Dimensions of Health

‘Even if ... for one patient, I knew I was meant to be there’

For three weeks in April 2020, trauma nurse Karen Wenning of Atlanta cared for Covid-19 patients hospitalized in New York City.

Written By Grace Moore

Unsettled, yet undaunted, while caring for patients

Travel nurses ask themselves what 'home' means during a year like no other: What is essential to our mental/physical well-being? 'How do we keep our cups full ... to care for people ... even when our own worlds are uprooted and compromised?'

A long history of medical malpractice against people of color has fueled suspicion of Covid-19 vaccines. Could trusted voices help muffle the skepticism and spur greater participation among Blacks?

Travel nurses fill pandemic-created gaps

As the coronavirus pandemic crept across the country, patients overwhelmed many hospitals, creating a staffing crisis.

Produced By iPondr

With support from Caring Bridge

Dimensions of Health

Vaccine Distrust

The spectrum of mental and physical health

Featured Episode

Vaccine Distrust

In this episode — 3 stories

Produced By Krysta Rayford

Covid-19 impact hits home for an infection preventionist

Adriene Thornton talks about the impact of the pandemic, both personally and professionally, as she works to alleviate fear and provide scientific facts about the vaccines in marginalized communities.

Watch — 8 mins

Misinformation impedes efforts to vaccinate Latinos

Health officials tout benefits of Covid-19 vaccines to those most vulnerable; Latinos have experienced higher infection rates, likely because of outside factors that include working in jobs that can't be done from home.

Produced By Jorge Melchor

Read — 10 mins

Vaccine wariness among Blacks fueled by history, bias

Many in the Black community are hesitant to get a Covid-19 vaccine due to implicit bias and the history of unethical medical research practiced on Black people — most notably the Tuskegee Syphilis Study.

As Covid-19 continues to ravage prisons across the nation, activists are fighting to increase safety measures during the pandemic.

With support from Caring Bridge

Dimensions of Health

Crisis in America’s prison system

The spectrum of mental and physical health

Featured Episode

Crisis in America’s prison system

In this episode — 3 stories

Written By Angie Chatman

Covid-19 spread in prisons reveals inequities in the system

What happens when a deadly virus enters the U.S. prison system? Corrections institutions struggle to care for inmates — many with chronic medical conditions — and their workers.

'Covid does not safely contain itself inside (prison) walls'

Adnan Khan, executive director of Re:store Justice, was incarcerated for 16 years. He says the United States has a mass incarceration problem, people’s health is at stake, and one way to solve for both is decarceration.

Coronavirus infections higher for the incarcerated

Prisoners in the U.S. face infection at four times the rate of the general public and death rates twice as high, which increases the risk for corrections employees and surrounding communities.

Myriad issues are impacting health care for the BIPOC population.

With support from Caring Bridge

Dimensions of Health

Rx for disparities in medicine

The spectrum of mental and physical health

Featured Episode

Rx for disparities in medicine

In this episode — 4 stories

When giving birth becomes a matter of life and death

With pregnancy complications and deaths, national statistics show Black, American Indian and Alaska Native women fare poorly.

What it means to be Black and sick in America

The roots of disparities are deep. And the disproportionate impact of Covid-19 is indicative of the seemingly never-ending crisis of care.

Racial disparities plague healthcare in the United States

In February, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention acknowledged that there is ‘increasing evidence that some racial and ethnic minority groups are being disproportionately affected by Covid-19.’ Similar disparities exist for other illnesses and medical conditions.

Produced By Courtney Scott

The burden of disease — and the ripple effects of bias

Dr. Ofole Mgbako, an internal medicine doctor and infectious disease specialist in New York, entered the medical field to help fight the disparate burden of disease facing communities of color and the LGBTQ community.

With support from Caring Bridge

Dimensions of Health

The rewards - and challenges - of caregiving

The spectrum of mental and physical health

Featured Episode

The rewards - and challenges - of caregiving

Family members who tend to other relatives step into roles that are fulfilling and surprisingly demanding.

In this episode — 4 stories

Produced By Andrea Muraskin

Family supports 20-something as she cares for grandpa

Leslie Desmond’s family saw a gruff alcoholic. Desmond saw a quick-witted card shark with whom she had a deep bond. So when her grandfather's Alzheimer's progressed, she seemed a natural fit to be his caregiver, even though she was only in her 20s.

Produced By Lisa Berglund

Self-care for the caregiver: an artful balance

For Cathy Murahashi, having a child with a disability is a lifelong responsibility. Taking time for herself gives her renewed energy, and fuel for the journey.

Caregivers’ stress and worries grow as pandemic lingers

The pre-Covid safety net of family, home health and adult day care collapsed, leaving those who tend loved ones more anxious, sometimes resentful, and, often, alone.

Read — 3 mins

Mostly virtual now, but relief, support do exist

Organizations throughout the U.S. provide a sense of community for caregivers assisting their relatives. Call or click to connect.

Parents must make life-altering decisions when they learn their unborn child has chromosomal abnormalities.

With support from Caring Bridge

Dimensions of Health

The dilemma – and the decision

The spectrum of mental and physical health

Featured Episode

The dilemma – and the decision

In this episode — 3 stories

In quests for perfection, should we decide who lives?

Julie Messina’s son, Evan, has Down syndrome. In sharing her experiences, Julie gets at the heart of a modern ethical dilemma. Just because we can screen for genetic abnormalities – and in doing so, minimize and potentially remove the presence of disability – to what extent should we?

Written By Beth Uznis Johnson

Down syndrome diagnosis: First panic, then preparation

A Michigan mom learned her unborn baby had a congenital heart problem and Down syndrome. Nine years later, she shares her reactions, coming to terms with the news and having no regrets.

Produced By Jackie Noack

Prenatal genetic testing — and the risks — explained

When it comes to prenatal genetic testing, there are two main options that parents can choose. One is less invasive, while the other can diagnose whether your fetus has certain disorders but carries a small risk of compromising the pregnancy.

With support from Caring Bridge

Dimensions of Health

Growing community through fitness

The spectrum of mental and physical health

Featured Episode

Growing community through fitness

Faced with closures due to Covid, gyms, personal trainers and dance instructors moved classes online or outside. The pandemic could bring permanent changes to the way we move and stay fit.

In this episode — 3 stories

Produced By Nancy Rosenbaum

Dancing alone together: shared classes, movement

When Covid lockdowns shuttered dance studios around the world, one dancer decided to do something about it.

Pandemic inspires neighborly fitness routine

A physical therapist runs neighborhood exercise sessions with friends and family to overcome pandemic isolation and fatigue.

Written By Kim Smith Jenkins

Virtual fitness in the age of the coronavirus

Faced with gym closures due to coronavirus safety measures, fitness instructors are adapting and offering more virtual classes in an effort to save the industry.

With support from Caring Bridge

Dimensions of Health

The hidden cost of Covid-19

The spectrum of mental and physical health

Featured Episode

The hidden cost of Covid-19

The search for a Covid-19 vaccine has delayed critical research on more commonplace illnesses, such as Lyme disease, cardiac conditions, and even deadly biological toxins. But as one doctor said: “If your house is burning down, you’ve got to put out the fire.”

In this episode — 3 stories

Non-Covid efforts put on ice as science grapples with virus

All hands on deck: Infectious disease experts shelved other medical research projects to join unprecedented and swift pursuit of treatments and vaccines for the novel coronavirus sweeping the nation and the world.

Listen — 8 mins

Hunt for Covid vaccine stalls clinical trials, impacts funding

Cardiac surgeon Dr. Robert S. Kramer, of the Maine Medical Center, has seen clinical trials in his specialty stagnate as the hunt for Covid-19 remedies intensified.

Watch — 1 mins

Focus on Covid may retard research in other health fields

As nations rallied to develop vaccines for Covid-19 in record time, research projects in other fields were set back as a result.

The loss of a pregnancy is a traumatic experience for families who experience a range of emotions, often unexpressed or difficult to discuss. More women are turning to professionals — and each other — for support.

With support from Caring Bridge

Dimensions of Health

Pain like no other

The spectrum of mental and physical health

Featured Episode

Pain like no other

In this episode — 3 stories

Surviving the pain and trauma of early pregnancy loss

Families often grieve in isolation to avoid uncomfortable conversations. Professionals like doulas help parents cope during such difficult times.

Produced By Liz Moughon

Families reflect on the loss of a child and the lasting effects

Three Portland-based families share their experiences of pregnancy loss and illuminate the unique pain that arises from this intangible bond.

Agonizing decision: Terminate or wait for miscarriage

Beth Richie was well past the first trimester of pregnancy when she went for a routine screening appointment and found out her third baby was not going to make it.

The Covid-19 pandemic and the growth of social media have drastically changed the look of health care. There are bonuses as well as drawbacks in the growing field of telehealth.

With support from Caring Bridge

Dimensions of Health

The doctor is in - online

The spectrum of mental and physical health

Featured Episode

The doctor is in - online

In this episode — 6 stories

Watch — 5 mins

Physical therapy goes remote due to pandemic

Doctor’s business -- and his patients -- thrive through telehealth video appointments.

Written By Diane Bacha

Read — 7 mins

Yes, teletherapy works. But it's far from perfect

Many have praised this approach to counseling, which has grown in use during the pandemic. But some say it’s not for everyone, and adjustments are necessary.

Male sex-abuse survivors find support virtually

Joe Blumenfeld participates in a support group for males of childhood sexual trauma. Instead of driving 90 miles weekly from his home in Natick, Mass., he now opens his laptop and jumps on a Zoom session, and he has discovered some surprising benefits of this new form of support.

Doctors take to TikTok to reach younger audiences.

On TikTok and Instagram, doctors and public health officials are trying to reach the public with reliable information on the digital platforms where people spend time. Corey Hannah Basch Ed.D., M.P.H., CHES, professor at William Paterson University helps explain why.

Listen — 10 mins

One doctor's journey into social media

Dr. Amy Killen connects with patients and builds her brand on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.

Written By Katie Lauer

The doctor is definitely in on social-media platforms

With the help of TikTok, YouTube and the like, physicians engage with millions of followers worldwide.

With support from Caring Bridge

Dimensions of Health

No longer infected, but still sick

The spectrum of mental and physical health

Featured Episode

No longer infected, but still sick

Even after the Covid-19 virus is no longer detectable, some patients suffer debilitating side effects.

In this episode — 3 stories

Produced By Bridget Bennett

‘We’re not recovered’

While it started mild for most, some Covid-19 patients are still dealing with ongoing symptoms weeks and months later.

In it for the long haul: When Covid symptoms linger

Even after the virus is no longer detectable, some patients suffer debilitating side effects.

39-year-old: Months later, simple chores still sap energy

Kristen Bryan tested positive for Covid-19 in June 2020. Now, she’s facing long-term health effects as she cares for her mom and daughter.

Dimensions of Health

Mobile during the pandemic

‘Even if ... for one patient, I knew I was meant to be there’

Written By Grace Moore

Unsettled, yet undaunted, while caring for patients

Travel nurses fill pandemic-created gaps

Produced By iPondr

Dimensions of Health

Vaccine Distrust

Produced By Krysta Rayford

Covid-19 impact hits home for an infection preventionist

Watch — 8 mins

Misinformation impedes efforts to vaccinate Latinos

Produced By Jorge Melchor

Read — 10 mins

Vaccine wariness among Blacks fueled by history, bias

Dimensions of Health

Crisis in America’s prison system

Written By Angie Chatman

Covid-19 spread in prisons reveals inequities in the system

'Covid does not safely contain itself inside (prison) walls'

Coronavirus infections higher for the incarcerated

Dimensions of Health

Rx for disparities in medicine

When giving birth becomes a matter of life and death

What it means to be Black and sick in America

Racial disparities plague healthcare in the United States

Produced By Courtney Scott

The burden of disease — and the ripple effects of bias

Dimensions of Health

The rewards - and challenges - of caregiving

Produced By Andrea Muraskin

Family supports 20-something as she cares for grandpa

Produced By Lisa Berglund

Self-care for the caregiver: an artful balance

Caregivers’ stress and worries grow as pandemic lingers

Read — 3 mins

Mostly virtual now, but relief, support do exist

Dimensions of Health

The dilemma – and the decision

In quests for perfection, should we decide who lives?

Written By Beth Uznis Johnson

Down syndrome diagnosis: First panic, then preparation

Produced By Jackie Noack

Prenatal genetic testing — and the risks — explained

Dimensions of Health

Growing community through fitness

Produced By Nancy Rosenbaum

Dancing alone together: shared classes, movement

Pandemic inspires neighborly fitness routine

Written By Kim Smith Jenkins

Virtual fitness in the age of the coronavirus

Dimensions of Health

The hidden cost of Covid-19

Non-Covid efforts put on ice as science grapples with virus

Listen — 8 mins

Hunt for Covid vaccine stalls clinical trials, impacts funding

Watch — 1 mins

Focus on Covid may retard research in other health fields

Dimensions of Health

Pain like no other

Surviving the pain and trauma of early pregnancy loss

Produced By Liz Moughon

Families reflect on the loss of a child and the lasting effects

Agonizing decision: Terminate or wait for miscarriage

Dimensions of Health

The doctor is in - online

Watch — 5 mins

Physical therapy goes remote due to pandemic

Written By Diane Bacha

Read — 7 mins

Yes, teletherapy works. But it's far from perfect

Male sex-abuse survivors find support virtually

Doctors take to TikTok to reach younger audiences.

Listen — 10 mins

One doctor's journey into social media

Written By Katie Lauer

The doctor is definitely in on social-media platforms

Dimensions of Health

No longer infected, but still sick

Produced By Bridget Bennett

‘We’re not recovered’

In it for the long haul: When Covid symptoms linger

39-year-old: Months later, simple chores still sap energy