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Women's Health
Celebrating Neurodiversity
A Conversation on Mind As the Director of Research and Information and co-founder of Agora, I'd like to celebrate different ways of thinking. This week, I will discuss the concept of neurodiversity and emphasise the significance of embracing diverse cognitive perspectives. Breaking Stigmas and Fostering Acceptance Neurodiversity emphasises the absence of a singular "correct" mode of brain operation and instead acknowledges a broad spectrum of perceptions and responses to the world, all of which merit recognition and celebration. The term "neurodiversity" emerged in the 1990s as a response to combat the stigma associated with conditions like autism, ADHD, and learning disorders such as dyslexia. Nowadays is a movement that advocates for the acceptance and support of neurodivergent individuals, those whose cognitive processes differ from the usual and emphasises the cultivation of their strengths and talents. Embracing Neurodiversity at Agora At Agora we enthusiastically embrace the principles of neurodiversity, aiming to foster a society where variations in neurological functioning are recognised and valued just as highly as any other aspect of human diversity. It is estimated that about 1 in 7 individuals (over 15% of the UK population) are neurodivergent, indicating that their brains function, learn, and process information in unique ways. Neurodivergent individuals often face challenges in environments such as schools, university applications, and job searches, where systems are typically designed by the dominant population and may not adequately support their needs. As noted by Australian sociologist Judy Singer, neurodiversity ought to be viewed as a movement for social justice, aimed at fostering equality among individuals who belong to "neurological minorities" ,those whose brains function in non-traditional manners. The People of Determination Initiative In our society, there is still a stigma attached to individuals with neurological differences. However, during my travels in the Middle East, I was struck by the positive way in which neurodivergent individuals were referred to. In the UAE, there is a commitment to creating a world free from discrimination against people with intellectual disabilities. They are officially recognised as "People of Determination" in acknowledgment of their accomplishments across various fields. Creating a More Inclusive Future. The journey toward equality may be lengthy, but even small acknowledgments and appreciations of diversity can foster tolerance and inclusion. These, in turn, contribute to enhance the well-being and mental health of countless individuals, thereby making our society and world better places to live in. With more people participating and collaborating towards progress and improvement, we can collectively create positive change. As I conclude, know that you are not alone on this path to better health and wellness. Your journey is unique but together we form a community of strength and support. Let’s thrive together, Cristina x
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How Bedding Enhances Your Sleep Quality
Your bedding serves more than just an aesthetic purpose, it directly interacts with your body throughout the night.
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Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month
In March, our attention is drawn to the systemic presence of health inequalities affecting women in our society. As we observe Ovarian Cancer Awareness month during this time, we are once again confronted with disconcerting data related to this particular women's health concern. Ovarian cancer can impact individuals with ovaries and fallopian tubes, encompassing women, transgender (trans) men, and people assigned female at birth . In the UK every two hours, a woman succumbs to ovarian cancer, highlighting the urgency of addressing this issue. Annually, approximately 7,400 women receive a diagnosis of ovarian cancer . Notably, women aged 70 and above face a significantly lower likelihood of receiving any treatment compared to their younger counterparts. These are very alarming facts, underscoring the urgent need for improved healthcare access and support for older women facing this disease. Moreover, there is a noticeable disparity in the uptake of crucial genetic testing among patients from Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic (BAME) groups, emphasising the need for more inclusive healthcare practices and targeted interventions to address these alarming disparities. There is a limited understanding of the symptoms associated with ovarian cancer, and this month, several charities are actively promoting awareness on this crucial aspect. One notable example is the Target Ovarian Cancer video, which I have selected to share with you. In an effort to combat healthcare disparities for women and improve the disproportionately low survival rates related to ovarian cancer, the women's health charity Ovarian Cancer Action initiated the Improve UK project. This project is centred on tackling pressing issues in specific areas of the UK. For instance, it is vital to highlight the imperative of introducing prehabilitation services for women. This step aims to enhance accessibility to critical surgeries, ultimately reducing the disparity in survival rates. Moreover, there is , as already mentioned, an urgent need to amplify the adoption of genetic testing, especially within BAME communities, and to diminish the delays from diagnosis to the initiation of treatment. If you wish to know more about ovarian cancer kindly refer to the provided links below. As I conclude, know that you are not alone on this path to better health and wellness. Your journey is unique but together we form a community of strength and support. Let’s thrive together, Cristina x https://ovarian.org.uk/ovarian-cancer/patient-hub/what-is-ovarian-cancer/ https://targetovariancancer.org.uk/about-ovarian-cancer/what-ovarian-cancer https://www.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-information-and-support/ovarian-cancer/causes-and-risk-factors-of-ovarian-cancer
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International Women's Day: Beyond Annual Celebrations
Despite achieving higher educational success, women often face barriers to career advancement, are more likely to be employed in lower-paying industries and occupations, and accumulate less pension wealth. Consequently, among the 1.7 million people facing financial difficulties in retirement, 70% are women.
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Eating Disorders Awareness Week
By shedding light on the complexities of eating disorders, we aim to break down stigmas, encourage open conversations, and promote a compassionate approach to mental health.
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Empower Your Pelvic Health
Much like any other form of education, knowledge of pelvic floor empowers women, enabling them to navigate healthcare with confidence, embrace healthy behaviours, and make informed choices to enhance both prevention and treatment strategies.
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