Women's Health News
Here’s what to eat every day to sleep a little better
To improve sleep, it's important to focus on consistent eating patterns rather than specific foods or snacks. Research suggests that diets rich in lean proteins, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and dairy can enhance sleep quality over time.
Sleep improvement is a gradual process, as the body needs time to utilize the nutrients from food effectively. Therefore, viewing dietary changes as a long-term commitment rather than seeking immediate solutions is recommended for better sleep outcomes.
Major funding boost to divert women from a life of crime
AI is nearly exclusively designed by men – here's how to fix it
AI technology is primarily being designed by men, leading to significant gender bias and exclusion of women's perspectives. At a recent conference focused on women in science, speakers highlighted the challenges and setbacks, particularly in light of political actions that undermine diversity in the tech sector.
The conference emphasized that the male dominance in AI design results in a lack of representation, which impacts how technologies are developed and implemented. For instance, only 25% of computer science students in the UK are women, which mirrors the broader trend of diminishing support for women in technology. This absence can lead to tools and applications that do not adequately address women's needs, risking their safety and wellbeing.
Initiatives to combat this issue must focus on creating alternatives that prioritize inclusivity and cater to the entire population, not just a privileged few. Industry experts suggest that to truly improve AI technology, we need to rethink its development structure and incentivize diverse contributions, fostering a more equitable technological landscape for future generations.
Vitamin D may help keep long COVID at bay, study suggests
Recent research suggests that vitamin D may help reduce the risk of developing long COVID, although it does not prevent COVID-19 itself or lessen the severity of its symptoms. Long COVID is a condition affecting about 6% of those who have had COVID-19, leading to persistent symptoms like fatigue, respiratory issues, brain fog, and joint pain.
The study, published in The Journal of Nutrition, involved over 1,700 adults who had recently tested positive for COVID-19. Participants received either vitamin D3 supplements or a placebo for four weeks. Results indicated that those taking vitamin D experienced a lower risk of long COVID symptoms after eight weeks compared to the placebo group.
Researchers highlighted the need for more comprehensive studies to confirm these findings, noting that vitamin D may support immune health and reduce inflammation, which can be factors in long COVID. Further research is necessary to solidify these results and explore the potential benefits of vitamin D for long COVID prevention.
Lili Reinhart on Her Yearlong Journey to an Endometriosis Diagnosis
Lili Reinhart shares her challenging journey to diagnose endometriosis, which spanned over a year filled with persistent pain, misdiagnoses, and ineffective treatments. It all began with severe urinary symptoms while filming in Germany, leading her to seek emergency care. Despite multiple doctor visits and courses of antibiotics, her condition remained unresolved, causing her significant discomfort and anxiety, especially during travel.
After struggling for months and undergoing various medical procedures, Reinhart’s search for answers intensified. With interstitial cystitis suspected but no definitive diagnosis, she began pelvic floor therapy, which brought temporary relief. It was during this therapy that her therapist suggested endometriosis as a possible cause, prompting her to discuss it with a urogynecologist.
Eventually, her tests indicated adenomyosis, a condition that caused her distress due to potential implications for future fertility. Despite feeling frustrated and confused by the lack of clarity around her symptoms, Reinhart continues to advocate for awareness and understanding of women’s health issues, emphasizing that her pain deserved more serious consideration from medical professionals.
Blood test may predict dementia up to 25 years before symptom onset in women
A recent study has revealed that a blood test measuring levels of a protein known as p-tau217 can predict the risk of developing dementia in older women up to 25 years before symptoms occur. This discovery offers a simpler and more accessible alternative to traditional diagnostic methods, such as expensive brain imaging or invasive tests of cerebrospinal fluid.
The research indicates that elevated plasma levels of p-tau217 are linked to an increased likelihood of mild cognitive impairment or dementia. By assessing these levels, healthcare providers may be able to identify individuals at risk early in life, offering them the opportunity to implement lifestyle changes that could lower their risk of developing dementia, such as improving sleep, reducing stress, and increasing physical and mental activity.
Additionally, the study highlighted that factors such as age, race, and genetic background can influence the correlation between p-tau217 levels and dementia risk. This work expands on our knowledge of how p-tau217 can serve as a biomarker for dementia risk in everyday settings, moving beyond the confines of clinical research.
Can AI help predict which heart-failure patients will worsen within a year?
Researchers from MIT, Mass General Brigham, and Harvard Medical School have developed a deep-learning model called PULSE-HF that can predict which heart failure patients are likely to worsen within a year. Heart failure is a serious condition that leads to fluid buildup and can result in arrhythmias or sudden cardiac arrest. Current treatment methods include lifestyle changes and medication, but heart failure remains a major cause of mortality.
PULSE-HF utilizes electrocardiograms (ECGs) to forecast changes in patients' heart function, specifically the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), which indicates how effectively the heart pumps blood. If the model predicts a patient's ejection fraction may drop below 40%, clinicians can prioritize those patients for closer monitoring and care. This will help allocate healthcare resources more effectively and potentially reduce unnecessary hospital visits for lower-risk patients.
The model was validated using data from three patient groups, achieving a high performance rating with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) between 0.87 and 0.91. What sets PULSE-HF apart from other existing methods is its ability to forecast potential declines in heart function rather than simply detecting current conditions, making it a valuable tool in both urban and rural healthcare settings.
An International Women’s Day weekend event promises to teach us about the depth and breadth of women’s health
The 2026 Women’s Health Symposium is set to take place on March 7, 2026, at the Calgary Central Library. This free event, open to all, will begin at 9:00 AM with formal programming starting at 9:15 AM. Throughout the day, attendees can engage in eight educational sessions and conclude the event with a screening of the documentary "The (M) Factor 2: Before the Pause Perimenopause," which discusses the challenges of perimenopause.
This annual symposium aims to bring together leading women's health specialists to educate the public on various topics related to women's health. It is co-hosted by the Calgary Health Foundation, the University of Calgary’s O’Brien Institute, Calgary Public Library, and the Sex, Gender and Women’s Health Research Hub. The event is designed to promote advocacy and awareness in celebration of International Women’s Day.
Participants can expect a day filled with informative discussions, interactive booths, and opportunities to learn more about women's health issues. This initiative builds on the success of the inaugural event held the previous year and aims to foster a greater understanding of women's health concerns in the community.
International Women’s Day is ‘all talk and no action’, says Senator
Senator Eileen Flynn has criticized International Women’s Day (IWD) as being “all talk and no action.” She expressed her frustration during a speech in the Seanad, highlighting that despite years of celebrations, very little has changed for women who are poor, homeless, or struggling with addiction.
Flynn emphasized that while the theme for this year’s IWD is “give to gain,” many women, especially those recovering from addiction, are not receiving the support they need. She pointed out that these women often suffer setbacks and have minimal help available, such as those who have had their children taken away. Flynn also remarked on the lack of genuine representation of marginalized women in discussions about their welfare.
Reflecting on her experiences, Flynn noted that issues affecting women like those from the Traveller community remain largely unaddressed. She expressed her commitment to advocating for women living in poverty and those facing addiction challenges, emphasizing that mere talk without action is not sufficient for real change.
Choosing to Become a Single Mom by Choice
The article discusses the growing trend of women choosing to become single mothers by choice, particularly through the support of online communities. Many women, like the Texas-based Kelly, are navigating this path with the help of resources such as a Reddit forum dedicated to single motherhood. These women often face unique challenges and questions about finances, career choices, and childcare as they plan their journeys to motherhood.
Kelly's story illustrates the emotional and logistical hurdles many women encounter. After a difficult relationship and the dissolution of her marriage, she began to explore how to achieve her dream of becoming a mother on her own. Through the Reddit community, she found both practical advice on budgeting and career moves, as well as emotional support from others in similar situations.
The forum offers a blend of guidance on choosing sperm donors, tackling financial concerns, and ultimately building a support network. Members share their experiences and strategies for raising children on a single income, emphasizing the importance of community and resourcefulness. For women like Kelly, this online space is crucial for gaining confidence and preparing for the realities of single parenthood.