Achieving and maintaining a balanced body composition is one of the most meaningful goals for long-term health and well-being. While weight is often the number people focus on, it does not provide the full picture. Two individuals may weigh the same but have vastly different health profiles depending on the proportion of fat, muscle, bone, and water in their bodies. Understanding body composition allows for a deeper look into one’s physical health and helps guide more effective lifestyle choices.

Every October, two important healthcare observances take place side by side: National Pharmacy Week and Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Together, they remind us of the vital connection between pharmacists, patients, and technology in advancing cancer care.

Pharmacists are often among the most accessible healthcare professionals, serving as a bridge between medical treatment and day-to-day patient needs. In breast cancer care, their expertise extends far beyond dispensing medication. It’s about empowering patients through education, monitoring, and personalized support.

Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) is a group of inherited connective tissue disorders that affect the body’s collagen, the protein that gives strength and elasticity to skin, joints, and blood vessels. For those living with EDS, this means everyday challenges such as joint hypermobility, chronic pain, fatigue, and skin fragility.

While EDS is considered rare, its effects are deeply personal and far-reaching. Symptoms can vary widely, making diagnosis and management highly individualized. The most common types include hypermobile EDS (hEDS) and classical EDS (cEDS).

Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that affects millions worldwide, yet it often remains misunderstood. Characterized by widespread pain in muscles and soft tissues, fatigue, and cognitive challenges, fibromyalgia can disrupt daily routines and emotional well-being for many individuals.

At Wave Health, we believe technology can provide data-driven insights to help empower patients to better manage their symptoms and create more open discussions of their health journey with their care teams.

Healthcare is no longer confined to the doctor’s office. With longer wait times for appointments, rising rates of chronic disease, and new technology entering the market, an increasing number of patients are taking control of their own health. A recent Wall Street Journal report highlights how “do-it-yourself” (DIY) healthcare, from at-home lab tests to wearable devices and even AI chatbots, is transforming the patient experience.

Every October, the world comes together for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time to honor survivors, support patients, and raise awareness about the importance of early detection and treatment. Breast cancer remains the most common cancer among women worldwide, but thanks to research, innovation, and increased awareness, survival rates continue to improve.

Prostate cancer remains one of the most common cancers among older men with about 1 in 8 men diagnosed during their lifetime, usually after age 65. Today, a prostate cancer diagnosis isn’t the life sentence it once seemed. Thanks to medical advances and improved diagnostics, men now have more treatment options than ever before, many of which come with fewer side effects and better long-term outcomes.

Since the late 1980s, the PSA (prostate-specific antigen) blood test has helped detect prostate cancer earlier and start treatment. As a result, nearly 98% of patients diagnosed today were still alive at least five years after their diagnosis.

September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, where we are shining a spotlight on the importance of early detection, prevention, and support for those impacted by this disease. Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men, with about every 13 in 100 men developing the disease during their lifetime. By raising awareness, we can encourage conversations about screening, lifestyle choices, and treatment options that save lives.

What Is Prostate Cancer?

Prostate cancer develops in the prostate gland, a small organ located below the bladder and in front of the bladder in men that produces seminal fluid. While some prostate cancer tumors grow slowly, others can be aggressive and spread quickly if not detected early.

Common Risk Factors

• Age: Risk progressively increases as you get older. You are more likely to get diagnosed after age 50

• Family history: If you have a close family member diagnosed with prostate cancer, you are two to three times more likely to get it

• Race: Risk is higher if you are Black or of African ancestry, especially for more aggressive cancers

• Lifestyle: Diet, exercise, and overall health (regular smoker, obesity, STIs, or prostatitis) can play a role
  

Why Screening Matters

Early detection is critical. The earlier prostate cancer is found, the more treatment options are available, and the better the outcomes. Common screening tests include:

• Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test: Detection of high PSA levels may indicate cancer or benign conditions such as benign prostate hyperplasia or prostatis

• Digital rectal exam (DRE): Healthcare provider inserts gloved, lubricated finger into rectum to feel for bumps or hard areas on prostate gland

• Imaging: MRI or transrectal ultrasound displays images of prostate gland, including suspicious areas which helps to determine if it’s necessary to perform biopsy

Common Symptoms

While early prostate cancer may not show symptoms, more advanced cases can cause:

• Frequent urination or need to pee (especially at night)

• Weak urine stream

• Blood in urine or semen

• Pain in hips, lower back, or chest

• Pain or burning when you pee

• Loss of bladder and/or bowel control

• Painful ejaculation and erectile dysfunction
  

How to Reduce Your Risk

While not all cases can be prevented, healthy habits may help lower your risk:

• Maintain a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains

• Stay physically active

• Limit red and processed meats

• Reduce or eliminate smoking

• Regular checkups and screenings
  

This Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, let’s break the silence around men’s health. By promoting early detection, healthier choices, and support for those affected, we can make a difference in the fight against prostate cancer.

Knowledge is power, but so is tracking your health. If you or a loved one are monitoring symptoms, medications, or screenings, Wave Health can help you stay organized and empowered.

📲 Download the Wave Health app today to track your health, manage appointments, and have more productive conversations with your care team.

Together, we can raise awareness, take control of men’s health, and make early detection a priority.

Source: Cleveland Clinic. “Prostate Cancer.” Health Library, Cleveland Clinic, last reviewed May 21, 2025. Available at: Cleveland Clinic website

A stage-four cancer diagnosis typically signals the end of the road for many patients. Survival measured in weeks or months at a time. Today, thanks to targeted therapies, immunotherapy, and precision medicine, patients with metastatic or terminal cancer are living years and even decades longer. This shift is redefining what it means to live with cancer: from a fatal sentence to a chronic condition that requires long-term management.

This much is true for Gwen Orilio, who was 31 when she was first diagnosed with stage-four lung cancer. She’s now 41 and still has metastatic cancer. She did not expect to live long enough to think about retirement. A decade later, she’s still teaching, still planning for the future, and proof that cancer treatments are extending survival in ways once thought impossible.

Her journey reflects a growing trend: cancer is no longer always about immediate life-or-death outcomes. Instead, it’s often about adapting to the challenges of long-term survival. Orilio is part of this growing population of cancer patients who are living longer lives due to new advancements in cancer treatment. 

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease that primarily affects the joints, causing inflammation, pain, and progressive damage. Beyond joint discomfort, RA can impact the cardiovascular system, lungs, and overall quality of life, making consistent management essential.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), also known as myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME), is a complex and often misunderstood condition that leaves millions worldwide struggling with extreme fatigue that doesn't improve with rest.

Many people living with lupus often find that certain triggers can make their symptoms worse. Identifying these triggers can help manage the condition and improve daily life. Factors such as stress, sun exposure, infections, and certain medications may cause flare-ups.

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) significantly impacts men over 40. It's a condition where the prostate enlarges, causing urinary issues. Many men experience difficulty urinating, frequent nighttime trips to the bathroom, and sometimes sudden urges.

Recognizing symptoms early and seeking medical advice can greatly improve quality of life. Awareness and timely intervention can help manage BPH effectively, allowing men to maintain daily routines without constant discomfort.

Josephine Urbon is a 16-year-old sophomore living in Los Angeles, California. She gets good grades, plays sports, and has supportive parents and close-knit friends… yet she is still one of the many teen girls in the US that has faced anxiety and depression.

Receiving a health diagnosis can come with a number of emotions — maybe you feel relieved, shocked, overwhelmed… or some combination of the three. There’s no right way to receive news about your health. But taking steps to 1) process how you’re feeling and 2) plan for how your life may change can drastically lighten the burden that is a chronic health condition. Having served patients from all walks of life, all undergoing unique treatment journeys, our team has compiled 9 tips for what to do after receiving a diagnosis.

The success of your treatment as a chronic illness or cancer patient often relies on day-to-day adherence to your treatment or medication protocol. With all of the complexities and moving parts involved in managing your condition, it can be difficult to stay on top of your treatment. That’s where medication tracking apps come into play. By automating reminders and keeping track of side effects, medication apps can be a major aid in sticking to treatments and feeling better.

It’s no question that food has a significant impact on your health and wellbeing, in both the short and long term. With food and wellbeing being so closely intertwined, it is essential to be intentional with your dietary choices to ensure that you’re using food to your advantage, and not your disadvantage. Just like how food can have many positive impacts on your health and wellbeing, it can also have negative effects. In this post, we’re discussing the positive and negative impacts of food along with some easy tips to achieving a healthy, balanced diet.

A personal health journal is a record of an individual’s important health and wellness information. These journals can vary from patient to patient, but they often contain information on one’s medical history, symptoms, medications, treatment progress, and other relevant notes. Keeping a personal health journal has numerous benefits for those facing a chronic illness or treatment plan — ranging from staying organized to being able to learn more about your health. Keep reading to find out how to create your own!

Doctor’s visits are a crucial part of the treatment experience. But without preparation and good communication on both sides, many doctor’s visits turn out to be inefficient and ineffective. In these types of care settings, caregivers play an important role in collecting and sharing information from both the patient and the provider. And their presence is often essential for the wellbeing of the patient. In this post, we’re discussing a few ways caregivers can best prepare for their patient’s doctor’s visits.

It’s widely known that having a sense of community — in any facet of your life — can have great benefits for your physical, mental, and psychological state. People are inherently social creatures who crave relationships with others. Camaraderie is essential to our well-being, especially when coping with a difficult cancer or chronic illness diagnosis. Here are some of the benefits of being a part of an online community for your illness.