Neuromyelitis optica (NMO) is an autoimmune disorder that affects as many as 10 in 100,000 people, according to the National Organization for Rare Disorders. NMO is characterized by attacks on the optic nerves (optic neuritis) and spinal cord (transverse myelitis). Early and appropriate treatment is essential for people living with NMO to prevent or reduce flare-ups, which may cause irreversible loss of vision or loss of mobility. In the past, researchers thought NMO was a type of multiple scler

There may be no more common refrain in business than “risk leads to reward.” Leaders must innovate, show creativity, and take big risks in order to get ahead. But what does this mean in the current economic climate? As a result of the global health crisis, business is operating very differently than it was one year ago. The advice for leaders, however, seems to be the same. Innovation and agility are particularly important, as is quick recovery from risks that have unexpected results. Recall t

The COVID-19 crisis hit suddenly and caught many people off guard. If you are among the millions of suddenly unemployed, you can take comfort knowing that you’re not alone. You also still have agency to address your situation and create the best foundation for making it through this crisis and finding your next role. If you are laid off due to coronavirus, take these steps right away to get back on track. No one expect a global pandemic, let alone to lose their jobs in the midst of unprecedente

Buying a home is one of the biggest financial commitments you’ll ever make. But don’t let that scare you — homeownership is a step many people eventually take. The key is to do plenty of research self-reflection. Homeownership is a big deal, but it can also be a fulfilling experience. There’s no set path to homeownership, although there are several important markers. You’ll have to look at your overall financial situation, qualify for a mortgage, learn about the housing market, meet with real e

A successful negotiation doesn’t just happen; strategy is essential. Use these negotiation tips to tweak your playbook and achieve the best possible outcome. All too often, negotiators fail to consider the other party’s perspective. To fully prepare, you need to understand the context. That includes the wants and needs of the other side, the pressures of the market and industry, and the contract negotiation tactics of the people in the room. People like to feel heard. Active listening is a cru

Thanks to low interest rates, the U.S. is in the middle of a refinancing boom. It’s easy to understand why — who wouldn’t want to decrease the interest rate on their home or car? Logically, a lower interest rate means you’ll owe less money over the course of paying off your mortgage or car loan. However, there’s more to refinancing than paying less interest. While getting a better interest rate can decrease the amount you owe in the long term, it can also increase your monthly payments and other

One of the benefits of interactive, online technology is the ability for you to get to know your customer. By increasing engagement through giveaways, contests, and quizzes, you can create a positive relationship between your brand and potential users of your product. The flipside of that technology is the use and collection of personal data, which is increasingly a subject of public policy. This year marks a new era in privacy laws with the enforcement of the European Union’s General Data Prot

Of the approximately 7.5 million Americans who have psoriasis, about 30 percent will develop psoriatic arthritis, according to the Arthritis Foundation. People who have psoriasis are at a higher risk for arthritis, diabetes, depression, and heart disease. Psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis are chronic inflammatory conditions. There’s no cure. But developing a good relationship with your doctor can help you to manage your symptoms. It’s important to maintain an open conversation about how you’re

As someone living with plaque psoriasis, you have many treatment options. Most people start with topical medications, such as corticosteroids, before progressing to systemic medications. Systemic medications work inside the body, attacking the physiological processes that cause psoriasis. In contrast, topical treatments work on the symptoms of psoriasis at the site of outbreak on the skin. Systemic treatments are for people with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. Typically, these drugs fall i

Living with anxiety is a challenge, but you can take steps to relieve its hold on your well-being. Sometimes, even taking just a few moments to engage in simple calming techniques can stop anxiety from getting out of control. Once you know what triggers your anxiety, you can prepare yourself to control your symptoms in any situation. Don't worry if you can't do it on your own — it's okay to ask for help. Most anxiety has a pattern. Start keeping a journal to log when you experience anxiety and