Women's Health News
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.
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.
Women With High-Risk Pregnancies Have Limited Options Under Abortion Bans
Women With High-Risk Pregnancies Have Limited Options Under Abortion Bans
Since the overturn of Roe v. Wade, women in states with abortion bans face severe limitations, especially those with high-risk pregnancies due to chronic health conditions. Reports indicate that many women have experienced life-threatening situations because necessary medical procedures were not performed in time, often due to restrictive abortion laws.
High-risk pregnancies are common and can lead to serious complications, yet abortion bans often lack exceptions for these health issues. Where exceptions do exist, doctors may hesitate to act unless there's clear danger to the mother's life. Efforts to broaden these health exceptions have encountered resistance from anti-abortion activists, who argue that such measures could lead to widespread abortion access.
The situation puts many women in jeopardy, as they must navigate a healthcare system that prioritizes strict interpretations of these laws over their health needs. The urgency surrounding this issue reflects a growing concern for the medical treatment of women facing critical health risks during pregnancy.
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.
Study reveals how rapidly weight comes back after quitting obesity medications
A recent study has revealed that individuals may regain weight four times faster after discontinuing GLP-1 medications, which are often used for weight loss and diabetes management. This significant weight regain occurs as patients stop these drugs, highlighting the challenges of maintaining weight loss without ongoing treatment.
The study emphasizes that GLP-1 medications are most effective when combined with lifestyle changes, such as improved diet and exercise. Experts caution that relying solely on medication may not provide lasting results and can lead to rapid weight regain once treatment is stopped.
This research suggests that for individuals looking to lose weight and maintain those results, a comprehensive approach involving both medication and lifestyle adjustments is necessary. The findings underscore the importance of ongoing support and behavioral changes to achieve sustainable weight management.
NCH and Nicklaus Children’s Announce Major Plans to Expand Care for Women and Children
Naples Comprehensive Health (NCH) and Nicklaus Children’s Hospital have announced a significant expansion of healthcare services for women and children in Southwest Florida, supported by a generous donation from the Bill and Julia Van Domelen Foundation. This initiative will establish the Van Domelen Institute for Women and Children and construct the Van Domelen Pavilion for Women and Children at the NCH North Hospital campus.
NCH, which has cared for families since its opening in 1956, aims to address the increasing healthcare needs of the growing population in Collier County, where over 65,000 children reside. The expansion will improve accessibility and care for families by reducing wait times and enhancing coordination among healthcare providers.
The project consists of two main components: the Van Domelen Institute, which will unify existing services for women and children and provide comprehensive outpatient care, and the Van Domelen Pavilion, a new facility that will feature advanced medical services including a Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. The Pavilion is part of a $350 million investment, with plans to raise 80% of the funds through philanthropy.
Leaders from both NCH and Nicklaus Children’s emphasized the importance of providing exceptional care within the community, ensuring families can receive needed support without traveling far. With this initiative, both organizations are committed to enhancing healthcare accessibility and fostering long-term well-being for their patients.
```Maternal deaths: A recurring crisis in Nigeria
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In Nigeria, approximately 75,000 women die each year due to pregnancy-related causes, averaging 206 deaths daily, or one every seven minutes. Despite the staggering numbers, these maternal deaths are often overlooked in national discussions and are viewed more as personal losses rather than a national crisis. This invisibility can be attributed to a history of undervaluing women's reproductive health, influenced by cultural norms, colonial governance, and political priorities.
Societal views in Nigeria have historically tied women's value to their ability to reproduce. Women are celebrated for successful childbirth but face blame for failures, often resulting in the perception of maternal deaths as individual misfortunes rather than a community or systemic issue. Cultural explanations for complications during childbirth often frame women as morally culpable, leading to a culture of stigma around maternal death, with women’s bodies sometimes disrespected after death.
The impact of colonial rule further entrenched these attitudes, as healthcare provisions primarily aimed to serve colonial powers rather than protect African women's lives. Maternal care was not prioritized, and maternal health issues remained largely unaddressed in colonial reports. Although independence led to some healthcare expansions, women's reproductive health needs continued to take a backseat to other priorities, culminating in a neglect of maternal healthcare that has persisted into modern times.
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