Health

Kyhla Desire, who serves as a founding youth board member of the African American Diabetes Association, experienced two misdiagnoses before her family identified her Type 1 diabetes at the age of five. Her journey to obtaining an insulin pump by age 12 was significantly aided by her family's support and her mother's determined advocacy.

Houston's Black farmers are at the forefront of combating food deserts, striving for food justice by ensuring access to fresh produce, educating communities on self-sustenance, and advocating for systemic economic and political reforms.

A recent study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association reveals that women with uterine fibroids face an 81% increased risk of cardiovascular disease, with Black women experiencing a disproportionate impact. The findings underscore the critical need for proactive cardiovascular screening for women diagnosed with fibroids, particularly among Black women who are more frequently affected by this condition.

Abbott Laboratories has issued a warning regarding specific models of its glucose monitors, which may provide inaccurate readings. This malfunction has been linked to 7 fatalities and more than 700 injuries globally. The company advises users to cease using the affected devices and dispose of them immediately.

The US Food and Drug Administration is conducting an investigation into potential links between Covid-19 vaccines and deaths across various age groups, following unsubstantiated claims by a senior official that vaccinations led to the deaths of 10 children.

The CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices has revised its policy on hepatitis B vaccination, moving away from its previous universal birth vaccination recommendation. Instead, the focus will now be on assessing a mother's hepatitis B status during pregnancy, while ensuring the vaccine remains accessible for those who choose it.

Despite progress, the Black community still faces a HIV crisis, with racism and lack of awareness of prevention and care contributing to the issue, according to Rev. Dr. Renee McCoy, an HIV and AIDS program manager for the African Americans Reach and Teach Health Ministry at the University of Washington.

As the holiday season approaches, public health officials are advising individuals to ensure they are vaccinated against flu, COVID-19, RSV, pneumococcal disease, Tdap, MMR & Varicella, and shingles. These vaccinations are crucial for those planning to travel or gather with family, aiming to mitigate the spread of these communicable diseases.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's annual report on abortion trends, typically released in late November, has been postponed until spring amid internal disruptions. The US Department of Health and Human Services attributes the delay to former CDC Chief Medical Officer Dr. Debra Houry and significant layoffs at HHS, impacting the agency's capacity to analyze state-submitted data.

The release of the "Wicked: For Good" film has ignited a nationwide discourse on weight loss, eating disorders, and societal pressures regarding thinness, as the film's lead actresses receive attention for their slender physiques, potentially affecting individuals dealing with eating disorders.