Living with Chronic Conditions

Millions of us suffer from chronic illnesses, from asthma and diabetes to fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome. Chronic illnesses are persistent and long lasting. Our experts—including those with chronic conditions—offer tips, treatments and advice to ease the burden.

Patient Story

Forging a new path

Shonta Frody's storied road led her to an adoptive family, a battle with leukemia, the development of a clothing line—and a true friendship with a resident doctor.

Hold the salt and cut back on sodium

A small portion of your sodium intake comes from eating at home. The worst culprit? Highly processed and packaged food.

Hearing loss joins long list of smoking harms

The habit is not only bad for the lungs and heart, it can also damage your ears.

Listen to your heart, ladies

Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of women—but warning signs can often be ambiguous.

Patient Story

‘Time is brain’

David McIntee is a competitive athlete, but a genetic heart condition led to a stroke. Quick action saved his cognition—and his life.

Vitamin D3 may benefit heart surgery patients

Vitamin D deficiency is linked to an increased risk of heart attack, stroke, congestive heart failure, high blood pressure and diabetes.

Patient Story

Great ‘gut’ instinct

World War II veteran John Hickey, 93, knows a thing or two about fortitude—not to mention the value of strong relationships along the way.

Patient Story

Up and walking

After a year of diminished mobility, Troy Hodge is on the move again, thanks to an early post-op prosthetic device.

Getting back to bread

Don't be so quick to write off this once-favored staple of your diet.

Patient Story

‘The man I was born to be’

A transgender person undergoes surgery so his outer appearance matches his inner sense of self.

Falls among elderly cost $50 billion annually

Tumbles can trigger the start of a senior's decline, leading to more care.

Patient Story

‘Witnessing a miracle’

At 3 months old, Calvin Monroe's heart stopped beating. It regained its rhythm thanks to people and place, timing and technology.