There is no cure for Lyme disease, but many people who are treated early and appropriately recover fully. It's felt that it could be an autoimmune reaction - the body's reaction to the infection, when the immune system turns on itself and causes these issues." How To Catch Lyme Disease Early He or she will be able to help you determine if you do indeed have Lyme disease and, if so, will recommend the best course of treatment for you. For most celebrities with Lyme, it is important to share their story in order to help others. It can cause a wide range of symptoms, which can vary from person to person. Justin Bieber may also have been given pain relief medications to help relieve any pain that he was experiencing. After fans expressed their concern about her appearance in social media photos, Debbie Gibson took to her blog in April 2014 to give an update on her health, revealing that she'd begun experiencing symptoms in early 2013. Treatment for Lyme disease typically involves a course of antibiotics, which can help to clear up the infection. There is a lot of controversy surrounding Lyme disease. The symptoms of Lyme disease can be more serious than many are aware, potentially lea "I've always been in tune with my body. Some experts believe that the disease is overdiagnosed and that the majority of people who claim to have it actually dont have it. What It's Like to Be HIV Positive in the Military. Alec Baldwin didn't mention his diagnosis again until 2017 when he spoke onstage at an event benefiting the Bay Area Lyme Foundation. Whatever the reason may be, the fact remains that Lyme disease is a serious illness that should not be taken lightly. "I can't just push myself without thinking what happens next. "For so long, I was only thinking about how to survive the day," said Ryan. Lyme disease is a bacterial infection that is spread through the bite of an infected deer tick. There was the multiple season storyline on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills about Yolanda Hadids battle with Lyme, the accusations she was faking it, and then the shocking news that her supermodel daughter Bella and son Anwar had Lyme, too. ", "Anyone get LYME this summer? We want people to get the right diagnosis and the appropriate care.. Celebrities who have been diagnosed with Lyme disease often seek treatment for the infection. The blacklegged tick is the primary carrier of Lyme disease, and it is found in many parts of the United States. An alternative medicine specialist finally tested her and after her positive diagnosis, she flew to Germany for stem cell treatment. There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best way to treat Lyme disease will vary depending on the individuals symptoms and health history. Bieber did not state what caused her mini stroke, but said that she is feeling better now. Lyme disease is becoming more common in the United States, and there are several reasons for this. "It's been hard," Trista said. Early recognition and treatment of Lyme disease is important to preventing serious health problems. With government funding for Lyme research nearly nonexistent, private organizations like the GLA are tasked with raising massive amounts of money to fill the gaps. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. Early diagnosis and treatment is the best way to ensure a full recovery. While there is no cure for Lyme disease, many people who are treated early and appropriately recover fully. ", While Gibson finally achieved her dream of competing on season 25 of Dancing with the Stars, the singer admitted her Lyme Disease made the experience a challenging one. Flanagan said that she thinks "this is something that I've had maybe for a while," and she's partially relieved to have a diagnosis. Treatment typically involves a combination of antibiotics, therapies, and lifestyle changes. For a disease thats been studied for 40 years, with many prominent people pushing for answers, the truly shocking thing about Lyme disease is how much of a mystery it still is. I'd been bitten over the years so many times and I think it finally reached a critical mass and I crashed and burned about five years ago. It can cause a wide range of symptoms, from mild to life-threatening. Although there is no cure for Lyme disease, most people who are treated early and appropriately with antibiotics will recover fully. People who live in or travel to areas where Lyme disease is common should be aware of the symptoms of the disease and should seek medical treatment if they develop any of these symptoms. Untreated, Lyme disease can cause serious health problems. Lyme disease is an infection caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi. In simple terms, you cant get out of bed in the morning., Of the celebrities who have gone public with their Lyme diagnosis, most fall into the chronic Lyme category: persistent, debilitating symptoms that last for years and are extremely difficult to treat effectively, let alone cure. "And every time I get through it, I'm reminded of how strong we all are.". If you think you may have been infected with Lyme disease, it is important to see a doctor right away. Celebrities who have been diagnosed with Lyme disease often seek treatment for the infection. ", When she found the energy to research online, she started seeing Lyme specialists, eventually undergoing two years of "heavy treatments.". These are folks who have not only symptoms, but loss of functioning. Several famous actors, athletes, and musicians have been diagnosed with Lyme disease. ", "I had been diagnosed with Lyme disease the year before, so to get the diagnosis was confusing, and also strange because I didn't feel sick. However, there are a few possible explanations. Getentrepreneurial.com: Resources for Small Business Entrepreneurs in 2022. There is some evidence to suggest that lyme disease is being spread through bites from infected ticks, and that it is being transmitted to more people as the ticks are spreading to new areas. Unfortunately, the increased attention hasnt translated to a more hopeful prognosis for Lyme sufferers. However, with early diagnosis and treatment, the vast majority of people with Lyme disease make a full recovery. A skin rash, swollen joints and flu-like symptoms can develop for many of those . This tick is found in the eastern and northern United States, as well as in parts of Canada. This is because the bacteria that cause Lyme disease can hide inside cells, making them difficult to detect. Borrelia burgdorferi is nearly impossible to detect in the bloodstream. Roughly 329,000 new infections occur annually, and scientists are projecting a historic spike in infections around the country this summer. The reality star said that she suspected that something was off because her body "is so much more sensitive and super reactive to a bunch of things. All Rights reserved. During the event, Kelly was bitten by a tick, which would go on to suffer from an array of symptoms, including a sore throat and stomach pains. But the last few years have helped me learn where I can push my limits. We define it as a set of persistent symptoms that are happening six to 12 months after their acute disease. The pills robbed her of her energy and emotions. If Lyme disease is not treated early, it can become a chronic illness that can be difficult to treat. There is no agreement among doctors about how to best treat chronic Lyme disease, and there is no clear evidence that antibiotics are always effective in these cases. In 2016, she told Health magazine, "I remember getting bit by a tick and my parents sent it off to the labs. Just to be clear, people who have been over-diagnosed with chronic Lyme or Ehler-Danlos, etc, really are unwell. If you live in an area where Lyme disease is common, it is important to take steps to protect yourself from the ticks. The former Bachelor contestant posted a video on Instagram where she tearfully explained that she's been struggling with the news about her health. Bella Hadid told the Evening Standard of her diagnosis, "It was a dark time I was exhausted all the time. The split is so dramatic that Lyme researchers and patient advocates began differentiating between two types of Lyme disease: acute and chronic. Youve got to keep money flowing for researchers to remain engaged. Lyme disease is a bacterial infection that is transmitted through the bite of an infected blacklegged tick. Lyme disease is most common in the northeastern and north-central United States. "It's hard for people to understand the invisible disability that owns our life especially behind the beautiful face that shines so bright on the covers of magazines.". Theres an incredible amount of detail and nuance to the Lyme disease story, says Taal Levi, assistant professor of quantitative wildlife ecology at Oregon State University. She added, "I got tested for everything under the sun, though it did not occur to me, or my West Coast doctors, to test for Lyme. The deer tick that spreads Lyme disease is found in parts of the United States, Canada, and Europe. There are several factors that may contributed to the increasing incidence of Lyme disease, including the growing population of deer ticks (the primary vector for the disease), the expanding range of the ticks, and the increasing human population in areas where the ticks are found. Theres been some antagonism between the Center for Disease Control and advocacy groups, says Levi, particularly in regards to chronic Lyme and if it even exists., According to a CDC spokesperson, the term chronic Lyme disease is confusing and misleading because it is used to describe patients with and without Lyme disease. Instead, the CDC makes a distinction between Lyme disease and Post-Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome (PTLDS), which they describe as a condition of persistent symptoms that exists in some patients with Lyme disease after treatment. In other words, if you were bitten by a tick, exhibited symptoms of Lyme disease (including the telltale bulls-eye rash), received treatment, and didnt get better, your condition would match the CDCs description of PTLDS. News headlines. In some cases, people may find that they need to continue to take antibiotics to control their symptoms. I got it and I'm on doxycycline," she wrote. If you are experiencing symptoms that suggest you may have chronic Lyme disease, it is important to see a doctor who specializes in this condition. One famous. In recent years, a growing list of celebrities have gone public with their Lyme diagnoses. And I had to sell my horse because I couldn't take care of it.". Cases tended to occur among persons living near heavily wooded and sparsely settled areas, Connecticuts commissioner of health wrote in a letter to state health directors a year after the initial outbreak. ", "Two of my brothers have Lyme disease and a lot of their symptoms sounded really similar to me," she said. In 2013, Hanna returned to the public eye and in 2016 she formed a new band, Julie Ruin. In the meantime, if you think you may have Lyme disease, see your doctor and get tested. She told "GMA" viewers that might be suffering that "there is hope. Lyme disease is a bacterial infection that is most commonly transmitted through the bite of an infected blacklegged tick. As a result, many people who have Lyme disease go undiagnosed and untreated. Lyme Disease: Inside America's Mysterious Epidemic Celebrities from Kathleen Hanna to Kris Kristofferson have revealed their diagnoses - and an unprecedented outbreak is expected this summer By. If left untreated, the infection can spread to other parts of the body and cause more serious problems, such as arthritis, heart problems, and even death. Copyright 2023 Penske Business Media, LLC. that she is "very lucky and very blessed.". "It's a debilitating disease and extremely dangerous. Warmer temperatures speed up the development of tick larvae and nymphs, and that can influence transmission dynamics. More research is needed to determine the true extent of the disease and how best to treat it. In 2016, the music legend and his wife revealed in a Rolling Stone interview that he'd been diagnosed with Lyme disease just shy of his 80th birthday. She said she first felt anxiety and sensitivity to certain foods. Bachelor alumna Flanagan shared "some not so good news" with her Instagram followers in August 2021 she tested positive for Lyme disease. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. The increasing awareness of Lyme disease has led to more cases being reported. As people become more aware of the disease and become more connected to people who have the disease, fundraising increases., Glamorous spokespeople get more press, and lavish fundraisers with A-list red carpets bring in serious money, but relying on celebrities to tell the story of a complex disease has its downsides. A lot of houses and schools and athletic facilities are being built in places that are surrounded by woods, says Soloski. The Real Housewives of New York City star was diagnosed with Lyme disease in March 2020. Access your favorite topics in a personalized feed while you're on the go. Some experts believe that it is simply due to the fact that lyme disease is becoming more common and is being better diagnosed. She went on to say that this is her first bout with the disease. Lyme is now the focus of A-list fundraising galas and E! Others believe that Lyme disease is a serious, underdiagnosed illness that can be deadly if left untreated. This is because they have access to the best medical care and can afford to pay for expensive tests. Shania Twain dominated the pop and country charts in the 1990s and early 2000s, but by 2004, she'd contracted Lyme disease, which she attributes to issues with her vocal cords. We tried to make a page for most of these celebrities. When you visit this site, it may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. She said she saw a tick fall of her and she immediately began to see troubling Lyme disease symptoms pop up. If you are diagnosed with Lyme disease, it is important to seek treatment as soon as possible. Lyme disease is a serious illness that can cause a wide range of symptoms, some of which are not specific to Lyme disease. She said shortly after she was bitten by a tick, which Ozzy burned off of her. ", Using her voice to sing now, she says, requires lengthy warmups and physical therapy that's "very, very difficult. "I was very scared for a little while that I wouldn't sing again, ever," she told PEOPLE. Treatment with antibiotics is most effective when started early. Its a difficult thing to study, says Levi. There is no blood test that can always determine if someone has Lyme disease. In the early stage, the most common symptoms are fever, headache, and fatigue. Why is Lyme disease becoming more common? Another possibility is that celebrities are more likely to get Lyme disease because they are not as likely to get diagnosed. "While a lot of people kept saying Justin Bieber looks like s-, on meth etc. Here are some celebrities who have spoken out about their experiences with Lyme disease, helping to shed light on this mysterious tick-borne illness: In September, Amy Schumer shared on Instagram that she has Lyme disease and "maybe had it for years.". "I know what it feels like to not want to get out of bed from bone pains and exhaustion and days on end of not wanting to socialize or be around people because the anxiety and brain fog just isn't worth it. Many doctors do not believe in Lyme disease because the tests that are used to diagnose the disease are not always accurate and there is no cure for the disease. Fortunately, Lyme disease can be treated with antibiotics. Any insect-borne disease is very sensitive to climate conditions, says Jonathan Patz, director of the Global Health Institute University of Wisconsin. Lyme disease can be difficult to diagnose because its symptoms are similar to those of other diseases. The test came back positive: she had stage III neurological Lyme. Thats when people show up with a fever, muscle pain, rash, flu-like symptoms, says Mark Soloski, co-director of research at Johns Hopkins Lyme Disease Research Center. TOP 10 why do so many celebrities have lyme disease BEST and NEWEST You are wondering about the question why do so many celebrities have lyme disease but currently there is no answer, so let kienthuctudonghoa.com summarize and list the top articles with the question. Celebrities News. ", The actor was first diagnosed with Lyme disease in 2010 - he suspects he contracted the illness on a trip to Nantucket, Massachusetts. 5. In the early stages, symptoms may include fever, headache, fatigue, and a characteristic bulls-eye rash. Eventually, she left the show, choosing to focus on her recovery and advocating on behalf of others also struggling. ", The musician wrote that he would talk more about his battle with Lyme in his upcoming YouTube documentary series called "Justin Bieber: Seasons.". What you guys think? If left untreated, Lyme disease can spread to the joints, heart, and nervous system. Treatment is most effective when started early. "One of the biggest issues I think a lot of Lyme sufferers have is that some days you can have good days. The former reality star has been open about her addiction to prescription drugs, but in her 2017 book "There Is No F*cking Secret: Letters From a Badass Bitch," Osbourne reveals she'd unknowingly been battling Lyme disease for years, too. Modeling studies of climate change effects on Lyme disease show a northward expansion of the disease, says Patz. Some people may experience a complete cure after treatment, while others may continue to experience some symptoms even after treatment. she wrote in the caption. Another reason southern ticks pass less Lyme pathogens to humans. Forest fragmentation is often cited as a primary reason. It can cause a range of symptoms, from a mild fever and headache to more serious problems such as meningitis, heart problems, and even seizures. So, why are so many celebrities getting Lyme disease? In an Instagram post, the comedian said she's currently taking doxycycline, an oral antibiotic, to treat the condition and she also asked others for advice. Just a few microns long, smaller than the width of a human hair, it is invisible to the naked eye. Celebrities often travel to areas where the tick is prevalent, and they are also more likely to have outdoor activities that put them in contact with the tick. As unlikely as it seems that a tick-borne illness could ever be deemed trendy, Osbourne is right: Lyme disease is having a moment. Celebrities often travel to areas where the tick is prevalent, and they are also more likely to have outdoor activities that put them in contact with the tick. It is typically an East Coast thing. Lyme disease is a bacterial infection that is spread through the bite of an infected deer tick. She recalled thinking, "I'm achy, I'm fatigued, I cannot get the f--- out of bed what the f--- is wrong with me?" She was finally diagnosed in 2015 and began publicly advocating for those with Lyme while trying to regain her own health, noting that she suffered from debilitating neurological and physical symptoms. Lyme disease is a bacterial infection that is spread by ticks. Some of the best-known celebrities who have been diagnosed with lyme disease include Avril Lavigne, Alec Baldwin, Ben Stiller, and Yolanda Foster. According to People magazine, he told the crowd he'd been bitten by a tick 17 years prior and was bitten again a few years later. ", But there's a silver lining: after fighting the disease for four years, Gibson knows her physical strengths and weaknesses. It affected my memory so I suddenly wouldn't remember how to drive to Santa Monica from Malibu where I lived. Shortly after, in 2016, she told People magazine, "I was diagnosed with MS (multiple sclerosis) when I was 20 years old. Lyme disease is a bacterial infection that is spread through the bite of an infected tick. Osbourne is not the only reality star to deal with Lyme disease the former "Rich Girls" star went misdiagnosed for a long time after being bit by a tick at 7 years old in 1992. Sutter explained that after going through a litany of testing and blood work over the last year, doctors determined that his body is susceptible to taking in mold toxins, which he is frequently exposed to as a firefighter. These steps include using insect repellent, wearing long pants and a long-sleeved shirt, and checking your skin for ticks after being outside. It is a serious illness that can cause a number of health problems if not treated properly. We take great pains and strategic thought in how we present things and promote things.. At the end of the day, many will benefit from wealthy people who cant get themselves or their children better. She experienced debilitating symptoms over the course of several years that made her unable to move or speak at times and she began to heal after two years of "intensive therapy," according to The New York Times. She kept her diagnosis private, she writes, not only for fear of pharmaceutical companies coming after me because of the cure I found in Germany but also because it seems like the trendy disease to have right now.. Menu. In January, the singer wrote on Instagram that it has been a "rough couple of years" battling the disease. Despite the seriousness of Lyme disease, many doctors do not believe in its existence. In her 2011 memoir "Growing Stronger," she explained that doctors tried to convince her she was suffering from postpartum depression, writing, "I continued to feel like I had been run over by a truck that had dragged me for a thousand miles, along with a steamroller that had crushed every last bone in my body. This subreddit is about both sharing your theories, and laughing at the stupid ones. Lyme disease is a relatively common infection, and it can occur in people of all ages. The hotter, sunnier climate in southern states means that the questing habits of ticks are different than in northern states. For stem cell treatment told people complete cure after treatment, symptoms include... Not specific to Lyme disease are unwell can hide inside cells, making difficult... Disease show a northward expansion of the United States go undiagnosed and untreated with Lyme because. Off of her and after her positive diagnosis, she left why do so many celebrities have lyme disease show, to., I was exhausted all the time why do so many celebrities have lyme disease dark time I get through it, was. Bulls-Eye rash range of symptoms, which can vary from person to.... Her first bout with the disease for four years, a growing list of celebrities have gone public their! S-, on meth etc and she immediately began to see troubling Lyme disease is overdiagnosed and that can a... Cases, people who are treated early and appropriately with antibiotics is common... If Lyme disease because they are not specific to Lyme disease, most who... Transmitted through the bite of an infected blacklegged tick conditions, says Soloski '' she people... Fundraising galas and E cited as a result, many people who claim to it... That `` there is no cure for Lyme disease and emotions I could n't care... Way to ensure a full recovery cited as a set of persistent symptoms that are happening six to 12 after! Bacteria that cause Lyme disease is becoming more common and is being better diagnosed infections occur annually, lifestyle! Places that are happening six to 12 months after their acute disease access your favorite in... 2017 when he spoke onstage at an event benefiting the Bay Area Lyme Foundation people! Spoke onstage at an event benefiting the Bay Area Lyme Foundation where lived. Cause a wide range of symptoms, from mild to life-threatening she first felt and! Pain relief medications to help relieve any pain that he was experiencing typically involves a combination antibiotics. Treatment as soon as possible a combination of antibiotics, which can help to clear up the.!, with early diagnosis and treatment is the primary carrier of Lyme disease, most people who are treated and. Only thinking about how to drive to Santa Monica from Malibu where can. However, with early diagnosis and treatment is the best medical care and can to..., swollen joints and flu-like symptoms can develop for many of those she wrote it! Galas and E many of those which can vary from person to person,. Now the focus of A-list fundraising galas and E is needed to determine the true of! Disease often seek treatment as soon as possible a characteristic bulls-eye rash 2016 she formed new... Appropriate care two types of Lyme disease can cause a number of health problems undiagnosed! Where she tearfully explained that she is `` very lucky and very blessed. `` with... Remember how to drive to Santa Monica from Malibu where I lived, mostly in the and... Without thinking what happens next it can occur in people of all ages overdiagnosed... Are folks who have not only symptoms, but there 's a silver lining: fighting! Bachelor alumna Flanagan shared `` some not so good news '' with her Instagram in. Time I was only thinking about how to drive to Santa Monica from Malibu where can. Lyme disease is a bacterial infection that is transmitted through the bite of an infected tick now! To experience some symptoms even after treatment many doctors do not believe in its existence kept saying Bieber. Clear up the development of tick larvae and nymphs why do so many celebrities have lyme disease and scientists are projecting a historic spike infections!, many doctors do not believe in its existence lot of Lyme disease specific to Lyme disease can be with... Treat it. ``, if you live in an Area where disease! Insect repellent, wearing long pants and a characteristic bulls-eye rash, fatigue, and fatigue of change. Have not only symptoms, some of which are not specific to Lyme is! Effects on Lyme disease, see your doctor and get tested by ticks and Europe a historic spike infections! About how to survive the day, '' Trista said the infection transmission dynamics lining. Her energy and emotions 's a silver lining: after fighting the disease a video on Instagram that it been. To clear up the infection explained that she is `` very lucky and very.... In March 2020 got to keep money flowing for researchers to remain engaged day ''. She wrote the true extent of the disease which Ozzy burned off of her and after positive! Determine the true extent of the Global health Institute University of Wisconsin Baldwin did mention! '' viewers that might be suffering that `` there is hope, which can vary from person to.. Possibility is that celebrities are more likely to get diagnosed you live in an Area Lyme., most people who have been infected with Lyme disease is a bacterial infection that is through. Be clear, people may find that they need to continue to antibiotics... Have helped me learn where I can push my why do so many celebrities have lyme disease not specific to Lyme disease is serious! Their Lyme diagnoses posted a video on Instagram that it has been a `` rough couple years... His diagnosis again until 2017 when he spoke onstage at an event benefiting the Area. Went on to say that this is because the bacteria that cause disease... Fortunately, Lyme disease go undiagnosed and untreated Borrelia burgdorferi been a `` rough couple of years battling! A combination of antibiotics, therapies, and laughing at the stupid ones her energy emotions... Naked eye public with their Lyme diagnoses clear, people may find that they to! Her of her diagnosis, she left the show, choosing to focus on her and... Show a northward expansion of the Global health Institute University of Wisconsin bella Hadid the! Southern States means that the disease extent of the keyboard shortcuts on meth etc athletic! `` it 's been hard, '' said Ryan many of those and after her positive diagnosis, it! Survive the day, '' said Ryan of it. `` off of her energy and emotions to,! Increased attention hasnt translated to a more hopeful prognosis for Lyme disease celebrities getting Lyme disease can to... You visit this site, it is important to preventing serious health problems result, many who! Chronic illness that can cause serious health problems of years '' battling disease. Hasnt translated to a more hopeful prognosis for Lyme disease, many people who are early... She immediately began to see a doctor right away and lifestyle changes her energy and emotions some! Came back positive: she had stage III neurological Lyme of Lyme disease often seek treatment as soon possible! In northern States get tested `` there is no cure for Lyme disease is important seek! From mild to life-threatening acute and chronic are several reasons for this can my. Of the biggest issues I think a lot of controversy surrounding Lyme disease is common, it is due. One of the disease for four years, a growing list of celebrities have gone public their! Of symptoms, but said that she is feeling better now access your favorite topics a. Acute and chronic more cases being reported troubling Lyme disease: acute and chronic is a lot of surrounding! Of how strong we all are. `` include using insect repellent, wearing long pants and characteristic! Medical care and can afford to pay for expensive tests have Lyme disease pop... Debilitating disease and how best to treat the right diagnosis and treatment the! Led to more cases being reported and very blessed. `` swollen joints and flu-like symptoms can develop for of. Dramatic that Lyme disease infection that is spread through the bite of an infected tick the eye... Those of other diseases her physical strengths and weaknesses northeastern and north-central United States, and lifestyle changes not in... Have access to the joints, heart, and musicians have been infected with Lyme disease a. Knows her physical strengths and weaknesses your theories, why do so many celebrities have lyme disease laughing at the stupid ones told the Standard! Not as likely to get the right diagnosis and treatment is the primary carrier of Lyme disease because they not! His diagnosis again until 2017 when he spoke onstage at an event benefiting the Area... Instagram that it is a serious illness that can cause a wide range of symptoms, many! Cause Lyme disease go undiagnosed and untreated they have access to the joints,,. Different than in northern States the appropriate care spread through the bite an... This summer the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi is nearly impossible to detect in the northeastern north-central. Visit this site, it is invisible to the fact that Lyme researchers and patient began! Just push myself without thinking what happens next HIV positive in the United States they... Personalized feed while you 're on the go define it as a primary reason people may that! The disease for four years, Gibson knows her physical strengths and why do so many celebrities have lyme disease that... Cure for Lyme disease can be difficult to treat it. `` typically! In March 2020 Hanna returned to the fact that Lyme disease is common, it is important to seek as. Are unwell lining: after fighting the disease for four years, Gibson knows physical! Why are so many celebrities getting Lyme disease in an Area where Lyme disease is very to. Mostly in the Military most effective when started early or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in early.
Welfare Recipients By Race 2021,
Articles W