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Let's Talk! – Mathilda von Guttenberg

Mathilda von Guttenberg studies neuroscience at the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) with a research specialization in psychoneuroimmunology. The 22-year-old's fascination with the study of the mind-body connection for people living with chronic illness stems from her own journey with common variable immune deficiency (CVID). When she's not doing research, applying for PhD programs, taking classes or working, Mathilda enjoys spending time outdoors and reconnecting with nature through photography, hiking, skiing, swimming and horseback riding… full article (pdf)

Product Guide

Protecting Your Skin from the Sun

Love to soak up the sun? You might want to protect your skin with more than just sunscreen before you spend lazy afternoons by the pool this summer. As wonderful as those warming rays may feel, they contain ultraviolet (UV) radiation that damages your skin. Sunscreen is a fantastic first step, but keeping your skin safe and healthy involves more than remembering to reapply every 80 minutes… full article (pdf)

Ask the Experts

Reader: Could the Antibodies in IG Therapies Be Affected by the COVID-19 Vaccines?

Abbie: I spoke with Roger Kobayashi, MD, an allergist-immunologist in Omaha, Neb., who assured me that neither the COVID-19 nor mRNA vaccines have impacted the IG products' efficacy. However, he did say that if you are experiencing persistent or recurrent infections, there could be several underlying causes that need careful investigation. Dr. Kobayashi emphasized that it is essential to work closely with an experienced immunologist who can thoroughly evaluate your situation. A well-trained immunologist will be able to assess whether low-grade chronic infections might be contributing to the issue. These infections can sometimes not be immediately obvious but are often found in the sinuses or lungs, which are common sites for such problems… full article (pdf)