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Giving as Medicine for the Soul

According to Dr. Froswa Booker-Drew, giving is about more than just money—it’s about offering your time, your talent, or whatever is meaningful to you.

Akarawut Lohacharoenvanich
Research

Giving as Medicine for the Soul

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.

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From Pain to Passion: Karla Mingo’s Journey Inspires During Cancer Survivors Month

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
Women

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

Health Topics

The Rise in Whooping Cough Cases in the United States

The Rise in Whooping Cough Cases in the United States
Photo by Towfiqu barbhuiya on Unsplash
Beth Frutkin
By Beth FrutkinOct 14, 2024
Beth Frutkin
Founder and driving force behind Divine Health, Beth combines her expertise in marketing and technology to make health information accessible, engaging, and impactful. Her passion for health education stems from personal experiences and a desire to bridge the gap between science and everyday wellness, ensuring readers have the knowledge they need to make informed decisions. Through Divine Health, she curates and shares valuable insights on nutrition, fitness, mental health, medical advancements, and emerging health trends.
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In recent years, whooping cough (pertussis) cases have been on the rise in the United States, with reported infections now at levels significantly higher than in recent years. In 2024, case counts have more than tripled compared to the same period in 2023, with over 16,000 cases so far, without even being in the peak of illness season. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) attributes this increase to several factors, including waning immunity in vaccinated populations, lower vaccination rates, and increased public interactions post-COVID-19 pandemic restrictions (CDCVerywell Health).

Contributing Factors to the Surge

  1. Waning Immunity: Immunity from the acellular pertussis vaccines (DTaP and Tdap) diminishes over time. In teens, vaccine effectiveness can decline from 73% to as low as 34% after four years. This waning immunity has led to higher susceptibility even among vaccinated individuals (CDCVerywell Health).
  2. Post-Pandemic Factors: During the COVID-19 pandemic, the use of masks and reduced social interactions helped suppress the spread of pertussis. Now, with relaxed safety protocols and increased social gatherings, the disease is returning to pre-pandemic levels. Additionally, the pandemic disrupted routine immunizations, leaving more individuals unvaccinated and vulnerable (CDC).
  3. Decreased Vaccination Rates: The decline in vaccination coverage for pertussis has left more people at risk, particularly in certain states where cases have surged. The CDC and health experts stress the importance of staying up to date on vaccinations to prevent the spread of this highly contagious disease (CDC).

Why Pertussis Is Especially Concerning

Pertussis is highly contagious and can be severe, especially for infants and individuals with weakened immune systems. Infants are at the highest risk of complications such as apnea, pneumonia, and even death. Pregnant women are encouraged to receive a Tdap booster to protect newborns from the disease during their first few months of life (CDC).

Protecting Against Whooping Cough

To curb the spread of whooping cough, the CDC recommends regular vaccinations throughout childhood and booster doses in adolescence and adulthood. Tdap boosters are also crucial for pregnant women and individuals who have close contact with young children. The vaccine not only protects individuals but also contributes to herd immunity, reducing the likelihood of outbreaks in communities (CDCVerywell Health).

As cases continue to rise, staying informed and up to date on vaccinations is vital in helping prevent further spread and safeguarding vulnerable populations. Unlike flu and pneumonia vaccines, Tdap boosters may only be available if you have pre-existing conditions. If you’re unsure of your vaccination status, consult a healthcare provider to check your records and discuss getting a booster if needed.

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Cancer Survivor Awareness Month: Honoring Survivors, Highlighting Challenges, and Spreading Hope
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Cancer Survivor Awareness Month: Honoring Survivors, Highlighting Challenges, and Spreading Hope

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

Oncoplastic Surgery Is Redefining Wholeness for Black Breast Cancer Survivors
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Oncoplastic Surgery Is Redefining Wholeness for Black Breast Cancer Survivors

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Oncoplastic Surgery Is Redefining Wholeness for Black Breast Cancer Survivors

Ronda Henry-Tillman, M.D., a surgical oncologist specializing in breast cancer, is dedicated to ensuring that all women have access to the best possible options for their breast surgery.

Oncoplastic Surgery Is Redefining Wholeness for Black Breast Cancer Survivors

For many breast cancer patients, surviving the disease is just one part of the journey. The path forward often includes physical healing, emotional restoration, and reclaiming one’s sense of self. That’s where oncoplastic surgery is changing the landscape—offering women not only life-saving procedures but also renewed confidence and dignity.

This innovative approach blends oncology (cancer surgery) with plastic and reconstructive techniques, allowing surgeons to remove tumors while reshaping the breast for a more natural appearance. The result? A holistic healing process that honors both survival and self-image.

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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.

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