Decoding Health

Half of humanity experiences it, yet we barely discuss it... Time to break the menopause silence! Excited to introduce Jannine Versi, Co-Founder and CEO of Elektra Health, on the latest episode of the Decoding Health Podcast. Backed by leading investors including UPMC Enterprises, Wavemaker Three-Sixty Health, Flare Capital Partners, and Seven Seven Six 7??7??6??, this digital health startup is on a mission to smash the menopause taboo. Period. Jannine's professional journey is nothing short of extraordinary: from shaping policy in the Obama era to driving innovation at Google and Cityblock Health, all built on a Harvard Business School and University of Pennsylvania foundation. Her versatility prompts the question: what can't this powerhouse achieve? Her enthusiasm for transforming menopause care was clear from our first encounter at a Mass General Brigham event—I knew instantly she'd be a perfect podcast guest. And now, you can experience that passion for yourself! ?? Listen now (links in the comments)

Is the healthcare system failing LGBTQ+ people? What should be 'yaaas queen' healing moments are turning into 'oh no she didn't!' nightmares for 60% of LGBTQ+ patients facing discrimination from healthcare providers. But it's not all doom and gloom! We're shining a spotlight on: ????? the unique health challenges facing our community ?? stats that'll make you go 'wait, what?!' ?? startups bridging the gap in LGBTQ+ healthcare access and quality ?? critical areas where we need to focus to ensure equitable health for all Check out our latest blog post for the full scoop (link in comments). This isn't just a health issue; it's a fight for our lives in a world that often refuses to acknowledge us. Don't forget to follow Decoding Health to get the next issue and stay informed on critical health topics.

"For me, #dementia has always been very close to my heart. That started from growing up with my grandmother, [who] had an atypical form of dementia. Finding a diagnosis for her took a very long time, which meant that I experienced first-hand how hard it is to navigate [dementia] as a family." Our CEO Julius Bruch, MD PhD spoke with Dennis Kamara on the Decoding Health podcast about why he and co-founder Joel Salinas, MD, MBA, MSc, FAAN founded Isaac Health. In the podcast, Dr. Bruch talks about: ?? How Isaac Health is tackling disparities in dementia care through telehealth ?? Why the future of dementia care depends on #caregiver integration ?? How payers are approaching Alzheimer's and dementia support Listen to the full podcast here ?? https://lnkd.in/eV5Z4xim

What do you get when you blend neuroscience expertise, business acumen, and healthcare innovation in one person? Meet Julius Bruch, MD PhD, the Co-Founder and CEO of Isaac Health, a telehealth and home-visit platform specializing in cognitive health and dementia care. In this episode of The Decoding Health Podcast, we cover... ?? the lessons and challenges of securing a $5.7 million seed round ?? how the team is eliminating dementia care disparities ?? how payors are tackling Alzheimer's and dementia support ?? why the future of dementia care depends on caregiver integration ?? how healthcare providers can successfully transition to entrepreneurship ?? Listen now (links in the comments)

Today, we celebrate #Juneteenth, the end of slavery in the United States on June 19, 1865. But as we honor this important milestone, let's also take a moment to reflect on the long shadow that slavery and racism have cast on our nation's history. The hard truth is, the impact of this injustice is still felt today, especially when it comes to health. Black Americans face higher rates of chronic diseases, lower life expectancy, and a tougher time getting quality healthcare. That's not right, and it's not fair. If we want to close this gap, we've got to tackle the root causes head-on. That means looking at socioeconomic factors and the biases baked into our healthcare system. It's a big, complex challenge - but it's one we've got to face if we want to build a healthier, more just future for everyone. So on this Juneteenth, let's not just celebrate how far we've come. Let's also roll up our sleeves and get ready for the work ahead. This is a call to action for all of us.?

Could social media really be this generation's unfortunate health hazard, much like smoking was for past generations? In an op-ed for the The New York Times, U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy is urging Congress to require warning labels on social platforms - just like on cigarette boxes. The latest Decoding Health blog dives a bit into my take on whether social media could be our generation's tobacco crisis. Check it out and let me know your thoughts ?? Link in the comments! #health #healthcare #mentalhealth #mentalwellness

The promise of GLP-1 drugs is real, but so are the disparities in access. Black Americans, who have disproportionately higher rates of diabetes and obesity, could benefit greatly from these medications. However, the path to obtaining these medications is fraught with obstacles, many of which are tied to the social determinants of #health. Insurance barriers, pharmacy shortages, and high out-of-pocket costs create an uphill battle for many in the Black community seeking these medications. If we want everyone to benefit from the incredible potential of GLP-1 drugs, we need to tear down the barriers that keep these medications out of the hands of underserved populations. Shout out to?Anissa Durham for covering this topic in a STAT article!

As a former high school educator, I've seen firsthand the devastating impact of mental health struggles on students. Losing some of them to these battles has been the most heartbreaking experience of my career, and it's opened my eyes to the urgent need for schools to prioritize the mental well-being of their students, especially during tough times. The reality is that one in seven young people between the ages of 10 and 19 worldwide faces mental health challenges (h/t World Health Organization), and we can't afford to ignore this crisis any longer. This is precisely why I jumped at the chance to sit down with ?? Maria Barrera, the Co-Founder and CEO of ?? Clayful. This Stanford University-educated engineer shares how her company is reimagining the way we approach youth mental health and wellness. Drawing from her experience as an early employee at Nearpod, an educational technology company that Renaissance Learning acquired for $650 million in 2021, Maria shares eye-opening insights into the world of mental health and wellness for children that are sure to captivate you. ???Don't miss this important conversation. Links in the comments! #health #healthcare #healthtech #education #digitalhealth #mentalhealth #mentalwellness #startup #entrepreneurship #founders

?? Wal-Mart's healthcare ambitions have taken a complete 180. ? Despite plans to open 28 new health centers this year, the retail giant is now shutting down ?? all 51 existing locations and pulling the plug on its??virtual care service. ???? With 90% of Americans living within 10 miles of a Walmart store and 4,000 stores located in medically underserved areas, this feels like a missed opportunity to make healthcare more accessible and affordable for communities in need. ???So, what went wrong? Click the link in the comments to find out! #health?#healthcare?#healthtech?#digitalhealth

?? New Podcast ?? Our Founder and CEO, Elina Onitskansky, is the inaugural guest on the new Decoding Health Podcast. Tune in to hear Elina's personal journey with #obesity, the meaning behind the Ilant name, why a #valuebased approach is crucial in #obesitymanagement and #cardiometabolichealth, the importance of matching the right member with the right treatment, along with the right support, and her answers to some rapid-fire questions. Thank you to Dennis Kamara for the invite and the engaging conversation! See links in the comments.