Health News: Understanding Ozempic Use in Young Adults

Jeff Bezos gave an actor and a retired general $50 million each to “Do with it as you seem fit.” Allegedly….

Part 2 of 2. In this week’s email:

• Young adults are dosing on Ozempic for bikini bods.

•  In-Network Health Coverages Vanished - Poor Insurance Doctor Negotiations.

•  World Sleep and World Kidney Days – March 2024.

•  Narcissistic Personality Disorder.

• New Orleans – The Claiborne Expressway, a Neighborhood Divided - Environmental and Health Issues

Young adults are dosing on Ozempic for bikini bods

As the summer months approach and the pressure to show more skin increases, many young adults are turning to GLP-1 medications like Ozempic to prepare for "swimsuit season." However, experts caution that there are crucial factors to consider before opting for such medications, especially for those dealing with body image issues.

GLP-1 agonists are a type of medication used to control blood sugar levels in people with Type 2 diabetes, and some can also help with obesity. They are typically administered through injections with a needle and syringe.

While Ozempic is FDA-approved for diabetes treatment, its counterpart Wegovy is approved for obesity in individuals aged twelve and above. Other options in this class include Mounjaro and Zepbound.

Experts recommend exploring a "weight-neutral" approach, which includes stress management, adequate sleep, and tuning into hunger and fullness cues, to achieve individual body goals without solely relying on medication.

In-Network Health Coverages Vanished - Poor Insurance Doctor Negotiations

Jennifer Hepworth's family faced a financial shock in early 2019 when their daughter's cystic fibrosis medication bill skyrocketed from $30 to $3,500 per month. This drastic increase was due to changes in their health insurance plan, which no longer applied copay assistance from drugmakers towards their deductible. While copay assistance programs were designed to help patients afford expensive medications, this shift left many families like the Hepworths grappling with substantial out-of-pocket costs.

The core issue lies in copay accumulator programs utilized by insurers and employers. These programs allow them to save significant costs, but at the expense of patients who must now bear a greater financial burden. For patients like Hepworth, who rely on expensive medications, this change meant paying thousands of dollars out of pocket before their insurance coverage kicked in.

Despite the potential savings for insurers and employers, there has been pushback from lawmakers and advocacy groups. Several states have limited copay accumulator programs, and patient advocacy groups have successfully challenged these programs in court. However, these limitations do not apply to larger, self-insured plans, leaving many Americans vulnerable to these cost-shifting practices.

Efforts are underway to address these issues through bipartisan legislation such as the Help Ensure Lower Patient Copays Act. This legislation aims to require financial assistance to count towards deductibles and other out-of-pocket costs, providing much-needed relief to patients facing high medical expenses.

Sponsor:

One of the criticisms against copay accumulator programs is that they incentivize patients to stay on expensive drugs, potentially overlooking more cost-effective alternatives. Insurers argue that capturing copay assistance funds themselves can help mitigate rising premium costs, but patient advocacy groups counter that this practice can lead to patients skipping medications due to financial strain.

Recent court decisions and proposed federal rules signal potential changes in how copay assistance is managed. Insurers' ability to exploit loopholes, such as labeling certain drugs as nonessential under "maximizer" programs, may face tighter regulations in the future. However, the outcomes of ongoing legal battles and regulatory developments remain uncertain.

As stakeholders await clarity on these issues, patients like the Hepworths continue to navigate the complex landscape of healthcare costs. The intersection of policy, industry practices, and patient advocacy will shape the future of copay assistance programs and their impact on individuals' access to essential medications. Read more here

World Sleep Day

March 15, 2024, is World Sleep Day! Advocates worldwide are raising awareness about the importance of quality sleep under the theme "Sleep Equity for Global Health," focusing on disparities in sleep health and their impact on overall health equity. Organized by the World Sleep Society since 2008, this day aims to promote healthy sleep habits and mitigate sleep-related issues through collective action.

Quality sleep plays a crucial role in maintaining optimal health and well-being. It enhances productivity and cognitive function, supports weight management by regulating metabolic processes, and contributes to mental health by reducing stress, anxiety, and depression risk. World Sleep Day serves as a reminder of these benefits and the need to prioritize quality sleep for a healthier future.

World Kidney Day

World Kidney Day is a global healthcare event held annually since 2006 on the second Thursday of March. It aims to unite kidney disease patients and raise awareness about the vital role kidneys play in overall health.

This year's theme, "Kidney Health for All," highlights the need for equitable access to care and optimal medication practices. The focus is on addressing disparities in kidney disease treatment and advocating for improved access to quality care for everyone affected by kidney disease.

World Kidney Day 2024 is especially important due to the high prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD), affecting over 10% of the global population, with a significant impact on the elderly and individuals with diabetes, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.

Sponsor:

Narcissistic Personality Disorder

Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) is a type of personality disorder characterized by inflated self-importance, a need for excessive attention, troubled relationships, and a lack of empathy. People with NPD often have fragile self-esteem hidden beneath extreme confidence.

NPD causes issues in various aspects of life such as relationships, work, school, or finances. Symptoms include self-importance, living in a fantasy world, a sense of entitlement, constant need for praise, using others without guilt, and demeaning others.

The causes of NPD are complex and may include environmental factors like parent-child relationships, genetics, and neurobiology. Risk factors include being male, starting in teens or early adulthood, and certain parenting styles. Complications include relationship difficulties, work or school problems, depression, anxiety, physical health issues, substance misuse, and suicidal thoughts.

Preventing NPD involves initial treatment for childhood mental health problems, healthy communication in the family, parenting classes, and seeking guidance from therapists. Treatment for NPD includes talk therapy (psychotherapy) to improve relationships, understand emotions and behaviors, maintain real connections, regulate feelings, and manage self-esteem issues. Medications may be used for other mental health conditions like depression or anxiety.

If you experience NPD symptoms, it is essential to consult a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment, which may include therapy, medications, and meditation for better management.

New Orleans – The Claiborne Expressway, a Neighborhood Divided - Environmental and Health Issues

For over a century, Claiborne Avenue in New Orleans thrived as a hub of Black economic and cultural life until the late 1960s when a federal infrastructure project replaced it with an elevated freeway, marking the end of an era. Raynard Sanders, co-founder of the Claiborne Avenue History Project (CAHP), emphasizes its historical significance, describing it as the heart of African American activity.

President Joe Biden's infrastructure proposal includes a provision shining a spotlight on Claiborne Avenue. Sanders, along with filmmaker Katherine Cecil, established CAHP in 2014 to preserve and share the street's rich history through various media, including an interactive website.

Originally developed in the 1820s to accommodate New Orleans' growing population, Claiborne Avenue was named after William C.C. Claiborne and boasted a diverse population. By the mid-20th century, it became a vibrant center with theaters, music venues, and residential areas, embodying the city's cultural essence.

However, the Federal Highway Act of 1956 paved the way for the Claiborne Expressway, leading to the destruction of homes and dividing local neighborhoods. The project, part of a nationwide initiative, exemplified the adverse impact of infrastructure development on minority communities, a pattern seen across the country.

The Claiborne Expressway's construction disrupted social and economic activities, leaving behind a legacy of displacement and urban decay. Efforts to address its negative effects have been ongoing, with Biden's American Jobs Plan offering potential funding to reconnect and revitalize affected neighborhoods.

In addition to the social and economic ramifications, the Claiborne Expressway also contributed to environmental and health issues. The increased pollution and noise from the freeway disrupted the well-being of residents in the area, leading to concerns about respiratory problems and other health-related issues.

Despite challenges and costs, Sanders remains hopeful that meaningful action will be taken to repair the damage inflicted on the community by the Claiborne Expressway and similar projects.

Sponsors: