Weekly Health Digest: Moms Behind Bars and Chicago’s Homeless

Moms behind bars now able to pump breastmilk for babies

Associated Press

Women who are incarcerated at an Alabama women’s prison are now allowed to pump breast milk for their babies. Their babies are not inside of the prison with them, but the Alabama Prison Birth Project designed lactation rooms where the women can pump breast milk and store it in a freezer in the prison. The program helps these mothers “feel somewhat bonded” to their children, especially when a number of the mothers have to leave their children after only a few days of being with them. This program is part of various acts of prison set to take place within Tutwiler Prison.

Nearly Half of US Adults have Cardiovascular Disease, Study Says 

Susan Scutti

According to the American Heart Association, 48% of American adults (121.5 million individuals) suffer from coronary heart disease, heart failure, stroke, or high blood pressure. Despite the decreasing rates of certain risk factors for these conditions (such as smoking and self-reported inactivity), heart disease remains the number one cause of death and disease in the US.

‘I Thought I Was Going to Die.’ How Chicago’s 80,000 Homeless People Are Surviving in Deadly Zero-Degree Weather

Tara Law

​Chicago is currently facing some of its coldest temperatures this winter and the 80,000 homeless people in the city are struggling with the life-threatening temperatures. Some days the temperatures drop to 0 degrees Fahrenheit with a wind chill of -22 degrees. Extra cots have been added to shelters and the mayor has mandated that no homeless person be turn away from shelters due to the weather. Calling 3-1-1 connects one directly to Chicago’s homeless to shelters, warming centers, and well-being checks. But, at the same time it is still for this population to find adequate shelter, especially when city officials crack down on tents to make way for pedestrians and construction projects.

Old emails hold new clues to Coca-Cola and CDC’s controversial relationship

Jaqueline Howard

​An unlikely duo: a governmental public health agency and one of the largest sugary beverage manufacturers. The controversial partnership between Coca Cola and the CDC has raised several questions and concerns. While Coca Cola claims that its relationship with the CDC is for transparency and health research purposes, many believe that it is to downplay the role of added sugar as a major contributor to disease. In the past, Coca-Cola sponsored health projects shaped how research was conducted and how policies were created. Thus, over several concerns including lobbying and lenient taxation policies, many deem a separation between the groups as necessary.

Medical Effects Of Extreme Cold: Why It Hurts And How To Stay Safe

Patti Neighmond

Dangerously low temperatures in the Dakotas and Minnesota, some as low as -27 degrees Fahrenheit, have some health professionals warning of frostbite and hypothermia. Covering all skin and limiting one’s exposure is key to avoiding these outcomes. Also, knowing the signs of both, such as white, waxy, or grayish skin for frostbite and your body ceasing to shiver or respond to cold for hypothermia, is critical to staying safe. Professionals are also reminding people to bring their pets inside.