commonly known as antidepressants, SSRIs can help manage pruritus, especially if your itching is closely linked to anxiety, depression, or emotional distress. They’re not a standalone solution but often complement other therapies.
• Ursodeoxycholic Acid (UDCA): If you have primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), you’re likely already taking UDCA, a medication designed to improve bile flow and slow disease progression. While not primarily used for itch relief, many patients notice improvement in itching over time, although it usually needs to be combined with other treatments.

These solutions can offer some relief but often fall short, leaving patients like you seeking alternatives.

Maralixibat and Clinical Trials at Home

Fortunately, exciting research and new medications are emerging, notably Maralixibat, an ileal bile acid transporter (IBAT inhibitor). Unlike traditional treatments, Maralixibat directly reduces the body's bile acid overload by stopping bile acid reabsorption in your gut, effectively targeting the root cause of your chronic itching.

Currently, groundbreaking research is happening through randomized controlled trials conducted by Science 37. These clinical trials are designed to test Maralixibat specifically in patients suffering from cholestatic pruritus caused by liver disease. What's unique about these trials is that you don't need to travel frequently to a hospital. Instead, you participate from the comfort of your home, easing the burden of trial participation.

This patient-focused approach enhances comfort and allows more patients to access innovative treatments safely, conveniently, and from the comfort of their own home.