Welcome Mike!

We have yet another acromegaly blogger added to the fold!

Mike writes, "Hello! I’m Michael, a 27 year old of the Mitten state. I’m a second year osteopathic medical student aspiring to be an ophthalmologist. I have a strong affinity for music and lemon poppy seed muffins. I was diagnosed with a brain tumor last December. This is my story. I enjoy reading, the human body, exchanging snail mail, and meeting new people."

Sounds perfect for this community, right? Check out Mike's blog, http://mikelenze.com, and drop him a note! I just checked his blog again today, and he uploaded some surgery pictures- WOW!

Spring is Here

...for those of us in the Northern Hemisphere, at least (I know we are sprinkled around the globe)!

As the weather is warming up, I am experiencing different symptoms compared to during the winter.  Are any of the rest of you noticing this as well?

Benefits that Spring brings:

• Sunshine: energizing and helps counteract depression
• Warm Weather: likely to go outside and get exercise, fresh air, etc)
• Fresh Seasonal Fruits and Vegetables: make it easier to eat healthy and achieve/maintain a healthy weight
• Longer Days: easier to wake up the mornings and more daylight hours to enjoy fun activities
• Flip Flops: shoes for folks with wide feet (like me) that don't squeeze!

Concerns that Spring brings:

• Heat = more sweating!  Solution: wear comfortable, breathable clothing.
• Exposed skin = excess body hair is also exposed!  Solution: hair removal, or decide to just go with it!
• Heat = swelling in hands and feet more.  Solution: cold compresses on hands and feet, and elevate legs in the evening.
• Heat = skin oils increase.  Solution: (face) blot with tissues and wash frequently, (body/hair) shower more frequently

Let me know in the comments section how the changing seasons affect your acromegaly, and what solutions you have come up with to help deal!