Category Archives: health

Flint is Still Dealing with the Impact of Poisoned Water

The state of Michigan has just ended the free bottled water program for residents in Flint, Michigan although the process of replacing old lead pipes for thousands of residents continues. Testing shows that lead levels have dropped beneath the federal action limit, but for residents who lived through the state’s mismanagement of the Flint WaterContinue reading “Flint is Still Dealing with the Impact of Poisoned Water”

“In 21st-Century America, no woman should die in childbirth.” … But they do

“Maternity care desert is is where there is limited access for women who are pregnant.”  Access to health care is not just as simple as facilities being open. The distance someone has to travel to get to that facility also matters. The people who live in “Maternity Desert” in Washington , D.C. are predominantly African American,Continue reading ““In 21st-Century America, no woman should die in childbirth.” … But they do”

Get a Flu Shot!

It seems like everywhere I go right now, people are talking about the flu. There are definitely years where it seems like it takes out more people than others, but it does actually seem to be pretty bad this year. Regarding flu deaths this year, the CDC says: The proportion of deaths attributed to pneumonia and influenzaContinue reading “Get a Flu Shot!”

Evidence is a Downer – But We Need It

In a season 6 episode of Parks and Recreation, City Councilwoman Leslie Knope decides to champion adding fluoride to the drinking water to prevent endemic cavities. Leslie, in her usual way, provides ample evidence in large binders supporting her position and expects everyone to join her side. However, her rival on City Council, a corrupt dentist,Continue reading “Evidence is a Downer – But We Need It”

Health in a Natural Disaster – How to Help Puerto Rico

Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria have come and gone, but the destruction of these gigantic weather events remain and will remain through the visible infrastructure damage and the threats to human health. Breaches at water treatment plants and flooded toxic waste sites in Houston pose hazards to people cleaning up and rebuilding their homes. Water-damaged structuresContinue reading “Health in a Natural Disaster – How to Help Puerto Rico”

Links Roundup: The Wellness Industry

Maybe I’m the target demo, but wellness seems pretty inescapable right now. In the context of the “wellness industry” that is primarily marketed toward women, wellness is not just personal health but also a kind of moral superiority. The idea of wellness that is sold by Goop, fitness influencers and celebrity chefs on Instagram is aContinue reading “Links Roundup: The Wellness Industry”