Health

Black Americans are encouraged to take proactive steps in managing their health care by advocating for themselves. This includes asking pertinent questions, taking detailed notes, and bringing a loved one for support. Additionally, patients should consider recording conversations with healthcare providers, ensuring all interactions and decisions are documented, and reflecting on the impact their advocacy may have on future patients.

A recent report by The Trevor Project highlights a critical link between economic insecurity, homelessness, and mental health challenges among LGBTQ+ adolescents and young adults. This comes as the federal government plans to terminate funding for a crisis hotline dedicated to LGBTQ+ youth, a move experts warn could endanger lives.

Nearly half of US teens have reduced their smartphone and social media use amid growing concerns about the impact of technology on their mental health and wellbeing, according to a recent Pew Research Center report.

The Trump Justice Department's defense of the Affordable Care Act before the Supreme Court marks a significant shift from its previous stance, potentially enhancing Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s influence over preventive services mandates.

The Makos Swim Team in North St. Louis is promoting participation in swimming among Black and multiracial children while also advocating for water safety within their community.

A Supreme Court case threatens to dismantle a key provision of the Affordable Care Act, which has significantly enhanced health outcomes for Black Americans, potentially leading to increased rates of heart disease, lung cancer, and kidney disease in communities of color.

Period poverty impacts millions of women and girls worldwide, with 40% of women in the United States affected. Men are urged to become allies in advocating for menstrual equity, transcending mere support to actively engage in addressing this pervasive issue.

Black birthing people in the United States face a mortality rate three times higher than that of white women due to pregnancy-related causes. However, advancements in maternal health care, such as the increased availability of certified midwives, doulas, and prenatal care, are contributing to improved outcomes and enhanced support for birthing individuals.

In 2024, there were more than 1 million abortions in the US for the second year in a row, with key changes in how and where women accessed care, including increased virtual clinics and traveling across state lines for care.

The Department of Health and Human Services has dismissed the office tasked with establishing federal poverty guidelines, crucial for determining eligibility for programs like Medicaid and food assistance. This move could result in reduced support for low-income families in the coming year, highlighting significant concerns about social equity and access to essential services.