Organon Announces Agreement to Divest its JADA® System for Up to $465 Million to Laborie

Organon has agreed to sell its JADA® System to Laborie Medical Technologies for a total of up to $465 million. The deal involves an upfront payment of $440 million, with an additional potential payment of $25 million based on revenue targets for 2026. The transaction is expected to lead to the transfer of approximately 100 Organon employees to Laborie.

The proceeds from this sale will be used by Organon to reduce its debt, aligning with its goal of improving its financial position. This divestment allows Organon to focus its investments on growth opportunities, particularly in the field of women’s health biopharma and other strategic areas.

Laborie, known for its medical technology capabilities, aims to enhance access to the JADA System for mothers worldwide, building on its legacy of supporting health solutions for new mothers in over 20 countries.

A qualitative analysis of women’s reproductive agency and postpartum family planning in Maharashtra, India

The article explores the challenges faced by women in Maharashtra, India, regarding postpartum family planning (PPFP) and reproductive agency. Despite the importance of healthy birth spacing, the use of PPFP services by women in the region is notably low. Researchers conducted 62 in-depth interviews with postpartum women, their families, health workers, and community leaders to understand the barriers to accessing and utilizing PPFP.

Several key findings emerged from the research. Firstly, many women did not receive adequate counseling or access to PPFP services, particularly in marginalized communities. Secondly, postpartum women often lacked the ability to make independent contraceptive decisions and typically required approval from their husbands. Thirdly, health professionals noted that misinformation and local beliefs about contraception hindered informed choices. Fourthly, while there was a strong norm towards limiting family size, contraception remained a delicate topic within communities.

Overall, the study highlights significant barriers to enhancing reproductive agency and effective family planning among women in rural Maharashtra. Understanding these themes is essential for developing better health programs that prioritize women’s needs and support their ability to make informed choices regarding their reproductive health.

Preconception care uptake and risk factors for adverse pregnancy outcomes among pregnant women in Tigray, northern Ethiopia: A community-based cross-sectional study

Adverse pregnancy outcomes are a significant public health issue, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. This study focuses on the uptake of preconception care (PCC) among pregnant women in Tigray, Ethiopia, where these outcomes are notably high due to various factors, including the impact of conflict.

The research involved 764 pregnant women in their first or second trimester from July 31 to August 16, 2024. Data were collected through questionnaires, measuring the use of PCC services, which include screening, counseling, and management. The findings revealed that only 7.2% of women accessed PCC services, highlighting an alarming gap in care.

All participants faced at least one risk factor for adverse pregnancy outcomes. Factors positively associated with the uptake of PCC included women's decision-making power, knowledge about PCC, HIV screening during pregnancy, and awareness of preconception risks. To improve PCC uptake, the study suggests a comprehensive strategy combining public health campaigns, enhanced health programs, and the use of reproductive planning tools.

Are you getting enough sleep? Probably not.

Many people in the U.S. are not getting enough sleep, with estimates suggesting that six out of ten Americans are sleep-deprived. In a recent podcast episode of "Harvard Thinking," experts discussed the importance of sleep for overall health and well-being. Sleep influences various aspects of life, including mood, energy levels, and cognitive function.

Experts Tony Cunningham, Rebecca Robbins, and Matthew Weaver highlighted the critical roles sleep plays in physiological, biological, and psychological processes. They pointed out that poor sleep can have immediate negative effects on mood and memory, and long-term deprivation can lead to serious health issues. Despite the benefits of good sleep, many people tend to underestimate its importance and often misjudge their sleep quality.

Robbins emphasized that healthy sleep can enhance longevity and improve quality of life, yet people often resist prioritizing sleep. The experts shared strategies for improving sleep habits, noting that recognizing and addressing sleep issues can lead to better overall health and a more productive day. They encouraged listeners to adopt practices that promote quality rest, which is vital for sustaining good health.

StoryMD Launches “My StoryMD Journeys,” an AI-Powered Health Platform That Transforms an Individual’s Fragmented Medical Records into a Unified and Personalized Health Narrative

StoryMD has launched "My StoryMD Journeys," a new AI-powered health platform that aims to provide a unified and personalized health narrative for users. This platform addresses the challenge of fragmented medical records by combining clinical, emotional, wearable, and behavioral data, enabling individuals to better manage their health.

My StoryMD Journeys uses advanced AI technology to create a personalized health profile that adapts in real time to a user's medical history, symptoms, and habits. It offers tools to help users upload and sync their medical records, access extensive health and wellness content, and visualize their health journeys through comprehensive roadmaps tailored to their specific health conditions.

The platform also aims to improve health literacy, making it easier for individuals to understand complex health information. The founder, Alexander Tsiaras, emphasizes that this service transforms impersonal data into actionable insights, empowering users to take charge of their health. Users can access the app for a monthly fee, and a 30-day free trial is available to get started.

Feeling the Effects of the Time Change? We Asked Experts How to Get Back on Track

Daylight saving time changes can disrupt your body's internal clock, leading to feelings of grogginess and misalignment for several days. This is because your circadian rhythm, which regulates sleep and daily activities, relies on consistent cues like daylight and routine meal times. When the clocks shift, it can leave your body struggling to adjust.

Fortunately, experts suggest some straightforward habits to help you quickly reset your sleep schedule after a time change. By implementing these practices, you can recover your routine and feel more energized.

The concept of daylight saving time began during World War I to conserve energy. Clocks are adjusted forward in March to extend daylight in the evenings and are set back in November, restoring that lost hour. While this practice aims to optimize daylight for activities, it can complicate schedules, especially for those in regions where the changes are not observed, such as Hawaii and most of Arizona.

Probiotic Ingredients Market Size to Surpass USD 22.65 Billion by 2034, Driven by AI and Gut Health Innovations

Victoria Garrick Browne Is Redefining Strength in Women’s Sports — Here's How

Victoria Garrick Browne, a former Division I volleyball player at USC, is a strong advocate for authenticity and mental health awareness in sports. She founded The Hidden Opponent, a nonprofit supporting student-athlete mental health, and initiated the viral #RealPost movement to promote being genuine and unfiltered online. Garrick Browne emphasizes the importance of sharing one's true self, highlighting that her personal struggles led to a thriving community around authenticity.

She believes that confidence is a skill built through experience, self-kindness, and support. Garrick Browne encourages young athletes to persevere despite challenges, reminding them that setbacks can lead to growth. She draws from her own experiences with performance anxiety and depression, advocating for openness about mental health issues and the reality of athletes facing unseen struggles.

Partnering with Colgate to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Colgate Women’s Games, Garrick Browne aims to inspire resilience and positivity in young girls through sports. She asserts that every person has unique strengths, or "superpowers," which contribute to confidence. Her overall message encourages the next generation of female athletes to embrace their authenticity and understand that success can coexist with vulnerability.

This is how much exercise you need to do to reduce your heart disease risk

Recent research indicates that exercise benefits for reducing heart disease risk differ between men and women. The study revealed that men need to engage in about twice the amount of exercise compared to women to achieve similar reductions in heart disease risk.

Over 85,000 adults in the UK, aged 37 to 73, participated in the research which tracked their health outcomes for nearly eight years. Findings showed that women who participated in approximately four hours of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity weekly experienced a 30% lower risk of coronary heart disease, while men required about nine hours for the same benefit. Even among those already diagnosed with heart disease, the exercise requirements differed; women needed around 51 minutes weekly, whereas men needed about 85 minutes to reduce their risk of death.

These differences can be attributed to biological factors. Women generally have higher levels of estrogen, which benefits fat burning during exercise and supports healthy blood vessels. Additionally, women tend to have more slow-twitch muscle fibers, which are better suited for endurance activities. While the study confirms the need for different exercise levels for men and women, it emphasizes that both genders can benefit significantly from increased physical activity, regardless of the quantity.

6 Overlooked Mineral Connections Every Woman Should Know for Better Energy, Mood, and Hormones

Minerals play a crucial role in women's health, influencing energy, mood, hormonal balance, and even cellular repair. According to researcher Caroline Alan, many women overlook the importance of mineral replenishment, especially during perimenopause and menopause. Alan emphasizes that minerals can significantly impact various aspects of health that are often taken for granted.

One of the key connections is the link between mineral depletion and low energy levels. Without sufficient minerals, the body's energy production is impaired, leading to fatigue even after adequate rest. Additionally, imbalanced minerals can affect mood regulation, causing irritability and anxiety. Proper mineral levels are essential for neurotransmitter production, which affects emotional well-being.

Minerals are also critical for managing hormonal fluctuations during PMS and menopause. Insufficient mineral stores can exacerbate symptoms and hinder the body's ability to adapt to hormonal changes. Other signs of mineral deficiency include changes in hair, skin, and nails, as well as sleep disruptions. Finally, minerals support vaginal health, including tissue regeneration and microbiome balance, which are vital for overall well-being as women age.