Picture of a doctor standing in a hospital hallway with arms crossed holding a stethoscope
Hospitals, Pregnancy, Women's Health

The Powerful Constraints on Medical Care in Catholic Hospitals Across America

More than half a million babies are born each year in the U.S. in Catholic-run hospitals, including those owned by CommonSpirit Health, Ascension, Trinity Health, and Providence St. Joseph Health. That’s 16% of all hospital births each year, with rates in 10 states exceeding 30%. In Washington, half of all babies are born at such hospitals, the highest share in the country.

Woman holding her hands to her chest.
Cardiology, Heart and Circulatory System, Prevention, Women's Health

It’s time for a heart-to-heart about women’s cardiovascular health, unique risk factors and symptoms

Although cardiovascular disease is often considered a disease of men, women are more likely to die from a heart attack when compared with men. This fact often surprises women and even their health-care providers. Many women are not aware that heart disease is a significant health threat to them, but the reality is that five times as many women die from heart disease as breast cancer.

Child Health, Diet, Nutrition, Women's Health

DOH launchers interactive tool to connect people to Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Nutrition Program

WIC provides monthly food benefits with an emphasis on healthy grocery items like milk, fruits, and vegetables. The program also assists with health screenings and referrals, nutritional education, and breast/chest-feeding support. WIC is for people who are pregnant, recently delivered a baby, who are breast/chest-feeding, and infants and children under 5 years old. Dads, grandparents, foster parents, or other guardians may also apply for WIC for their children.

Endometriosis, Women's Health

Endometriosis: It’s time to change the pattern of pain, stigma and barriers to diagnosis and treatment

One of the significant challenges faced by people with endometriosis is receiving a diagnosis. Patients experience an average delay of 5.4 years from the onset of symptoms to diagnosis. The symptoms are similar to other reproductive health issues (such as polycystic ovary syndrome) or severe period pain, which can be confusing for non-specialist health-care professionals.