When someone's heart stops outside a hospital, quick action is key. But not everyone gets the same help. A recent study looked at how money and race play a role in who receives life-saving heart medicines. First, let's talk about the basics. Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) is a serious event. It happens when the heart suddenly stops beating. Medicines called a...
The COVID-19 pandemic exposed serious gaps in healthcare for older adults across Europe. A recent study dug into this issue, using data from two large surveys conducted in 2020 and 2021. The research focused on older adults who missed out on medical care due to fear of infection, postponed appointments, or were denied treatment. The study found six distinct groups b...
Electronic Fetal Monitoring is a key tool in childbirth. It tracks the baby's heartbeat and the mother's contractions. Yet, it's not as straightforward as it seems. The way doctors and nurses read these monitors can vary greatly. This variation is not just about skill. It's also about the environment and the people involved. Think about a busy labor ward. Staff ...
The success of vaccination drives across Central and Eastern Europe is a mixed bag. Some countries are doing well, while others are lagging behind. Why is this happening? It's a complex issue involving money, culture, politics, and even the internet. Let's dive into seven countries: Hungary, Slovakia, Romania, the Czech Republic, Poland, Ukraine, and Lithuania. Each...
The burden of cancer is set to surge worldwide, with a staggering 35 million new cases expected by 2050. The brunt of this increase will be felt in low- and middle-income countries, where up to 70% of cancer-related deaths are predicted to happen. This grim forecast is not just about numbers. It's about people, communities, and the stark realities they face. In ...
Breast cancer affects many people. But when it comes to clinical trials, some groups are missing. Black and Hispanic patients are not as likely to join these trials. This is a problem. It makes it hard to give fair care to everyone. There are reasons for this gap. Understanding these reasons is key. It can help more people get the care they need. This is not ...
The number of people in the United States who have beaten cancer is growing fast. As of the start of this year, there are about 18. 6 million survivors, up from 18 million just last year. This number is expected to keep going up, reaching over 22 million by 2035. This increase is due to a mix of factors. The population is growing and getting older, which means more p...
Diabetes is not a one-size-fits-all condition. It's time to acknowledge that men and women experience it differently. The key to better diabetes care might lie in recognizing these differences. The human body goes through various phases. For women, these include puberty, pregnancy, and menopause. Each of these stages can impact how the body responds to insulin. This...
Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) has been a game-changer for those with movement disorders. Since its FDA approval in 1996, it has offered hope to many. However, not everyone has equal access to this treatment. There are significant gaps in who gets this care, and these gaps are influenced by race, gender, money, and where people live. These disparities are a big de...
Central and Eastern Europe face a significant challenge when it comes to managing inflammatory diseases. These diseases are caused by issues with the immune system and can lead to serious health problems. The region struggles with a gap between what doctors recommend and what actually happens in hospitals. This is due to differences in how healthcare systems are set ...