Through Teal Colored Glasses - a Column by Jessica Massengale

The majority of our immune system — almost 70 percent — is in our digestive tract. Every morsel of food ingested filters right into our digestive tract. While I think it is true that everything in moderation is OK, someone with an autoimmune disease should pay close attention…

“You practicing to become a ballerina?” my mom asks me as she lathers up soap on a sponge to wash my back. I’ve gotten pretty good at showering with one foot sticking out, as a result of an open ulcer on my heel that has to stay dry.

It’s unchallenging for most people to look back on life and instantly recall a singular, traumatic moment when they experienced emotional or physical pain. Whether it’s breaking an arm or losing a loved one, the moment is unforgettable due to the psychological impact. For those with a chronic…

A veteran soldier wounded in action. A firefighter crawling through a cascade of flames to save a baby. A husband suggesting his wife go to the gym for her New Year’s resolution. These are examples of different forms of bravery. Bravery can be defined in many ways, depending…

Stress to a sick person is like adding gasoline to a burning flame to put it out — it just doesn’t work. When living with a life-changing illness, one tends to forget how things were before the disease took over. Inflammation is the root of many diseases, but…

The human body is lined with more than 100,000 miles of veins, capillaries, and blood vessels. These intricate pathways carry blood throughout the body to filter it, heal wounds, and oxygenate our cells. With scleroderma, the overproduction of collagen significantly damages the blood vessels, making it an obstacle…

The holidays are the most joyful time of the year for many. Surrounded by loved ones, it’s a time for making new memories, eating delicious food, and focusing on all the happy feelings stored within. There’s a cheerful buzz in the air from November to January that warms…

Asking someone for a favor can be an intimidating moment. As humans, we enjoy the satisfaction of being able to independently handle the different things life throws our way, and we take pride in the things we’re able to accomplish on our own. Even if life hinders us…

For many years now society has had an influence on setting standards women are expected to abide by. Cooking, cleaning, childbearing, and cuteness are a few fundamental C’s when being scoped out by a potential mate. There’s a predestined mentality programmed into our minds, and despite the evolution…

There is a magical period of peace every day in everyone’s life, a brief time when we can completely let go and forget our troubles. This beautiful escape is called sleep. It’s the only time we are completely unaware and able to unplug our brains. Sleep is one…