Women's Health News
Professional medical associations as catalytic pathways for advancing women in academic medicine and promoting leadership
Women in academic medicine face ongoing barriers that hinder their career advancement. These challenges stem from both structural issues and cultural biases within the field. To combat these issues and support women's progress in medicine, professional medical associations are encouraged to implement inclusive strategies and practical frameworks.
The article emphasizes that these associations can act as pathways to promote women's leadership and scholarly development. By addressing systemic problems and offering support at both organizational and individual levels, these associations can help advance gender equity in medicine.
Overall, fostering a more inclusive environment within medical associations is essential for ensuring that women can achieve leadership roles and contribute fully to the field of academic medicine.
Quote of the day by Former First Lady of the United States Betty Ford: 'You can make it but its easier when you don't have to do it alone'
Betty Ford served as the First Lady of the United States from 1974 to 1977 and was known for her honesty and activism, particularly in advocating for women's rights and health. During her tenure, she challenged the traditional expectations of a political spouse by being open and vocal about issues often considered taboo, especially concerning women.
One of her most famous quotes, "You can make it, but it’s easier when you don’t have to do it alone," reflects her belief in the importance of support from others. Ford emphasized that seeking help is not a weakness but a sign of strength, promoting the idea that community support can ease life's challenges. This perspective is particularly relevant today, where society often pressures individuals to be self-sufficient.
Beyond her political role, Betty Ford's personal experiences shaped her advocacy. She overcame health challenges, including breast cancer, and openly discussed her journey, thereby reducing stigma and encouraging women to prioritize their health. Through her actions and words, she redefined the role of First Lady and became a symbol of empowerment and resilience.
For Ole Miss player Cotie McMahon, PCOS diagnosis has meant finding a new normal
Cotie McMahon, a senior forward for the Ole Miss women’s basketball team, has been thriving on the court despite facing challenges from her diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). After struggling with weight gain and fatigue, McMahon sought answers and determined that she had PCOS, a hormonal disorder affecting women. While at Ohio State, she felt isolated and unnoticed as her symptoms worsened, prompting her to transfer to Ole Miss.
At Ole Miss, McMahon found strong support from head coach Yolett McPhee-McCuin, who prioritized understanding McMahon’s struggles. This relationship helped McMahon feel more comfortable advocating for herself. The staff at Ole Miss responded quickly to help her manage her condition, providing a tailored plan that included nutrition management, medical support, and conditioning.
Thanks to this support, McMahon has excelled on the court, averaging 18.7 points per game and leading her team to significant victories, including a standout performance with a double-double of 33 points and 12 rebounds against Missouri. Recognized for her achievements, she has also been included in the Wooden Award's top 25 players list. McMahon reflects on her journey as a process of rediscovering herself while navigating PCOS with the help of her teammates and coaches.
Countdown for a Cure Partners with Dr. Taz Bhatia M.D. and hol+ to Advance Mitochondrial Research and Awareness
Dr. Taz Bhatia, a recognized physician and founder of hol+, has partnered with the nonprofit organization Countdown for a Cure (CFAC) to promote mitochondrial research and awareness. This collaboration aims to enhance education, funding, and understanding of mitochondrial health, which is critical for energy and overall well-being.
As part of this partnership, Dr. Taz will host the CFAC’s 2026 Evening of Energy Gala, scheduled for February 7, 2026, at The St. Regis Atlanta. This event marks the beginning of a long-term effort to address the importance of mitochondrial function, an area that is often overlooked and underfunded in health research.
The partnership emphasizes the belief that improving cellular health is essential for resilience and vitality in the long run, highlighting the need for increased focus and resources on this vital aspect of human health.
I Tried Fraxel Laser at 34—Here’s What No One Tells You About the Pain, Downtime, and Results
Fraxel Laser Treatment Overview
Fraxel is a non-ablative laser treatment that improves skin texture and addresses issues like acne scars, wrinkles, and dark spots. It works by targeting a fraction of the skin at a time, making it known as a fractional skin resurfacing treatment. The device uses two wavelengths to resurface the top layer while also penetrating deeper layers to treat various skin concerns.
What to Expect from the Treatment
The treatment is effective for reducing wrinkles, scars, and hyperpigmentation, offering smoother skin. However, it is more aggressive compared to other laser treatments available. After years of using milder treatments, a 34-year-old editor decided to try Fraxel for uneven skin tone and texture. She stopped using active skincare products a week before her appointment and had a numbing cream applied before the treatment, which lasted about ten minutes with varying levels of pain for each pass of the laser.
Post-Treatment Experience
After the treatment, the immediate effects included intense redness and sensitivity, resembling a bad sunburn. The editor applied a steroid cream to aid healing and took medication to minimize swelling and prevent cold sores. Surprisingly, her skin quickly started to improve, and the redness lessened significantly an hour post-treatment. She noted a dramatic difference in her skin's appearance and feels that the treatment has had a positive impact on her skin’s condition.
The Problem With OpenAI Putting Ads in ChatGPT
OpenAI's recent decision to introduce advertisements in some ChatGPT plans reflects the financial pressures facing artificial intelligence companies. Despite high valuations, major players like OpenAI and Anthropic are not profitable, primarily due to soaring computing costs. For example, OpenAI reported a loss of $21 billion last year. Traditionally, these companies have relied on subscriptions, contracts, and partnerships for revenue, but advertising presents a quick solution, albeit with risks to user trust and experience.
Many experts express concerns that integrating ads could feel intrusive and diminish the user-friendly nature of chatbots. OpenAI has stated that advertisements will not influence ChatGPT’s answers, but critics are skeptical about the feasibility of maintaining this separation. Additionally, as A.I. companies venture into sensitive areas like healthcare, the potential implications for user privacy and accuracy present further complications surrounding the introduction of advertisements.
The reactions to OpenAI’s move may vary, with some users, especially women, expressing ethical dilemmas regarding the use of A.I. and their aversion to advertised platforms. Google is also exploring commercial strategies, including shopping features in its products. The broader trend of monetization through advertisements and alternative initiatives like government contracts indicates that A.I. companies are actively seeking new revenue streams amid a challenging financial landscape.
I run over 30 miles a week — these are the best women’s running shoes I’ve ever tested
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Cotie McMahon claims Ohio State ignored concerns that she might have PCOS
Cotie McMahon, a former player for the Ohio State women's basketball team, has shared her struggles with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and expressed concerns about not receiving adequate support from the university regarding her health issues. In a recent interview, she revealed that despite repeatedly suggesting to the coaching staff that she might have PCOS, her concerns were largely overlooked.
McMahon experienced notable symptoms such as weight gain and sleep problems, and she felt frustrated when the team's response was to increase conditioning rather than address her concerns more directly. She eventually transferred to Ole Miss, where she found a more supportive environment that helped her engage with her health issues more effectively.
At Ole Miss, McMahon has excelled, recently earning SEC Player of the Week honors. She reflected on her emotional state during her time at Ohio State, stating that her actions were often misinterpreted, and she was in a difficult position as she struggled with her health and trust issues. Ohio State has responded, emphasizing their commitment to athlete health and confidentiality while wishing McMahon well in her future endeavors.
Why Sun Pharma’s hefty bid for Organon has divided investors
Sun Pharma is considering a major acquisition of the American pharmaceutical company Organon, with a potential deal valued at around $10 billion. This acquisition could become the largest overseas purchase by an Indian pharmaceutical company. To finance this move, Sun Pharma has arranged temporary 'bridge loans' between $10 and $14 billion.
The market is divided on this decision. Supporters trust Sun Pharma’s chairman, Dilip Shanghvi, citing his successful track record in creating value, while critics express concerns about Organon's significant debt of $8.9 billion and governance challenges. Organon, which focuses on women's health and biosimilars, was spun off from Merck in 2021.
While some investors view the acquisition positively, citing potential growth in both generic and specialty pharmaceuticals in the U.S., others are wary due to Organon’s financial liabilities. If the deal is finalized, it could bring in substantial revenue, but analysts suggest it may not be a growth-centric asset. The acquisition would enhance Sun Pharma's presence in the U.S. market, which is a strategic objective for the company.
12 Surprising Things That Hurt Your Heart
Several lesser-known factors can negatively affect heart health beyond common issues like poor diet and lack of exercise. Understanding these surprising contributors can help you take proactive steps to protect your heart.
Dental health is crucial; individuals with gum disease may face an increased risk of heart disease, possibly due to bacteria entering the bloodstream and causing inflammation. Additionally, working irregular hours, such as shift work, disrupts the body's internal clock and heightens heart attack risk. Traffic stress can also play a role; research indicates that spending prolonged periods in traffic may correlate with heart health issues.
Women who experience early menopause may double their chances of heart attacks or strokes, likely due to decreased estrogen levels. Sleep quality is equally important; consistently getting less than six hours of sleep can lead to issues like high blood pressure and obesity, which impact heart health. Conversely, oversleeping can likewise increase diabetes and stroke risk, so aiming for 7 to 9 hours of sleep is ideal.
Emotional well-being significantly affects heart health as well. Unhappy marriages and loneliness are linked to higher stress levels, which can lead to unhealthy lifestyle choices and hormonal changes detrimental to the heart. In addition, excess abdominal fat is particularly harmful as it can produce hormones that adversely affect blood pressure and cholesterol. Addressing these factors can enhance overall heart health.