It’s sad that so many of us in the U.S. – and especially in Seattle – live so far away from our families, our parents, our loved ones. That’s why spending time with my widowed mom means so much to me, here for Christmas in Wisconsin. Continue reading
Category Archives: Health & …
Before I was born, you knew me
Before I was born, you knew me. You sang lullabies to me, still unborn. You memorized my kicks, my restlessness. Wept with joy in hope, and wept with fear in despair: how to feed this unexpected mouth? Your first baby died – you were just 22… Continue reading
“Pretty faces” of cancer
I was channel-surfing tonight after all that riveting newly-elected Pope Francis coverage on CNN, and landed on Katie Couric’s talk show. The former CBS News anchor was focusing on lesser-known cancers and cancer prevention. Continue reading
The burdens of disease, and death
In my lifetime a handful of diseases have been eradicated – like smallpox – or tamed a bit – like HIV/AIDS. I grew up wanting to believe that hope was part of the methodology in scientific research, hope part of the prescription in healing. Hmm… Continue reading
Social media, doctor’s orders
In the heart of Washington State’s playground, from Chelan to Wenatchee, healthcare’s a struggle for its fruit orchard laborers. But an experimental social media platform can help. Continue reading
Voices of global health: multifaith work (w/video)
Sometimes it seems there’s a global war in global health, with faith-based and secular organizations at each other’s throats: competing interests, differences in approaching medical treatment with – and without – a faith component, funding sources with – and without – religious strings attached. Continue reading
Voices of global health: Dr. Judy Wesserheit
I met Dr. Judy Wasserheit several years ago, when I was trying to figure out how I could integrate my journalism experience and my growing interest in global health without going back to school for a PhD or M.D. She was extremely helpful. Continue reading
Faith+Secular=Global Health “Perspectives” (w/video)
Here’s my video question in advance of an innovative gathering of faith-based and secular organizations working in global health. Continue reading
Voices of global health: Bernhard Weigl
For Bernhard Weigl, global health innovations are all about simplicity, low cost, and usability. He’s hooked on devices that are easy to use at home, like treatments for diabetes in developing countries. Continue reading
Voices of Global Health: Lisa Cohen
In an earlier lifetime, Lisa Cohen and I worked at KIRO-TV, the CBS affiliate in Seattle, Washington. Lisa was a driven news producer, earning respect and admiration of her colleagues with her focus and attention to details — and details matter in TV news. Continue reading
Voices of Global Health: Dr. David Fleming
It’s countdown time to July’s “Global Health Month in Seattle!”
Today’s “Voice of Global Health” is Seattle’s Dr. David Fleming of Public Health-Seattle & King County. He wakes up the world with three words describing Washington State’s global health: “Better than Geneva.” Continue reading
Divas & dads: dying to know…
My dad died a month ago today. Exactly one month ago this evening I sat at this computer cobbling together my global health web site, Global Health Lessons, background TV blaring a weepy funeral service for singer-diva Whitney Houston. Her death certificate blamed drowning, but the bigger blame was also Whitney’s deadly fondness for cocaine. … Continue reading
“Seasick:” The Explosion of Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis in Karakalpakstan, Uzbekistan
Tuberculosis is one of the world’s top infectious diseases, brought on by environment, poverty, and politics. Nowhere is this more evident – and alarming – than the Aral Sea area in Karakalpakstan, Uzbekistan. Continue reading
Cancer competition
I like pink – don’t get me wrong. It’s the ubiquitous symbol of breast cancer awareness – but what about all those other forgotten cancers? Continue reading
Russia’s Soup Kitchens
“SOCIAL UPHEAVAL MEANS SOUP KITCHENS, STRUGGLES FOR SOME RUSSIANS”(First published in The Seattle Times, 05/08/1994) [My note, years later: I like this story as a reflection of the times, showing the resilience of Russia’s elderly struggling to adapt to changes, even as they wondered where their next meal would come from. I later volunteered at … Continue reading