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Black maternal health matters: What Black gynecologists want you to know before giving birth

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The health crisis for Black moms in America deserves our immediate attention. Black women within the US are 3 times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women. And while this shameful statistic has been true for a very long time, we still see evidence that little has modified lately.

Just just a few weeks ago, former Kansas City Chiefs cheerleader Krystal Anderson died of sepsis-related organ failure shortly after giving birth to her stillborn daughter, Charlotte Willow. Anderson was only 40 years old. In 2018, tennis champion Serena Williams famously shared that she developed blood clots after giving birth to her first child via Caesarean section and that doctors ignored her symptoms until she insisted on a CT scan. These harrowing women’s stories are a startling reminder that Black women proceed to be at the middle of a world maternal health crisis that has not improved.

Every 12 months within the United States, black women die during or after pregnancy. Worse still, within the US it accounts for over 80% of pregnancy-related deaths will be prevented, According to the CDC. Unconscious racial bias in medicine, in addition to a scarcity of adequate resources in Black communities, are believed to be the driving forces behind the Black maternal health crisis in America. As the stories of Anderson and Williams have shown us, the risks for black women are still present no matter our level of wealth, education or fame.

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It’s no surprise that statistics show that black patients, including black moms, feel this fashion higher outcomes when treated by black physicians. Unfortunately, only about 5% of physicians within the U.S. are black. For Black women who’re currently pregnant or fascinated by getting pregnant within the near future but don’t have access to Black doctors of their area, doctors want you to know many things in order that you can equip yourself with the appropriate information and fight for myself. We talked to two of them – OB-GYN Constants Adams of Chicago and Dr. Kimberly Middleton, a board-certified family medicine physician and vein surgeon from Garland, Texas, who previously specialized in high-risk pregnancies – and asked what Black moms should know and do before giving birth.

Plan before you get pregnant

If you know you want to get pregnant in the longer term, start talking to your doctor now. The sooner you discover existing risk aspects, the earlier you can mitigate them. “What I encourage quite a lot of people to do is come together [their OB-GYN] before they get pregnant,” Adams says. “I will have people come and meet me and talk about their future pregnancy plans. We review their history and find out if there is anything that increases their risk of getting pregnant so that we can hopefully address that risk before they get pregnant. This is the best way for us to optimize their overall health.” The pre-pregnancy period is also the perfect time to check hospitals in your area and their rates for cesarean sections, read doctors’ opinions, and develop a contingency plan in case your doctor is unable to attend your delivery. “Before you get pregnant is a terrific time to do it,” says Adams. “When you’re pregnant, it may be really difficult to see a health care provider because it may lead to disruptions in your health care.”

Find your birth team

Speaking of doctor shopping, part of getting a secure and peaceful birth is finding a medical team you can trust and have a superb relationship with. While you may have already got a gynecologist who you often see for annual exams, pap smears, and other reproductive health visits, do not forget that not all of them deliver babies. Find out in case your doctor can do each, and if not, ask her or him to refer you to an obstetrician who can accommodate your birth plan.

When in search of an OB-GYN, Adams recommends listening to your intuition and paying close attention to how they respond to your concerns. “To read [their] body language. Is it someone who’s more dismissive of my questions? Do they make me feel inferior or silly for asking these questions? Do I get along well with them? Are they communicating with me in a way that I actually understand and find effective?” – he asks, asking himself. Middleton agrees that doing research about your doctor and his success rates will give you added peace of mind.

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“You need to check with your doctor, just like anyone else,” he says. “We check reviews of restaurants, we check reviews of hotels, so you have to check the reviews of your doctor. If you dig deep, you can check your doctor’s lawsuits or complaints. Much information is public. By doing research, you make yourself known. If you find a health care provider you are considering, talk to others and get their suggestion.

Black maternal health matters: What Black gynecologists want you to know before giving birth
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Stay as lively as possible

Exercise is important for overall health, however it is very necessary while pregnant. Middleton says staying lively by walking or doing moderate exercise will help you maintain healthy blood flow. “It’s really important not to be sedentary and try to move as much as possible,” he says, “because the more blood stagnates in the veins, the more likely the veins are to collapse, which increases the risk of a devastating blood clot.” She also recommends keeping track of any changes in your body and never ignoring “normal” pregnancy symptoms, which can signal an issue comparable to swelling, redness across the ankles or frequent and chronic headaches.

Know your history

Middleton advises that knowing family history, including any birth complications the birth mother has faced, is crucial for pregnant Black women since it helps get a transparent picture of risk aspects and what the care team ought to be looking for. “I find that when people come into my office, they don’t know their family history, they don’t know anything about what has happened in the past with their family members, and that’s a key factor in determining the outcome when you’re pregnant,” Middleton says .

“Genetics play a huge role during pregnancy and birth, and often what happened to your mother often happens to you, too,” she adds. “That’s why it’s important to know your family history and your own medical history.” Keeping an up-to-date family medical history in your phone or notebook, together with an inventory of specific questions you want to ask your doctor about your birth plan, is the easiest way to be prepared for every doctor’s visit. And because the saying goes, be ready so you do not have to prepare.

Consider working with a doula

The positive impact a doula can have on a pregnant woman’s life has been well documented. Research shows that black moms particularly have higher birth outcomes after they are supported by one person. Doula care is now recognized as a invaluable resource for pregnant and birthing women, including several states within the U.S. doula care under Medicaid programs.

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While you might imagine that doulas are only there to help you give birth, they can even step in to help you in your pregnancy journey and can be found to provide postpartum care. Middleton believes they’re the right addition to the motherhood tribe.

“I think an important part of providing good health care is recruiting your own support team,” he says. “This could be your partner, mother, grandmother, doula or midwife. I think it’s very important because you have a second set of ears and voices. Sometimes you are in a situation where you cannot express your opinion, [a doula] you recruited can express these concerns on your behalf.” Adams agrees and recommends that when vetting your care team, ask your practice what they give thought to doula care. “There is a lot of really great evidence that shows that having a doula in BIPOC populations can be a huge resource and a great way to reduce risk because you have someone who is your personal advisor.”

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

Digital mental health programs are inexpensive and progressive. But are they working?

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Almost half of Australians will experience Mental health problems in life. Recent floods, drought, cyclones, bush and pandemia because Increased suffering locally.

However, many individuals in need of mental health services are Cannot be obtained. The costs, stigma and availability of mental health staff are Barriers in care. Australia also has a critical shortage of mental health staff. And until 2030, This is anticipated We will lack 42% of the mental labor force needed to satisfy demand.

To partially solve this gap, the Australian government involved Investing $ 135 million in digital mental health programs whether it is chosen.

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Online mental health programs might be more progressive and cheaper than other varieties of therapy. But do they actually work? Let’s assess the evidence.

What are digital mental health services?

Digital mental health services differ significantly. They include information on online mental health or application, tools for tracking symptoms and learning or skill programs. These tools might be obtained with or without the support of a therapist or trainer, and some use generative artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning.

The umbrella term “Digital Mental Health Services” also includes peer networks, telephone helpline and teeth services on the phone, chat or teiling -based screening.

Services akin to Mindspot,

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Mindspot site rankings and treatments. It is financed by the Australian government.
Mindspot (screenshot)

Digital mental health services are targeted by quite a lot of mental health problems, akin to depression, anxiety, trauma and eating disorders. Some are intended for specific groups of individuals, including culturally diverse communities, LGBTQia+people, recent parents and young people.

With so many digital options available, finding the correct program might be difficult. Financed by the federal government Medicare Mental Health Portal He was created to assist Australians find services based on evidence.

This website presents the choices of Australians regarding mental health support.
Medicare Mental Health (Screenshot)

Are they working?

Review of the evidence found at 2020 Almost half This was utilized by individuals who used online programs for joint mental health conditions.

This review included Online programs with self -threading lessons or modules to cut back the symptoms of depression or anxiety. These programs were just as effective as head to head, but face -to -face therapy required a mean of seven.8 times more therapist’s time than online programs.

Evidence of other varieties of digital mental health programs continues to be developing.

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For example, evidence of application for smartphones focused on mental health symptoms is mixed. One sec Some Studies have shown the advantages of mental health from using such applications, others didn’t report differences in symptoms. Researchers suggest These applications must be used with other mental health brackets, not as independent interventions.

Similarly, while the AI ​​chatbots received A recent attentionThere is uncertainty in regards to the safety and effectiveness of those tools as an alternative to therapy.

Chatbots akin to AI “Waebot“In the case of depression, it may possibly provide users with personalized suggestions and support to learn therapeutic techniques. But although chatbots can potentially improve mental health, the outcomes are largely inconclusive Until now. Is also no regulation on this field.

Early research show Some advantages from digital approaches within the treatment of more complex mental health conditions, akin to suicidal and psychosis. But further research is required.

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Do users like them?

Users have reported many advantages to digital mental health services. People Find them comfortable, available, private and inexpensive and are often Very blissful with them.

Digital services have been designed to directly cope with among the major barriers in access to treatment and can reach a major number of people that go to the Internet to acquire details about mental health.

Digital services will also be utilized in the “care” approach to treating mental health problems. This means that folks with less complex or less heavy symptoms first try a low -intensity digital program before “accelerating” to more intensive support. National Health Service of Great Britain Conversation therapy program Uses this model.

The NHS Talking Therapy Program includes the choice of learning cognitive therapy techniques.
NHS/Each mind matters (screenshot)

But some people still prefer face -to -face services. Grounds This includes web communication problems, the perceived lack of treatment and personal connection, in addition to concerns in regards to the quality of care.

Some Australians face challenges related to digital skills and Internet access, which hinders to have interaction in online services.

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Privacy concerns may discourage people from using digital platforms, because they are nervous about how their personal data is stored and made available.

What do clinicians take into consideration them?

Mental health specialists increased their use Digital mental health tools (akin to Consultations of Sweekly) clearly during Covid pandemic. However, many clinicians try to make use of these tools because they haven’t received sufficient training or support.

Even when they are willing, clinicians face barriers within the workplace that hinder their inclusion of their practice. These include:

  • Limited financing and reimbursement of costs
  • unclear rules related to liability and risk management, data storage and security
  • Disturbances of labor flow, akin to the mixing of those tools with existing systems, customer training to make use of them and monitor their use.
The young man talks to his mental health provider
Some patients and clinicians prefer personal therapy.
VH-Studio/Shutterstock

Some clinicians stay skeptic About whether digital services can really match the standard of non-public therapy, which results in hesitation within the advice of them to individuals who can use.

What must occur next?

With mental illness and suicide estimated on the expense Australian economy $ 70 billion a 12 months, there are strong personal, social and financial reasons for supporting progressive solutions that increase access to mental health services.

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But to ensure that digital approaches to achieving full potential, we must increase the ability of labor in the sphere of mental health and support organizations to incorporate digital technologies for his or her practice.

It can also be vital to enhance the consciousness of digital mental health programs and reduce barriers to access to those services or we Risk left The individuals who need them essentially the most.

In the case of Australians with more complex mental health problems or those for whom digital mental health treatment didn’t work, access to non-public therapy and other mental health should remain available. Digital mental health programs are a part of the psychiatric care system, and all sorts of care are replaced.

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

Toni Renee is a cosmetic marketing – essence

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Fold by India Espa-Jones, photos courtesy of Sonia Broman

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What does the cosmetic product turn out to be viral? It’s not nearly amazing ingredients and effectiveness, a luxurious packaging or an inspiring brand founder. In addition, the recipe must include bomb marketing, stories telling and activations across the product itself – because of Masterminds PR and marketing.

And on the subject of influential favorites and celebrities, reminiscent of Eye masks and Eadem’s mouth,, Toni Renee This is a marketing maven behind these important arts. In an exclusive conversation with Essence below, Renee discusses how she began, why she values ​​black start-ups and develops beauty space.

Toni Renee is a cosmetic marketing that is to know

Discovery of the Solange team

After signing up on the University of Cincinnati to go away the mother’s house, collecting tables on the bus didn’t seem so bad. “I went to study without the real direction of what I wanted to do,” says Renee Essence. Soon after, she was discovered by one among Solange’s close friends, Diane “Shabazz” Varni, who saw the potential in her vision.

From there, Renee worked on a platform built across the album Solange, where she wrote about black culture, music, and after a while she had something to say in her social media strategy. Since then, her work included brand and content strategy, influential marketing and each work between them.

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Toni Renee is a cosmetic marketing that is to know

Prioritization of black beauties start-ups

Working with the coach, RCA Records and Magazine, the chance was presented to just accept her multi -faceted talent for L’Oréal. But “I wanted to leave the corporate structure and see if I can do the same marketing level at the startup,” he says. PO will sit with Local founder, olamide olowe“I rejected my position in L’Oréal and went to the town.”

Renee has developed a very deliberate strategy, feeling very “willingly” to strengthen the black cosmetic brand, creating a community around products and types through press tours to places reminiscent of Ghana (i.e. yes Well received by the press) and cooperating with the influential customers with which customers are involved.

Toni Renee is a cosmetic marketing that is to know

Viruses

One of her biggest marketing tricks up to now? Eye masks. “We were going to intend to intend to introduce to the brand and how we wanted the brand to look outside,” says Renee. “I really love to connect the community.” With over 19,000 posts using the #TOPICALS HASHTAG on Tiktok, the creators wear masks under the eyes as a essential beauty accessory in lots of movies. In other words, products are still a hot commodity to this present day.

Working with Ead and Camille Rose

Like her strategy, she had a similar approach to the black brand of Camille Rose hair care and the minority of the French skincare brand EADEM. “I think that the biggest obstacle is to understand that as an audience he becomes younger, they have shorter attention,” he says. “Your marketing and advertising must be a bit more aggressive and to the point.”

Toni Renee is a cosmetic marketing that is to know

Expanding beyond the wonder box

Now Renee has frequently expanded beauty, calling for brand new fields in its portfolio, reminiscent of technology and entertainment. From assistance in influential marketing within the Bumble dating application, to work on several HBO Max projects, its talent can’t be packed in just one brand. “[I’m] You can get out of the corporate rat race and continue to create amazing marketing strategies, “he says. “Freelance consulting is a terrifying space, but these brands trust me, my vision and what I see.”


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

What happens to Wendy Williams? What we know about her recent hospitalization

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Wendy Williams was removed with her assist in New York and brought to the hospital yesterday by the Police Department in New York.

On Monday, March 10, after warning for assist in taking good care of the court, the 60-year-old was the host of Talk show supposedly slipped out the note through the window of her residential assistance in paparazzi, who read “Wendy’s help”, leading Nypd to escort her to the hospital, Post reported.

In January, Williams called the “Breakfast Club” to make clear his situation and ask for help from public opinion. She said The Radio Show that she was forced to live in a security facility in the sphere of security, she had no access to her phone and couldn’t make her own purchases. She added that the guests were forbidden, the elevators are closed and her cats were faraway from her care.

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“I am not cognitively, but I feel that I am in prison,” she said.

“I am in the place where people are in the 90s and 80s and 70s” she added. “Something is wrong with these people on this floor.”

After the interview with “The Breakdeal Club”, her guardian ordered a brand new assessment amongst Wenda’s claims that she shouldn’t be overwhelmed, regardless that she is ruled as such due to the diagnosis of primary progressive aphasia (PPA) and frontal -protective dementia (FTD). TMZ reported That she received a brand new rating – she returned “capacity test” – which he passed with a superb result.

Williams is under court care, and the lawyer Sabrina Morrissey called her guardian, from May 2022 she was taken care of among the many growing health problems and the alleged suspicious activity related to Fargo bank accounts. Speaking of “The Breakfast Club”, the tv personality defined the arrangement as “emotional abuse”.

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“This system is broken,” she said.

Williams also suggested that he didn’t completely support Morrissey to take legal actions against the A & E network so as to emission the explosive documentary film “Where is Wendy Williams?” In 2024, life documentation of Williams Chronicle in the autumn of his program, when he fights the abuse of gear, health problems and financial problems.

Just a number of hours after her appearance on the syndicated radio program, Morrissey submitted a request for a brand new medical assessment.

“In these statements (Williams) indicated that in her opinion she did not suffer from dementia and is not overwhelmed,” he said. “We write this letter today, because during the radio interview this morning (Williams) discussed A&T’s matter and seemed to indicate that she did not want to continue the action.”

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However, the notification noticed that it often happens that somebody with her diagnosis has conscious moments and feels fully capable.

Szemran also appeared, which Williams will appear within the media this week, only this time a call to “View”. Though Her unexpected hospitalization could put the important thing In these plans.

Like the star

(Tagstotranslate) lifestyle

This article was originally published on : thegrio.com
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