Welcome back. As someone talented at putting off health appointments, I'm excited about our new initiative launching today: Don't Wait. The goal: Help women schedule preventative care appointments and screenings that can be lifesaving, yet so many of us skip.
I get why it's so common — from doctors', ahem, listening problems to simply not having the time. But the consequences are especially dire for women, so I'm not letting it slide anymore. Catch me:
Checking to see if my doctor is running late
Not letting the fear of confusing, scary medical bills discourage me
Finding a PCP that isn’t Google, CVS, or urgent care
— Sami Roberts / Writer / Denver, CO
Well, Well, Well...
Catch up on the latest health news, tips, and trends.
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PS: We're thinking of those impacted by Hurricane Helene, which has also wreaked havoc on the nationwide medical supply chain. You can donate to help those affected by the storm here.
We Have To Talk About…
The Scheduling Problem Affecting Your Health
If you'd rather get a root canal than schedule your next doctor's appointment, you're not alone. It's hard enough finding a provider who takes your insurance or getting time off work to go to said appointment — but then you may have to wait months to actually see someone. It's part of the reason nearly half of women skip preventative care appointments that can be lifesaving.
Where are all the doctors?
It’s a case of supply and demand. The need for care is rising, but more physicians are retiring or leaving the field due to burnout. Plus, there aren’t enough people becoming primary care physicians. By 2036, there could be a shortage of up to 40,400 PCPs in the US, according to one estimate. That's about 8% of the country’s PCP workforce today.
Even with the wait, don’t wait
About 70% of millennial women say it’s hard to make health a top priority, mostly because they feel overwhelmed. Which will be surprising to, unfortunately, no one. “Women are doing all of the things. You're caring for yourself, your family, your job. You’re the network that's holding everything together, and sometimes the urgent crowds out the important,” says Kisha Davis, MD, spokesperson for the American Academy of Family Physicians.
A recent survey shows that women were most likely to skip recommended screenings for breast, cervical, and colorectal cancers, which together kill more than 70,000 women in the US each year. They also skipped screenings for skin cancer and heart disease. Even healthy people need check-ups, and while the scheduling process feels like a chore, it’s worth it in the long run.
Your move
Preventative appointments are one of the best ways to stay healthy and prevent diseases. Use our free tool to set up yours, and find out what screenings and visits you need for your age. “Your future self will thank you for having that relationship. Because when you're sick, you're going to wish you had it,” says Davis.
Ask An Expert
Last week, we asked you to vote on a question to answer. The winner was:
How much does my family’s health history impact my health?
FEATURED EXPERT:
Gabriella Farkas, MD
Medical director at Nurx
Farkas says it’s important, but it’s not everything. You’re more likely to develop the same condition your family member has or had — but most mental and physical conditions are caused by a combination of genetics and environmental factors (like exercise, diet, and stress).
Not sure which part of your family’s medical history to share with your doctor? Read on.
![An image of Kristin Juszczyk with a quote that reads: "I'm right around that time my mom was diagnosed, [so] I'm really trying to dive in and understand all the risks of breast cancer." — Kristin Juszczyk](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.ctfassets.net%2F6g4gfm8wk7b6%2F74WIeb6t1Gju6dN8qHBMAC%2Fecf7f9220d0a20ee13e743588006f98e%2FKristin_Juszczyk_header.jpg&w=3840&q=75)
"Don't Wait" When It Comes to Breast Cancer Prevention, Says Kristin Juszczyk
You might know Kristin Juszczyk as the NFL’s unofficial fashion designer making iconic, celeb-adorned coats. But her story is bigger than that: Juszczyk lost her mom to breast cancer when she was a teenager. Now, she’s partnering with Novartis’s Understand eBC Risk initiative to share important info about being proactive against breast cancer. We spoke with her about why preventative care is so crucial.
How did your mom’s breast cancer battle impact you?
“When you're [younger], it's easy to be a little naive and to not understand the severity of the situation, but now that I'm 30 years old, I'm right around that time my mom was diagnosed, [so] I'm really trying to dive in and understand all the risks of breast cancer.”
What do you want people to know about the importance of screenings and preventative care?
“It was important for me to do my research on what type of breast cancer my mom had and what genes she had and what genes she didn't have.
“Knowledge is power, especially when it comes to your health. So meet with your physicians, do your research, log on to understandEBCrisk.com [to get] all the resources available to help you understand your own personal risk factors.”
PS: This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
Quote of the Week
"Poop rule"
A surprisingly effective decluttering method. Marie Kondo would like a word.
Pop Quiz
Feelings of hopelessness. Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies. Trouble concentrating. These are only some of the symptoms of postpartum depression (aka PPD)† which can be overwhelming. So give us your best guess: Approximately how many women report experiencing PPD symptoms after giving birth in the US?
A. 1 in 15
B. 1 in 25
C. 1 in 10
D. 1 in 8
If you guessed D, you’re right. PPD is one of the most common complications associated with pregnancy, but it’s underdiagnosed and undertreated. The good news: There are treatment options available that may help women in need. ZURZUVAE® (zuranolone) is the first and only FDA-approved 14-day oral treatment for adults with PPD. Learn more about ZURZUVAE® here.
Please see Important Safety Information about ZURZUVAE below, and full Prescribing Information, including Boxed Warning and Medication Guide.
Intended for audiences over 18 in the U.S.
†These are not the only symptoms of PPD. Individual experiences may vary. Please speak to your healthcare provider if you think you may be experiencing symptoms.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
What is the most important information I should know about ZURZUVAE?
ZURZUVAE may cause serious side effects, including:
Decreased ability to drive or do other dangerous activities. ZURZUVAE may decrease your awareness and alertness, which can affect your ability to drive safely or safely do other dangerous activities
Do not drive, operate machinery, or do other dangerous activities until at least 12 hours after taking each dose during your 14-day treatment course of ZURZUVAE
You may not be able to tell on your own if you can drive safely or tell how much ZURZUVAE is affecting you
Decreased awareness and alertness [central nervous system (CNS) depressant effects]. ZURZUVAE may cause sleepiness, drowsiness, slow thinking, dizziness, confusion, and trouble walking
Because of these symptoms, you may be at a higher risk for falls during treatment with ZURZUVAE
Taking alcohol, other medicines that cause CNS depressant effects, or opioids while taking ZURZUVAE can make these symptoms worse and may also cause trouble breathing
Tell your healthcare provider if you develop any of these symptoms, or if they get worse during treatment with ZURZUVAE. Your healthcare provider may decrease your dose or stop ZURZUVAE treatment if you develop these symptoms
ZURZUVAE is a federal controlled substance (C-IV) because it contains zuranolone, which can be abused or lead to dependence. Keep ZURZUVAE in a safe place to protect it from theft. Do not sell or give away ZURZUVAE, because it may harm others and is against the law.
Before taking ZURZUVAE, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you:
drink alcohol
have abused or been dependent on prescription medicines, street drugs, or alcohol
have liver or kidney problems
are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. ZURZUVAE may harm your unborn baby
are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. ZURZUVAE passes into breast milk, and it is not known if it can harm your baby. Talk to your healthcare provider about the risks and benefits of breastfeeding and about the best way to feed your baby during treatment with ZURZUVAE
Females who are able to become pregnant:
Tell your healthcare provider right away if you become pregnant during treatment with ZURZUVAE.
You should use effective birth control (contraception) during treatment with ZURZUVAE and for 1 week after the final dose
There is a pregnancy registry for females who are exposed to ZURZUVAE during pregnancy. The purpose of the registry is to collect information about the health of females exposed to ZURZUVAE and their baby. If you become pregnant during treatment with ZURZUVAE, talk to your healthcare provider about registering with the National Pregnancy Registry for Antidepressants at 1-844-405-6185 or visit online at https://womensmentalhealth.org/research/pregnancyregistry/antidepressants/
Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. ZURZUVAE and some medicines may interact with each other and cause serious side effects. ZURZUVAE may affect the way other medicines work, and other medicines may affect the way ZURZUVAE works.
Especially tell your healthcare provider if you take antidepressants, opioids, or CNS depressants such as benzodiazepines.
What should I avoid while taking ZURZUVAE?
Do not drive a car, operate machinery, or do other dangerous activities until at least 12 hours after taking each dose of ZURZUVAE because ZURZUVAE may make you feel sleepy, confused, or dizzy
Do not drink alcohol or take other medicines that make you sleepy or dizzy while taking ZURZUVAE without talking to your healthcare provider
See “What is the most important information I should know about ZURZUVAE?”
ZURZUVAE may cause serious side effects, including:
See “What is the most important information I should know about ZURZUVAE?”
Increased risk of suicidal thoughts or actions. ZURZUVAE and other antidepressant medicines may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and actions in people 24 years of age and younger. ZURZUVAE is not for use in children
How can I watch for and try to prevent suicidal thoughts and actions?
Pay close attention to any changes, especially sudden changes in mood, behavior, thoughts, or feelings, or if you develop suicidal thoughts or actions. This is very important when an antidepressant medicine is started or when the dose is changed
Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any new or sudden changes in mood, behavior, thoughts, or feelings
Keep all follow-up visits with your healthcare provider as scheduled. Call your healthcare provider between visits as needed, especially if you have concerns about symptoms
Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms, especially if they are new, worse, or worry you:
attempts to commit suicide
thoughts about suicide or dying
new or worse depression
feeling very agitated or restless
trouble sleeping (insomnia)
new or worse anxiety
panic attacks
new or worse irritability
acting aggressive, being angry, or violent
an extreme increase in activity and talking (mania)
acting on dangerous impulses
other unusual changes in behavior or mood
The most common side effects of ZURZUVAE include:
Sleepiness or drowsiness, dizziness, common cold, diarrhea, feeling tired, weak, or having no energy, and urinary tract infection
These are not all of the possible side effects of ZURZUVAE. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You can report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.
What is ZURZUVAE® (zuranolone) CIV?
ZURZUVAE is a prescription medicine used to treat adults with postpartum depression (PPD).
It is not known if ZURZUVAE is safe and effective in children.
Please see full Prescribing Information, including Boxed Warning and Medication Guide.
Sponsored by Sage Therapeutics, Inc. and Biogen Inc.
ZUR-US-1093 09/2024
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