In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, it is essential for us to acknowledge how surviving breast cancer can take a toll on one’s mental state. A breast cancer diagnosis leads to an inevitable shift in both your physical and psychological health. Even long after the cancer has gone into remission, many still report symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and have trouble returning to everyday life. In this post, we will honor those who have fought breast cancer and acknowledge the psychological side of this disease that often goes unspoken.

When we think of fall we usually picture the changing leaves, cozy sweaters, and pumpkin flavored everything. With the holidays quickly approaching, it is a time of excitement and celebration… However, it is essential to note that for many this can be an isolating time. With the changing of seasons also comes busier schedules. People are returning back to work and school, and as summer fades away, people become more susceptible to the “fall blues.” In this blog post, we’re sharing how to make the most of the autumn season while also staying on top of your physical and mental well-being.

A new study published in the Lancet looked at all 2019 cancer deaths worldwide, and found that 44.4% — or nearly half — were attributable to modifiable, behavioral risk factors. The leading risk factors were smoking, alcohol consumption, and high BMI. In this blog post, we’re taking a deeper look into the findings of this first-of-its-kind study and what they mean for the future of cancer prevention.

A Verywell Mind survey recently revealed the harsh reality that cost remains a significant barrier to accessing therapy, despite its acceptance in mainstream mental health care. Alongside medication and lifestyle changes, therapy is one of the most beneficial treatments for individuals with conditions like depression, anxiety, addiction, and more — conditions that can be life-threatening if left untreated. In this blog post, we’re discussing the multi-faceted cost burdens of therapy and what’s needed to increase access to this care.

Chronic pain and mental health disorders often occur together. One explanation is that experiencing pain can exacerbate mental health risk factors, such as stress and sleep problems. But brain imaging research also shows that the two types of conditions can share biological mechanisms that contribute to one another. In this blog post, we’re taking a deeper look at some of the established connections between psychiatric and chronic pain disorders.

The COVID-19 pandemic had many implications on the ability to receive health care, one of them being the widespread cancelling and postponing of annual physical exams. What once may have been routine was derailed due to mass closures and reduced availability. Missing a few physicals may seem negligible, but these wellness visits actually have a major impact on you and your future health. In this blog post, we’re discussing why it’s so important to get back on track and a few ways to get the most out of your next physical.

You’ve probably heard people with cancer refer to “chemo brain,” a cognitive change people experience when facing cancer and undergoing certain treatments. While the exact mechanism that causes these mental changes remains unclear, the phenomenon is nonetheless very real. In this blog post, we define chemo brain and discuss possible treatments and coping mechanisms that can make day-to-day living a little easier.

Heart disease has remained the leading cause of death in the U.S. for nearly a century now. Over time, we’ve accumulated a great amount of knowledge on the main risk factors and behaviors that contribute to poor heart health — from inactivity and diet to smoking and stress. But these aren’t the only causes of heart disease. In this blog post, we’re highlighting three lesser-known contributing factors of cardiovascular disease and tips for using them to promote heart health.

Many people believe that vitamins and supplements products are regulated in a way that’s similar to medications and other drugs. However, the FDA regulates dietary supplements as food, not drugs. Because of this, the risks of these products are often unknown and unpredictable. In this post, we’re discussing smart supplement use and resources to help educate and equip individuals to make healthier decisions when it comes to supplements.

Wave Health is an ePRO platform that helps cancer and chronic illness patients track their treatment and get personal AI-driven insights. But what exactly is a PRO? And what implications does it have for patient care and health outcomes? We’re breaking down patient-reported outcomes and how they’re leading to more integrated, efficient, and patient-centered care.

Every 11 minutes, someone dies by suicide in the US, making suicide one of the leading causes of death among adolescents and young adults. On July 16th, a 3-digit shortcut will be implemented: Individuals can dial the number 988 to automatically be connected to the existing National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. In this blog post, we’re discussing everything we know about this change as well as a few common concerns as its implementation date approaches.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a disorder of the large intestine that causes symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, and diarrhea. With a typical age of onset between 20 and 30, IBS is estimated to affect up to 15% of the US population. The good news is that lifestyle changes can often relieve IBS symptoms and act as a first step in treatment. Keep reading to learn about the roles of food, stress, sleep, and exercise in IBS management.

You’re probably familiar with the term “mindfulness” - the mental state of being present and accepting of one’s thoughts and feelings. Mindfulness can be applied to just about any activity to bring meaningful benefits in different areas of a person’s life. Today, we’re taking a look at mindful eating and how this mindfulness intervention impacts both the mind and body.

Today, more than 6 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s — which is just one form of dementia or memory loss. So it’s not surprising that brain health has become a popularized health topic. As part of Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month, we’re taking a look at some of the most common notions about brain health and determining whether they’re rooted in fact or fiction.

Dealing with chronic illness poses burdens directly to the patient — but what about their loved ones who consistently provide them with emotional and physical support? Today, we’re highlighting the impact that being a caregiver can have on one’s psychological health, and a few ways caregivers can help themselves.

Almost half of all Americans are living with a chronic disease. Once a medical condition is diagnosed, it can become the primary lens through which a patient is treated. Recognizing the link between chronic conditions and mental illness is critical to helping patients move forward in a positive way. As we near the end of Mental Health Awareness Month, we aim to shine a light on the value of a collaborative care approach when it comes to mental and physical health.

1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer by the age of 70, and while Melanoma accounts for only 1% of skin cancers, it is the leading cause of death related to the disease. This May is Melanoma Awareness Month, and we urge everyone to learn more about this disease and the ways in which we can prevent it.

This week is National Women’s Health Week, and it’s a great opportunity for family, friends, and the greater community to take action and empower women to advocate for their health.

This May is Mental Health Month, and we wanted to spotlight the most common mental illness in the United States: anxiety. While there are numerous tools to bring down your overall anxiety, what do you do in the moments when your anxiety levels are off-the-charts?

Whether you are struggling with your mental or your physical health, taking medications can be a life-saver (literally). That’s why it’s vital to remember to take all of your medications and ensure you are functioning at your best. With Wave, you can set reminders and log when you take your medications.