Spreading Global Health Awareness and
Promoting Wellness
Latest Articles
Where to Get Sick: A Comparison of the Best Health Care Policies around the World
by Angela Wang 18' February 11, 2015
What’s the difference between a doctor’s appointment in the United States and one in the United Arab Emirates? A number of things. Healthcare differs in every country depending on its economic, social, and political background. The hospitals, and insurance plans of one nation can be vastly different from those of another. In the United States, private sector businesses mainly provide healthcare facilities.
by Javier Garcia 17' February 11, 2015
Chikungunya: just because it’s impossible
to pronounce, doesn’t mean we shouldn’t
be talking about it. This virus has been
infecting people in Africa since 1952 and
it wasn’t until now that the media has highlighted
its danger.
Water Contamination in Modern India
by Arati Gangadharan 18' February 11, 2015
Contaminated drinking water has always been a major concern for the citizens of India. When there is a lack of a safe and affordable source of drinking water, people are forced to consume dangerous pollutants, causing severe threats to health and hygiene.
by Irene Cofie November 11, 2014
Research shows that 30 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise a day or 150 minutes a week provides health benefits.[i] Dancing, running on a treadmill, kickboxing and cycling are all examples of powerful aerobic exercises. However, aerobics is not the only form of exercise. Strength-training routines such as yoga and weightlifting are also great exercise routines.
Rare and Interesting Medical Conditions – Part II
by Yvette Zou November 11, 2014
Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB) is an inherited disorder in which extremely mild trauma can cause blisters on the skin. In many countries, children with this disorder are called “butterfly children” or “crystal skin children” because their skin is extremely fragile (2). Other organs can be affected by EB as well, including the esophagus, lungs, muscles and eyes. Depending on the type and severity of EB, its effects can range from mildly disabling to life threatening. In some cases, blistering occurs only in areas where there is trauma, while in other cases it can occur all over the body.
Same Sex Marriage Driving Better Health
by Samathan Cheng November 11, 2014
Although same-sex marriage continues to be controversial, the legalization of same-sex unions is decidedly beneficial towards the health of the LGBT community. Compared to the at-large population of Americans, sexual and gender minorities experience worse health outcomes and less access to healthcare services. It is well documented that marginalized groups (racially, ethnically, religiously, and sexually), face negative stigmas and weakened support networks, leading to low self-esteem and feelings of rejection [1]. These psychosocial conditions can manifest in health problems. Public policy further shapes society’s treatment of these groups.
4 Ways to Manage Stress and Stay Happy
by Stephanie Her November 11, 2014
1. Go Outside
There have been several studies done that have shown that going outside helps to reduce stress and increases happiness. For instance, the David Suzuki Foundation asked more than 10,000 Canadians and 250 workplaces to join in the 30x30 Nature Challenge, in which participants are challenged to spend at least 30 minutes outdoors each day for 30 consecutive days. After the challenge was completed, it was discovered that most participants had nearly doubled the time spent outdoors by the end of the 30 days. Furthermore, the participants reported a significantly greater sense of wellbeing, vitality, and energy while also reporting reduced amounts of stress, pessimism, and sleep disturbances. These participants also reported feeling significantly more productive in the workplace. A study done by researchers at the University of Michigan confirmed these results by demonstrating that spending an hour outdoors improved memory and attention span by roughly 20%.
The West Bank of the Connecticut: Under Siege by Heroin
by Timothy Messen November 11, 2014
The tourist pamphlets tell you about dairy farming, maple syrup, and bed and breakfasts nestled among the autumnal colors of the mountains. They come, they stay for the leaves, and they are gone. Behind or, rather, alongside this bucolic image of Vermont is the one that Governor Peter Shumlin and Politico have popularized: a state in the throes of a serious heroin problem.
Ebola Guinea in a Globalized World
by Timothy Messen
When news broke of patients in Texas with Ebola, all sorts of rumors spread about the virus (See our previous article for debunking of those myths). Though the spread of Ebola should be cause for concern, we must keep in mind that this virus is transmitted by the exchange of bodily fluids from a patient exhibiting symptoms. This particular outbreak is especially frightening due to the increasing interconnectedness of global society. People travel to and within the affected regions of West Africa. The same forces that spread blue jeans and American pop music work to move pathogens around the globe.
Rare Medical Conditions – Part 1
by Yvette Zou
Even equipped with the advanced medical technology we have today, we may never be able to truly understand all the bizarre and fascinating phenomena that wreak havoc in the human body. While certain diseases, such as cystic fibrosis or Ebola, have been researched extensively and brought to the public’s attention, others remain virtually unknown to the majority of people. The following overview of some of these rare disorders barely scratches the surface of the myriad mysterious ailments that affect people all over the world.
Top Five Myths about Ebola
by Irene Song October 22, 2014
The 2014 Ebola outbreak is the largest in history, affecting multiple countries throughout West Africa. As of October 10, 2014, Ebola has reportedly claimed 4033 lives, and World Health Organization (WHO) believes the true death toll could be far higher.[1] Despite the great concern about Ebola, misconceptions about the virus still exist widely. Let’s separate the myth from truth in this
crisis.
What does Dartmouth have to Offer?
by Joanna Xing October 22, 2014
Standpoints outlines the various amazing Global Health opportunities Dartmouth offers
Enterovirus D68
By Cindy Sun October 22, 2014
The current outbreak of enterovirus D68 (EV-D68), a virus that causes respiratory illness, in the United States has caused serious concern among parents. 938 people from 46 states and the District of Columbia have been confirmed with respiratory illness caused by EV-D68 from mid-August to October 21, 2014.[1] Mild symptoms may include fever, runny nose, sneezing, cough, and body and muscle aches, similar to the symptoms of the common cold.
Alfredo Velasco and Chris Woods
May 31, 2010 by Fumnanya Ekhator
“You need it to be hard, because otherwise you could get hurt while the men are pushing on you.”[1] These are the words of Agnes Munyiva, a 50-year-old woman in the Majengo slums of Nairobi, Kenya. She is describing the hard lumpy mattress in the small rented room she uses for work. On the other side of Majengo, she rents another room, slightly larger, where she lives with the three youngest of her five children.
Student Run
Meetings
Tuesdays at 8:30pm
A Proud Group of the Dartmouth Dickey Center for
International Understanding
Standpoints
What does Dartmouth have to Offer?
by Joanna Xing October 22, 2014
Standpoints outlines the various amazing Global Health opportunities Dartmouth offers
