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Let's Talk: Cameron and Max Mona

Like many families living with an immune deficiency disease, the Mona family found abundant support through the Immune Deficiency Foundation (IDF). That's why when siblings Cameron and Max decided they wanted to raise money for their favorite nonprofit and also boost awareness about Cameron's common variable immune deficiency (CVID) diagnosis, they decided to basically "go big or go home."An avid mountain climber, Max floated the idea of trekking Mount Kilimanjaro (the highest mountain in Africa and the highest single freestanding mountain in the world), and right away the brothers knew they had found their fundraiser. In July 2019, after rigorous preparation and training, Max successfully reached both his fundraising goal and the summit, successfully paying tribute to the little brother he considers his "hero."… full article (pdf)

Product Guide

Diffuse the Situation

According to the National Institutes of Health, nearly 24 million individuals suffer from an autoimmune disease, many of which interfere with sleep. For example, autoimmune disorders such as lupus, multiple sclerosis, Guillain-Barré syndrome and Graves' disease cause hormonal and nerve imbalances that disrupt sleep. In addition, immune globulin treatments for primary immunodeficiency disorders can lead to hot flashes, chills, anxiety and other issues that are not exactly the ideal recipe for rest and relaxation. Yet, while medications can help promote sleep, a growing number of Americans are opting for more natural alternatives such as aromatherapy.… full article (pdf)

Ask the Experts

Reader: Can a patient remove untrue and negative comments by a doctor from his or her medical record?

Abbie: The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA) Privacy Rule establishes minimum federal standards for protecting the privacy of individually identifiable health information. In addition, the rule gives individuals certain rights pertaining to their medical records, including rights to access and amend their health information and to obtain a record of when and why their personal health information has been shared with others for certain purposes. This means health insurers and providers who are covered entities must comply with your right to review your records. Further, you may request a copy of those records and ask to have corrections added to your health information.… full article (pdf)