Health

By Jennifer Loera, RN
Clinical Navigator - Maternal Opiate Medical Support (MOMS) Program, Blanchard Valley Health System

Engaging in as much prenatal care as possible is the single most important thing a pregnant woman can do, even if care is not sought until late. Pregnant women with substance use disorder (SUD) frequently face tremendous stigma and judgment when seeking medical care. Experience with judgment and stigma can often make it difficult to seek prenatal care, mental health care, and community support services. 

Providers should utilize a trauma-informed care approach when working with substance-using pregnant patients to combat stigma. This includes harm reduction and motivational interviewing. Focusing primarily on building trust, enhancing self-efficacy, and strengthening personal skills and resources promotes optimal health and well-being of the mother-baby dyad. 

By Ankit Modh, MD
Radiation Oncology, The Armes Family Cancer Care Center

As a radiation oncologist with years of experience, I am thrilled to share the incredible strides we've made in the field of radiation therapy, particularly in minimizing the impact of what was once a dreaded side effect – radiation burns. The landscape of cancer treatment has evolved significantly, and one of the most notable improvements lies in our ability to deliver effective treatment with a focus on patients’ comfort and well-being. 

In the not-so-distant past, radiation burns were an unfortunate and often inevitable consequence of radiation therapy. Patients undergoing treatment for various cancers would, unfortunately, experience skin reactions that ranged from discomfort to painful burns akin to severe sunburn. These side effects not only impacted the physical health of the patient but also added emotional distress to an already challenging journey.