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Archive for the ‘Public Health’ Category

The Personal is Political: Angelina Jolie Edition

Published: by Megan Carlson

In a New York Times op-ed today, Angelina Jolie publicized her recent decision to surgically remove her ovaries after learning she was at a heightened cancer risk.   Jolie discovered in a blood test two years ago that she carried a mutation in the BRCA1 gene that brought with it an 87 percent risk of [...]

Mo’ Treatment, Mo’ Problems

Published: by Megan Carlson

A recent UCLA study revealed that higher-earning doctors get paid more for ordering more procedures per patient.   In other words, doctors aren’t earning their keep by improving health outcomes for patients, but by ordering potentially expensive tests, services, and treatments.  Those costs eventually trickle down to the entire system, contributing to America’s current healthcare [...]

An open letter to Kristin Cavallari

Published: by Megan Carlson

Dear Kristin, You recently announced that you do not intend to vaccinate your child because you have been listening to the rumors linking vaccination to autism.   I have some words for you:   Stop.  Just stop.   You are actively contributing to the spread of pseudoscientific bullshit that is threatening to set the country [...]

Heroin-omics

Published: by Megan Carlson

Two weeks ago, a friend mentioned an acquaintance having used heroin recently and I instantly recoiled.   “Who does heroin?!”   Steeped in long-entrenched stereotypes about drug abusers– junkies who walk the inner-city street, homeless tweakers– I couldn’t imagine anyone young and, to be frank, not poor, doing such a thing.  Heroin was a hard drug; [...]

Guess who’s coming to dinner?

Published: by Megan Carlson

Everyone’s favorite bougie grocer is coming to Englewood.   Mayor Rahm Emanuel announced Wednesday that the Whole Foods grocery store chain– known for its organic selection and high quality foods– will be opening a location at 63rd and Halsted St. in Englewood, not exactly a neighborhood known for Lululemon’s and Starbucks. The decision was the [...]