In the United States, sarcoidosis affects four Black Americans for every one White American diagnosed. Black patients, particularly Black women, experience more severe disease, more multi-organ involvement, higher hospitalization rates, and mortality. Factors such as genetics, environmental toxins, socioeconomic conditions, and unconscious bias contribute to worsening outcomes in sarcoidosis (Hena, 2020). What is sarcoidosis? Sarcoidosis is an inflammatory condition in which

Understanding HEDIS: What Those Health Plan Letters Really Mean If you’ve received a letter from your health plan urging you to schedule a checkup or screening, it may be tied to something called HEDIS . For many seniors, these messages feel confusing or impersonal. So, what is HEDIS—and why does it matter? What Is HEDIS? HEDIS stands for Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set . It’s a system used by health plans to measure how well they’re delivering care. These r

by Abby Newberry If you’ve been hospitalized in the United States, you have likely received multiple documents outlining how much money you are likely to or actually owe for the stay.  Have you ever wondered where that amount comes from and who decides what the hospitalization will cost? In this article, we will take a broad overview of how your hospital diagnosis and treatment get translated into dollars. A Bit of Background Prior to the 1980s, hospitals calculated bills usi

Hypnotherapy is a therapeutic technique that guides patients through a state of hypnosis, in order to treat certain symptoms or conditions. (1) Research has shown that hypnotherapy can aid in treating various ailments such as anxiety, depression, pain, stress, and even irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). What is hypnosis? Hypnosis is an induced trance that enables a patient to connect with the unconscious mind. In a state of hypnosis, the patient “readily” accepts suggestions. (2

Child Abuse can come in different shapes and forms; it can be verbal, physical, psychological, and mental. Unfortunately, Child abuse is the reality of many homes for kids, no matter what day and age we are in. It can significantly impact the growth of children, hinder their potential and talent, and diminish their joy and happiness in life. No matter the age, no child deserves to go through the pain and manipulation of someone they once considered to be their loved one. Effe

https://judd-medical.co.uk/hazards-of-surgical-smoke/ What is surgical smoke? Surgical smoke is common in the operating room (OR). Cauterizing and coagulation devices, laser devices, and energy-based devices used during procedures create smoke by using thermal energy to cut tissue, while decreasing bleeding and expediting procedure time. They are used by the surgical team to assist in performing procedures. Surgical smoke has been noticed as a health hazard to OR staff and pa

Acetaminophen (Tylenol) overdose is a severe risk (causing acute liver failure) because it’s hidden in over 600 cold/pain products. Never mix medications containing it, and stay below the 3g/24hr limit. If overdose is suspected, seek emergency medical care immediately, as early treatment (NAC) is critical.

Mushroom foraging has become increasingly popular thanks to outdoor trends, cooking videos, and social media accounts celebrating “wild foods.” It’s easy to understand the appeal—mushrooms are fascinating, abundant, and often beautiful. But the truth is far less whimsical: many wild mushrooms are toxic, and some can cause life-threatening illness with just a single bite. Before picking anything from the forest floor, here’s what everyone should know. Foraging Isn’t as Simple

by David Cox RN BSN. nursedavidwrites.com I’m in the process of completing an excellent review on AI, AI for Work and Life, an eight-part webinar series put on by my alma mater, the University of North Florida. Each session is at least an hour long, and is led by one or more subject matter experts in different aspects of the use and, yes, misuse of this world-changing technology. We’re getting the latest and best understanding of who can or should use AI, what some of the man

Communication in the operating room (OR) is not only necessary to ensure that cases run smoothly, but also to ensure that patients are kept safe. The two primary goals of an OR nurse are to ensure that surgeons have all the necessary equipment to perform surgery and to ensure patient safety during these procedures. This can only occur when communication is present and effective. Where does communication start? When the surgeon schedules a surgery, they must communicate with t

There has been enough emphasis on adequate water consumption and staying hydrated, but the causes and effects of overhydration are not well understood, often remaining undiscussed. Out of health consciousness, the habit of sipping water at regular intervals has become a new norm. While it is essential for maintaining vital functions and overall health, it is crucial to understand the requirements of the body and drink as and when needed. Normal Water Regulation Mechanism Wate

By: Jessica Chhoy What is it?: White coat hypertension is a condition where a patient's blood pressure is higher than normal in healthcare settings, but is normal at home. Illustration of patient anxious from healthcare provider Why is it a Concern?: An inaccurate blood pressure reading can lead to a patient receiving medication that is not necessary. Taking unnecessary medications can lead to many side effects and the potential of damaging certain organs. Specifically, a pat

Recent information from studies linking paracetamol/acetaminophen (Tylenol) use in pregnancy to autism disorders have popularised on the internet massively in August/September 2025, which has caused nationwide concern about mothers taking these painkillers when they are expected to have a baby. The information surrounding this comes from studies that are observational cohort studies, reporting statistical association between paracetamol exposure in pregnancy and increased ris

Paracetamol (acetaminophen), reduces fever and relieves mild to moderate pain. It is a widely available over-the-counter drug sold under various brand names, including Tylenol and Panadol.   Because pregnant women often face limits on what medications are considered “safe,” paracetamol is typically recommended as the first-line option when something is needed. However, over the past years, there has been increasing scientific scrutiny about whether paracetamol might carry ri

What is Intermittent Fasting? Is it true that intermittent fasting can cause the growth of cancer? Well to start off, what even is intermittent fasting? Intermittent fasting focuses not on what you eat, but when you eat. With intermittent fasting, you only eat during a scheduled period of your day, whether it be for 1 hour of the day, or a larger chunk such as four. Intermittent fasting is often used for weight loss and works by protracting the period when your body has burne

We've all watched a TV scene where a character has a seizure. They fall to the ground, shaking violently. A crowd gathers, and the hero shouts for someone to call 911, STAT!  Understanding Seizures Far from looking like a moment on your favorite medical drama, seizures take many forms, and they don’t always mean you need to call an ambulance. A seizure happens when a person's brain experiences a sudden burst of abnormal electrical activity. This can affect their movement, sen

The Focus on Access In 2013, about 270 million Americans—roughly 85.5% of the population—had health insurance through public or private plans. That left approximately 46 million people without coverage. By 2016, following the implementation of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), the number of insured Americans rose to nearly 289 million (91.4%), reducing the uninsured population to about 27 million. Fast forward to 2023, and over 40 million people had enrolled in ACA-related insur

Sana, a 28-year-old marketing executive, felt a mild headache after a long day at work. Without thinking much, she grabbed an OTC painkiller from the corner store. ‘It’s just a headache,’ she thought. But over the next few days, she started experiencing stomach cramps, dizziness, and fatigue that interfered with her meetings and workouts. “I didn’t think an OTC pill could do this,” she admitted. She isn’t alone. Millions of people treat OTC medications as harmless quick fixe

A torch in the dark for people with treatment-resistant depression? Introduction You have probably heard of the drug ketamine.  For many people, there is a stigma around this word.  Things that may come to mind include partying and substance abuse.  However, did you know that a form of ketamine is frequently used as an alternative method of addressing treatment-resistant depression?   What is treatment-resistant depression? Treatment-resistant depression (TRD) occurs when at

First day on the unit. I met the nurse manager, Jocelyn. The accent is the giveaway. Filipina. First generation. We knuckle-bump (the unofficial post-COVID handshake). Same scrubs, different journeys. What I Thought It Was About At first, I made it about the accent. In my head, I said: They came here first-gen. They passed the NCLEX with English as a second language. They fought for every inch. They rose fast. And now they manage us. And sometimes, it felt like those wins cam