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The Unified Health System (SUS) has expanded its telehealth capacity to a total of 100,000 cases designated for individuals dealing with difficulties related to online betting. This expansion occurred due to the growing volume of requests for mental health support services, as reported by Agência Brasil.

Through the Meu SUS Digital application, this initiative provides remote professional guidance and monitoring, ensuring confidentiality and a welcoming environment. The service began in March, initially registering an average of 600 monthly consultations. Due to high demand, the Ministry of Health increased the tool's capacity, which serves as an entry point to the Psychosocial Care Network (Raps).

The offering of this service is carried out in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance and the Brazilian Agency for SUS Management Support (AgSUS). Self-exclusion data also highlight the need for assistance: the Ministry of Health reported that over one million people requested the removal of their CPF from betting websites and applications through the Centralized Self-Exclusion Platform. Of this group, 35% cited loss of control over betting as the reason for the request.

What signs indicate it is time to seek help?

Several behaviors signal the need to seek assistance. Among them are the inability to reduce or stop gambling, changes in sleep, eating, or mood patterns, and the habit of lying to family and friends about betting. Other alerts include feelings of anxiety, irritability, or agitation when away from gambling, as well as financial damage in personal or family life.

Warning signs also encompass feelings of shame, guilt, deterioration in relationships, and using betting as a mechanism to manage stress or frustrations.

Easy access may increase risks

The Ministry of Health points out that several factors increase individuals' vulnerability. These include early exposure to gambling, easy accessibility to platforms, impulsivity, social isolation, and a previous history of depression or anxiety. Additionally, social influences that positively promote betting and encourage gambling as an escape from emotional problems also contribute to this risk.

Women often prioritize the needs of their families and society over their own health requirements, leading them to skip or ignore necessary medical examinations. The reasons for this can range from busy schedules and financial difficulties to underestimating risks. Every year, thousands of women miss the opportunity to undergo critically important screenings.

Despite fulfilling numerous roles in family and community, women's own health can be sidelined. Busy schedules, financial pressure, and misconceptions about risks contribute to alarming statistics, as many women neglect essential checkups.

Murray Howell, CEO of Affinity Health, emphasizes the vital necessity of regular medical checkups, urging that 'women's health matters.' He noted that the earlier potential issues are detected, the better the outcome, and preventive care can save lives.

There are five key medical examinations that every woman should schedule:

• Pap smear and HPV testing: Cervical cancer, one of the most preventable types of cancer, continues to cause deaths in South Africa. Regular checks are necessary for early detection. According to international guidelines, women aged 25 to 65 should be tested for HPV every five years. If HPV testing is unavailable, co-testing Pap and HPV every five years or only a Pap smear every three years can be used. These procedures help detect abnormal cell changes before they develop into cancer.
• Breast examination and mammography: Despite common misconceptions, breast cancer affects not only women over 50. Women are advised to perform regular self-examinations, but clinical breast exams and mammography are vital for timely detection of abnormalities. Women over 40, especially those with a family history of breast cancer, should discuss starting mammography with their primary care physician immediately.
• Blood pressure, cholesterol, and glucose tests: Cardiovascular diseases are often mistakenly considered a condition that primarily affects men, although they pose a significant risk to women as well. Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death among women worldwide. Symptoms associated with high blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels can go unnoticed until a crisis occurs. Regular checkups are especially important for women over 35 or those with a hereditary predisposition to diabetes or heart problems.
• Reproductive and hormonal health: Symptoms such as painful menstruation, mood swings, weight changes, or infertility may indicate hormonal imbalance or conditions like PCOS or endometriosis. Consulting a general practitioner for a check can help determine if further investigation is needed. Understanding hormonal health is critical for effectively managing perimenopause and menopause symptoms.
• Mental health screening: Statistically, women suffer from depression and anxiety more often than men. Stigma and societal expectations often prevent open discussion of mental health issues. During Women's Month, it is crucial to integrate mental well-being into routine medical checkups. Signs such as feelings of low mood, irritability, or constant fatigue should not be ignored; help should be sought when necessary.