Breaking Health Headlines: Brief Updates on Today's Medical Developments
Yowza! Still giddy from the spooky season, but moving on swiftly to this week's scoop! Here's The Download: booster shots, LGBTQ youth support, LGBTQ Health Explainers, and more. Let's dive in!
First up: a groovy TED Talk on the roots of twerking
You probably missed it, lest you hadn't kept your eyes peeled, but the mesmerizing Lizzo gave a fabulous TED Talk on the Black history of twerking[1]. Pop in your ears and get ready to get jiggy with it!
It's time to get your shot on (booster time)
Guess who's back? Yep, it's booster season! The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted emergency use authorization for Moderna and Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 booster shots, following the approval for Pfizer boosters[2].
Let's define Long COVID
By now, you've probably encountered the terms "long COVID" and "long-hauler" symptoms[3]. If some individuals recover from COVID-19, it doesn't mean they won't face lasting effects, even if they weren't severely ill or asymptomatic initially. The World Health Organization (WHO) has now officially named long COVID "post-COVID condition," defining it as "occur(ing) in individuals with a history of probable or confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection, usually 3 months from the onset of COVID-19, with symptoms that last for at least 2 months and cannot be explained by an alternative diagnosis."
Decreasing COVID cases
You read that correctly. Miraculous news: the 7-day moving average of daily case counts has dropped to around 70,000[2]. Hopefully, this marks the beginning of a downward spiral, and we continue to make progress.
Supporting LGBTQ youth
The Trevor Project's researchers found that more than half (52%) of LGBTQ youth who are enrolled in middle or high school experienced bullying in the past year[3]. It's crucial to remember that efforts to support LGBTQ youth can significantly reduce bullying statistics and positively impact their lives.
Resources for immediate help:
- Call/chat/text The Trevor Project 24/7, free and confidential. Immediate help is available if you are considering harming yourself.
- Reach out to AsylumConnect if you are fleeing persecution and seeking LGBTQ- and immigrant-friendly resources.
Being an ally for LGBTQ individuals:
- Read The Human Rights Campaign Foundation's resource on LGBTQ allyship.
- Explore these tips from UC Davis.
- Refer to PFLAG's guide to being a straight ally.
Preparing for open enrollment
Footloose and fancy-free? Nah, it's time to enroll in a health plan or make changes to your existing one! Open enrollment starts in November[4].
[1] - Trevor Project - Lizzo's TED Talk Reveals Black History of Twerking[2] - Medical News Today - Locked and loaded: Moderna and Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 booster shots receive emergency use authorization in the US[3] - World Health Organization - Post-COVID condition[4] - Healthcare.gov - Open Enrollment
- As a supplement to generic health discussions, it's important to address other general health issues, such as the post-COVID condition which includes symptoms persisting for more than two months.
- In the realm of LGBTQ Health Explainers, it's essential to acknowledge the high bullying rates among LGBTQ youth, with more than half experiencing bullying in the past year.
- As part of open enrollment preparations, considering plans for booster shots could be significant, especially as the FDA has granted emergency use authorization for Moderna, Johnson & Johnson, and Pfizer COVID-19 booster shots.
- When mulching garden beds or considering any home improvement tasks, taking care of one's own health shouldn't be overlooked, remembering the importance of mental health support, such as resources from organizations like The Trevor Project to help LGBTQ youth navigating difficult situations.
