Fat deposition around the waistline is often considered a risk factor for those with diabetes. But does a smaller waistline always indicate better health? Researchers have found that, in some cases, a larger waist circumference might actually help reduce mortality risk for people with diabetes.
After examining survival data of around 6,600 U.S. adults from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) with diabetes, researchers of a recent study found that the relationship between waist circumference and the risk of death is not linear. This means the risk changes in a more complex pattern, depending on factors like gender.
For women with diabetes, the link between waist size and risk of death follows a U-shape, with the lowest risk at about 42 inches (107 cm), much higher than what is usually considered healthy. However, for each extra centimeter above this, the risk of death increased by 4%, and for each centimeter below, the risk increased by 3%.
In men, the curve is J-shaped, with the lowest risk of death at about 35 inches (89cm). The risk increases by 6% for each centimeter below this threshold and 3% for each centimeter above it. The findings were published in Chronic Metabolic Disease.
However, according to current clinical guidelines, a waist circumference of 35 inches (88 cm) is considered central obesity for women, while for men, it’s 40 inches (102 cm).
The researchers hence believe that their findings suggest a phenomenon called the “obesity paradox.” The concept refers to the idea that, in some cases, being overweight or having a higher body fat percentage than normal might offer some protective benefits.
However, the findings do not mean that having a larger waistline is always better, and the researchers do not suggest all diabetic patients gain weight around the waistline. It is important to note that the study only focused on how the waistline affects mortality risk in diabetes patients without considering other health outcomes. Also, since the study is observational it has not established a cause-and-effect relationship between waist circumference and risk of death.
“Further research is needed to explore the underlying mechanisms rather than promoting preconceived notions about an optimal waist circumference,” the researchers wrote.
Users have taken to social media platforms such as Reddit and X to share horror stories relating to UnitedHealthcare, including situations in which people were left with massive bills or even denied care.
One user took to Reddit to share how one of their patients was denied neurosurgery for chronic migraines.
“Just had a letter sent denying my patient who has chronic migraines from an enlarging meningioma + neuritis. They asked me to monitor for expansion. It’s literally expanding you f—ing piece of dog sh-t… it has nothing to do with the fact that they are 64 and will be Medicare’s problem next year, right?” wrote the user.
The user continued to talk about how they agreed to perform the surgery on their patient for free, and got a free anesthesia service for them as well.
Another user on Reddit shared a story of how they were charged $275,000 for the death of their mother after her insurance was denied for no coverage posthumously.
“I got an early Christmas gift from the hospital where my mom passed 10 months ago. She aspirated while in the hospital for cancer treatment, they did CPR – no pulse and called to tell me she passed, she came back for a few hours but was unconscious of course, then passed again. (Fun fact – she had a DNR. They missed it.)” wrote the user.
“Since they sat on submitting it to her insurance, it was denied for no coverage…. because she was now deceased. Makes sense,” they continued. “So I got this nice little bill. Called the billing department to tell them to shove it. They ask if I want to pay the balance today. Then they tell me ‘we’ll’ go to collections if not.”
Many of these instances and stories have resulted in users ridiculing the late CEO and celebrating his death after they or a close loved one was negatively impacted by their UHC insurance.
Such ridicule made its way to the replies of a post made by Thompson on LinkedIn.
“We work every day to find ways to make #healthcare more affordable, including reducing the cost of life-saving prescription drugs,” Thompson wrote.
One user responded to Thompson’s post with a personal experience of his own relating to UHC.
“Hey Brian. I just spent an hour on the phone battling to get information for my wife with stage 4 cancer. She’s a 45-year-old mother of 4 with an abnormal EGFR gene. I’d love to share my experience with you,” he wrote.
“This message is an example of hypocrisy at its finest. You are denying claims for people who need it,” wrote another user.
Another user chimed in to share how they were charged $20,000 for care as their wife’s pregnancy progressed. They talked about how their employer switched them over to UHC when their wife was already eight months pregnant.
“Just after our baby was born (mid Jan), we filed for reimbursement. To our shock, UHC denied our claim, initially alleging we had failed to notify them. Determined to resolve the issue, we provided evidence of our communication with their representatives, and stating the fact that we got the form posted from UHC to our address. After much back and forth, UHC admitted they were notified but then claimed they never received the form(We posted it back via USPS),” they wrote.
“We turned to the Department of Managed Health Care (DMHC) for help, hoping for a fair resolution. Sadly, they sided with UHC, stating there was no ‘proof’ of their agreement. Left without options, we faced a $20,000 bill, which went to collections,” they continued.
One X user shared how UHC denied hip replacement procedures as “pre-existing conditions’, pointing out how this was in violation of the law.
“So now, @UHC is just blatantly breaking the law by denying a hip replacement as a ‘pre-existing condition.’ He was never seen for his hip prior to seeing me and never diagnosed with arthritis so they just lied. Appeal filed and also denied. This has to stop,” they wrote.
So now, @UHC is just blatantly breaking the law by denying a hip replacement as a “pre-existing condition.”
He was never seen for his hip prior to seeing me and never diagnosed with arthritis so they just lied.
— Very General Orthopaedist (@generalorthomd) June 26, 2024
One woman shared the outrageous cost of her son’s life saving medication even with insurance.
“My 9 year old son needs a medication that even when approved will cost us $9800 a month. I don’t know whether it’s the insurance company’s or the pharma company’s fault, but either way what am I supposed to do as a parent for a medically necessary medication?” she wrote.
My 9 year old son needs a medication that even when approved will cost us $9800 a month. I don’t know whether it’s the insurance company’s or the pharma company’s fault, but either way what am I supposed to do as a parent for a medically necessary medication?
Another X user shared the story of how his son with cerebral palsy was denied a wheelchair to assist with mobility as UHC determined that the additional features that the user requested for the wheelchair were unnecessary.
“TBT to when@UHC#UnitedHealthcare repeatedly denied my son’s wheelchair,” they wrote.
Many users shared stories where medical supplies or procedures were denied for patients undergoing palliative care. One such story includes a patient with ALS who was denied a saline nebulizer solution.
“Had UHC refuse the saline nebulizer solution I ordered for an ALS patient on palliative care. Had to waste 45 minutes both with an online form then a call to get it approved so the poor patient could thin their secretions enough to help them suction… it would have cost under twenty dollars for the thirty saline neb vials I ordered,” shared a Reddit user.
Horror stories of unaffordable and poor healthcare continue to flood social media in the wake of the UnitedHealthcare CEO’s death.
The holiday season is all about festive cheer, family gatherings, and kids enjoying extra time with grandparents and extended family. But amidst the laughter and celebrations, there should be extra caution to avoid unexpected hazards.
Dr. Meghan Martin, a Florida-based pediatric emergency physician known on TikTok as Beachgem10, is raising the alarm about an unexpected holiday hazard she calls “Granny’s purse syndrome.” This happens when curious young children get into their grandparents’ unsecured medications, often left on low shelves, in handbags, or non-child-resistant containers.
“Around 20 percent of poisonings that happen in young kids are related to accidentally swallowing their grandparent’s medications,” Dr. Martin said in her video.
“Grandparents are not used to having kids around, often their medications are on low shelves or in their purses or in medication containers that are not child resistant,” Dr. Martin said.
“Some of these medications can be really dangerous, they can be pain pills, antidepressants, heart medications, blood pressure medications, or diabetes medications,” she added. The effects of these medications on children can be so severe that even a single pill might lead to toxic ingestion, posing serious health risks.
To keep kids safe, Dr. Martin recommends storing medications in locked cabinets and avoiding leaving them in easily accessible places like backpacks or purses, which curious little hands can easily open. It is also important to avoid taking medication in front of kids who might imitate the act. “Never refer to medication as candy, medication is not okay to eat, candy is okay to eat,” she said.
Every year around 49 kids below the age of 10 lose their lives to accidental poisoning, according to the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates.
“While the holiday season is a time of celebration, it is also a time of increased poisonings risks and hazards in the home,” a CDC newsletter cautioned. “Be sure to have guests keep all their personal items, such as purses and travel bags, out of reach of children and pets. Depending on the medication ingested, there can be a vast variety of symptoms and severity,” the CDC stated.
Accidental poisoning can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention, so it’s important not to wait for symptoms to appear before seeking help. If you suspect poisoning, call 911 or Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 right away for help.
A strange condition known as “Werewolf Syndrome” has left nearly a dozen babies in Spain covered in hair, with extreme cases even resembling the iconic Wookiees from Star Wars. The rare disorder, officially called Hypertrichosis, is believed to be triggered by the parents’ use of a hair loss remedy, according to a recent report.
Hypertrichosis occurs when individuals have excessive hair growth anywhere on the body. While some people are born with it due to genetic mutations (congenital hypertrichosis), others can develop it later in life (acquired hypertrichosis). The condition can be triggered by factors like certain medications, autoimmune disorders, or even malnutrition. Antibiotics such as streptomycin, anti-inflammatory drugs like benoxaprofen and corticosteroids, or the use of antiseptics with hexachlorobenzene are also known triggers.
According to the report from El Economista, a Spanish news outlet, Navarra Pharmacovigilance Centre, detected 11 babies with Hypertrichosis or “Werewolf Syndrome,” after being exposed to minoxidil, a hair loss medication used by their parents. The drug is believed to have transferred from adults to infants through direct skin contact or by the babies sucking on contaminated surfaces, which may have affected their systems.
“The skin of young children is more permeable due to the thinner layer of their stratum corneum, as they have a greater surface area/body weight ratio. For this reason, they are more easily able to absorb drugs administered topically systemically,” Navarra Pharmacovigilance Centre explained in the El Economista report as translated by Google.
The patients were tested for exposure to other medications and investigated for other possible triggers. The symptoms reportedly subsided after stopping contact with the medication.
Minoxidil, available in both solution and foam forms, is commonly used to promote hair growth, especially in the treatment of male pattern baldness. It belongs to a class of drugs called vasodilators, which work by improving blood flow to hair follicles and stimulating hair growth.
Although generally safe, minoxidil can cause some side effects, including burning, stinging, or redness at the application site. In rare cases, the medication could be absorbed through the skin and may cause more serious effects such as unwanted facial or body hair, dizziness, fast or irregular heartbeat, fainting, chest pain, swelling in the hands or feet, unusual weight gain, fatigue, or difficulty breathing.
A quick swipe of sunscreen, a spritz of hairspray, and a splash of perfume, your morning makeup routine may seem minimal and harmless. But did you know that you could have already come in contact with potentially harmful chemicals? Phthalates, commonly found in several everyday makeup products, could be gradually entering your body.
Phthalates are colorless, odorless chemicals often called plasticizers used in cosmetics and personal care products. The most common types of phthalates include dibutylphthalate (DBP), used in nail polishes to reduce cracking, dimethylphthalate (DMP), found in hair sprays to create a flexible film, and diethylphthalate (DEP), used as a solvent and fixative in fragrances.
Although DBP and DMP are rarely used, DEP is still commonly found in cosmetics, according to FDA estimates.
Potential Effects Of Phthalates:
Phthalates are endocrine-disrupting chemicals that can affect hormones, which impacts development and fertility. Higher phthalate levels are linked to lower sperm concentration and motility in men, while girls exposed to higher levels of phthalates may experience early puberty.
Studies have shown that pregnant women with higher phthalate levels in their urine are more likely to have a preterm birth. Researchers also noted that offspring who had prenatal phthalate exposure may be at risk of lower scores on mental and psychomotor development indices at 6 months old.
Apart from reproductive health and development, regular exposure to phthalates can harm various organ systems and affect longevity. Research has shown links between high levels of phthalate exposure to early death in older adults.
Studies have shown that not all forms of phthalates are carcinogenic, however, exposure to certain types can elevate the risk of estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer.
How to reduce your daily exposure:
Under FDA regulations, companies must list on the label if their products contain them, so checking labels and avoiding personal care products with phthalates can help reduce exposure. However, cosmetics and personal care products are not the only sources. Phthalates can also enter your body through food packaged in plastic that contains these chemicals. Using microwave-safe, phthalate-free containers can reduce this risk.
Other potential sources include carpets, upholstery, wall coverings, and wood finishes. You may be more likely to be exposed if you work in painting, printing, or plastics processing. Also, individuals with medical conditions like kidney disease or hemophilia may face higher exposure, as kidney dialysis and blood transfusions often use IV tubing and other supplies made with phthalates. Patients with these conditions should request phthalate-free medical devices.
With the rise in cancer diagnoses, it’s high time we pay attention to what we consume daily, including food and water. Could your drinking water be a source of exposure to carcinogenic metals? A recent study conducted in Texas found that even low levels of arsenic in water, below the regulatory threshold of 10 parts per billion, could pose health risks, including an increased risk of kidney cancer.
In the latest study, researchers from the Texas A&M University School of Public Health investigated the link between arsenic levels in drinking water and kidney cancer rates across 240 Texas counties. Arsenic is naturally present in groundwater in Texas and other regions.
Kidney cancer is the seventh most common cancer in the U.S. It has an age-adjusted incidence rate of 17.2 per 100,000 people from 2017 to 2021. Several factors can increase the risk, including being male, African American, or having a family history of the disease. In addition, lifestyle choices such as smoking, alcohol use, and obesity, along with health conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, and advanced kidney disease, can elevate the risk. Studies also show that exposure to certain chemicals, such as trichloroethylene, may increase the risk of developing kidney cancer
The latest study results suggest a dose-response relationship between arsenic in drinking water and kidney cancer, with cancer risk increasing by 4% with each doubling of arsenic levels. The researchers also noted that moderate levels (1–5 ppb) and high levels (>5 ppb) of arsenic exposure raised cancer risk by 6% and 22%, respectively.
“Some public water systems are poorly managed and could expose customers to arsenic, but the 40 million people in the United States who rely on private wells are particularly vulnerable,” said Taehyun Roh, from the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics who was involved in the study.
“This [study] suggests that even low-level arsenic exposure in drinking water may be associated with an increased risk of kidney cancer, which aligns with previous research indicating an association between this exposure and lung, bladder, and skin cancers,” Roh said.
The researchers caution that the study establishes associations between factors but does not prove causality. They emphasize the need for future studies to assess the effects of factors such as lifestyle, family history of kidney cancer, and other potential sources of arsenic exposure. However, based on the findings, researchers call for stricter regulation and targeted public health interventions.
“Our findings indicate that reducing arsenic exposure could reduce the incidence of kidney cancer, and this could be achieved through efforts such as enhanced regulatory oversight and targeted public health interventions,” Nishat Tasnim Hasan, a researcher involved said.
Severe menstrual cramps can affect a woman’s mood and her mental well-being. However, a new study reveals a surprising twist: depression may actually trigger severe period pain, with sleep deprivation worsening its severity.
Dysmenorrhea, or severe period pain, affects around 15% of women and typically occurs just before menstruation, and subsides after a few days. If the menstrual cramps occur without any underlying condition, it is called primary dysmenorrhea. This type of period pain is often caused by high levels of prostaglandins, hormone-like substances that increase uterine contractions. Secondary dysmenorrhea, however, is caused by medical conditions like endometriosis or uterine fibroids.
In the latest study published in Briefings in Bioinformatics, researchers discovered that depression significantly impacts primary dysmenorrhea after evaluating around 600,000 cases from European populations and 8,000 from East Asian populations, finding a strong link in both groups. The researchers also conducted a genome-wide association study and identified key genes and proteins involved in this interaction.
“Our findings provide preliminary evidence that depression may be a cause, rather than a consequence, of dysmenorrhea as we did not find evidence that period pain increased the risk of depression,” said lead author Shuhe Liu from China’s Xi’an Jiaotong – Liverpool University.
Another interesting observation was that sleeplessness, commonly experienced by those with depression, played a key role in connecting depression and dysmenorrhea.
“We found that increased sleep disturbances could exacerbate menstrual pain. Addressing sleep issues may therefore be crucial in managing both conditions,” Liu said.
However, larger studies and biological experiments are needed to fully understand the causal association between menstrual pain and depression. Meanwhile, based on the current findings, the researchers are calling for improved mental health screening for individuals suffering from dysmenorrhea. Liu explained that this could lead to more personalized treatment options, reduced stigma, and better healthcare for those affected.
“Depression and menstrual pain significantly impact women’s lives across the world, yet their connection remains poorly understood. Our collective goal is to critically investigate these issues and improve care for women by uncovering these complex connections and finding better ways to address them,” lead author Dr. John Moraros, from the Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University in China told CNN.
For millions of people struggling with asthma or COPD, a higher dose of an existing antibody injection could be a total game changer, a recent trial results reveal.
According to the study conducted by a research team from the University of Oxford and Kings College London, a single injection of a monoclonal antibody, benralizumab, could be more effective than standard steroid tablets during asthma or COPD flare-ups.
Flare-ups, or attacks, occur when asthma symptoms suddenly worsen, causing shortness of breath, chest tightness or pain, coughing, and wheezing. Several factors such as respiratory infections, smoke, hot and humid air, or pollen can trigger flare-ups.
Benralizumab is currently used to reduce inflammation in severe asthma by targeting specific white blood cells called eosinophils. Researchers have now found that repurposing the same drug at a higher dosage to manage “eosinophilic exacerbations” could reduce the need for further treatments by 30%.
Eosinophilic exacerbations are a particular type of flare-up caused by elevated eosinophil levels. They constitute 30% of COPD flare-ups and almost 50% of asthma attacks.
“This could be a game-changer for people with asthma and COPD. Treatment for asthma and COPD exacerbations have not changed in 50 years, despite causing 3.8 million deaths worldwide a year combined. Benralizumab is a safe and effective drug already used to manage severe asthma. We’ve used the drug in a different way – at the point of an exacerbation – to show that it’s more effective than steroid tablets which is the only treatment currently available,” said lead investigator of the trial Professor Mona Bafadhel in a news release.
During the trial, researchers evaluated 158 patients for asthma or COPD symptoms by assessing the severity of their cough, wheezing, breathlessness, and sputum. Participants were divided into three treatment groups: one received a benralizumab injection and dummy tablets, another received the standard of care (30 mg of prednisolone daily for five days) and a dummy injection, and the third group received both a benralizumab injection and the standard of care.
Participants treated with benralizumab showed improved respiratory symptoms, including reduced cough, wheezing, breathlessness, and sputum, after 28 days. Additionally, the benralizumab group had four times fewer people that failed treatment compared to the standard of care with prednisolone.
“Treatment with the benralizumab injection took longer to fail, meaning fewer episodes to see a doctor or go to hospital. There was also an improvement in the quality of life for people with asthma and COPD,” the news release stated.
“Our study shows massive promise for asthma and COPD treatment. COPD is the third leading cause of death worldwide but treatment for the condition is stuck in the 20th century. We need to provide these patients with life-saving options before their time runs out,” Dr Sanjay Ramakrishnan, the first author of the trial said.
Here’s another reason to put that bag of processed snacks aside. Ultra-processed foods, already linked to heart problems and metabolic disorders, may also trigger psoriasis, according to new research.
Psoriasis is an autoimmune disorder that affects the skin, causing inflamed, red, raised patches that often develop into silvery scales, typically on the scalp, elbows, knees, and lower back.
Ultra-processing involves the use of several additives, salts, oils, preservatives, and other ingredients to the food to improve its shelf life, appearance, and taste. A few examples of ultra-processed food are frozen meals, processed meats, soft drinks, sweetened breakfasts, packaged chips, cakes, pretzels, and cookies.
Earlier studies have shown that frequent consumption of ultra-processed food raises the risk of insomnia, heart disease, cancer, and premature death. It is also linked to elevated risk of obesity and inflammatory bowel disease.
While common known triggers of psoriasis include stress, certain medications, skin injuries, strep infections, smoking, and alcohol use, the latest study explored the connection between ultra-processed food consumption and psoriasis incidence.
To establish the link, a research team led by Dr. Emilie Sbidian, a dermatologist at Henri-Mondor Hospital in Créteil, France, examined data from over 18,500 individuals in a health database. Among this cohort, 1,825 had psoriasis, with 802 cases considered “active.” The participant’s food intake, particularly the consumption of ultra-processed food items was recorded using questionnaires.
Analysis revealed a significant finding: among those with active psoriasis, 36% were in the highest third of daily ultra-processed food intake when compared to individuals who had never experienced psoriasis. The association remained significant even after adjusting for factors such as age, alcohol intake, body mass index, and other underlying health conditions.
“Results of this study showed an association between high ultra-processed food intake and active psoriasis status,” researchers concluded.
However, the researchers caution that the findings are based on an observational study, which only demonstrates a correlation and cannot establish a definitive cause-and-effect relationship between ultra-processed food consumption and psoriasis.
“More large-scale studies are needed to investigate the role of [ultra-processed food] intake in psoriasis onset,” the researchers wrote.
Since the study population consisted of a relatively healthier cohort compared to the general French population, the findings may not be fully representative. Also, another limitation of the study is the potential misclassification of psoriasis, as it relied on self-reported data.
Breaking down barriers in women’s healthcare remains a critical challenge in modern medicine, particularly in underserved communities. While urban centres often have multiple healthcare options, rural areas still need to improve their access to specialized medical care, especially in obstetrics and women’s health.
The Alberta College of Family Physicians recently highlighted achievements in developing sustainable healthcare solutions with their Recognition of Excellence award, emphasizing the importance of effective approaches in bridging these healthcare gaps.
Dr. Stephanie Efua Sobotie, recipient of this recognition, brings unique experience in developing healthcare solutions across diverse settings. From responding to critical needs in Ghana’s Kuntanase Government Hospital, where she established a blood bank after personally donating blood to save a patient’s life, to helping develop the obstetric program in Kindersley, Saskatchewan, her work demonstrates the impact of targeted healthcare initiatives.
Now, as a family physician with a Certificate of Added Competence in obstetric surgical skills at Bow Trail Medical Clinic in Calgary and a clinical lecturer at the Cumming School of Medicine, she continues to address healthcare accessibility challenges. We sat down with Dr. Sobotie to explore what it takes to create compelling healthcare solutions and how connecting rural and urban healthcare experiences can improve medical care delivery.
Image Courtesy of Dr. Stephanie Efua Sobotie
Dr. Sobotie, as the first female physician in your family, what does ‘redefining women’s healthcare’ mean to you?
When I consider redefining women’s healthcare, I envision creating a truly accessible system that addresses unique medical needs that have been historically overlooked. This vision was sparked early in my life when I noticed I could be the first woman physician in my family.
At Bow Trail Medical Clinic in Calgary, we’ve built a women’s clinic that goes beyond primary care to address comprehensive health concerns throughout every life stage. But meaningful change requires reaching underserved communities, too. In Ghana’s Kuntanase Government Hospital, we established a program that successfully reduced maternal mortality rates in the Ashanti region. This work continued in Canada, where we’ve focused on bringing essential services to areas with limited healthcare access.
Redefining healthcare also means preparing future generations of medical professionals. Through my role at the Cumming School of Medicine, I work to ensure that tomorrow’s healthcare providers understand the importance of advocating for women’s health needs and creating sustainable, accessible care systems.
From Ghana to Canada, you’ve seen various challenges in medicine. In your opinion, what obstacles still exist for women in healthcare – both for doctors and patients?
Based on my experience working across different healthcare systems, I’ve observed that access to specialized care remains a significant challenge, particularly in rural and underserved areas. This became evident during my time at Kuntanase Government Hospital, where we faced critical resource limitations – like not having a blood bank, which could have devastating consequences for women requiring emergency care.
There are still barriers for women physicians in specific specialized fields. While I initially wanted to specialize in Trauma and orthopaedic surgery, my journey led me to family medicine, where I could make the most significant impact. However, I obtained additional qualifications, like my Certificate of Added Competence in obstetric surgical skills, to provide comprehensive care, especially in underserved areas.
From my current perspective at the women’s clinic in Calgary, I see how these challenges manifest differently but persist even in well-resourced settings. Mental health support accessibility, for instance, remains a critical issue.
I’ve witnessed firsthand how delays in accessing mental health services can have severe consequences for patients. These experiences have shaped my approach to creating more inclusive and comprehensive healthcare programs that address immediate medical needs and long-term wellness support.
As part of Bow Trail Medical Clinic, you’ve helped establish a specialized women’s health division. What unique healthcare challenges are you aiming to address through this initiative?
Through our women’s clinic in Calgary, we’re addressing several critical needs I’ve identified throughout my career. Working as a primary care physician in rural and urban settings, I’ve seen how crucial it is to provide comprehensive women’s healthcare beyond essential medical services.
Our clinic focuses on providing continuous care throughout a woman’s life journey. Hospital privileges allow me to offer complete obstetric care, including surgical deliveries when necessary. This comprehensive approach is critical given my experience establishing obstetric programs from Ghana to Saskatchewan, where I’ve seen how integrated care can significantly improve outcomes.
Additionally, based on my experience as a family physician with obstetric surgical skills, I recognized the need for specialized services that bridge the gap between primary care and specialized obstetrics. This is especially important as we aim to reduce barriers to accessing quality healthcare. We’re creating a model where women can receive coordinated care, from routine check-ups to more complex procedures, all within a familiar and supportive environment.”
You received the Recognition of Excellence from the Alberta College of Family Physicians for contributing to family medicine. How does this experience help you create a more inclusive healthcare environment?
Recognition of Excellence reinforced my commitment to building inclusive healthcare systems. This recognition reflects our success in implementing comprehensive care approaches that I’ve developed throughout my career. As a Family Practice Assessor for the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta, I work to ensure high standards of care across diverse medical environments.
This experience, combined with my clinical teaching at the Cumming School of Medicine, helps me promote inclusive practices among the next generation of physicians.
You’ve created sustainable medical solutions in different settings, from establishing a blood bank in Kuntanase Hospital to developing the obstetric program in Kindersley. How do these projects help overcome systemic barriers to healthcare access?
Each project emerged from real, urgent needs I witnessed firsthand. I’ll never forget that critical moment in Kuntanase when I had to donate my blood to save a patient with a ruptured ectopic pregnancy. That experience wasn’t just about saving one life – it revealed a systemic gap that needed addressing.
Establishing the blood bank wasn’t just about creating a facility; it was about ensuring that no other woman would face that same life-threatening situation due to a lack of resources.
In Kindersley, Saskatchewan, we faced different challenges but similar underlying issues of access to care. Developing the obstetric program there wasn’t just about adding services – it was about creating pathways for family physicians to gain advanced obstetric skills, ensuring sustainable care in rural communities.
I’ve learned from working in these diverse settings that sustainable solutions must grow from local needs while maintaining consistent quality standards.
These experiences taught me that overcoming healthcare barriers isn’t just about building facilities or programs – it’s about understanding community needs, training healthcare providers, and creating systems that can continue serving people long after initial implementation. Whether in Ghana or Canada, the principles remain the same:
Listen to the community.
Identify the critical gaps.
Build solutions that can stand the test of time.
Your recent article in WJARR and upcoming publications in Arjonline explore essential aspects of women’s health. How does your research contribute to changing approaches in women’s healthcare?
This research grew directly from my experience working with patients and seeing how physical Trauma during childbirth can have lasting effects on both mental and physical well-being. By publishing these findings, we’re helping to highlight the interconnected nature of women’s health issues.
This is particularly important for healthcare providers in urban and rural settings, where understanding these connections can lead to better patient care. The research also supports what I’ve implemented in practice – the importance of considering both immediate medical needs and long-term well-being in women’s healthcare.
These publications contribute to a growing body of evidence supporting more integrated approaches to women’s healthcare. These approaches move beyond treating isolated symptoms to understanding and addressing the full spectrum of women’s health needs.
What healthcare barriers for women do you plan to overcome shortly?
I want to help people who previously did not have access to high-quality medicine. Based on my experience from Ghana to Canada, I aim to continue developing sustainable healthcare programs in underserved communities, focusing on integrating mental health support with primary care services.
Through my teaching roles at the Cumming School of Medicine and clinical practice, I’m committed to training the next generation of healthcare providers to understand and address the unique challenges women face in accessing comprehensive healthcare.
Imagining medicine 10 years from now, what should a truly inclusive and sustainable healthcare system look like?
A truly inclusive and sustainable healthcare system should combine the best elements I’ve seen work in different settings – from rural Ghana to urban Canada. It should ensure that every woman can access comprehensive care, regardless of location.
This means integrating primary care with specialized services, particularly in underserved areas, while maintaining strong connections between community clinics and larger medical centres. Mental health support should be readily available, and healthcare providers should be trained to deliver culturally competent care. Most importantly, it should be a system that grows and adapts with its communities, ensuring long-term sustainability.
