Got hives? Here is what we know you are itching to learn about Chronic Urticaria

Urticaria is a rash causing round, swollen areas on the skin. It can be tender, itchy and/or painful. People with light skin may see red, raised bumps or welts.
woman with hives on her shoulder
BPT - If you've had hives, you know how challenging they can be. But you may not know that there is more than one type of hives, or urticaria, and that treatments are available. A brief episode of hives is a nuisance, but when symptoms persist for weeks, months or years, it can take a physical and psychological toll.

What is urticaria?
Urticaria is a rash causing round, swollen areas on the skin. It can be tender, itchy and/or painful. People with light skin may see red, raised bumps or welts. In people of color, hives may match the color of surrounding skin or appear slightly lighter or darker. They may appear all over your body or in one area.

Urticaria occurs when chemical compounds involved in the body's inflammatory and immune responses are released. One of these chemicals is histamine, which is released by mast cells and basophils. When this release happens in the skin's outer layers, it results in hives.

Most hives resolve quickly, but they can become chronic. Acute urticaria refers to hives lasting one day to six weeks. Chronic urticaria means the hives have lasted for six weeks or longer. For many people, the cause is unknown.

Chronic urticaria eventually goes away by itself.

Chronic urticaria is a rare condition that occurs in only 23 out of 10,000 people, though the actual number may be higher, since many people do not report or recognize the symptoms. Chronic urticaria is most common in adults aged 40-59. More women than men are affected, and more Black Americans and other ethnic groups are affected. There are two types:

  • Chronic idiopathic urticaria (also called chronic spontaneous urticaria) is not triggered by external factors. In many cases, the cause could be an autoimmune condition, another systemic disease like cancer, or unknown.
  • Chronic inducible urticaria is caused by certain environmental and physical factors.
Identifying urticaria triggers
Common triggers include:
  • Allergens, including certain foods
  • Exposure to heat/cold
  • Tight clothing
  • Insect stings and bites
  • Infections and viruses
  • Medications such as antibiotics and NSAIDs
  • Diseases including asthma, celiac disease, diabetes, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, thyroid disease, vasculitis and vitiligo
  • Stress

Diagnosis and treatment
The cause of your chronic urticaria may be hard to identify. It's best to see a specialist such as a board-certified allergist or dermatologist for diagnosis and treatment.

Your doctor may perform allergy tests, lab tests or a skin biopsy to rule out other conditions that involve or resemble hives. You can help by keeping a diary that tracks your symptoms.

Chronic urticaria eventually goes away by itself. Management focuses on the most appropriate treatment to control symptoms, usually starting with the first line of treatment: a long-lasting antihistamine.

Antihistamines block production of histamine to reduce or eliminate hives and ease itch and swelling. Ask your doctor for a non-sedating antihistamine.

Topical itch creams may provide mild relief for hives that do not cover the entire body.

Corticosteroids: Topical corticosteroids reduce inflammation, irritation and itching. By reducing inflammation, they also promote healing. For a severe hives flare-up, a short course of oral corticosteroids (prednisone) can help reduce inflammation and itching. These medications can cause serious side effects, especially if taken long-term. It's important to follow your doctor's instructions when taking oral corticosteroids.

Advanced treatments
It's important to work closely with your doctor if your hives don't respond to treatment. If antihistamines alone do not help, your doctor may recommend combining them with other medications, including leukotriene modifiers or H2 blockers. New advanced treatments are available, and more are in clinical trials or undergoing FDA review.

Biologics: Omalizumab is a biologic medication used to treat chronic urticaria when antihistamines haven't worked. Two more biologics are in development as chronic urticaria treatments: dupilumab is in FDA review and briquilimab is in clinical trials. Biologics work by targeting cells and interrupting the inflammatory process. This stops or reduces symptoms. Biologics are injectable medications typically given once per month.

Cyclosporine: This is an oral medication that calms the immune system to prevent hives from occurring. It can be taken along with antihistamines. Since cyclosporine is an immunosuppressive, it can decrease the body's ability to fight infections. Talk with your doctor about side effects and the benefits vs. risks of taking this medication.

Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitor: Remibrutinib is an oral medication in clinical trials. It works by blocking the activation of mast cells and basophils. These cells release histamine and other inflammatory mediators that cause hives, swelling and itching. By blocking this process, remibrutinib can reduce or eliminate symptoms.

Hives and mental health
It's important not to blame yourself for your hives. If you're feeling anxiety, depression or embarrassment about your skin condition, talk with your healthcare provider or a mental health specialist. Support groups for people with urticaria also let you share experiences and know you are not alone.

Don't let chronic urticaria impact your quality of life. Talk to your doctor. Check out the Chronic Urticaria Toolkit at ChronicHives.info.

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Op-Ed |
New study reveals obesity ages individuals by 27 years

Findings highlight wide-ranging health impacts and alarming cost implications
by Patty Starr
President and CEO, Health Action Council

Newly released claims data from more than 220,000 people reveal the latest evidence on the role obesity plays in health and health care costs, underpinning the need for supportive measures and interventions.

The new study, which analyzed Health Action Council (HAC) members with health plans administered by UnitedHealthcare, found that people with obesity cost their employers 2.3 times more than those without the condition and paid 66% more out-of-pocket ($662) per year than their peers without obesity. Notably, Millennials with obesity incurred over 8% higher per member per month (PMPM) costs than Baby Boomers without obesity who were 27 years older, due to the increased likelihood of chronic condition diagnoses.

Multifaceted health consequences
Comorbidities such as diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, and musculoskeletal issues were major cost drivers. The more comorbidities a person with obesity experienced, the higher their costs became. Obesity significantly increased the risk of various cancers, including breast, colon, rectum, and upper stomach cancers, and increased the risks for anxiety, substance use disorders, and depression.

Obesity among women of childbearing age
The report highlighted a 19-percentage-point rise in obesity rates between Gen Z women (9%) and Millennial women (28%), the largest generation in today’s workforce. This was particularly concerning due to the heightened maternal mortality risks and mental health issues associated with obesity.

The ripple effect on children
Children of parents with obesity are generally twice as likely to develop the condition themselves, but this risk tripled for children of HAC members if at least one parent had obesity. These children were also 44% more likely to experience depression, 39% more likely to have ADHD, and had higher rates of developmental disorders, asthma and diabetes.

Whole person weight management solutions
Effective strategies will require more than GLP-1s, which are unlikely to meaningfully impact obesity rates due to their high costs and low compliance rates. Consistent with the Food and Drug Administration’s label, these medications should be used in tandem with a life-style modification program for the treatment of obesity.

Strategies for employers
Following are a few steps employers can take to build a healthier workplace culture.
  • Understand your population. Analyze claims to determine the percentage of your workforce and dependents impacted by obesity. Identify prevalence, most impacted groups, as well as other health risks and social drivers of health.
  • Foster a healthy environment. Encourage a positive relationship with food, activity, and stress management by offering classes on exercise, nutrition, and mindfulness and providing non-processed foods at meetings, events, and in common areas. Encourage daily physical activity, less screen time, and quality sleep.
  • Offer comprehensive health solutions. Implement wellness solutions that integrate whole-person health by providing access to virtual providers such as network dietitians, digital health tools like mental health apps, and wearable technologies such as continuous glucose monitors.


About the author ~

Patty Starr, CEO of Health Action Council
Patty Starr is President and CEO of Health Action Council and is responsible for driving the strategic direction of the organization--build stronger, healthier communities where business can thrive.
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Advocates push for mandatory minimum nurse staffing ratios at Illinois hospitals

The Illinois Health and Hospital Association, the Association of Safety Net Community Hospitals and the Illinois Critical Access Hospital Network issued a statement saying they strongly oppose HB 3512.

by Grace Friedman
Medill Illinois News Bureau, Capitol News Illinois

SPRINGFIELD — Health care unions continue to rally for legislation to address understaffing they say strains hospitals and threatens both patient safety and staff well-being.

Lawmakers are considering the Hospital Worker Staff and Safety bill, which would establish mandatory nurse-to-patient staffing ratios and increase support for underfunded hospitals.

The proposed legislation, Senate Bill 21 and House Bill 3512, aims to establish minimum staffing ratios in hospitals and fund critical safety-net hospitals across the state. Advocates with health care worker unions have been holding a series of rallies at the Capitol in support of the legislation in recent weeks.

“Our hospitals are staffed unsafely,” Kawana Gant, a certified nursing assistant at UChicago Medicine Ingalls Memorial Hospital in Harvey, said at a recent Statehouse rally. “I have worked short shifts where there are 30 patients and only one CNA on the floor. How can you give quality care? It is not safe.”

Gant, who has worked at Ingalls Hospital for nearly 30 years, says she has watched many of her colleagues quit due to the mental and physical toll the short staffing has had on their bodies.

“This is an opportunity for legislators to hear us, to know that these hospitals are not safe.” Gant said.

But similar versions of the proposed legislation have been introduced at the Statehouse for recent years and have failed to gain traction. Generally backed by unions representing nurses, such as the Service Employees International Union, previous staffing ratio measures have run into opposition from hospital groups that say they’re unworkable.

The proposed legislation filed this year has yet to receive a hearing in a substantive committee, meaning it will be an uphill battle for it to move by the time the legislature adjourns at the end of the month.

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    • Like previous versions, it would mandate that hospitals “employ and schedule sufficient staff to ensure quality patient care and safety.” In addition, hospitals would have to share annual staffing metrics with the Illinois Department of Public Health to help ensure they are at proper staffing levels.

    “This bill gives you a real voice,” Rep. Kam Buckner, D-Chicago, said to rallygoers. “It gives you a way to speak up when things are unsafe for you and the people who you care for.”

    However, not all lawmakers are convinced that now is the right time to implement staffing ratios.

    “You can mandate the staffing ratios, but if those professionals don’t exist, what have you really done?” said Rep. Norine Hammond, R-Macomb. “We’ve been trying for years to get more people into the health care field, especially after COVID, and we’re just not there yet.”

    Hammond expressed concern that enforcing strict staffing requirements without enough qualified workers in the pipeline could place unrealistic burdens on hospitals. She warned that such mandates might unintentionally strain facilities already struggling with labor shortages and lead to adverse financial consequences, especially for smaller or rural hospitals.

    Hospital trade groups echo those concerns, calling the legislation unworkable, burdensome and an ineffective way to solve a problem that should be addressed by the specific needs of each hospital or care center. The Illinois Health and Hospital Association, the Association of Safety Net Community Hospitals and the Illinois Critical Access Hospital Network issued a statement saying they strongly oppose HB 3512.

    They said it was introduced “as a backdoor effort pushed by organized labor to impose unworkable, government-imposed health care staffing ratios in Illinois.”

    “This proposal would relegate the essential, complex and nuanced protocols established to safely and efficiently staff a hospital 24/7/365, to a series of burdensome forms and onerous paperwork that hospitals would be required to submit to the (IDPH) to establish minimum staffing standards for every hospital worker, in each hospital unit,” the groups said in the statement.

    Still, according to a recent Service Employees International Union survey of Chicago area hospital workers, 70% of respondents reported understaffing, and over 25% reported unsafe or unmanageable workloads. Additionally, in the same survey, 47% of the respondents stated an intent to leave their jobs soon.

    To help enforce safety standards, the legislation introduces “assignment despite objection forms” that give hospital workers the opportunity to document and report any assignments that they believe are unsafe. Hospitals are then required to provide this information to IDPH, which would have to publish an annual report on all these staffing metrics. The legislation would also require IDPH to “make recommendations for minimum staffing standards for hospital workers in each hospital unit.”

    In addition to protecting staff, advocates said this bill would allocate proper essential resources to underfunded hospitals around the state, including Mount Sinai Hospital on Chicago's West Side, a Level 1 trauma center that helps underserved and violence-impacted communities.

    “Mount Sinai saved my son's life,” said Sonya Brown, who traveled from Chicago to Springfield recently to advocate for the safety-net hospital that treated her son after he was shot seven times in 2020.

    “He was shot in the head, he was shot in the neck, he was shot in the chest, the abdomen and shoulder, and the arm,” Brown said. “If they wouldn't have gotten to him in time, he would have died.”

    Mount Sinai serves as a health care provider for communities on both the South and West sides of Chicago, areas that experience some of Chicago's highest rates of gun violence. If the hospitals are not protected by measures in this legislation, advocates said, the victims in these neighborhoods risk longer travel times to alternative trauma centers.

    They said the bills would help allocate essential resources and enforce staffing standards at safety-net hospitals to continue effectively serving vulnerable communities.

    “All of our staff is overworked,” said Jessica Mendoza, a nursing assistant at Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital in Hines. “A lot of our veterans are coming into the VA to get help with their health, but we do not have the staff to provide it.”

    Mendoza, who has worked at the Hines VA Hospital for nearly two years, said that due to the low number of staff, they rarely get a break. She noted that the lack of sufficient staffing makes it difficult to provide the level of care that the veterans need.

    The health care workers and advocates gathering in Springfield at the recent rally emphasized that without sufficient staffing and resources, the quality of patient care throughout Illinois hospitals will continue declining, and worker burnout will escalate.

    “They expect you to do the job of five or six people but pay you for one.” Sen. Lakesia Collins, D-Chicago, said at the rally. Prior to joining the General Assembly, Collins was a CNA in nursing homes.

    As the legislation stagnates at the Capitol, hospital workers and advocates said they plan to keep organizing and sharing their stories. They said they're calling on lawmakers to prioritize frontline health care workers and the patients who depend on them.

    Grace Friedman is a student in the Medill Illinois News Bureau, a program at the Medill School of Journalism that provides local news outlets with state legislature and government coverage. She can be reached at gracefriedman2025@u.northwestern.edu.

    Capitol News Illinois is a nonprofit, nonpartisan news service that distributes state government coverage to hundreds of news outlets statewide. It is funded primarily by the Illinois Press Foundation and the Robert R. McCormick Foundation.

    This article first appeared on Capitol News Illinois and is republished here under a Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

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    Measles cases reach 600: Experts warn of contagion risk and vaccine importance

    by Matt Sheehan
    OSF Healthcare

    PEORIA - As measles cases continue to climb across the United States, the long-term implications can’t be ignored.

    The respiratory viral infection, although thought eliminated in the U.S. in 2000, has reemerged, especially among unvaccinated individuals. As of early April 2025, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported more than 600 confirmed cases of measles.

    Measles is extremely contagious

    "The key to measles is how highly infectious it is. Each person that has measles will infect between 12 and 18 people in an unvaccinated situation," says Doug Kasper, MD, an infectious disease specialist with OSF HealthCare. "The key for controlling measles is widespread vaccine use."

    Doug Kasper, M.D.
    OSF Infectious Disease Specialist

    For reference, each influenza patient, on average, will infect one to two others.

    The measles vaccine is normally offered once a child has reached one year of age. It's a two-shot series, which came on the market in 1963. Dr. Kasper says this gives medical experts decades of data that show a correlation between people receiving the vaccine, and close to zero circulation of the virus in the United States.

    The states with measles outbreaks are in unvaccinated people, and no breakthrough cases (in those who have received the vaccine) have been reported, Dr. Kasper adds.

    The long-term risks for unvaccinated measles patients
    "There is emerging information that vaccination not only protects an individual from not becoming ill or having less severity of illness with a viral exposure, whether that's measles, chicken pox, influenza or COVID-19, but that there are long-term risks from viral infections that we do not appreciate in the moment," Dr. Kasper says. "Some of these have been associated with memory loss or dementia as somebody ages. Some of these are associated with organ disease like hepatitis or kidney disease."

    Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis (SSPE)
    SSPE is a rare, deadly degenerative disease of the central nervous system that can happen seven to 10 years after a measles infection. Young children, pregnant women and immunocompromised people are the most at-risk for SSPE. One to three out of every 1,000 children who become infected with measles will die from respiratory and neurologic complications, the CDC says.

    SSPE symptoms happen over four stages.

    • Stage 1: Personality changes, mood swings or depression. There may also be fever and headaches, this stage can last up to six months
    • Stage 2: Muscle spasms and uncontrolled movement problems. Loss of vision, dementia and seizures can occur
    • Stage 3: Twisting movements and rigidity. Sometimes death
    • Stage 4: Serious brain damage, including areas of the brain that control breathing, heart rate and blood pressure, leading to coma and death

    Immune amnesia
    Another long-term impact of measles is known as immune amnesia. The American Society for Microbiology (ASM) calls immune amnesia “one of the most unique and most dangerous features of measles pathogenesis.” The extremely rare condition causes people’s immune systems to “forget” how to fight off infections and makes the person more susceptible. The ASM determined it normally takes two to three years after a measles infection for protective immunity to return.

    A measles outbreak was declared in Northeast Illinois in early 2024 and declared “over” by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) in June. The expectation of statewide health experts is that measles will return to Illinois in the coming months. This is mainly due to heavy travel through Chicago airports and summer festivals. County health departments have now been tasked with keeping an eye on their measles vaccine rates and identifying areas where vaccine rates are low.

    Peoria County's measles vaccine rate is quite high, around 95%. But outlying communities in central Illinois have lower vaccine rates, normally more rural counties. Health experts at Michigan Medicine call the Great Lake State “ripe for a measles outbreak,” as only 66% of toddlers receive the recommended childhood immunizations.

    Measles symptoms
    "Measles typically presents with a high fever, typically much higher than what we'd see with seasonal colds or influenza. Fevers can be 104 or 105 degrees Fahrenheit," Dr. Kasper says. "That's followed by a runny nose and a characteristic rash. This typically develops on the head and then spreads down the rest of the body."

    “We don’t want to go back”
    "Measles at its peak, in the 1950s before the vaccine, led to a significant number of hospitalizations in young children. Around 50,000 hospitalizations were estimated per year and about 500 deaths," Dr. Kasper says. "We don't want to go back to that scenario in any capacity, where we have a large number of unvaccinated people. The outcomes could be too severe."

    Immunocompromised people like those who have received an organ transplant, cancer patients or those on long-term therapies that could impact their immune system, are at high risk for measles.

    Why vaccines are so important right now
    Summer travel along with large crowds at places like airports and theme parks, will likely bring more measles cases to the United States.

    "This time, as good as any time, is to make sure somebody is updated on their vaccinations. If somebody isn't sure if they were vaccinated as a child, they should talk to their primary care provider about testing or receiving the vaccine. If someone is immunocompromised and they might be at a higher risk for measles through travel in areas that have exposure, they should talk to their primary care provider about the vaccine," Dr. Kasper says. "If someone has young children or is at an age where vaccine is recommended, we wholly recommend for them to discuss with their provider to remain up to date on their vaccine series."

    Vaccine hesitancy continues to be a topic of discussion, one that Dr. Kasper recommends patients openly discuss with their medical provider.

    Natural immunity is not a viable option with measles. The highly infectious nature of the virus, along with the severity of symptoms and potential for long-term complications, make it an illness people need to try and avoid entirely.

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    Facing inequities in maternal health care, Black mothers are more at risk to receive lower quality care

    For Black women, one of the biggest issues is finding their voice when confronting health issues.


    by Paul Arco
    OSF Healthcare

    As a practicing OB/GYN, Lisa Davis, MD, sees the maternal health challenges Black women deal with every day.

    Lisa Davis, M.D.
    OSF HealthCare Saint Anthony Medical
    “Some of the issues that face black women when it comes to maternal health are issues with blood pressure,” says Dr. Davis, chief medical officer for OSF HealthCare Saint Anthony Medical Center in Rockford, Illinois. “So what we would call preeclampsia, a risk of preterm birth, which can result in low birth weight of the infant, postpartum hemorrhage, or hemorrhage that occurs right after delivery or during the latter stages of delivery.”

    And it can lead to even more serious consequences. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the pregnancy-related death rate for Black women is three times the rate for mothers of other racial and ethnic groups.

    Nationally, April 11-17 is Black Maternal Health Week, a time to raise awareness and take action to improve the health of Black mothers.

    Dr. Davis says for Black women, one of the biggest issues is finding their voice when confronting health issues, which include disparities such as getting quality healthcare, dealing with underlying chronic conditions and social drivers such as income, housing, transportation or child care.

    Dr. Davis stresses to her patients the importance of making their own health a high priority.

    “I think for black women in the maternal health space, it's being heard and too often, there is a misperception that sometimes is out there regarding their response to pain, their use of drugs and things that are all misconceptions,” she says. “That is a big challenge for us, and that includes me, to overcome. It doesn't matter what level of education or where you live. The research has shown that it is still an issue.”

    Dr. Davis adds that the medical community can do better when it comes to listening and responding to their patients’ needs. “Every patient is special and different for us to slow down and really look at that person as the person, and understand and listen,” she says. “Sometimes patients, if they're not comfortable, won't disclose what's going on in the first few minutes, but as you get ready to leave, then you might start to get the real back story. And so, it's important for us to slow down and be in the moment.”

    Another need is for more Black providers, according to Dr. Davis. She says studies have shown that Black patients tend to relate to someone their own color. “It's very important, I think, for that message to be out there and to encourage young people to look at health care as an option, especially young people of color, because in the future, that's what we're going to need.”

    But there are things patients can do for themselves. Dr. Davis stresses to her patients the importance of making their own health a high priority. That includes maintaining a healthy diet, getting enough rest and exercise and attending prenatal appointments.

    “If you're not at your best, how can you be good for anyone else?” she asks. “I think what moms suffer from is everyone's important, but sometimes they need to take that step back and focus on themselves, so they can be 100% for their kids, for their spouse, for their parents, for their siblings.”

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    Here's a few ideas to make allergy season less annoying

    This spring, protect yourself from those triggers that you know will make you uncomfortable.

    Person with allergies sneezing
    Photo: Corina/Pixabay
    by Paul Arco
    OSF Healthcare

    ESCANABA, MI - If you grew up without suffering from seasonal allergies, consider yourself one of the lucky ones.

    But if you’ve reached your 40s or 50s and are now feeling miserable during the spring and fall months, welcome to the club. Adult-onset allergies are a real thing. And it happens to a lot of people.

    Nearly 1 in 3 adults in the U.S. have seasonal allergies, eczema, or food allergies, according to recent data released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Nearly 75% of those are older than 45. Many of those people developed allergies in adulthood or were not diagnosed until they were adults.

    Experts are unclear why or how allergies develop in adulthood. Some theories include moving from one geographic region to another, having a reduced immune system or owning a pet for the first time in your life. There is a belief, however, that having one severe allergic reaction or symptoms during childhood can increase your chances of developing allergies as an adult.

    Breanne Gendron
    OSF Nurse Practitioner
    Many people who develop allergy symptoms early in life will outgrow their allergies by their 20s or 30s. But, really, it’s possible to develop an allergy to something – whether it’s an animal or pollen – at any point in life.

    “People will have them as kids and sometimes grow out of it,” says Breanne Gendron, a nurse practitioner with OSF HealthCare. “Then the alternative happens, where something starts bothering you as you age. That’s when we teach you about all the different medications you can use to control your symptoms.”

    Gendron says most people are bothered by things that bloom and that includes trees and grass in the spring. Ragweed pollen or other weed pollen are problematic in the fall. Spores from molds and fungi are typically around in warm-weather months. And don’t forget about house dust mite allergens, which tend to be present throughout the year.

    Most allergy symptoms, while annoying, are mild. Examples are sneezing, itchy eyes and runny nose. In her practice, Gendron notices more adults suffering from sinus infections with their allergy issues, more so than her younger patients.

    “The dilemma about having untreated allergies is that you can get extra congestion in your sinuses, which could lead to a sinus infection,” Gendron says. “When you get pressure in your face, and you generally feel a little rundown, then we want to treat you for that.”

    Gendron recommends treating allergies with a combination of oral antihistamines, eye drops and steroid nasal sprays. Allergy shots may be in order as well. But first, talk to your doctor to see if you are a candidate for a skin test to determine your specific allergies. “Once the medication gets your symptoms to calm down, you can generally keep it in check with less medication,” she says.

    There are other things you can do to help minimize your symptoms. Gendron recommends things like eliminating carpet in your bedroom and washing your sheets regularly to eliminate dust. Consider taking a shower before bedtime, especially after being outside, and keep the windows closed at night to prevent pollen from entering the home.

    This spring, protect yourself from those triggers that you know will make you uncomfortable.

    “If you are bothered by something in the environment and you know that it bothers you, such as mowing the grass or raking leaves, do yourself a favor by wearing a mask to prevent yourself from breathing in more allergens,” she adds. “And take your allergy pills before you do those things, to make sure that you're going to have less of a reaction.”

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    Op-Ed |
    Congress is taking from the poor and giving to the rich

    Let’s say you’re lucky enough to get housing at that wage. Do you then spend all your money on rent and skip nutritious meals for your family?
    by Jocelyn Smith
          OtherWords

    Foodbank products for people in need
    Photo: Donna Spearman/Unsplash
    I know how it feels to be hungry and homeless.

    That’s why after work, I drive around town and pick up leftover food from restaurants, schools, grocery stores, and special events. My fellow volunteers and I set up in a big parking lot in our downtown to make this food available to anyone who shows up — no questions asked.

    And it’s why other volunteers and I also work to find empty housing units that have fallen into disrepair because the landlords can’t afford the upkeep. We raise money and give them grants so they can bring the units up to code for use as low-income housing rentals.

    I’m proud to do this work. But it’s no substitute for fair, living wages and a reliable public safety net. The minimum wage where I live is $12 — well below the $21 per hour the National Low Income Housing Coalition has calculated is necessary to afford a market rate two-bedroom rental locally.

    Let’s say you’re lucky enough to get housing at that wage. Do you then spend all your money on rent and skip nutritious meals for your family? Or do you skip health care and medication? If you have a paycheck and a roof over your head, you might not qualify for food assistance, even if you don’t make enough to make ends meet.

    foodbank photo
    Photo: Joel Muniz/Unsplash

    Foodbanks play a crucial role in addressing hunger and ensuring that vulnerable populations have access to nutritious food when they are unable to afford or access enough food on their own.

    I work, volunteer, take care of my child, and I’m fortunate enough to have housing. But I still need to rely on SNAP — the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, also known as “food stamps” — for my family.

    My daughter has epilepsy, and thankfully I was able to get her onto Social Security Disability Insurance. However, she needs not only costly medication but also frequent neurological supervision and a device that helps to stop her seizures. There’s no neurologist in our town who can treat her, so we have to travel and lodge hours away for it.

    when we need help, the bar for our income shouldn’t be so low that we must be nearly destitute, without any savings or emergency cushion, to qualify.

    The expense is enormous, and that’s not even getting into expensive medications for my own heart problems and autoimmune disorders. Thankfully, we qualify for Medicaid. Otherwise, treatment would be out of reach.

    But what does it say about our policy priorities when we need to say, “I’m disabled, taking care of my disabled daughter, I work, and I help feed my community, and yet I need assistance affording meals for my family?” These are the realities that a good society plans for so we can all thrive, no matter what obstacles life throws our way.

    The programs our tax dollars pay for so families like mine can get help when we need it must be more robust. Programs like SSDI shouldn’t be so inaccessible. Food, housing, and health care shouldn’t be so expensive — and wages shouldn’t be so low that these basic necessities are unaffordable.

    And when we need help, the bar for our income shouldn’t be so low that we must be nearly destitute, without any savings or emergency cushion, to qualify.

    Is Congress working on any of this? Unfortunately, no. Instead, they’re doing the opposite right now.

    In fact, the GOP budget proposal would slash $880 billion from Medicaid and $230 billion from food assistance. They’re also cutting government agencies that assist with affordable housing, transportation, safety, veterans, and children with disabilities.

    Why? Because they need to find at least $4.5 trillion to give even more tax cuts to the wealthiest and largest corporations. They are reaching into my very shallow pockets, into my daughter’s life-saving medical care, and into the mouths of those who come to my food table in that parking lot.

    They’re stealing from us to give to the rich, perpetuating a vicious cycle of poverty that keeps people homeless and hungry.

    I don’t think that’s fair. Do you? We all deserve better.


    Jocelyn Smith
    Jocelyn Smith lives in Roswell, New Mexico. She works at a local talk radio station, runs a local Food not Bombs chapter, and volunteers at Rehab to Rental, helping to increase affordable housing options. This op-ed was produced in partnership with the Institute for Policy Studies and the Working Class Storyteller and distributed by OtherWords.org.

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    Which one is right for your pain? Choosing between ibuprofen and acetaminophen

    Man with a headache
    Photo: Vitaly Gariev/Unsplash
    by Paul Arco
    OSF Healthcare

    ROCKFORD - Whenever you feel a headache coming on or you tweak your back, it’s common to reach into the medicine cabinet for a couple of acetaminophens (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil). But does it matter which one you take? And is there anything wrong with taking both to fight off what ails you?

    Acetaminophen is an analgesic, which is a type of drug that reduces pain signals within your nervous system. It’s used to treat discomfort like headaches and joint pain, and to reduce fever.

    Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is typically used to tackle issues such as back pain, menstrual cramps and toothaches. It also works to decrease fever.

    OSF Pharmacist Sarah Sheley
    Photo provided
    Sarah Sheley
    Sarah Sheley is a pharmacist with OSF HealthCare. She says it’s important to know that ibuprofen helps with inflammation and acetaminophen can’t do that.

    "The difference between the two is the fact that the ibuprofen, that anti-inflammatory component, reduces pain by affecting the production of certain hormones in your body that cause inflammation," she says.

    But each pain reliever comes with its own risks.

    Acetaminophen is typically safer to use for most people. Some side effects include nausea, vomiting and headache. But it’s a drug that's absorbed by your liver so it’s not the best option for people with liver problems.

    The side effects of ibuprofen include heartburn, nausea and stomach pain (it’s important to take it with food). Taking ibuprofen for a long time or at high doses can increase the risk of blood clots, kidney damage and ulcers.

    Check with your pediatrician before giving your child any pain relievers.

    "With ibuprofen there is more concern with patients using it if they had renal insufficiency, heart failure, GI (gastrointestinal) issues like Crohn's or IBS; they could cause a lot of irritation in the GI tract or stomach," Sheley says.

    If you are taking a blood thinner ibuprofen can increase your risk of bleeding so opt for acetaminophen instead.

    Sheley says that acetaminophen and ibuprofen are appropriate choices for children with fevers. However, stick with acetaminophen for infants 3 months or younger. The correct dose for your child is based on their weight, not their age. Do not guess their weight — acetaminophen and ibuprofen can be dangerous when given in the wrong dose. Check with your pediatrician before giving your child any pain relievers.

    Be aware that ibuprofen and acetaminophen can have a negative interaction with some prescription and over-the-counter drugs.

    Since the two pain relievers work differently, Sheley says it’s fine for most adults to use them interchangeably.

    "As long as you don't have any kidney or liver issues, you can alternate between the two. It is safe," she says. "You want to keep the doses four to six hours apart to help maintain and it probably is a good thing to alternate those, if you want to hit the pain from two different mechanisms."

    Sheley says the most important tip is to know why you’re taking a particular pain reliever and don’t overdo it. The recommended maximum dosage for adults is 3,000 milligrams a day for acetaminophen and 2,400 milligrams a day if you’re taking ibuprofen.

    Additionally, other factors such as your medical history and underlying cause of pain also help determine which pain reliever is best for you.

    "Making sure that you know the source of your pain is important, and make sure that you are aware of a total daily dose that you should be taking of either medication prior to starting it," Sheley says.

    Be aware that ibuprofen and acetaminophen can have a negative interaction with some prescription and over-the-counter drugs. If you have any concerns or questions, consult with your primary care provider or your pharmacist.

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    Vaccination is key to ending a resurgence of measles and stopping a preventable disease from spreading

    Baby with measles spots
    Photo: CDC/ James Goodson, M.P.H.

    The number of reported measles cases has soared past the number in all of 2024 this week. In the past, the mortality rate of children worldwide has been reduce by 51% thanks to vaccinations. Unfortunately, measles is making a resurgence because of the current vaccine hesitancy trend.

    by Colleen Reynolds
    OSF Healthcare

    PEORIA - The third week of March marked a regrettable milestone. The number of measles cases soared past the number in all of 2024. Dana DeShon, APRN for Peoria, Illinois-based OSF HealthCare, says globally the mortality rate of children worldwide has been reduce by 51% by just the act of vaccinating them. Vaccines save more than 4-5 million lives each year and have prevented approximately 50 million deaths between 2000-2019.

    OSF Pediatric Nurse Dana DeShon
    Dana DeShon, APRN
    However, DeShon worries that in the United States, vaccine hesitancy will bring measles back as a public health crisis. The advanced practice registered nurse has been involved with the United Nations Foundation initiative called Shot@Life through which she and others lobby Congress to fund vaccine support for children in low-income countries. According to Deshon, the funding accounts for less than 1% of the total U.S budget but saves 2.5 million lives every year worldwide.

    However, these days, she’s focused on vaccinations at home.
    DeShon says most of the population hasn’t seen the devastating impact of the highly contagious measles because it was eradicated in 2000. But measles is making a resurgence because of vaccine hesitancy. And measles is the most contagious of all vaccine-preventable diseases.

    It begins with a runny nose, watery eyes and then a rash so people can be walking around, spreading the airborne virus before severe symptoms develop.

    Vaccine hesitancy was fueled in the 1990s by a bad study from a physician who has since lost his license to practice medicine.

    “You’re contagious four days before that rash and up to four days after so we could have 8 to 10 days of people walking around not even knowing they have measles and then they’re just spreading it around to people at risk. Obviously, the people most at risk, are the people who are not vaccinated,” DeShon points out.

    That includes babies who can’t be vaccinated until age 1, along with pregnant women and immunocompromised cancer patients who can’t get vaccinated.

    Vaccine hesitancy was fueled in the 1990s by a bad study from a physician who has since lost his license to practice medicine. The research, published in a respected medical journal, The Lancet, involved only 12 patients and falsely linked vaccines with autism. DeShon said the study has been retracted and there is, in fact, NO scientific evidence that vaccines cause autism.

    She emphasizes the National Institutes of Health (NIH) spent millions on research.

    “Outside research was also done and there were no links that they could find from that original Lancet study. It got to the point that they said, ‘We’re not going to do anymore studies because they did not see a link between autism and the MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine.”

    Measles vaccination rates are falling
    The Kaiser Family Foundation says measles vaccination rates in most U.S. states have fallen below the 95% threshold scientists consider necessary for so called ‘herd immunity’ to control the disease, and those rates have continued to drop. That’s concerning for DeShon.

    “How are we going to stop this? It is not vitamin A. Vitamin A is not going to stop the measles outbreak. We need vaccinations. That is what is going to stop the outbreak that we are seeing, not just in west Texas, but all over in these pockets we’re seeing in the United States right now.”

    DeShon stresses when the population is vaccinated, measles goes away. Receiving one and two doses of measles vaccine is 93% and 97% effective, respectively, in preventing measles.

    Photo: CDC

    The torso of a child with a skin rash due to a case of the three-day measles.
    She points to an outbreak at a Chicago migrant shelter last year. Fifty-seven measles cases were associated with people in the shelter. Most cases occurred in people who were unvaccinated. A prompt and coordinated response with a mass vaccination campaign reduced the size and duration of the outbreak and stopped what might have become a statewide public health concern.

    The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says measles can lead to severe complications, including pneumonia, encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), and in some cases, death. Children, especially those younger than 5 years old, are at a higher risk of developing serious complications from measles.

    A school-age child in Texas died from the measles and the New Mexico Department of Health is reporting the death of an unvaccinated adult who tested positive for measles. Even if a child survives measles, it can have long-lasting effects.

    A condition called subacute sclerosing panencephalitis, or SSPE, a degenerative neurological condition can develop seven to 10 years after a measles infection, according to DeShon.

    The disease carries a heavy toll. So DeShon reminds everyone that while vaccination is a personal decision, it impacts health systems, communities, and the most vulnerable among us.

    “When it comes to the point that this is something that is so contagious, and now deadly, then we really need to stop and think, ‘We need to be doing this, not because of me but because of those around me.’”

    If you’re unsure whether you have immunity against measles, talk to your health care provider about your options.

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