More than 8 million people in the US have psoriasis.

August is Psoriasis Awareness Month - the perfect time to emphasize the importance of educating, spreading awareness, and working toward a shared goal of finding a cure for this common condition.

‍What exactly is psoriasis? 

‍What sort of symptoms are common with this condition?

‍How is someone diagnosed? 

‍And what are some of the treatment options available?

In today’s article, we’ll be breaking down everything you need to know about psoriasis, so you can educate, spread awareness, and most importantly, participate during this month of awareness. Keep reading to learn more!

What is psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a disease that affects the skin, creating itchy and scaly-like patches. It most commonly affects the knees, elbows, trunk, and scalp. 

It occurs when skin cells grow faster than usual. There’s no known reason for why this happens, but it’s presumed it’s caused by a problem with the immune system. The theory is that cells that fight off infections mistakenly begin to attack healthy skin cells.

Psoriasis is a long-term, fairly common condition. And at the moment, there’s no cure. 

‍But that’s one of the many reasons awareness is so important.

Psoriasis can be painful, making it hard to concentrate or even get a good night's rest. It's clear psoriasis has a physical impact on our health, but it can also affect us emotionally. It can cause an increased risk of anxiety and depression. And people with psoriasis may also feel the need to cover their skin and altogether avoid social interactions during a flare-up. 

The disease can go through cycles. It can flare for a few weeks or months, and then subside. And certain things may trigger a psoriasis breakout such as cuts, infections, burns, and even certain medications.

Symptoms and diagnoses

Some common symptoms of psoriasis include:

• Itching
• Burning 
• Soreness
• Dry and cracked skin that may bleed
• Rashes that flare for a few weeks or months and then subside
• A variety of different colored rashes. On dark skin they may appear purple with scales of gray, while on light skin they can be pink or red with silver scaling
• A patchy rash that varies in how it looks from person to person, it can range from small spots of dandruff-like scaling to major cases that cover most of the body

These are just some of the general symptoms. There are many different forms of psoriasis, and because of this, the skin condition can vary in its signs and symptoms. 

Some different forms of psoriasis include: 

• Plaque psoriasis - this is the most common form of psoriasis. It causes raised skin patches that are dry and itchy. Usually appearing on the elbows, scalp, lower back, and knees. There can be an eruption of many, or just a few.
• Nail psoriasis - this skin condition solely affects the finger and toenails. Creating pitting, discolorations, and abnormal nail growth.
• Guttate psoriasis - young adults and children are primarily affected by this form of psoriasis. It’s identified by small drop-shaped scaling spots on the legs, arms, or trunk. And it’s usually triggered by some form of bacteria such as strep throat.
• Inverse psoriasis - mainly affecting the skin of the buttocks, groin, and breasts. This form of skin disease causes smooth formations of inflamed skin that can worsen from sweat or friction. Fungal infections may be a trigger.  
• Pustular psoriasis - this is a rarer type of psoriasis. It causes pus-filled blisters and can occur in small patches or widespread formations. One form is found primarily on the palms of your hand or soles of your feet.
• Erythrodermic psoriasis - this is the least common form. It creates a peeling rash that can cover the entire body. It may itch or burn intensely, and those affected by it could experience it for short or long-term periods of time. 

Understanding the symptoms can help you take proper action to get a diagnosis. 

A health care provider will examine your skin, nails, and scalp and ask questions about your health in order to diagnose the issue. 

In some cases, they might take a small sample of skin for more examination under a microscope. Doing this can help rule out other disorders and determine the specific type of psoriasis someone might be experiencing. 

Treatment options

What are the treatment options available?

There are a variety of treatments for psoriasis. Some of which include:

• Light therapy 
• Topical therapy
• Alternative therapies
• Oral or injected medications

Some different forms of topical therapy include:

• Corticosteroids - this is used to treat mild to moderate psoriasis. These are the most commonly prescribed medications. 
• Vitamin D analogues - these synthetic forms of Vitamin D (calcitriol and calcipotriene) work to slow skin growth. They’re sometimes used alone, or with topical corticosteroids.
• Salicylic acid - Shampoos and scalp solutions with salicylic acid help reduce scalp psoriasis scaling. 

Forms of light therapy might include:

• Sunlight - exposure to sunlight might actually help psoriasis.
• UVB broadband - using controlled doses of UVB broadband light from an artificial light source can help treat single patches and widespread psoriasis. It can also help treat psoriasis that isn’t improving from topical solutions.
• Excimer laser - this form of light therapy uses a strong UVB light targeting only the affected skin. Because a more powerful UVB light is used, excimer lasers usually require fewer sessions than traditional phototherapy. 

Some oral and injected medications used to treat psoriasis could include steroids, biologics, retinoids, methotrexate, and more. 

‍Studies also suggest certain alternative medicines not practiced within the traditional forms of Western medicine may help alleviate symptoms of psoriasis. Some of these alternative therapies include Oregon grape, fish oil supplements, and aloe extract cream. 

We suggest consulting with a health care provider if you’re considering using alternative treatments for psoriasis.

Conclusion - How to take part in Psoriasis Awareness Month

‍How can you take part in Psoriasis Awareness Month?

For starters, educating yourself is a crucial step you can take. Building knowledge around the topic allows you to help others and spread awareness. 

You can help others during this time by sharing information about causes, treatment, symptoms, and even certain triggers.

And you can even get more involved by participating in events or donating to causes working toward finding a cure.

‍So what are you waiting for?

Be sure to share this article with your friends, colleagues, and family so you can do your part and help spread awareness around this very common condition.

A recent study found that approximately 40 percent of young adults experience insulin resistance, even without having diabetes. 

Insulin resistance can lead to prediabetes which affects an estimated 84 million Americans aged 18 and older.  

That’s why eating for insulin resistance can be so important. 

‍But what is insulin resistance?

‍How does it develop?

‍What are the symptoms we should look out for?

‍And how can we eat a diet that keeps our blood sugar at healthy levels and helps to improve our insulin resistance?

In today's article, we’ll be answering all these questions. Keep reading to find out more about insulin resistance and certain diet tips to help you deal with it.

What is insulin resistance? How does it develop?

To understand insulin resistance, we first need to take a look at what insulin is.

Insulin is created in the pancreas. It’s a hormone that helps glucose in our blood enter other cells in our muscles, liver, and fat so our bodies can use that glucose for energy. 

‍Glucose is the main sugar found in our blood, and it’s our body’s main source of energy. We get glucose from the foods we eat, and it’s also produced by our liver when required. 

When glucose levels rise in our blood, the pancreas releases insulin to help glucose enter other cells and aids us in maintaining a normal range of blood glucose levels. Keeping a normal range of glucose is important because high levels can cause damage to our blood vessels, nerves, and even organs. Insulin works to prevent that. 

This explains insulin and why we need it. 

‍But what is insulin resistance, and what causes it? 

Insulin resistance occurs when the cells in your muscles, liver, and fat can’t take up glucose from your blood effectively. These cells don’t respond well to insulin. As a result, your pancreas creates more insulin in hopes of offsetting this resistance from your cells.

So long as your pancreas creates enough insulin to counteract your cell's weak response, your blood glucose levels will stay in a healthy range. 

But, if your cells become too resistant to insulin over time, it could lead to elevated blood sugar levels which can cause prediabetes and eventually Type 2 diabetes.

‍But, how does insulin resistance actually develop?

It’s still unknown exactly how insulin resistance happens. Some genes have been identified that may cause an increased likelihood of its development, and older aged people might be more susceptible.

It’s thought that excess body fat and a lack of physical activity could be two main contributing factors to insulin resistance.

What are the symptoms of insulin resistance?

If someone has insulin resistance, but their pancreas is still managing to produce enough insulin to counteract the resistance, they won’t have any symptoms.

But if their insulin resistance gets worse with time, they can experience elevated blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia). Some symptoms of high blood glucose levels include:

• Frequent urination
• Increased thirst and hunger
• Slow-healing sores and cuts
• Blurred vision and headaches
• Skin and vaginal infections

It’s important to be aware of common symptoms of high blood sugar levels as it can help you take the proper precautions and get the help and diagnosis you need. 

Diet tips for eating with insulin resistance

Because your diet can affect glucose levels, it’s important to know the foods to avoid and low insulin foods that may be more suitable to include in your diet. 

When adjusting your diet due to insulin resistance, it’s important to reduce the consumption of simple sugars (simple carbs). 

‍Some foods to avoid if you have insulin resistance include: ‍

• Prepackaged and processed foods
• Simple carbohydrates like white rice and white bread
• Foods high in saturated fats like bacon, milk, and sausage
• Foods or drinks with added sugar like juices, sweets, and soda 

It’s recommended that someone experiencing insulin resistance should eat a diet with whole grains and high amounts of non-starchy vegetables and raw fruits.

Non-starchy vegetables are full of fiber, minerals, and vitamins and they’re usually low in carbohydrates and sugar making them ideal for someone with insulin resistance.

Fruits are naturally higher in carbohydrates and sugars, but in their whole and raw form, they cause lower blood sugar spikes compared to candy or treats with added refined sugars. They also have plenty of essential vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber. 

Some great vegetables and fruits you can add to your diet include:

• Kale
• Plums
• Onions
• Spinach
• Broccoli
• Peaches
• Tomatoes
• Cantaloup
• Asparagus
• Berries (blueberries, blackberries, etc.)

Fruits and vegetables are important components of any diet. But you also need a source of energy. And carbohydrates are a key source of fuel for keeping you going throughout the day.

‍But what are good sources of carbs for someone experiencing insulin resistance?

It’s best to aim to get your source of energy from complex carbs and whole grains. Some examples of whole grains and complex carbs include:

• Quinoa
• Brown rice 
• Buckwheat
• Steel cut oats
• Whole wheat bread

We’ve talked about vegetables, fruits, and carbs - but what are some good sources of protein?

There’s evidence that saturated fats worsen insulin resistance. With this in mind, it’s best to avoid foods with high amounts of saturated fats and get your protein from lean meat sources. If you follow a plant-based diet, certain legumes and beans might be more suitable for you. 

Some good sources of lean protein, legumes, and beans include:

• Trout
• Shrimp
• Lentils
• Poultry
• Lobster
• Scallops 
• Chickpeas
• Egg whites
• Black beans 

Avoiding unhealthy fats and working to ingest healthy fats is also crucial in maintaining a healthy diet with insulin resistance. 

This study found that eating more unsaturated fats in place of saturated fats can improve insulin secretion and resistance and can even lower blood sugar levels.

Some healthy sources of fat include:

• Avocados
• Chia Seeds
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Nuts like almonds, cashews, and walnuts
• Butters from nuts like peanut butter and almond butter

Closing thoughts - Eating for insulin resistance

With 40 percent of the population dealing with insulin resistance to some degree, understanding what it is and how to eat to manage it is a key to maintaining and living a healthy lifestyle.

Whether you have insulin resistance yourself or have a loved one or coworker who deals with it, we encourage you to share this article with them so they can understand it better and learn the best types of foods to eat and avoid.

Welcome to the next article in our Research 101 series! We're excited to share with you some important information about Institutional Review Boards (IRBs), which are essential to the research process. 

If you’ve ever thought about participating in research, you may have had some questions about how the research could affect you. You may have wondered:

• What are the risks and benefits?
• How will my data be used?
• How do I know I am safe?

Researchers care a lot about providing a safe and ethical study experience. One way we do this is by submitting our research protocols to an Institutional Review Board (IRB). 

What is an IRB?

An IRB is a review board designed to protect the rights and well-being of research participants. It acts as a system of checks and balances for any research involving people. 

IRBs work to ensure the following: 

• Research studies have scientific merit and purpose 
• The activities involved in the research are ethical 
• All regulatory requirements are followed 

Every IRB has at least five members with different backgrounds. The members may have training in scientific areas, have expertise and training in non-scientific areas, or be members of the community who may represent the people who would participate in the research study.

IRBs are the gatekeepers when it comes to being able to conduct research involving human beings. Without IRB approval, researchers are unable to conduct their research.  

History of the Institutional Review Board (IRB)

The idea of an Institutional Review Board (IRB) began in 1974 when President Richard Nixon signed into law the National Research Act. The act led to the creation of the National Commission for the Protection of Human Subjects of Biomedical and Behavioral Research. Events such as the Tuskegee Trials and the Willowbrook Experiments, where research was conducted in an improper manner, proved there was a need for unbiased oversight. 

This commission was in charge of identifying the principles that should underlie the conduct of research. They also created guidelines to make sure research is carried out following those principles. In 1979, the commission published "Ethical Principles and Guidelines for the Protection of Human Subjects of Research," also known as the Belmont Report. 

The Belmont Report is made up of three core principles:

1. Respect for Persons - Giving people the right and capacity to make their own decisions.
2. Beneficence - Minimizing potential harms and maximizing benefits 
3. Justice - Distributing benefits and risks fairly 

‍

IRBs were founded on these three basic principles which are still referenced when reviewing research proposals. 

What does the IRB review? 

The people who make up the committee carefully consider the following:

• Are procedures in place to reduce any harm or risks to the participants? 
• Do the benefits outweigh the associated risks?
• Is the selection of participants equitable and fair?
• Are potential participants able and willing to give informed consent?
• Will a participant's consent (or permission) be properly documented? 
• Do the researchers have a plan for monitoring the quality of the study data to ensure participant safety?
• Are there adequate procedures in place to protect the privacy of participants? 
• Will the researchers be able to maintain the privacy of study participants?
• Are there protections in place for vulnerable populations? 
• Does the research meet all regulatory requirements? 

Evidation Studies & IRB Oversight 

Research conducted by the Evidation Studies (formerly Achievement Studies) team often requires approval from an IRB. The decision to have a study approved by an IRB is based on the design of the study and what the researchers will use the results for.

At Evidation Studies, we have a dedicated team of researchers who help oversee the protection of our study participants every step of the way. Even when IRB approval is not required. 

Our study participants can be confident that we’re committed to their safety and that our studies are conducted according to the highest standards. 

Want to know more about any of our Evidation Studies and how to get involved? Reach out to us at study@evidation.com and one of our friendly team members can help you get started. 

If you want additional general information on health research, we recommend checking out the following public resources: 

• U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Office for Human Research Protections
• FDA, Clinical Trials and Human Subject Protection
• National Institutes of Health (NIH), Educational Resources
• Clinical Research Resource HUB, Resources for Participants

‍

Nearly 1 in 5 US adults live with some form of mental illness. And the numbers are rising.

Mental illness is a common issue among Americans, but it’s something we can work on by practicing self-care all year round. And during the months of summer, there are a variety of self-care methods we can take part in to boost our mood while enjoying the warm weather.

In today’s article, we’ll be sharing 5 summer self-care tips to boost your mood and mind, all while embracing the sun. Keep reading to learn more. 

Get some sun

Many people struggle with what's known as seasonal depressive disorder (SAD). SAD relates to the change in seasons, many people experience symptoms in the fall and later in the winter months.

And most people affected by SAD live at latitudes far south and far north of the equator where there’s much less sunlight during the fall and winter months.

‍But why?

The reason for this could be that in the darker months of winter and fall people are exposed to less sunlight. The skin produces Vitamin D when it’s exposed to the sun, and Vitamin D can help increase serotonin activity.

‍What’s serotonin?

‍And what does serotonin have to do with our mood?

‍Serotonin is a neurotransmitter (a chemical messenger) that carries messages between your brain and throughout the body. It has several roles, including influencing our memory, learning, and happiness. 

‍Low levels of serotonin may cause depression.

Getting out in the sun may be a great way to not only get more Vitamin D, but it may also help increase the level of serotonin activity within us. Potentially improving our overall mood. 

While getting sun is important, it’s vital to protect yourself from getting a sunburn or heat stroke.

It’s best to protect your skin with sunscreen and reapply every so often throughout the day. Reflective clothing is another great way to keep your skin safe in the sun.

Keeping cool is also important, as spending long amounts of time exposed to the sun could result in heat stroke. Try taking breaks from the sun in the shade and do your best to not over-exert yourself. 

Exercise outdoors

In many places, one of the great things that summer has to offer is the ability to exercise outdoors.

‍Physical activity can:

• Help improve brain health - regular exercise may help improve cognitive function and sleep, and it may reduce depression and anxiety risk and overall improve our quality of life.
• Help manage weight - physical activity can help burn calories, build muscle, and decrease total body fat. This could result in better self-esteem and overall a more positive mood.
• Help improve our ability to do day-to-day tasks - when we improve our overall health, day-to-day tasks become easier. This can lead to a better quality of life and can greatly improve mood and well-being.

When compared to indoor activity, outdoor activity seems to have a greater impact on improving mental health. Studies suggest spending time in natural environments may have a positive impact on well-being.

The combination of mental health benefits from spending time outdoors as well as exercise is something worth taking advantage of.

So instead of going for a run at the gym, take a jog around your neighborhood. Or, try getting involved with some outdoor sports.

Relax outdoors

In one review of research, there’s evidence that spending time outdoors with nature can increase happiness and positive social interactions. It may even help bring a sense of purpose and meaning to our lives.

Combining your favorite way of relaxing with spending time outdoors might be an effective way to maximize your self-care this summer.

Different forms of relaxation may have different effects, but relaxation can help us:

• Reduce stress
• Improve sleep quality
• Improve mood and focus
• Reduce anger and frustration
• Reduce muscle tension and chronic pain 

So, what are some of the different ways we can relax outdoors?

It depends on what you like to do, but a few ideas might include:

• Yoga
• Reading
• Meditating
• Breathing techniques 

We encourage you to get outside and take some time to relax and unwind during the summer months!

Take some time off

The summer months are some of the best times to take a break from work.

Whether you decide to go on a vacation outside the country or enjoy the weather in your local area. It’s important to take time off to destress, and physically and mentally recharge.

Some benefits of taking a vacation from work might include:

• Lower stress
• Improved mental health
• Improvement in productivity

Overall, taking time off is important. And summer presents an opportunity for all of us to enjoy a break from work while embracing the warm weather.

Explore nature

As discussed earlier, spending time outdoors may help improve our well-being and happiness.

And exposure to sunlight could help increase the levels of serotonin in the body.

‍But how does exploring nature help?

Just as completing a workout can help us develop confidence, exploring nature may have the same effect. 

You can try taking on a difficult hiking trail, or exploring a new area while paddling. Spending time outdoors and conquering a challenging task can increase your confidence and overall self-belief. 

Closing thoughts - 5 Summer Self-Care Tips to Boost Your Mood 

With such a variety of options, summertime may be one of the best times to practice self-care and boost your mood. 

From getting your summer self-care essentials like sunscreen to relaxing outdoors by meditating or reading, there are many options when it comes to self-care in the summer.

And as more research comes to the forefront, we'll have a better understanding of how the sun and nature affect our moods.

Make sure to share this with a friend or family member who could use some self-care tips to boost their mood during the summer!

Flu Trends from Down Under

Flu season is picking up in Australia, with an earlier uptick in infections than previous years. In the graph below, we can see that flu cases in Australia typically peak in June, July, and August. The solid red line for 2022 shows that cases actually started peaking in late April—two months earlier than usual.

How can you protect yourself and others this fall?

It may not be flu season yet in the Northern Hemisphere, but it’s never too early to learn about flu prevention. According to the CDC, receiving a yearly flu vaccine is the most important step in protecting against flu viruses. Other preventive measures include avoiding close contact with people who are sick, covering coughs and sneezes, disinfecting surfaces that may be contaminated with viruses, and washing your hands with soap and water.

Although arthritis is commonly associated with older aged people, a form of arthritis known as juvenile arthritis affects approximately 300,000 teenagers and kids in the United States.

That’s why it’s so important for us to observe Juvenile Arthritis Awareness Month every year.

During July, we look to not only observe, but also spread awareness and educate ourselves and those around us about this condition.

1 in 250 kids is affected by some form of juvenile arthritis.

‍So, what can we do to help?

‍What is juvenile arthritis and what causes it?

‍What are the symptoms we should look out for in our children? 

‍And how can you get the proper diagnoses and treatments?

We’ll be speaking on these matters and sharing how you can take part during this important month and make an impact on people's lives and communities. Keep reading to learn more.

What’s juvenile arthritis? What causes it?

Juvenile arthritis isn’t a singular disease. It’s an umbrella term used to describe rheumatic and inflammatory diseases that affect children under the age of 16.

‍Autoimmune and autoinflammatory diseases make up most types of juvenile arthritis.

This means that the immune system, which normally fights against foreign bodies like germs and viruses, becomes confused and starts releasing inflammatory chemicals that attack healthy tissue and cells.

‍But how does this affect the body?

This results in joint pain, tenderness, swelling, and inflammation. 

But in some cases, none of these symptoms are visible on the joints. It sometimes only affects the internal organs and skin.

‍So, what causes juvenile arthritis? 

The verdict behind the cause of it is still up in the air. But several factors like our environment and certain genetics may lead to juvenile arthritis. 

This means it could get passed down through families or triggered by exposure to certain things.

Symptoms and diagnosis

‍What are common symptoms associated with juvenile arthritis?

People dealing with juvenile arthritis might experience:

• Pain - it’s common to feel a certain degree of pain in the joints or around them.
• Stiffness - as joints become painful they may also become stiff. 
• Swelling - when certain joints become inflamed it’s common to notice some swelling.
• High fever, rash, and swollen lymph nodes - in rare cases, children who have juvenile arthritis may experience these symptoms.

‍Now, how is juvenile arthritis diagnosed?

There is no particular test to confirm the condition. But when a healthcare professional examines someone who may have juvenile arthritis, they look at their health history and they may do a physical examination.

They usually ask about symptoms the person is experiencing and any recent illnesses that may have occurred. In many cases, when inflammation symptoms have been present for 6 weeks or more, juvenile arthritis may be the cause.

There are different forms of tests that may also be performed. Common forms of testing include blood tests and imaging tests. 

‍Some blood tests include:‍

• Complement tests - these tests measure the level of complement in the bloodstream. Complement is a protein found in our bloodstream. Low levels are often linked to immune disorders.
• White blood cell count - higher levels of white blood cells may indicate an infection is prevalent. Lower levels may show a sign of some autoimmune diseases or even reactions to medications.
• Antinuclear antibody (ANA) and other antibody tests - these tests measure the levels of antibodies in the blood. The levels are often elevated in people who have autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.

‍Imagery tests could include:‍

• MRI
• X-Rays
• CT scan
• Bone scan

Urine tests might also be performed. They’re used to find blood or protein in the urine which could indicate the kidneys aren’t working properly. 

Another form of testing for juvenile arthritis is joint aspiration. This test consists of taking synovial fluid (a thick liquid that lubricates the joints) from a joint and examining it to see if bacteria or viruses are present. Juvenile arthritis can be activated by certain viruses and bacteria.

Treatment options

Medications, lifestyle changes, and different forms of therapies are all used to treat juvenile arthritis.

Some medications that are commonly prescribed include:

• Corticosteroid medicines - these medications are often used to treat severe symptoms people may experience and to reduce inflammation
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs) - NSAIDs are sometimes used to reduce inflammation and pain.
• Disease-modifying antirheumatic medicines (DMARDs) - these medications work to ease inflammation and control juvenile arthritis.

Medicines known as biologics are sometimes used if other forms of treatment aren’t working. These medicines work by interfering with the inflammatory response of the body.

Different forms of therapy are also used to improve certain aspects of life that juvenile arthritis might hinder. 

To improve and maintain joint and muscle function, some people do physical therapy. Occupational therapy might also be another solution to help people in their ability to perform regular daily activities.

Some lifestyle changes that may help include:‍

• Weight control
• Exercising regularly 
• Nutritional coaching 
• Getting enough rest

How to participate in Juvenile Arthritis Awareness Month

What can you do to help your community and those affected by this condition? 

One way we can participate is by educating ourselves and spreading awareness around Juvenile Arthritis Awareness Month. 

Educating ourselves gives us the chance at having a better understanding of the condition and how we can help those affected by it. It also allows us to educate others.

And spreading awareness is a great way to introduce this condition to those who may be unaware of it. We can spread awareness by speaking with friends, family, and coworkers, or we can even share information and articles on social media.

Another way to get involved would be to take part in community events or even host one of your own. 

Conclusion

Juvenile Arthritis Awareness Month is about educating, spreading awareness, and taking part in events that help those who are living with this condition.

Whether you decide to take part in community events or speak with your friends and family, we encourage you to take part.

Arthritis is often seen as a condition that only affects older adults, but with more awareness, we can change that conversation.

Make sure to share this with your friends, family, coworkers, or even your social media, and do your part in helping this important cause.