Latest news with #LaurenBarker
Forbes
06-08-2025
- Health
- Forbes
How Medical Gaslighting Fueled A $3 Million Women's Health Startup
As more women share their health stories, we find that our unique experiences aren't so unique. One common conversation between women, especially those who gave natural birth or are in the depths of menopause, centers around bladder leaks. A frequent suggestion by doctors is to use pads or adult diapers; basically, whispered embarrassment was prescribed in place of answers. Women are no longer accepting the bare minimum. We are tired of our voices being dismissed in the doctor's office. Women's health problems are too often minimized, misdiagnosed or outright dismissed, until someone decides to build something better. 'The solutions today aren't doing anything to improve women's quality of life,' Lauren Barker, CEO of Uresta, shares during a phone interview. '[Bladder incontinence]Barker joined Dr. Scott A. Farrell to bring urinary comfort to thousands of women. They recently secured $3 million in funding to support its U.S. expansion and increase awareness of its bladder leak solution. BDC Capital led the funding round with a $1.5 million investment. The company enhanced a traditional pessary, which is a prescribed medical device, typically made of silicone or rubber, that is inserted into the vagina to support areas affected by stress urinary incontinence. These devices have been used for decades as a non-surgical option for women with weakened pelvic floor muscles. Uresta offers a modern, self-directed solution that prioritizes women's quality of life with its discreet design that's optimized for comfort even during exercise. Barker's journey from investment banking to healthcare innovation began with a jarring realization: 'I was blown away by how common bladder leakage was. One in three women after the age of 30 experience it, and then one in two by the time of menopause, and then 50% of women when they exercise. It's a really big exercise issue.' Her experience echoed a pattern seen across women's health, where concerns are brushed aside as 'just part of being a woman.' Instead of settling for a status quo built on managing symptoms, Barker and her team at Uresta focused on eliminating the problem itself. In less than a year on the U.S. market, Uresta has more than 30,000 users and a 97% immediate improvement rate. Medical Gaslighting—The Silent Epidemic Systemic dismissal of women's symptoms—medical gaslighting—is neither rare nor subtle. The healthcare system's response has historically centered on containment, not cure, creating a $16.5 billion market in symptom management. This cycle isn't limited to bladder health. From endometriosis to heart attacks, studies show women's complaints are taken less seriously than men's, leading to missed diagnoses, untreated pain and generations taught to accept limitation instead of demanding innovation. Building Uresta Barker didn't set out to become a healthcare entrepreneur. Her entry was almost accidental. A connection made through a male colleague because, as she noted, 'I was the only woman he knew in finance.' But what started as a favor quickly became a calling. Barker's financial acumen, coupled with a willingness to listen, unlocked a conversation that most in medicine had ignored. 'No pun intended,' she smiled, 'but the floodgates started opening, and people would be like, 'OMG, let me tell you this story about this time I experienced bladder leaks.'' She spent two years helping Uresta's inventor raise money and validate the need. It was only after having conversations with women in her life and hearing how many had given up running or endured embarrassment at work that she decided to step into a leadership position at the startup. 'If I don't partner with you,' she said to Dr. Farrell, 'I'll regret it if I don't, at least, give it a shot.' The Power Of Community And Speaking Up With her background in investment, she understands the systemic bias and investment gaps that plague women's health innovation, noting, 'There's not enough women on the investing side. I think that's a big part of it, personally, and I have raised money for Uresta. I've had the opportunity to be on both sides of the table. It's amazing to me the number of men I've met with who are like, 'I don't really see it, or I don't really see it as a big issue.' First of all, there's medical statistics to back up how prevalent it is.' The lack of women in venture capital keeps many women's health issues underfunded and overlooked. Uresta's success hinged on community over shame. Rather than relying solely on a product launch, Barker built momentum by having women openly share their stories and support one another. She emphasizes the need for self-advocacy in healthcare settings. 'I think advocating for themselves, especially in a medical setting, is tough. Physicians are really busy, so sometimes those quality of life issues get deprioritized. But I think it's important to bring it up,' Barker stressed. Speaking up, in the doctor's office and beyond, shifts the conversation and creates demand for better solutions. When women stop accepting dismissal, innovation follows. 'I'm not blaming physicians,' Barker concludes. 'I just think that they're really strained. They're trying to cover so many things during your visit. However, it's important to note that if you're having issues that may not seem life-threatening, but annoying, you should bring it up. You don't have to suffer.'
Associated Press
21-06-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
The Panel Company Going Green for the Planet Lawcris Levels Up Their Sustainability Practices
LEEDS, GB / ACCESS Newswire / June 21, 2025 / For companies across the globe, sustainability practices are increasing in importance, with global warming becoming an ever looming reality. For West Yorkshire-based panels company Lawcris, sustainability has been on their radar for years. With a policy that continues to develop their contribution to reducing carbon emissions, reducing waste and sourcing timber and non-timber related products responsibly, Lawcris have also introduced solar panels to their main site. The Power of Sunshine With the UK aiming to reach net zero emissions by 2050, a greater proportion of the grid's energy now comes from renewable sources rather than fossil fuels. Lawcris' commitment to producing renewable energy to be used and also given back to the grid cements their status as a company who is forward thinking about sustainability. 'Lawcris has made significant progress over recent years to improve the sustainability element of the business. Solar Panels support our Grid supply of electricity which is already zero carbon, and we have also accredited to ISO 14001 standard for our overall environmental management. We will continue to develop our environmental approach in support of a Net Zero target and to ensure that we are seen by all our stakeholders as being proactive in this area.' Lauren Barker, Marketing Manager Innovating Green Solutions in Business This is far from Lawcris' first rodeo with sustainability, and they are a force dedicated to providing innovative solutions for sustainability under their own roof. Currently, they have a biomass heating facility installed at their site in Leeds, less than 1% of their waste going to landfill, as well as promoting green alternative transport services to their staff. If you want to learn more about how Lawcris are pioneering sustainability in the panels industry, you can visit About Lawcris Established in 1982 in Wakefield, England by Chris Hopton and Simon Hall, Lawcris has vastly outgrown its humble beginnings. Focused on supplying the best quality panels, the business operates to the highest standards as one of the biggest decorative panel suppliers in the UK. Media Contact Organization: Lawcris Contact Person Name: Matthew Hines Website: Email: [email protected] Contact Number: +441132177177 Address: Knowsthorpe Gate, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS9 0NP City: Leeds Country: United Kingdom SOURCE: Lawcris press release
