PetDx’s Post

Want to learn more about: 1️⃣ The importance of preventative care 2️⃣ The gap between cancer costs and screenings 3️⃣ The need for innovative solutions like self-funding 4️⃣ And more Check out this article! #Healthcare #TipTuesday #HealthyLiving

https://lnkd.in/eM_vbnc2 Frightening to realize that after so many years of progress in the fight against cancers, we have seen tremendous improvements in treatment, great reductions in mortality and yet we are facing a significant rise in incidence. Treatments have improved but resulting costs have skyrocketed. An abundance of point solutions exist to help with managing these costs, they help channel to centers of excellence, ensure treatment plans are in line with best practices and often help with site of care or medications. These are good options, this is life saving care and it is essential. The unmanaged costs could easily put any health plan in a dire situation, in absence of other options, a point solution is a good plan. A great solution would include all of the aspects of a good point solution, but not focus on the disease, rather the person. As this study references, the human body is more complex, BMI plays a role as an underlying cause of cancer. Stress, genetics, mental disorders and a myriad of other factors have a role to play, each individual is different. Ideally a fully integrated solution would include an aspect for all of the different factors, working together in an integrated fashion. A team of experts at the fingertips of the patient. Someone that could take the time to understand the individual and what factors are at play in their lives that may complicate or exacerbate their situation. Help them find alternative options, including treatments for the underlying conditions. Hines has 36+ years of experience doing just that, last year our Oncology Case Managers in tight coordination with our Behavioral Health Team, our Health Coaches and Wellness Team and a wide range of other experts working in tandem saved our customers well over $11 Million, and touched the lives of 1400+ unique individuals. Each of them needed more than just a point solution to help them through a time in their lives that was difficult not just because of their cancer care, but also for the impacts it had on their family, their mental well being and a myriad of other effects it had on their lives. Serving an organization that can provide this type of support for our customers is a tremendous honor, proud to be a part of it! If you are interested in a deeper dive on the cancer trends and impacts, this is a good read and worth a look: https://lnkd.in/eFYJsi-r

The following can all be true at once about COVID-19: ➡️ Getting COVID-19 now feels like getting the flu or less, for almost everyone. ➡️ About 5 - 10% of people will get sick for a year or longer with Long COVID. Perhaps 2-3% will have life-deranging illness for multiple years. ➡️ Every COVID-19 infection can cause brain damage and small long-lasting or permanent drops in IQ. ➡️ Every COVID-19 infection may cause long-term weakening of people’s immune systems, leaving them more susceptible to getting COVID-19 and other illnesses in the future (this is speculative, but possible.) People are in a state of denial about COVID-19. It is not going away: ➡️ Wastewater data shows the exact same viral load patterns as last year. ➡️ Death rates from COVID-19 in 2024 are only slightly less than 2023. ➡️ Rates of Long COVID are not declining and actually just ticked up slightly.  ➡️ The virus doesn’t seem to be becoming weaker and is becoming more contagious and better able to evade existing immunity. It is evolving so quickly scientists are struggling to keep up. I know several people who have had COVID-19 three times and one of my coworkers has had COVID-19 five times. My main concern is the cumulative toll this will take on our bodies and brains. Just a three point downward shift in IQ in the United States would increase the number of adults with an IQ less than 70 by 2.8 million. It would also dramatically lower the number of geniuses (IQ > 145) which could have a large effect on scitech progress. Read this new article on my Substack for much more detail and references:

A recent survey by the Prevent Cancer Foundation reveals a concerning trend among Gen Z (ages 21-27) – they are plugged into their phones but not into their health. #PhoneAnxiety and Knowledge Gaps Hinder Screenings The survey highlights two key factors impacting Gen Z’s screening rates: phone anxiety and lack of awareness. Phone Anxiety: Over half (55%) of Gen Z reported being less likely to schedule appointments if it requires calling a healthcare provider’s office. This highlights the need for more accessible scheduling options, such as online booking or appointment apps. Lack of Awareness: Many Gen Z respondents were unaware of the recommended screenings for their age group. For example, only 35% of Gen Z women were up to date on cervical cancer screenings, and 27% hadn’t received a skin cancer check in the past year. The Path Forward: Embracing Digital Solutions The survey also indicates Gen Z’s preference for digital solutions. Nearly half expressed a desire for online appointment booking. #Healthcare providers and organizations should prioritize these digital tools to improve accessibility and encourage younger generations to prioritize their health. https://lnkd.in/dHB6ZZDM

When it comes to health, especially as women, we know the value of being proactive. We're often caretakers, but we must remember to care for ourselves too. One of the most empowering steps you can take for your health is a regular screening, and thermography, or thermograms, should be a part if that conversation. Who should get a Thermogram? Women who: - Have a family history of breast cancer or other cancers; - Are under 50, when breast tissue is typically denser and harder to screen with mammography; - Are looking for a safe, regular screening method without exposure to radiation, and; - Want to take a proactive approach to their overall health, beyond just breast health. Remember, your health is your most valuable asset!

The Community Guide shows how patient navigation services can increase colorectal cancer screening, advance health equity, and are cost-effective! The Community Preventive Services Task Force recommends patient navigation services to increase screenings among historically disadvantaged racial and ethnic populations and people with lower incomes. Read the latest evidence: bit.ly/CPSTF-CCS.

What’s an easy (and free) way to keep costs down on your health spend? Wellness screenings. Research shows that when employees complete their Annual Wellness Visits and Health Risk Assessments in consecutive years (with their PCP) it can help reduce healthcare expenses by 9.4%. Those who do not engage with their PCP annually had: - Higher inpatient care costs - More hospital visits - More readmissions to the hospital - Lower breast cancer screening rates - Lower colorectal cancer screening rates It’s easy. It’s free. Encourage your people to do it annually. It makes a difference.

Make breast health part of your company's Employee Wellness program. Breast cancer remains one of the most prevalent and devastating health issues worldwide. Despite advancements in medical research and treatment options, prevention continues to be a critical component missing in reducing the impact of the disease and in understanding breast health. Education and proactive measures are key in empowering people to take control of their health and reduce their risk of breast cancer. The Breast Cancer Support Fund offers a free 30 minute webinar on breast health and explores the steps one can take to help reduce the risk of developing breast cancer. (Presentation are in-person for companies in the GTA) The webinar will empower and educate employees about breast cancer prevention so they can make informed decisions about their health. Information includes understanding risk factors and steps one can take regarding prevention as well as answering questions about eating organic food and endocrine disruptors. Contact us at info@breastcancerdsupportfund.ca for information on how to book a webinar. #wellness #employeewellness #breastcancer #BCSM⁠ #cancer ⁠ #cancerprevention #helpcancerpatients ⁠ #supportcancerpatients #womenwithcancer ⁠ #bccww ⁠

Cancer is a silent predator, lurking in the shadows, waiting to strike when you least expect it. But what if you could get ahead of it? What if you could take charge of your health with just one simple test? Imagine having a tool right at your fingertips, designed to help you detect signs of cancer early on, when it matters most. Introducing Carci Reagent, your partner in proactive health care. Carci Reagent is more than just a test—it's peace of mind in a bottle. You might be wondering, how does it work? It’s simple! This innovative home test helps detect elevated levels of tyrosine metabolites in your urine, a potential marker for cancer. Why should you care? Here’s why: 1. Early Detection Saves Lives: With Carci Reagent, you can identify potential issues before they become critical, giving you a fighting chance to address them with your healthcare provider. 2. Convenience: No more waiting rooms or long clinic lines. Perform the test in the comfort of your home, whenever you need it. 3. Empowerment: Take control of your health. Regular monitoring empowers you to make informed decisions about your well-being. 4. Scientifically Proven: Carci Reagent is backed by rigorous testing and clinical studies, providing reliable results you can trust. www.carcireagent.com

Two new publications from Team Hardy! 📣 The degree of severity and progression in #ParkinsonsDisease varies considerably across individual patients. Team Hardy conducted two GWAS studies in a large cohort of #PD patients and identified several novel loci associated with PD motor progression and mortality. Check out their publication to read more about their findings. https://lnkd.in/euCnJYNq 📣 Many Lewy body disease (LBD) patients will develop #dementia; however, it is unclear why a subset of patients do not develop dementia. Team Hardy investigated genetic risk factors for dementia in a large cohort of LBD patients by comparing cases with an without dementia and found 3 significant risk variants associated with developing dementia. Read more about these variants. https://bit.ly/4cetEcV