Dr. Lori Gore-Green | Women's Health Professional

Dr. Lori Gore-Green's Portfolio of Experience as a Women's Health Professional

The Connection Between Gender and Medical Debt 

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 The current economic situation in the United States caused by the Coronavirus pandemic’s effects makes access to quality health care difficult for most women, leading to enormous debts. The medical issues can range from inability to pay for emergency medical charges to the gradual pileup of a debt that can lead to bankruptcy and debtors’ collections. If the government fails to intervene, this issue could escalate to an extent where female patients would feel overburdened.

 According to a survey done last year, half of the women in the U.S. shared concern that it could render them bankrupt in the event of a significant health situation compared to a similar survey done in 2019 where only 47% were concerned. By February of this year, the percentage shot to 73%. The reason behind this is that health insurance covers have significantly been reduced, and the insurance premiums, coinsurance, and deductibles that consumers pay directly from their pockets have risen in recent years. The result is that even with an excellent insurance cover, women can still get large bills in the sudden event of an accident or illness, regardless of whether they receive their health insurance through the government or from the employer. It is not a surprise that women who do not have insurance have immense medical debts. 

 The wage difference between women and men could also be a reason for this vast debt gap. A survey conducted recently shows that women earn 80-82 cents for every dollar earned by men. When the covid-19 pandemic started to hit America, many women lost their jobs and health insurance. A report done in December 2020 showed that women accounted for the 140000 jobs lost. A similar report by the National Women’s Law Center indicated that about 5.4 million of the 9.8 million jobs lost in 2020 were women.

 Black and Latina women working in the restaurants, retail, and other hospitality sectors were laid off when most businesses were locked down and closed due to the covid-19 pandemic. The pandemic has caused alarm to most Americans who fear getting medical treatment to avoid huge medical bills. Evidence shows that medical debt has increased sharply during the pandemic. A recent survey showed that most individuals would not visit a healthcare institution for even diagnosis.

Intermittent Fasting for Women: What to Know

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For women struggling with weight loss, they may consider utilizing an intermittent fasting regime. This eating schedule is one of the world’s most popular weight-loss trends. Intermittent fasting is an eating pattern that cycles between patterns of eating and fasting. This eating plan does not dictate what foods to eat, instead of when is best to eat. However, intermittent fasting poses some serious risks for women. It is essential to be educated on the topic before considering implementing this eating schedule.

 

There are a few benefits of intermittent fasting. For example, it can boost fat burns. When people eat, blood sugar rises, and insulin is released to take the glucose to cells. Any leftover glucose is stored as fat. If intermittent someone fasts for 10-16 hours, their body will begin to burn its stored fat for energy. Other studies have found that fasting can repair cells, leading to increased longevity, a lowered risk of cancer, less inflammation, and improved metabolism. However, these studies are primarily conducted with animals rather than adult women. Other research suggests that eating in line with circadian rhythm, meaning eating only when it is light out, protects the body from chronic diseases.

 

On the other hand, research has identified many negative aspects of intermittent fasting. Women of reproductive age need to be especially mindful of putting stress on their body, as their body is particularly receptive to stressors like prolonged fasting and caloric restriction. Intermittent fasting may do more harm than good, as it can potentially lead to low blood sugar regulation, increased insulin resistance, and lean muscle loss, among other things. Additionally, prolonged underrating can seriously harm a women’s reproductive system. Women can potentially lose their menstrual cycle and interfere with their fertility. Moreover, fasting can increase someone’s hunger and obsession with food, thus leading to overeating or a process of restricting and binging.

 

Intermittent fasting has many positive features and many potential negative impacts on a woman’s body. Before starting an intermittent fasting regime, be sure to read up on the eating pattern and learn how to do it best. Women need to be knowledgeable and aware of any risks associated with intermittent fasting. Be sure to consult a doctor with any questions or concerns. 

Debate Over Gynecology Tool Sheds Light On Regulation

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Dr. Lori Gore-GreenDoctors from all over the country are sticking by a gynecological tool even after a warning from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration about its ability to spread undetected cancer. As reported in a recent article from the Wall Street Journal, the face off between doctors and regulators is showcasing what some might call intransigence on the part of doctors, and others might call overreach on the part of the government. What is certainly clear is that quality gynecological care lies somewhere in the middle.

The device in question is called a laparoscopic power morcellator, and it is used by its proponents to remove benign uterine growths called fibroids. The tool is normally employed during routine hysterectomies to slice and remove the fibroids through small incisions. The issue with the morcellators is that they have the potential to leave tissue behind that can grow and then spread throughout the body, including tissue that has not been identified as malignant.

This potential threat prompted the warning from the FDA and caused many hospitals to stop using the tool, including Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston and Philadelphia’s Temple University Hospital. Many insurers across the country have stopped covering procedures involving morcellators.

However, there are gynecologists who believe that reports of the threat are unwarranted and continue to use the tool routinely. Doctors like Jeffrey Thurston of Dallas say that the treatments he performs with his patients are between he and his patient, and that regulators are simply interfering. In his practice, he has patients sign a release that states that the risk of spreading undetected sarcoma is somewhere between 1 in 300 and 1 and 1000. He also tells his patients verbally that he does not believe those numbers.

In the tug of war between the FDA and doctors, it can be difficult for patients to know whom to trust. Where one stands on the use of morcellators may have more to do with politics than any insights on patient welfare.

Read the whole story at Wall Street Journal.