Causes of Digital Eye Strain Digital eye strain, also called computer vision syndrome, happens when we spend too much time using devices such as computers, smartphones, and tablets. Looking at small text and images for long periods makes our eyes focus continuously, which tires them out faster than normal. Reading on a screen for several hours without breaks can make it hard to focus and cause headaches or blurred vision. Another factor is blinking less while using screens. N

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

Image Credit: Freepik In the recent decade the onset of puberty in girls is occurring at an earlier age. The timing of of puberty is dependent on genetic and epigenetic factors. The early onset of puberty in girls has raised concerns about what the causes might be and what are the potential risks associated with it. Hormones and Puberty The trigger for the onset of puberty lies in the part of the brain called the hypothalamus. The hypothalamus is a gland that releases hormone

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

Background - An Evidence-Based Look at the 2025–26 Influenza Season Influenza is a seasonal respiratory infection caused by influenza viruses. Illness severity ranges from mild to severe and can result in hospitalization or death, particularly among vulnerable populations. Influenza spreads primarily through respiratory droplets and contact with contaminated surfaces. The 2025–26 influenza season is shaping up to be more intense and disruptive than those seen in recent years.

“I’m just tired.” A 21-year-old college student keeps cancelling plans. She sleeps for eight hours but wakes up exhausted. Her hair seems thinner than before, her nails break easily, and climbing a single flight of stairs leaves her breathless. Friends tell her she is overthinking. Family members say she is lazy or stressed. She starts believing them. She is not lazy. She is iron deficient. Approximately one in three women of reproductive age (15-49 years) worldwide is affect

A person properly cleaning fresh, uncooked produce, By: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Introduction Nine out of ten people in the United States derive their tap water from public water systems (Centers of Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2025, Overview, para. 2). Roughly 150,000 public water systems supply drinking water to the majority of Americans (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 2025, Basic Information about Your Drinking Water, para. 3). Tap w

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

At least 30 individuals have died in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody in 2025 as of late December; a 20-year high and more than double the number who died in ICE custody in 2024. According to a 12/19/2025 Reuters report, four deaths occurred between 12/12 and 12/15/25 alone. The practice of imprisoning individuals detained for immigration-related reasons is nothing new in the United States. Already a world leader in immigration detention, the number of person

By: Jovenia Salazar Lindsay, RN, MSN, MBA Introduction: Self-Reflection Several months ago, a few of my college friends visited me for the first time in several years. We were excited to reconnect, sharing laughter and memories from our college days. As we took photos together, however, one thing became immediately apparent—our looks had transformed significantly. During college, we were lean and physically active, yet now most of us appear slightly heavier. This observation

Graphic illustration depicting sickle cell disease, retrieved from: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4579-sickle-cell-anemia In the United States alone, 100,000 individuals suffer from sickle cell anemia, more commonly known as sickle cell disease. Out of this population, around 90,000 are of African American Descent; it is hypothesized that the gene mutation responsible (HBB) was acquired due ot the environmental defense mechanism of fighting against malaria, m

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

Can the use of hair products pose as a risk to ovarian cancer? Lets' find out. Around 20,000 women in the U.S. are diagnosed with ovarian cancer yearly. Ovaries are the small, oval-shaped glands that are present on both sides of the uterus and are critical in regulation of the release of eggs, hormones, menstrual cycles, and pregnancy. An egg is released by the ovaries each menstrual cycle, until menopause is reached at around 45 to 55 years old. Ovarian cancer is a type of c

Valentine’s Day is often wrapped in images of romance, candles, and intimacy, but great sex isn’t just about chemistry. It’s also about communication, comfort, and care. Whether you’re spending the holiday with a long-term partner, a new flame, or celebrating solo pleasure, keeping your sex life safe doesn’t mean sacrificing excitement. In fact, informed choices can increase confidence, connection, and pleasure. Foreplay Is the Foundation (and It’s More Than Physical) Forepla

By Vanessa Muller, PharmD Introduction Specialty medications, especially infused oncology and autoimmune therapies now account for approximately 49% of U.S. drug spending, despite representing only 2% of total prescriptions (AHA, 2023). As costs rise, insurers have expanded specialty-pharmacy distribution models. These approaches are intended to control spending, but they can also alter when, where, and how patients receive essential clinician-administered treatments.This art

Digital healthcare operations have redefined the role of virtual assistants globally. Introduction From 2020 to 2025, healthcare systems worldwide have transformed through digital innovation. Among the evolving roles, the Global Executive & Healthcare Virtual Assistant (VA)  has become essential in bridging administrative, financial, and patient-centered processes. This article presents a descriptive overview of these diverse responsibilities, integrating professional experie

Despite nicotine's benefits of increasing alertness and offering momentary feelings of pleasure, using tobacco products have health risks. Nicotine has a strong withdrawal syndrome that occurs when a person who has developed physical dependence on nicotine abruptly reduces or stops use. Many who stop nicotine whether delivered by cigarette, vape, or even nicotine replacement products may feel the uncomfortable sensation of withdrawal. This article will explain withdrawal, whi

Why do I feel so miserable???                                              Mary Johnson, MBA, BSN, CMSRN   Is It a Cold, Allergies, the Flu, COVID… or RSV? Welcome to the New Normal Remember when you used to sneeze and you were certain whether it was a cold or allergy or the flu?Well, life has gotten a bit more complicated. These days, that simple sneeze could point to something more—especially with COVID-19 and RSV now in the mix. RSV Isn’t Just for Kids Anymore Respirator

Introduction:  In a world where not all disabilities are visible, the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Project stands as a beacon of inclusivity, acceptance, and understanding. This initiative aims to support individuals with non-visible disabilities, conditions, or chronic illnesses by providing a simple yet powerful tool to communicate their need for extra help, understanding, or just more time.   What is the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Project? The Hidden Disabilities Sunfl

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