Essay contest winner Michael Strausbaugh challenges the well-known refrain from a popular song, encouraging others to do the opposite of living as if they were dying. [More]

Essay contest runner up Kinsey Moore reminisces about her struggles to hide her illness from her classmates. [More]

Essay contest runner up Michelle Turk describes the lessons learned and the challenges of becoming seasoned warrior in the landscape of chronic autoimmune disease, and how you can, too. [More]

These days we communicate via Facebook, blogs, email and texting — just to name a few. Rarely, it seems, does anyone ever pick up a telephone to make a call. But is what we say always what we actually meant? [More]

Preparing in advance for a doctor's visit is an important part of taking an active role in your healthcare. In medical school, many medical professionals are taught to use the SOAP (subjective, objective, assessment, plan) acronym to help them organize their thoughts when charting. Patients can also use this acronym to learn how to communicate in an effective manner, which can create more realistic expectations and result in higher satisfaction. [More]

Would most doctors take their own healthcare advice? A recent study says “not always.” Why the double standard and what can patients do to get a doctor’s honest opinion? [More]

Genetic testing has gone from futuristic science fiction to nearly mainstream medicine. Understanding the risks and benefits can help you decide if it’s right for you or your family. [More]

Being ridiculed in public because your illness requires you to receive special care or treatment can be humiliating and infuriating. Here’s how one patient dealt with chronic rudeness. [More]