The hottest Chronic Conditions Substack posts right now

Women are more likely to experience chronic pain than men.
Women face disparities in pain treatment compared to men, receiving less pain medication and longer wait times for treatment.
Medical training often does not consider sex differences, leading to differences in pain management for women.

Increased wildfire activity due to climate change is causing a rise in toxic particulate pollution in the air, impacting everyone's health but particularly risky for those with chronic conditions.
Wildfire smoke contains harmful PM2.5 particles that can lead to respiratory issues, trigger asthma flares, and increase the risk of viral infections.
To protect yourself from wildfire smoke, monitor air quality, keep windows closed when AQI is high, use air purifiers with HEPA filters, avoid outdoor exercise in hazy air, and consider wearing a KN95 or N95 mask if at high risk.

Laxatives can be beneficial for managing digestive disorders like constipation in certain cases, but they should be used carefully and in consultation with a healthcare provider.
Using laxatives in specific health conditions like Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis can worsen symptoms and lead to complications, so medical advice is crucial before their use.
For chronic constipation, laxatives can offer relief but should be used as a short-term solution while addressing underlying issues like diet and hydration to prevent reliance and potential complications.

Oak Street Health's success came from owning the full provider stack and utilizing a capitation framework.
Owning the provider stack allows for better control over patient outcomes and aligns incentives for quality care.
The model of owning the provider stack can be applied not just in primary care, but also in specialty services for specific chronic conditions.

Not all carbs are created equal; unprocessed carbs have better health outcomes than refined carbs.
Eating whole plant foods with unprocessed carbs can lead to lower rates of chronic conditions like diabetes and heart disease.
Transitioning to a diet rich in wholesome carbohydrates can improve blood sugar levels and overall health.

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