WVON

Breast Cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed among women, as well as the leading cause of cancer death among women worldwide. Although mortality rates have decreased nationwide, there is an existing breast cancer mortality disparity… in Chicago for Black women compared to their White counterparts. As new research has come to light over the years, we have learned that it is very important for African American women to get mammograms at an earlier age than white women.

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought social and racial injustice to the forefront of public health. It has highlighted that health equity is still not a reality as COVID-19 has disproportionately affected many racial and ethnic minority… groups, putting them more at risk of getting sick and dying of COVID-19.

The death rate from COVID-19 in the U.S. continues to rise as the nation struggles with a burst of cases in what’s become “a pandemic of the unvaccinated.” It is important for residents to… be educated on why the vaccine is still an important component of keeping themselves and their loved ones safe as we continue the fight against the pandemic.

Caring for patients and building an efficient healthcare system relies on trust between providers and patients. However, historical events, current biases, and perceptions of stigma can all stand in the way of patients seeking the care… they need or being properly treated when they do seek care. Mistrust in healthcare can have big repercussions and can perpetuate ongoing health disparities.

Breast Cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed among women, as well as the leading cause of cancer death among women worldwide. Once a patient is diagnosed, they are considered a “Survivor”. Survivorship begins at diagnosis… and continues during treatment and through a person’s life. Because cancer treatments and overall journeys are different for everyone, survivorship is one the most complicated parts of having cancer.

As optimism returns, it’s important to remember that life after COVID-19 will be stressful for many. Therefore, reducing the risks of illness has never been more important. Reducing lifestyle risks not only protects us from… long-term disease, but it can also save a person from catastrophic injury or death.

As Back to School season approaches, parents are being prompted to ensure their children are properly vaccinated. Although COVID-19 and flu vaccines are important, we can’t forget about other necessary vaccines such as Chickenpox vaccine,… measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine, the human papilloma vaccine (HPV) and many others. Widespread vaccination is a critical tool to ensure kids are safe as they return to school.

As Back to School season approaches, parents are being prompted to ensure their children are properly vaccinated. Among these vaccines is the seasonal flu vaccine and the COVID-19 vaccine. Eligibility for the COVID-19 vaccine now includes… children ages 12 and up. Widespread vaccination is a critical tool to ensure kids are safe as they return to school.

Social determinants of health have disproportionately affected communities of color, particularly Black communities, for a long time. Research shows that systemic racism ensures that Black people in particular are more likely to live in poorer neighborhoods… with fewer social services, less access to healthy foods, and a higher risk of exposure to environmental contaminants. These factors have a huge impact on health and access to health care.

As community members continue to get vaccinated and the city transitions to indoor dining, open sport events, concerts, and other social events, there are still questions about the vaccine and the safety about returning to a… normal routine. It is important for residents to be educated on what getting vaccinated means and how they can continue to protect themselves and their loved ones as we continue to fight against the pandemic.

Breast Cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed among women, as well as the leading cause of cancer death among women worldwide. Although mortality rates have decreased nationwide, there is an existing breast cancer mortality disparity… in Chicago for Black women compared to their White counterparts. Institutions and organizations have implemented interventions to address this disparity, bring awareness to the issue, and increase access to early breast cancer screening.

Screening tests help find cancer early when it is small and before it has spread. Health care facilities are providing cancer screenings during the COVID-19 pandemic with many safety precautions in place. It is important to… talk to your doctor and confirm the steps you can take to plan, schedule, and get your regular cancer screenings.