July 2023 — Practical Health Guides from PillPack Supplies

Fast heartbeats, stubborn pain, sleep trouble, skin flares — July brought short, useful reads that tackle common problems with clear next steps. If you scanned our posts this month, here’s what matters and what you can do right now.

First up: supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) showing up with congenital heart disease. If you or a child has a congenital heart defect and notices sudden racing episodes, don’t shrug it off. SVT can coexist with structural problems and needs rhythm monitoring, an EKG, and often a cardiology referral. Simple measures like avoiding stimulants and keeping follow-up appointments make a big difference. In many cases, medication or a minimally invasive procedure controls the rhythm well.

We also looked at nebivolol as a possible preventive for migraines. Nebivolol is a beta-blocker with vasodilating effects, and some clinical reports show reduced migraine days for certain patients. Talk to your doctor before trying it — especially if you have low blood pressure, asthma, or take other heart meds. If prescribed, track headache frequency and side effects for a few months to see if it’s working.

On emotional health, Parkinsonism often brings anxiety and depression alongside movement symptoms. It’s normal to feel overwhelmed. Practical steps: tell your neurologist about mood changes, consider therapy or support groups, and ask about antidepressant options that work with Parkinsonism medications. Small routine changes — daily walks, sleep consistency, structured social time — help stabilize mood.

Postherpetic neuralgia was another focus. That lingering nerve pain after shingles can be brutal, but treatments exist: topical lidocaine patches, oral gabapentin or pregabalin, tricyclic antidepressants, and sometimes nerve blocks. If pain persists beyond the rash, seek treatment early — pain control is easier to manage before it becomes chronic.

Thyroid deficiency can quietly cause joint aches. If you have unexplained joint pain plus fatigue, weight changes, or cold sensitivity, ask for a TSH and free T4 test. Treating hypothyroidism often eases joint stiffness and improves energy. Don’t self-adjust doses — work with your provider to find the right replacement dose.

For plaque psoriasis, moisturizer choice matters. Pick thick, fragrance-free creams with ingredients like salicylic acid, urea, lactic acid, or ceramides to soften scales and restore the skin barrier. Apply right after bathing to lock in moisture and use gentle cleansers to avoid irritation.

Quick takeaways

If a symptom sticks around — racing heart, ongoing pain, new mood changes, stubborn skin flares — get evaluated. Many effective treatments exist, and early action usually gives better results.

How to use these posts

Use these articles as practical checklists: note symptoms, try simple lifestyle changes, and bring specific questions to your clinician. Save any tracking (headache diary, sleep log, pain scale) to speed diagnosis and treatment decisions.

Want the links to each full post or a printable checklist from this month? Tap the archive list on the site and pick what you need — each piece was written to help you act, not to confuse you.

The Connection Between Supraventricular Tachycardia and Congenital Heart Disease

The Connection Between Supraventricular Tachycardia and Congenital Heart Disease

Well, hello there folks! Today we're diving heart-first (see what I did there?) into the fascinating link between Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT) and Congenital Heart Disease (CHD). It's a bit like a medical detective story, isn't it? So, CHD is a birth defect that affects the structure of the heart, while SVT is a condition where your heart occasionally goes into overdrive and beats faster. And guess what? Research suggests these two are often seen hanging out together. But don't worry, life's always got a rhythm, sometimes it's just a little fast!

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Nebivolol and Migraines: Can It Help Prevent Headaches?

Nebivolol and Migraines: Can It Help Prevent Headaches?

In my recent exploration into potential treatments for migraines, I stumbled upon promising studies around Nebivolol. This is a beta-blocker typically used to treat high blood pressure, but research suggests it may also help prevent migraines. The exact mechanism of how it works is still under investigation, but it's thought to be related to its vasodilating effects, which help to maintain blood flow to the brain. However, as with any medication, it's important to discuss this with your healthcare provider to evaluate potential benefits and risks. It's an exciting prospect that could offer relief to those suffering from these debilitating headaches.

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The Emotional Effects of Parkinsonism: Dealing with Anxiety and Depression

The Emotional Effects of Parkinsonism: Dealing with Anxiety and Depression

In my latest blog post, I delve into the emotional impacts of Parkinsonism, with a particular focus on anxiety and depression. I discuss how these mental health issues often accompany the physical symptoms of the disease, adding a significant emotional burden. I also share some strategies for managing these feelings, such as therapy and medication. Importantly, I emphasize the necessity of seeking help and maintaining open communication with healthcare providers. The post is a reminder that it's okay to ask for help, and that mental health is a crucial part of living with Parkinsonism.

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Postherpetic Neuralgia: Understanding and Managing this Shingles Complication

In my recent delve into the world of health conditions, I've come across Postherpetic Neuralgia - a painful complication that can follow a shingles outbreak. This condition isn't a walk in the park as it involves severe nerve pain that can last for months, even years, after the shingles rash has disappeared. The good news is, we can manage it with medications, topical treatments, and even nerve blocks. It's important we understand this condition because it affects a substantial number of people, especially the elderly. So, let's not overlook it and instead, arm ourselves with knowledge to better manage and potentially prevent it.

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Thyroid Deficiency and Joint Pain: What You Need to Know

Thyroid Deficiency and Joint Pain: What You Need to Know

In my recent exploration on health issues, I delved into the connection between thyroid deficiency and joint pain. It's fascinating to learn that thyroid deficiency, also known as hypothyroidism, can cause aches and pains in your joints. This is due to the slow metabolism causing an accumulation of fluid around the joints. It's crucial to get tested if you're experiencing consistent joint pain, as it could be a symptom of this condition. Remember, early detection and treatment are key to managing both joint pain and hypothyroidism effectively.

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How to Choose the Right Moisturizer for Plaque Psoriasis

How to Choose the Right Moisturizer for Plaque Psoriasis

Choosing the right moisturizer for plaque psoriasis can be a game-changer. It's crucial to select a product that is fragrance-free and hypoallergenic to avoid irritating your skin. Look for ingredients like salicylic acid, urea, lactic acid, or coal tar that can help soften and remove psoriasis scales. A moisturizer with ceramides can also help restore the skin's natural barrier. Always remember, the thicker the moisturizer, the better it usually is at trapping moisture into your skin.

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The Impact of Aging on Sleep Patterns and How to Improve Sleep Quality

The Impact of Aging on Sleep Patterns and How to Improve Sleep Quality

In my latest blog post, I examine the impact of aging on sleep patterns and share some tips to improve sleep quality. It's quite interesting to see how our sleep cycle changes as we age, often leading to increased sleep disturbances and insomnia. I delve into the reasons behind these changes, such as hormonal shifts and lifestyle factors. But don't worry, I also provide practical ways to improve sleep quality, such as maintaining a consistent sleep schedule and creating a relaxing sleep environment. A good night's sleep is vital at any age, so understanding and addressing these changes is incredibly important.

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