WVON

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Children’s Hospital Association, in the U.S. children represent about 17% of all COVID-19 cases. COVID-19 in children has been on the rise in the U.S.,… with over 2.8 million additional child cases being reported since the first week of September. Research shows the COVID-19 vaccines are remarkably effective and safe. Research also shows disproportionately higher rates of COVID-19 in Hispanic and non-Hispanic Black children than in non- Hispanic White children. COVID-19 has impacted all of our lives and communities. Widespread vaccination is a critical tool to help stop the pandemic.

Pregnancy can be one of the most exciting experiences in a family’s life. While most pregnancies result in healthy mothers and babies, many women experience adverse outcomes during or after pregnancy. Black women have some… of the highest cases of maternal deaths nationwide as well as in Illinois. Why are so many Black women dying from pregnancy-related causes? Advocates nationwide have spoken about the plight of Black women who face social disparities. Certain measures have been passed in Congress in an effort to alleviate the rates of maternal deaths. On today’s show, our guest will discuss the maternal health of African American women in Chicago.

Except for skin cancers, breast cancer is the most common form of cancer in women. However, if it is detected while still in its earlier stages, breast cancer can be successfully treated. Routine mammograms and breast… exams can detect cancer early and provide women with better treatment options and results. Cervical cancer also is treatable if detected early. There are often no noticeable symptoms, so it is important that women get screened regularly and have a Pap test. The test can find any abnormal changes that could turn into cancer. Equal Hope is now a lead agency for the Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer Program that offers free mammograms, breast exams, pelvic exams and Pap tests to eligible women. Even if a woman has already been diagnosed with cancer, she may receive free treatment if she qualifies.

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.

Mental health is very stigmatized in our society. We are told not to prioritize our mental health because there is something wrong with asking for help. Although awareness about mental health is increasing, especially in work… and school environments, many people still suffer from mental health issues and cannot access the resources necessary to help them. There are existing systemic barriers to mental health services that perpetuate health disparities in the Black community as compared to minimal barriers for their white counterparts. It is very important to prioritize our mental health and to understand that it is okay to not be okay.

The University of Chicago Medicine Comprehensive Cancer Center established the Office of Community Engagement and Cancer Health Equity (OCECHE) in 2010 as part of a renewed and expanded commitment to serve local communities through research, education and… outreach programs. Cancer health inequities disproportionately affect different minority groups due to social, environmental, and economic disadvantages. Black and African Americans have higher death rates than all other racial/ethnic groups for many cancer types. Despite having similar rates of breast cancer, Black and African American women are more likely to die then White women. Although deaths from prostate cancer have declined in recent decades, Black and African American men are twice as likely as White men to die and have the highest mortality rate. Hispanic/Latina and Black and African American women have higher rates of cervical cancer. Indigenous and Alaska Natives have higher death rates from kidney cancer than any other racial/ethnic group.

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.