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Want to save black moms? Start by honoring our histories and bodily autonomy

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Mothers and people giving birth find out about other people’s opinions about their bodies long before the newborn is born. Black mothers face this from all sides – our inner circles offer unsolicited opinions and the broader world offers damning statistics. None of them prioritize Black women’s desires when it comes to pregnancy or childbirth. And since the opinions of others overshadow their voices and concerns, it is straightforward to feel dehumanized and unable to make decisions.

Bodily autonomythat’s, the proper to determine about one’s own body, life and future without coercion and violence is never mentioned directly in discussions about pregnancy and childbirth. Still, even without direct mention, it is easy to see how patterns of ignoring and silencing Black women’s concerns during and after childbirth hamper efforts to improve reproductive health outcomes. Downplaying our fears also minimizes our ability to tell stories, and the consequences of this limit control over our bodies and create additional vulnerabilities during birth.

“I often joke that motherhood is the best kept secret in the world,” says Brenda Kola, director and co-founder Orbit, a British platform dedicated to motherhood and femininity. She notes that the silence around childbirth, pregnancy and motherhood affects our ability to advocate for ourselves. “Too often we don’t share our experiences for fear of being judged – then another woman enters motherhood completely blinded by reality.”

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When gave birth to her daughter Capella-Rose in 2020, she learned the importance of bodily autonomy and respecting her own fears firsthand. “My birth was traumatic not only because my daughter could have died, but in addition due to the best way my rights were always violated; I had no voice,” says Kola.

The dangers black women face while pregnant and postpartum frequently appear within the news. Reminders that black women are three to 4 times are more likely to die during childbirth, include us to every visit. Sometimes it seems like others are discussing our risks while denying our humanity. During care, we rarely give attention to the dark prospects of pregnancy and childbirth. However, this give attention to disparities rarely connects maternal health and well-being within the West to the common limited autonomy of individuals of African descent. We often miss the chance to see global patterns and examine the complex interplay of things shaping differences in maternal health around the globe.

Like many others, Kola was aware of the racial disparities in black women’s pregnancy and childbirth. As mentioned, she lives within the UK where the consequences on black women might be just as bad as within the US MBRRACE-UK (Mothers and babies: reducing risk through audits and confidential inquiries across the UK) published report which shows that black women within the UK are 4 times more likely to suffer maternal death. Birthright InquiryA year-long investigation into racial injustice in maternity facilities found physical and mental lack of safety, ignorance and disbelief, racism from caregivers, dehumanization, lack of selection, consent and coercion, structural barriers, and workforce representation and culture.”

In that spirit, Kola and her best friend and Orbit co-founder Shanice Tomlinson shared their birth stories, but what they didn’t expect was video where they did, they found success just as quickly with a worldwide audience. Nearly 1,500 people from around the globe shared stories of mistreatment during childbirth. “Some of the comments were from women who did not even know they had experienced assault or ill-treatment during childbirth.”

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“During my first experiences with pregnancy and birth, “I trusted the healthcare workers and didn’t push and ask as many questions as I should have,” Tomlinson says, recalling the birth of daughter Milan in 2020. “I trusted their processes and the things they said I needed to do.” to do”. She realized that provider preferences and expectations could shape the birthing experience.

In the United States, racial health disparities are facing calls to hire more Black doctors. Research shows “racial conformity” or providers and patients of the identical race improve outcomes. But Koli’s story shows that we want greater than a change of color – we want a change of culture. She had a team of black midwives, however the provider downplayed her concerns, namely through cultural customs and expectations to respect and not query older people, which was contrary to her needs as a patient. The result was a denial of its autonomy.

He remembers comments like, “My daughter didn’t need gas and air, so you don’t need it,” and “My daughter had three kids and dealt with pain well.”

“As a patient, I have the right to ask myself why certain things are done. I can ask what’s going on with my care,” Tomlinson says. But she felt quiet. “They see themselves as my ‘aunt,’ not a service provider.”

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Maternal health disparities are widely discussed, but solutions and perspectives that humanize Black moms and birthing individuals are rare. Public instances, e.g Jackie Walters, a Bravo’s star, making disparaging comments about black women in medical care is proof of that. Kola was upset that the comments invalidated the birthing experience, saying it showed why many individuals remain silent about their traumas. She points to Walters and these comments about Black women “crying wolf” as evidence that issues related to Black maternal health are multifaceted.

Many people consider that the issue is a birth culture that places medical preferences above patient consent. Like other advocates, Kola emphasizes the importance of education about birth rights before giving birth.

Tomlinson says many moms “suffer in silence,” unaware of the frequency of their experiences. I would like them to feel the validation of hearing that they will not be alone. Fortunately, it is not hopeless. Supporters consider that black people needs to be given the chance to share their birth stories to increase autonomy. Black scientists and doctors paved the way in its use Black birth stories as a tool for autonomy – and a challenge only negative images. Resources like Irth application strengthen the angle of patients and their family members. Organizations like Sister song, Black Mamas Matter Allianceand other reproductive justice-oriented groups are taking on extra space in these discussions. – wrote the National Association for the Assistance of Black Births Black Birth Bill of Rights.

But for these efforts to achieve success, Black birthing people must take up extra space and share their stories. Orbit’s founders say the conversations they’ve with moms to share anecdotes about pregnancy, birth and motherhood are a part of a broader strategy to challenge the culture of silence and secrecy that leaves many unprepared for the realities of motherhood.

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There is far work to be done to be certain that Black moms and birthing women have the reproductive experiences they deserve. But change starts with regaining voice, autonomy and information. Orbit has connected with over 5,000 women, hosted over 40 live audio rooms, partnered with organizations and built a community to move closer to this mission.

“Change cannot happen if we remain silent. Change can only happen when we make noise and disruption,” says Tomlinson about what they do at Orbit. “We push boundaries and talk about absolutely everything, including things that society considers taboo in femininity and motherhood.”


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Health and Wellness

Large changes are planned for the care of the old one in 2025. But you will never learn from the main parties

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There were few recent products in pre -election guarantees for Australian elderly employees, suppliers or 1.3 million people who use the care of the old one.

In March, he announced a piece party $ 2.6 billion For one other increase in payment for older nurses in addition to previous salary increases.

Since then, there was nothing significant for older care or opposition.

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The main changes are scheduled for the sector this yr, 4 years after condemnation Report of the Royal Committee on the care of the old. However, no additional funds were announced.

Estimates suggest that financing is brief About $ 5 billion cope with losses by housing providers or a shortage Home care packages.

What can we expect this yr?

AND New care for the care of the old He will enter into force on July 1 with a much greater emphasis on the rights of the elderly to acquire care, which meets their needs. It will mean:

  • recent old care regulation system

  • A brand new independent Commissioner for Complaints

  • recent House support A program for the elderly who wish to live at home and in the community

  • Changes in residential care fees.

However, there are many problems and it shouldn’t be clear whether the reforms introduced this yr will fix them.

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Access continues to be an issue

Access to old care it still is an issueEspecially in rural and distant areas. The system is difficult to navigate in the case of often sensitive and confused consumers and their families.

The government is essentially based on My website of old care To inform the elderly and their families about the Old Care options. But this only provides basic information and it’s difficult to get individualized support.

There can be a “digital division” for a big group that’s unknown and has no trust using online services.

So we want rather more emphasis on providing local “One Stop Shops” for personalized support and advice, especially when people enter the old care system for the first time. These services may be provided by Centrelink or recent regional offices.

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Not everyone can navigate your sites to get details about the care you need.
Screenshot/my older care

ABOUT One -third of the elderly Say they need assistance to live at home. But to get help, you need an older assessment and this process also requires improvement.

A waiting times for the evaluation I blew up, with delays to five months.

Older people prefer to remain home

There are some fears that the number of recent start beds is It didn’t grow fast enough. For example, there’s an absence of housing care in individual areas, similar to Canberra.

But the times of admission to housing care they’ve not increased and the occupancy rates are declining. This suggests the elderly I would favor a house for housing care.

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However, the increased demand for home care packages is not be met.

For those that need more intensive services at home, Waiting times Stay stubborn and unacceptably long because there shouldn’t be enough home care packages.

Despite the years of complaints, there are still greater than 80,000 people On the waiting list for care at home.

New Home support program It will introduce an eight -level support system. The highest level of financing for home care will be Grow to USD 78,000 To fill the gap between home financing and housing. But you will need many more intense home care packages to shorten the waiting time.

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The home support program also introduces much higher costs out of their very own pocket for the elderly. Such costs of day by day services – similar to meals, cleansing and gardening – currently financed from the Home Commonwealth Will support program will increase significantly.

It will be the most controversial too Higher costs out of your personal pocket In the case of “independence” services, including personal care, social support, foster care and therapy.

Personnel deficiencies are still an issue

For providers of care for the elderly, chronic labor deficiencies are still the biggest problem. The last increase in wages for older employees, including nurses, is a step in the right direction. But wages are still low.

It is difficult to draw staff, staff trading is high, and the staff is insufficiently trained, risking the quality of care. Deficiencies are particularly acute in rural areas.

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. The care industry is required by the elderly Improved migration, higher training and incentives for regional employees to complement the deficiency. But no recent election ads have been issued to this point.

A health care worker helps older men in a walking frame
Care for an old still requires more employees, including a nurse.
Whyframe/Shutterstock

Without real reform

Despite the changes that we will see since July, the organization and financing of the Old Care stays essentially unchanged.

In general, the Australian care system for the elderly continues to be heavily privatized and crushed. IN 2022-23 There were 923 home care suppliers, 764 housing providers and 1334 home service providers, just about all in the private and non-profit sectors.

Commonwealth still manages the sector through a difficult combination of highly centralized regulations and order agreements.

He didn’t introduce an efficient, regional management structure to plan, organize and rule the sector to extend quality, innovation, equality, response and performance.

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The community was also not able to finance the system via a fee, social insurance or increased taxation program. Instead, it increases the user’s fees to cover the costs of providing services.

This article was originally published on : theconversation.com
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OP-ED: You shouldn’t be thin to have a voice in health and well-being

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For so long as I can remember, I used to be larger than most of my friends and family. I have all the time been very aware of my size and still attracted the most recent food regimen trends, hoping for a quick way to reduce my body. When I got to highschool, I discovered the sector of dietetics and fascinated myself. I saw it as a perfect opportunity – not only to help myself shed extra pounds, but to lead others while traveling. Bearing in mind this goal, I selected dietetics as a student direction, but after I first entered the pitch, I quickly realized something disturbing – I didn’t see many individuals who looked like me.

The field of dietetics was and still consists primarily of thin, white women. Less than three percent of registered dietitians are black, and even smaller percent are crazy or black women like me.

At the start of my profession, I used to be searching for voices that supported integration health messages-Voices, which rejected the load, promoted body respect and recognized deeply rooted inequalities in health and well-being-but these voices were few. In a world that priority treats thinness over health, I knew that I had to turn into one among them.

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Harmful expectations

These harmful stereotypes and expectations will not be only a problem in the sector of dietetics – there are most health spaces and biological renewal. From fitness instructors to doctors, personal trainers to food regimen specialists, there may be an unspoken expectation that credibility is related to body size. The message is evident: it’s best to take seriously in the sector of health and well -being, you have to be thin. You must show a certain way based on the stereotype that healthy equals thin or fitted.

This belief shouldn’t be only false, but in addition deeply harmful. Creates a toxic exclusion cycle that follows:

  • Discredits are highly qualified, passionate professionals just because they don’t match the stereotypical image of “health”.
  • He alienates people in larger bodies who’re searching for suggestions, but don’t feel represented or respected.
  • It maintains a harmful narrative that “thin = healthy” and “fat = unhealthy”, ignoring the complex reality of general health and well -being.

People questioned my knowledge – not due to my references, education or a few years of experience – because I don’t match the “perfect” picture of a dietitian. I used to be told that my body one way or the other denies my knowledge. But here is the reality – my body is not going to disqualify me. My experienced experience makes me a higher lawyer, a higher dietitian and a more sympathetic skilled. The same applies to many other health and well -being specialists who may not match the narrow type of society, but bring invaluable perspectives and empathy to their work.

Influence on the people we serve

These stereotypical, focused on the load of expectations not only harm professionals. This harms people themselves we try to help. Imagine that you simply go to a doctor or dietitian, searching for health support, just to meet with the stigma of weight. Imagine that you simply are released, embarrassed or given general advice “just lose weight” as a substitute of real, based on evidence of suggestions. This happens daily. That is why so many individuals in larger bodies completely avoid looking for healthcare – not because they don’t care about their health, but because they felt unworthy of compassionate care. We cannot promote health, while maintaining a system that embarrasses and excludes people based on body size.

OP-ED: You shouldn't be thin to have a voice in health and well-being
Thanks to the kindness of Andrea Mathis, Ma, RDN, LD

Respect shouldn’t be a privilege – it’s true

And before someone tries to equate them (fighting the stigma of weight and in favor of switching on and accepting the body shouldn’t be to promote unhealthy behavior), it’s about advising respect, dignity and sympathetic look after all bodies, no matter size, ability or appearance. The assumption that the positivity of the body or switching on the load encourages “unhealthy lifestyle” is rooted in warning, not science.

The goal shouldn’t be to discourage behaviors promoting health, but to be sure that these behaviors can be found, balanced and free from shame or coercion. The fight for body acceptance and against harmful stereotypes means dismantling the harmful belief that only thin, efficient people deserve kindness, credibility or high -quality care. Each person, no matter the scale, deserves to be seen, heard and treated with dignity – because respect should never be conditional.

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Changing the narrative

Changing a conversation about body size, health and credibility shouldn’t be only my mission – it’s a collective effort that requires from all of us harmful norms and advising on inclusion. I stated that my goal is to push out the outdated standards of beauty and health in the sector of dietetics. However, a real change occurs when society, as a whole, does it too.

The role of media, health care staff, teachers and even every day conversations play the role. We can change the narrative by raising various voices of health and well -being, difficult a stigma once we see it, and ensuring that health messages can be found and incorporating for all bodies. When we define what it means to be healthy and press the world in which everyone seems to be treated with dignity, we’re heading towards a more efficient, sympathetic and truly focused society.

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This article was originally published on : www.essence.com
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Health and Wellness

A 21-year-old man from Long Island is the first person in the history of New York who was cured of sickle anemia

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Medical history has recently been produced in a hospital in New York. This month, 21-year-old Sebastien Beauzile became the first man in the history of New York, who was cured of sickle anemia, genetic blood disorder, due to the recent form of gene therapy.

“Sieru’s sieve was like a blockade for me, but now it is like a wall that I just jumped,” said Beauzile CBS messages.

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Beauozile, who was a patient at the Medical Center for Children Cohen since he was two months old, was treated because of genetic disease from lyfgenia, a brand new approach to gene therapy developed by Biotechnology BlueBird BIO. In groundbreaking technology, Beaule’s own bone marrow was used in transfusions IV to create normal red blood cells.

Sickle disease that affects 100,000 people in the USA., jest odziedziczonym stanem krwi, który wpływa na kształt czerwonych krwinek, które przenoszą tlen do wszystkich części ciała. As a result of these abnormal red blood cells, individuals with sickle disease may experience a number of symptoms, including chronic pain anywhere in the body, stroke and blood clots; 90% of patients with sickle disease are black. The genetic disorder was previously considered a disease for all times, but in the case of treatment equivalent to lyfgenia, which, I hope, prognosis.

Since treatment in December 2024 Forbes.

“Klisza” The future is here “, in this case it is real,” said Dr. Charles Schleien from Cohen Children’s Medical Center, in response to NBC News

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“The sickle disease was described in contemporary medicine in 1910, and here we are over 100 years later, and this is the first medicine you see,” added Dr. Jeffrey Lipton.

For Beauozile and his mother, Magda Lamour, words don’t even begin to explain their gratitude to the medical team and life changing treatment. Now, cured of once devastating illness, the 21-year-old is looking forward to traveling, exercises and concentration on education, hoping to work in treatment at some point.

“You have really changed my life to the Med 4 team, hematology and transplant ensemble,” said Beauozle. “I can’t wait to go back to my everyday life because I feel unsuccessful now.”

In 1983, Kimberlin George-Wilson was the first known case of a person Cureing sickle anemia by bone marrow transplantation.

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The Tax Office approves two sickle generates that doctors hope to cure a painful disorder

(Tagstotranslaner) Health

This article was originally published on : thegrio.com
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