Happy new year and welcome to the first Weekend Reading edition of 2022!
The new year starts with an all too familiar challenge – COVID-19. The highly transmissible omicron Covid-19 variant is resulting in record numbers of cases and hospitalizations.
Today, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that the US is averaging around 600,000 new cases – the highest at any point of the pandemic. Hospitalization rates have increased for people of all ages, including a record number of pediatric hospitalizations.
Will 2022 be the year that we can put Covid-19 in the rear-view mirror? Let’s hope so, as there are myriad other healthcare issues to address including rising costs, health disparities, affordable prescription drugs, and more.
This month is National Cervical Health Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness about cervical cancer, HPV disease, and prevention. Each year more than 14,000 people will be diagnosed with cervical cancer and more than 4,000 people will die from it. Nearly all cervical cancer cases are due to a viral infection known as HPV (human papillomavirus). Some types of HPV can cause cancer in men such as throat, penile, and anal cancer.
Pap and the HPV test help prevent cervical cancer or find it early. An effective vaccine is available to prevent cancers caused by HPV infections. The CDC recommends children receive two doses of the HPV vaccine at age 11 or 12, although it can be started at age 9 as well as vaccination of all people through age 26. Some adults ages 27-45 may get a vaccine after talking with their doctor.
This Weekend Reading series begin with An Ounce of Prevention is Worth a Pound of Cure with information and resources on cervical cancer, HPV and more! Next check out In the News with noteworthy articles on a variety of COVID and other health topics. In Health Hacks, explore articles with personal health tips and other helpful information. Finally, do not miss the Curiosity Corner and my personal favorite – A Short History of the Public Restroom.
I hope you enjoy the following:
1. An Ounce of Prevention is Worth a Pound of Cure
New York Times: The HPV Vaccine Prevents Cancer, but Most Kids Don’t Receive It.
STAT: The U.K. is on its way to eliminating cervical cancer. Here’s why the U.S. isn’t close
HealthDay: Throat Cancers Tied to HPV Are Rising Among U.S. Men, Women
CDC: Cervical Cancer Awareness
Health.gov: Get Your Child the HPV Vaccine
Healio: Top stories for Cervical Cancer Awareness Month
2. In the News
Axios: The big-ticket drugs that have higher prices in 2022
Kaiser Health News: New Parents Slapped With Surprise Bills for Treating Newborns
Kaiser Health News: Hospitals Recruit International Nurses to Fill Pandemic Shortages
Futurity: COVID-19 Vaccine does not increase preterm delivery risk
WebMD: COVID-19 Vaccination Has Little Impact on Menstrual Cycle
3. Health Hacks
NPR: 22 tips for 2022: How to make it easier to pass on alcohol
STAT: 3 fatal rabies cases in U.S. suggest public underestimates infection risks
Wall Street Journal: The New Way to Maximize Your Workout? Weighted Spandex
New York Times: From the Hockey Rink, a Useful Reminder to Check for Skin Cancer
4. Curiosity Corner
JSTOR Daily: A Short History of the Public Restroom – How come it’s so hard to go in sweet privacy when you’re out and about?
Smithsonian Magazine: How the Potato Chip Took Over America A fussy magnate, a miffed chef, and the curious roots of the comfort food we hate to love
Wired: Scientists Settled a Century-Old Family Drama Using DNA From Postcards
NPR: 700 sheep and goats were arranged in the shape of a syringe to encourage vaccinations
Enjoy your weekend!
Best,
Suzanne
Suzanne Daniels, Ph.D.
AEPC President
P.O. Box 1416
Birmingham, MI 48012
Office: (248) 792-2187
Email: [email protected]
