UCLA Health Connect

More research needed in promising lupus CAR T-cell therapy

Our daughter is 24 years old. She struggled with her health for several years before finally being diagnosed with lupus. I’m reading as much as possible about this disease and have seen a study with a potential cure called CAR T-cell therapy. What is it, and how does it work?

PFAS column sparks several follow-up questions

Ask the Doctors answers a few of your most-asked questions this month

Ruptured Achilles tendon will take time to heal

I’m a 30-year-old man, and I play weekend volleyball. Last month, I jumped to spike the ball and heard a “pop.” There was a lot of pain; it felt like getting kicked in the calf. It was a torn Achilles tendon, and now I’m in a cast and on crutches. How else can this be treated? How long will it take to heal?

Are the snowy slopes calling? Here's how skiers, snowboarders can reduce injury risk

Make sure you ease back into the winter sports season and monitor your fatigue, UCLA Health experts advise

Sensory processing disorder not yet recognized diagnosis

Can you please discuss sensory processing disorder? Our 17-year-old daughter has it, but help is sketchy. What kind of professional is best to deal with this disorder? So far, all we know is what we have read on the internet. Any information is greatly appreciated.

Eating a varied diet will help with getting complete proteins

What does it mean when something is a “complete protein”? A friend said that when I count beans or grains as a protein, it’s not the same nutritional value as meat or cheese. Are there really different kinds of protein? Is he right that it matters which kind of protein you eat?

'Post-ICU syndrome' affects patients in ways both physical and psychological

Integrative medicine helps many heal after stay in ICU

Weight training can help keep down body fat percentage

At my last checkup, it turned out my body fat percentage has gone up quite a bit. I was surprised because I haven’t gained weight. I’m a 66-year-old woman, I walk at least a mile every day and I play tennis. My doctor says I should start lifting weights, too. Can’t I just do longer walks?

UCLA Health a leading center for study and treatment of pediatric immunology and infectious diseases

Dr. Manish J. Butte is leading a research team studying immune system response

Eating earlier may curb some cravings

I heard on the news about a study that says you won’t get as hungry if you eat all of your meals earlier in the day. Does that have to do with the way the body clock works? It seems like circadian rhythms affect everything we do. Can you talk about that, and about this study?

CAR T-cell therapy boosts cure rates for children with aggressive blood cancer

The treatment results in remission for many patients, enabling bone marrow transplant

Gallstones the result of hard bile deposits

I had stabs of pain in the upper right side of my abdomen one day, so I did a telehealth session. The nurse said it might be gallstones and to see my doctor if it repeats. So far, it hasn’t happened again. What are gallstones? How do you get them, and what is the treatment?

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