WVON

Cervical cancer continues to rank among the top gynecologic cancers worldwide. According to current data, it is ranked 14th among all cancers and is the 4th most common cancer among women worldwide. Nearly 13,000 new cases are… diagnosed each year in the United States, and more than 4,000 women die of it. Disparities also exist with this form of cancer. In fact, the number of deaths from cervical cancer in Black women is twice that in White women. Cervical cancer is preventable, and new cases can be reduced through targeted education, screening, and intervention.

When thinking about maternity care, usually pregnancy, labor and delivery are what come to mind. The postpartum period, however, is equally as important. The period after a baby’s arrival can be a busy and stressful… time. The weeks after birth represent a period of major adjustments and new beginnings. Postpartum care is actually not emphasized enough. In fact, only 58% of women go to their own postnatal visits, and only 28% of women bring their babies for a postnatal check-up. Despite having new responsibilities, it is important to continue prioritizing mother’s and newborn’s health.

Nearly 48% of Black women and 44% of Black men have some form of heart disease. The rate of heart disease is also higher in the growing middle and upper-class Black community than in White Americans with similar… socioeconomic status. Why is this happening? Statistics show that Black people have higher rates of high blood pressure, obesity and diabetes – common conditions that increase the risk of heart disease. Genetic factors also add to these higher rates, as do societal factors, such as gaps in income and education. Discrimination and health care access can have a profound impact on treatment and health outcomes. Education and awareness are just the beginning.

Nearly 48% of Black women and 44% of Black men have some form of heart disease. The rate of heart disease is also higher in the growing middle and upper-class Black community than in White Americans with similar… socioeconomic status. Why is this happening? Statistics show that Black people have higher rates of high blood pressure, obesity and diabetes – common conditions that increase the risk of heart disease. Genetic factors also add to these higher rates, as do societal factors, such as gaps in income and education. Discrimination and health care access can have a profound impact on treatment and health outcomes. Education and awareness are just the beginning.

Nearly 6.7 million people in the U.S. and 160 million worldwide have alopecia or have had or will have it. Alopecia is actually a common autoimmune skin disease. If you have an autoimmune disease, your body’s… immune system mistakes your healthy tissues as dangerous and begins attacking them. Research suggests that women are more likely to develop alopecia areata than men, and people of some races and ethnicities may have a higher chance of developing the disease. Having alopecia areata can be frustrating and emotionally challenging because hair loss and regrowth are unpredictable.

Rewriting your life script” is a transformative process that involves reassessing and altering the narrative of your life. It’s about consciously examining the stories, beliefs, and behaviors that have shaped your existence and making intentional changes… to create a more positive and fulfilling life. This concept emphasizes the power of self-reflection, challenging ingrained patterns, and redefining personal narratives. By doing so, individuals can break free from limiting scripts, overcome obstacles, and cultivate a more authentic and purposeful journey. It’s a proactive approach to personal growth, encouraging individuals to take control of their narratives and shape their lives in a way that aligns with their true values and aspirations.

Black women in the United States experienced substantial improvements in health during the last century, yet health disparities persist. Research consistently has documented the continued impacts of systematic oppression, bias, and unequal treatment of Black women... The intersectionality of gender and race and its impact on the health of Black women also is important. This intersection is more than the sum of being Black or being a woman: It is the synergy of the two. Black women are subjected to high levels of racism, sexism, and discrimination at levels not experienced by Black men or White women. Disparities in Black women’s health are particular types of health differences that are closely linked with social, economic, and/or environmental disadvantage.

The link between pregnancy and infectious disease remains and is still an issue. Like all adults and children, pregnant people are at risk for developing viral and bacterial infections. Studies have shown that when pregnant, a… woman’s adaptive immune responses become less strong, which is theorized as being the root of the reduced viral clearance observed in pregnant women. Additionally, evidence also demonstrates that the body’s innate immune response is increased during pregnancy, which may have developed to respond to the reduced adaptive immune response to protect the pregnant woman and her fetus from the consequences of infection. Overall, it is important that pregnant women have access to up-to-date information about the impact of infections on their own health and their baby’s health. While many infections can have a negative impact on both mother and child, there are many preventative and therapeutic methods to protect the health of the parent and baby.

While direct restrictions on rights based on race are outlawed, the impact and the issues in medical ethics often involve life and death. It deals with the distinction between what is considered right or wrong at… a given time in a given culture. The health profession has a set of ethics, applicable to different groups of health professionals and health-care institutions. Ethics is not static, applicable for all times. What was considered good ethics a hundred years ago may not be considered so today. The hospital administrator has an obligation to have a clear understanding of its legal and ethical responsibilities.

While direct restrictions on rights based on race are outlawed, the impact and inequalities resulting from these restrictions remain. The fight for economic and racial justice occurs on the local, state, and national level. Policies related… to wages, employee protections, or public benefits has a direct impact on individuals. Black people are also overrepresented in the criminal legal system, which impacts their families and future job opportunities. Nationally, President Biden has recognized systemic racism as a major barrier to equality and has focused on policies to improve racial equity across the country and within the federal government. This national movement requires ideas and support from the local communities in order to have the greatest impact.

Sexual violence affects millions of people each year in the United States. In fact, over half of women and almost 1 in 3 men have experienced sexual violence involving physical contact during their lifetimes. To heal and thrive,… it is critical that survivors have access high-quality, culturally appropriate services. Organizations that provide domestic violence, sexual assault and trafficking services are reliant on federal Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) funding to support staff positions. However, there was a significant reduction in VOCA funding earlier this year. Illinois rape crisis centers face the loss of $9.5 million in funding — a reduction of over 50% from current funding levels.

Host Dana Divine interviews Breastaurant Tour owners Jamie Gilmore (Lizzy J Cafe) and Teresa Ricano (Ricano’s Restaurant).