It’s important to stay informed about supplements, especially when you are taking prescription medications and/or have a medical condition. You can keep up with the latest information on government websites, health-related organization sites such as The American Heart Association and reputable medical sites which provide scientific and medical research.

Some reasons to stay informed:

• If you are on prescription medications or take OTC medications on a regular basis, check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking supplements.
• If you are pregnant or trying to conceive
• When you are having surgery
• If you aren’t feeling well and haven’t been diagnosed
• If you are giving supplements to a child

A very common supplement that is taken is glucosamine. There have been medical studies to show that it does reduce pain in people diagnosed with osteoarthritis. Some studies showed that it works better with osteoporosis in the knee that general osteoporosis. These are the most current studies I found while searching this subject. Earlier studies had different outcomes; therefore, staying informed about supplements is key to knowing what is best for you and your health.

June is almost over, but there’s still enough time to write my yearly post about Myasthenia Gravis Awareness Month. I’ve been living with MG for 7 years now. In the beginning it was so difficult that I really thought I would die. I can remember waking up at night being short of breath and thinking this would be my last moment on earth. In terror, I would hyperventilate making it worse.

That stopped thankfully and then I began to feel like my throat was closing up. At first my throat would feel numb. I don’t know how else to describe it. Then I’d feel like the opening in my throat was getting smaller. I’d be awake for hours afraid to close my eyes because I thought wouldn’t wake up.

This isn’t how the Myasthenia Gravis started. At first I felt like I couldn’t keep my right eye opened. No one could see it, but I felt it. It was annoying. Then I felt like I couldn’t move my body, like it was a dead weight. I was so tired. I remember standing in line to pick up my daughter from preschool when I was sure I would just fall right down there and sleep. I took all my might, my control to stay upright, to be able to move and talk. And then drive home.

I’d lie on the floor next to my daughter at home because I knew I’d fall asleep. At least I was close by her and would hear if something happened…I’d hope and pray.

Finally I went to the neurologist and he saw my eye drooping. It was the beginning of learning to live with this neuro-muscular disease, this chronic illness, that I take heavy duty prescription medications for, that I’ve had surgery that cracked open my breastbone, that allowed me to realize how blessed I am, how so many other people are worse off than I am and that made me the person I am today.

To learn about the symptoms of, the treatments for and the ways to cope with Myasthenia Gravis, visit the Myasthenia Gravis Association.

If you have to wear prescription glasses all the time, it is helpful to get a pair of prescription sunglasses. Your regular eyeglasses don’t cover your entire eye like some of the fashionable wrap around sunglasses. If you have issues with sunlight hurting your eyes, you want to be sure that your eyes are covered on the side. It’s also necessary to use glasses that have 100% UV protection.

Digital lenses means that the curve changes from the center of your lens outward to conform to the change in distance and angle of your eye to along the entire lens. Digital surface lenses also accommodate your peripheral vision. Think of as a lens that is made to work with your rounded eye and its movement. Oakley Prescription Sunglasses is the online site that provides digital surface lenses.

Protecting your eyes from the sun by wearing your prescription sunglasses is priority. Finding sunglasses that look good and look good on you is the only way that you will wear them. There’s a large selection at Oakley. You’ll find testimonials to their customer service as well as their satisfaction with the sunglasses.

This is a sponsored post.

It’s difficult to cope with a new diagnosis, especially if you have a serious health issues already or a list of chronic illnesses to live with. I’ve recently had a new diagnosis of narrow angle glaucoma and it felt like my body was waging war against me.

Acknowledge Your Feelings

Because getting a new diagnosis can cause us to grieve, we may go into a state of denial. That’s when your support system can come into play especially if you need immediate medical treatment. Once this has passed, go along with your feelings which may run the gamut from anger to fear. I played the pity party for a while because I did not want another thing wrong with my body. I was sad and angry. My family and close friends let me cry and yell and stay alone for a while. Then they were sure that I got to my appointments and followed the doctor’s orders to save my eyesight.

Share With Others

There’s no need to tell everyone you know right at first, or even tell anyone at all. Soon, though talking about it with those closest to you can have a big impact on how you deal with your diagnosis. You probably know the people that will say the right things, be there for you and kick your butt when you need it. I told my husband immediately because I didn’t know if I would be able to make the drive home from the doctor’s office without hearing his voice. Then I shared it with just a few people. When I was feeling more confident after learning more about this type of glaucoma, I wrote about it on my blog.

Support groups specifically for the new medical condition may be helpful. You can find them online and sometimes in person. If this is a long term condition, consider joining an organization that your doctor or support group recommends so you can keep up with the latest information.

Get ‘Er Done

Even if you are still depressed, angry or wanting to advance medical science by 100 years, get treated, get tested, take the medicine you need and do what you can to get better or live with the new diagnosis. It’s not going to be fun, but your life is worthwhile.

If you feel too depressed to make a move, call in the ranks of your support group, tell your doctor or see a counselor, psychiatrist or psychologist. Please promise me that you’ll get help.

Don’t Be A Hero

If this new medial condition causes pain, the new medicine is making you feel sicker, you don’t like the treatment center, etc. tell your doctor. Don’t suck it up. You’re going through a lot right now and you have every right to feel as comfortable as possible.

It’s Not Yours

I never take ownership of the chronic illnesses that I have. You won’t hear me say, “My Sjogren’s Disease is making my eyes dry.” Instead, “That damn Sjogren’s Disease is making my eyes feel like crud.” The medical condition doesn’t have me. I can accept it, but not like it. Try your best not to let your medical condition run your life. It will be hard at first when you’re newly diagnosed, but as time goes on it will become a part of your life and not your life.

There’s still some anger, sadness, even depression and anxiety, but I get help when I need it and I fight when I have the energy. If that’s your style, make that your goal. If you have a different way of coping with a new diagnosis, then find it and go for it.