Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

A woman in a sleeveless green dress stands at a clear podium, speaking into a handheld microphone. She has long, dark hair and wears a pink ribbon pin, symbolizing breast cancer awareness. A projection screen behind her shows a live feed of her speech.

Breast cancer survivor Karla Mingo shares her journey to inspire women and emphasize the life-saving importance of early detection.

A smiling young woman with braided hair, wearing a light-colored blazer and watch, holding a grey coffee mug with both hands. She is sitting in a modern, well-lit office space with green plants in the background.
Black women deserve to practice self-care, even while navigating the demands of the workplace.
istock - PeopleImages
Empowering Minority Women Through Genetic Testing: Bridging Gaps in Awareness and Access

Kimberly VanYsseldyk, MN, FNP-BC, AOCNP, ACGN, CGRA — a highly respected Nurse Practitioner —works diligently with the National Consortium of Breast Centers to improve information about Cancer Genetic Risk Assessments.

Dr. Sidney Coupet

How to Make Informed Healthcare Decisions

How to Make Informed Healthcare Decisions
https://coupetqualityclinic.com/

In your daily life, you constantly evaluate, negotiate, and try to make sense of the information you receive, especially as it relates to your health and healthcare.

Does it make sense to take this or that medication? Is now the right time for a procedure or surgery? These are common questions you ask yourself.


There are three steps to take when making healthcare decisions.

One: Rely on Historical Information and Research

First, rely on the valuable historical information and research already done on the particular disease or treatment. If that approach has been around for decades, chances are it will be around for another decade. This historical data provides a solid foundation for understanding the effectiveness and reliability of the treatment.

Two: Know the General Risks and Benefits

Second, know the risks and benefits of every treatment plan, especially for new ones with little history. Understanding these can help you weigh your options better and make a more informed decision about your health.

Three: Understand Your Personal Risks and Benefits

Finally, you need to know your personal risks and benefits. Talking to your doctor will help you get that personalized information.

These three steps are paramount before choosing, selecting, or deciding on what to do with your health and healthcare.

The Importance of PAP Smears

Ladies, this process of screening for cervical cancer can save your life. Cervical cancer starts with premalignant cells on the cervix that don't typically cause symptoms. These cells can develop into advanced cervical cancer, which is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in women worldwide.

We also know that the sexually transmitted infection HPV (Human Papilloma Virus) is linked to cervical cancer, which is why we recommend screening early. Thanks to the Greek scientist Georgios Papanikolaou, who invented the PAP smear test in 1920, this preventative test has saved many lives and will most likely continue to do so for many more years. The history of this test is rich and overwhelmingly convincing in demonstrating its benefits.

Knowing your personal risks and benefits of this test is crucial. Over the past 100 years, we've learned that this test should be done at least every two years, starting at age 21 or when you start having intercourse, whichever comes first.

For women between the ages of 30 and 65, it's recommended to check for HPV along with the PAP test, which can then be done every three years. Make sure to talk to your doctor about when to start screening and how often to get screened.

The Necessity of Colonoscopy

Colonoscopies are done to catch colon cancer at its early stages before it becomes advanced and reaches a point of no return.

You might ask, "How much time do I really have? When is the perfect time to get my colonoscopy?"

Thanks to decades of data and a history of observing colon cancer, we know a lot. Back in the 1990s, nationwide recommendations for colonoscopy screening were released. Awareness increased significantly after President Ronald Reagan underwent his life-saving colonoscopy procedure. The health community is now moving towards recommending colon cancer screening at even earlier ages.

Your actual risk for colon cancer is discovered at the individual level. Colon cancer is influenced by both environmental and genetic factors that you may or may not control. You may need early screening if you have a family history of colon cancer, or you may need it if you are having symptoms like blood in your stool.

Speak to your doctor to find out the best time for you to start your screening.

Understanding Metformin

Metformin is a diabetic medication that has been around since 1957. It was developed by a French physician using an herbal medicine called Galega Officinalis.

Metformin has been used for six decades, which means 60 years of information prove it to be safe and effective in treating type 2 diabetes mellitus. It is still considered the first-line treatment for diabetes and is the most prescribed oral diabetic medication worldwide.

Knowing the risks and benefits of taking Metformin is essential.

The benefit is simple: better blood-sugar control. It works.

The risks include:

  • abdominal cramping
  • nausea
  • diarrhea
  • vitamin B12 deficiency
  • headache
  • dizziness, and
  • flatulence

However, these side effects are rare, seen in only one to ten percent of the people who take it.

One serious side effect worth mentioning is lactic acidosis, which is so unlikely that its frequency is not even defined in the literature. It occurs in less than 1% of people. This is more of a warning for physicians about people with kidney problems who take Metformin.

Know your personal risks and benefits with Metformin. It starts with your trusted physician assessing that your risk for side effects is extremely low compared to the benefits you would have with this medication. The benefits, such as controlled blood sugars, outweigh the risks, preventing heart problems, kidney problems, and even blindness.

So, deciding whether to take the Metformin your doctor recommended? You now have some history and background information about Metformin. You understand this drug's true risks and benefits, but most importantly, you know how to obtain information about your personal risks and benefits. Remember, your ultimate strategy is one you co-create with your physician.

Wrapping It Up

Making informed healthcare decisions involves 1) understanding historical data, 2) knowing the risks and benefits of treatments, and 3) considering your personal health factors.

Whether you're getting a PAP smear, deciding on a colonoscopy, or taking Metformin, these steps will help you make the best choices for your health.

Always consult with your doctor to tailor decisions to your specific needs, ensuring you benefit from both medical advancements and personalized care. Your health is too important to leave to chance—make informed decisions today.

More Stories

A smiling young woman with braided hair, wearing a light-colored blazer and watch, holding a grey coffee mug with both hands. She is sitting in a modern, well-lit office space with green plants in the background.
Black women deserve to practice self-care, even while navigating the demands of the workplace.
istock - PeopleImages

From Burnout to Balance: Why Black Women Must Prioritize Self-Care at Work

By the time Alexis walks into the office, she’s already exhausted. She was up before dawn making sure her kids had what they needed for school, checking in on her aging mother, and answering a few work emails before she even stepped out the door. At work, she’s the go-to problem solver, the reliable one, the woman who “somehow does it all.” But beneath her polished exterior, she carries the weight of unspoken expectations, microaggressions, and the constant pressure to prove herself. The stress lingers in her tight shoulders, her pounding headaches, and the emotional eating she turns to late at night when the world is finally quiet. Like so many Black women in the workplace, Alexis is running on empty—because somewhere along the way, she learned that taking care of herself came last.

As Black women, we've inherited a complex relationship with self-care. From being celebrated as the "strong Black woman" to carrying the weight of our families and communities, taking care of ourselves often falls last on our endless to-do lists. As someone who gained and lost over 700 pounds before finding freedom from stress eating, emotional overeating, and yoyo dieting, I understand this struggle intimately.

Keep ReadingShow less
Cord Blood Awareness Month: What It Is and Why It Matters
New England Cord Blood Bank

Cord Blood Awareness Month: What It Is and Why It Matters

Every July, Cord Blood Awareness Month brings attention to a powerful, life-saving resource that many parents may not even realize they have access to: cord blood. This observance promotes education about what cord blood is, its potential uses in medicine, and the importance of banking or donating it for future treatment options. While often discarded after birth, cord blood contains stem cells with the power to treat over 80 life-threatening diseases, making it an invaluable asset in modern medicine.

What Is Cord Blood?

Cord blood is the blood remaining in the umbilical cord and placenta after childbirth. This blood is rich in hematopoietic stem cells, the same type of cells found in bone marrow. These stem cells have the ability to develop into various types of blood and immune system cells, which is why they are often used in stem cell transplants for treating blood-related conditions.

Keep ReadingShow less
UV Safety Month: Why It Matters and the Rising Tide of UV-Related Health Risks
Photo by Daoudi Aissa on Unsplash

UV Safety Month: Why It Matters and the Rising Tide of UV-Related Health Risks

Every July, UV Safety Month serves as a critical public health initiative to raise awareness about the dangers of ultraviolet (UV) radiation and the importance of sun protection. Sponsored in part by organizations like the American Academy of Dermatology and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, this awareness campaign aims to educate the public on how to reduce the risk of skin cancer and other UV-related health conditions.

Why UV Safety Matters

UV radiation, a form of electromagnetic energy emitted by the sun and artificial sources like tanning beds, is classified into three types: UVA, UVB, and UVC. While UVC rays are absorbed by the Earth’s atmosphere, UVA and UVB rays reach the surface and pose serious health risks.

Keep ReadingShow less
Rest is Revolutionary: Why Overworking is Wrecking Your Health

Rest is Revolutionary: Why Overworking is Wrecking Your Health

In our quick-moving world, many see rest as a treat, not a must-have. We praise non-stop work, look up to those who put in long hours, and show off how tired we are. But the truth? Working too much does more bad than good. Not getting enough rest has an impact on health leading to burnout, ongoing stress, and worse overall health.

Despite what many think, rest isn't being lazy, it's key to a healthy balanced life. Making time to rest has an influence on mental health just like working out and eating well. Without it, our bodies and minds take a hit making it tough to be at our best. You need to know the importance of rest for mental health.

Keep ReadingShow less
Wellness Through a Cultural Lens: What Traditional Healing Can Teach Us

Wellness Through a Cultural Lens: What Traditional Healing Can Teach Us

The idea of wellness has taken center stage in today's world, but its definition changes from one culture to another. Modern health trends push workout plans, eating strategies, and self-care habits, while old-school healing methods give a wider more complete view of health and wellness. To grasp what health and wellness mean, we need to look past common beliefs and tap into the knowledge found in age-old cultural practices.

Various ancient healing methods see wellness as a living harmony among the mind, body, and spirit tied to nature and society. Worldwide Native medicine Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), and other healing schools of thought offer a treasure trove of wisdom that tests and enhances modern wellness concepts. Looking into these customs can give useful health and wellness advice helping people create a deeper and more significant way to care for themselves.

Keep ReadingShow less
×