By Kenneth Thorpe Congress recently made a number of changes to Medicare’s “Part D” prescription drug benefit. The changes were part of President Biden’s signature legislation, the Inflation Reduction Act. The legislation was intended to make it easier for seniors to afford their medicines. Some of the changes will indeed help seniors. But other changes […]
By Urban Matters | Editorial Credit: Tada Images / shutterstock.com One of New York City’s oldest hospitals currently finds itself in what might be termed critical condition. Acquired over a decade ago by the Mount Sinai Health System, the 799-bed Beth Israel hospital on East 16th Street, founded in 1890, has been slated for eventual […]
By Loneke Blackman Carr, THECONVERSATION | Editorial credit: Krakenimages.com/ shutterstock.com The popularity of weight loss drugs such as Ozempic and Mounjaro continue to reflect Americans’ desire to slim down. While these new drugs have offered a solution for people struggling with obesity, many eligible patients – especially Black adults – cannot afford the high price. These drugs are […]
By Esther Claudette Gittens Fentanyl addiction presents a unique and severe set of challenges, with profound effects on both physical and mental health. Introduction Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine, has become a focal point in the opioid crisis, causing a dramatic rise in overdose deaths and addiction rates […]
By Esther Claudette Gittens | Editorial Credit: Phil Pasquini / shutterstock.com | Photos Courtesy of Attorney General’s Office The fentanyl crisis represents one of the most pressing public health challenges in the United States, with wide-ranging impacts on Black, Brown, and White communities. This analysis has examined the mental, economic, and social consequences of fentanyl […]
By Pearl Phillip | Editorial credit: Yuri A. / shutterstock.com Corporate wellness programs have become essential to modern workplaces, evolving from mere perks to integral elements of an organization’s strategy for improving employee satisfaction, productivity, and retention. These programs are designed to support employees’ physical, mental, and emotional well-being, addressing diverse needs ranging from fitness […]
By Pearl Phillip | Editorial credit: Yuri A. / shutterstock.com The body positivity and inclusivity movement has emerged as a powerful cultural force, reshaping societal attitudes toward beauty, self-worth, and identity. It promotes acceptance of all body types, challenges historical beauty standards, and fosters self-love and respect for people who don’t conform to conventional ideals. […]
By Esther Claudette Gittens | Editorial credit: Elizaveta Galitckaia / shutterstock.com Ragweed pollen is one of the most common and potent allergens in North America, responsible for triggering seasonal allergic rhinitis, more commonly known as hay fever. Ragweed plants release tiny pollen particles into the air during late summer and fall, particularly between August and […]
By Pearl Phillip | Editorial credit: Prostock-studio / shutterstock.com The beauty and wellness industries have long been powerful forces in shaping societal perceptions of beauty, identity, and self-worth. However, these industries have historically excluded large segments of the population, particularly people of color, different body types, and marginalized communities. In recent years, a significant shift […]
By, THECONVERSATION | Editorial credit: PhotoRedHeart / Shutterstock.com A scratchy, sore throat, a relentless fever, a pounding head and a nasty cough – these symptoms all scream upper respiratory illness. But which one? Many of the viruses that cause upper respiratory infections such as influenza A or B and the virus that causes COVID-19 all employ similar tactics. They […]