In the fervor of an election year, most voters are inundated with candidates’ promises, flashy commercials, and divisive political rhetoric. However, amidst this chaos lies an often-overlooked viewpoint—what the dying have to teach us about life and the values we uphold during the voting process. Working as a hospice social worker and death doula for
Health
Recent research has brought attention to an intriguing link between hearing loss and an elevated risk of developing Parkinson’s disease later in life. An extensive study involving 3.6 million U.S. military veterans has revealed that hearing impairment could significantly contribute to the onset of this debilitating neurodegenerative disorder. This connection appears to be dose-dependent, meaning
Cataract surgery has long been recognized for its role in improving visual acuity and overall quality of life in patients experiencing significant vision impairment. Recent analyses, however, delve deeper into the broader implications of cataract surgery, particularly concerning its potential to mitigate the risk of traumatic injuries associated with falls. A pivotal study presented at
Recent data released by U.S. health officials reveal a troubling uptick in cases of whooping cough, also known as pertussis. As of now, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports a staggering 18,506 cases of this contagious disease, marking the highest number of cases for this time of year in over a decade.
Mpox, a viral disease caused by the monkeypox virus, has emerged prominently in global health discussions, especially following recent outbreaks in various regions, including Africa. Particularly in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), where clade I of the virus is prevalent, the disease has historical significance, with higher rates of morbidity and mortality. This
Recent research from a Danish registry has raised critical questions about the implications of using levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine devices (IUDs), particularly concerning breast cancer risk among women under 50. The study, featuring data from nearly 78,600 women, indicated that the use of hormone-releasing IUDs is associated with a 40% increased risk of breast cancer in comparison
Recent discussions surrounding organ transplantation have underscored the potential benefits of utilizing organs from human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) positive donors, particularly for patients living with HIV. A groundbreaking study led by Dr. Christine Durand at Johns Hopkins Medicine has revealed that kidney transplants from HIV-positive donors are as safe and effective as those from HIV-negative
The discourse surrounding Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS) cuts has reached a boiling point, with a bipartisan coalition of 233 House members advocating against a proposed 2.8% reduction in fees. This surge of concern points not only to immediate financial ramifications for healthcare providers but also reflects broader issues within the Medicare payment system itself.
The health of political figures has always been a subject of public interest, with the physical well-being of candidates often intertwined with their capacity to serve effectively. Recently, Vice President Kamala Harris’ health came into the spotlight following a comprehensive report from her physician, Dr. Joshua Simmons. This memorandum was not merely a routine check-up
The realm of rare diseases often presents unique challenges, as illustrated by Eric Peterson, MD, MPH. His candid assessment of the advisory committee’s decision to support elamipretide for Barth syndrome highlights the ethical dilemmas faced by healthcare professionals. The lack of unequivocal evidence raises questions about patient safety and the effectiveness of such treatments. The