top of page


Tips for Traveling With ANCA-Associated Vasculitis
By Roxanne Nelson, RN Published on May 27, 2026 Medically Reviewed by Alexa Meara, MD Preparing to travel when you have anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV) requires considering many factors, such as your mode of travel, the destination, the trip length, and your itinerary. Your symptoms and treatment also come into play. For example, if you experience extreme fatigue and joint pain, you may need to arrange airport or train assistance to

Dr. Lily Johnston
Oct 57 min read


7 Easy Grab-and-Go Snacks for ANCA-Associated Vasculitis
By Roxanne Nelson, RN Published on June 01, 2026 Medically Reviewed by Lynn Grieger, RDN, CDCES There are no specific guidelines for diet and nutrition for people living with antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV). Because AAV is an autoimmune disorder characterized by the inflammation of small- to medium-sized blood vessels, Amy Bragagnini, RD, a spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, recommends that her patients with ANCA-as

Dr. Lily Johnston
Oct 57 min read


How to Exercise With ANCA-Associated Vasculitis
By Roxanne Nelson, RN Published on June 01, 2026 Medically Reviewed by Joseph Hribick, PT, DPT, COMT, FAAOMPT Physical activity is important if you are living with anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibodies (ANCA)-associated vasculitis, or AAV. Although muscle soreness, joint pain, and fatigue are common symptoms of AAV, a regular exercise routine can help you maintain strength and flexibility while increasing your stamina. Regular physical activity can also boost your mood a

Dr. Lily Johnston
Oct 55 min read


7 Foods to Avoid or Limit if You Have ANCA-Associated Vasculitis
By Roxanne Nelson, RN Published on June 04, 2026 Medically Reviewed by: Beth Biggee, MD Anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibodies (ANCA)–associated vasculitis, or AAV, is a chronic condition that can require different types of treatment. Ensuring you are eating correctly is part of the puzzle in maintaining the condition. “Diet alone cannot treat or cure ANCA-associated vasculitis, but it can play an important supportive role in helping patients manage the condition and some

Dr. Lily Johnston
Oct 55 min read


What is like being a Vascular Surgeon
Career secrets revealed A vascular surgeon operates on the blood vessels throughout the body, treating conditions that range from blocked leg arteries and weakened aortas to dialysis access problems and carotid disease that can trigger strokes. The career demands one of the longest training paths in medicine, typically 13 years or more after college, and the daily work blends clinic consultations, complex open procedures, minimally invasive endovascular cases, and emergency c

Dr. Lily Johnston
Oct 513 min read


Doctors Warn These Everyday Habits May Be Doing More Harm Than You Think
You'll want to think twice about that glass of wine. By Casey Clark Published: March 18, 2026 Medically reviewed by Eric M. Ascher, D.O. It's easy to minimize the daily impact of lifestyle choices, but medical professional say that many common everyday habits are harming your health. Things like a nightly glass of wine, long days at your desk, or skipping your workout might feel like they're not a big deal in the moment, but these habits can have significant consequences down

Dr. Lily Johnston
Oct 54 min read


Peripheral Artery Disease Symptoms—From Leg Pain to Cold Feet—You Shouldn’t Ignore
Plus learn how to reduce your risk of the condition, which can up the odds of a heart attack By Cailey Griffin and Alyssa Sybertz Updated: April 16, 2026 Reviewed by Lily Johnston, MD, MPH, FSVS Key Takeaways Leg pain when walking isn’t always harmless—it could be a symptom of peripheral artery disease PAD often goes unnoticed in women, since symptoms can be subtle or mistaken for aging Simple habits like walking more and eating smarter can help lower your risk and improve ci

Dr. Lily Johnston
Apr 144 min read


6 eating habits that protect strength into your 80s
If you’re 40+ and thinking about your health at 80, this strategy is for you. By Tiffany Nieslanik Published: March 04, 2026 Mediterranean. Blue Zone. Whole foods. Low-carb. High-protein. Time-restricted eating. Sometimes eating for long-term health feels less like science and more like chasing moving goalposts. And just when you think you’ve landed on the “right” pattern, another one takes its place. Choosing what to eat for good health shouldn’t be about chasing whatever’s

Dr. Lily Johnston
Mar 44 min read


5 Blood Clot Symptoms That Are Easy To Miss—Spotting Them Early Could Save Your Life
Commercial astronaut Kellie Gerardi's scary clot was caught because she knew her risk factors By Cailey Griffin October 14, 2025 Reviewed by Lily Johnston, MD, MPH, FSVS Some health symptoms are so subtle, you might brush them off as nothing. But they could actually be early warning signs of something serious like a blood clot. The good news? Knowing what to watch for—and common risk factors—puts you in control. Case in point: Bioastronautics researcher Kellie Gerardi, who re

Dr. Lily Johnston
Oct 14, 20254 min read
bottom of page
