The holidays are right around the corner, and experts are already seeing a rise in respiratory illnesses like influenza (flu) and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). In addition, COVID-19 continues to be a serious health threat in the United States. As you gather with family and friends this holiday season, remember that one of the most…
Nobody likes unexpected medical bills – such as for an ambulance or an out-of-network doctor at an in-network hospital – and the No Surprises Act enacted on Jan. 1, 2022, was designed to fix the problem. Unfortunately, flawed implementation of the act has caused new problems that could ultimately reduce access to care for patients….
Before Wanda Green Scott became a caregiver for her mother nine years ago, she was the one needing care. Wanda has lived with lupus for almost half of her life, and as an only child whose parents divorced when she was a toddler, “it has always been just me and Mama,” she says. But the…
According to a new survey, American nurses are overwhelmed by job demands, a long-brewing situation only exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. While the majority of nurses continue to be dedicated to the care of patients, many are considering leaving the profession at a time when staff shortages are part of the problem. But there’s hope,…
Recent studies have revealed that approximately 5% of Black Americans participate in clinical trials. Unfortunately, that number proves lower in the overall BIPOC community, and an organization called Idhini works to help improve Black, Indigenous, and People of Color participation. To capture the voice of the BIPOC community and their unique needs, Idhini boasts that…
By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent With an estimated 5.1 million people falling into the so-called family glitch – primarily children and women – the Biden administration has issued a rule that makes it easier for those with employer-sponsored health plans to get Affordable Care Act subsidies. The rule, which comes from…
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)’s Hear Her campaign raises awareness of potentially life-threatening warning signs during and after pregnancy and encourages the people supporting pregnant and postpartum people to really listen when they express concerns. Valencia, one of the women featured in the campaign, talked about her experience with a pregnancy-related complication….
The COVID-19 pandemic introduced unprecedented challenges and altered ways of living across the globe. Now, more than two years later, the effects are still felt widely. Many non-emergent clinical services were limited or suspended during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic in the US, which may have adversely impacted epidemics of public health importance,…
Health care is essential for everyone throughout their life. To further equity, improve outcomes and increase access, it is important people are able to get the care they need when and where they need it. However, the American healthcare system can be complex. Medicaid is a government-sponsored program to help provide low and often no-cost…
As back-to-school season gets underway, it’s important to ensure that your child is ready for the school year, both physically and emotionally, by scheduling a well-child visit. Annual well-child visits are doctor appointments for preventive health services which are essential for ensuring a child’s growth and tracking developmental milestones. The well-child visit is also the…
The COVID-19 pandemic has shined much-needed light on “whole person health” by highlighting the correlation between behavioral health and overall wellness. Many people with behavioral health challenges experienced worsening symptoms throughout the pandemic, while others struggled with conditions for the first time and didn’t know where to turn. Understanding whole person health – and where…
High-quality sleep is fundamental to your health and happiness. However, for the 10-30% of U.S. adults living with sleep apnea, a good night’s rest is not guaranteed. Obstructive sleep apnea is a respiratory condition where airways narrow during sleep, causing short periods when you’re not breathing. Incredibly common, it’s estimated that there are millions of…
Menstruation (your period) is a normal and necessary process for the human body – yet the stigma around menstruation remains common. While it’s a completely natural and well-known process, menstruators often feel embarrassed or uncomfortable openly discussing their period and its symptoms or purchasing menstrual products.[1] A nationwide survey of over 13,000 Americans between the…
There is no more familiar item in your medicine cabinet than a bottle of aspirin. Aspirin has been sold for over a century as an over-the-counter medication and millions of people take it. Aspirin is used to help treat pain associated with headaches and arthritis, and for fever reduction. People also take low-dose aspirin daily…
Black Americans have served in the U.S. Armed Forces since the Revolutionary War, paving the way for Black service members today. “It is also important we foster an inclusive environment across the USO (United Service Organizations). One consistent finding of our service member surveys is the diverse population we serve feels welcome, supported, and included…
New research is offering insights into how the world can recover and rebuild from the pandemic, along with how individuals and organizations can address issues they care about in their communities. “Civic Life Today: The State of Global Civic Engagement,” which was commissioned by Points of Light and designed and executed by INFLUENCE|SG, studied attitudes…
The stress of a cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming for patients, families, and caregivers. And while each person’s response to hearing the words “you have cancer” may differ, feelings of stress, fear, and unease are common. According to a study in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, one in three people with cancer experience mental or…
Surprise fees, contracts, price hikes – it’s no wonder that broadband customers are the least satisfied customers in America according to the American Consumer Satisfaction Index. But having reliable and affordable internet access is no longer a luxury. Today, the home internet is essential for everyday activities, like connecting us to our classrooms, workplaces, healthcare…
A new survey reveals that the mental health of American moms is going largely unattended, with many living under a near-constant state of stress and few seeking support to ease the burden. The research, commissioned by MDLIVE, an Evernorth company and leading provider of virtual care services in the United States, finds that 33% of…
When improving your health and wellness, it’s essential to take care of your eyes too. For African Americans, this is especially important because of increased risk factors for eye disease and vision loss. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, glaucoma – a disease that damages the optic nerve and causes vision loss – is…