In the U. S. , many expectant mothers face serious health risks. Sadly, most of these issues could be avoided with better care. There are many reasons why this is happening. Some groups, like racial minorities, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people with disabilities, have a harder time getting the help they need. This is unfair and needs to change. The system is broken. T...
World Menopause Day is a global event that shines a light on the challenges women face during menopause. It's a chance to see how different places handle this stage of life. In the U. S. , only a small number of women use hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to manage menopause symptoms. This is much lower than in places like the U. K. and Australia, where more women ar...
Cancer treatment is expensive. Radiation therapy is a common treatment, but not everyone pays the same price. This is a big problem. Why does this happen? One reason is location. Where you live affects how much you pay. In some areas, radiation therapy costs more than in others. This is unfair, but it's the reality. The type of cancer matters too. Some cancers need...
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...