TGIF - Quote of the week

Happy Friday Everyone!

This quote seemed appropriate with our Blog topic from earlier this week:

Healing is a matter of time, but is it sometimes also a matter of opportunity.

~Hippocrates

And in health care, we know that can be especially true.
What do you think?

Stress and Poverty: An issue of Public Health

In an article recently published in the New York Times entitled Status And Stress, author Moises Velasquez-Manoff discusses chronic stress, its correlation with poverty and the impact it has on public health in the United States.

There are different types of stress that effect the people in various ways both mentally and physically. Scientists have found that some of the most dangerous types of stress arise when individuals feel that they have little to no control over their daily responsibilities. This feeling of helplessness is most often found in people with lower socio-economic statues, with income being a major determining factor. Not being able to pay bills, put food on the table, no control within the work environment among other things can lead to constant chemical stress reactions from the body.

This type of stress does not only wear a person down mentally, but can also adversely effect ones' health. Those living with chronic stress tend to live shorter lives than those who do not. They are also significantly more likely to develop health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure. The "American Dream" implies that anyone can overcome hardships through hard work and determination. While the article explains that predisposition does not have complete control over an individuals future, among more affluent people, those who were never poor still have better health outcomes than those who once were. Why is this? Chronic stress can have a major effect on cognitive function and the brains' nervous system development, sometimes creating lasting effects even if chronic stress is no longer a problem.

This issue goes beyond the individual level because the effects of chronic stress are costly. Some of the conditions those who face high stress and prone to are some of the most expensive to treat. And the extent of inequality may be getting worse. The original article suggests that by investing more time and energy into this population (especially children), in the future, we will start to see an economic return. In addition, this could mean improvement in the quality of health for many who need it.


Additional Info on stress in America:
Stressed in America: http://www.apa.org/monitor/2011/01/stressed-america.aspx

How stress effects your health : http://www.apa.org/helpcenter/stress.aspx

TGIF! - (NEW) Quote of the Week

Happy Friday Everyone!

 We will be starting a new type of post called quote of the week. These quotes are to meant to be thought provoking, so don't forget to think of the implications they could have in sex and gender medicine! 

Today's Quote:

Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement.

Nothing can be done without hope or confidence.

~ Hellen Keller

Have a good weekend!

"What a week! I just want to curl up
 and read the Women's Health Info blog!"

What Is WHEP?

The school year will soon be back in full swing and some of you may be new to this blog and wondering…What is the Women’s Health Education Program (WHEP)?  Nationally recognized, WHEP introduces students to women’s health and gender issues that are pertinent to their medical education. The program seeks to improve gender competency of medical students and have a positive impact on the community through research, education and outreach.  There are options for involvement at almost every stage of your medical school career here at Drexel and all specialties are welcome! Some options include:

-Women’sHealth Scholar’s program. 

-Women’sHealth Seminar Series / Seminar Series electives.

-Workwith Philadelphia Ujima (Health education, community outreach and research) 

-Women’sHealth Pathway and Electives for 4^th year students.

Get Involved! All of these are opportunities to diversify your experience as medical students and provide valuable information that can be applied in your everyday life. Remember: It is not just for Ob/Gyn students and women! There is something for everyone at WHEP!

To learn more about the program clink on the link below:

http://www.drexelmed.edu/Home/OtherPrograms/WomensHealthEducationProgram.aspx

For more information, please contact Simuelle Myers, our academic coordinator at simuelle.myers@drexelmed.edu

Everything Is Bigger In Texas ... Even Abortion Restrictions

The state of Texas recently passed a new bill that enforces some of the most restrictive policies on abortion in the entire country. You may have heard about it, but as a refresher:

-Prevents women from having an abortion after 20 weeks of gestation.
-Raises the standards for abortion clinics to a the level of a surgical center.
-Doctors in abortion centers must have privileges to admit patients in a hospital that is at maximum 30 miles away.

There have been mixed feelings about the bill. Many, are outraged and feel that it is overstepping of boundaries as far as the state government. Supporters, including Texas governor Rick Perry feel that this bill is protecting "the culture of Texas". Regardless of  sides,  the bill is going to result in a lot of changes Texas that raise significant public health concerns. Only 5 abortion centers meet with current standards and all of these centers are located in metropolitan areas. Being such a large state, women in more rural areas may increasingly have problems reaching these centers, and may even need to consider going out of state.  In addition, these restrictions can cause problems for high risk pregnancies which are often diagnosed until around the 20 week mark. 88% of abortions take place during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. Only about 1.5 take place after 21 weeks (Guttmacher Institute 2011).

Luckily, I was able to speak with a DUCOM student from Texas to get their options. In short, they said they were not surprised this bill was passed, since Texas is such a conservative state. As a future physician, they feel that regardless of your stance on abortion it is important to listen to your patient and help them to decide which reproductive options are best for them. They also brought up another good point. Almost half of all pregnancies are unplanned. Maybe that's the public health issue we should really be focusing on.

What are your thoughts?

Click here to read the New York times article

More info and statistics on unplanned pregancy and abortion:
Abortion Facts from the Guttmacher Institute
Unplanned Pregnancy Facts from the Guttmacher Institute

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OH HAPPY DAY!!

Match Day 2013

Congratulations to our Seniors!!

Check out the BRAND NEW YouTube video!! 

click  Pathway Match 2013