Ending TB and Poverty - We Can Help + Exciting Cancer Advances
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A Good Day To Advocate for Better Healthcare
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U. S. Life Expectancy & GDP
The U.S. is failing to keep pace with dozens of countries around the world due to the steady decline of the nation’s health progress, according to a detailed analysis of all 50 states and Washington, D.C., published in The Lancet. Researchers at the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) in Seattle produced health estimates and forecasts (the most likely future) of life expectancy, mortality, and morbidity due to more than 350 diseases and injuries and 68 risks in the U.S. from 1990 to 2050. (Health data.org)
Poor health harms the economy because the nation suffers from a reduced workforce, lower productivity, and higher health care costs for companies and their employees. That leads to a lower GDP and a chance for peer countries with a stronger economy to overtake the U.S., creating a ripple effect around the world financially and geopolitically, So it matters individually, nationally, and financially.
Study Recommendations
IHME’s scientific evidence has historically demonstrated that increasing access to preventive medical care is critical for early detection and disease management. Early intervention can also reduce complications and lower health care costs.
According to the study authors, “All Americans must have access to high-quality health care through universal health coverage to prevent illness, stay healthy, and be protected from financial hardship regardless of their income.”
Another good reason for Universal Healthcare
Targeting Cancer Cells in the Brain
University of California, San Francisco scientists have developed a “molecular GPS” to guide immune cells into the brain and kill tumors without harming healthy tissue.(UCSF)
It is the first living cell therapy that can navigate through the body to a specific organ, addressing what has been a major limitation of CAR-T cancer therapies until now. The technology worked in mice and the researchers expect it to be tested in a clinical trial next year.
Working in mice, the scientists showed how the immune cells could eliminate a deadly brain tumor called glioblastoma – and prevent recurrences. They also used the cells to tamp down inflammation in a mouse model of multiple sclerosis.
“Living cells, especially immune cells, are adapted to move around the body, sense where they are and find their targets,” said Wendell Lim, PhD, UCSF professor of cellular and molecular pharmacology and co-senior author of the paper, which appears in Science on Dec. 5.
Breast Cancer News
A groundbreaking phase one clinical trial exploring a novel cell-based immunotherapy for breast cancer has been accepted for publication in JAMA Oncology. The study focuses on a new treatment approach that aims to harness the body’s immune system to enhance patient responses and reduce the need for conventional chemotherapy and its associated toxicities.
The trial involved 12 patients with locally advanced stage I-III HER2 breast cancer. This research builds upon insights gained from previous studies funded by a Department of Defense Breakthrough Award research grant.
Eight out of the 12 patients demonstrated at least a 50% reduction in tumor volume after just six weeks of immunotherapy. This treatment produced only minimal side effects, primarily mild flu-like symptoms, compared with the severe side effects often associated with traditional chemotherapy.
This is a very hopeful step. The chemotherapy just ravages the body and reducing it would be great. (Kent State)
Tuberculosis and Poverty - Still With Us - You Can Help!!!
Congress is winding down its business for the year before leave for the holidays. Before they leave, they must pass two critical bills in the fight against global poverty.
First, they must pass the End TB Now Act (H.R. 1776). Tuberculosis (TB) remains the world's deadliest disease. In 2023, 1.25 million people worldwide died of TB. TB anywhere is a threat everywhere. The End TB Now Act would require the U.S. to prioritize TB resources to countries and communities most impacted by the disease and track their success.
Second, pass the READ Act Reauthorization (H.R. 681). In 2022, 250 million children around the world were out of school. In 2017, Congress passed the READ Act, which focused existing U.S. global education investments on having the greatest impact. It worked, but there is more work to do. The READ Act Reauthorization would extend these successful initiatives another five years.
It is vital that the House pass both bills before the end of the year.
ACTION
Let’s ask our member of Congress to get these two bills passed. You can call/email them - contact info is here, https://www.usa.gov/elected-officials or send a text message SIGN PXDWBJ to 50409 (RESISTBOT) to send this message. If you’re new to RESISTBOT - it will ask for your name, address and phone number and email to make sure that it sends the message to your elected rep.
“I am your constituent and I know we are coming to the end of the year but there is a problem I want you to address. One has to do with world wide Tuberculosis infections and the other would help eradicate worldwide poverty. In 2023, 1.25 million people worldwide died of TB. Increasing education amongst the world’s poorer children helps eradicate poverty. I want you to actively support/cosponsor the End TB Now Act (H.R. 1776) and the READ Act Reauthorization (H.R. 681) to help end worldwide poverty. Thank you for taking action and thinking of others.”
ACTION 2 Letter to the Editor
Here is an action that is quick to take. Click here to send a letter to the editor urging your member of Congress to get these bills, H.R. 681 and H.R. 1776, passed and wipe out Tuberculosis. I did. It will send your letter to local newspapers for you based on your address!!
RESOURCES
Find My Elected Officials
Contact State and Federal Representatives - phone and email
Healthcare Advocacy (Us) Website
Our Newsletter resources including reproductive healthcare - Healthcare Advocacy Reading List
Important Healthcare Resources
League of Women Voters Healthcare Reform Toolkit
Organizations to Contact
National Nurses United Medicare4All, Physicians for a National Health Program, One Payer States, Healthcare Now
Reproductive Health
NARAL - Pro Choice America
Charley. chatbot abortion resource - make sure to use a secure incognito browser if you live in a state that has banned abortion
Planned Parenthood
Miscarriage and Abortion Hotline has references about where to procure abortion medications. They also assist women in the process of self managed abortion or miscarriage by phone or text and will respond in an hour. Details and hours of operation at their website.
United State of Women Reproductive health page (bottom of the page) has important resources such as medical support, access to Telehealth, prescriptions by mail, and legal support references.
Practice careful communications - The Digital Defense Fund has a number of tips to keep texts, calls, and internet use private. Here is their site.
If you need financial help with an abortion try abortionfunds.org
Claims Denials and Appeals & What to Do
Appeal a Healthcare Decision, Appeal/Negotiate a Hospital Bill
Disinformation Management
Cybersecurity Infrastructure Security Agency
Library of Advice, Specific Advice
Save Democracy
Chop Wood, Carry Water by Jessica Cravens
RESISTBOT
Link to the RESISTBOT site to learn more
Link to Chop Wood, Carry Water RESISTBOT write up
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