Read the Outbreak!2020 Student Blogs. We are so proud of their contributions! *These posts express the opinion and research of the writer and should not be construed as medical advice or the position of the Public Health Museum.
Physician-assisted suicide, also known as physician-assisted death or PAD, has been an ongoing controversial issue within the medical field. In 1997, there were two Supreme Court cases to determine whether PAD should be considered constitutional. In the first case, Vacco v. Quill, the Supreme Court ruled it constitutional for the state of New York to ban the procedure as it was not considered constitutionally protected by the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment (Constitutional Law Reporter). In the second case, Washington v. Glucksberg, the Supreme Court was challenged once again over the same issue by Dr. Glucksburg and came to the same conclusion deciding that "the right to die" as Dr. Gluscksburg put it is not a right that is constitutionally protected.
Schizophrenia, one of the most misunderstood mental disorders in human society, is often confused with other conditions or is written off with degrading myths. As smallpox and other communicable illnesses had once been a moral failure in western society, schizophrenia and other mental illnesses are rendered a similar viewpoint. This dangerous ideology and the shortcomings of our communities to prevent further stigmatization of this illness has continued this disparaging view and has hurt many patients with this illness. This is important because anyone, even you, could develop schizophrenia or any other mental illness. There are people today that have schizophrenia or other mental illnesses that need attention but are not receiving it due to societal views. In this blog post, we will discuss what schizophrenia truly is, the stigma against it, and the possible solution to minimizing the myths.
As today’s world is shaken by COVID-19, it is easy to forget that a century ago, our same world was devastated by the 1918 influenza pandemic, also known as the Spanish flu. Though generations have passed, trends have changed, and the globe has overall evolved, the fear and mindset that inhabited people 100 years ago remain ever-present today. Though the Spanish flu and COVID-19 may not be biologically similar, their effect on society and humankind is evident. (close) The Spanish flu pandemic was the product of an H1N1 virus containing genes of avian emergence. Its exact origin is unknown. Between 1918 and 1919, approximately 500 million people, or one-third of the global population, were infected. Of those infected, at least 50 million people died; of those deaths, most people were healthy 20-40-year-olds. The COVID-19 virus is called by a coronavirus named SARS-CoV-2; for context, the coronaviruses are a family of viruses that are common in people and various species of animals. However, it is uncommon that an animal strain of the virus can infect humans (and vice versa). Like the Spanish flu, the exact origin of COVID-19 is unknown. As of August 20, 2020, there have been approximately 22.5 million cases worldwide, and about 790,000 deaths. COVID-19 most severely affects individuals over 60 with pre-existing conditions.
Opioid use disorder is not talked about as much as it should be. Opioids are synthetic chemicals that reduce the feeling of pain. Many people get addicted to opioids because they trigger the release of endorphins leading to cancellation of pain and a temporary sense of well-being. Often when it wears off people find themselves wanting to feel that sense of well-being again leading to addiction which eventually can cause overdose (OD). In only 2017, over 72,000 Americans died due to OD. Many doctors prescribed this pill not knowing that people maybe using it not as it was prescribed, such as snorting or injecting.
Opioids are prescription drugs prescribed by physicians worldwide to alleviate pain but also include synthetic drugs like fentanyl and illegal substances like heroin. Opioids are derived from the poppy plant where it is converted to opiates and then opioids. They are effective painkillers but should be closely monitored because misuse can lead to addiction. The body’s dependence on the drug can develop quickly even if the drug is used for a short amount of time. Oxycontin, Percocet, and Vicodin are the most common prescription opioids. When people who are affected no longer have access to these prescription pills, they look to the streets to find other alternatives. Heroin used to be the most common alternative, which is extremely deadly, poses high chances of overdose, and is frequently injected into the bloodstream to achieve a high as soon as possible.
Physical inactivity is a significant health problem that is often left unnoticed. It is one of the leading causes of death. Studies show that one in four adults over fifty do not exercise regularly. About 60% of Americans over eighteen are inactive. Half of adults living in Massachusetts do not participate in the recommended amount of physical activity. The American Heart Association recommends thirty to sixty minutes of moderate intensity aerobic exercise three to four times a week. Physical inactivity can lead to many chronic health issues, including heart disease. In fact, 33% of deaths from coronary heart disease could be prevented if the patient had been physically active. This method of prevention for these diseases is often overlooked because the benefits from it are underestimated.
Covid-19 has drastically changed everyone’s lives throughout the past six months. Regardless of one’s socioeconomic status, race, creed, or gender, the Coronavirus isn’t picking and choosing its victims, or at least not in the way we think. History shows that the healthcare industry systemically discriminates towards people of color by stereotyping their income level, undermining the severity of their health issues, assuming they don't have insurance, and more. (1). Additionally, black people account for 20.8% of people in poverty (2), forcing many to take risky and essential jobs such as working in the food, transportation, and construction industries, where it is easier to become exposed to various dangerous sicknesses. To continue, 70% of inner-city residents are minorities, who often live in group homes, making risk of exposure to illness much higher. This continuous racism and lack of proper protection in healthcare and safety has led to increased rates of cancer, infections, and other life-threatening illnesses.
The coronavirus has made a significant impact upon everyone as it continues to ravage the physical health of communities at large. The pandemic has also brought a tremendous amount of stress and anxiety upon people everywhere. Usually, one of the best ways to help relieve this anxiety would be to talk it over with someone in person. However, the best temporary solution to decreasing the spread of the virus is social isolation.
Social isolation means refraining from socially interacting with anyone. Although physically isolating is essential for the physical health of the general public, isolating for a prolonged amount of time can lead to some adverse mental health effects. One of the negative effects includes a greater general feeling of loneliness and anxiety.