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Medical Care

A Rural Doctor's Journey: Enduring the Harsh Terrain of Argentina's Highest Mountain

2024-11-28

A rural doctor embarks on a remarkable journey, traversing miles of unforgiving terrain on a donkey. He braves the elements of cold, rain, wind, and exhaustion, making his way to dozens of families scattered across the highest mountain in the north of Argentina. Dr. Jorge Fusaro has been organizing medical tours three times a year for the past four years across Cerro Chani in Jujuy. This sacred mountain, considered holy by the Indigenous Kolla people, presents extreme temperatures and year-round snowy peaks, and is home to symbolic animals like the puma and condor.

The Rural Doctor's Mission to Remote Communities

Enduring the Harsh Conditions

Dr. Jorge Fusaro's daily routine is filled with challenges as he travels to these remote areas. He endures the extreme cold at nearly 3,600m (11,800 feet) above sea level. The sun blazes down, but he remains committed to his mission. He chops onions and peels potatoes in a kitchen with a thatched roof to help Virginia prepare lunch. This simple act shows his dedication to the community. He asks about her daily chores, animals, husband's health, weather, and medicinal plants. His interactions with the locals give him a deep understanding of their lives and struggles.

He knows that his presence is crucial. As the only doctor many people see, he not only treats residents but also leaves enough medicine for their first-aid kits. He goes beyond medical care by helping them with bureaucratic paperwork, serving as a mail carrier, and organizing training sessions. His efforts have a significant impact on these communities.

The Importance of His Work

Dr. Fusaro's work is not just about treating physical ailments. It's about providing hope and a better life to these communities. "Knowing that our medical work gave these communities a better life fills my heart. If we don’t go, no one will," he says. His concern about government cuts and the potential for future trips to be impossible shows his dedication and the importance of his work.

For some people, his arrival is a moment of great significance. It's the first time they've seen a doctor in a long time. Their surprise at his return shows the impact he has on their lives. Virginia, for example, is very happy when she sees the doctor arrive on his mule. She values the medicines he brings and the support he provides.

Connecting with the Community

Dr. Fusaro believes in sharing and living like the locals. He chops wood and walks for hours to fetch water, experiencing their daily struggles. This helps him understand their efforts and worries, from knee or back pain to the simple joys of life. His approach allows him to think of medical solutions within their possibilities and daily lives.

Virginia and her family understand the importance of his visits. Seeing the rural doctor a few times a year is crucial for them. Their old bodies ache from the hard work with animals, and the doctor's presence provides them with comfort and care.

Medicare users in Minnesota are facing significant changes as some health care provider networks have announced they will no longer accept specific Medicare Advantage plans in 2025. With open enrollment closing on Dec. 7, it's crucial for Medicare recipients to review their plans for cost and provider adjustments. FOX 9's Leon Purvis brings you the full story.

Navigating Medicare Changes in Minnesota

Health Care Provider Network Decisions

Many health care provider networks in Minnesota have made the decision to discontinue accepting certain Medicare Advantage plans in 2025. This has left Medicare users confused and concerned about potential out-of-pocket cost increases. For example, some long-time patients may find that their preferred doctors are no longer part of their covered network. This could lead to significant financial burdens for those relying on these providers.It's important for Medicare users to understand that these decisions are not made lightly. Providers often cite issues such as delayed reimbursements as the reason for opting out. This highlights the need for Medicare users to be proactive in reviewing their plans and exploring alternative options.

Reviewing and Comparing Plans

To determine what is and isn't covered in 2025, Medicare users can visit Medicare.gov and review their current plans. This allows them to assess any changes in coverage and costs. It's also advisable to create an account with a username and password in the medicare.gov plan finder to access more detailed information.By using the plan finder, users can compare different plan options and see which ones are available to them. They can also check if their current medical providers accept the plans they are considering. This step is crucial as Medicare.gov only lists general information, and specific provider details are only available on the plan's website.For instance, a Medicare user may find that a particular plan offers better coverage for their specific medical needs but has different providers. By comparing plans, they can make an informed decision that suits their individual circumstances.

Seeking Help and Support

With enrollment ending next Saturday, Medicare users may still have questions. FOX 9 is here to help. You can call 1-800 Medicare or reach out to the Senior Linkage Line at 800-333-2433. Additionally, visiting their website provides valuable resources and assistance.These help resources can guide Medicare users through the process of reviewing and choosing a new plan. They can answer questions about coverage, costs, and provider options, helping users make the best decision for their healthcare needs.In conclusion, Medicare changes in Minnesota require careful attention and action from Medicare users. By reviewing their plans, comparing options, and seeking help when needed, users can navigate these changes and ensure they have the appropriate coverage for 2025.

You may not be well-versed in the term FemTech yet, but it's a force to be reckoned with. This burgeoning industry is making significant strides in addressing the long-neglected aspects of women's healthcare through innovative technological solutions.

Unlock the Future of Women's Healthcare with FemTech

The Growth and Potential of the FemTech Market

The global femtech market is on an upward trajectory, projected to expand from $51.8 billion in 2023 to a whopping $117.37 billion by 2029. This remarkable growth, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.4%, is driven by a surge in the movement surrounding women's health. Five years ago, it was seen as a fleeting 'moment,' but now it has evolved into a powerful movement. Women worldwide are demanding the healthcare they deserve, yet many healthcare systems fall short.For instance, in the UK, waiting times to see a gynecologist through the NHS are lengthy, and private health insurance often doesn't cover chronic conditions like endometriosis and menopause therapies. In many parts of the world, fertility options for those over 35 are self-funded through private clinics. This has led to a growing market of women willing to pay for the health support they need, and the demand shows no signs of slowing.Alongside this, significant innovations in fertility are on the horizon. We are likely to see a variety of digital and affordable fertility options entering the market in the coming years. Despite the increase in investment, just 1.4% of capital investment is in femtech, and in 2021, almost 90% of investment decisions were made by men. This highlights the barriers that need to be overcome.

Enhancing Health Literacy and Self-Care

Health literacy is vital for effective self-care, yet approximately 36% of adults globally have low health literacy. Flo, with over 70 million MAUs, has reached an exciting growth milestone. It has provided 17 million subscriptions across 66 countries, reaching communities where healthcare systems and charities often struggle.Our pro-social initiative has offered essential cycle and female health information, improving health literacy. A recent randomized control trial by the Flo science team showed that Flo significantly boosts health literacy, helping women better manage PMS and PMDD symptoms within three months.The potential of GenAI in this space is immense. Advanced transcreation offers culturally nuanced adaptations, which could be a game-changer for healthcare app accessibility. However, it's crucial that AI is used responsibly and ethically within healthcare.

Addressing Gender Data Gaps and Legacy Women's Health Issues

Caroline Criado Perez's book "Invisible Women" highlights the critical issue of the gender data gap. Until 1993, women were not required to be included in clinical trials, creating a substantial gap in understanding how drugs and treatments affect women's bodies.Femtech start-ups are aware of this and often establish their own scientific teams and partner with universities to research these gaps. Expanding clinical trials and research partnerships is essential to overcoming this legacy.

The Future of FemTech

The femtech market is expected to reach $50 billion by 2025, presenting ample opportunities in clinical diagnostics and medical devices. Wearable and monitoring devices hold great promise in helping women gain deeper insights into their health.For example, menstrual blood may contain biomarkers for various conditions, and diagnostic tampons like those from Daye are entering the market. CGM monitors allow women to track glucose data related to their health, as seen with startups like Zoe in gut health.Globally, affordable and accessible solutions are crucial, especially for underserved regions. Femtech companies need to prioritize low-cost, user-friendly devices and apps, like Flo, which is enhancing its experience on low-end Android devices.There are also opportunities for femtech start-ups to collaborate with NGOs and charities focused on women's health in lower-income countries, similar to initiatives by big tech companies.Looking ahead, the intersection of Gen AI and wearable monitoring devices is exciting. In ten years, Flo could predict a woman's period with remarkable accuracy based on health monitoring data. When a woman notices large blood clots, she could simply take a photo and upload it to Flo for analysis and alerting if needed.The focus on hormonal health and menopause is also growing. As we learn more about ovarian aging, significant innovations in menopause treatment are likely.However, the underfunding of women's health research poses challenges. Start-up founders should focus on one goal and execute it well, like Flo initially focusing on cycle tracking and gradually expanding. Early monetization is crucial, as seen in Flo's success in achieving break-even faster than expected.To improve funding access, we must openly discuss sector challenges and celebrate successes. A unified femtech sector can have a profound impact on women's health outcomes.