May 20, 2013

CGIU 2013: Recollections from a First-Timer

Attending this year's Clinton Global Initiative University at the beautiful Washington University at St. Louis was an amazing and often, surprising, experience. Although I was fully aware  that I was attending a conference filled with some of our generation's next world leaders and change-makers, I was still surprised by the brightness and passion that every young person  exhibited for their "commitment to action". Each year, Clinton Global Initiative University, or CGIU, brings together students, youth organizations, expert panelists and celebrity … [Read more...]

DOMA: Where to Draw the Line

rainbow

As the Supreme Court proceeds forward with other cases this week, it is becoming increasingly evident that the United States is at a political and social turning point.  Wednesday's hearings focused on the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). Section 3 of this law denies federal rights and benefits to same-sex couples given freely to heterosexual couples. Over the next few months, justices will deliberate, write their opinions, and vote on same-sex couples' eligibility for federal programs and benefits. Many Americans, including young Americans, have … [Read more...]

Syria: Political Struggles Stunt Humanitarian Aid Efforts

UN agencies have warned that a mounting humanitarian crisis is occurring in Syria, with an estimated four million people in need of food, water, and adequate shelter. Another 850,000 people are living as refugees in neighboring countries while thousands flee each day. Since the uprising began in March 2011, an estimated 70,000 people have perished due to the conflict1. In late January, President Obama released a statement that he had authorized an additional $155 million to provide humanitarian relief to the millions of Syrians displaced by the … [Read more...]

People Over Politics: What Palestine’s New UN Member Status Means for Palestinian Healthcare

People Over Politics

Yesterday’s decision by the U.N. General Assembly to officially recognize Palestine as a “non-member observer state” was a landmark event for the people of Palestine--and their future health status. The Israeli-Palestinian conflict has had long-term consequences that made Palestinian health workers’ and humanitarian groups’ jobs extremely difficult in addressing the grave health outcomes of the population.  Health centers have faced shortages of medication and medical supplies as a result of Israeli sanctions coupled with a financially … [Read more...]

Why Black Friday is Bad for your Health

Wal-Mart shoppers

The Thanksgiving feast has been cleared away and family members have retired for the night. For some though, the night has only begun. Black Friday for many people in the United States is a time of anticipation, excitement, and little sleep. The promise of early bird specials on a bevy of products from TVs to DVDs lures customers to spend hours, and even days, waiting in line outside of big box retailers to get their share. With that mounting anticipation are some very real dangers to the public’s health. In 2008, a Wal-Mart employee was fatally … [Read more...]

What’s in Store: The Healthcare Status Quo

affordable-care-act_ucpoc

In less than a week’s time, the next President of the United States will be decided. Relevant issues that shape the 2012 presidential election, such as the economy and healthcare, challenge Independents, Democrats, and Republicans to cast their votes for the candidate they trust most to overcome the country’s most pressing problems.1 The healthcare system in this country has a serious problem. Here are just a few interesting statistics: - The United States is the only wealthy, industrialized nation that does not have an established universal … [Read more...]

What’s in Store: The Role of Government in Determining Women’s Health

birth control

Reminiscent of the presidential elections in 2008, both Democratic and Republican parties are fighting a tough war to win women voters, a key demographic in winning this year’s upcoming election.8 In the second addition to the “What’s in Store” series, I wanted to introduce readers to the platforms each candidate has on women’s key health issues such as abortion and contraceptive use. The candidates shared some of their views in regards to women’s health: Mitt Romney/Paul Ryan: - argues that Roe v. Wade should be overturned by the … [Read more...]

What’s in Store: Medicaid Expansion is an Uphill Battle

medicaid-e1308748935588

With the recent conclusion of the presidential debates and the 2012 U.S. presidential election fast approaching, there has been a great amount of interest about the state of healthcare and the direction it will take after November 6, 2012.  These pressing topics are intimately linked with the institution of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA), commonly known as Obamacare, which was passed into law in 2010.1,2,3 The first of three blogs in the “What’s in Store” series, I want to clarify and explain issues that were mentioned … [Read more...]