Posted by HUED Admin in General on June 26th, 2022
On June 24, 2022, the Supreme Court released its decision to overturn the federal protection of Roe v. Wade and allow states to set individual precedents. States have already set up trigger laws that immediately impact abortion accessibility for conditions, such as Arkansas and Louisiana. Centers and clinics had to cancel future appointments, which had significant emotional and mental effects on those working at clinics and patients.
Over the past few days, we have seen an outpour of political leaders, businesses, celebrities, and medical professionals sharing how this decision attacks healthcare. Below is an image to illustrate the 26 states that are certain or likely to have an abortion ban according to the Guttmacher Institute:
These bans include:
• Trigger bans
• 6-week bans
• 8-week bans
• Near-total bans
Many states plan not to give exceptions for sexual assault, incest, miscarriage, and ectopic pregnancy, which will lead to trauma and death. States leaning towards a near-total ban are even looking to take legal action against anyone who gets an abortion and those that assist (i.e., driving someone to the clinic). This decision attacks healthcare and will further create health disparities for marginalized Black, Latinx, and Indigenous individuals. Especially when the Supreme Court is looking to overturn laws that give access to contraceptives such as IUDs and Plan B.
Organizations such as Planned Parenthood, Plan C, and the Digital Defense Fund ensure we have the necessary information to access abortions and stay undetected by law enforcement. Below is an infographic that includes tips on how to keep hidden when looking for an abortion.
These tips include:
• Turning off location
• Deleting period tracking apps
• Clearing browser history
• Use Firefox focus instead of the default browser
For those looking to have a better understanding of their state’s new abortion laws and to access and donate to clinics, follow the links below:
• PlannedParenthood.org: Understand access in your state
• AbortionFunds.org: Donate to abortion funds
• KeepOurClinics.org: Independent Support Clinics
• PlanCPills.org: Learn more and buy Abortion Pills
• Plan B: Learn more at Planned Parenthood
For decades we have been able to access abortions and contraceptives, and now the rights of millions are being taken. The following steps are to learn what is happening in your state, share as much information as possible, and vote. During this time, it is also important to rest and recenter as this decision can be overwhelming and disheartening for many.
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Site content is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Posted by HUED Admin in General on April 13th, 2022
Spring is here, and summer is peeking out over the horizon! It is time for spring break, warm weather, vacations, and any excuse you can come up with to clock out early. First, however, we must not forget that we are dealing with a global pandemic. It has been over two years since the start of Covid-19, and the CDC warns of new variants surging.
Frontliners in the pandemic acknowledge the mental toll referred to as “Pandemic Fatigue” of keeping a distance or being aware for over two years. Being mindful is how we can stop the spread and slow the infection rate and mutation of Covid-19. Two significant ways to stop the spread are getting routine tests. Learning more about the covid vaccine is another way to help protect yourself and others fronting the virus.
The good news is we can all still find fun and adventure in the pandemic, and forming connections does not have to be put on the back burner. Below are some ideas and health practices that can help to protect you and your loved ones from Covid-19 while also enjoying the season.
Steps to Ensure Individual and Community Health
Activities In the Pandemic:
The balance between responsibility and fun can take preparation, but it is worth it when it involves protecting our health. So grab your friends and your mask and enjoy the warm weather. Don’t forget to take those covid tests.
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Site content is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Posted by HUED Admin in General on March 23rd, 2022
It has been two years since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, and most people are waiting to see what the new normal” looks like for the world. WHO says over 450,000,000 people have been infected with Covid-19. Many lives have changed due to the social, economic, and health impact that came with the 2020 pandemic. Many individuals are facing the realization that they will become long haulers.
The CDC defines “Longhaul Covid” or “Post Acute Covid Syndrome” as a wide range of new, returning, or ongoing health problems people can experience four or more weeks after being infected with the virus that causes COVID-19. Researchers are still uncovering why symptoms persist or appear weeks after infection, and one theory is the overstimulation of the immune-inflammatory response. Another theory is that our viral defense system’s extended usage causes long-term issues weeks and months after initial infection.
So the question becomes, how many people are impacted by post-acute covid syndrome? The number of people is unknown, but researchers know that anyone can experience long-haul symptoms. In home-isolated, young (16 to 30 years old) nearly 60% reported persistent symptoms at six months after the initial illness. Some experience shifts to normalcy during those months, while others are in a limbo of uncertainty.
Symptoms of long-haul covid can look like:
These symptoms can also be frustrating because they mirror other illnesses or chronic pains we might deal with outside of covid. This pandemic has been challenging, and those with long-term covid symptoms have another component of the pandemic to navigate.
The good news is as we lower infection rates and raise vaccination rates, research is diving deeper into studying long-term covid and its treatments. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) launched a $1.15 billion multiyear research initiative to study the trajectory of their symptoms and long-term effects. Numerous hospitals within the US have also opened long covid clinics incorporating holistic approaches with their clinical practice. Researchers are working tirelessly to gain answers and solutions, but in the meantime, some methods could be beneficial to individuals. Most treatment is individualized and will advocate for psychological counseling due to sudden changes in the quality of life.
HUED offers a directory that connects Black, Latinx, and Indigenous patients with culturally humble medical providers—finding a healthcare provider who is validating your experience and can work with you to find other routes of care.
The impact of our pandemic has been tough on so many of us, and somedays it feels we will not reach out “normal”. So we encourage you to stay safe and stay up to date with the new research and findings of covid-19 and long-haul covid.
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Site content is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
