Health - Observer News Group

Breakthrough Research Sheds Light on Aggressive Breast Cancers in Black Women

by Stefi Mar | Oct 31, 2023 | Bakersfield, Front Page, Health, Los Angeles, Valleys, Women | 0

Researchers at the Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center are spearheading a pioneering study to unravel the biological underpinnings of aggressive breast cancers in Black women. Led by Dr. Harikrishna Nakshatri, a breast cancer researcher at the IU School of Medicine and a key researcher at the Vera Bradley Foundation Center for Breast Cancer Research at the IU Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, the investigation holds promise for targeted treatments that could significantly reduce disparities in breast cancer outcomes among Black women.

OP-ED: Early Detection Saved My Life from Prostate Cancer

by Stefi Mar | Oct 24, 2023 | Bakersfield, Health, Los Angeles, Op-Ed, Valleys | 0

Twice. That is how many times I have had to battle cancer. I still consider myself very fortunate, although surviving a disease that is expected to kill nearly 609,820 Americans this year is not a matter of luck. The fact is that cancer screenings can help save lives.

Modern Generations Prioritize Mental Health Breaks as Experts Dismiss Notions of Emotional Weakness

by Stefi Mar | Oct 24, 2023 | Bakersfield, Health, Los Angeles, Valleys | 0

In a time of heightened connectivity and constant information exchange, the significance of mental health breaks has taken center stage in discussions about overall well-being. Some colleges and universities have gone to great lengths, closing campuses for up to a week, underscoring these breaks’ crucial role in maintaining mental wellness. While past generations often “plowed through,” professionals and educators insist that doesn’t mean individuals today are mentally or emotionally weaker.

Medicaid Managed Care Organizations Face Scrutiny Over Prior Authorization Denials

by Stefi Mar | Oct 10, 2023 | Bakersfield, Health, Health Care, Los Angeles, Politics, State, Valleys | 0

A recent review of Medicaid Managed Care Organizations (MCOs) has revealed concerning trends in approving prior authorization requests for services. In 2019, MCOs denied one out of every eight requests for prior authorization of services, according to a report by the Office of the Inspector General (OIG). 

Californians Headed to HBCUs in the South Prepare for College Under Abortion Bans

by James Luckey | Sep 26, 2023 | Health, Health Care, Los Angeles, Valleys | 0

FollowFollowFollow Breakthrough Research Sheds Light on Aggressive Breast Cancers in Black Women...

FDA Approves Updated COVID-19 Vaccines Amid Rising Cases and Hospitalizations

by Stefi Mar | Sep 12, 2023 | Bakersfield, COVID-19, Features, Health, Health Care, Los Angeles, Valleys | 0

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved updated COVID-19 vaccines from Moderna and Pfizer/BioNTech in response to the surge in cases and hospitalizations. Both manufacturers have reported that their vaccines demonstrate effectiveness against the currently dominant EG.5 strain in the United States.

LAO: Gov Newsom’s Mental Health Proposal Is “Unclear” on Children’s Services

by Stefi Mar | Aug 15, 2023 | Bakersfield, Features, Health, Los Angeles, Politics, State, Valleys | 0

On Aug. 10, the California Legislative Analyst’s Office (LAO) issued a report evaluating the impact of Gov. Gavin Newsom’s Behavioral Health Modernization Proposal. The plan was released in June.

Hank’s Mini Market Health Fair- A Good Day in the Neighborhood

by Stefi Mar | Jul 25, 2023 | Health, Health Care, Local, Los Angeles, Valleys | 0

I was greeted with by a rare phenomenon on Saturday, July 22. No sky July (think May gray/ June gloom). Luckily the sun made an appearance to brighten up the day for the inaugural Hank’s Health Fair. Hank’s Mini Market, the mart with a mighty heart. Hank’s Mini Market is family-owned curated market serving South Central LA since 1997. Art + Food = inspiring and uplifting our community.

Kern County’s First Confirmed Case Of St. Louis Encephalitis Virus

by Stefi Mar | Jul 11, 2023 | Bakersfield, Health, Local | 0

Summer is here, and everyone is ready to be outside. Sadly so are the mosquitoes, and the first human case of the St. Louis Encephalitis Virus (SLEV) is in Kern.

New Charleston Museum Nods to Historical Roots of US Health Disparities

by Stefi Mar | Jul 4, 2023 | African Americans, Bakersfield, Features, Health, Valleys | 0

Maude Callen, a Black nurse-midwife, delivered more than 800 infants across the South Carolina Lowcountry starting in the 1920s, when segregation made it difficult for Black people to get medical care.

Ways To Maintain Children’s Mental And Physical Health Over The Summer

by Stefi Mar | Jun 13, 2023 | Bakersfield, Health, Local | 0

As Summer vacation is starting, many children welcome a lot of free time. While spending the day binging a new show or playing video games may be tempting, it’s important to stay active.