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Healthwatch
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Healthwatch
Healthier Planet, Healthier People
~3.3 mins read
Five small steps toward better health for you and planet Earth.
Everything is connected. You've probably heard that before, but it bears repeating. Below are five ways to boost both your individual health and the health of our planet — a combination that environmentalists call co-benefits.
How your health and planetary health intersect
Back in 1970, Earth Day was founded as a day of awareness about environmental issues. Never has awareness of our environment seemed more important than now. The impacts of climate change on Earth — fires, storms, floods, droughts, heat waves, rising sea levels, species extinction, and more — directly or indirectly threaten our well-being, especially for those most vulnerable. For example, air pollution from fossil fuels and wildfires contributes to lung problems and hospitalizations. Geographic and seasonal boundaries for ticks and mosquitoes, which are carriers of infectious diseases, expand as regions warm.
The concept of planetary health acknowledges that the ecosystem and our health are inextricably intertwined. Actions and events have complex downstream effects: some are expected, others are surprising, and many are likely unrecognized. While individual efforts may seem small, collectively they can move the needle — even ever so slightly — in the right direction.
Five ways to improve personal and planetary health
Adopt plant-forward eating.
This means increasing plant-based foods in your diet while minimizing meat. Making these types of choices lowers the risks of heart disease, stroke, obesity, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and many cancers. Compared to meat-based meals, plant-based meals also have many beneficial effects for the planet. For example, for the same amount of protein, plant-based meals have a lower carbon footprint and use fewer natural resources like land and water.
Remember, not all plants are equal.
Plant foods also vary greatly, both in terms of their nutritional content and in their environmental impact. Learning to read labels can help you determine the nutritional value of foods. It's a bit harder to learn about the environmental impact of specific foods, since there are regional factors. But to get a general sense, Our World in Data has a collection of eye-opening interactive graphs about various environmental impacts of different foods.
Favor active transportation.
Choose an alternative to driving such as walking, biking, or using public transportation when possible. Current health recommendations encourage adults to get 150 minutes each week of moderate-intensity physical activity, and two sessions of muscle strengthening activity. Regular physical activity improves mental health, bone health, and weight management. It also reduces risks of heart disease, some cancers, and falls in older adults. Fewer miles driven in gas-powered vehicles means cleaner air, decreased carbon emissions contributing to climate change, and less air pollution (known to cause asthma exacerbations and many other diseases).
Start where you are and work up to your level of discomfort.
Changes that work for one person may not work for another. Maybe you will pledge to eat one vegan meal each week, or maybe you will pledge to limit beef to once a week. Maybe you will try out taking the bus to work, or maybe you will bike to work when it's not winter. Set goals for yourself that are achievable but are also a challenge.
Talk about it.
It might feel as though these actions are small, and it might feel daunting for any one individual trying to make a difference. Sharing your thoughts about what matters to you and about what you are doing might make you feel less isolated and help build community. Building community contributes to well-being and resilience.
Plus, if you share your pledges and aims with one person, and that person does the same, then your actions are amplified. Who knows, maybe one of those folks along the way might be the employee who decides what our children eat from school menus, or a city planner for pedestrian walkways and bike lanes!
News_Naija
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News_Naija
Sickle Cell Disease And Healthcare Inequities
~4.9 mins read
Sickle cell disease is one of the most common genetic blood disorders in the world. It affects millions globally, with the highest burden seen in people of African, Caribbean, Middle Eastern, and South Asian descent. Despite being a serious, life-limiting illness, SCD has long existed on the margins of medical attention, funding, and healthcare policy, particularly in Western countries, where it disproportionately affects ethnic minority populations. At the heart of the challenges faced by people living with Sickle cell disease is not only the pain and medical complexity of the illness itself, but also the deep-rooted inequities in healthcare access, treatment, research, and attention. These disparities have been highlighted repeatedly in research, testimonies, and tragic cases, yet the pace of change remains frustratingly slow. Understanding the medical impact of SCD SCD causes red blood cells to become rigid and sickle-shaped, impairing their ability to carry oxygen and move smoothly through the bloodstream. This leads to frequent episodes of severe pain (known as crises), fatigue, organ damage, infections, and complications such as stroke, acute chest syndrome, and leg ulcers. The disease is chronic and lifelong, requiring continuous management and monitoring. Treatments exist to improve quality of life, such as hydroxyurea, blood transfusions, and, in some cases, bone marrow transplants. However, management of the disease is heavily reliant on timely, consistent, and informed medical care, precisely where many of the disparities emerge. Inequities in diagnosis and early detection Early diagnosis is critical in managing SCD effectively. In many developed countries, newborn screening for sickle cell is now routine. However, even where such programmes exist, inequities persist in how follow-up care is provided and managed. Inadequate counselling for parents, delays in referral to specialists, and under-resourced paediatric services mean that some children begin life at a disadvantage, even after early detection. In many parts of the developing world, especially in sub-Saharan Africa, where over 75 per cent of global SCD births occur, screening is often unreliable. Children may die undiagnosed in early childhood, with their deaths recorded under vague causes such as “fever” or “infection”. The global inequity in diagnostic infrastructure reflects a wider issue: sickle cell disease is under-prioritised because it affects marginalised populations. Underfunding and limited research Compared to other genetic conditions such as cystic fibrosis, which primarily affects people of European descent, sickle cell disease has historically received far less funding for research and innovation. This disparity is especially stark when considering that SCD is far more prevalent globally. Cystic fibrosis affects about 100,000 people worldwide, while SCD affects over 20 million, yet the former has far greater research investment, dedicated clinics, advocacy support, and pharmaceutical development. This imbalance is not coincidental; it reveals how systemic bias shapes which diseases are considered urgent and worthy of attention. Bias and discrimination in clinical settings Perhaps the most devastating form of inequity for SCD patients is the bias they face when seeking emergency or inpatient care. Many people with SCD report being dismissed, disbelieved, or labelled as drug seekers when they present with pain crises. Their complaints are often minimised, and they may wait hours for pain relief, a delay that can lead to serious complications, or even death. Numerous studies and patient narratives confirm that racial bias and stereotyping play a significant role in how pain is assessed and treated in SCD patients. These patients, often Black or Brown, encounter suspicion instead of compassion, scrutiny instead of care. They are made to feel like intruders in the very system meant to save their lives. This has a chilling effect; many people with SCD delay going to hospital even when they need urgent care, because they fear being mistreated or dismissed. In the long term, this erodes trust in the healthcare system and contributes to poorer outcomes. The role of intersectionality When discussing healthcare inequity, it is vital to understand the intersection of race, disability, and class. Most SCD patients are people of colour. Many live in under-resourced neighbourhoods, and some face additional barriers such as poverty, language difficulties, or immigration status. These layers of identity combine to amplify vulnerability. A Black woman with SCD may be navigating both racial and gender bias when seeking care. An immigrant father with the condition might struggle to access benefits, find suitable employment, or advocate for his child’s needs in a foreign healthcare system. Disparities in treatment are rarely about biology alone. They are about the way systems respond to people who are already marginalised. Mental health: The silent struggle Mental health is another area often neglected in the care of people with SCD. Chronic pain, frequent hospitalisations, social isolation, and the unpredictability of the illness take a toll on emotional well-being. Depression and anxiety are common but rarely addressed. Yet many health systems fail to offer psychological support as a standard part of SCD care. Cultural stigma, a lack of specialist knowledge, and the prioritisation of physical symptoms over emotional distress all contribute to the silence around mental health in the sickle cell community. Moving towards equity: What needs to change Real progress in addressing healthcare inequities for SCD must begin with acknowledging the systemic bias that has allowed them to persist. Several steps can and should be taken: Equitable funding: Governments and research institutions must allocate funding to SCD that reflects its prevalence and impact. Investment in treatment, cures, and support systems must be prioritised. Specialist care access: All patients, regardless of geography, deserve access to specialists familiar with SCD. Telehealth, mobile clinics, and decentralised care models can help bridge the gap. Bias training for healthcare workers: Education on cultural competence, unconscious bias, and patient-centred care should be compulsory for all healthcare professionals. Community-led advocacy: Voices from within the SCD community must be heard and supported. Patients and caregivers are experts in their own lives, and their input is essential in designing services that work. Mental health integration: Counselling, peer support, and trauma-informed care must be embedded into SCD treatment plans. Policy reform: Sickle cell must be recognised and treated as a public health priority, not just in Africa, but in Western nations where healthcare systems still fail to deliver equitable care to ethnic minorities. In conclusion Sickle cell disease is not just a medical condition; it is a litmus test for how we treat people on the margins. The pain endured by patients is not just physical; it is emotional, social, and systemic. While we cannot erase the suffering that SCD brings, we can and must confront the structures that allow some lives to be valued less than others. Healthcare equity isn’t a luxury; it’s a right. And until people living with SCD receive the dignity, care, and attention they deserve, no health system can truly call itself just. Until next time. If you would like to get in touch with me about Sickle Cell, please do so via my email address: [email protected] And do check out my blog: https://www.dailylivingwithsicklecell.com/ My book on Sickle Cell – How to Live with Sickle Cell, and my other books are available for purchase on www.amazon.com.
Read more stories like this on punchng.com
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Healthwatch
Healthier Planet, Healthier People
~3.3 mins read
Five small steps toward better health for you and planet Earth.
Everything is connected. You've probably heard that before, but it bears repeating. Below are five ways to boost both your individual health and the health of our planet — a combination that environmentalists call co-benefits.
How your health and planetary health intersect
Back in 1970, Earth Day was founded as a day of awareness about environmental issues. Never has awareness of our environment seemed more important than now. The impacts of climate change on Earth — fires, storms, floods, droughts, heat waves, rising sea levels, species extinction, and more — directly or indirectly threaten our well-being, especially for those most vulnerable. For example, air pollution from fossil fuels and wildfires contributes to lung problems and hospitalizations. Geographic and seasonal boundaries for ticks and mosquitoes, which are carriers of infectious diseases, expand as regions warm.
The concept of planetary health acknowledges that the ecosystem and our health are inextricably intertwined. Actions and events have complex downstream effects: some are expected, others are surprising, and many are likely unrecognized. While individual efforts may seem small, collectively they can move the needle — even ever so slightly — in the right direction.
Five ways to improve personal and planetary health
Adopt plant-forward eating.
This means increasing plant-based foods in your diet while minimizing meat. Making these types of choices lowers the risks of heart disease, stroke, obesity, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and many cancers. Compared to meat-based meals, plant-based meals also have many beneficial effects for the planet. For example, for the same amount of protein, plant-based meals have a lower carbon footprint and use fewer natural resources like land and water.
Remember, not all plants are equal.
Plant foods also vary greatly, both in terms of their nutritional content and in their environmental impact. Learning to read labels can help you determine the nutritional value of foods. It's a bit harder to learn about the environmental impact of specific foods, since there are regional factors. But to get a general sense, Our World in Data has a collection of eye-opening interactive graphs about various environmental impacts of different foods.
Favor active transportation.
Choose an alternative to driving such as walking, biking, or using public transportation when possible. Current health recommendations encourage adults to get 150 minutes each week of moderate-intensity physical activity, and two sessions of muscle strengthening activity. Regular physical activity improves mental health, bone health, and weight management. It also reduces risks of heart disease, some cancers, and falls in older adults. Fewer miles driven in gas-powered vehicles means cleaner air, decreased carbon emissions contributing to climate change, and less air pollution (known to cause asthma exacerbations and many other diseases).
Start where you are and work up to your level of discomfort.
Changes that work for one person may not work for another. Maybe you will pledge to eat one vegan meal each week, or maybe you will pledge to limit beef to once a week. Maybe you will try out taking the bus to work, or maybe you will bike to work when it's not winter. Set goals for yourself that are achievable but are also a challenge.
Talk about it.
It might feel as though these actions are small, and it might feel daunting for any one individual trying to make a difference. Sharing your thoughts about what matters to you and about what you are doing might make you feel less isolated and help build community. Building community contributes to well-being and resilience.
Plus, if you share your pledges and aims with one person, and that person does the same, then your actions are amplified. Who knows, maybe one of those folks along the way might be the employee who decides what our children eat from school menus, or a city planner for pedestrian walkways and bike lanes!
profile/5170OIG3.jpeg.webp
Healthwatch
Less Butter, More Plant Oils, Longer Life?
~3.1 mins read
Stepping up plant oils while pulling back on butter in our diet may help lengthen lives.
Not such good news for butter lovers like myself: seesawing research on how healthy or unhealthy butter might be received a firm push from a recent Harvard study published in JAMA Internal Medicine. Drawing on decades of data gathered through long-term observational studies, the researchers investigated whether butter and plant oils affect mortality.
One basic takeaway? "A higher intake of butter increases mortality risk, while a higher intake of plant-based oil will lower it," says Yu Zhang, lead author of the study. And importantly, choosing to substitute certain plant oils for butter might help people live longer.
What did the study find about butter versus plant oils?
The researchers divided participants into four groups based on how much butter and plant oils they reported using on dietary questionnaires. They compared deaths among those consuming the highest amounts of butter or plant oils with those consuming the least, over a period of up to 33 years.
Plant oils won out handily. A 15% higher risk of death was seen among those who ate the most butter compared with those who ate the least. A 16% lower risk of death was seen among those who consumed the highest amount of plant oils compared with those who consumed the least.
Higher butter intake also raised risk for cancer deaths. And higher plant oil intake cut the risk for dying from cancer or cardiovascular disease like stroke or heart attack.
While the study looked at five plant oils, only soybean, canola, and olive oil were linked with survival benefits. Swapping out a small amount of butter in the daily diet — about 10 grams, which is slightly less than a tablespoon — for an equivalent amount of those plant-based oils was linked with fewer total deaths and fewer cancer deaths, according to a modeling analysis.
How could substituting plant oils for butter improve health?
"Butter has almost no essential fatty acids and a modest amount of trans fat — the worst type of fat for cardiovascular disease," Dr. Walter C. Willett, professor of epidemiology and nutrition at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School, noted by email.
By contrast, the plant oils highlighted in this study are rich in antioxidants, essential fatty acids, and unsaturated fats, which research has linked to healthier levels of cholesterol and triglycerides and lower insulin resistance.
Especially when substituted for a saturated fat like butter, plant oils also may help lower chronic inflammation within the body. Making such substitutions aligns with American Heart Association recommendations and current Dietary Guidelines for Americans for healthful eating that lower risk for chronic disease.
And for the butter lovers? "A little butter occasionally for its flavor would not be a problem," says Dr. Willett. "But for better health, use liquid plant oils whenever possible instead of butter for cooking and at the table." Try sampling a variety of plant oils, like different olive oils, mustard oil, and sesame oil, to learn which ones you enjoy for different purposes, he suggests. Additionally, a blend or mix of butter with oils — or sometimes a bit of butter on its own — can satisfy taste buds.
What about study limitations and strengths?
The study crunched data collected through a questionnaire answered every four years by more than 221,000 adults participating in the Nurses' Health Study, Nurses' Health Study II, and Health Professionals Follow-Up Study. As is true of all observational studies, this type of research can't prove cause and effect, although it adds to the body of evidence. Because most participants were white health care professionals, the findings may not apply to a wider population.
The researchers adjusted for many variables that can affect health, including age, physical activity, smoking status, and family history of illnesses like cancer and diabetes. The size of the study, the length of follow-up, and multiple adjustments like these are all strengths.
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