As a society, we often shy away from discussions surrounding death and dying, viewing them as morbid subjects that evoke discomfort. Yet, through my years of work as a hospice social worker and death doula, I have encountered profound lessons about living derived from the reflections of those on their deathbeds. Over three decades of
Health
Hearing loss, commonly attributed to aging, environmental factors, or occupational hazards, has emerged as an alarming potential risk factor for neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s disease. Recent research analyzing extensive medical records from U.S. military veterans highlighted a compelling association between varying degrees of hearing loss and an elevated risk of developing Parkinson’s disease. This
Cataract surgery has long been celebrated as a means to enhance the quality of life for patients suffering from age-related cataracts. However, emerging research highlights an additional dimension: the potential of cataract surgery to mitigate the risk of traumatic injuries, particularly those resulting from falls. A recent study presented at the American Academy of Ophthalmology
In a startling revelation, U.S. health authorities have signaled that the incidence of whooping cough, or pertussis, has surged to its highest levels for this time of year in a decade. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there have been a staggering 18,506 identified cases thus far in the year—a figure
The field of infectious disease treatment consistently seeks effective therapies, particularly in outbreaks that threaten public health, such as mpox. Recent findings from the PALM007 trial have raised critical questions regarding the efficacy of the antiviral drug tecovirimat (commonly known as Tpoxx) in treating mpox in clade I cases, particularly in vulnerable populations in the
The ongoing discourse around contraceptive methods and their potential health implications remains a subject of close scrutiny and debate in the medical community. Recent research originating from Denmark provides a poignant examination of the relationship between levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine devices (IUDs) and breast cancer risk in women under the age of 50. This investigation underscores a
In a compelling move to safeguard the future of healthcare services, 233 members of the House have united in a bipartisan effort to address proposed cuts to the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS). This coalition is not proactive merely in reversing a troubling 2.8% reduction but is also advocating for a comprehensive legislative framework that
The ongoing discourse surrounding modern health challenges has highlighted various opinions from prominent healthcare professionals. Each expert has provided poignant insights into pressing matters that affect patient care, societal health, and medical ethics. This article dissects these views, showcasing the complexities inherent in decision-making processes and public health policies. Dr. Eric Peterson’s stark analogy between
Simon was taken aback when he finally met his best friend Andre after several months apart due to work commitments. The last time he had seen Andre, life was full of promise, but now, that energy had been replaced by exhaustion. Andre’s recent diagnosis of kidney disease had cast a long shadow over his life.
Barth syndrome, a rare endogenous disorder, poses not only a challenge for those affected by it but also for the medical community striving to treat it. Characterized by specific genetic mutations, notably in the TAFAZZIN gene, the syndrome primarily affects males and manifests through differing clinical symptoms such as cardiomyopathy, growth delay, and neutropenia. The