COFFEE
May Perk Up More Than MEN'S BRAIN:
It Could Stave Off Erectile Dysfunction HEALTHCARE INDUSTRY IS BOOMING BUT
Stroke Awareness Month:
DIVERSITY
What’sLAGS, New NEW NAACP in Stroke REPORT FINDS Therapies?
Page 2 / MAY - JUNE 2015 / HealthyStart
healthbriefs
Top 3 health tips:
Easy ways to boost weight loss
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our goal is to lose weight and exercise more, forget the deprivation diet and marathon workouts. Research shows that taking small steps is the best way to get lasting results.
A study found that participants who made one small, potentially permanent change in their food choices and/or physical activity each week (such as drinking one fewer can of soda or walking 5 more minutes each day) lost about four times more weight, compared with those who followed traditional calorierestriction and physical-activity guidelines. Here are three simple steps to help you move more, eat less, and look and feel better than ever, courtesy of Prevention magazine, published by Rodale Inc. of Emmaus. EAT FRUIT — DON'T DRINK 'EM 1. Skip juice and eat the whole fruit instead. You'll not only get more hearthealthy fiber in your diet, you'll also stay satisfied longer. Research shows that liquid carbohydrates just aren't as filling as solids. Plus there are the extra calories — 48 percent more if you're drinking that juice rather than eating the whole apple.
bite or if that satisfied you. If you still want more, repeat, this time chewing the food 20 times. Continue this eating exercise for as long as you want or until you finish the serving (it should take about 10 minutes). GET TECHNICAL SUPPORT 3. You know exercising with a friend makes you more accountable (nobody wants to leave a pal Eating whole fruits instead of drinking fruit juice isa healstranded on a street hier way to get more fiber and consume fewer calories. corner at 6 a.m.). But (Harry Fisher, THE MORNING CALL) your workouts don't always have to be done face-to-face. TAKE 10 TO EAT A TREAT One study found women who had some form of social support, either through in 2. Try this strategy to permanently reperson counseling or an on-line chat duce cravings: Portion out one serving of group, lost more than 15 pounds over a your favorite treat, taking a minute to nine-month period, dropping about 300 smell it, look at it and think about it. calories from their daily diet and walking Take one small bite. Chew slowly, movabout a mile more each day than from ing it around your mouth and focusing their starting point. on the texture and taste, then swallow. Ask yourself whether you want another --prevention
Making sure you get enough wholegrain
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Nine ways to keep up your wholegrain quota:
If you’re depressed, you could die of heart failure suddenly Within 12 months, people who suffered from depression were more likely to die of sudden heart failure, researchers found.
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new study has found that people who who suffer from moderate to severe depression could die suddenly of heart failure within a year, and most aren’t aware of the risks.
The European Society of Cardiology conducted a study that examined 96 patients with depression, finding them far more likely to die of heart failure than those without depression within the next year, indicating that people who have heart failure should be screened for depression, according to a BBC report. Heart failure has many factors, but the impact of depression may be underestimated by doctors. Prof. John Cleland of the Imperial College London and the University of Hull led the study. He said that heart failure is an epidemic for the modern world, and the typical response to such epidemics is to find better drugs and treatments. But that might not be the answer, he said according to the report. Instead, it could be about getting counseling and therapy for patients who suffer from depression combined with the drugs and treatments, rather than just the drugs themselves. Heart failure happens when the heart becomes weak and stiff and begins having difficulty pumping blood, resulting in tiredness and shortness of breath and eventually failure.
Eat porridge
"Start the day with some wholegrains at breakfast, like por-
Milwaukee Community Journal To make the findings, Cleland’s team looked at 96 patients who had experienced heart failure and screened them for depression. The study found that those with moderate to severe depression was found disproportionately in those who died 300 days later.
3612 North Martin Luther King Drive Milwaukee WI. 53212 Patricia O'Flynn Pattillo Publisher Mikel Holt, Editor Editor, Coordinator and Marketing Sales www.communityjournal.net Administration Telephone (414)-265-5300 Sales and Advertising Colleen Newsomm Jimmy Johnson Advertising Email: advertising@communityjournal.net Editorial Telephone (414) 265-6647 Email: editorial@communityjournal.net Mike Mullis Webmaster Media Center Bright Boateng Producer and Designer
ridge or muesli," says leading nutritionist Fiona Hunter. "If you don't have time for a bowl of cereal then try breakfast biscuits which can provide wholegrain." Still on the oats theme, Hunter also suggests using porridge oats in crumble toppings. Swap white bread "Swap white bread for wholemeal bread - look for the words 'wholegrain' or 'wholemeal' on the label." It honestly doesn't taste any worse. And white rice "Choose brown rice instead of white. Look out for brown basmati and quick-cook brown rice." Again, taste isn't compromised. And white flour "Use wholemeal flour for baking," advises Hunter. "If you're not used to baking with wholemeal flour, start by substitut(continued on page 8)
Scientists have found evidence of a link between depression and heart failure before, but they had assumed in the past that those who had depression simply had a more severe heart condition. While that certainly could be a factor, Cleland suspects that depression itself could play a bigger role than expected. In addition, those with depression may be less likely to seek help as quickly or take their pills as prescribed. Cleland noted that a bigger study would be needed on the subject, but it provides scientists with a lead on a new possible treatment to heart conditions. --by Dan Taylor, NewsQuench
HealthyStart / MAY - JUNE 2015 / Page 3
Stroke Awareness Month:
What’s New in Stroke Therapies?
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troke is the leading cause of severe disability, and the fifth leading cause of death for all Americans. The burden is worse in minority communities; minorities have higher stroke risks, strokes at an earlier age, and more severe strokes. For example, African-Americans are twice as likely to die from a stroke compared to Whites.
eral, the benefits may outweigh the risks for these patients. Aspirin is, of course, readily available in drug stores and grocery stores. Before using it, however, patients should discuss with their healthcare providers whether aspirin therapy is the right course of action for stroke prevention.
On another note, In January 2015, FDA approved Savaysa, a drug used to reduce the risk of stroke in patients with AF, a type of abnormal heart rhythm. This is a blood thinning medication similar to several other recently approved anti-coagulants and an older drug, warfarin. All of these drugs reduce the chance of stroke in patients with this condition by more than 50%. But note, that for patients with kidneys that work really well, Savaysa did not work as well as warfarin.
Often this is because people do not know the warning signs (e.g., sudden numbness, confusion, or loss of balance), or the risk factors that lead to stroke, like high blood pressure, diabetes, and an irregular heart rhythm (atrial fibrillation, or AF). Some minority groups also suffer disproportionately because of cultural and language barriers- which can lead to a delay in treatment or not seeking treatment at all.
To help dispel myths and provide accurate information, we have issued consumer and provider friendly guidance on the appropriate use of aspirin therapy. Here is the latest evidence on who should and should not use aspirin for stroke prevention. Primary prevention: In patients who have
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never had a stroke, aspirin therapy can increase their risk for bleeding in the stomach and brain and a reduction in strokes with aspirin has not been established. Secondary Prevention: In patients who have already had an ischemic stroke, which happens when a blood vessel that supplies blood to the brain becomes blocked by a blood clot; aspirin therapy has been shown to decrease the risk of having a subsequent event. In gen-
More than 21,000 people with AF participated in the Savaysa clinical trial. Clinical trial data, which are made available from the “Drug Trials Snapshot”, showed a large stroke reduction and no meaningful differences by sex, race (Whites versus Asians), or age (greater than 75 years) for the drug’s performance or side effects (e.g., major bleeding), a finding that is also true for the other anti-coagulants. Other minority groups were under-represented
What you need to know about strokes
stroke is a 'brain attack' which happens when blood supply to the brain is cut off, either by a clot (ischaemic stroke; accounting for around 85% of annual UK cases) or brain bleed (haemorrhagic; accounting for
erly people, think again - the number of middle-aged people suffering attacks has rocketed. In the last 15 years, the number of men aged 40-54 being hospitalised with the condition has risen by 46%, while for women in the same age bracket, rates are up 30%, according to figures released by the
search and information director, notes that the single biggest risk factor is high blood pressure - it's estimated that half of strokes could be avoided if blood pressure was well controlled. *If a stroke is suspected, getting to hospital immediately is vital. For people with strokes caused by a blood clot, a treatment called thrombolysis can be given to break down the clot - but it's only effective up to four-and-a-half hours after it strikes. Dr Ajay Bhalla, a consultant stroke physician at London's St Thomas' Hospital, says that three months after a stroke, around 30% of patients will make a good recovery, 30% will remain disabled and 30% won't survive. *When a stroke strikes, acting fast can save lives, and help prevent long-term serious disability. The FAST test can help you recognise some of the most common symptoms:
around 15% of cases). Symptoms usually occur suddenly, and can include weakness or numbness on one side of the body, difficulty finding words, blurred vision or loss of sight. There are around 152,000 strokes a year in the UK, and it's the leading cause of complex disability, as severe strokes can leave people paralysed and unable to communicate. *If you thought strokes were just something that happened to eld-
The Drug Snapshot is part of FDA’s transparency initiative that displays the clinical trial data analyzed by subgroup (e.g., sex, race, and age). This is an important initiative because it provides information on clinical trial participation among varying groups.
Drug Trials Snapshot: Savaysa
By: Jovonni R. Spinner
Aspirin Therapy: Who should use it? Although there is broad agreement about the benefits of aspirin in secondary prevention of stroke, (the use of aspirin in people who have already had a stroke) there has been debate in the scientific community about the benefits and risk of using aspirin for primary stroke prevention, i.e., in people without a prior stroke. The Food and Drug Administration has not recommended that use.
in this trial, so data are not available for those groups.
Stroke Association. *Experts believe that lifestyle factors are mostly to blame for the increase in middle-aged strokes. Lack of exercise, smoking, drinking too much alcohol, being overweight and an unhealthy diet are all known to raise the risk. These things can cause blood vessel damage, increase blood pressure and make blood more likely to clot - all potential factors in stroke.Dr Dale Webb, the Stroke Association's re-
:: Facial weakness: Can the person smile? Has their face fallen on one side? :: Arm weakness: Can the person raise both arms and keep them there? :: Speech problems: Can the person speak clearly and understand what you say? Is their speech slurred? :: Time to call 911. --NottinghamPost
Here at FDA, we strive to make data transparent and easily accessible to our stakeholders. The Office of Minority Health is leading FDA’s efforts to encourage diversity of participants in clinical trials and assess possible differences in effects among varying groups. We know that demographic subgroups (e.g., minorities, women) can respond differently to medications and clinical trial participants should reflect the populations that will most likely use these products. Visit our website or follow us on Twitter to find out more information about our research programs, outreach, and communications. www.fda.gov/minorityhealth@FDAOMH Jovonni R. Spinner, M.O.H., C.H.E.S. is a Public Health Advisor in FDA’s Office of Minority Health
The Easiest Way To Live Longer
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id you know that every minute you walk can extend your life by 1.5 to 2 minutes? In addition, many studies show that people who walk regularly live longer, weigh less, have lower blood pressure, and enjoy better overall health than non-walkers.
according to a 2007 study. Walking Keeps Your Mind Sharp Walking 72 blocks a week (around six to nine miles) helps increase grey matter, which in turn lowers the risk of suffering from cognitive impairment—or trouble with concentration, memory and thought, according to a study which looked at 299 seniors over a nine-year period. Furthermore, walking five miles
Ready to lace on your shoes? If you want to add to the amount of walking you do, just clip on a pedometer. That simple action actually increases your physical activity by over 2100 steps per day, a review that pooled data from 26 studies found. Here’s a look at ten benefits of walking. Walking Increases Your Lifespan Walking more than an hour a day improves life expectancy significantly, a 2011 study showed. The researchers looked at 27,738 participants between the ages of 40 and 79 over a 13-year period. Surprisingly, their lifetime medical costs did not increase—even though they lived longer. “An increase in walking time at the population level would bring about a tremendous change in people’s health and medical cost,” the study authors wrote. Walking Wards Off Diabetes Just thirty minutes of walking a day can prevent diseases such as type 2 diabetes, a 2002 study looking at both overweight and average weight men and women in a population at high risk for the disease showed. If you already have diabetes, walking is helpful for you, too. A mile or more daily cuts your risk of death from all causes in half,
per week can provide some protection to the memory and learning areas of the brains of those already suffering from Alzheimer’s disease or mild cognitive impairment, and lead to a slower decline in memory loss. Common Symptoms of Alzheimer's Disease. Walking Helps Lower Blood Pressure Walking just 30 minutes a day, three to five days a week—even when the 30 minutes are broken into three ten-minute increments—has been found to significantly lower blood pressure. Walking is Great for Bone Health Putting one foot in front of the other for about a mile a day led to
(continued on page 11)
Page 4 / MAY - JUNE 2015 / HealthyStart
national news
FDA panel recommends approving new drug that dramatically lowers cholesterol
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Food and Drug Administration advisory panel has recommended the approval of a new injectable drug that could help prevent heart attacks and other cardiovascular health problems by greatly lowering cholesterol. The panel voted 13-3 in favor of Praluent — one of a new wave of medicines that target LDL cholesterol — but scientists note that definitive evidence that the drug can reduce heart problems will have to wait until full clinical trials are completed in 2017.
The product is one of two major new cholesterol-reducing drugs set to enter the market. Praluent — generic name alirocumab — was developed by Sanofi and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, while another similar drug, called Repatha, is the work of medical firm Amgen. Both companies estimate that their drugs will help millions in the US, but both have kept quiet about the price of a yearlong course of their medications. Dr. William Shrank, chief scientific officer at CVS Health, estimates the cost to the patient at between $7,000 and $12,000 a year. If the drugs are only given to people who can't reduce their cholesterol low enough with statins such as Lipitor, Shrank told The New York Times, then the cost would be $16 billion. If it was widened out to encompass everyone with a history of heart disease, that price rises to $186 billion.
By Rich McCormick Praluent works by blocking a protein called PCSK9 that normally stops the liver from being able to fully clear LDL cholesterol from the bloodstream. Tests have shown that by taking the new drug, patients have reduced their cholesterol by between 40 and 65 percent, even if they have previously been taking cholesterol-managing statins such as Lipitor. The drug also appears so far to have no significant side effects on patients who do take it — the FDA has questioned whether it could cause forgetfulness or delirium, but appears to be satisfied with the safety studies conducted so far. Speaking to The New York Times, Harvard cardiologist Peter Libby said that drugs such as Praluent mean that "the LDL issue is solved in principle." But due to a lack of
data, others in the medical field have urged caution in the use of the new medicine. Socalled "bad" cholesterol has been shown to be significant in cardiovascular scientific studies, but the direct links between lowering LDL cholesterol and reducing the risk of heart disease are still not concrete. Brendan M. Everett, cardiologist at Boston's Brigham and Women's Hospital, told The Wall Street Journal he would only use the drug for patients genetically predisposed to high levels of cholesterol and avoid broader use.
Vaccines developed for H5N1, H7N9 avian flu
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group of U.S. researchers say it has developed a vaccine for two strains of avian influenza that can be transmitted from poultry to humans. The strains have led to the culling of millions of chickens and turkeys as well as the death of hundreds of people. Jürgen Richt, the director of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Center of Excellence for Emerging and Zoonotic Animal Diseases, and his colleagues focussed on the avian influenza virus subtype H5N1 in wild birds in the U.S. The team says it developed a vaccine for H5N1 by cloning the Newcastle disease virus that affects poultry and transplanted
Woman with Drug-Resistant TB Triggers Search for Other Potential Cases
U a small section of the H5N1 virus into it. Their tests showed that the new virus vaccinated chickens against both Newcastle disease virus and H5N1. Using the same method for developing the H5N1 vaccine, the scientists inserted a small section of the H7N9 virus into the Newcastle disease virus vaccine. The say chickens given this vaccine were protected against the Newcastle disease virus and H7N9. "We believe this Newcastle disease virus concept works very well for poultry because you kill two birds with one stone, metaphorically speaking," Richt said. "You use only one vector to vaccinate and protect against a selected virus strain of avian influenza." --The findings appear in
Some people with genetic mutations that also block the PCSK9 protein live perfectly healthy lives with very low cholesterol. But what is the effect on the body when someone with previously dangerous levels drops down to such a low LDL level? Should Praluent and its ilk be prescribed to anyone with heightened cholesterol, or saved only for people with critical levels in their bloodstream? And when statins have also been successful in reducing cholesterol to some degree, how much will this new, supposedly more effective treatment cost?
S. health authorities are trying to find people who may have had contact with a woman who has highly drug-resistant tuberculosis. The woman flew from India to Chicago in April. She then traveled to Missouri and Tennessee before returning to Chicago, where she sought treatment at a hospital about seven weeks after arriving in the U.S., The New York Times reported. At the hospital, the woman was diagnosed with extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis (XDR-TB). On Friday, she was transferred by special air and ground ambulances to a U.S. National Institutes of Health hospital in Bethesda, Md.
The woman is in an isolation room and the hospital "is providing care and treatment for the patient in connection with an existing NIH clinical protocol for treating TB, including XDR forms," the NIH said.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is trying to obtain a list of passengers who were on the same flight as the woman, and is also working with Illinois health officials to identify other people who may have had contact with the woman and determine if they require TB tests, The Times reported.
Amgen's Repatha goes up against the FDA's advisory board today. While the administration doesn't technically have to follow the board's advice, it historically has, indicating that Praluent at least is likely to be approved. The government body does say, however, that if the large-scale trials underway by both companies don't show proof that the drug can dramatically reduce cholesterol and in turn prevent heart disease, then it will rescind that approval in a few years. --theverge
Vitamin helps cut skin cancer risk
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n inexpensive vitamin can help reduce the occurrence of common skin cancers in people prone to that disease, researchers reported. In a clinical trial, people who took two pills a day of nicotinamide, a form of vitamin B3 available as a supplement, had a 23 percent lower risk of developing nonmelanoma skin cancer than those who took placebo pills. “It’s safe, it’s almost obscenely inexpensive and it’s widely available,” Dr. Diona Damian, the lead investigator of the study, said in a news conference organized by the American Society of Clinical Oncology, who said the findings could be put into practice right away. However, Damian, a dermatology professor at the University of Sydney in Australia, said the vitamin should be used only by people who get frequent skin cancers, not by everyone. THC doesn’t help dementia patients Pills containing an extract of marijuana do not significantly ease some of dementia’s most difficult symptoms, including agitation, aggression and nighttime
wandering, says the largest-ever study testing the safety and effectiveness of tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, on elderly dementia patients. The research — published in the journal Neurology — did offer
some hope that marijuana might help this most vulnerable population: At the low doses tested, THC caused few notable side effects, suggesting that trials testing such medication at higher doses for dementia symptoms could safely move forward. New era of genetic medicine The federal government opened the door to a new era of genetic medicine by introducing a standard way to ensure the accuracy of DNA tests used to tailor treatments for individual patients. The National Institute of Standards and Technology said that it had developed “reference materials” that could be used by labs to determine whether their machines were properly analyzing a person’s genetic blueprint, or genome. --News services
HealthyStart / MAY - JUNE 2015 / Page 5
The comforts of home It brings to mind family memories, safety and security
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e are all more content in our own surroundings. Most elders want to stay in their own homes. Younger adults with physical, developmental or intellectual disabilities also want to remain in their community and be as independent as possible in an environment that brings them comfort, but sometimes people need help. This is the mission of the Milwaukee County Department of Family Care. These caring professionals will work with you to provide a range of long-term supports and services that are designed to meet your needs and ensure that you are safe and supported in the community. When you enroll in Family Care, you’ll work with a case manager and a nurse to build a team of individuals to develop a plan that’s right for you. You can have anyone that you choose to be a part of your team. Together, you and your team will determine what supports already exist and what are your goals. You, along with your team, make the choices that are
right for you. Maybe you have a family member who you prefer to handle your personal care. Maybe you already have a trusted companion who takes you to
ices and supports they need to achieve their outcomes. This program looks for creative and cost effective solutions that focus on the whole person and keeps
are two Resource Centers. For information regarding an adult (18 – 59 years old) with disabilities, please call: The Disability Resource Center 414-289-6660 Phone 414-289-8559 TTY For information or to enroll adults 60 years old and over, please call: The Aging Resource Center 414-289-6874 Phone 414-289-8591 TTY Call today to get the assistance and peace of mind that you need.
your medical appointments. With Family Care, you have a say in how and when you receive services and supports. Ultimately, a personalized plan will be developed to meet your desired outcomes. Proudly serving over 8,400 people in eight Wisconsin counties, the Milwaukee County Department of Family Care works with people who desire to make their own choices about the serv-
people as independent as possible. To participate in the Family Care program an individual must be at least 18 years old, have long-term care needs and qualify for Medicaid/Title 19. Enrollment in Family Care with the Milwaukee County Department of Family Care begins with a phone call to your local Resource Center. In Milwaukee County, there
The Milwaukee County Department of Family Care serves eight Wisconsin Counties – Kenosha, Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Racine, Sheboygan, Walworth, Washington and Waukesha. If you or one of your loved one’s need assistance in one of these counties, visit http://www.familycaremilwaukeecounty.com/Enrolling%20in%20Family%2 0Care.aspx for a complete list of the resource centers listed above.
BREAST CANCER AMONG
AFRICAN AMERICANS
RELATIVELY HIGH
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lthough breast cancer (BC) survival has steadily improved for European American (EA) women over the past few decades, similar improvements have not been observed for African American (AA) women.
In 2006, 32 BC deaths were reported nationally for every 100,000 women-years among AA compared to only 23 among EA. In Chicago, this disparity grew over the past decade and is even higher than that observed nationally. During 1999-2003 the BC mortality rate was 49% higher for AA women than for EA women. This disparity increased to 68% in 2003 and 116% in 2005 and remains even after controlling for age, SES, tumor stage and histology, hormone receptor status, and menopausal status. Not only are AA women with breast cancer more likely than EA women to die from their cancer, they are also more likely to die from comorbid conditions including diabetes and hypertension. Poor diet, lack of physical activity, and obesity contribute to breast cancer progression, as well as the development and exacerbation of many co-morbid conditions. Efforts to reduce the high mortality rates observed in AA women with breast cancer are critically needed, and addressing poor diet, lack of physical activity, and high rates of obesity may provide the best near-term opportunity to decrease breast cancer and all-cause mortality among AA BC survivors.
Page 6 / MAY - JUNE 2015 / HealthyStart
wisconsin news
Critics say Wisconsin's 20-week abortion ban jeopardizes women's health, despite amendment
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bill to ban abortions after 20 weeks passed the Wisconsin state Senate, with an amendment attached intended to clarify how doctors are allowed to proceed in cases of medical emergencies.
MADISON, WIS. — The Wisconsin Senate has passed a bill that would allow businesses to keep a supply of epinephrine injectors to combat lifethreatening allergic reactions.
"You act like there's just one life at stake here," said Sen. Jon Erpenbach, D-Middleton. "There's two." The bill's future in the Assembly is unclear. Speaker Robin Vos, RRochester, told reporters on Tuesday afternoon his Republican caucus still hadn't discussed the controversial bill. The Assembly could take it up later this month, in the fall or not at all. The legislation, which Gov. Scott Walker has said he would sign, would ban abortions at the point when some believe a fetus is capable of experiencing pain, which the bill says occurs 20 weeks after fertilization. Under the bill, doctors who perform or attempt to perform such an abortion would be charged with a felony and subject to three-and-a-half years in prison and a $10,000 fine. The father of the fetus could also take legal action against the physician. Both bill co-author Sen. Mary Lazich, R-New Berlin, and Erpenbach proposed amendments aimed at clarifying a medical emergency provision included in the bill. Lazich's was adopted. Under the original bill, in the case of a medical emergency, a
Senate President Mary Lazich, R-New Berlin, talks in support of her bill that bans abortions after 20 weeks on Tuesday, June 2, 2015, in Madison, Wis. Lazich, the bill's co-author, says the bill is aimed at reducing pain in unborn children. physician would only be allowed to terminate the pregnancy "in the manner that, in reasonable medical judgment, provides the best opportunity for the unborn child to survive." To do so, a doctor would use a fetal monitor to check the baby's condition, which would likely require a woman to deliver via Caesarean section. Critics of the bill said the wording of its medical emergency provision was too vague and could negatively affect the quality of care doctors provide. But some of the bill's supporters wanted the provision eliminated from the bill entirely, arguing that its language creates a loophole for physicians to provide abortions. In its original state, the bill lacked language contained in a similar bill passed last month by the U.S. House of Representatives clarifying what a doctor should do if a woman undergoes a medical emergency that requires the termination of her pregnancy. Erpenbach said the addition of the amendment confirmed that the bill as introduced was "incomplete."
"The last-minute, rushed amendment shows that the drafting of this bill has been as careless as it is heartless," said Jenni Dye, an attorney and research director for One Wisconsin Now and former executive director of NARAL Pro-Choice Wisconsin. Like Wisconsin's bill, the federal legislation instructs doctors, in the case of a medical emergency, to terminate the pregnancy in the way most likely to ensure the baby's survival. But the federal bill also includes language to allow a pregnancy to be terminated in another manner if the method most likely to save the baby would "pose a greater risk of the death of the pregnant woman; or the substantial and irreversible physical impairment of a major bodily function, not including psychological or emotional conditions, of the pregnant woman." In its original form, one section of Wisconsin's bill required doctors to report whether another method was used to terminate the pregnancy, but the rest of the bill didn't create an exception explicitly allowing a doctor to use another method.
Noted pharmacist Lester Carter awarded an honorary degree
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oted pharmacist Lester Carter was awarded an honorary degree and delivered the keynote address at the Medical College of Wisconsin’s (MCW) 102nd annual commencement exercises held recently. MCW’s Medical School and its Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences awarded a total of 186 MD, 27 PhD, 36 MS, 4 MA, and 17 Master of Public Health degrees. Carter, RPH, has dispensed medicinal and herbal remedies and
Auto-injectors are used to treat anaphylaxis, a potentially life-threatening allergic reaction that causes constricted airways and makes it difficult to breathe.
The Senate approved the measure unanimously. The Assembly is also scheduled to vote on the measure.
By Jessie Opoien The Capital Times But the bill's opponents say it still prioritizes the life and health of a fetus over that of its mother and could compromise the care provided by physicians.
Wisconsin Senate passes emergency allergy treatment bill
wisdom to the customers of Carter Drugs on N. 24th and West Burleigh in Milwaukee for nearly 50 years. “Dr. Carter,” as his customers refer to him, is a registered pharmacist, an innovator and trailblazer, and his commitment to his customers and the neighborhood has made him an iconic figure in Milwaukee’s Black community. Carter Drugs was considered to be the only Black-owned drug story in the Milwaukee area for much of his career. Carter completed his pharmacist study
and training at the Creighton University School of Pharmacy in Omaha. In 2010, Carter received the James Howard Baker Award for his longtime work providing health services and care. Also awarded honorary doctorates were: . Dr. Robert Lefkowitz was awarded the Nobel Prize for Chemistry in 2012, along with Brian Kobilka, for his work in G protein-coupled receptors, a
(continued on page 7)
Schools are already allowed to keep a supply of the auto-injectors. The bill would allow camps, colleges, restaurants and other businesses to carry and administer the drug. Under the proposal, businesses may offer the drug but aren't required to have it on hand.
Approval from both chambers would send the bill to Gov. Scott Walker for his consideration.
New African Amarican Holistic Practice "KA-MAAT" Teaches The Power of
POSITIVE THINKING And HEALTHY LIFESTYLE
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here is a new holistic practice for African Americans called "KaMaat". The word Ka (pronounced Kah) is of Egyptian origin and means the vital energy that creates and sustains life, and Maat, also of Egyptian origin, means truth, justice and rightness. As a non-religious practice, Ka-Maat teaches the power of positive thinking and emphasizes living a healthy lifestyle with a cultural base of African history and tradition as the foundation of the practice.
development of the black community. The practice is designed to address the many social ills that disproportionately affect Black America from drugs, poverty and crime to unemployment, illiteracy, and imprisonment, along with health issues such as diabetes, hypertension and cancer.
Based on the book Introduction to KaMaat by Sean XLG ean XLG Mitchell, pictured with actor Reno Wilson (C) Mitchell, exercisand manager/wife Clarissa ing the practice entails maintaining a healthy lifestyle The book touches on the richness of to include proper eating and sleep African and African American history habits, daily exercise, meditation, and and references the works of some of performing acts of charity. The book our brightest scholars from Chiekh reveals incredible true accounts of Anta Diop and John Henrik Clarke to how positive thinking can impact and Civil Rights leaders such as Martin assist with healing the body, reversing Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X. signs of aging, and attaining wealth, just to name a few. About The Author: Sean XLG Mitchell is the ultimate Hip Sean XLG states, "What I set out to Hop Scholar, artist and activist. Sean accomplish is to create a new and has worked extensively in the African healthier way of life for African AmerAmerican community, organizing and icans that is grounded in cultural traleading community based study ditions and historical values for us as groups, volunteering in schools, as a people and the ultimate goal is to well as a youth mentor. Sean is the empower our community." As a holisauthor of Hip Hop Hooray: Celebrattic way of life, emphasis is placed on ing 30 Years of Rap Music. individual growth and the collective
HealthyStart / MAY - JUNE 2015 / Page 7
Noted pharmacist Lester Carter awarded an honorary degree
Dr. Lester Carter speaks at MCW Commencement
Former MCW president Michael T. Bolger and Linda Caples present honorary degree to Lester Carter
Dr. Lester Carter awarded an honorary degree (continued from page 6) field which he pioneered and which he has led for 45 years. He is one of the most highly cited researchers in the fields of biology, biochemistry, pharmacology, toxicology, and clinical medicine. John Bartkowski, DrPH, has been chief executive officer of the Sixteenth Street Community Health Center since 1990. Prior to that time he was a special assistant to the City of Milwaukee’s Health Commissioner, and a consultant to the Mayor of Milwaukee. Jon Hammes is the Managing Partner of Hammes Company. Hammes
Company is in the development, financing and management of strategic real estate assets, specifically in the healthcare and sports industry. His primary responsibilities include providing overall leadership and managing the efforts of the national organization. Ann Hammes, a former elementary school teacher, has spent many years volunteering at numerous organizations including Children's Hospital, Family Services of Milwaukee, Next Door Foundation, Junior Achievement, and Junior League, and church parishes. She is a member of the MCW Women in Science Founder’s Circle.
Page 8 / MAY - JUNE 2015 / HealthyStart
men’s health Coffee May Perk Up More Than Men's Brains:
It Could Stave Off Erectile Dysfunction
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ccording to a new study out in the journal PLOS ONE last week, caffeine intake is linked to reduced odds of having erectile dysfunction (ED) in men who drink the equivalent of two to three cups of coffee per day. Among the lifestyle factors that are known to put a man at risk of ED – poor diet, physical inactivity, smoking, and alcohol consumptions – caffeine has not been of the biggest candidates. But the new study suggests that like other areas of physical and mental health, ED may be another beneficiary of caffeine’s fascinating benefits. Since erectile function, and dysfunction, is in some ways an extension of cardiovascular health – and caffeine is known to help heart health in certain ways – the idea that it could also help ED may not be so surprising. But for men who are devout coffee drinkers, the results may come as good news.
that caffeine triggers a series of pharmacological effects that lead to the relaxation of the penile helicine arteries, and the cavernous smooth muscle that lines cavernosal spaces, thus increasing penile blood flow.” In other words, arteries and smooth muscle relax, blood flow is enhanced, and the “cavernous” space in the penis that contributes to erection fills with blood more easily. The results were even true even for men with high blood pressure, or who were overweight or obese. Men with diabetes did not experience the same protective effects from caffeine, possibly because diabetes brings with it its own set of vascular problems. “Diabetes is one of the strongest risk factors for ED, so this was not surprising,” said study author David S. Lopez in a statement.
Erectile dysfunction affects about 18 million men over the age of 20, and among middleaged men, the numbers grow: about 44% of men over 40 suffer from it, and 70% of men over the age of 70 do. In the new study, the authors looked at data from 3,700 men who filled out questionnaires about their diets, exercise habits, alcohol consumption, caffeine consumption (from coffee, tea, soda, and sports drinks), and other lifestyle factors – and whether they suffered from ED. When the team ran correlations, they found that men who drank 85-170 mg of caffeine per day were 42% less likely to have dealt with ED. Those who
drank 171-303 mg of caffeine were 39% less likely to have the disorder. These amounts are roughly the equivalent two to three cups of coffee per day. Why would caffeine prevent against ED? Caffeine is known to affect blood vessel function, which the authors suggest is the likely mechanism for its effects on ED. They write that the “suggested biological mechanism is
Whether men should start drinking coffee, if they don’t already, to ward off ED is unclear. Coffee brings with it a number of documented health benefits, for both body and brain, which research is illustrating more and more every day. But experts don’t often recommend picking up a new habit (especially with an addictive substance) if a person has gone his whole life without it. It’s probably worth talking with your doctor if you’re considering starting a coffee habit. But if you’re currently
a caffeine partaker, it’s good to know that among its many health benefits, sexual health may be yet another. --Alice G. Walton
Making sure you get enough wholegrain (continued from page 2) ing half the white flour with wholemeal. As you get used to it, you can gradually increase the proportion." Ban crackers If you want an easy snack or a better basis for your hummus/cheese/other topping of choice, "try oatcakes or wholemeal crackers instead of cream crackers". Avoid couscous It seems super healthy, and in many ways it is, but not as healthy as bulgur wheat for those wholegrain levels. Add barley Add barley to soups and stews, it makes (continued on page 10)
HealthyStart / MAY - JUNE 2015 / Page 9
women & children Many African-American women 'silent and alone' with infertility Giving New Mothers IUD at Childbirth Reduces Unintended Pregnancies: Study
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earchers from the University of Michigan exploring the experiences of African-American women coping with infertility have found that many experience infertility in silence and isolation from friends and family. The study, published in Psychology of Women Quarterly, also found that infertility impaired many of the women's sense of self and gender identity. According the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are an estimated 6.7 million women ages 15-44 in the US with an impaired ability to get pregnant or carry a baby to term. Around 1.5 million married women ages 15-44 are diagnosed as infertile.
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iving new mothers an intrauterine device (IUD) at childbirth can help reduce unintended pregnancies, a new study says. Typically, new mothers are told to wait six weeks before they see their doctor about birth control, but half have resumed having sex by then, according to The New York Times. This study included 112 women who were giving birth and wanted an IUD. Eighty-three percent of those who received an IUD during their c-sections were still using the birth control devices six months later, compared with 64 percent of those who were told to get an IUD at a separate doctor's office visit six weeks after giving birth.
The findings were published in the journal Obstetrics and Gynecology. Providing IUDs to new mothers at the time of birth could reduce unintended pregnancies and the number of babies conceived within 18 months after a woman gives birth, which would lower the risk of problems such as premature birth, according to study lead author Dr. Erika Levi, an assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Albert Einstein College of Medicine in the Bronx, and colleagues. Levi noted that the months following childbirth are "an intense, busy, hard time for most women," The Times reported. "We need to make it easier for women to get access to the kind of contraception they want as new mothers," Levi said.
Infertility is a traumatic condition experienced by many women in the US. The medical definition of infertility for women is when a woman is unable to conceive after 12 months of regular, unprotected sex. Women from all backgrounds can be affected, yet the majority of research on infertility in the US examines affluent white couples participating in advanced medical interventions. On top of this, the authors of the study state that AfricanAmerican women are equally, if not more, likely to experience infertility than their white peers. "Infertile AfricanAmerican women are indeed hidden from public view," states lead author Rosario Ceballo, a
professor of psychology and women's studies. For the new study, the researchers conducted interviews with 50 African-American women who had met the medical definition of infertility at some point in their lives about their experiences with the condition and their relationships with friends, family and doctors. The participants came from an
array of different socioeconomic backgrounds, with many of the women possessing college degrees and working full-time. The women were aged 21-52, and the majority of them were married. They had each spent between 1 and 19 years attempting to become pregnant. 'It would label you as a failure' When asked to describe their diffi-
(continued on page 11)
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Woman gives birth after childhood ovarian tissue transplant
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ongolese-Belgian woman has become the first in the world to give birth to a healthy child after doctors restored her fertility by transplanting ovarian tissue that was removed and frozen when she was a child.
associate at Belgium's Erasme Hospital. "When they are diagnosed with diseases that require treatment that can destroy ovarian function, freezing ovarian tissue is the only ... option for
But 12 years later, after doctors successfully transplanted the thawed ovarian tissue the patient became pregnant at age 27 and delivered a healthy boy in November 2014.
The woman, who was diagnosed with sicklecell anemia when she was five and emigrated to Belgium at age 11, needed a bone marrow transplant to treat her sickle-cell condition -- a procedure that requires chemotherapy first. Thinking of her future potential to have a family, the Belgian doctors decided before starting the treatment to remove the patient's right ovary when she was 13 years and 11 months old and froze tissue fragments. Reporting the success in the journal Human Reproduction, Belgian doctors said it pointed to a future where children with serious illnesses such as cancer may find a way to have babies many years later. "This is an important breakthrough in the field because children are the patients who are most likely to benefit ... in the future," said Isabelle Demeestere, a gynecologist and research
bone marrow transplant and more than a year of treatment with immuno-suppressive drugs after developing graft-versus-host disease, her remaining ovary failed at the age of 15.
preserving their fertility." While there have been reports of successful pregnancies after ovarian transplantation using tissue removed from adult patients, there have been none yet using tissue taken from girls before puberty. This patient, who has asked to remain anonymous, had not started her periods when her ovary tissue was removed and frozen, although her doctors said there were signs she had started puberty with breast development at around age 10.
However, Demeestere, as well as independent experts, cautioned that the procedure's potential success needs to be further explored for young, pre-pubertal girls. "There had previously been uncertainty as to whether ovarian tissue taken from young girls would later on be competent to produce mature, fertile eggs, so today's case is both reassuring and exciting," said Adam Balen, a professor at the Leeds Centre for Reproductive Medicine. He added: "We have to remember that many children who require chemotherapy are very ill and the surgery to remove ovarian tissue is no small undertaking." --by Kate Kelland Reuters --HealthDay:
After undergoing chemotherapy, a
PPWI Urges Teens to Consider How Pregnancy Would Affect Their Future
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ew Report Shows Rise in Use of IUD and Implants Among Teens MADISON — Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin (PPWI) is encouraging teens to think about how pregnancy would affect their future and take steps to protect themselves from unintended pregnancy, including using the most effective method of birth control available to them. PPWI is increasing efforts during Teen Pregnancy Prevention Month (May) to inform teenagers about the importance of access to birth control, including IUDs and implants, which are the most effective methods of birth control and great options for teens to consider. The IUD and implant last for three to 12 years, depending on the method, and don’t require people to remember to do something every day or just before intercourse. A new CDC report shows that more teens are choosing the IUD and implant, which are both safe and highly effective birth control options for teens and young women who want the best possible pregnancy prevention and are not yet ready to start a family. “IUDs and implants are safe for most women, including teens and women who have not yet had children, and they are an especially good option for young women who are years away from wanting to have children,” said Meg Robertson,
Suicide Rates Among Black Children on the Rise, New Study
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new study has found that the suicide rate among black children has increased nearly
two-fold.
The study was published in the journal JAMA Pediatrics last Tuesday and the results were taken from analyzing information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, according to Inquisitr. From 1993 to 2012, there were more than 600 cases of suicide among children ages 5 to 11 84% were boys. The results shocked researchers as the rate for black children increased from 1.36 to 2.54 per one million children. For white children the rate fell from 1.14 to 0.77 per one million children, according to the New York Times. "Suicide rates in the U.S. have historically been higher among white individuals across all age groups. We were very surprised to see higher suicide rates among black children over time," Jeffrey Bridge, epidemiologist, from Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital in Ohio told CNN. The researchers were baffled by their findings as it was the first time that blacks had a higher suicide rates than whites.
PPWI Director of Clinical Services and Nurse Practitioner. “Using condoms plus another birth control method — like the IUD, implant, shot, or pill — helps prevent both pregnancy and STDs.” The U.S. teen pregnancy and birth rates have reached a historic low. More young people are making responsible decisions to delay sexual activity and to use birth control when they do have sex. Unbiased, medically-accurate sex education in schools and open and honest communication with parents is critical to making sure teens stay safe and healthy. “Planned Parenthood is proud to provide the sex education and access to services that help teens prevent unintended pregnancies, and we’re pleased by teen pregnancy rates hitting a historic low,” Robertson added. “PPWI is committed to helping teens make good decisions and engage in healthy behaviors. We
work every day to provide teens with information about healthy relationships and sexuality and to help young people protect themselves against both unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections.” PPWI also offers a sexual health text line that provides an anonymous, confidential way for teens to ask their questions to a trained sexual education expert. Teens just need to text “safersex” to 69866 to get answers. ### Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin is a nonprofit health care provider caring for 60,000 patients annually at 22 health centers. 97 percent of Planned Parenthood’s care is preventive health services including well woman exams, breast and cervical cancer screenings, birth control, HIV screening, and STD treatment.
"I was shocked, I'll be honest with you," said Bridge via NY Times. "I looked at it and I thought, 'Did we do the analysis correctly?' I thought we had made a mistake." The study did not show why young black children were sud-
denly more susceptible to taking their own lives. RT.com reports that it may be due to exposure to aggression and violence, and the tendency to not voice out any needed help for depression and suicide attempts. Furthermore, black children go through puberty earlier as well. "Many factors - including increased exposure to violence and traumatic stress; early onset of puberty; and lower likelihood to seek help for depression, suicidal thoughts, and suicide attempts - may be contributing to the disparity, but the specific impact of each of these factors is unclear," Bridge said via Reuters. "Along the same lines, for many years black youth have used mental health services less than white children and youth," according to Stacey Freedenthal from Denver University who did not take part in the research. "This could be a factor in suicide rates, but why now when the differences in service use have existed for so long?" The research found that the most common method of suicide for young children were hanging and suffocation, which makes up of more than 75% of the deaths. Shooting was second and makes up of more than 15% of the cases. Psychologist Dr. Lauren Patton said that the study "blows our minds as clinicians," referring to the youth suicide trend. She adds that it makes them wonder, "what's happening that a five-year-old who's barely potty-trained is engaging in...self-injurious behavior."
Eat More Wholegrains (continued from page 8) them thicker, creamier and all-round bett. A nice one, this: "Popcorn is a wholegrain, so as a treat, swap crisps for unsalted, sugar-free popcorn." And sweetcorn
"Corn on the cob is wholegrain, so serve it as a vegetable or add sweetcorn to recipes like spaghetti bolognese, or chilli con carne." --NottinghamPost
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HUD Awards Over $1.3 Million To An HIV/AIDS Housing Program In Wisconsin Funding supports stable housing for individuals and families at risk for homelessness
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he U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development announced over $1.3 million to a local HIV-AIDS housing program in Wisconsin to help extremely low-income persons and families living with HIV/AIDS. These grants provide a combina-
tion of housing assistance and supportive services for this vulnerable population. In addition to housing assistance, these local programs will provide access to the needed supportive services such as case management, mental health, substance abuse, employment training. The combination of housing assistance and supportive services are critical in sustaining housing stability, promote better health outcomes, and increase quality of life, which promotes self-sufficiency efforts for those able to transition to the private housing market. “Housing and health go hand in hand,” said Secretary Juliàn Castro. “These grants will provide our local partners with a critical resource to support low-income individuals and families living with HIV/AIDS. Having a stable place to live can make all the difference
and we’re proud to work with communities to help our fellow Americans in building productive and prosperous futures.” “This new funding in Wisconsin will ensure an improved quality of life for residents with HIV/AIDS to focus on staying healthy in a stable home environment,” said HUD Midwest Regional Adminis-
for low-income persons living with HIV/AIDS. A stable home environment is vital for these households to access consistent medical care and maintain their health. Furthermore, secure housing can be a platform for improved quality of life. The HOPWA program is both a formula-based and a competitive grant program. Ninety percent of HOPWA funds are distributed by formula to cities and states based on the number of AIDS cases reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. HUD’s formula grants are managed by 137 local and state jurisdictions, which coordinate AIDS housing efforts with other HUD and community resources. Overall, these resources assist more than 52,000 households annually to provide stable housing and reduced risks of homelessness for those living with HIV and other challenges. Ten percent of HOPWA funds are set aside to fund competitively awarded grants.
trator Antonio R. Riley. The funding announced today is offered through HUD’s Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS Program (HOPWA) and will renew HUD’s support of 25 local programs in 16 states. Research shows that a stable home is critical to the health of person with HIVAIDS resulting in better health outcomes and reduced transmission of the disease. The grants announced today also support Opening Doors, the Obama Administration strategic plan to prevent and end homelessness, and National HIV AIDS Strategy/ HIV Care Continuum, which identifies housing as a key component to reducing viral transmission. Housing assistance and related services funded by HOPWA are an essential part of the comprehensive system of care
The following grantee in Wisconsin will receive an award: State Grantee Name City Grant Award Wisconsin AIDS Resource Center of Wisconsin Milwaukee $1,310,577 AIDS Resource Center of Wisconsin is awarded a HOPWA permanent supportive housing renewal grant of $1,310,577 to continue the provision of 24 units of facilitybased housing along with tenantbased rental assistance to 22 households to address the housing needs of chronically homeless persons living with HIV/AIDS and their families across the state of Wisconsin. A combination of supportive services will complement the housing services through HIV/AIDS case management, access to medical care, substance abuse treatment, and employment referral.
Many African-American women 'silent and alone' with infertility (continued from page 9) culties with conceiving, 32% of the participants spoke about widely-held beliefs equating women with motherhood. One woman stated that having no biological children "would label you as a failure." Another woman reported feeling incomplete: "Emotionally, I felt that I was not complete, because I had not had a child. I didn't feel like I was a complete woman." For some, their experience of infertility was influenced by religion, with a sense of shame being heightened by the belief that God intended for women to bear children. Nearly all of the women interviewed for the study said that they coped with infertility in silence and isolation, even if a friend or family member was aware of their condition. Some women, particularly those with secondary infertility, reportedly
remained silent about their condition because mentioning it did not lead to sympathy or empathy. Ceballo states that this silence about infertility may be associated with cultural expectations among African-American women of strong, self-reliant and stoic women and with notions about upholding privacy in AfricanAmerican communities. "Women may also reason that other people can neither change their infertility status nor understand what they were experiencing," she adds. Around 26% of the participants believed that their interactions with health care providers may have been influenced by gender, race or class discrimination. Several women mentioned doctors making prejudiced assumptions about their promiscuity and financial status. To the surprise of the researchers, participants were equally likely to report discrimination in medical
settings regardless of their level of education or income. Ceballo concludes that, overall, infertility has a negative effect on the self-esteem of African-American women, who see themselves as abnormal as they do not see infertile African-American women represented in social images. In order to address this, the authors recommend interventions such as disseminating a greater range of African-American women's reproductive experiences to help normalize them and lessen the sense of shame and isolation that many experience. Previously, Medical News Today reported on a study revealing a new technique that researchers believe could lead to more effective, cheaper in vitro fertilization for couples struggling to conceive. by James McIntosh Medical News Today
U.S. News & World Report ranks Children’s Hospital among nation’s best For the second consecutive year, U.S. News & World Report has ranked the Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin No. 5 in cardiology and heart surgery.
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he Children’s Hospital also earned top spots in eight other specialties in U.S. News & World Report’s new 2015-16 Best Children’s Hos-
U.S. News introduced the Best Children’s Hospitals rankings in 2007 to help families of children with rare or life-threatening illnesses find the best medical care available. The rankings open the door to an array of detailed information about each hospital’s performance.
It ranked No. 13 in gastroenterology and GI surgery; No. 14 in cancer; No. 20 in nephrology; No. 20 in pulmonary; No. 30 in neurology and neurosurgery; No. 32 in neonatology; No. 37 in orthopedics; and No. 40 in urology.
Most of each hospital’s score relied on patient outcomes and care-related resources. U.S. News garnered clinical data from a detailed questionnaire sent to 184 pediatric hospitals. A sixth of the score came from annual surveys of pediatric specialists and subspecialists in each specialty in 2013, 2014 and 2015. They were asked where they would send the sickest children in their specialty, setting aside considerations of location and expense.
pitals rankings.
“Children's Hospital continues to provide an unmatched depth and breadth of care,” said Dr. Marc Gorelick, chief operating officer of the Children's Hospital and executive vice president of the Children's Hospital and Health System. “We have built one of the most prestigious pediatric hospitals in the country with outcomes consistently among the best in the nation. We have a unique perspective because we are the only health system dedicated solely to the health and wellbeing of all children in Wisconsin.”
“The pediatric centers that are ranked in Best Children’s Hospitals deserve our congratulations,” said U.S. News health rankings editor Avery Comarow. “Children with life-threatening or rare conditions need the kind of care that these hospitals deliver day after day.”
--Biztimes
The Easiest Way To Live (continued from page 3) improved bone density in postmenopausal women, and slowed the rate of bone loss from the legs, according to a 1994 study. “It takes walkers four to seven years longer to reach the point of very low bone density, study leader Dr. Krall told the New York Times. Walking Cuts the Risk of Stroke Walking about 12.5 miles a week or more cut the risk of stroke in half, according to a study looking at over 11,000 Harvard University alumni with an average age of 58. Walking Improves Your Mood If you’re feeling down in the dumps, walking is a quick and easy solution. Just thirty minutes on a treadmill reduces feelings of tension and depression, according to research published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine. In fact, the study found that walking lifted moods more quickly than anti-depressants did (and with fewer side effects). And the more people walk, the bet-
ter their mood and energy, says California State University Long Beach professor Robert Thayer, based on a study looking at 37 study participants over a 20-day period. Walking Torches Calories Just 20 minutes of walking a day will burn 7 pounds a year. The effects are even more dramatic when you add in some dietary changes as well. Walking Improves Insomnia Having trouble sleeping at night? Try taking a brisk 45-minute walk in the morning five days a week, and your sleep may improve significantly, according to research from the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle, which looked at women from the age of 50-74. (Walking in the evening, however, sometimes has the opposite effect—so keep an eye on when you’re exercising and what your sleep patterns are.) Walking is Good for the Heart
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The MCW Cancer Center is the major sponsor of this issue on cancer disparities and risk factors. We are working with the community to understand the needs, assets and gaps in cancer prevention, education, treatment and care. For more information visit our website: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Medical-College-of-Wisconsin-Cancer-Center/162209933832305
http://www.mcw.edu/cancercenter.htm