Article

Eczema: More Than Just a Skin Condition

When some people hear the word eczema, they may think of it as being nothing more than itchy skin. But the truth is, people living with eczema may suffer serious emotional and psychological effects.Eczema is a condition characterized by dry, red patches of skin that are intensely itchy. The most common type of eczema is called atopic dermatitis. Eczema usually begins in childhood but can begin in adolescence and adulthood. It is a common condition that affects 10% to 20% of children and 5% to 10...

Why — and How — Music Moves Us

“Life seems to go on without effort when I am filled with music.” – George EliotInstinctually, intuitively, we know that music makes life better.For millennia, humans have used music to soothe to our souls and comfort pain. Parents worldwide sing lullabies to the young and mark special occasions such as birthdays, graduations, and weddings with song. We rely on music to help us power through workouts and tackle tasks we’d rather ignore, and we manipulate our moods with melodies.Music is so...

Eczema and Stress: What's the Link?

Eczema is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that can be challenging to live with. Affecting over 31 million Americans, it is a prevalent condition presenting in seven different forms; contact dermatitis, atopic dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, dyshidrotic eczema, nummular eczema, and stasis dermatitis. The main characteristics of the disease include:An impaired epidermal barrier function - leading to dry skinInflammatory infiltration - causing symptoms such as itching, dry skin, inflamed...

Living & Wellbeing

Why Your Family Health History Matters

Your family health history is important to your health. Besides similar looks and lifestyle habits, genes play an important role in your risk of developing certain health conditions, such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, or cancer. Having a picture of your family’s medical history is a good thing when it comes to proactively managing your health. According to the United States Surgeon General, however, very few people are likely to have detailed and precise information about their family...

Living & Wellbeing

Why You Need Your Workout Now More Than Ever

If you engage in regular exercise, chances are the COVID-19 pandemic has altered some aspect of your workout routine. Maybe your gym is closed, your favorite spin or yoga classes no longer an option. Perhaps you no longer meet up with friends to power walk because it’s too hard to stay socially distanced. Maybe the demands of overseeing your children’s virtual learning while doing your own job have left you with no time for your usual lunchtime run. Or you’re simply in a funk about the state of...

Living & Wellbeing

Chronic Stress and How to Manage It

Everyone seems stressed these days. From the current pandemic to economic pressures, racial unrest, political tensions and natural disasters, the start of the new decade has seemed to throw one stressor after another.At some point, that stress may become something you can’t simply shake off: Experiencing stress over an extended period may indicate that stress is chronic.Chronic stress can take a toll on your mind and body. Fortunately, there are things you can do to back on the path to mental...

Living & Wellbeing

Shedding Light on Seasonal Affective Disorder

The winter blues are one thing, but seasonal affective disorder is quite another. Seasonal affective disorder is a form of depression, sometimes referred to as SAD, seasonal depression, or winter depression. What is Seasonal Affective Disorder? Seasonal affective disorder (or SAD) is a type of depression that can make patients feel less energetic, moody, and distressed for parts of the year. Seasonal affective disorder begins and ends around the same time every year, typically inclusive of...

Living & Wellbeing

What is Ankylosing Spondylitis?

Ankylosing spondylitis (pronounced “ang-kill-LOH-sing spawn-duh-LY-tus”) is an uncommon form of arthritis that primarily affects the spine. It is a chronic (long-term) condition that causes back pain and stiffness in the back, neck and other areas of the body. It typically starts in late adolescence or early adulthood, before the age of 45. Over time, the vertebrae (bones of the spine) can fuse together. While there is no cure yet, some treatments may help reduce the symptoms and possibly slow...

Purpose & Ideals

The Pfizer Foundation Invests in Community-Based Solutions to Combat the Threat of Infectious Diseases

Globally, infectious diseases are responsible for an estimated seven million deaths annually1 and are a leading cause of disability, particularly among young children and marginalized populations,2 often perpetuating the cycle of poverty.3 This is one of the reasons why The Pfizer Foundation* is dedicated to accelerating innovative solutions and improving health systems to help address the urgent threat of infectious diseases. Through the Global Health Innovation Grants (GHIG) program, now in...

Living & Wellbeing

For many, today is the start of a fresh school or work week, but for the rare disease community, today marks the beginning of something more: Children's Growth Awareness Week (Sept 13 & 19)

For many, today is the start of a fresh school or work week, but for the rare disease community, today marks the beginning of something more: Children’s Growth Awareness Week (Sept 13 – 19). Rare disease is more than a part of our business; it’s our passion and drives the decisions we make each and every day. Pfizer is proud to join the growth disorders community to showcase “My Growth, My Health” this year. Together, we can raise awareness of the vital role that height plays in children’s...

Living & Wellbeing

Health Disparities Among African-Americans

While the spotlight right now may be on the disadvantages African Americans face while fighting the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), they are also disadvantaged throughout the health care system when combating other diseases.Compared to their white counterparts, African Americans are generally at higher risk for heart diseases, stroke, cancer, asthma, influenza and pneumonia, diabetes, and HIV/AIDS, according to the Office of Minority Health, part of the Department for Health and Human Services.1On...

Living & Wellbeing

World Duchenne Awareness Day: It’s More Than Muscles

What are boys between the ages of 1 and 6 doing? Well, for a rare few, they have been diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (also known as DMD).  Did you know that 90% of boys diagnosed with Duchenne are in wheelchairs by age 15? Even more surprising, according to recent studies of boys living with Duchenne, approximately 32% had attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), 26% had learning difficulties, and 17-27% had an intellectual disability. In recognition of World Duchenne...