Newborn documentary
Adara Group announced the premiere of its newest documentary, "Tiny Lives, Big Dreams." Set in post-war rural Uganda, the film delves into the remarkable journey of Kiwoko Hospital's neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), which has nurtured over 10,000 newborns. The documentary chronicles the development of the NICU and Adara's mission to expand their AdaraNewborn model across ten health facilities in Uganda. It offers a glimpse into the power of collective action in transforming the lives of the smallest and sickest newborns.
Cancer screening update
Fred Hutch Cancer Center shared recent updates made by the US Preventive Services Task Force to cancer screen guidelines. According to the task force, breast cancer screening should start at age 40 and continue every other year until age 74. These updated guidelines aim to serve younger women better and take into consideration that breast cancer in women under 50 has increased by two percent per year in recent years. Additionally, these new guidelines hold potential for better surveillance of breast cancer, particularly among Black patients, who face a forty percent higher mortality rate from the disease compared to white women.
Safety from smoke
Summer is officially here and as temperatures rise, the risk of wildfires increases. As our region gears up for a potentially hotter and drier summer, the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) shared important info on how you can stay safe from wildfire smoke and mitigate related health risks this season. Wildfire smoke poses significant health threats, particularly to vulnerable populations such as those with chronic conditions, infants, the elderly, and marginalized communities. Stay informed and prepared by tracking the latest updates at DOH's WA Smoke Blog.
Mosquito measures
Researchers at the University of Washington (UW) are tackling the issue of pesky mosquito bites with innovative research, specifically around what makes humans irresistible targets for hungry mosquitoes. Led by Professor Jeffrey Riffell, the team is working to understand how mosquitoes locate food sources and what attracts them to some sources over others. According to Professor Riffell, if you think you might be a “mosquito magnet,” you’re probably right, as mosquitos can be attracted to different colors and scents. This knowledge may pave the way for more effective control and containment measures against these disease-carrying insects. Watch the full video to learn more about their research.
Summer break
Field Notes is taking a brief hiatus for the summer and will resume its regular schedule in September. We look forward to sharing more stories and global health insights with you then!
Around the community
June 24: Secure your spot for Fred Hutch's next virtual Global Oncology Lecture Series seminar with guest speaker Katy Winckworth-Prejsnar, who will present: “A Global Collaborative Approach to Advance Evidence-Based Standards in Cancer Care.”