Michelle Pugle

Canada

Health writer as seen on Healthline, Verywell, Psych Central, Everyday Health, Health, and more. Trained mental health first aider and peer support worker.

Articles

Could Vivid Dreams Be a Sign of Mental Illness?

1 month ago | verywellhealth.com | Michelle Pugle

Experiencing the occasional vivid dream doesn't necessarily signal a potential mental illness, but experiencing frequent, disturbing, or recurring vivid dreams could indicate an underlying condition, especially when accompanied by stress, anxiety, and/or trauma. Olga Rolenko / Getty Images Vivid Dreams and Mental Illness Experts say frequent vivid dreams signal mental distress and possibly point to underlying mental illness or traumatic stress response.
What Are Hives, and How Are They Treated?

2 months ago | verywellhealth.com | Michelle Pugle

Hives (urticaria) are a common skin reaction that causes bumps, raised patches, or both. They are one way the body responds to an allergen or trigger. Reactions can be uncomfortable but aren’t typically serious and resolve on their own. Most people find relief with allergy medications. Hives appear as raised welts (also called welts or wheals) on the skin. They appear slightly raised above the skin and may be skin-colored. If you press them, the center of a red hive turns white.
Brain Fog and Confusion Caused by Age, Illness, and More

2 months ago | verywellhealth.com | Michelle Pugle

Brain fog is a casual term used to describe a range of symptoms that reduce or interfere with cognition (your ability to think, perceive, learn, or remember). People with brain fog describe feeling mentally drained or unable to concentrate, keep a train of thought, focus, or remember things. People with chronic pain, long COVID, sleep deprivation, or malnutrition are among those who commonly experience brain fog. It may also occur with chemotherapy or certain drugs and toxins.
How to Sleep Better If You Have Piriformis Syndrome

Jan 24, 2025 | verywellhealth.com | Michelle Pugle

Understanding how to sleep with piriformis syndrome can help you ease pain and get a good night's rest. The key to sleeping better if you have piriformis syndrome is supporting your spine and hips, which you can do by sleeping on a medium-firm mattress, positioning yourself on your back or side, and adding support pillows under or between your knees. Stretching exercises during the day can also be beneficial.
How to Overcome Social Anxiety: 9 Expert-Backed Tips

Jan 22, 2025 | verywellhealth.com | Michelle Pugle

Social anxiety, also known as social phobia, is an intense fear of social situations. You may feel anticipatory and persistent fear of being judged or rejected. You may also experience a racing heart, nausea, and sweating, among other physical symptoms. Social phobia and anxiety can negatively impact friendships, romantic relationships, and school and work opportunities. Seeking help through professional therapy is the most effective approach to overcoming social anxiety.
Feeling of Impending Doom: Symptoms and Causes

Jan 18, 2025 | verywellhealth.com | Michelle Pugle

A feeling of impending doom is a sense that something terrible is about to happen. It can be caused by a mental condition, such as anxiety, or by a medical condition, such as a heart attack. If this feeling interferes with your daily life and is unrelated to a real potential for danger, it may be a sign of a serious medical issue. This article will describe impending doom, symptoms to watch for, and why someone may experience this feeling. You’ll also learn when to call a healthcare provider.
Can Olive Oil and Lemon Juice Really Treat Health Conditions?

Jan 14, 2025 | verywellhealth.com | Michelle Pugle

Some people claim that drinking olive oil and lemon juice can treat various conditions, like kidney stones, joint pain, and premature aging. While olive oil and lemon juice are nutrient-rich, there’s no scientific evidence that combining them has additional health benefits. A quick online search results in many claims about drinking olive oil and lemon juice. Below, we’ll cover the most common claims and whether there’s evidence to support them.
11 Surprising Signs You’re Not Getting Enough Nutrients

Jan 9, 2025 | verywellhealth.com | Michelle Pugle

People experience nutrient deficiencies when they don’t consume enough nutrients from food or when their body has trouble absorbing nutrients. This can lead to symptoms like fatigue, appetite changes, and even heart issues. 1. Unexplained Fatigue Many nutrient and vitamin deficiencies can cause feelings of fatigue. Common deficiencies leading to fatigue include: B vitamins, particularly B12IronVitamin D Eating nutrient-rich foods can help reverse certain deficiencies.
5 Veggies You Should Never Steam to Unlock Full Nutritional Potential

Jan 8, 2025 | onegreenplanet.org | Michelle Pugle

Help keep One Green Planet free and independent! Together we can ensure our platform remains a hub for empowering ideas committed to fighting for a sustainable, healthy, and compassionate world. Please support us in keeping our mission strong. You're on a journey to better health, aiming to live longer and prevent or fight disease. Naturally, one of the first things that comes to mind is eating a variety of fresh vegetables.
What Causes Chills?

Dec 22, 2024 | verywellhealth.com | Michelle Pugle

Chills have many possible causes, including health conditions, being in a cold environment, and a reaction to medications. No matter the cause, chills serve one purpose: to raise your core body temperature. When you have chills, your muscles rapidly relax and contract. This activity boosts your temperature by producing heat. Health conditions cause chills for different reasons. Though chills are often associated with having a fever, you can have them without a fever.