“An ultrasound of my ovaries showed many of cysts on both, blood work showed very high levels of Anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH), and my irregular periods also aligned with the condition. When the doctor confirmed that I have quite a severe form of PCOS and that I would absolutely need IVF to become pregnant. I was happy to finally have a diagnosis, yet sad to realize that I would need a lot more blood tests, ultrasounds, and many hormone injections to conceive. Plus, the financial costs of IVF terrified me.”

Approaches to Holistic Health: Bali and the United States

By; Vivian Phan

Learn more about the different approaches to wellness and healthcare as observed and researched by Genomics Correspondent, Vivian Phan, after her visit to Bali to study their community health systems.

“Holistic healthcare is defined as an approach to wellness that considers the multidimensional aspects of life... A key issue with holistic healthcare in the US is that most of the research conducted on health has been focused on people’s thoughts about illness instead of the mindset surrounding holistic and preventative care... In comparison to the average US resident, Balinese people are highly spiritual and their spirituality is heavily associated with their environment. Moreover, in Indonesian culture, one’s spirituality is often translated into one’s approach towards healthcare…Understanding the significance of cultural practices and traditions is crucial in addressing health imbalances.”

Personal Testimonies, Global HealthGuest UserMarch 23, 2023wellness, holistic health, Bali, Personal Testimony, public healthComment

Patient Accessibility and Neuromuscular Disorders: A Personal Care Attendant’s Perspective

By: Joan Kornkven

“Easy access to healthcare appointments is a major issue for people with neuromuscular disorders. They require a team of specialists who are thoroughly educated on their condition to provide the best personalized care and treatments specific to their needs (3). As a PCA, I attended numerous appointments to see a range of specialists including occupational therapists for wheelchair fittings, physical therapists, pain specialists, pulmonologists, and specialized neurologists that are highly trained in managing SMA. With so many required appointments, patients with neuromuscular conditions are going to medical clinics and appointments significantly more often than most. However, the need for specialists to deliver care means that there are not many hospitals that can provide the care these people need. This means that many patients are left to face substantial accessibility issues.”

Clover Genetics blog