Michelle (Mimi) Fernandez’s Post

Very prevalent “political, social, economic and environmental forces conspire against mothers of color in the United States, undermining their health even when they have access to medical care.” We must look at how we can improve equity in health for all mothers in the country. #maternalhealth #healthequity

It's challenging to get approved for #SocialSecurity disability benefits due to #liver disorders. Many believe that approval only happens in terminal stages, however, liver disease can be disabling long before that point: https://lnkd.in/gXgzRw9X #DisabilityBenefits #LiverDisease #LiverDisorders #LegalHelp #HealthMatters #HallRouse

Sadly, while this article focuses on the state of Massachusetts, it's the story of many of our states where Black women experience higher rates of pre-term births and severe morbidity and mortality. Our systems are failing moms and babies. Doulas can play an important role as we seek solutions to this crisis. #maternalhealth #mentalhealth #maternalmentalhealth #doulas #maternalmentalhealthmonth #futureofhealthcare https://lnkd.in/eV9-jCBw.

At times, it feels like this cycle will never end. There's no hospital nearby to handle pregnancy-related emergencies, and the only grocery store in the area is a dollar store, offering little beyond unhealthy sugar and dangerous-fat foods that lead to pregnancy complications in the first place. The lack of infrastructure to support a healthy pregnancy makes it seem like there's no clear beginning or end—where do we even start to make a difference? I always thought policy was the answer, but if businesses or funding don't come in to open proper grocery stores or create jobs so people can afford healthier options and access to care, how can we truly begin to make a dent in this issue? Can my Public Health peers weigh in? https://lnkd.in/ehrarXAq

Most people want to age in place and that makes a lot of sense. This article has collected great statistics and facts to consider. To give you a taste, the first fact is: Aging in place requires careful planning, including decisions about additional help in the home and in-home health care, with safety, mobility and daily activities in mind. Truthfully, aging in place and with dignity does require careful planning and that seems to be an obstacle for many people and their families. It starts with a conversation and this article could be a useful tool to facilitate that conversation.. If you want to find out about financing future long-term care expenses, please contact me at [email protected]. #cjbinsurance #aginginplace #futureplanning #LTCI #longtermcare #insurance #activeseniors #agingawareness #agingpopulation #agingwell #agingwithgrace #alzheimer #assistedliving #assistedlivinglocators #assistedlivingsf #caregiversupport #caretransitions #community #dementia #dischargeplanning #eldercare #eldercareawareness #elderlycare #elderlyrights #families #goldenyears #healthyaging #independentliving #instituteonaging #ioa #memorycare #rehab #senioractivities #senioradvocacy #seniorcare #seniorcommunity #seniorhealth #seniorlifestyle #seniorliving #seniors #seniorsupport #seniorwellness #skillednursing #snf #takingcareofourseniors

“Over the last 30 years, nearly every wealthy country in the world has made it much safer for people to have babies. Only one outlier has moved in the opposite direction: the United States, where the rate of people dying in childbirth continues, stubbornly and tragically, to rise.” Nationally, Black women are nearly 3x more likely to die from (MOSTLY (~60-70%ish) PREVENTABLE) adverse perinatal events. In some cities this disparity is even higher (I.e. Chicago where it’s 6x that of white women and NY where it’s 10x 🤬🤬). Four strategies to address this (as outlined in this article): 1. More Black providers on the care team / increasing workforce diversity.(*ahem* 🗣️ #Midwives and #CommunityHealthWorkers !!!) 2. Improve access to #doulas (which should never be a seen as a luxury…more of a necessity) 3. Group prenatal care 4. Medicaid expansion Honestly, there also needs to be some responsibility placed on the systems and even individuals enacting such violence/negligence on birthing people and perpetuating the structural, clinical, political, social factors contributing to lthese kinds of outcomes and statistics. #MaternalHealthInequities #BlackMamasMatter

Maternal health is public health.

Let's put a solution to financial insecurity in the hands of moms and improve maternal and health outcomes! https://lnkd.in/ebA6ZXUN

📣 May 30th is World Multiple Sclerosis Day. What better way to promote awareness, then by sharing this young lady’s high school graduation photo! We are 13 days to her actual ceremony but this, right here is a huge achievement. With a diagnosis in May of 2020, Katie has had every iteration of high school imaginable. My husband and I say it is our biggest achievement! ✅ She stayed focused. ✅ She overcame consistent tingling, insomnia, migraines. ✅ She attended multiple doctors appointments, physical therapy, studies, occupational therapy, evaluations, MRI’s. ✅ She managed teachers who didn’t understand and displayed little empathy. ✅ She learned how cruel people can be and treat others differently. ✅ She was judged. ✅She navigated three disease modifying therapies ✅She found a path that works to get her to a California college. ✅She has remained positive, while being left behind by friends, which in the end has been the hardest part. Pediatric MS cases are on the rise. These kids will become adults and will be part of our workforce. It’s our responsibility to make the workplace welcoming and non -discriminating so these amazing young people can make a difference! We need to support legislation that makes therapies accessible to all. Insurance programs that can provide what is needed. I have been incredibly fortunate to be in a position where these are not concerns for Katie. Unfortunately there are many who are not. In cases they can’t afford medication, or canes to help them walk. These are the unseen struggles of a life debilitating disability. We can make it better! 🌎 #worldmultiplesclerosisday