Author: Melissa Finley

Melissa Finley

After more than two decades working in the journalism industry, I have certainly come to realize just how valuable, and sadly rare, fair and unbiased information truly is. There may be no more crucial of a field than that of health in which that is even more necessary. From rapidly losing my mother to colon cancer at a young age, to my own lifelong illnesses requiring daily medication, to the medical needs of my teen children, I know first-hand how important the dissemination of this information is. As a single mother, I also carry the burden of making medical choices for two unique individuals, as I have since their premature entrances into this world, both being directly whisked to NICU for care at birth. I have long been a purist when it comes to journalism. Show me facts. Show me science. Tell me the truth. Cite your sources. Yet, this honest, truthful form of media is hard to come by these days. I am blessed to have found a non-profit that does just that in MedShadow. I am honored to share my talents in the editorial field for such a worthy cause: to educate the public about medical conditions, forms of treatments, and health and wellness topics with honest and unbiased information, not paid for nor influenced by major pharmaceutical companies. Everyone is impacted by health concerns. Each human being has medical needs, from simply sustaining a healthy lifestyle, to seeking the best, individualized treatments. All people have a need for information about the medical field. Knowing that the articles and stories shared on MedShadow can help people better understand the facts fills me with a dutiful purpose and passion to deliver the very best! I obtained my Bachelor’s of Arts degree in Journalism from Pennsylvania State University (WE ARE!). I have previously worked with the Philadelphia Inquirer, as well as AOL. After many years in a freelance role, working for myself, I am honored to join the MedShadow team to deliver fair, unbiased medical news to the world! I currently reside in Warren, Pa. (in the Allegheny National Forest) with my two amazing children, my loving chi, “The Mighty Quinn,” and my children’s two cats: Stinky and Archimedes. I am a member of and passionate supporter of the LGBTQ community. I enjoy reading, writing, the beach, and spending time with the two amazing young people I’m honored to have shared my genetics with, as imperfect as they may be.

As technology advances, so too does healthcare. Think about changes in just the last few years. No one in the 1990s had access to their test results on their Smartphone just hours after a blood test! We have had a lot of new gadgets that have seamlessly integrated into the healthcare industry. They’re needed and wanted, and in a lot of ways, make life easier. Beyond file-sharing and information access, the medical world has also benefited from advances in screening technologies, “smarter” medical devices, and the development of new techniques. Just think, prior to 1971, we didn’t have computed tomography…

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She’s gone from New York City shock jock, to television talk show host. But, Wendy Williams isn’t in today’s headlines because of her work in the spotlight. Instead, it is her medical conditions that have gossip columns buzzing. As a documentary “Where Is Wendy Williams?” releases on Lifetime, many are seeking to know more about her condition, treatment, and well being.  Medical Conditions Explained According to multiple reports, Williams, a 59-year-old, was diagnosed in 2023 with primary progressive aphasia and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). This same condition was in the spotlight recently, as it also affects the actor Bruce Willis. What…

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When treating a condition such as tuberculosis (TB), doctors will often prescribe multiple weeks or even months of antibiotics. If you aren’t familiar with the side effects of long-term antibiotics, some of the most common impacts happen within the gastrointestinal tract. Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, or compromised gut health are all frequently experienced side effects of these drugs. So what can you do to keep your digestive system running smoothly, even if you are required to undergo weeks-long treatments that include antibiotics? Aiming for a balanced gut biome can be the trick to lessening side effects’ impact during long-running…

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As you age, things change. You likely notice the little things over time, such as feeling like you pulled a muscle just by sneezing, or maybe you wake up with aches and pains that seemed to develop in your sleep. But, there is more to the story. Your body is going through a lot of change. And, by 65, the medical industry has determined that enough change has occurred that it is worth noting unique “rules of thumb” to follow for the age group. In general, your body is slowing down. Some drugs stick around longer in fatty tissues, others…

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For many of us that have struggled with acne, we know there are impacts far beyond a skin condition. Acne can influence our self-esteem, increase depression or anxiety, and sometimes make us feel self-conscious or unattractive. “It can be so frustrating when nothing that we try seems to work to improve it,” says Alison Acerra, MS, RDN, a registered dietician and MedShadow Medical Advisory Board Member. “When it is happening to our teenagers, it can be especially heart wrenching.” Whether you are a parent seeking options for your teen, or yourself battling this skin condition, you’ve likely noticed topical solutions…

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The mission of MedShadow is clear: medicines have side effects that can interrupt your life and sometimes harm you — you need to know not only that, but also how to reduce your risk. Through our independent journalism, MedShadow gives you the facts you need to know on the side effects of medications. We publish informative articles, infographics, downloadables, and videos. We bring to light the alternatives you may have to taking pharmaceutical medications. We discuss how diet, exercise, quality sleep, hydration, and stress management can help manage many symptoms and conditions, providing you options to try before you reach…

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If you’ve ever experienced Candidiasis, which is a fungal infection due to overgrowth of yeast that lives on your body (scientifically named “Candida albicans”), you know how unpleasant it can be. The fungus lives in small amounts on your body naturally, typically in the areas of the mouth, vagina, or on your skin. Healthy bacteria also naturally found on and in your body typically keeps the growth of such yeast at a slow, and natural, growth rate. What you eat can help too! Here’s what to eat to manage candida overgrowth. However, at times, things like a weakened immune system,…

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In a multi-billion dollar industry, there are countless diet plans, products, and meal suggestions in a wide variety of platforms across the globe. If you’ve tried restrictive diets, lifestyle changes, and even trendy alternatives, but haven’t seen the scale move, you’re not alone. Weight monitoring is incredibly important. Obesity can be a leading factor in conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, or high blood pressure. Weight can also increase risk factors for other chronic conditions, leading to a worsening of symptoms.  At the same time, while trends show that healthy weights are optimal for overall well being, people are unique.…

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Technology is important. It has become a central part of nearly anything we do. From communicating with friends and loved ones, to advancing your education, there are so many uses for the marvels of the modern world. And, for the most part, they make things much easier, faster, and more accessible. But what is their role in healthcare? Will AI become a helpful tool in the healthcare industry? Or can it ever truly replace the human interaction necessary in many aspects of the field? AI’s Role in Healthcare As a nonprofit focused on educating all about the side effects of…

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With 8% of adults and nearly 10% of children diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (known as ADHD), Americans are seeking to address the issue any way possible. With symptoms such as an inability to focus, restlessness, mood swings, and compulsive behaviors, it may sound strange to hear that nutrition can play a role in managing ADHD. What Foods Affect ADHD? If you’ve ever given a child a lot of sugar, then you may know the answer to some of the first foods to avoid if you suffer from ADHD. Sugar isn’t the only culprit. Other foods to avoid, as they often…

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