Author: Natalie Symons, RN

December 28, 2022

Comparing Symptoms

With all of the viruses that are going around it can be hard to tell what you might have without getting tested.  Although, testing is the best way to determine what you have, the symptom checker below provides some guidance.   No matter what illness you think you may have, remember to use supportive measures like getting lots of rest and...

Categories General

June 22, 2022

The Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drug Company

Dallas Mavericks’ owner and tech entrepreneur, Mark Cuban, has received many business pitches during his lengthy career, but in 2018 a cold email from a man named Dr. Alex Oshmyansky stuck out to him. In the email Oshmyansky asked Cuban for an investment in his company, Osh’s Affordable Pharmaceuticals. Cuban had some ideas of his own regarding affordable medicine, so...

Categories General/Resources

April 13, 2022

Evusheld Authorized: New COVID-19 Treatment

The FDA issued an emergency use authorization (EUA) for AstraZeneca’s Evusheld™. Evusheld is a new COVID-19 treatment designed to prevent COVID-19 infection in vulnerable and immunocompromised individuals who may not have an adequate immune response to COVID-19 vaccination. In immunocompromised patients, a vaccination may not generate enough immunity so they are still able to have a severe infection. Evusheld gives...

Categories General/Resources

March 9, 2022

Risky Business: Falls

This time of year we are all at more risk for falls due to snow and ice on sidewalks and parking lots.  But did you know that people with intellectual disabilities are always at a higher risk for falls, no matter what time of year it is?  Not only is the risk of falling greater for people with intellectual disabilities...

Categories General

October 6, 2021

Down Syndrome Awareness

October is Down Syndrome Awareness month and did you know that in our region we are lucky enough to have the Adult Down Syndrome Clinic at UPMC?  It is one of only ten centers in the United States. The clinic is run by Dr. Peter Bulova who is also the Co-Director of Magee Center for Women with Disabilities. He is...

Categories General/Resources

August 18, 2021

RENGEN-COV

This week the FDA approved RENGEN-COV under an emergency use authorization.  The treatment works by attaching monoclonal antibodies to the novel coronavirus when it first enters the body and preventing it from invading new cells and replicating. This treatment is for adults and children over age 12 exposed to SARS-CoV-2 who might be at high risk of developing severe COVID-19....

Categories General

July 14, 2021

Coming Out of the Cocoon

The vaccination rate is climbing, the wearing of masks is decreasing, and we are venturing out into the world again.  If you are like me, the world feels new, and the same, and wonderful, and overwhelming.  I couldn’t wait to hug my friends and family after not seeing them in over a year.  The joy of sitting on a couch...

Categories Community/Resources

June 23, 2021

Support Resources

Every June, our Nation comes together to support equality, liberty and justice for members of the LGBTQ+ community.  Many of us care for someone who is part of the LGBTQ+ community and has an intellectual disability, but may not be aware of the resources available to provide information and support.   Helping people acquire the resources, tools and supports to access...

Categories General/Resources

December 23, 2020

Happy Holidays

Dear Readers, Each one of these trees from HCQU team members are different, but they are all beautiful.  We hope that you are able to find the beauty and peace this year in your different holiday celebrations.  Happy Holidays, The HCQU West Team

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January 1, 2020

New Year

A new year has dawned and we are excited about spending 2020 with you! No, we don’t yet see what this year holds but we do promise to provide the same availability, quality, and compassionate support you have come to expect from us. Have a Happy Year 2020!

Categories General