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

NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) are a class of medications that reduce pain, fever, and inflammation. Common examples include over-the-counter options like ibuprofen and aspirin. These over-the-counter pain relievers can irritate and damage the lining of the stomach, esophagus, or small intestine, causing ulcers due to their mechanisms of action. An ulcer is an open sore on the surface of a bodily membrane, most commonly a peptic ulcer on the lining of the stoma

Long COVID, also referred to as Post-Acute Sequelae of SARS‑CoV‑2 (PASC), has emerged as a significant public health concern, affecting a substantial proportion of COVID-19 survivors. While most individuals recover within a few weeks of acute infection, an estimated 10 to 30 percent continue to experience symptoms that persist for months, regardless of whether the initial infection was mild or severe. These lingering effects can severely impact daily functioning, quality of l

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.

By: Nesredin Hassen Yesuf LinkedIn  | Email Introduction Acute appendicitis is a leading global surgical emergency, with an estimated lifetime risk of 7–8% [1]. For over a century, appendectomy has been the undisputed standard of care. However, the contemporary era is marked by a significant paradigm shift, with robust evidence emerging for non-operative management using antibiotics. This evolution, fueled by advancements in diagnostic imaging, improved risk stratification, a

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

Painkillers were never meant to destroy lives. They were created to help us breathe through broken bones, surgical recovery, migraines, or sudden injuries. But for millions of people, what begins as relief slowly becomes dependence; quietly, stealthily, and often unnoticed until it is too late. The most commonly abused pain medications (opioids like oxycodone, hydrocodone, fentanyl, and morphine) work by binding to the brain’s opioid receptors. They dampen pain signals and fl

Across the world, healthcare systems are under unprecedented strain. Aging populations, rising chronic disease, and post-pandemic workforce burnout have intensified one long-standing challenge, insufficient nurse-to-patient ratios. While the phrase may sound technical, the stakes are deeply human. Nursing ratios influence survival rates, medical error frequency, staff wellbeing, and the overall resilience of health systems. Why Nurse-to-Patient Ratios Matter A “nurse-to-patie

Introduction When a new therapy is preparing to enter the market, policymakers and payers face two critical questions: Is the drug good value for money? and Can we afford it? Cost-effectiveness analysis (CEA) addresses the first question, but budget impact analysis (BIA) is designed to answer the second. In modern market access strategies, BIA has become an indispensable complement to CEA, offering a practical view of the financial consequences of adopting a new medicine with

Introduction Health doesn’t always have to mean changing everything about your life. Sometimes, it’s about winning back a few minutes—like those spent waiting for your coffee to brew. What if you used these moments for yourself? Recent research shows that micro-moments—short, intentional actions like stretching, mindful breathing, or simply being grateful—can transform mood, lower stress, and boost heart health, all in less than five minutes.​ Micro-Moments and Everyday Healt

Introduction As innovative therapies become increasingly complex and expensive, health systems face growing pressure to spend wisely. Cost-effectiveness analysis (CEA) provides a structured way to answer a fundamental question: “Are we paying the right price for the health benefits this treatment delivers?” By comparing both costs and clinical outcomes, CEA helps governments, insurers, and hospital systems allocate limited healthcare resources more efficiently. The Logic Behi