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September 2017
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Inspire, Inform & Educate
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74th Edition
Focus on Cataracts
04-05
INSIDE
03 Insanity vs. Perseverance
06
21 Day Detox: Jumpstart Your Energy
03 Living with HIV
2  | September 2017
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September 2017 | 3
Healthy
Living with HIV By Nathan Maxey, MPA
M
y name is Nathan Maxey and I have been living with HIV for 16 years.. When I was diagnosed at 22 years old, I didn't think I would see my 30’s. Here I am; looking forward to turning 40 years old next year and looking forward to living another 40 years. I've graduated with two degrees and now working on a doctorate program. Am I bragging? Hell yeah! I didn't even think about college or my future when I was first diagnosed. I started doubting myself and stopped living my life. It is not easy to live with HIV. This disease messes with you more mentally more than anything. You get your mental health issues, doubts and concerns. It’s scary, but at some point, you say, “Damn it. I'm HIV positive and I want to live.” This journey hasn't been easy and the road full of bumps, but you know what? This is what life is. I am not diminishing what HIV has done to my life, but life would still be a rollercoaster ride without HIV. And in either position, with or without HIV, the objective is to learn how to get over the fear of speed and heights as much as possible. I am well on my way to do just that and this feels good! I'm telling my story due to seeing so many young people dying from complications of this disease. The secret to living 16 years with HIV is care. If you are positive and not taking medication and seeing a physician, then PLEASE
CHANGE THAT NOW. I've been admitted to the hospital twice since my diagnosis; once last year, when I broke my ankle and earlier this year, when they found blood clots in my lungs (likely from the ankle surgery). I have never been admitted for HIV complications and that is because I see my doctor every three months and I take my medication. HIV is nothing to be ashamed about— you want to live, right? Access to care is a phone call away no matter your financial situation. Stop with the excuses. Forget who you see at the clinic! I'm here just like you, because I want to live. You can't wait. The disease will progress if not treated with the medication that is designed to fight the virus. You can't let the virus take control of your body and then go into the hospital to only find out you have five T-cells and that dreaded – and outdated - AIDS diagnosis. Also, it’s important to take your medication, so you will not have to get to that point. As someone who is HIV-positive, the goal is to achieve undetectable levels after being on medication. This is another thing that taking your medication does, which will hopefully allow the doctor to give you an undetectable status in the future. This undetectable viral load reduces the likelihood of transmission to sexual partners. This does not give you the right to have unprotected sex; there are other STDs are out there. You can remain undetectable if you continue to take your medication as directed. You still have the HIV virus, but undetectable means you are involved in saving your own life. You must fight; silence equals death! We,
as a community, must have these discussions with our friends. Stigma, shame and lack of knowledge are the main reasons HIV is killing our friends and loved ones. If you are not in care or taking medication, please have a talk with yourself and deal with those demons. You must do this for yourself and only you have this POWER. If you know someone that is HIV-positive, talk to them, encourage them, and ask them how they are doing? Are they going to the doctor? We just want love and compassion, not your sympathy. I'm HIV positive and I will be turning 40 years old next year. Will you? I'm sure after this post it will get likes and comments. I'm also sure I will get the stares and whispers - I don't care, cause I'm living just like you are. I plan on achieving all my goals and ambitions. I will not stay silent anymore. I can't! This epidemic is killing our black gay men. This is dedicated to my advocate, mentor, and confidante, Venita Ray!
NathanMaxey, Maxey,MPA MPA bout Nathan AAbout Nothing for us without us are five words that reflect the passion and knowledge for his advocacy work and a person living with HIV for eighteen years. Nathan Maxey is a graduate of Texas Southern University where he obtained two degrees, a Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Work and a Master of Public Administration. He is currently a doctoral student through Arizona State University with a concentration in Behavioral Health Management (DBH). Currently, he serves as a Manager, Community Health for a Managed Care Organization in Houston, Texas. In his spare time, he enjoys relaxing to music, cooking, and reading.
Healthy Lifestyle
Insanity vs. Perseverance By Reggie Collier Contributing Writer
I
t’s been said that the definition of insanity is “doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results.” Although it can be debated on so many levels I’d much rather define the word PERSERVERANCE, as it resonates with me and has a pretty huge impact on my clients’ success. Perseverance is defined as “steadfast in doing something despite difficulty or DELAY.” Once I get through to clients the importance of perseverance and not allowing their current mindset set to keep them at their current weight, the rest is easy. Often women express how much they want to lose weight, get healthier and/or be more active during our initial conversations, however majority of them follow-up their statements with a “BUT.” “But I don’t have time,” “but my work schedule is too hectic,” “but I’m too tired when I get home.” Excuse after excuse gets thrown out only for me to offer up what seems to be simple solutions until they are finally out of excuses. My final question is always, “what are you waiting on?” We all know the saying, “no one Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication
knows what tomorrow holds,” and it’s true. Many people love to put their diet or new exercise regimens in to play on “next Monday,” “next month,” and my all-time favorite… “at the beginning of the year.” But, WHY NOT TODAY? Who says your guaranteed all that EXTRA time? There’s absolutely no point in waiting to do something you’ve been wanting or needing to do, especially when it could benefit your life. There will be obstacles, hurdles and setbacks no matter when you begin this fitness journey. However, if you allow the fear of failing to hold you back then you will never allow yourself the chance to accomplish something great. How long are you going to continue to maintain a terrible diet and no form of physical activity with the belief that the weight will just “fall off on its own?” If that method hadn’t worked in all this time it probably won’t and quite frankly, that sounds a bit like the definition of insanity. The time is now. It’s never too early or too late to work on being a fitter, faster, healthier and better you. Stop allowing that little voice in the back of your mind to say, “I’ll do it later.” Remember that everything you want in life is OUTSIDE of your comfort zone. You can’t expect to see CHANGE until you make it, so set a goal and persevere until you reach it.
4 | September 2017
Focus on Catara I
How can you focus on you
t is important for African Americans to maintain healthy vision because they are at higher risk for certain eye diseases that, if left untreated, can cause vision loss, even blindness. The good news is that vision loss can often be prevented. This fact sheet contains information about a common eye disease – cataract – including the causes, symptoms, and what you can do to focus on your vision. Two million African Americans have cataract, and this number is expected to reach more than 3 million by 2030.
• Wear sunglasses and a ha • Quit smoking or don’t star as green leafy vegetables with antioxidants.
Healthy Vision
What is it? • A cataract occurs when the lens of the eye becomes cloudy due to proteins clumping together in the lens.
What causes it? • Aging (cataract is more common among older people) • Certain diseases, such as diabetes • Personal behavior, such as smoking and drinking alcohol • The environment, such as prolonged exposure to sunlight
What are the symptoms? • Cloudy or blurry vision
• Colors seem faded • Glare from headlights, lamps, or sunlight • Poor night vision • Double vision or multiple images in one eye • Frequent prescription changes in your eyeglasses or contact lenses
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Now that you know more a prevent vision loss, here are focus on your vision: • Don’t wait for problems w comprehensive dilated eye • Know your family’s eye he runs in your family, you m • Eat a nutritious diet that i veggies and fish, such as • Maintain a healthy weight • Control your diabetes if yo • Quit smoking or never sta • Protect your eyes when p • Wear sunglasses when ou
September 2017  |  5
acts
ur vision?
at with a brim when outdoors. rt. Eat healthy foods, such s, fruits, and other foods
about cataract and how to help e some lifestyle tips to help you
with your eyes. Make e exams part of your health routine. ealth history. If eye disease may be at higher risk. includes leafy green s salmon, tuna, and halibut. t. ou have it. art. playing sports or doing yard work. utside.
For more information on cataract and tips on protecting your vision, visit: www.nei.nih.gov/health/cataract
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6 | September 2017
Healthy Lifestyle
21 Day Detox: Jumpstart Your Energy
o 1 cucumber o 1/2 inch ginger o 6 kale leaves o 1/2 lemon You can drink as much as you want. Alternate with water with lemon juice. No honey, sugar or artificial sweetener.
Dr. LaTronica Fisher Contributing Writer
21 Day Detox Instructions 1. Every day you will have 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar with 1 teaspoon coral legend (call Dr. Fisher at 713.520.8188 for more info on item) and 6 - 8 ounces of alkaline water upon rising. The only exception will be the first night you will have it before bed and then in a.m.—which will be considered the first day. 2. You will drink this first thing every morning on empty stomach. The other detox you can use if you can’t tolerate the first one is similar in its effectiveness. • 12 ounces of alkaline water • 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey • 1 lemon • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper • Mix together and drink upon rising. For Gallbladder Detox: This is done on day 2 at night • 1/2 cup or 8 ounces olive oil • 1/2 grapefruit or 1 lemon juice. • Gallbladder-ND (Call Dr. Fisher for more info on item)
Week 2 Mono fruit (watermelon, cantaloupe, honeydew or cucumbers). One fruit at a time. No bananas or any foods from the dry sweet fruits list. No cooked foods.
• Mix together and drink before bed. Lay on the left side of your back and then your right side. Change positions every 15 minutes. If there are stones in your gallbladder, (let Dr. Fisher know because we would need to suggest one additional supplement) they will be in your stool the next morning. They usually look like green peas. The grapefruit and or lemon juice
helps cut down the taste of the olive oil and make it tolerable. First Seven Days: • Three days of tea and water only. (healthy fasting, green tea, slim line or dandelion detox, fresh ginger tea or mint tea) any of these • Days 4-7 green juices (recipe below) o 2 medium apples o 4 stalks celery
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Week 3 • You can have fruit in morning • Dark green leafy vegetables in afternoon. Please don't eat any white rice, flour or sugar, processed foods or fast foods. Also, you might want to consider leaving grains out of your diet. Be encouraged! Thank you for wanting to take your own health in your own hands. Remember your health is your wealth. If you have any questions, call Dr. Fisher at 713 520-8188 Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider before starting any new treatment or discontinuing an existing treatment. ... Nothing contained in these topics is intended to be used for medical diagnosis or treatment.
September 2017  |  7
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