Women Health and Environment

Pain medications are important for speedy recovery and minimizing the discomfort from injury or surgery for women health. Many patients like the effects of drugs they get in the hospital and abuse them when they leave.

The National Institute on Drug Abuse estimates that every year more than three million people age 12 and older take prescription pain medications for non-medical reasons. Minimizing the amount of pain medication given the hospital reduces the chance for abuse and saves money. A partial answer may be as simple as giving patients more sunlight.

Researchers from University of Pittsburgh found that giving patients more sunlight eased surgical pain and could potentially save millions of dollars in hospital drug costs. Patients in rooms with more natural light took less pain medication and their drug costs were 21 percent less than patients placed in darker rooms. Patients in rooms with more light also had lower stress levels and were better the day after surgery and at discharge. Bright light may improve mood by triggering the release of “feel good” brain chemicals such as serotonin. Light may also brighten the attitude of doctors and nurses, which will also improve patient care.