Black Women Remain At Highest Risk For Heart Disease P9
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January 2013
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HealthyStart 2013
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he elections are over and the Affordable Healthcare Act is not only law but will not be abolished as many of the November candidates campaigned to do. With the implementation of this act, many things will change. It is imperative that more families have access to affordable healthcare..too many within our community have not had this availability, especially those who work without employee coverage, or those whose income did not permit purchasing health insurance due to current wages. While universal healthcare is a major initiative, it is also very costly. We have to be concerned about rising costs. Costs are passed on; making access so prohibitive that it could potentially exempt the people in most need. So, to help the people it is designed to help the most, many changes must begin, within our community. First, healthy living, healthy exercise, healthy choices and a personal commitment to change the disparities associated with the Black community, have to become a priority in 2013. By 2014, could we have already made some changes that would make the Affordable Healthcare Act an affordable reality? Could we make our lives
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longer, a quality life a vision, the removal of some of the major minority disparities a goal? We think we can! But, we are already conscious of good health, you say. And, clearly, we are! But as Oprah often says. “ when we know better, we do better”! And, the MCJ would like to be a catalyst for “knowing better” what each of us can do in 2013 to build ourselves, our families, our babies, our teens, our neighborhoods and our community. To “know better” is to be better informed. Being more informed is our goal, so we seek your support by reading, watching, examining and learning. Common sense is a magnificent teacher but “book sense” expands our knowledge, increases our options and inspires us to greater successes. “HealthyStart 2013: You Have the Power” will be the Milwaukee Community Journal’s 2013 focus. In 2013, you will learn as we learn! There will be articles and photographs from professionals, experts, services, hospitals, health care plans, neighbors, city, county and state government agencies that deal with health. Clinicians, doctors, nurses, health coalitions and national authorities will be at your service. Our readers’ personal recipes, exercise successes, weight loss-suc-
cess programs and healing achievements will be welcomed and published. Makeovers with Before and After photos..will make us all believe it. Share yours..Your Success!! So send us your photographs..share your blogs. You are the reason for this mission and your successes are the best examples for those of us desirous of beginning the life-saving process. Exercise gyms, dance classes, dance troupes, spas, chiropractic professionals,
he coming of a new year represents an opportunity to turn over a new leaf. How about ringing in 2013 with a fresh start on healthy eating? Not sure where to begin? The following is a simple guide that will put you on the path to a healthy new year.
And “YOU HAVE THE POWER”!
have their place around tough workouts and athletic events, but when you're not in the throes of exercise, the go-to carbohydrate sources should be whole grains, vegetables, and fruit.
Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight is a cornerstone of good health. Lots of us have tried and failed with diets, often repeatedly. And unfortunately, exercise on its own doesn't usually cut the fat either. That's because burning calories is just half the story. Yes, weight control is about calories going out, but it's also about calories coming in. Bringing those two into balance enables you to gain control over your weight. How do you achieve that balance? If you take in as many calories as you expend each day, there's nothing left to be channeled into fat cells, and your weight will be stable. Even better, if you are battling the bulge, by
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Begin the New Year, with Healthy Start
Control weight by controlling calories
Patricia O'Flynn Pattillo Publisher Mikel Holt, Edition Co-ordinator and Marketing Sales
HealthyStartt (MCJ) January, 2013
pharmacies and pharmaceutical companies will be providers of advertising and valuable information. Community-based programs, churches, karate champs and sports celebs will give us their ideas. So read us weekly, and follow our HealthyStart interactive web-site and color edition. Remember: Healthy Start begins with you!
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regularly taking in about 500 fewer calories than you burn each day, those extra fat reserves you're packing will be tapped as an energy source, and the extra weight will gradually come off. Most adults gain about 1–2 lbs every year. So goal #1 for 2013 is to put a stop to gaining weight. After that, if needed, the next step would be to knock off a few lbs. So if your weight has been inching upwards of late, try a combination of boosting your activity level a notch and paring back on calories a bit. The benefit is not just aesthetic — how you look — it's about being healthier. Trimming extra lbs can lower blood pressure and reduce the chance of diabetes, heart attack, and stroke as you get older. Also, keeping body weight in check may help lower your risk of various cancers, including those of the breast, colon, kidney, pancreas, and esophagus. Change the carbs you pile on the plate You need carbs for energy, especially when you're physically active. But make them the right types of carbs. Yes, sports drinks, energy gels, and energy bars
Whole grains, such as oatmeal, whole wheat bread, and brown rice, are important because your body doesn't digest them as quickly as it does more refined carbs. And that's a good thing. Whole grains tend to keep blood sugar and insulin levels more stable and, therefore, help keep hunger in check. That can help you maintain your weight and may even help with losing weight. Whole grains also help keep blood cholesterol levels under control, which helps keep your heart in good shape. Faster transit time is another benefit you can attribute to whole grains. The indigestible fiber in grains helps speed the passage of digestive wastes through the intestinal tract. A speedier commute means the cells that make up the inner lining of your digestive tract spend less time in direct contact with potentially toxic compounds in digestive waste. In addition, though we don't metabolize fiber as an energy source, friendly microbes that reside in our colons love the stuff. These beneficial microbes grow and prosper by feeding on fiber, and in doing so they inhibit the growth of potentially pathogenic microorganisms. They also produce and release compounds that help protect the cells of your intestinal tract. These benefits are believed to explain, at least in part, why fiber-rich diets are linked to lower risks of cancers of the digestive tract. Vegetables and fruit are the other healthy carbohydrate (continued on page 16)
Health Tip:
There are few things people do for their health that are harder than losing weight and keeping the weight off. In this week’s Tweet Chat, we looked for advice from the experts as well as the general public on how to set yourself up for success.
THE keys to a happier and healthier life could be in taking time out for simple pleasures, like walking, laughing, catching up with friends and playing with pets and children.
Here are the top tweeted weight loss tips:
These were some of the activities recommended by New York psychiatrist and assistant professor Doctor Sudeepta Varma for improving mental and physical health.
Tip 1: Ditch the Soda “It takes 3 miles brisk walking to burn off calories from 20 oz. soda,” tweeted New York City Health Commissioner Dr. Tom Farley. “Easier to avoid soda.”
Her top-10 lifestyle tips, as follows, were circulated in an newsletter by Sports and Spinal Physio on the Sunshine Coast.
2. Spend some time each week with either children or pets - their innocence, simplicity and unconditional love is a stress-reliever. Some say it increases the hormone oxytocin which is responsible for love/bonding and also relaxing. 3. Try to laugh daily. Laughter has so many health benefits such as increasing oxygenation and endorphins. 4. Take some time for stillness - this can be in the form of meditation, deep breathing, cooking and gardening. Try
“Cutting out all sodas in 2009 is one of the best things I’ve ever done for my body,” tweeted Kenlie @AllTheWeigh. ”I dropped weight too.” to do only one thing at a time 5. Exercise 30 minutes, three to five times weekly. Regular physical activity is crucial not only for the body but also for the mind to stay healthy. 6. Design a friend date - meet a friend weekly that invigorates/inspires you or improves your mood. Avoid the "Debbie downers" during this weekly friend date. 7. Consume a diet with plenty of omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin B-12 and folate. You can find omega-3 fatty acids in salmon, tuna, sardines, walnuts, canola oil and flaxseed. Vitamin B-12 is found in fish, seafood, meat, poultry, eggs and dairy products. Folate is found in fortified cereals, spinach, broccoli, peanuts and orange juice.
8. Stop being a slave to your technology. If you have a smart-phone that you use for work and fun, set limits with it. 9. Snooze so you don't lose. Maintain proper sleep routine which starts by getting up and going to bed the same time daily. 10. Add up your blessings - the next time you are feeling sorry for yourself, ask yourself, "What are three things that I have going for me that make me unique? What should I be thankful for? How have I contributed positively to ... (fill in with the words: society, my job, my family…) today?"
Foods you shouldn't eat daily dessert be a treat you save for the weekends and you will probably savour it more.
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hile you may be making the utmost effort to eat healthy for the majority of your day, it is possible that there are the small daily mistakes you maybe making in your diet, which make weight loss, or weight management more difficult and a slower process than it should be. Sometimes it is these innocuous morsels of food that make a big difference when it comes to proper weight management. So what are these foods in your daily diet that you should avoid? 1. Glass of milk - While milk is a healthy addition to your meals, it could possibly be the one food that is hindering your progress. If you are used to having a glass of milk before you sleep, at breakfast, or even for a snack in the evening, take a break from drinking milk for a month. If you feel that its making a difference - making you less sluggish, helping you lose weight, clearing up your skin etc this maybe the solution to your problems. Give it a go. 2. Something sweet after meals - Many people have this habit of wanting just a little something sweet after every meal. This is absolutely unnecessary and you probably know it. Just that addition of sugar after your meals is worth cutting down on if you have it on a daily basis. Let
3. Heavy carbs for your evening snack - How often have you felt so hungry in the time between your lunch and dinner, that you can eat anything without giving a thought as to whether it is right for you or not? You may land up knocking off a sandwich or a samosa. This may be the only unhealthy addition to your diet in the entire day, but consumed daily, this evening snack could be hindering your efforts. Therefore, carry something that has healthy proteins and fats like nuts, with you so that you don't succumb to hunger. 4. Potatoes - Recently dubbed by a study conducted by Harvard, as one of the foods that definitely makes you gain weight over time, potatoes have a way of turning up in our daily food unannounced. You maybe eating a healthy sabzi but a whole potato may have been added in there to improve the flavour. Fresh veggies taste good on their own if you try, so give it a shot. 5. So called 'healthy snacks' - Baked chakris and chips, all of these so called healthy snacks, should be substituted with real nutritious food. Many people eat these unaccounted, thinking they are healthy and will not make a big difference to their health and weight. This is a misconception and you are better off without these highly processed snacks. --By Aloka Mehta Gambhir, Health Me Up
Taking the stairs can work exercise into your day. (Image credit: Getty Images)
Tip 2: Start Small Make small changes you can live with and then build on that feeling of success. “Make small consistent improvements to your diet,” tweeted Dr. Cedric Bryant, chief science officer for the American Council on Exercise. ”Better long-term success than radical, wholesale changes.” Tip 3: Write It Down Keeping a food journal will help you become aware of what and when you are eating. You may be amazed at what you find. “Never underestimate the power of food journaling,” tweeted Marjorie Nolan Cohn, a registered dietitian and spokeswoman for the Academy on Nutrition and Dietetics. “It’s one of the most tried and true weight loss strategies.” Tip 4: Have a Healthy Stash Keep your pantry and refrigerator stocked with healthy food. If you get the junk food out of the house, you will have fewer opportunities to eat those empty calories. “A terrific route to a healthy diet is to fill up on healthy foods, squeezing out the junk,” tweeted Dr. Michael Jacobson of the Center for Science in the Public Interest. Tip 5: Add Movement to the Mix While changing your diet is most important, exercise can help. “For adults, key to keeping weight off is daily exercise,” tweeted Dr. Elizabeth Neary, a pediatrician in Madison, Wis. ”Look for opportunities. Take the stairs whenever you get the chance.” --By Richard Besser, ABC news
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1. Take time off every day to leave the office and go for a short walk outside, if at all possible. Getting sunlight is crucial in maintaining our moods and spirits.
5 Tips to Lose Weight and Keep It Off By
HealthyStartt (MCJ) January, 2013
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top tips for health and happiness
Nation News Obama unveils $500 million gun violence package WASHINGTON (AP) - Braced for a fight, President Barack Obama on Wednesday unveiled the most sweeping proposals for curbing gun violence in two decades, pressing a reluctant Congress to pass universal background checks and bans on military-style assault weapons and high-capacity ammunition magazines like the ones used in the Newtown, Conn., school shooting. A month after that horrific massacre, Obama also used his presidential powers to enact 23 measures that don't require the backing of lawmakers. The president's executive actions include ordering federal agencies to make more data available for background checks, appointing a director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and directing the Centers for Disease Control to research gun violence. But the president, speaking at White House ceremony, focused his attention on the divided Congress, saying only lawmakers could enact the most effective measures for preventing more mass shootings. "To make a real and lasting difference, Congress must act," Obama said. "And Congress must act soon." The president vowed to use "whatever weight this office holds" to press lawmakers into action on his
$500 million plan. He is also calling for improvements in school safety, including putting 1,000 police officers in schools and bolstering mental health care by training more health professionals to deal with young people who may be at risk. Even supportive lawmakers say the president's gun control proposals - most of which are opposed by the powerful National Rifle Association - face long odds on Capitol Hill. House Speaker John Boehner's office was non-committal to the president's package of proposed legislation, but signaled no urgency to act. "House committees of jurisdiction will review these recommendations," Boehner spokesman Michael Steel said. "And if the Senate passes a bill, we will also take a look at that." Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy said ahead of Obama's presentation that he didn't know whether an assault weapons ban could pass the Senate, but said there are some measures that can, such as improved background checks. "There are some who say nothing will pass. I disagree with that," Leahy, D-Vt., told students at Georgetown University Law Center. "What I'm interested in is what we can get." Acknowledging the tough fight
ahead, Obama said there will be pundits, politicians and special interest groups that will seek to "gin up fear" that the White House wants to take away the right to own a gun. "Behind the scenes, they'll do everything they can to block any commonsense reform and make sure nothing changes whatsoever," he said. "The only way we will be able to change is if their audience, their constituents, their membership says this time must be different, that this time we must do something to protect our communities and our kids." The president was flanked by children who wrote him letters about gun violence in the weeks following the Newtown shooting. Families of those killed in the massacre, as well as survivors of the shooting, were also in the audience, along with law enforcement officers and congressional lawmakers. "This is our first task as a society, keeping our children safe," Obama said. "This is how we will be judged." Seeking to expand the impetus for addressing gun violence beyond the Newtown shooting, the president said more than 900 Americans have been killed by guns in the month since the elementary school massacre. "Every day we wait, the number will keep growing," he said. The White House has signaled that Obama could launch a campaign to boost public support for his proposals. Nearly six in 10 Americans want stricter gun laws in the aftermath of the Newtown shooting, with majorities favoring a
President Barack Obama, accompanied by Vice President Joe Biden, left, hugs eight-year-old letter writer Grant Fritz during a news conference on proposals to reduce gun violence, Jan. 16, 2013, in the South Court Auditorium at the White House in Washington. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh) nationwide ban on military-style, rapid-fire weapons and limits on gun violence depicted in video games, movies and TV shows, according to a new Associated PressGfK poll. A lopsided 84 percent of adults would like to see the establishment of a federal standard for background checks for people buying guns at gun shows, the poll showed. The president based his proposals on recommendations from an administration-wide task force led by Vice President Joe Biden. His plan marks the most comprehensive effort to address gun violence since Congress passed the 1994 ban on high-grade, military-style assault weapons. The ban expired in 2004, and Obama wants lawmakers to renew and expand it.
Congress to take up include limiting high-capacity ammunition magazines and requiring background checks for all gun buyers in an attempt to close the so-called "gun-show loophole" that allows people to buy guns at trade shows and over the Internet without submitting to background checks. Obama also intends to seek confirmation for B. Todd Jones, who has served as acting director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives since 2011. The president's plan does little to address violent images in video games, movies and entertainment, beyond asking the CDC to study their impact on gun crimes. Some pro-gun lawmakers who are open to addressing stricter arms legislation have insisted they would do so only in tandem with recommendations for addressing violence in en-
Other measures Obama wants
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Panel reviews WI mental health services in wake of Gun Violence MADISON (WKOW) -Governor Scott Walker wants to review mental health services in the state. This comes in the wake of President Obama's gun control plan laid out last week. WXOW in La Crosse report say, about two dozen mental health experts from around the state will meet at the Capitol for a panel discussion about how to improve Wisconsin's mental health services. Governor Walker says he believes one of the fundamental issues at the root of the shootings in Newtown, Connecticut and here in Wisconsin, is a lack of those services. The panel, which will include a psychologist from Gundersen
Lutheran, will talk about how the state can better fund programs for the mentally ill and
Governor Scott Walker, WIS end the stigmas associated with mental health. Anne Stekel, Administrative Director of Behavioral Health, says, "Some of the things that we may address in the budget, in
terms of funding targeting crisis intervention and other things that would help the community. I think there needs to be more of a focus on additional services in schools for earlier identification and earlier intervention. Teachers and staff really need a lot of support in knowing how to deal with children who are struggling with mental illness." Stekel says while these mass shootings draw attention to the need for mental health services, it's important to remember the overwhelming majority of those with mental illness are not violent.
After her fall and concussion, Clinton was later hospitalized at New York-Presbyterian Hospital Columbia for a blood clot near her brain.
closeups of Secretary of State Clinton taken during her Senate testimony revealed that her head injury last month left her with lingering vision problems.
As she testified about the Sept. 11 attack on the U.S. Consulate in Libya, the secretary of state appeared to have tiny vertical lines etched onto the left lens of her new brown specs.
The former First Lady went head-to-head with foes at the Senate hearings over the attack that left four Americans, including Ambassador Chris Stevens, dead.
Clinton's spokesman confirmed Thursday night she is wearing the special glasses as a result of the fall and concussion she suffered last month, but he did not elaborate.
Clinton is expected to return to private life next week and is contemplating a run for President in 2016.
Experts told the Daily News that Clinton likely has a Fresnel prism placed on her glasses. The adhesive panel is used to treat double vision. “If she’s wearing a Fresnel prism, then she has double vision without it,” said Dr. Mark Fromer, medical director of Fromer Eye Centers. Dozens of light vertical lines could be seen glinting across Clinton’s left lens in photos taken Wednesday during her dramatic testimony. Fromer said the press-on prism, which can also be used to treat muscle weakness in the eye, “helps bring
Secretary of State Clinton taken during her Senate testimony images into focus.” A Manhattan eye doctor who refused to give his name agreed that double vision was “the only reason” for Clinton to be wearing the stick-on. “That’s the only thing I can think of with vertical lines in there,” he said. “If you can see it, it’s more like a stick-on that’s temporary — that you can peel off.”
US hit by new stomach bug spreading around globe
Since September, more than 140 outbreaks in the U.S. have been caused by the new Sydney strain of norovirus. It may not be unusually dangerous; some scientists don't think it is. But it is different, and many people might not be able to fight off its gut-wrenching effects. Clearly, it's having an impact. The new strain is making people sick in Japan, Western Europe, and other parts of the world. It was first identified last year in Australia and called the Sydney strain. In the U.S., it is now accounting for about 60 percent of norovirus outbreaks, according to report released Thursday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Norovirus - once known as Norwalk virus - is highly contagious and often spreads in places like schools, cruise ships and nursing homes, especially during the winter. Last month, 220 people on the Queen Mary II were stricken during a Caribbean cruise. Sometimes mistakenly called stomach flu, the virus causes bouts of vomiting and diarrhea for a few days. Every two or three years, a new strain evolves - the last was in 2009. The Sydney strain's appear-
ance has coincided with a spike in influenza, perhaps contributing to the perception that this is a particularly bad flu season in the U.S. Ian Goodfellow, a prominent researcher at England's University of
foodborne illnesses, norovirus can also spread in the air, through droplets that fly when a sick person vomits.
Australian Medical Researchers, Modifies HIV Protein ustralian researchers at the Queensland Institute of Medical Research have announced critical developments that can lead to a potential AIDS cure. Have scientists finally cracked one of the deadliest diseases to threaten mankind?
"It's a headache" to try to control, said Dr. John Crane, a University of Buffalo infectious disease
Despite the growing global HIV and AIDS awareness, more than 300,000 patients were diagnosed with HIV last year in Australia alone.
According to Dr. David Harrich and his team, the HIV protein can be modified in such a way that it prevents the AIDS virus from forming or replicating. It is a remarkable breakthrough. Researchers believe this is the beginning of what can possible become a true cure for AIDS. Follow Us
A new stomach bug is running rampant in the U.S. today. Credits: Getty
"What we've actually done is taken a normal virus protein that the virus needs to grow," said Associate Professor David Harrich. "We've changed this protein, so that instead of assisting the virus, it actually impedes virus replication and does it quite strongly."
Cambridge, calls norovirus 'the Ferrari of viruses' for the speed at which it passes through a large group of people.
So far, the modified protein treatment has only seen success in laboratory trials. The team has yet to conduct the highly experimental treatment on animals or human subjects.
"It can sweep through an environment very, very quickly. You can be feeling quite fine one minute and within several hours suffer continuous vomiting and diarrhea," he said. Health officials have grown better at detecting new strains and figuring out which one is the culprit. They now know that norovirus is also the most common cause of food poisoning in the U.S. It's spread by infected food handlers waho don't do a good job washing their hands after using the bathroom. But unlike salmonella and other
specialist who had to deal with a norovirus outbreak in a hospital ward a couple of years ago. Each year, noroviruses cause an estimated 21 million illnesses and 800 deaths, the CDC says. For those infected, there's really no medicine. They just have to ride it out for the day or two of severe symptoms, and guard against dehydration, experts said. The illness even got the attention of comedian Stephen Colbert, who this week tweeted: "Remember, if you're in public and have the winter vomiting bug, be polite and vomit into your elbow." --CDC repor
According to the team, animal tests will commence sometime next year but the process may take as long as a decade before it finally receives FDA approval.
Dr. David Harrich
AIDS research does not yield results overnight. Dr. David Harrich has dedicated 20 years of his career to find the cure. Harrich shared with the Australian Times his long-overdue eureka moment. "With money running out, I had my PhD student try one more experiment in late 2007. The experiment was to test if Nullbasic could render HIV non-infectious. The student came back and said it worked, so I told him to do it again and again and again. It works every time."
Obama unveils $500 million gun violence package (continued from page 4) tertainment. The president's long list of executive orders also include: - Ordering tougher penalties for people who lie on background checks and requiring federal agencies to make relevant data available to the federal background check system. - Ending limits that make it more difficult for the government to research gun violence, such as gathering data on guns that fall into
criminal hands. - Requiring federal law enforcement to trace guns recovered in criminal investigations. - Giving schools flexibility to use federal grant money to improve school safety, such as by hiring school resource officers. - Giving communities grants to institute programs to keep guns away from people who shouldn't have them. --AP
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NEW YORK (AP) - A new strain of stomach bug sweeping the globe is taking over in the U.S., health officials say.
Potential AIDS Cure
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Hillary Clinton Has Vertigo Double-Vision
5th Annual International PROSTATE CANCER Awareness Observance Day Slated for February 2nd, 2013 Nationwide (BlackNews.com) -- Niagara Falls has attracted visitors from around the world for centuries- politicians, celebrities, and world leaders have all been drawn here to see this natural wonder in person. Niagara Parks has welcomed not only VIPs but many motion picture stars and television productions as well, including, King George VI, Queen Elizabeth II, Princess Margaret, Shirley Temple, Marilyn Monroe, Christo-
Brown Byrd Cancer Foundation a 501 c,3 Christian non for profit organization was established in 2003 who's mission is to inform the masses about the awareness and importance of prostate cancer concerns and issues. The Brown Byrd Prostate Cancer Foundation has participated in their own National Prostate Cancer Awareness Tours, Health Fairs, Youth Awareness events, Seminars and even aided in providing Free Prostate Cancer Screening nationally. Recently the foundation was honored with an Honorary Street name in recognition of Founder/President Kevin Byrd. The Brown Byrd Prostate Cancer Foundation's February 2nd Prostate Cancer Awareness Observance Day was recognized and entered into The United States Of America Congressional Record Library of Congress in February 2nd, 2012. None the less, the Brown Byrd Prostate Cancer Foundation has always been thankful for the opportunities and support in the fight for the awareness of Prostate Cancer globally.
pher Reeve and Drew Barrymore. Stories, poems and songs have also been written to describe the Niagara experience to the world. Niagara Falls Ontario, Canada & New York is the latest in a long list of municipalities around the globe to officially acknowledge and proclaim February 2 as a significant day in the year to raise awareness of Prostate Cancer to increase the chances of early prevention through health screening. Niagara Falls on the Ontario, Canada and New York side will illuminate in "Teal" (Blue/Green the national color that represents Prostate Cancer); in honor of the 5th Annual International Prostate Cancer Awareness Observance Day on Saturday February 2nd, 2013 starting at 6:30pm. Niagara Falls, New York the city is located at the international boundary between the United States of America and Canada. According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 16.8 square miles (44 km2), of that, 14.1 square miles (37 km2) of it is land and 2.8 square miles (7.3 km2) of it (16.37%) is water. Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada is 130 kilometers (81 mi) from Toronto by road. The area of the Niagara Region is 1800 square kilometers (718 sq mi). The international renowned Brown Byrd Prostate Cancer Foundation Cancer has reached its shores.
HealthyStartt (MCJ) January, 2013
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Mayor of Niagara Falls, Ontario Canada, Jim Diodati, states in his proclamation, "Whereas, On February 2, 2013, we remember those who lost the battle against prostate cancer, and we pray for those families and friends, and as a community, we also remember those living with prostate cancer, and we celebrate, the lives of survivors, and thank all the prostate cancer organizations and medical professionals throughout the entire country who aid in these victories." Mayor of Niagara Falls, New York, Paul A. Dyster, states in his proclamation "Whereas, On February 2nd, 2013 we ask all citizens and community organizations to join us in this historic observation day to recognize the importance of raising awareness and the severity and prevalence of prostate cancer, and ask all citizens to wear a blue ribbon and light a blue candle that symbolizes the thousands of men who lost the fight and battle against this disease; and� Whereas, by continuing our fight for this disease, we make our international world, on this day a healthier place to live. I do hereby declare February 2, 2013, as "Prostate Cancer Awareness Observance Day" and acknowledge the hard work of the Brown Byrd Prostate Cancer Foundation." Internationally Acclaimed Award Winning Independent/Off Broadway Film star actor Kevin Byrd Founder/ President of the Brown Byrd Prostate Cancer Foundation and notable famed writer/motivational speaker CoFounder Vice President Blossom Brown; jointly are the U.S youngest African American Prostate Cancer Health Advocates in America, both being 32 and 31 years old. The
Milwaukee, WI: Froedtert Health Named a 2013 National Top Workplace
"February 2nd, 2013 is a day that Our Heavenly Father Jesus Christ has made possible through my vision to touch the World with the awareness of Prostate Cancer. My beloved grandfather C.J Thomas died of Prostate Cancer, and ever since his death I have vowed to spread the knowledge about Prostate Cancer Advocacy/Prevention. It means so much that for the past five consecutive years Prostate Cancer Awareness Observance Day has been Proclaimed on behalf of Millions of citizens in America, and this year, Niagara Falls join our Foundation's Observance Day where we can reflect, and remember all the millions and thousands of men who have lost the fight for Prostate Cancer. I pray that every person who reads this message will join us on February 2nd, 2013 and wear a Blue ribbon, Light a Candle, and have a moment of Prayer symbolizing all the men who lost the fight and battle against this disease." -- Kevin Byrd/President/Founder of the Brown Byrd Prostate Cancer Foundation, Health& Wellness Chairman of The 100 Black Men of Long Island Inc. "We at the Brown Byrd Prostate Cancer Foundation selected February 2nd as International National Prostate Cancer Awareness day to acknowledge the Men that have suffered with or have lost there life from this dying disease. We believe that those that have been affected should be properly recognized and acknowledged for the life that they live or have lived. In addition we acknowledge those that have lost family members to Prostate Cancer as well. I, myself, lost my grand father Solomon P. Brown to this disease and fight. I vowed that I would never let my grandfather life be lost in vain, but that it would be a testimony and one of the motivations needed to fight for a cure. In declaring the day as National Prostate Cancer Observance Day we let it be known that a life was not lost in vain to this disease, but will always be remembered, while doctors continue to find a cure for this disease, we stand united at Niagara Falls this year in the fight with them." -- Blossom Brown/Vice-President/Co-Founder of The Brown Byrd Prostate Cancer Foundation About The Brown Byrd Prostate Cancer Foundation The Brown Byrd Prostate Cancer Foundation is an organization that believes it is very important that there are programs, events, and informational forms of communication present in communities; informing men about health issues that can arise. It is their mission to basically as they say at the foundation: “spread the word" about prostate cancer and have men and families become aware of prevention measures, as well as screening and treatments for Prostate Cancer. For more information about The Brown Byrd Prostate Cancer Foundation, send an email to rownbyrdprostatefoundation@yahoo.com, or to make a donation send to: 110 Wall Street 11th Floor, New York, N.Y 10035; Telephone number: 212-709-8335
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roedtert Health was named one of America's top workplaces in a survey conducted by WorkplaceDynamics, LLP. Froedtert Health ranked No. 47 nationwide among 872 organizations with more than 1,000 employees who participated in regional top workplaces programs. "We are proud our staff feel they are working in a setting that is engaging, organizationally healthy and satisfying," said Cathy Jacobson, Froedtert Health, president and CEO. "Every staff member makes a contribution to serve our patients and families during some of the most important times in their lives." The National Top Workplaces list was determined solely by feedback gathered through an objective employee survey. The survey uses a proprietary set of 22 questions to rank compa-
nies. The survey data showed that employees most want to work at companies that set a clear direction for their future; execute well; and bring real meaning to work. Froedtert Health is a regional health care organization made up of Froedtert Hospital, Milwaukee; Community Memorial Hospital, Menomonee Falls; St. Joseph's Hospital, West Bend; and Froedtert Health Clinics, Waukesha and Washington counties. Joining the capabilities of an academic medical center affiliated with the Medical College of Wisconsin, two community hospitals and more than 30 community-based primary and specialty clinics, Froedtert Health delivers highly coordinated, cost-effective health care to residents of southeastern Wisconsin and beyond. In fiscal 2012, combined adult patient admissions for the three hospitals were approximately 40,000.
Skin & Beauty What is the
Simple tips to manage oily skin build up, reduce clogged pores and white bumps, while making skin feel smoother. Apply a light moisturizer It sounds a little crazy to apply moisturizer to oily skin, but you need to replace the moisture on your skin that gets removed during cleansing. The skin’s response to oil removal is to produce more oil, so it’s important to keep your skin’s moisture level balanced. Always step out with sunscreen on Even if you have oily skin, a sunscreen is essential for preventing wrinkles and reducing red marks. If you’ve avoided sunscreens because the ones you’ve tried are too greasy, go for an oil-free sunscreen with a minimum Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 15. Go for oil-free cosmetics Look for the words-oil free and water-based on all skin-care products. If your skin is prone to breakouts, consider products with blemish control ingredients. Drink plenty of fluids Drinking water will detoxify your body and maintain your fluid balance. Drink 8 – 10 glasses of water a day to improve the appearance of your skin.
skin’s oil production. The best remedy for it is to keep the skin clean. Simply follow a washing-toning-moisturizing regime. Wash the face with lukewarm water for it dissolves the oil more effectively than cold water and use soap. Unclog the pores by using astringents. Preferably use waterbased moisturizer to prevent your skin from getting dry without adding oil on it. While you can’t fight biology or your genes, here are some steps you can take to keep excess oil under control. Cleanse with a mild soap Choose a mild, unscented soap to wash your skin. Soaps with harsh chemicals and strong scents can irritate the skin and stimulate oil production. It’s important to keep oily skin clean, but try not to overdo it. Use toners sparingly Toners are an effective way to control oil if used properly. Remember to apply the toner only to the oiliest areas of your skin, mostly the forehead, nose, and chin. Don’t get carried away as they tend to feel so refreshing on your skin. Exfoliate regularly Oily skin tends to have an extra-thick layer of built-up dead skin cells on the surface of the skin, along with a thickened pore lining. Exfoliating is the best way to remove that
The state of your skin is your body's way of telling you that something is bothering it
Always remove cosmetics before going to sleep Never, ever go to sleep with makeup on. You risk clogging your pores and creating a haven for bacteria growth. Your skin needs time to breathe, especially when you are asleep and your body is in repair mode. No matter how tired you are, always cleanse the makeup off your skin before going to sleep. Follow up with a light moisturizer and a glass of water so you can wake up with glowing skin. Try easy home remedies Home remedies are considered to be better than synthetic cosmetic products for it has no serious side effects. You can treat your skin by cleansing using cold milk. Almondhoney paste can also be used on the skin for it is effective in removing oil and adding glow to it. Vinegar is very helpful in treating oily skin. Apply vinegar on the oily skin with a cotton ball. What’s more, they are affordable, easy to find, easy to make and you are certain about the quality of the ingredients that were used. Despite the fact that home remedies are known to have less serious side effects, it is advised to get a skin test first before applying any product to avoid irritation and rashes, even natural ones. If the problem is severe, better fix an appointment with a dermatologist as soon as possible.
Your skin is your body’s biggest organ. And to keep it healthy and radiant, you may be tempted to visit the beauty aisle. But the quickest, most efficient skin care remedies are already in your cupboard and refrigerator.
Y
ou can whip up homemade moisturisers, masks and balms that will keep the whole family soft and supple throughout the winter months - and will save you money too. Plus, DIY skin care means that you get to control what ends up on your skin and that of your family, making natural ingredients easy to incorporate into your beauty regimen. According to Stephanie Tourles, licenced holistic aesthetician and author of Organic Body Care Recipes: 175 Homemade Herbal Formulas for Glowing Skin & a Vibrant Self, effective winter skin care remedies are just waiting in your pantry (plus maybe a quick trip to a the pharmacy or health food store). Tourles recommends using the following ingredients and DIY treatments for every member of your family: Jojoba “The chemical makeup of jojoba oil is amazingly similar to our own natural moisturising sebum,” says Tourles. “Keep a bottle of plain jojoba oil in the bathroom cabinet. Jojoba can be found at your local pharmacy or health food store. After showering or bathing, pat skin dry, and then massage your entire body - including your face - with a thin layer of the oil.” Allow the oil to penetrate your skin for five minutes before you get dressed. “With regular daily application, you will be rewarded with super-soft, comfortable skin,” she says. “And jojoba oil can be used by all skin types, including oily.” Honey Honey is a superstar ingredient that you’ll almost always have in your kitchen. A natural humectant, honey keeps moisture in, which makes it ideal for hydrating skin and hair, according to Janice and Lauren Cox in EcoBeauty: Scrubs, Rubs, Masks and Bath Bombs for You and Your Friends.
--Sunisha Amol Naik For a quick and easy moisturising mask,
simply warm a jar of honey in a pot of hot water and then smooth the warmed honey - be sure it’s not too hot - across a clean face. Let sit for 15-20 minutes, and then remove with warm water. Oats “Keep a carton of old-fashioned oatmeal in your pantry to use as a bath additive that will keep dry skin at bay,” says Tourles. “Oats have been used for centuries as a skin-pampering ingredient in facial scrubs, body scrubs, masks and anti-itch remedies for such things as poison ivy.” For a moisturising bath, add one cup of oats to a drawstring muslin bath bag. Pull the string tight and put the bag in a tub of warm water. Jump in and squeeze the bag to release the milky oat essence. Soak for about 20 minutes; during this time, gently rub the oat bag over your entire body. Pat dry and follow with an application of jojoba oil. Repeat the oat bath two or three times per week to help treat itchy winter skin. Olive oil To reduce static in your hair and add a bit of conditioning gloss, Tourles recommends pouring 1/4 teaspoon of extra-virgin olive oil into your palm, rubbing your hands together and lightly running them through and over dry hair. Use a little more if your hair is past shoulder-length. Avocado The fruit that’s often mistaken for a vegetable is packed with hydrating oils, protein and vitamins. A ripe avocado can be instantly transformed into a moisturising mask. Simply mash one with a fork and apply it to clean skin. Kids love this! They finally get permission to wear the guacamole on their chin. Coconut oil If there’s one ingredient you should always keep on hand, coconut oil just may be it. A multitasking lubricant, coconut oil is as effective in cooking (try it with your next stir-fry) as it is for moisturising dry hair and nails, and even as an all-over body hydrator. Simply apply organic coconut oil to the extra-dry sections of your body. --Health24
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Our skin needs a certain amount of oil to keep it healthy, but often when there is an excess production of oil, it can lead to issues. Hormone levels, genetics, poor diet and even humidity are the biggest influences on the
skin?
HealthyStartt (MCJ) January, 2013
O
ily skin usually ruins a perfect day. If you struggle with the daily nuisance of a shiny face that resembles a frying pan, you know how difficult it is to get oily skin under control. Adding to your worries is the fact that that many of the products claiming to eliminate shine and reduce oil actually make matters worse as they contain ingredients that irritate your skin and trigger more oil production!
state of your
National Glaucoma Awareness Month What is lung cancer?
C
ancer of the lung, like all cancers, results from an abnormality in the body's basic unit of life, the cell. Normally, the body maintains a system of checks and balances on cell growth so that cells divide to produce new cells only when new cells are needed. Disruption of this system of checks and balances on cell growth results in an uncontrolled division and proliferation of cells that eventually forms a mass known as a tumor.
Reviewed by Jay W. Marks, MD
Tumors can be benign or malignant; when we speak of "cancer," we are referring to those tumors that are malignant. Benign tumors usually can be removed and do not spread to other parts of the body. Malignant tumors, on the other hand, grow aggressively and invade other tissues of the body, allowing entry of tumor cells into the bloodstream or lymphatic system and then to other sites in the body. This process of spread is termed metastasis; the areas of tumor growth at these distant sites are called metastases. Since lung cancer tends to spread or metastasize very early after it forms, it is a very life-threatening cancer and one of the most difficult cancers to treat. While lung cancer can spread to any organ in the body, certain organs -particularly the adrenal glands, liver, brain, and bone -- are the most com-
mon sites for lung cancer metastasis. The lung also is a very common site for metastasis from tumors in other parts of the body. Tumor metastases are made up of the same type of cells as the original (primary) tumor. For example, if prostate cancer spreads via the bloodstream to the lungs, it is metastatic prostate cancer in the lung and is not lung cancer. The principal function of the lungs is to exchange gases between the air we breathe and the blood. Through the lung, carbon dioxide is removed from the bloodstream and oxygen from inspired air enters the bloodstream. The right lung has three lobes, while the left lung is divided into two lobes and a small structure called the lingula that is the equivalent of the middle lobe on the right. The major airways entering the lungs are the bronchi, which arise from the trachea. The bronchi branch into progressively smaller airways called bronchioles that end in tiny sacs known as alveoli where gas exchange occurs. The lungs and chest wall are covered with a thin layer of tissue called the pleura. Lung cancers can arise in any part of the lung, but 90%-95% of cancers of the lung are thought to arise from the epithelial cells, the cells lining the larger and smaller airways (bronchi and bronchioles); for this reason, lung cancers are sometimes called bronchogenic cancers or bronchogenic carcinomas. (Carcinoma is another term for cancer.) Cancers also can arise from the pleura (called mesotheliomas) or rarely from supporting tissues within the lungs, for example, the blood vessels. --medicinenet
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Meditation may lower heart attack risk: study WASHINGTON — Obese African American heart patients who regularly practice transcendental meditation are 48 percent less likely to suffer a heart attack, stroke or die, a new study found Tuesday. Regular meditation also lowered blood pressure and reduced stress levels, while greater time spent meditating was associated with longer survival, according to the research published in the American Heart Association journal Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes. “We hypothesized that reducing stress by managing the mind-body connection would help improve rates of this epidemic disease,” said Robert Schneider, lead researcher and director of the Institute for Natural Medicine and Prevention in Fairfield, Iowa. “It appears that transcendental meditation is a technique that turns on the
body’s own pharmacy — to repair and maintain itself,” added Schneider, who led researchers conducting the study from the Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee. The basic meditation involved being seated with eyes closed for about 20 minutes, twice a day. The study subjects were compared to a control group who attended a health education class over more than five years.
6 Sure-Fire Tips to Prevent Glaucoma Naturally
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laucoma is the second leading cause of blindness in the world, and belongs to a group of eye diseases that damage your optic nerve, leading to vision loss. In its early stages, glaucoma may produce no symptoms at all, and it’s estimated that half of the more than 4 million Americans with glaucoma do not even realize they have it.[1] Because the vision loss caused by glaucoma comes on so gradually, it is sometimes called the “silent thief of sight.” Often, it’s not until the disease is at an advanced stage that the related vision loss becomes apparent, and by then your sight may suffer permanent damage. This is why it’s so important to take steps now to help protect your vision, even if your eyesight is normal. I’ll be discussing exactly what you can do to help prevent and treat glaucoma later in the article, but first here’s a bit of background on this common eye problem. What Causes Glaucoma? The underlying causes of glaucoma are not completely understood, but typically the damage it does to your optic nerve is related to increased pressure in your eye. The pressure typically comes from a buildup of pressure from the aqueous humor, the watery fluid that is naturally present in your eyeball. In a healthy eye, the fluid is regularly drained, however in those with glaucoma the drainage system doesn’t work properly, so the fluid gradually builds up in your eye, causing increased pressure. Over time, the increased pressure causes nerve fibers that are essential to vision to die. Though less common, glaucoma can also occur when eye pressure is normal. It appears some people’s optic nerves may be sensitive to normal levels of eye pressure, or the glaucoma may be related to problems with blood flow to your eye, which may be caused by atherosclerosis -- the accumulation of plaques in your arteries -- or another circulation problem. In the most common type of glaucoma, openangle (chronic) glaucoma, side (peripheral) vision is usually affected first. In the later stages,
by Dr. Mercola merciola.com
glaucoma can lead to “tunnel vision,” where you can only see straight ahead, and can eventually lead to blindness. The symptoms are gradual and come on very slowly, so you may not realize your vision is being impacted until much later stages. About 10 percent of those with glaucoma have what’s called angle-closure (acute) glaucoma, and in these cases a sudden rise in eye pressure can cause: 9 Severe eye pain 9 Blurred vision 9 Sudden visual disturbances 9 Halos around lights 9 Reddening of the eye 9 Nausea and vomiting This latter form usually requires immediate treatment. Who is at Risk? Anyone can get glaucoma, but there are factors that increase your risk: Certain ethnicities: Glaucoma is six to eight times more common in African-Americans than in Caucasians.[2] Mexican-Americans, AsianAmericans and Japanese-Americans are also at an increased risk. 9 Over 60 years old: The risk of glaucoma increases once you are over 60. 9 Chronic diseases: Diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease and hypothyroidism all increase your risk. 9 Family history: If someone in your family has glaucoma, it may increase your risk. 9 Eye injury and nearsightedness: Eye injuries such as retinal detachment, eye tumors, eye inflammations and eye surgery, as well as nearsightedness, increase your risk. 9 Use of corticosteroids: A prolonged use of these drugs appears to increase your risk, especially corticosteroid eye drops. Making Sure Glaucoma is Diagnosed Correctly Ophthalmologists typically rely on a simple "air puff" test to check for high pressure inside your eye. However, if you are getting screened for
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Pre-term Awareness Preterm labor and birth
37 weeks of pregnancy. A cerclage is only used for certain women. For example, if you have a condition called cervical insufficiency, you may need a cerclage.
Preterm labor is labor that happens too early, before 37 completed weeks of pregnancy. Preterm labor can lead to preterm birth (also called premature birth). This means your baby is born before 37 completed weeks of pregnancy. Babies born this early can face serious health problems. More than half a million babies are born prematurely each year in this country.
If you have signs of preterm labor, your provider may want you to have the fFN test. fFN stands for fetal fibronectin. It’s a protein that your body makes during pregnancy.
What causes preterm labor and birth? Sometimes we don’t know for sure what causes preterm labor and birth. Any woman can have preterm labor and give birth early, even if she’s done everything right during pregnancy.
The fFN test is like a Pap smear. It checks to see how much fFN is in your vagina. If the test shows you don’t have any fFN, you probably won’t have your baby for at least another 2 weeks. If you have preterm labor, your provider may give you treatments to try to stop your contractions and help prevent health problems in your baby. These include: 9 Corticosteroids. These medicines speed up your baby’s lung development. They also greatly reduce the risk of health problems in your baby, like respiratory distress syndrome and in traventricular hemorrhage. 9
Tocolytics. These medicines may postpone labor, often for just a few days. This delay may give you time to get treatment with corticosteroids and arrange to have your baby in a hos pital with a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). This is part of a hospital that takes care of sick newborns. 9 Magnesium sulfate. This medicine may help reduce the risk for cerebral palsy in premature babies. --source: March of Dimes
We do know some things make a woman more likely than others to have preterm labor and birth. These are called risk factors. Having a risk factor doesn’t mean for sure that you’ll have preterm labor or give birth early. But it may increase your chances. Talk to your health provider about what you can do to help reduce your risk. These three risk factors make you most likely to have preterm labor and give birth early: Having a premature baby in the past Being pregnant with multiples (twins, triplets or more) Having problems with your uterus or cervix now or in the past Other risk factors for preterm labor and birth are: Medical conditions 9
Bleeding from the vagina in the second or third trimester 9 Being under- or overweight before pregnancy 9 Not gaining enough weight during pregnancy 9 Certain health conditions, like high blood pressure, preeclampsia, diabetes or throm bophilias (blood clotting disorders) 9
Preterm labor 9
Preterm premature rupture of the membranes (also called PPROM). This is when the sac around the baby breaks early, causing labor to start. 9 Certain infections during pregnancy, like a sexually transmitted infection (STI) or other in fections of the uterus, urinary tract or vagina. 9 Being pregnant with just one baby after in vitro fertilization (IVF) fertility treatment. IVF is a method used to help women get pregnant. 9 Getting pregnant too soon after having a baby. For most women, it’s best to wait at least 18 months before getting pregnant again. Some women can’t wait this long because of their age or other reasons. Talk to your provider about what’s right for you. 9 Being pregnant with a baby who has certain birth defects, like congenital heart defects or spina bifida 9 A family history of premature birth. This means that someone in your family has had a pre mature baby. 9 Exposure to the medicine DES, a man-made form of the hormone estrogen
Dean Magda Peck of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee’s Zilber School of Public Health explained that many preterm infants are tiny enough to fit in one hand. Dean Peck recently spoke about this important issue during an event held Saturday, November 17 at St. Mark AME in honor of World Prematurity Day. The Lovell Johnson Quality of Life Center, which is affiliated with St. Mark AME Church, partnered with the March of Dimes, United Way of Greater Milwaukee, the City of Milwaukee Health Department, Black Child Development Institute and other community partners to inform and educate the community about preterm births. --Photo taken by Michael Campbell.
Conditions in your everyday life (lifestyle and environment) 9 Getting late or no prenatal care 9 Smoking, drinking alcohol or using street drugs 9 Having a lot of stress in your life 9 Little support from family and friends 9 Domestic violence. This is when your partner hurts or abuses you. It includes physical, sexual
and emotional abuse. 9 Working long hours and having to stand a lot Exposure to pollutants, like air pollution
Groups at increased risk Women who are younger than 17 or older than 35, Women who are black, Women with low income or education Women who aren’t married
We know that preterm labor can lead to early birth. So how do you know if you’re in preterm labor? Learn the signs so you know what to do if preterm labor happens to you.
Nicole Anderson, a mother of a premature baby, shares her story of experiencing the premature birth of her son, during the event.
Signs of preterm labor are often the same as those for regular labor, only they happen too early. Call your provider if you have even one of these signs: 9
HealthyStartt (MCJ) January, 2013
Contractions that make your belly tighten up like a fist every 10 minutes or more often. Con tractions are when the muscles of your uterus get tight and then relax. They help push your baby out of your uterus. 9 Change in the color of your vaginal discharge, a lot of watery discharge, or bleeding from your vagina 9 The feeling that your baby is pushing down. This is called pelvic pressure. 9 Low, dull backache 9 Cramps that feel like your period 9 Belly cramps with or without diarrhea
If the signs get worse or don’t go away, call your provider again or go right to the hospital. Getting help quickly is the best thing you can do. Are there treatments for preterm labor? Yes. These treatments are not a guarantee to stop preterm labor. But if you’re having preterm labor, they may help you stay pregnant longer. Talk to your provider to find out if these treatments are right for you: 9 Progesterone. This is a hormone that’s normally present in the body. Treatment with prog
esterone during pregnancy may help reduce the risk of giving birth early. 9 Cerclage. This is a stich that your provider puts in your cervix. The stich may help keep your cervix closed so that your baby isn’t born too early. Your provider removes the stich at about
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What are the signs of preterm labor?
Nicole Anderson and Maricha Harris, mothers who delivered preterm infants, participated in a panel discussion in honor of World Prematurity Day at The Lovell Johnson Quality of Life Center, which is affiliated with St. Mark AME Church.
New Study Shows 66% of Doctors (And Nurses) Are Racially Biased Towards Their Black Patients
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lack patients are less satisfied with care from doctors who show unintentional bias. Highly segregated areas have disparities in lung cancer death rates, research shows.
study in January’s JAMA Surgery, formerly Archives of Surgery. After accounting for smoking prevalence, income levels and other factors that could affect lung cancer mortality rates, researchers found that black patients in counties designated as highly segregated had a 26% higher lung cancer death rate — 62.9 in 100,000 — than did whites, who died at a rate of 50 in 100,000. In counties with low segregation, the death rates were virtually the same.
Two studies published in January highlight the challenges blacks face in accessing equitable, quality health care. In one study, primary care physicians found to have unconscious bias against blacks received lower marks from their African-American patients on measures of trust and communication skills. Another study found that racial segregation exacerbates disparities in lung cancer mortality. More than 130 Denver-area primary care doctors and other health professionals such as nurse practitioners took psychological tests that measure implicit bias toward different racial and ethnic groups. Test takers were shown a series of faces, along with positive words such as “joy” and bad words such as “nasty.” The speed with which the test taker associates the words with black or white faces demonstrates the existence and extent of their unconscious bias. The assessment, called the implicit association test, has been used in more than 700 studies in health care, psychology, market research and political science. About two-thirds of the Denver doctors showed implicit bias against blacks, with 43% landing unconscious bias scores graded as moderate or strong, said the study, published January in Annals of Family Medicine. Then, nearly 3,000 of all the physicians’ patients were surveyed and asked to rate the doctors on items such as knowledge of the patient, patience, caring, how well they explained things and how much they helped with decisionmaking. All of the patients, regardless of their race or ethnicity, gave their doctors generally good scores. On a 100-point scale, whites gave their doctors an average score of 82, compared with 80 for black patients.
Poverty alone does not explain the tie between segregation and lung cancer mortality, said Awori J. Hayanga, MD, MPH, the study’s lead author.
demonstrated unconscious bias on the psychological testing gave those doctors much worse ratings, nearly five points lower on average. For example, physicians who showed strong bias on the testing got a grade about six points lower on a survey about interpersonal treatment that measures perceived friendliness and respect. More than 80% of the physicians were white, and the rest were Hispanic or black. Previous studies have found that lower patient satisfaction scores are correlated with poorer outcomes on a wide range of metrics, such as medication adherence and hospital readmissions. There is still no proven way to combat the unconscious biases that can undermine some doctors’ relationships with black patients, said Irene V. Blair, PhD, lead author of the Denver study. “We’re not at that point yet where we can say, ‘Here are the five steps to be unbiased,’ ” said Blair, associate professor in the Dept. of Psychology and Neuroscience at the University of Colorado Boulder. “It’s more about how to have better patient interactions generally, thinking about how to serve the needs of individual patients, open up communication, acknowledge the perspective of the patient and develop mutual respect.”
But black patients cared for by doctors who
While Hispanic patients were the least satisfied with their care overall — grading doctors 78 out of 100, on average — there was no correlation between their physicians’ unconscious bias against Latinos and lower ratings. How unconscious bias affects physician relationships with Hispanic patients needs more study, Blair said. An Oct. 4, 2012, study in the Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health found that, surprisingly, more recent Hispanic immigrants with less English proficiency handed out higher care ratings than did more assimilated Latinos, black patients or white patients. Segregation’s lasting legacy If the persistence of unconscious bias poses a challenge for physicians struggling to connect with their minority patients, racial segregation appears to present a larger and deadlier quandary that extends well beyond the doctor’s office. Researchers reviewed lung cancer mortality between 2003 and 2007 and compared it with racial segregation patterns in 1,251 U.S. counties. Overall, blacks have a higher lung cancer death rate than whites do, with 59 in 100,000 blacks dying of the disease compared with 52 in 100,000 whites. That disparity grows wider the more segregated a community is, said a
Black Women Remain At Highest Risk For Heart Disease:
What 3 Things Can They Do?
1) Eat Healthy: Eat more fruits and vegetables. The recommended amount depends on gender and age. A 25-year-old male who does about 30 minutes of exercise per day should have a minimum of two cups of fruit and three cups of vegetables every day. The same age female should have two cups of fruit and 2.5 cups of vegetables. The requirement stays the same for a man at age 50; however, for the woman at age 50, the requirement changes to 1.5 cups fruit and 2.5 cups vegetables. A nutritional guide can be found on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention web site.
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H
eart disease is a major health concern in the United States. In 2008, it represented 25 percent of all deaths in the U.S. Heart disease is the cause of a third of all deaths in women. African-American women have higher rates of some risk factors for heart disease. During February, which is American Heart Month, much information is available to raise awareness of women's heart disease. Here are three key ways in which women can help lower their risk for heart disease:
2) Stop Smoking: Smoking is a major cause of heart disease for both men and women. Almost 20 percent of all deaths from heart disease in the U.S. are directly related to cigarette smoking. So, kick the habit now! 3) Exercise: Keeping the body moving through exercise is important to lowering the risk for heart disease. Exer-
cise improves many areas that are considered risk factors for heart disease.In fact, research shows that the death for heart attack patients who started and maintained a regular exercise program was reduced by up to 25 percent. Exercise lowers blood pressure, weight, stress, and
bad cholesterol but increases good cholesterol and oxygen to the body. About 30 minutes a day is all that is needed. Other important practices include regular checkups with a primary physician, controlling stress, and lowering salt intake to just 1,500 mg a day, watching out for foods loaded with salt, like pizza, snacks, processed foods, and fast food.
“It is the lack of access, the deprivation, but also the intangible sociocultural aspects of it,” said Dr. Hayanga, a heart and lung transplant fellow at the University of Pittsburgh. “One, you may not have the screening services. Two, if you do have screening services, do you have the specialists to see? Will the population dealing with this trust the system enough to go or is there a cultural barrier that stops them from going to that second phase of their care? It isn’t one thing — it’s a complex equation where enough things collude to make it happen.” The tie between segregation and lung cancer deaths “raises red flags,” said Rahn K. Bailey, MD, president of the National Medical Assn., which promotes the interests of black physicians and patients. “Unfortunately, I cannot say that it’s surprising,” said Dr. Bailey, chair of the Dept. of Psychiatry at Meharry Medical College in Nashville, Tenn. “In these segregated settings, it’s easier to channel resources in one direction and prevent them from going in another direction. Those are the types of unfortunate strategies, employed knowingly or not, that often are the culprits of disparities in health care outcomes for African-Americans.” Dr. Hayanga and his co-authors argue for broader availability of lung cancer screening and treatment in highly segregated areas. Renewed efforts to integrate residential areas could save lives, they said. --By Kevin B. O'Reilly, amednews
Lung Cancer Symptoms
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ne fourth of all people with lung cancer have no symptoms when the cancer is diagnosed. These cancers are usually identified incidentally when a chest X-ray is performed for another reason. The other three fourths of people develop some symptoms. The symptoms are due to direct effects of the primary tumor; to effects of cancer spread to other parts of the body (metastases); or to disturbances of hormones, blood, or other systems. Symptoms of lung cancer include cough, coughing up blood or rusty-colored phlegm, fatigue, unexplained weight loss, recurrent respiratory infections, hoarseness, new wheezing, and shortness of breath. 9 A new cough in a smoker or a former smoker should raise concern for lung cancer. 9 A cough that does not go away or gets worse over time should be evaluated by a health care provider. 9 Coughing up blood (hemoptysis) occurs in a significant number of people who have lung cancer. Any amount of coughed-up blood should be evaluated by a health care provider. 9 Pain in the chest area is a symptom in about one fourth of people with lung cancer. The pain
is dull, aching, and persistent. 9 Shortness of breath usually results from a blockage in part of the lung, collection of fluid around the lung (pleural effusion), or the spread of tumor through the lungs. 9 Wheezing or hoarseness may signal blockage or inflammation in the lungs that may go along with cancer. 9 Repeated respiratory infections, such as bronchitis or pneumonia, can be a sign of lung cancer. Symptoms of metastatic cancer depend on the extent and location of the cancer spread. About 3040% of people with lung cancer have some symptoms or signs of metastatic disease. 9 Lung cancer most often spreads to the liver, the bones, and the brain. 9 Metastatic lung cancer in the liver may cause yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice) but it may not cause any noticeable symptoms at the time of diagnosis. 9 Lung cancer that has metastasized to the bone causes bone pain, usually in the bones of the spine (vertebrae), the thigh bones, and the ribs. 9 Lung cancer that spreads to the brain can cause difficulties with vision, weakness on one side
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Presidential Health lessons:
The Obamas' Greatest Health Hits From The First Term
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Sam Kass, the Obamas' head chef and Senior Policy Advisor for Healthy Food Initiatives, is also the Gardener-in-Chief, having produced more than 3,000 pounds of produce in the White House's kitchen garden. Studies show that gardening is good for your health by just about every measure -- from mental health and fitness level to nutrition and cognitive function. The act of gardening is a healthy behavior -- studies of seniors found that those who garden have a 36 to 47 percent reduced risk of dementia than non-gardeners. And one Dutch study found that participants reported being in a better mood after gardening and had lower levels of the stress hormone, cortisol.
Enforce Mandatory Family Dinners The Obamas have dinner together every night when they are in town and that's a healthful practice for everyone, but particularly for daughters Sasha and Malia. Eating dinner at least three times per week is associated with higher grades and school performance, according to a report from Health.com.
Psychological Association. And that could be because exercise increases the brain concentration of a neuromodulator called norepinephrine, which makes the brain's stress response more efficient, the APA explains Do The Dougie When Michelle Obama graciously displayed her ability to dougie, she wasn't just having fun and getting some cardio - she was also helping to prevent cognitive decline. Research shows that learning and remembering dance sequences is a great way to boost memory. As AARP reports, a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that people who danced at least twice a week (in this case, ballroom dancing) were less likely than their non-dancing counterparts to develop dementia.
Meanwhile, growing veggies and herbs can only mean a diet higher in these healthful foods -- a major benefit.
But dancing is also great because it can burn about 300 calories per hour, is easy on joints (low-impact) and weight bearing -- which promotes bone density.
Stressed? Shoot Some Hoops
Have A Happy Marriage
Obama has famously played basketball each time he's awaited election results.
Many admire the respectful, loving partnership the Obamas seem to have. Not only do they get to enjoy their close bond, but it also makes them healthier. Research consistently shows that married people are more likely to have it better, health wise. A 2011 BMJ editorial, for example, reported that both partners
And according to the research, that's a great way to handle the stress of such a big day. Physically active people generally report lower levels of stress and depression, reports the American
enjoy longer lives, while married women enjoy improved mental health and married men enjoy, on average, better physical conditions. Find Time To Play The photo seen around the world of Obama captured by a tiny spiderman wasn't just heartwarming -- it might have been brain-boosting as well. Finding time to play is a crucial way to reduce stress and get a boost of neurochemicals associated with happiness and well-being, like dopamine and serotonin, reports WebMD. Make Workouts A Priority Every morning, the Obamas fit a workout in before the start of their days. "Barack and I work out every day," Michelle told iVillage. "I usually get to the gym before he does. But he is usually there either in the middle of my workout or right at the end. And we're watching `SportsCenter' and we're catching up." That's good for their cardiovascular health, and it helps to prevent early aging, cancer and dementia -- but it also is helpful for their demanding jobs, which require superhuman focus and multitasking. One survey of office workers who were told to exercise at 30 or 60 minute intervals found that working out on the job improved time management, overall per-
And eating together at the table -- away from distractions like TV -- encourages mindful eating practices that teach kids to listen to their bodies for signs of satiety. It also encourages them to try new things (including new healthy things). Have A 'Cheat' Day "This is the time when I throw ‘Let's Move’ out the window for a moment, and get that mac and cheese. Everybody deserves their mac and cheese," the First Lady told reporters of her Christmas menu. Can we make that an executive order? In seriousness, cheat days are seen by many nutritionists as a stop gap against diet failures. Get A Pet Studies show that having a pet can lower blood pressure and reduce stress and symptoms of depression. Thankfully, Bo the Portuguese Water Dog is on hand to offer some canine therapy. Stop Smoking This is an obvious one, but even the Leader of the Free World needed an ultimatum to get it done before the start of his first term. Quitting smoking is associated with immediate results: within just 20 minutes, blood pressure begins to go down, reports Everyday Health.
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Grow Your Own Food
formance and ability to meet deadlines.
HealthyStartt (MCJ) January, 2013
oday, President Barack Obama will celebrate being sworn in for his second term, bringing about four more years of -- among many, many things -- healthy habits at the White House. Obama and First Lady Michelle are two of the greatest healthy lifestyle advocates Washington D.C. has ever known and they do so by modeling good behavior at home. We've compiled some of the best lessons we can learn from the First Couple. So on Inauguration Day, get your health on with some inspiring examples. And if you're looking to try a few of these at home, the First Lady's health behavior initiative, Let's Move provides tracking tools, tips and tricks to help.
Children & Youth Health
Young Black Men Comprise Large Part of New U.S. HIV Infections
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ore than half of the new HIV cases diagnosed among young adults in 2010 were found in AfricanAmerican males, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
“A disproportionate number of new HIV infections occurs among youths, especially Blacks/African Americans, Hispanics/Latinos, and men who have sex with men,” the
While males, specifically men with male partners, make up a majority of the new cases, testing for the disease is higher among females. African Americans are also tested more than their Caucasian and Hispanic counterparts in the same age group. Over-the-counter oral HIV hometesting kits made by OraSure Technologies became available in 30,000 stores across the country in October.
report stated.
“That so many young people have become infected with HIV each year is a preventable tragedy,” CDC Director Thomas R. Frieden said in a statement. “All young people can protect their health, avoid contracting and transmitting the virus, and learn their HIV status.”
The CDC also found that only a small percentage of youths that age are being tested for HIV infection. “The percentage of youths tested for HIV overall was 12.9 percent among high school students and 34.5 percent
According to the CDC, sex with older partners, having more than four sexual partners, and alcohol or drug use before sexual intercourse are all factors for the disease’s spread among youth.
U.N. steeply lowers its AIDS estimates
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etter sampling shows that for years, data were inflated and reveals that the disease's growth has slowed for the first time.
By Jia-Rui Chong and Thomas H. Maugh II Los Angeles Times Staff Writers November 20, 2007 The United Nations on Monday radically lowered years of estimates of the number of people worldwide infected by the AIDS virus, revealing that the growth of the AIDS pandemic is waning for the first time since HIV was discovered 26 years ago.
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The revised figures, which were the result of much more sophisticated sampling techniques, indicate that the number of new infections peaked in 1998 and the number of deaths peaked in 2005. The new analysis shows that the total number of people living with HIV has been gradually increasing, but at a slower rate than in the past. Hints of those trends were present in the older estimates, but at much greater numbers. UNAIDS estimated in a report to be issued today that about 2.5 million people will be infected with the AIDS virus, called HIV, this year -- a 40% drop from the 2006 estimate. The report also says that about 33 million people worldwide are infected with the virus, compared with last year's estimate of almost 40 million. Reports over the last decade or longer have portrayed a disease spiraling out of control, but improved methods of counting people with AIDS have unveiled a different picture. "For the first time, we are seeing a
OBESITY
among those aged 18 to 24 years,” the report found.
In all, 25 percent, or 12,200 of the 47,000 new HIV cases reported in 2010 were among youths ages 13 to 24, according to the CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, released Nov. 27. Though that number is down from 39 percent a year earlier, the disease is still disproportionately ripping through the African-American community. Of the 12,200 new diagnoses in 2010 among teens and young adults, approximately 7,000, or 57 percent, were African-American males.
Parents can help decrease childhood
PLEA FOR HELP: South Africans in Cape Town rally for stronger action against HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis. Health officials say the spread of the illnesses is linked. (EPA) decline in global AIDS deaths," said Dr. Kevin De Cock, director of the AIDS department at the World Health Organization. UNAIDS Executive Director Dr. Peter Piot said the new estimates also reflected improved treatment rates and changes in sexual behavior in some affected regions of the world. "These improved data present us with a clear picture of the AIDS epidemic," he said. "Unquestionably, we are beginning to see a return on investment." The data represent some of the first good news in the battle to control the pandemic, particularly coming after recent reports indicating that promising HIV vaccines are ineffective and perhaps even dangerous. The numbers have been highly politicized because they are used to govern the distribution of the billions of dollars in aid that is being poured into the problem by industrialized countries -- an estimated $10 billion this year. Some critics viewed the changed estimates as a remarkable admission by world health authorities that they had made a mistake.
Dr. James Chin of UC Berkeley, a former WHO AIDS expert who has been tracking the disease since it first emerged in California in the 1980s, has been arguing for years that the UNAIDS figures have been inflated. "It's getting closer to what it ought to be, but it's still high," he said. "It seemed to me that high-rise house of numbers had to crumble." Chin estimated the total number of cases worldwide at 20 million to 30 million. UNAIDS has "been overemphasizing and exaggerating numbers in an effort to get more and more money," Chin said. "A lot of people say the ends justify the means. It's going to come back and bite you when the real numbers appear." Dr. Paul De Lay of UNAIDS said that he considered it "absurd" to think his agency would exaggerate the data. "It would be technically impossible to somehow rig the numbers," he said. Los Angeles Times
Children have become much less active, contributing to the growing childhood obesity epidemic that's affecting neighborhoods across the country. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, childhood obesity has more than tripled in the past 30 years. The prevalence of obesity among children ages six to 11 years increased
Healthy Weight in Youth." Dr. Visser suggested that parents' lifestyles predetermine the weight and health of their children. He offered parents and caregivers the following tips for healthier families: * Eat breakfast every day, and enjoy smaller-portioned snacks several times throughout the day. * Avoid food that contains exces-
from 6.5 percent in 1980 to 19.6 percent in 2008. Additionally, rates have increased from 5 percent to 18.1 percent among adolescents ages 12 to 19 years.
sive fat or simple sugars.
"The incidence of childhood obesity in the United States and its consequences are devastating," says Dr. Richard Visser, the Minister of Health for Aruba and a childhood obesity researcher and educator. "We really have to do something to help the next generation, and we have to start with the parents."
* Feed kids only when they're hungry, and eliminate snacking in front of the TV or while playing video games.
Recently, Boys & Girls Clubs of America teamed up with the Kimberly-Clark Corporation to produce the first-ever Family Strengthening Virtual Symposium, where Dr. Visser led a powerful session entitled "Our Kids Supersized: How to Prevent Childhood Obesity and Promote
"Getting parents to commit to a healthier lifestyle will greatly impact the lives of their children -from eating right to exercising -it's an educational process and lifestyle change that needs to happen." --www.kxly.com
* Eat together. Communal eating encourages healthier eating habits.
* Make sure children get at least 60 minutes of vigorous physical activity every day, and limit electronic device use to no more than two hours per day.
Lung Cancer Symptoms (continued from page 10) of the body, and/or seizures. Paraneoplastic syndromes are the remote, indirect effects of cancer not related to direct invasion. Symptoms include the following: 9 New
bone formation - particularly in the fingertips that can be painful 9 High levels of calcium in the blood 9 Blood clots 9 Low sodium levels in the blood --webmd
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Irregular Periods and Getting Pregnant Irregular or abnormal ovulation and menstruation accounts for 30% to 40% of all cases of infertility. Having irregular periods, no periods, or abnormal bleeding often indicates that you aren't ovulating, a condition known clinically as anovulation.
Abnormal cholesterol with high trigylcerides Excess hair growth on the body and face (hirsutism) Acne or oily skin Thinning hair or male-pattern baldness
Although anovulation can usually be treated with fertility drugs, it is important to be evaluated for other conditions that could interfere with ovulation, such as thyroid conditions or abnormalities of the adrenal or pituitary glands.
Getting Pregnant When You Have PCOS
Getting Pregnant With Ovulation Problems
Clomiphene induces ovulation in most women with anovulation. Up to 10% of women who use clomiphene for infertility will have a multiple gestation pregnancy -- usually twins. (In comparison, just 1% of the general population of women delivers twins.) The typical starting dosage of clomphene is 50 milligrams per day for five days, beginning on the third, fourth, or fifth day after your period begins. You can expect to start ovulating about seven days after you've taken the last dose of clomiphene. If you don't ovulate right away, the dose can be increased by 50 milligrams per day each month up to 150 mg. After you've begun to ovulate, most doctors suggest taking Clomid for no longer than six months. If you haven't gotten pregnant by then, you would try a different medication. These fertility drugs sometimes make the cervical mucus "hostile" to sperm, keeping sperm from swimming into the uterus. This can be overcome by using artificial insemination -- injecting specially prepared sperm directly into the uterus -- to fertilize the egg.
Depending on your situation, your doctor may also suggest other fertility drugs such as GonalF or other injectable hormones that stimulate follicles and stimulate egg development in the ovaries. These are the so-called "super-ovulation" drugs. Most of these drugs are administered by injection just under the skin. Some of these hormones may overstimulate the ovaries (causing abdominal bloating and discomfort), thus, your doctor will monitor you with frequent vaginal ultrasounds and blood tests to monitor estrogen levels. About 90% of women ovulate with these drugs and between 20% and 60% become pregnant. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) A common ovulation problem that affects about 5% to 10% of women in their reproductive years is polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). PCOS is a hormonal imbalance that can make the ovaries stop working normally. In most cases, the ovaries become enlarged and appear covered with tiny, fluid-filled cysts. Symptoms include: No periods, irregular periods, or irregular bleeding No ovulation or irregular ovulation Obesity or weight gain (although thin women may have PCOS) Insulin resistance (an indicator of diabetes) High blood pressure
PCOS can't be cured, but there are treatments available to treat the symptoms of PCOS and the infertility associated with this condition. By stimulating ovulation, especially in women trying to conceive, and treating insulin resistance, many women often get restoration of regular periods and ovulation.
While it's a fact that coping with infertility is stressful, that doesn't mean you have to give into it. If your doctor can't find a medical cause for your ovulation problems, consider finding support groups or a therapist who can help you learn better ways to cope with the anxieties that come with infertility. The American Society of Reproductive Medicine offers these tips for reducing stress: Keep the lines of communication open with your partner. Get emotional support. A couples' counselor, support groups, or books can help you cope. Try out some stress-reduction techniques such as meditation or yoga. Cut down on caffeine and other stimulants. Exercise regularly to release your physical and emotional tension. Agree on a medical treatment plan, including financial limits, with your partner. Learn as much as you can about the cause of your infertility and your treatment options.
Pharmacies Warned for Faults Tied to Meningitis Outbreak
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t least 16 specialty pharmacies that mix their own medicines were warned by U.S. regulators for major violations since 2003, some similar to those found at the compounding pharmacy linked to this year’s deadly meningitis outbreak, a government watchdog group found. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration cited the pharmacies operating in 15 states for making drugs on a large scale instead of responding to individual prescriptions, copying commercially available drugs and making drugs out of ingredients that aren’t agency approved, according to Public Citizen, a Washington-based consumer group. Compounding pharmacies are supposed to produce prescriptions in response to specific doctor’s orders to fulfill requests for tailored drugs such as those without preservatives or in different doses. The FDA doesn’t appear to have followed up its warnings to the facilities issued as far back as 2003, the group said, citing agency documents. Public Citizen urged the agency to reinspect the pharmacies, many of which are still in business. “On a smaller scale, patients have been harmed or killed from compounding pharmacies,” Michael Carome, deputy director of the Health Research Group at Public Citizen, said in a telephone interview. “They have done a number of inspections and consistently noted violations. Why haven’t they consistently followed up when they’ve noted serious problems?” In 2006, the FDA warned New England Compounding Center about large-scale production and inadequate safety measures. The agency failed to reinspect the company, The pharmacy made tainted steroid injections linked to an outbreak of fungal meningitis blamed for 510 infections and 36 deaths this year. Injuries Reported A death tied to contaminated sugar water injections and another associated with an overdose of a topical anesthetic gel that wasn’t labeled properly and at least 70 reports of ad-
verse events related to incorrect amounts of preservatives added to a steroid shot were noted in a sampling of the FDA’s warning letters to the other pharmacies, Public Citizen said. Excluding the latest incidents stemming from the New England Compounding Center, FDA records documented 23 deaths and 86 serious injuries since 2001 associated with compounding pharmacies, according to an Oct. 29 report from U.S. Representative Edward Markey, a Democrat from Massachusetts. The deaths ranged from more meningitis illnesses
to overdoses of numbing cream for laser hair removal that was made much more potent than was allowed. Pharmacies are largely regulated by the states. The FDA plans to have a meeting Dec. 19 with state officials to determine how to better oversee compounding companies. Greater Powers Federal officials asked for additional authority over compounding pharmacies earlier this month during congressional hearings. Lawmakers were skeptical that the agency has used to the fullest extent its current power over pharmacies that act like drug manufacturers. “The FDA’s warning letters show that the agency doesn’t need any additional actions by Congress to enforce the Food, Drug, and Cosmetics Act against pharmacies that engage in illegal drug manufacturing,” Carome said in a statement. “By not fully investigating what could potentially be deadly violations of the law, the FDA is disregarding its primary purpose, which is to protect the lives of citizens.” --bloombergstory: Reg
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The drug contained in both Clomid and Serophene (clomiphene) is often a first choice because it's effective and has been prescribed to women for decades. Unlike many infertility drugs, it also has the advantage of being taken orally instead of by injection. It is used to induce ovulation and to correct irregular ovulation by increasing egg production by the ovaries.
If you have PCOS and you're overweight, losing weight is one way to improve your chances of pregnancy. Your doctor also might prescribe medication to lower your insulin levels, since elevated insulin levels -- caused by your body's inability to recognize insulin -- has been found to be a common problem among many women with PCOS. Chronically elevated insulin levels can also lead to diabetes. Women with PCOS may be at higher risk for developing heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and endometrial cancer, especially if PCOS is untreated.
For couples struggling with infertility, it's a particularly cruel fact: Not only can infertility cause a lot of stress, but stress can affect fertility. It's known to contribute to problems with ovulation. For many people, the longer you go without conceiving, the more stress you feel. Fears about infertility may also lead to tension with your partner, and that can reduce your chances of pregnancy even further. After all, it's hard to have sex if one of you sleeps on the couch.
HealthyStartt (MCJ) January, 2013
Once your doctor has ruled out other medical conditions, he or she may prescribe fertility drugs to stimulate your ovulation.
A procedure known as in vitro fertilization, or IVF, is another potential treatment for women with PCOS. Stress and Fertility
Men’s Health
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Why men should take check-ups seriously process. But the good news, according to Dr Kemi Adeniji, a human nutritionist in Ibadan, is that individuals could get their arthritis treated, and potentially healed by enlisting powerful anti-inflammatory aides to speed up the healing process. These anti-inflammatory aids include omega-6 of fatty acids, omega-3 Fatty acids and antioxidants.
en have been said to neglect their health, forgetting that as they age, their bodies become more susceptible to certain health conditions, such as colon and postrate cancers, athritis and other illnesses. Experts, therefore, warn that as people grow older, regular medical check-ups must be on their todo lists. Ruth Olurounbireports. While the gap between men’s and women’s life has been shortened, experts are saying that men still need to pay more attention to their health and checkups, as several habits tend to come together to shorten their lifespan. Studies have found that men tend to drink and smoke more than women, tend to neglect their health and are also more of workaholics. These attributes, experts said, were reasons men should take their health more seriously. Research has shown that men who do not go for regular check stand a hugher risk of dying earlier than expected. Accordingly, a Scottish report warned that men must take the check-ups more seriously as figures reveal that they can expect to die “six years earlier than women.” The Scotland Health Minister, Ms Susan Deacon, said that in the country, deaths from testicular and bowel cancers showed marked increase, while adding that another big worry was the number of men with mental health problems committing suicide, a situation she said could have been easily prevented if the men had been to the hospital for checkups earlier.
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Not only that, experts are saying that men who do not go for regular checkups are more likely to die from heart disease and cancer, Case in point, Scotland. “Deaths from testicular and bowel cancers are on the increase and three times as many men than women are likely to commit suicide,” the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) reported of Scotland. Dr Ayo Fayehun, who worked with University College Hospital (UCH), said during a lecture that some health conditions that affect men, such as prostate and colon cancers, heart diseases and in some cases arthritis, can be prevented with early diagnosis, if men go for regular medical checkups and screenings. He explained that many of preventable diseases could only be prevented and treated with early diagnosis, if screening tests have detected the diseases earlier. Dr Yemi Fashanu, an orthopaedist said that people suffering from arthritis should not have suffered the condition if the case was discovered earlier and treated. Experts have said that arthritis, especially painfully severe or advanced arthritis, is indicative of a body that is, and has been, racked with chronic inflammation for a long time. Dr Nathan Wei, a United State-certified rheumatologist and author of the Second Opinion Arthritis Treatment Kit, said there
She advised that men suffering from arthritis should slowly adjust to fresh, if possible organic produce and meat to ward off arthritis. She added that dark green leafy
are “more than 100 different types of arthritis conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, gout, pseudogout, psoriatic arthritis, and fibromyalgia to name a few.”
vegetables provide omega-3 via alpha linolenic acid. Cold water fish such as salmon or herring also provide omega-3 fatty acids via eicosapentaenoic acid, she said. Omega-9 fatty acids found in olive oil, avocados, macadamia nuts, and its oil help fight arthritis, she said, while adding that berries, dark chocolate and fruit juices are filled with antioxidants and should be taken adequately. She also advised that people irrespective of their health conditions, should visit the hospital for check-ups.
Cancer deaths fall for black men
He added that these 100 different conditions pose unique problems for diagnosis and treatment, while saying that most types of arthritis involve joint inflammation. Dr Wei also said that rheumatoid arthritis (RA) “is the most common serious inflammatory form of arthritis. It affects roughly one per cent of the population and is the prototypical autoimmune form of arthritis. Because it may do most of its damage in the first year, early diagnosis and aggressive therapy is critical. If left untreated, RA may shorten life expectancy by as much as 18 years!” He explained that, ordinarily, an inflammation takes a simple scratch for the body to automatically release chemicals that cause fluids to accumulate and white blood cells to gather around the area of the scratch. “As your body fights foreign substances and bacteria, inflammation, redness, heat, swelling and pain occur at the site of the injury. In arthritis, unfortunately, this natural defence mechanism goes awry. Elements from the blood designed to fight infection and repair injury attack the body instead. “And, unless this inflammatory process is stopped, it will continue to attack the body and cause joint destruction,” he added. While determining the cause of arthritis could be difficult, Dr William C. Shiel, a rheumatologist in South Orange County, California and partner in the Mission Internal Medical Group, said major culprits are genetics, age, previous injury, weight, occupational hazards, illnesses and/or infections, some high-level sports, to mention a few. He explained that because joint damage is partly dependent on the load the joint has to support, excess body weight can lead to arthritis. “This is especially true of the hips and knees that can be worn quickly in heavier patients,” he said, adding that “workers in some specific occupations seem to have a higher risk of developing arthritis than other jobs. These are primarily high demand jobs such as assembly line workers and heavy construction.” He also said that people who experience a joint infection (septic joint), multiple episodes of gout, or other medical conditions, can develop arthritis of the joint. Meanwhile, experts have said free radicals are the worst arthritis catalyst. Free radicals, they said, have been thoroughly proven to damage the cells in the body, increase the risk of disease, and accelerate the ageing
Despite progress, racial disparity has increased for some cancers The latest report on cancer among African-Americans shows a good-news, bad-news scenario. While racial gaps are closing for some types of cancers, including fewer cancer deaths among AfricanAmerican men, disparities are increasing for some cancers that can be found through routine screenings. The report Every year, the American Cancer Society reports on the latest data, based on reports from the National Cancer Institute, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the North American Association of Central Cancer Registries. The newest information includes data for the year 2009. This year's report is published in CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians. The results The latest data show that the cancer death rate declined faster for African-American men than among white men during the latest time period. African-American men experienced a drop of 2.4 percent annually, compared with 1.7 percent among white men. That means the prevention of nearly 200,000 cancer deaths among African-Americans since the 1990s, according to the report. "The decline is greater for black males because they started with higher rates of deaths and especially greater rates of preventable deaths," said Dr. Otis Brawley, chief medical officer of the American Cancer Society and CNN Health conditions expert.
All races have shown declines in deaths beginning in 1991, Brawley said. The declines in black men were first noticed in 1999. Brawley says the decline shows success in cancer prevention. Smoking cessation in the 1960s and 1970s made a big impact. Brawley also notes the importance of getting adequate treatment to the AfricanAmerican population. Decreasing disparities in care is a reason for the drop, but Brawley notes that "as in smoking cessation, we can do better." Despite the decline in cancer deaths, African-Americans are still more likely to get cancer than white Americans. And cancer death rates remain 33 percent higher among African-American men than white men. The takeaway Despite some progress, the report reveals that while racial gaps are closing for some cancers, including lung and smoking-related cancers and for prostate cancer, the racial disparity has increased for colorectal cancer and female breast cancers. It's important to note that those cancers can be caught and treated with early screening. "More can and should be done to accelerate this progress by making sure all Americans have equal access to cancer prevention, early detection and state-ofthe-art treatments," Brawley said.
--CNN
Fitness & Healthier Living
Exercise helps maintain form
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ike many local golfers, Dave McKillen of Mason usually spends his winters inside, living vicariously through the Golf Channel.
The golf-specific exercises - which use inexpensive medicine balls, Swiss balls and resistance tubing - are designed to promote flexibility and strength. An exercise that requires rotating one hip against the resistance of an exercise band while keeping the torso straight has helped McKillen address areas of lowerbody tightness and weakness, he said.
Conditioning and strength training, especially during the off-season, has been slow to catch on in the golf world, despite the sport's rigors. Even at the professional level, it took talk of Tiger Woods' weight training routine to get others on board, said Brian Adkins, an avid golfer and physical therapist with Oxford Physical Therapy Centers.
Another exercise reverses the concept, attaching a band to one shoulder and requiring McKillen to rotate just the trunk turning away from the ball and into the tension.
But for McKillen, things feel different this year.
"As a golfer, it's given me a better sense of how to make that first move," McKillen said. To build muscle memory of how these motions come together in a swing, many exercises are done holding a golf posture.
After seeing a commercial about a golf fitness program from the Titleist Performance Institute, McKillen called Adkins. Four months later, while other golfers are working out the kinks after a particularly soggy spring, McKillen is enjoying a measurable improvement in the trajectory and accuracy of his swing, and in his confidence. "What I walked away with is a better foundation from my feet up to my hips, and a better understanding of body mechanics and how it affects your swing," McKillen said. "I'm a lot more comfortable on the first tee." The Titleist program, which was introduced about a year and a half ago, focuses on golf-specific exercises that stretch, strengthen and break down the kinesiology of a golf swing, helping golfers address any physical limitations so they can climb off last season's performance
plateau or just stay on the course. "How many golfers aren't able to get their ball to target, and it's because they don't have that rotation or aren't stable?" said Adkins, one of several local physical therapists, personal trainers and other fitness professionals certified to offer the training program. "You have to know how to work your body." Like other rotational sports, a golf swing requires a balance of stability and flexibility, Adkins said, starting with a solid connection to the ground. Adkins likes to think of it in terms of flinging a rubber band: Obtaining the maximum distance and accuracy requires an ample range of motion to pull back one end of the band and generate a release of
force, enabled by stability at the other end. While McKillen, 59, wasn't experiencing any particular aches or problems, he was starting to feel some muscle tightness. "Getting older, you tighten up and lose some of your rotation," McKillen said. Every golfer is different, but common problem areas are stiffness and tightness in the trunk and rib cage and in the rotation of the hips, Adkins said. To power the rotation, golfers also need to be grounded from the feet to the hips and "stable and strong in the abs" and glutes, which are common areas of weakness, Adkins said.
"It's not like just doing crunches," Adkins said. "Coordination is the last piece of the puzzle." Most golfers continue seeing Adkins about once a month to maintain form, address any fresh frustrations or set their sights on a new goal. With retirement and grandkids on the horizon, McKillen, who plays three or four times a month and hits the range another two or three times during the season, is looking for his time on the golf course to increase. "That's my overall motivation. I taught my boys how to play, and I want to be able to play with my grandchildren," he said.
National Glaucoma Awareness Month Pachymetry, which measures corneal thickness, may be a more reliable indicator of the pressure inside your eye because the thickness of your cornea can significantly influence the readings on the air puff test. If you have thin corneas, the instrument may give falsely low readings and may miss the diagnosis of glaucoma. If you have thick corneas the air puff test can actually misdiagnosis you as having glaucoma despite the fact that you have normal eye pressures. Conventional Ways Lower Your Eye Pressure Conventional medicine’s solution to glaucoma is typically drugs or surgery, or a combination of them. Often eye drops are given to glaucoma patients to use for life in an attempt to lower pressure inside of their eyes, but they come with a laundry list of side effects including: 9 Blurred vision 9 Respiratory problems 9 Forgetfulness 9 Lowered heart rate 9 Burning or stinging in the eyes Surgery also carries with it serious risks, among them an increased risk of cataracts.
The top two steps are: Lower your insulin levels: As your insulin levels rise, it causes your blood pressure, and possibly also your eye pressure, to increase. In time this can cause your body to become insulin resistant, and studies show insulin resistance -- which is common in people with diabetes, obesity and high blood pressure -- is linked to elevated eye pressure.[3] The solution is to avoid sugar and grains, the two “food groups” that will inevitably cause surges in your insulin levels. Even whole, organic grains will rapidly break down to sugars, so they too should be avoided. So in addition to avoiding sugar, if you have glaucoma or are concerned about it, you’ll want to avoid foods like: 9 Breads 9 Pasta 9 Rice 9 Cereal 9 Potatoes Exercise regularly: One of the most effective ways to lower your insulin levels is through exercise. A regular, effective exercise program consisting of aerobics, sprintburst type exercises, and strength training can go a long way toward reducing your insulin levels and protecting your vision.
Natural Ways to Lower Your Eye Pressure Other Tips to Keep Your Vision Healthy You do have another option, though, as surprising as it may sound the same lifestyle
As part of your overall program to keep your eyesight clear and problem-free, even as you
age, make sure you are doing the following: Taking an animal-based omega-3 fat supplement. A type of omega-3 fat called docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) may help protect and promote healthy retinal function. DHA is concentrated in your eye's retina and has been found to be particularly useful in preventing macular degeneration, the leading cause of blindness. Omega-3 fat, including DHA, is found in fish, but I don't recommend eating fish due to the concerns of mercury and other toxins that have been found in fish from oceans, lakes and streams and farm-raised fish. Instead, my most highly recommended source for omega-3 fat is krill oil. Getting loads of lutein and zeaxanthin. Many have never heard of these two vision powerhouses, but they are incredibly important for your eyesight. Lutein, which is a carotenoid found in particularly large quantities in green, leafy vegetables, acts as an antioxidant, protecting cells from free radical damage. Some excellent sources include kale, collard greens, spinach, broccoli, brussels sprouts and egg yolks, particularly raw egg yolks. Egg yolks also have zeaxanthin, another carotenoid, in an equal amount to lutein. Zeaxanthin is likely to be equally as effective as lutein in protecting eyesight. It is important to note that lutein is an oilsoluble nutrient, and if you merely consume the above vegetables without some oil or butter you can't absorb the lutein. So make sure you’re eating some healthy fat along with your veggies, Eggs yolks are also loaded with these nu-
trients but once the egg is cooked they tend to be damaged and non useful. So you can consume them raw by whipping them up in a shake or cooking them minimally as in sunny side or poach them with runny yolks. Avoiding trans fats: Trans fat may interfere with omega-3 fats in your body, which are extremely important for your eye health. A diet high in trans fat also appears to contribute to macular degeneration. Trans fat is found in many processed foods and baked goods, including margarine, shortening, fried foods like French fries, fried chicken and doughnuts, cookies, pastries and crackers. Eating dark-colored berries. The European blueberry, bilberry, is known to prevent and even reverse macular degeneration, and bioflavonoids from other dark-colored berries including blueberries, cranberries and others will also be beneficial. They work by strengthening the capillaries that carry nutrients to eye muscles and nerves. However, because berries contain natural sugar they should be eaten in moderation to avoid upsetting your insulin levels. Following the healthy lifestyle tips I’ve described above will go a long way toward protecting your vision, whether you’ve been diagnosed with glaucoma or simply want to keep your eyesight in top condition. If you have glaucoma, however, it’s especially important to eliminate those grains and sugars, get exercising, and consume animal-based omega-3 fat regularly in order to keep the disease from progressing.
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this disease, please make sure you also have your corneal thickness measured using a relatively newer test called pachmyetry.
changes that lower blood pressure typically also work to lower your eye pressure, thereby helping to prevent and even treat glaucoma without a risk of side effects.
HealthyStartt (MCJ) January, 2013
(continued from page 8)
Begin the New Year with a Healthy Start (continued from page 2) sources that need to be front and center on your plate. These natural health-food powerhouses can be loaded with essential vitamins and minerals, fiber, and other important dietary factors. The potential health benefits of eating plenty of fruits and vegetables each day include lower blood pressure, better eye health, fewer digestive problems, and a lower risk of heart disease, stroke, and cancer. The fact that fruits and vegetables are good for you is probably no surprise, but that health experts recommend we get 5–9 servings of them every day might be. For a lot of us, this many servings would be closer to a week's supply! A simple way to reach that goal from Day 1 in 2013 is to have a piece of fruit and a vegetable serving at each meal. Healthy fats instead of no fats For decades the health experts told us that low-fat diets were the way to healthier hearts and leaner bellies. But the promised benefits never materialized. In fact, here we are today with nearly two-thirds of Americans either overweight or obese and with heart disease still the #1 killer. It turns out that the single-minded focus on cutting out fat was probably overstated. The reality is that fats are an indis-
pensable part of our diet. In fact, they are second only to carbs as a source of calories in what we eat from one day to the next, and they play an important role in making us feel full and satisfied after eating. So instead of forgoing fats, which often just leads to scavenging for other sources of calories in a desperate attempt to feel satisfied, we can eat our rightful share of fat — but the catch is to consume fats from healthy sources and not go overboard.
back on the consumption of red meat, use nonfat or low-fat dairy sources in place of full-fat versions, and use olive oil or canola oil in place of butter when possible. You can further limit cholesterol intake by not overdoing it on eggs (an average of one egg per day is usually good for healthy individuals). To reduce trans fats, read product labels and avoid restaurant-prepared fried foods if those eating establishments are still using trans fats.
Fat sources that provide mostly monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats get a thumbs-up. These fats include olive, canola, soy, corn, sunflower, peanut, and other vegetable oils; soft margarine (especially those free of trans fats); nuts; seeds; avocados; and fatty fish such as salmon and herring. These healthy fats improve cholesterol levels when eaten in place of saturated fats, trans fats, or, for some people, highly processed carbohydrates. Also, the omega3 fats from fatty fish like salmon or tuna offer an extra benefit. Research suggests that these special polyunsaturated fats can help protect the heart from serious rhythm problems.
Navigating protein and dairy foods
Conversely, limiting your intake of saturated fats, trans fat, and cholesterol is a good idea. The best ways to reduce saturated fat and cholesterol intake are to cut
Protein is needed for the repair and building of muscle tissue in response to being physically active, and for overall good health. A good way to judge a protein source is to consider what else you're getting when you eat that particular protein. For example, a slab of well-marbled prime rib is loaded with protein, but it's also loaded with fat, much of it the not-so-healthy, saturated variety. Nuts, seeds, beans, and tofu are excellent sources of protein that also provide fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Nuts and seeds typically contain healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. Fish is a great source of protein, and the fatty varieties are rich in hearthealthy omega-3 fats. Chicken and turkey, without the skin, are good sources of protein yet are
low in saturated fats. Egg whites are high in protein and cholesterol free; they can be substituted for whole eggs in omelets and baking. When you do have red meat, choose lean cuts, trim visible fat, and consume moderate portions — and have it occasionally rather than regularly. Dairy products are also good sources of protein, as well as of calcium. The full-fat versions are higher in calories and saturated fats, so select low-fat or fat-free varieties instead. Keep these in check Sugared soda pop and fancy coffee concoctions are simply calories in a can or cup — extra calories that can quickly add up to extra lbs. They do little to make you feel satisfied. Make the switch to lower-calo rie alternatives for 2013. Sweets are occasional treats. Avoid the temptation to make
them permanent fixtures in your diet. Here again, they mostly provide calories and offer little in the way of essential nutrients or fiber. As a result, overindulging can expand the waistline. Resolve to make a healthy start in 2013 Make a resolution to eat more healthily this new year: 9 Control calories to stop weight gain and trim lbs 9 Eat more whole grains 9 Consume 5–9 servings of vegetables and fruit 9 Don’t avoid fat entirely; instead, consume healthy fats in moderation 9 Pick protein and dairy sources based on the fat bag gage they bring 9 Find alternatives to calorieladen beverages, and rein in the sweet tooth HAPPY NEW YEAR 2013