#Healthcare Disparities

[alwaysbewoke]

[gabbagepatch]

ENT totally dismissed me 3-19-2024

I had my ENT appointment yesterday after waiting three months and I probably saw the doctor for about five minutes. He came in, didn’t ask any questions, looked bored while I told him what was happening, questioned the test results I just got 20 minutes ago in his practice, didn’t look at my MRI, argued with me about my symptoms, and told me that he couldn’t do anything. He offered me Valium if “it would make me feel better”. I said no thanks.

He told me I'm too young for anything to be wrong and that it'll go away "any minute." He scheduled another appointment two months from now. Wtaf? Even if, hypothetically, this thing I've been living with for 1/3 of the year will just disappear in the future--I'm still being disabled by it right now!

If anything it's getting worse, not better. My vision is distorted now and I'm getting migraines 4-5 times a week. The pressure in my ear caused my eardrum to burst. How the hell can anyone look me in the eye and say to wait until it ~goes away~?

I could not stop crying afterwards, thank the Lord my mom was there and thank Him again for my therapy appointment tomorrow. I feel so defeated, sad, angry, and my ear really fucking hurts.

I'm so heartbroken. My PCP recommended him so highly, and I really trust him. I expected to at least be seen for more than five minutes. He prescribed me steroid drops and if those don't give me miraculous improvement after 7 days I'm looking for a neurologist and/or neurotologist.

I am absolutely not waiting another two months for treatment just because Dr. Donothing thinks 21 year-old women can't be ill. Fuck that noise.

[tmarshconnors]

The Pointlessness of the SAG Strike 2023

In recent weeks, the entertainment industry has been rocked by news of the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) strike in 2023. While the actors involved in the strike have their reasons and concerns, it's essential to critically examine whether this strike is truly necessary or if it might be, in fact, quite pointless.

Economic Impact: One of the most immediate consequences of the SAG strike is the significant economic impact it has on the industry. Thousands of jobs, from actors to crew members, are being affected. Production companies are losing millions of dollars every day the strike continues. Given the economic hardships that many people have faced in recent times, including the COVID-19 pandemic, one must question the wisdom of causing further financial strain on the industry and its workers.

Demands and Priorities: The demands put forth by the striking actors are not unreasonable. However, one could argue that these demands might not be the top priority in a world grappling with more pressing issues. With global crises like climate change, social justice, and healthcare disparities, is a higher salary for already well-paid actors truly the most critical concern? Many people struggle to make ends meet, and it's hard to sympathize fully with actors making exorbitant salaries, especially when so many others are struggling.

Timing: The timing of the SAG strike is questionable, at best. It's happening in an era when the industry is still recovering from the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Many people in the entertainment business are just getting back on their feet after months of uncertainty and unemployment. Striking now seems insensitive to the plight of others in the industry.

Alternative Solutions: Are strikes the only way to resolve disputes and negotiate better terms? In an industry that thrives on creativity and innovation, one would hope for more imaginative and collaborative solutions. Negotiation and dialogue could lead to more mutually beneficial outcomes without causing widespread disruption and financial loss.

Public Perception: Lastly, it's worth considering the public perception of the strike. In an age where people are increasingly disillusioned with celebrities and their lavish lifestyles, a strike like this may only further alienate the audience. The entertainment industry depends on the support and admiration of the public, and a strike that seems self-serving could harm its reputation.

In conclusion, while the actors participating in the SAG strike 2023 may have legitimate concerns, it's crucial to weigh the impact of their actions on the broader industry and society as a whole. In a world facing numerous pressing issues, this strike may indeed appear pointless to many, given its economic consequences and the perceived priorities of those involved. Perhaps there are more constructive ways to address the concerns of actors and create a fairer and more equitable entertainment industry.

[trendtracker360]

Equal Pharmacy Access Lacking in US Minority Areas

The enduring issue of racial disparities in healthcare continues to manifest profoundly in the realm of pharmacy access. Data from the Homeland Infrastructure Foundation-Level Data (HIFLD) highlights a glaring inequality: Medically Underserved Areas (MUAs) in the United States face nearly double the travel distances to reach pharmacies compared to non-MUA regions. This disparity exacerbates following pharmacy closures, severely impacting those in marginalized communities.

Pharmacies provide indispensable services including medication dispensing, patient education, and vaccinations—essential, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. The closing of pharmacies, such as those planned by CVS, further increases patient travel distances, primarily affecting predominantly Black and Hispanic communities, as well as low-income areas. These closures contribute significantly to healthcare inequality and place an increased economic burden on residents in MUAs.

The phenomenon of “pharmacy deserts” underscores the challenge of achieving healthcare equity. With disparities in pharmacy availability for marginalized communities, the risk of exacerbating existing health disparities and overwhelming the U.S. healthcare system remains high. It is imperative to address these healthcare equity challenges to provide better support and resources to underserved populations.

Key Takeaways

MUAs face nearly double the travel distances to pharmacies compared to non-MUA regions.

Pharmacy closures disproportionately affect Black, Hispanic, and low-income communities.

Services provided by pharmacies are critical, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Increased travel distances due to pharmacy closures place economic burdens on underserved communities.

Addressing pharmacy deserts is crucial to reducing health disparities and promoting healthcare equity.

To Read More >>> Click Here Reference Links:

[sunnygattan]

Sunny Gattan’s The Role of Nurse Practitioners in Addressing Healthcare Disparities

In contemporary healthcare landscapes, addressing healthcare disparities has emerged as a crucial imperative. Nurse Practitioners (NPs), with their advanced training and patient-centered approach, play a pivotal role in mitigating these inequities. This video guide, featuring insights from esteemed NP Sunny Gattan, explores the foundational principles and practical strategies employed by NPs in tackling healthcare disparities.

[spartanmemesmedical]

Access to Abortion Care: A Human Rights Perspective

Introduction:Abortion remains a contentious issue globally, with complex implications for public health, human rights, and social justice. This assignment delves into the multifaceted aspects of abortion care, emphasizing its significance in promoting comprehensive healthcare, human rights, and gender equality. Overview:The World Health Organization (WHO) defines health as a state of complete…

[diseaseincontext]

Fostering Indigenous Health: A Journey Towards Culturally Safe Care in Canada

The health and well-being of Indigenous communities in Canada have been a longstanding concern. These communities face unique challenges related to healthcare access, cultural safety, and the interplay of social determinants of health. In this blog post, the state of Indigenous health in Canada will be explored, drawing insights from recent research studies that shed light on the importance of culturally safe care and community-driven interventions

Culturally Safe Health Initiatives for Indigenous Peoples

A scoping review conducted by Brooks-Cleator, Phillipps, and Giles in 2018 delves into the concept of culturally safe health initiatives for Indigenous peoples in Canada. The study underscores the significance of culturally tailored healthcare, respecting and honoring the unique cultural and historical aspects of Indigenous communities. This approach acknowledges the importance of addressing healthcare disparities while fostering trust and collaboration.

Enhancing Health through Indigenous Culturally-Based Interventions

The research by Murdoch-Flowers, Tremblay, and colleagues in 2019 explores the positive impact of Indigenous culturally-based interventions on participants' health in Canada (through various interventions focused on traditional cooking, physical activity, mind-focusing techniques, cultural traditions, and social interaction). By integrating cultural traditions and practices into healthcare, these interventions provide a holistic approach to health improvement. Culturally-based interventions, including the involvement of lay health workers and the promotion of cultural identity, have been found to improve participants' social dimension of health. The study emphasizes that interventions rooted in Indigenous culture have the potential to make a meaningful difference in health outcomes.

FORGE AHEAD Program: Community-Driven Quality Improvement

The FORGE AHEAD program, as described by Naqshbandi Hayward and colleagues in 2016, highlights the importance of community-driven quality improvement initiatives. This program empowers Indigenous communities to take charge of their healthcare and implement culturally sensitive strategies to enhance chronic disease care. It represents a promising shift towards self-determination and control over healthcare delivery and outcomes.

Indigenous Populations Health Protection: A Canadian Perspective

Richardson, Driedger, Pizzi, Wu, and Moghadas (2012) revealed that in the 2009 H1N1 pandemic, there was a disproportionate impact on Canadian Aboriginal communities, highlighting their vulnerability to infectious diseases, and a workshop was held to address the challenges and improve public health planning for these communities. The workshop emphasized the importance of involving Aboriginal stakeholders in policy-making and program delivery. The concept of "two-eyed seeing" was introduced, which combines indigenous and Western perspectives for the benefit of all. The research acknowledges that health disparities are deeply rooted in historical injustices, and addressing these disparities requires not only healthcare but also broader societal and policy changes. Indigenous health must be protected, supported, and elevated at all levels of Canadian society.

Challenges and the Path Forward

Indigenous health in Canada has long been characterized by challenges, including limited access to healthcare, disparities in health outcomes, and cultural insensitivity. However, the research presented in these studies paints a promising picture of positive change. The emphasis on culturally safe healthcare, community-driven initiatives, and the protection of Indigenous health demonstrates a growing commitment to rectify the historical injustices faced by Indigenous communities.

--

The journey towards improving Indigenous health in Canada involves a commitment to culturally safe care and community-driven solutions. It recognizes that health disparities in Indigenous communities are not solely a medical issue but are deeply intertwined with historical, cultural, and socio-economic factors. By acknowledging the importance of culture and community engagement, and by empowering Indigenous communities to take control of their healthcare, there is hope for a brighter, healthier future for Canada's Indigenous peoples. It is a path that requires collaboration, respect, and a deep commitment to reconciliation and equity.

References!

Brooks-Cleator, L., Phillipps, B., & Giles, A. (2018). Culturally Safe Health Initiatives for Indigenous Peoples in Canada: A Scoping Review. Canadian Journal of Nursing Research, 50(4), 202–213. https://doi.org/10.1177/0844562118770334

Murdoch-Flowers, J., Tremblay, M.-C., Hovey, R., Delormier, T., Gray-Donald, K., Delaronde, E., & Macaulay, A. C. (2019). Understanding how Indigenous culturally-based interventions can improve participants’ health in Canada. Health Promotion International, 34(1), 154–165. https://doi.org/10.1093/heapro/dax059

Naqshbandi Hayward, M., Paquette-Warren, J., Harris, S. B., & On behalf of the FORGE AHEAD Program Team. (2016). Developing community-driven quality improvement initiatives to enhance chronic disease care in Indigenous communities in Canada: The FORGE AHEAD program protocol. Health Research Policy and Systems, 14(1), 55. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12961-016-0127-y

Richardson, K. L., Driedger, M. S., Pizzi, N. J., Wu, J., & Moghadas, S. M. (2012). Indigenous populations health protection: A Canadian perspective. BMC Public Health, 12(1), 1098. https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2458-12-1098

[syrahealth]

Syrahealth announced a strategic agreement with Maricopa County Department of Public Health (MCDPH), Arizona. As part of this recent contract, Syra Health trained over 100 public health staff in Maricopa County. The aim was to provide strategies to help organizations work with individuals or other organizations, that may have different perspectives or be at a different stage of implementing health equity.Click the link to learn more. https://www.syrahealth.com/press-releases/syra-health-forms-strategic-partnership-with-maricopa-county-to-address-healthcare-disparities

[alwaysbewoke]

[variousqueerthings]

me and my mum were listening to danish news about how rigshospitalet (basically the largest hospital in denmark) was cutting back on costs by no longer covering the costs of tattooing nipples on breast-cancer cis women patients who have had breast re-construction, which is paid by tax payer money/free on the hospital

and that's all a discussion about gender reaffirming care!

whether or not the nipple counts as "distressing enough" is a thing I won't get into (I am personally getting mine removed -- opposite gender affirming care!!! same-but-different) -- what is interesting here to me, is firstly that what is being argued -- the big fascinating hypocrisy at the centre -- is notably not whether or not cis women need to prove a significant amount of psychological distress by speaking to psychiatrists and jumping through segregated healthcare hoops

and yet in denmark trans people do have to do this in order to access care -- not to the same amount as in some countries (notably it is done at the hospitals, but as far as I'm aware it's only the two main hospitals in Denmark that offer it, and it's not legal to go private within the country), but that is still the process and was until not-so-many-years also including forced sterilisation

the idea that a cisgender woman might feel significant gender-based distress at not having breasts was not in question in the discussion my mum and I were listening to

the other thing that is interesting is that the person at the rigshospitalet who was arguing that the nipples was too much cost was a cis dude. and of course cis dudes can have breast-cancer, but I have a feeling this guy was not speaking from that kind of thinking + of course the weight of "being a woman who has breasts that look like people think breasts should look" is an issue that he would never have to deal with, and so there was indeed an example there of a doctor who was not taking cis women's dysphoria seriously and arguing a (partial) rolling back of care on this basis

to what extent do cis women have to contend with looking "enough" like a woman because of misogyny? to what extent can one argue the dysphoria they feel is an innate idea of the self that doesn't match with what they see? to what extent is it a reaction to a different traumatic event (the scars a reminder of having been sick)? to what extent is there a cultural disgust against scarring that ought to be unlearned?

I'd argue that for the particular question of whether they deserve the care right now, those questions aren't going to help. offer the care and we can dismantle harmful notions about "correct" womanhood next to it (putting the ball in the court of a far bigger sandpit of societal work we need to do), and at the same time be cognizant of how that hits trans women 100 times over just for existing and having to perform hyper-femininity or else it doesn't count but is also demonised for being a performance, and in a different-but-similar way hits anyone who is assigned female at birth who is trying to build a space of non-conformity and/or masculinity and being scrutinised for "always" being a female while also being masculine traitors (just look at responses to elliot page) (just look at butches regardless of AGAB full stop)

I am supportive of cis women (and cis men) receiving gender affirming care. now they need to be supportive of me and mine receiving the same

[renee-mariposa]

So I was talking to a coworker today and she’s sitting there complaining about the fact that “we try to help patients but then they’re back in the hospital a month later because they haven’t done anything for themselves”

And I was just like. Have you considered the fact that the area we’re living in is extremely impoverished and medicine is very expensive? Have you thought about the fact that our education system has been unfunded for almost a half century now and medical illiteracy is extremely high? Have you considered the fact that fruits and veggies are almost prohibitively expensive and you can’t get any food stamps in my state unless you have kids, and if you do have kids, how the hell do you feed them on $4 per day?

[radicalfeministnews]

Nature Podcast:

Menopause and women’s health: why science needs to catch up

A focus on women’s health research, and the star caught in the act of devouring a planet.

"Kerri Smith and Heidi Ledford join us to discuss two Features published in Nature looking at topics surrounding women’s health. The first looks at efforts to understand how menopause affects brain health, while the second shows how less research funding is allocated for conditions affecting women more than men.

Feature: How menopause reshapes the brain

Feature: Women’s health research lacks funding – these charts show how "

Luckily "for the sake of this conversation" they stick with "women" even though "it's an imperfect term" (it isn't except in a cultural beliefs context) (does science also use special terms and ideas that cater to religious claims like creationism instead of evolution? It shouldn't. Same for this.)

Good information.

@warriordykes (of radfemzine, for the medical sexism topic)

@radfeminist-suggestions

@radfemcoalition

[black-paraphernalia]

Black Paraphernalia have posted a overview excerpt summary of a NIH study that was done. This subject is a very near to our heart and we being health care professionals who read many research studies in general and understand the double and triple risk a black woman face on a day to day but especially when it come to maternal care in the United States started with SLAVERY.

We decided to do a few post on Black women and Childbirth disparities and injustices in the medical arena. The sad thing even as health care license professionals, we have experienced covert discrimination and disparity when it came to our own professional positions and personal health. 

This is the first of a few posts that we will present in hopes of B1 community awareness. Please check out this post and others to come.

For the entire study click on the title to read in full.

Health Equity Among

 Black Women in the United States

Journal of Women's Health NIH - The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health

J Womens Health (Larchmt). February 2021; 30(2): 212–219.Published online 2021 Feb 2. doi: 10.1089/jwh.2020.8868

Black women in the United States experienced substantial improvements in health during the last century, yet health disparities persist. Black women continue to experience excess mortality relative to other U.S. women, including—despite overall improvements among Black women—shorter life expectancies and higher rates of maternal mortality.

Moreover, Black women are disproportionately burdened by chronic conditions, such as anemia, cardiovascular disease (CVD), and obesity. Health outcomes do not occur independent of the social conditions in which they exist.

The higher burden of these chronic conditions reflects the structural inequities within and outside the health system that Black women experience throughout the life course and contributes to the current crisis of maternal morbidity and mortality. The health inequities experienced by Black women are not merely a cross section of time or the result of a singular incident.

No discussion of health equity among Black women is complete unless it considers the impacts of institutional- and individual-level forms of racism and discrimination against Black people. Nor is a review of health equity among Black women complete without an understanding of the intersectionality of gender and race and the historical contexts that have accumulated to influence Black women's health in the United States.

Research consistently has documented the continued impacts of systematic oppression, bias, and unequal treatment of Black women. Substantial evidence exists that racial differences in socioeconomic, education and employment and housing outcomes among women are the result of segregation, discrimination, and historical laws purposed to oppress Blacks and women in the United States.

The intersectionality of gender and race and its impact on the health of Black women also is important. This intersection of race and gender for Black women 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.

In contrast to Black women, White women in the United States have benefited from living in a politically, culturally, and socioeconomically White-dominated society. These benefits accumulate across generations, creating a cycle of overt and covert privileges not afforded to Black women. 

The history of Black women's access to health care and treatment by the U.S. medical establishment, particularly in gynecology, contributes to the present-day health disadvantages of Black women. Health inequality among Black women is rooted in slavery. White slaveholders viewed enslaved Black women as a means of economic gain, resulting in the abuse of Black women's bodies and a disregard for their reproductive health. Black women were forced to procreate, with little or no self-agency and limited access to medical care.

The development of gynecology as a medical specialty in the 1850s ushered in a particularly dark period for the health of Black women. With no regulations for the protection of human subjects in research, Black women were subjected to unethical experimentation without consent. Even in more contemporary times, these abuses continue.

As a result of this history and the accumulation of disadvantages across generations, Black women are at the center of a public health emergency. Maternal mortality rates for non-Hispanic Black women are three to four times the maternal mortality rates of non-Hispanic White women.In

Racism and gender discrimination have profound impacts on the well-being of Black women. Evidence-based care models that are informed by equity and reproductive justice frameworks (reproductive rights as human rights need to be explored to address disparities throughout the life course, including the continuum of maternity care, and to ensure favorable outcomes for all women.

Health does not exist outside its social context. Without equity in social and economic conditions, health equity is unlikely to be achieved,and one cost of health inequality has been the lives of Black women.

The above is a summary excerpt take from the study by the Journal of Women's Health NIH - The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health

BLACK PARAPHERNALIA DISCLAIMER - PLEASE READ

[diseaseincontext]

Looking Critically at the Impact of Social Determinants on Indigenous Health

Indigenous communities worldwide face alarming health disparities compared to non-Indigenous populations. These disparities are not coincidental; they are intricately tied to a complex web of social determinants of health. In this blog post, we will explore the significant influence of social determinants on the health outcomes of Indigenous peoples, as highlighted by insightful studies conducted by Reading and Wien (2009), George et al. (2019), and Greenwood and de Leeuw (2012).

Reading and Wien's (2009) study sheds light on the health inequalities experienced by Aboriginal peoples. For example, they highlight the impact of colonization on cultural continuity, which affects the mental and emotional well-being of Indigenous communities. The study also emphasizes the influence of socioeconomic factors, such as poverty and limited access to healthcare, in perpetuating health disparities among Indigenous populations. George et al. (2019) conducted a scoping review analyzing problem representation regarding Indigenous health and Indigenous rights in policy. They found that social determinants, such as education and employment, play a crucial role in shaping the health outcomes of Indigenous peoples. For instance, limited educational opportunities can contribute to a higher prevalence of chronic diseases and lower overall health status within Indigenous communities. Inadequate access to employment opportunities further exacerbates these disparities. Greenwood and de Leeuw's (2012) study focuses on the social determinants impacting the well-being of Aboriginal children in Canada. The authors highlight the importance of income and education in shaping health outcomes. For instance, lower household income often limits access to nutritious food and safe housing, leading to increased rates of malnutrition and respiratory illnesses among Indigenous children. Additionally, limited educational resources can hinder academic achievement and future employment prospects, further impacting health and well-being.

The studies reviewed in this blog post provide valuable examples of how social determinants significantly influence Indigenous health. From the impact of colonization on cultural continuity to the role of education and employment opportunities, these determinants shape health outcomes within Indigenous communities. Recognizing and addressing these factors is crucial for reducing health disparities and promoting the well-being of Indigenous populations. Achieving health equity for all requires a comprehensive approach that considers the social determinants of health. By implementing policies and interventions that address issues such as poverty, access to education, employment opportunities, and cultural preservation, we can make meaningful strides in improving the health outcomes of Indigenous peoples. It is through collective efforts, informed by research and guided by social justice, that we can work towards a healthier future for Indigenous communities worldwide.

References!

George, Emma, et al. "Social determinants of Indigenous health and Indigenous rights in policy: A scoping review and analysis of problem representation." International Indigenous Policy Journal 10.2 (2019): 4.

Greenwood, Margo Lianne, and Sarah Naomi de Leeuw. "Social determinants of health and the future well-being of Aboriginal children in Canada." Paediatrics & child health 17.7 (2012): 381-384.

Reading, Charlotte Loppie, and Fred Wien. "Health inequalities and the social determinants of Aboriginal peoples' health." (2009).