apietrangelo's blog

Multiple sclerosis. Is that the disease that puts you in a wheelchair or leads to a nursing home? Montel Williams… Richard Pryor… Annette Funicello… all names associated with MS, and isn’t there a mountain climber or two that have it? Confused? You are not alone. That’s why the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation recognizes March as National MS Education & Awareness Month, and the National MS Society designated March 8-14 as MS Awareness Week.

What is at stake for women in health care reform? Plenty. Should being born female be considered a pre-existing condition that translates into higher health insurance premiums... or a C-section be classified as a pre-existing condition... or basic maternity care require a special rider on a woman’s insurance policy? Does it seem even remotely fair that a victim of domestic violence be denied health insurance coverage? The insurance industry certainly thinks so.

The health care reform debate has reached fever pitch, and is finally getting the attention it deserves. With more than 45 million uninsured Americans, many others woefully underinsured, and people going without needed care, the time is right for you to put in your two cents worth... or more. Three online sites offer you the opportunity to sound off, share your own successes and failures within the health care system, and state what you think must be done.

Stroke is the third leading cause of death in the United States and a leading cause of serious long-term disability. Health care reform is what we want our lawmakers to do, but there are some things we need to do for ourselves, too. Those of us who are not medical professionals can learn some basic facts and promote awareness so that we can help prevent the serious consequences of inaction.

According to the American Cancer Society, use of a tanning bed before age 35 increases your risk of developing melanoma by 75 percent.... 75 percent!