>> Could polio make a comeback?
>> After sexual assault, the hospital bills
>> Differently-abled style
The Med & Mic™ 09.16.22
MED NEWS blog post from Dr. Maria ON Speaking, LLC
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Polio Primer
The detection of polio in wastewater in cities like New York and London raises concern for an increase in cases of the viral illness. Polio causes paralysis, which may be preceded by fatigue, fever, headache, stiff neck, or no symptoms at all. People can unknowingly spread it. Poliovirus enters the body through the mouth via contaminated hands, water, or food. The virus can attack the brain and spinal cord, which can lead to weakness of the arms, legs, and breathing muscles. Decades after the infection, people can also develop post-polio syndrome, with muscle pain, weakness, and wasting. Three doses of vaccine are 99% effective at preventing paralytic disease from polio. (Source: CBS, C. Gounder, 9.15.22)
Sexual Assault Victims Billed
Treatment at the emergency department for sexual assault can cost the survivors thousands of dollars. In a research letter in the New England Journal of Medicine, researchers found 16% of victims had to pay out-of-pocket costs. Charges average $3,551. Victims with private health insurance still must cover 14% of expenses not covered by insurance. The Violence Against Women Act of 1994 covers the cost of collecting evidence for sexual assault kits, but testing, stitches, counseling, prevention of sexually transmitted diseases and HIV, and emergency contraception are billed to the patient. (Source: CNN, 9.15.22)
Fashion Show Empowers People with Neurological Disease
Models who limped, used motorized wheelchairs, and had feeding tubes walked a non-elevated runway at Fashion Week. This was part of a fashion show featuring writers, artists, students, and social media influencers with spinal muscular atrophy. SMA is a condition in which nerve cells to muscles are damaged or destroyed. The models wore clothing specially designed for their needs. The collection, designed by Open Style Labs, incorporated magnetic closures, proportional sizing, functional fabric, and alterations to accommodate tubes and wheelchair controls. Drug company Genentech, who has a medication for SMA, Evrysdi, backed the show. (Source: STAT News, M. Herper, 9.16.22)
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Remember: this post is for informational purposes only and may not be the best fit for you and your personal situation. It shall not be construed as medical advice. The information and education provided here is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis, or the advice of your own physician. Always check with your own physician or medical professional before trying or implementing any information read here.