As a hospice social worker and death doula, I have had the profound experience of walking alongside many individuals during their final moments. The insights collected over years of service have impacted not just my understanding of life, but also my approach to voting and civic engagement. Each person’s final words carry weight, revealing regrets
Health
Recent research has raised significant alarms regarding the relationship between hearing loss and the increased risk of developing Parkinson’s disease. A comprehensive study involving 3.6 million veterans from the U.S. military has provided compelling evidence of a dose-dependent correlation. This means that as the severity of hearing loss increases, so too does the risk of
Cataract surgery has long been regarded as a procedure that significantly improves the quality of life for patients suffering from vision impairments due to cataracts. However, new research suggests that the benefits of cataract surgery may extend beyond visual improvement, playing a crucial role in reducing the risk of injuries often associated with falls, particularly
Recent data from U.S. health official sources indicates a troubling rise in whooping cough cases, marking a significant health concern as levels peak at their highest in a decade for this time of year. With over 18,506 cases reported thus far, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) highlights that this surge is particularly
The ongoing global health crisis surrounding mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) has spurred urgent research into effective treatments. The PALM007 trial has emerged as a significant study that explored the effectiveness of tecovirimat (Tpoxx), an antiviral medication traditionally used for smallpox, in treating mpox infections, particularly in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The
The recent findings from a Danish registry study have sparked considerable debate surrounding the potential risks affiliated with the use of levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine devices (IUDs) for women under 50. While these hormonal contraceptives are widely used for various reproductive health needs, their association with breast cancer has emerged as a critical issue requiring thorough investigation.
Recent advancements in the field of organ transplantation have ignited discussions about the safety and viability of kidney transplants between recipients and donors who share an HIV-positive status. An observational study led by Dr. Christine Durand and her team at Johns Hopkins Medicine has unveiled promising evidence that suggests these procedures are just as safe
In a decisive move signaling the growing discontent among lawmakers regarding the perceived inadequacies of the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS), 233 members of the House of Representatives recently signed a bipartisan letter urging leaders to halt proposed cuts and to reform the underlying system that governs physician payments. The letter, co-led by Rep. Mariannette
In a world where public officials’ health can significantly influence public perception and trust, the recent report on Vice President Kamala Harris’ well-being has garnered noteworthy attention. Released over the weekend, the assessment by Dr. Joshua Simmons, Harris’ primary care physician, asserts that the 59-year-old Vice President is in “excellent health.” This article delves deeper
Recent discussions surrounding treatments for rare diseases like Barth syndrome have illuminated the challenges healthcare professionals face when making recommendations in the absence of robust evidence. Dr. Eric Peterson’s unsettling comparison between voting on medical treatments and participating in a national election underscores the unpredictability inherent in such decisions. The ethical implications of endorsing a