Lauren Beyenhof

One of the main functions of the lungs is to oxygenate a person's blood. In patients with cystic fibrosis, the thick, sticky mucus that blocks the airways, bronchioles and alveoli greatly impedes the ...

Approximately 30% of cystic fibrosis patients are malnourished. One way to replenish the body with energy it needs to fight infection is to undergo nutritional rehabilitation.

Lungs aren't the only organs affected by the thick, sticky mucus that cystic fibrosis produces. Studies show that better overall nutritional status contributes to better lung function.

Many individuals with chronic illness or disease are likely to experience emotional problems such as depression or anxiety. Poor physical health can lead to psychological distress, and vice versa.

In order to determine kidney function, a blood test called the BUN Creatinine is performed. BUN stands for blood urine nitrogen. It measures how much urea is present in the bloodstream.

Methicillin Resistant Staph Aureus (MRSA) is commonly acquired in hospitals. This article explains what MRSA is and how to protect yourself against this formidable bacteria.

Local San Diego girl, Lindsay Wadleigh recently auditioned for American Idol. In this interview she talks about her personal struggle with cystic fibrosis and how she's making a positive difference by...

Patients with chronic respiratory conditions may experience low levels of oxygen in their blood, especially when at rest. This article is about my experience with an overnight oxygen study.

This article defines ABPA and outlines the treatments available to keep it under control.

The pursuit of higher education is a challenge. My experience was even more challenging because I have cystic fibrosis (CF). This article is just a brief description of how I learned to balance my hea...

One of the blood tests that helps determine the concentration of glucose (blood sugar) in the body is the hemoglobin a1c. This test goes by a variety of names including HbA1c, glycated hemoglobin, or ...

A DEXA scan is a simple procedure that is useful for determining whether a cystic fibrosis (CF) patient is at risk for developing osteoporosis.

Many cystic fibrosis patients demonstrate pancreatic insufficiency. This leads to issues of malabsorption and poor nutritional status. A number of prescription enzyme supplements are available to help...

This article gives a brief overview of some of the most commonly prescribed medications used to prevent pulmonary exacerbations in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients.

Are couples without children somehow less blessed? Are they selfish for not wanting to bear children? In this article I discuss how we arrived at our difficult decision to forgo parenthood.

PICC lines are commonly placed for people who require intravenous therapy. This article describes what the process is of having the line placed, and answers frequently asked questions about having a P...

People who have difficulty absorbing nutrients from their food are more likely to suffer from depression. Studies have demonstrated that there is indeed a link between vitamin B deficiency and the inc...

This article presents a brief overview of what is currently known about obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Down-to-earth language and descriptions will help enlighten the lay-person about the condit...

Most mainstream commercial-grade food products contain additives of some sort. America has the safest and most quality controlled food in the world.

Before you stock your cupboards with every household cleaning product available, take a moment to consider the long-term effects of the common chemicals we use so recklessly.

The most common test used to evaluate how well the lungs are functioning is spirometry. Specifically, spirometry measures how quickly air moves in and out of the lungs.

The number one rule in being a team player involves knowing your place on the team. Where do you fit in? What is it that makes your particular involvement a vital aspect of the project and crucial com...

A complication of CF involving the lungs is hemoptysis. In its simplest definition, hemoptysis is blood in the sputum. When it happens for the first time, hemoptysis is more than a little frightening....

To date, the most reliable way to diagnose CF is analysis of the sweat for amount of chloride (salt) it contains.

This is a written transcript of my speech given at the Cystic Fibrosis Spring Gala.

Pneumothorax is the technical term for a collapsed lung. In the event of a collapsed lung or suspected pneumothorax medical attention must be sought immediately.

The next time your doctor orders a CT scan, you'll already know how they work without having to ask.

Thanks to the efforts of Mark Stoneking and his colleagues at the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, the old evolutionary model of a stooped skeleton progressively leading towards a m...

Instead of spending the extra time and money, making and keeping an appointment at the local nail salon, consider saving yourself the trip by making this deliciously feminine part of your private prim...

As any jazz aficionado knows, improvisational skills are key when it comes to putting a fresh face and a stylistic spin on the standards of yesterday. The guys of San Diego's New Standard Jazz Trio do...

John Reynolds and Justin Grinnell of The New Standard Jazz Trio talk about a particularly memorable first gig.

Grocery chain owners who had already braced themselves for the typical winter shortages were dumbfounded at the news that nearly $1 billion of California crops were completely decimated.

In order to learn more about chonic hair pulling or Trichotillomania, and its overall bearing on one's self-esteem, I spent some time with Rachel (not her actual name). She allowed me a glimpse into h...

I had always daydreamed about what it would be like when I finally had a Valentine. The man who is now my husband got my attention in a very special way with an unexpected kiss.

Should a person with Cystic Fibrosis aim high? Absolutely! Of course. Should that person continually keep setting higher goals? That all depends on the goals that are being made.

Busalacchi's Ristorante welcomes its guests with unquestionable hospitality and a definitively creative flair. From start to finish, the dining experience at Busalacchi's is one of the best that Hillc...

Adequate nutrition for persons with cystic fibrosis is an ongoing battle, made even more complicated by things like bowel obstruction and malabsorption.

Formaldehyde is an indoor air pollutant emitted from manufactured wood products. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America identifies these products as a potential health risk.

People with cystic fibrosis must be constantly vigilant to avoid infection. Even in the home, dangerous bacteria are present. This article describes where bacteria thrive and how to get rid of it.

The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (CFF) has plenty of events planned for 2007. Check out how you can get involved and help find a cure for this devastating disease.

'Tis the season for a cold, flu, or any other chilly-weather malady. Certainly no one wants to be sick around the holidays, but are all those antibacterial products really the answer to warding off th...

Does the phrase "hazardous waste" bring to mind an image of a large metal drum oozing radioactive sludge in an abandoned warehouse? It shouldn't. Certain types of hazardous waste are found in the home...

Chlorine is commonly used to disinfect drinking water and other water sources. However,exposure to this powerful chemical has been shown to impair lung function. This article describes the disinfecti...

Written from the point of view of someone who utilizes a HMO, this article includes tips for selecting healthcare coverage and proceeding to gain access to specialists. It also emphasizes the need to ...

Managing the daily rigors of cystic fibrosis (CF) requires diligence, discipline, and time management skills. This article presents a first-person point of view of what it's liken to contend with this...

A discussion of a growing indoor air quality issue - mold. This article discusses how persons with cystic fibrosis and allergies can limit their exposure to mold spores and reduce the instances of ad...