Empowering Choice in a Post-Roe v. Wade World

Reproductive freedom is something every person is entitled to, however, that right was stripped from many in the United States when Roe v. Wade was overturned in June of 2022. This landmark decision ended the federal constitutional right to abortion in the U.S., leaving it up to the states to decide the legality of abortion …

America’s Maternal Mortality Crisis: A Call to Action

In the land of perceived opportunity and progress, a grim reality persists: the rates of maternal mortality in the United States are alarmingly high, with a staggering increase witnessed in recent years. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported that maternal deaths soared from 861 in 2020 to a heartbreaking 1,205 in …

Are you Hungry?

Wondering and/or concerned about where you can get nutritional and quality food? Many high school students alongside yourself are experiencing the same thing, and some more often than others. This concern is considered as food and nutritional security, a national and global issue (Seligman et.al., 2023). Food security is the ability of households having accessibility …

Banning Flavored Vapes: One Step Towards Protecting Kids from Nicotine Addiction

In recent years, the rise in adolescent vaping has emerged as a pressing public health concern. Flavored e-cigarette products, or vapes, have particularly contributed to this trend, appealing to adolescents with enticing flavors like candy or fruit. Despite legislative efforts to regulate e-cigarettes, their availability and appeal to youth remain high. However, a policy solution …

Dangers of Healthcare Consolidation, What State Governments Can Learn from Oregon

Imagine independent local health care clinics being merged with a large national healthcare organization. Sounds great right?  More money for equipment, hiring staff , and the overall ability to increase services to the community are all expectations of what could follow a merger; But that is not the reality of these mergers.  Instead, no improvements …

Gluten Free the Fine Print: Why Double-Checking Food Labels is Non-Negotiable

Eating gluten free for some is a choice. For others it is a treatment to a serious autoimmune disease known as celiac.  For someone with celiac disease, exposure to gluten triggers an autoimmune response1. This means that when someone with celiac disease ingests gluten it damages the small intestine causing what can be extreme inflammation1. …

Breaking the Silence: Why Young Adults Must Lead the Charge in Mental Health Reform

The Reality for Young Adults and Mental Health The transition to adulthood brings numerous challenges: starting college or careers, forming significant relationships, and navigating independence. During this pivotal time, mental health issues can significantly impact life trajectories. Statistics show a worrying trend: nearly 75% of all mental health conditions manifest by the age of 24, …

Prescription for Change: Why Single-Payer Healthcare is the Cure for Soaring Costs

Have you noticed that each year your health insurance seems to get more expensive without offering you any additional benefits? You’re not alone. Last year the average cost of health insurance for a single person in the United States was $8,435, and if you have a family the cost of coverage was a whopping $23,968 …

Strengthening Homes, Secure Futures: Insights on Earthquake Preparedness in Taiwan and California

Author: “Sharon” Chenyun Hu Published: 05/07/24 Updated: 05/07/24  7.4 magnitude quake hits Taiwan, strongest in 25 years (Source: https://images.app.goo.gl/UE7ew7ffE5usKFQR9) Introduction In recent years, seismic events around the world have underscored the importance of earthquake preparedness. Taiwan and the United States, particularly areas like California on the West Coast, face significant earthquake risks due to their …

Preventing Cancer Before It Strikes: The Case for HPV Vaccination Mandates in Schools

In the United States, we pour billions into the pursuit of a cure for cancer, yet often overlook a powerful tool: prevention (NCI, 2022). The HPV vaccine is a remarkable asset in the fight against cancer. It guards against the most common sexually transmitted infection in the U.S. The Human Papillomavirus, is responsible for nearly …