13 Percent of Pregnant Wisconsin Women Smoke P5
HealthyStart September, 2013 Second Edition Healthy Start is the publication of the Milwaukee Community Journal dedicated to Health and Wellness FREE
BloodCenter of Wisconsin improving quality of life for patients - Latoyia Webb’s story P7
Exercise May Be as Effective as Drugs in Treating Disease P6
Obamacare is Here
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Love Your Prostate, Then Take This Test P3
Wisconsin Readies for Affordable Health Act
More Also Inside... 4Living Near Fast Food Ups Risk Of Obesity
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Healthy Start 2013
September 2013 Second Edition
Wisconsin Is Ready ...health, insurance officials say they’re ready for launch of federal law
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Health tips for upcoming flu season
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or many Americans, last year’s flu outbreak serves as a reminder that it’s a good idea to get a flu shot—the sooner, the better. In fact, a recent survey found that 47 percent of Americans surveyed report that they are more likely to get a flu shot this year, given last year’s outbreak. To help, here are some tips on how to stay healthy and avoid the flu. • Get the flu shot every year as early as you can: It’s important to get the flu shot every year because it is the most effective way to prevent the spread of influenza to others and your immunity to the virus declines over time. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends getting a flu shot as soon as vaccine is available. • Keep it convenient: To make getting a flu shot more convenient, more than 7,500 CVS/pharmacy locations and 650 Minute-Clinic sites offer the shot during daytime, evening and weekend hours. No appointment is necessary and many health plans are ac-
cepted, including Medicare Part B, which covers the cost of a flu shot. • Wash hands frequently: Touching everyday items, such as door handles and other surfaces, can be difficult to avoid. To help combat germs, wash hands frequently (especially after coughing or sneezing) with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds and avoid touching your mouth, eyes and nose. • Practice good health habits: Getting plenty of sleep, being physically active, managing stress, drinking adequate fluids and eating nutritious foods are all healthy habits that can help to keep your immune system in top condition during flu season. • Make sure children are safe: Children under 5 (especially under the age of 2) are at high risk for flu-related complications. Remind school-age children of the importance of hand washing, coughing into their elbows rather than hands and using tissues when they sneeze. --by NAPSI
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HealthyStartt (MCJ) September, 2013
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isconsin health and insurance officials said Friday that the state is as prepared as can be for next week's launch of open enrollment under the new federal health law.
cacy groups, community organizations and others to establish ways to help those who will be using the exchange, Schwartzer and Moore said. "This has been a long road,"
gible for federal subsidies. But those earning more may not be, so they may find better deals outside the exchange.
But no one is quite sure what to expect. "I'll tell you Wednesday," joked Kevin Moore, Wisconsin's deputy secretary of health services when asked whether there will be a stampede or trickle of people attempting to sign up for insurance Tuesday when the enrollment period begins. The online exchange, or marketplace, is supposed to offer a consumerfriendly way to buy health insurance while forcing insurers to compete for business. Consumers can apply online at healthcare.gov, through a call center, in person, or through the mail. Gov. Scott Walker opposes the Affordable Care Act, or "Obamacare," as it's often called, and he declined to have the state set up the exchange, deferring instead to the federal government. Walker also turned down federal money to pay for keeping people on Medicaid who earn up to 138 percent of the poverty line. Instead, Walker lowered Medicaid eligibility from those who earn 200 percent of the poverty line to those who earn 100 percent of it or less. That will force about 92,000 adults off of the BadgerCare program and into the exchange. The new income eligibility limit for Medicaid starting in January will be $11,500 for an individual or $23,550 for a family of four. They are among about 690,000 people who are expected to be eligible to buy insurance through the exchange. Another roughly 470,000 people currently have no insurance and some portion of the roughly 200,000 people who already privately purchase insurance will also be able to shop on the exchange. There could be people who lose employer coverage and will be added to those shopping under the exchange, but it's impossible to predict how many that may be, said deputy insurance commissioner Dan Schwartzer. Thirteen of the 25 private insurance companies that offer policies to individuals will be selling plans on the exchange, with the entire state having at least two providers competing. The federal health care law requires individuals to have health insurance starting in January or face a penalty. The enrollment period that begins Tuesday runs through March 31, although Dec. 15 is the cut-off date to sign up for policies that begin in January. Despite Walker's opposition to the law, his administration has been working closely with health insurance providers, insurance agencies, advo-
Schwartzer said at a news conference called to discuss the status of the exchange. "We have done everything to be ready to regulate our market." Both Schwartzer and Moore said they encouraged everyone using the exchange to shop around, both for plans sold there that are eligible for federal subsidies and those outside the exchange in the private market. Low income people, including those being kicked off Medicaid, will be eli
"If you're a good shopper, you're shopping all markets available," Schwartzer said. Still, given the complexity of eligibility criteria, the plans available and subsidies, Schwartzer recommended that shoppers seek out those who have been trained to help navigate the system. "This is confusing," he said.
LTE—Infant Mortality Month LTE Dear Editor: According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Office of Minority Health African Americans have 2.3 times the infant mortality rate as non-Hispanic whites. They are almost four times as likely to die as infants due to complications related to low birth weight, compared to nonHispanic white infants. Losing a baby is devastating and no parent should have to go through this. That’s why it’s important to remind the community to do what you can to take care of your family and yourself. My district has one of the highest infant mortality rates in Wisconsin, which is why I want to call your attention to the fact that September is Infant Mortality Awareness Month. I encourage everyone to help reduce the infant mortality rate in our community. To raise awareness of this serious problem, the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Office of Minority Health adopted the theme “A Healthy Baby Begins with You and You and You.” In a nation as sophisticated as ours, there is no reason why infant deaths and mortality rates were one of the four leading causes of death for Africans Americans, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Statistics (2009). Lifestyle plays a role in this devastating problem and, among those factors—
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Ashanti Hamilton which may surprise you—is low birth weight resulting from mothers using tobacco products or being exposed to second hand smoke. The Wisconsin Tobacco Prevention & Poverty Network (WTPPN) is working hard to help the community understand the negative effects that tobacco products can have on infant mortality and other health issues. They need your help and support to continue to spread the word. Let’s turn these statistics around, as we take control of our lives. You have the power to change and give your children a better and healthier start in life. Sincerely, Ashanti Hamilton Alderman, 1st District
Healthy Start
September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month Symptoms & Types Do you know the symptoms of prostate cancer? Learn about prostate cancer symptoms, the significance of an enlarged prostate, and more. Symptoms Understanding Prostate Cancer Symptoms: The Basics Are there early warning signs of prostate cancer? Find out -- and review a brief list of symptoms to watch for. Warning Signs Are There Prostate Cancer Warning Signs? Unfortunately, prostate cancer has no early warning signals. However, many men have symptoms that do point to problems with the prostate gland. Learn what to watch for and when it's time to call your doctor.
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rostate cancer is the most common form of cancer in men, striking over 200,000 men each year.
African-American men are at the highest risk. Every year, about 30,000 men die of this disease, making it the second deadliest cancer in men. Caught early, prostate cancer can be treated, usually successfully. But because many men experience no symptoms, it is often identified only by an abnormal result on a basic prostate cancer screening. For the last 20 years, doctors have had a powerful weapon in their arsenal for detecting prostate cancer. In addition to the DRE (a physical exam allowing the doctor to feel the prostate), patients can also have a simple blood test called a PSA, which will detect a majority of prostate problems early. In the two decades that the PSA has been used, prostate cancer deaths have declined, and the number of successfully treated prostate cancer cases has risen. During September, Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, Men’s Health Network is urging men to talk to their health care providers about prostate cancer, and to consider screening at age 50, and at age 40 for African Americans and men with a family history of prostate cancer. The group also encourages women to get involved and urge their husbands to ask their health care provider about a prostate screening, including a PSA test.
Predicting and Monitoring Advanced Prostate Cancer
If you are on Medicare, prostate cancer screening is a part of your Welcome to Medicare physical, the free
comprehensive physical exam you receive in your first year of eligibility. For younger men, 36 states require that insurance companies offering health insurance provide coverage for prostate cancer tests. Insurance companies may offer prostate cancer screening in the remaining states, but are not required to do so. The bottom line? Having an annual prostate exam, including a PSA test, just might save your life. No matter what age you are, that annual PSA test creates a benchmark against which to judge future tests. When you receive your PSA test results, ask your health care provider what your PSA number is, write it down, and compare it against future tests. If the number goes up in future tests, talk to your doctor. September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. It’s the perfect time to call your health care provider, schedule an appointment, and get your prostate cancer test done. Then, talk to your health care provider and deter-
mine what screening and treatment options are best for you and your family. To learn more about the prostate and prostate cancer, go to www.pcaawareness.com. About the author: James Morning, a prostate cancer survivor, is a retired Air Force master sergeant who was exposed to Agent Orange. He is a state coordinator for the Men's Health Network. Men's Health Network (MHN) is a national non-profit organization whose mission is to reach men, boys, and their families where they live, work, play, and pray with health prevention messages and tools, screening programs, educational materials, advocacy opportunities, and patient navigation. Learn more about MHN at www.menshealthnetwork.org and follow them on Twitter @MensHlthNetwork and facebook.com/menshealthnetwork
Prostate cancer markers can help predict and monitor the disease with accuracy. Some help determine how aggressive the prostate cancer is. Learn about these markers. Types Prostate Cancer Stages: What Are They? Staging prostate cancer occurs after diagnosis, when tests are done to discover the size and location of the cancer. Find out more about staging Prostate Cancer Grading and the Gleason Score
Erectile Dysfunction and Prostate Cancer Prostate cancer doesn't cause erectile dysfunction, also called impotence. Find out why it can be a complication after treatment, and what you can do. Related Guide: Urinary Incontinence and Prostate Cancer Prostate cancer treatments can sometimes cause urinary incontinence, but there are new techniques that can reduce your chances of this side effect. Advanced Prostate Cancer: Coping With Treatment Side Effects Impotence, incontinence, pain: Learn how to handle -- and gain control of -- some of the most common side effects of advanced prostate cancer and its treatment. Dealing With Prostate Cancer Fatigue Fatigue isn't the same as tiredness. Learn the differences, what causes cancer-related fatigue, and how you can combat the problem. --WebMD
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hen dealing with health problems it’s important to know how severe the disease is. Knowing this drives a series of treatment decisions, which may improve the symptoms, and in many cases even cure the disease. When the condition’s level of aggressiveness is unknown, a traditionally beneficial treatment may instead cause harm. The aggressiveness of prostate cancer is hard to determine. Traditionally, physicians have used the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level, a physical exam, and other methods to estimate the level of prostate cancer to help guide treatment decisions. These are helpful, but they cannot fully determine whether a man has low-risk prostate cancer, which can be managed with active surveillance, or whether he has aggressive prostate cancer, that should be treated immediately.
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Complications
If You Love Your Prostate Then Take This Test
Active surveillance is a plan that employs careful and consistent monitoring of the cancer in a man’s prostate without removing it. Under active surveillance, patients have regular check-ups and periodic PSA blood tests, clinical exams and potential biopsies to closely monitor for signs of prostate cancer progression. If the cancer starts getting worse, then an appropriate treatment can be decided on.
New diagnostic tests have been emerging, such as the Oncotype DX prostate cancer test, that can help the patient and his physician make a better decision about how to treat the cancer based on its aggressiveness. More than 240,000 U.S. men are diagnosed with prostate cancer each year. About half of newly-diagnosed
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HealthyStartt (MCJ) September, 2013
Grading refers to a cancer's appearance and indicates how quickly it's growing. Grading takes place after a biopsy (re moval and examination of tissue), using the Gleason score. Learn more about the Gleason score and cancer grading here.
National News Obamacare: better options for better health
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his January, millions of Americans will ring in the new year with the security and peace of mind that has eluded them for decades: They will finally have quality health insurance. For nearly 500,000 of our fellow citizens here in Wisconsin, the opportunity to obtain new, quality coverage will only be a click, call or conversation away when the six-month open enrollment period for the new Health Insurance Marketplace begins on Tuesday. Meanwhile, the 85% of Americans who currently have coverage will continue to benefit from new rights and legal protections. In Wisconsin, there are 1,459,000 people with private insurance who are now guaranteed access to free preventive services such as cholesterol tests, mammograms and blood pressure screenings. And 43,000 young adults between the ages of 19 and 25 are now able to stay on their parents' plan. Furthermore, more than 63,000 seniors in this state are better able to afford their prescription drugs, as we close the Medicare doughnut hole. It is all thanks to the new health care law: the Affordable Care Act. We have a number of resources available to help you and your family learn about your new options under the new law. Our website — HealthCare.gov — is a great place to start. We think you will agree that it is not your typical government website. When you visit, you will find that information is clear, user-friendly and interactive.
health centers and pharmacies. Coverage under the marketplace begins as soon as Jan. 1. But in order to access your new and better options, you have to enroll.
by Kathleen Sebelius HHS Secretary There is even an online web chat feature — just like if you are shopping for shoes or clothing online. And there are strong secu-
rity safeguards to protect people's personal information from fraud. If you'd prefer to speak with someone over the phone, we have staff standing by to answer your questions 24/7 — and in 150 languages — at our call center: (800) 3182596. There also are people in your community who have been trained and certified to help you in-person at places such as community
been working for months to make sure we can offer some help and clarity,” said County Executive Chris Abele. “Taxpayers should be assured that our efforts are focused on leveraging resources to benefit the community. We’re using our existing services and the cooperative relationships I’ve
The County’s core services provide an opportunity to leverage contacts with the community into enrollment. Using existing resources and staff, County Departments will help clients they are already serving understand and enroll in the ACA.
been building since taking office as a platform to expand enrollment.”
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ilwaukee County is taking a proactive approach to help people understand and enroll in health plans as the Affordable Healthcare Care Act (ACA) that was rolled out on October 1st.
Milwaukee County is also partnering with the Milwaukee Enrollment Network to educate and assist residents with enrollment. The network is made up of several organizations including the Milwaukee Healthcare Partnership, the State of Wisconsin, Covering Kids & Families and IMPACT 2-1-1. “When the healthcare exchanges open, we know there will be a lot of questions. We’ve
Numerous Milwaukee County Departments are taking part in the effort, including: The Disabilities Services Division has trained 60 staff members to help clients understand where to go and how to get services through ACA exchanges. The Behavioral Health Division (BHD) Community Services Branch has four staff trained as Certified Application Counselors, these staff members will provide individuals every opportunity to understand and enroll
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omen who take a daily baby aspirin may be able to lower their breast cancer risk, according to a new study that reinforces a growing body of research showing the age-old pain remedy has potent anti-cancer properties.
More good news: Being a woman no longer will be a pre-existing condition. Insurance companies are forbidden by law from discriminating against a consumer or potential consumer just because she happens to be female. Living without health insurance can feel like you are in a nonstop game of Russian roulette.
Milwaukee County Offers Help in ACA Enrollment
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Make no mistake: The plans offered on the Marketplace will be actual, honest-togoodness health insurance. By law, they must cover a set of essential benefits, including visits to your doctor, prescription medications, hospital stays and preventive care such as cancer and cholesterol screenings. Furthermore, your insurance company will be prohibited — by law — from denying you coverage just because you have a pre-existing condition such as high blood pressure or diabetes.
Aspirin Found to Shut Down Breast Cancer
Even if you think that you are too healthy to need coverage, we are all just an accident or illness away from a devastating medical bill. We never know when we will need to make that unexpected trip to the emergency room; when we will get into a car accident, when we will get a sudden diagnosis or when we will simply need a new prescription. Without insurance, we have to pay for all these things out of our own pockets. Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, it has never been more easy or more affordable to obtain coverage. Jan. 1 will be a new day for millions of Americans. Better options for better health are only a click, call or conversation away. But to get these better options, you have to enroll, starting Tuesday. Kathleen Sebelius is secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Researchers from the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Kansas City, Mo., and the University of Kansas Medical Center found regular use of low-dose aspirin appears to prevent the progression of breast cancer — slowing the growth and spread of tumors in laboratory studies and experiments involving mice. The study — presented by VA Medical Center cancer researcher Gargi Maity at a meeting of the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology in Boston this week — found that aspirin interferes with cancer cells' ability to become aggressive and spread. In the mouse study, for instance, the researchers found tumors treated with aspirin formed no or only partial stem cells, which fuel the growth and spread of the disease. Aspirin — acetylsalicylic acid — has been found in numerous studies to prevent and treat a wide variety of cancers, including colorectal, esophageal, and prostate cancers. Past research has suggested breast cancer was less likely to return in women who took aspirin to lower their risk of heart attack or stroke, but precisely how and why has not been explained.
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Questions Wisconsin consumers have about the health reform law
Not if you already have it. President Barack Obama has said you'll be able to keep your doctor and your plan under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.
Those residents and others will be able to buy insurance through an online marketplace, or exchange, that allows comparison shopping for health plans, much as Travelocity does for airline tickets. Wisconsin's exchange is being run by the federal government because the state opted not to set up its own. The exchange can be found at healthcare.gov. About 700,000 people in Wisconsin are expected to be eligible to sign up for coverage through the federal exchange when enrollment begins Tuesday. DOES THE EXCHANGE GIVE ME MANY OPTIONS?
If you don't already have health insurance, you will need to get it by the end of 2014 or face a $95 penalty when you pay that year's income taxes. The penalty increases each year after that. WHAT ARE MY INSURANCE OPTIONS? In Wisconsin, people who earn less than the federal poverty level will be able to get coverage through Medicaid. But about 92,000 residents who were previously covered by the program won't be after Dec. 31 because the rules are chang-
Thirteen insurance companies have said they'll offer individual plans to Wisconsin residents through the exchange, according to the state. Nine also intend to offer coverage to small businesses with fewer than 50 employees. In most counties, at least two companies are offering plans, and under federal law, all companies have to offer at least two plans. That means everyone will have more than one option on the exchange. On average, Wisconsin residents will be able to pick from 97 plans, according to information provided by the federal government. HOW MUCH WILL IT COST? A mid-range benchmark insurance plan
DINESH RAMDE, Associated Press for a person in Wisconsin will average about $361 a month, according to figures released by the federal government last week. But premiums will vary with a person's circumstances, including where they live, the level of plan picked, family size, age, income and tobacco use. A midrange benchmark plan, for example, can cost a person less than $200 per month in some areas.
13 Percent of Pregnant Wisconsin Women Smoke
The cost also can be reduced by subsidies available to those who earn too much to qualify for Medicaid but less than 400 percent of the poverty level — $45,000 for an individual and $94,000 for a family of four. TELL ME MORE ABOUT THESE SUBSIDIES. The federal subsidies come in the form of tax credits. There is an online tool to help individuals and families figure out how much of a subsidy, if any, that they qualify for: http://kff.org/interactive/subsidy-calculator Enrollment in the plans begins Tuesday, with health care coverage starting Jan. 1 for those who sign up by Dec. 15. I HAVE INSURANCE THROUGH MY EMPLOYER. SHOULD I EXPECT ANY CHANGES? Most people who have health insurance through their employer aren't expected to see much difference, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation. Some people might see their costs go down because the law puts a cap on out-of-pocket expenses and mandates free preventive care.
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MADISON, Wis. (AP) - State health officials are trying to help pregnant women who smoke kick the habit. Health administrators say at least 13 percent of women in Wisconsin smoke during pregnancy. That's higher than the national average of 9 percent. The Wisconsin Division of Public Health says smoking while pregnant can lead to a number of complications; including miscarriage, premature or low-weight birth, birth defects and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, or SIDS. The state's First Breath program provides counseling to pregnant women who want to quit smoking. Badger Care Plus members who are pregnant and smoke may be eligible to participate in the Striving to Quit program, which offers cash incentives for quitting. September is national infant mortality month.
CDC says 20 percent of U.S. children have mental health disorders
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By Tony Pugh
p to one in five American youngsters — about 7 million to 12 million, by one estimate — experience a mental health disorder each year, according to a new report billed as the
cause of a shortage of pediatric sub-specialists and child and adolescent psychiatrists, according to the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry.
first comprehensive look at the mental health status of children in the country. And the rate is increasing, said the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which produced the study, released last week.
“Our current health care system does not meet the needs of these children,” Martin J. Drell, the group’s president, said last week in a statement about the problem.
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DO I HAVE TO GET NEW HEALTH INSURANCE?
ing and they earn more than the federal poverty level.
Childhood mental disorders that alter the way children learn, behave and cope with their emotions affect 13 percent to 20 percent of youths under age 18, the CDC said Thursday. They also cost families and society at large an estimated $247 billion a year in treatment, special education, juvenile justice and decreased productivity, it stated. Although the prevalence, early onset and effect on society make childhood mental problems a major public health issue, only 21 percent of affected children get treatment be-
Making matters worse, fewer medical students are opting for careers in children’s mental health, while the current crop of professionals is aging out of the workforce. The dearth of providers means troubled youngsters in underserved rural and urban areas are less likely to get timely care. “Children with serious medical conditions should not have where they live determine what kind of health care services they re-
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ome questions and answers about the Affordable Care Act in Wisconsin, as enrollment in the state's federally run exchange is about to begin on Tuesday:
City of Milwaukee Offers ‘Plain Talk’ Program
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he City of Milwaukee Health Department has a long history of forging community partnerships to address unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections among teens. In 2006, Milwaukee was selected to be the first local health department in the U.S. for replication of a program called Plain Talk. The program quickly garnered national attention as an exemplary program. Plain Talk is a community-based initiative designed to assist parents and other influential adults in developing the skills and tools they need to communicate effectively with youth and children about abstinence, healthy relationships, and sexuality. This nationally recognized teen pregnancy-reducing program consists of three components: Community Mapping, Walkers & Talkers (community residents mobilizing their community), and “home health parties” for educating parents. The Plain Talk Milwaukee Initiative completed its first phase in 2010 and then became a citywide program. In 2011, Plain Talk received support from the State of Wisconsin Division of Public Health – Department Health Services to expand its focus to directly serving youth ages 11 to 19.
school and their future careers. Prep Talk is part of two important local collaborations: the Milwaukee Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Partnership (MAPPP) and The Personal Responsibility Education Program (PREP) of Southeast Wisconsin. The Milwaukee Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Partnership (MAPPP) is a Milwaukee driven, community based partnership focused on adolescent pregnancy prevention for African Americans, ages 15 to 19. MAPPP partners are reproductive health clinics that provide culturally appropriate and confidential contraceptive and related reproductive care health services to sexually active adolescents.
The new initiative, Prep Talk for Youth, provides an evidenced-based skills training to students in Milwaukee Public Schools, the Milwaukee Area Technical College Pre-college programs, and to other youth-serving agencies. The program conducts door-todoor outreach in some the poorest neighborhoods in Milwaukee and also conducts outreach for the Wisconsin Family Planning
Only Service Medicaid benefit (FPO). While the Prep Talk for Youth program continues the Plain Talk tradition of involving parents in the City of Milwaukee Health Department’s efforts to prevent teen unintended and non-marital pregnancies, it also encourages youth to make the connection between healthy sexual decisions to success in
Exercise May Be as Effective as Drugs in Treating Disease
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John Ioannidis of Stanford. “In cases where drug options provide only modest benefit, patients deserve to understand the relative impact that physical activity might have on their condition,” Naci and Ioannidis said in the published paper. In the meantime, “exercise interventions should therefore be considered as a viable alternative to, or, alongside, drug therapy.”
hysical activity may be as effective as drugs in treating heart disease and should be included as a comparison in the development of new medicines, according to a review published today in the British Medical Journal. No statistically detectable differences were evident between exercise and drug treatment for patients with coronary heart disease or prediabetes, and exercise was more effective among patients recovering from a stroke, according to a review of 16 meta-analyses that included 305 studies involving 339,274 participants. The review was conducted by researchers at Harvard University and Stanford University. The analysis adds to evidence showing
Drug Types
the benefit of non-medical approaches to disease through behavior and lifestyle changes. Given the cost of drug treatment, regulators should consider requiring pharmaceutical companies to include exercise as a comparator in clinical trials of new medicines, according to authors Huseyin Naci of Harvard and
The definition of exercise and their frequency, intensity and duration varied across the list of studies included in the analysis, which limits the ability to generalize the findings to different forms of physical activity, said the authors, who received no funding for the review. Drug treatments in the studies included
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CDC says 20 percent of U.S. children have mental health disorders (continued from page 5)
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of the American Academy of Pediatrics. The CDC report, “Mental Health Surveillance Among Children,” summarizes federal data and research from 2005 through 2011 to provide the agency’s first comprehensive snapshot of the nation’s emotionally troubled youths. One recent study found that from 1997 to 2010, the rate of hospital stays among children for mood disorders increased from 10 to 17 admissions per 10,000 people. Another study, which analyzed insurance claims, found a 24 percent increase in inpatient mental health and substance abuse admissions for children from 2007 to 2010. The report also found that the use of psychotropic drugs by teens had increased over the same period. Greater awareness of mental health issues by doctors and parents, increased poverty stemming from the Great Recession and possible environmental factors could be playing a part in the increases, said Ruth Perou, child development
studies team leader at the CDC. The report arrived one week after National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day on May 9 and as President Obama prepares to host a June 3 mental health summit at the White House in response to recent efforts to halt gun violence. The report found that suicide was more prevalent among boys than girls and among non-Hispanic whites and nonHispanics of other races than it was among non-Hispanic blacks and Hispanic children. Among children who died by suicide, the report found that nearly 30 percent made their intent known before the act and that 35.5 percent had a diagnosed mental disorder when they died. More than one in four childhood suicide victims were being treated for a mental disorder when they died, and 21 percent had made a previous suicide attempt. Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder was the most commonly diagnosed problem reported by parents. It affects about
7 percent of children ages 3 to 17, or about 4.2 million, Perou said. About 2.2 million children in that age group — about 3.5 percent — have behavioral or conduct problems, while nearly 2 million, or 3 percent, have anxiety issues, she said. An additional 1.2 million children ages 3 to 17, or about 2.1 percent, suffer from depression, while 678,000, or just over 1.1 percent, suffer from autism, she said. Tourette’s syndrome affects 99,000, about two-tenths of 1 percent of children in this age group. An estimated 40 percent of children diagnosed with one disorder have multiple mental health disorders, some of which can be linked to childhood criminal behavior, substance abuse and other risky behaviors. Among adolescents ages 12 through 17, nearly 5 percent, or 1.2 million, battle an illicit-drug-use disorder, Perou said. About 1 million, or 4.2 percent, deal with alcohol abuse disorder, and 691,000, or 2.8 percent of adolescents, have cigarette dependence, she said. — McClatchy-Tribune
The Personal Responsibility Education Program (PREP) of Southeast Wisconsin educates young people on both abstinence and contraception to prevent pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections, including HIV/AIDS. The program targets youth ages 10 to 19 who are homeless, in foster care, live in rural areas or in geographic areas with
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Dr. Catharine Malmsten Named Top Healthcare Professional Under 40
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atharine Malmsten, M.D., assistant professor of medicine (cardiovascular medicine) at the Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW), was named a “Top Healthcare Professional Under 40” at the National Medical Association’s (NMA) annual conference. Dr. Malmsten is one of 40 physicians nationwide to receive this honor. Dr. Malmsten, who also serves as the assistant director of Cardiovascular Inpatient Services at Froedtert Hospital, joined the MCW faculty in 2010. Prior to joining the faculty, Dr. Malmsten conducted a cardiology fellowship at the Medical College, during which she served as chair of the Underrepresented in Medicine Housestaff Committee. “Being a cardiologist, as a woman of color, is rare, and I am proud to be a Fellow of the American College of Cardiology, and to serve my patients,” she said. Dr. Malmsten completed her residency in general internal medicine at the University of California at Davis in Sacramento, Calif., in 2007. She received her medical degree from the University of California at San Francisco in 2003, and completed a bachelor of arts degree in anthropology at the University of CaliforniaBerkeley in 1999. The NMA promotes the collective interests of physicians and patients of African descent. Its missions are to advance the art and science of medicine for people of African descent through education, advocacy, and health policy to promote health and well-
Dr. Catharine Malmsten ness, to eliminate health disparities, and sustain physician viability. About the Medical College of Wisconsin The Medical College of Wisconsin is the state’s only private medical school and health sciences graduate school. Founded in 1893, it is dedicated to leadership and excellence in education, patient care, research and service. More than 1,200 students are enrolled in the Medical College’s medical school and graduate school programs. A major national research center, it is the largest research institution in the Milwaukee metro area and second largest in Wisconsin. In FY 2011 – 12, faculty received more than $166 million in external support for research, teaching, training and related purposes, of which more than $152 million is for research. This total includes highly competitive research and training awards from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Annually, College faculty direct or collaborate on more than 2,000 research studies, including clinical trials. Additionally, more than 1,350 physicians provide care in virtually every specialty of medicine for more than 425,000 patients annually.
BloodCenter of Wisconsin improving quality of life for patients with sickle cell disease changing the way patients with this disease in Milwaukee are being treated, through comprehensive, specialized care that is preventing costly emergency room visits and hospital stays. In addition, he is developing new treatment methods and bringing cutting-edge therapeutics to his patients.
BloodCenter of Wisconsin improving quality of life for patients with sickle cell disease Latoyia Webb is focused on the future.
As new treatments are developed, patients like Latoyia are given hope.
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“Sickle cell disease can be devastating,” said Dr. Field. “Therapies for the two most common complications, pain and acute chest syndrome, are very limited. Regadenoson has the potential to help people with SCD by decreasing the severity of these life-threatening problems.” Latoyia was diagnosed as a toddler and
About sickle cell disease SCD is the most prevalent hereditary blood disorder in the United States. It affects 90,000-100,000 Americans and one in every 500 African-Americans. In Wisconsin, approximately 800 individuals are living with SCD. Most of them are African-American.
Latoyia Webb struggled for most of her life to find proper treatment. Like many individuals who live with SCD, she had difficulty finding appropriate care. Throughout her childhood, Latoyia spent countless hours in hospital emergency rooms — and in pain — because her treatment options were limited.
Dr. Joshua Field
As a young adult determined to earn her college degree, Latoyia finally discovered treatment options that would allow her to focus on something other than her pain. She received blood transfusions for a year and then began taking a drug called hydroxyurea.
“People with SCD are less likely to experience complications if they receive blood of a type that closely matches their own,” Dr. Field said. “The best matches for individuals of African descent come from individuals of African descent because people of a common genetic heritage are more likely to express similar proteins on their red blood cells.”
“I started to feel better. I was able to complete my bachelor’s degree at UW-Milwaukee. The new therapy was a major part of it.” Today, Latoyia is a paraprofessional educator for Milwaukee Public Schools, and she plans to earn her master’s degree to become a special education teacher. The care Dr. Field provides to patients like Latoyia at the Adult Sickle Cell Disease Clinic is helping to bridge the health care gap for local adults living with SCD. His work is
Latoyia Webb graduated in 2006 from University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee SCD causes red blood cells to take on a sickle or crescent shape, making it more difficult to flow freely through blood vessels. Insufficient blood flow to tissues can result, causing excruciating pain crises, increased infections
There remains a great need for blood transfusions among people with SCD. Donations from the African-American community are needed to help the hundreds of SCD patients in our community. Community members are encouraged to donate blood by calling 1-877-BE-A-HERO (1877-232-4376), or by visiting www.bcw.edu/blood.
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BloodCenter physician provides new hope Latoyia hopes to promote a greater community understanding of SCD by working with BloodCenter of Wisconsin to recognize September as National Sickle Cell Disease Awareness Month. She’s also participating in Dr. Field’s clinical trial of a promising new therapy called regadenoson. Regadenoson has the potential to decrease the severity of painful episodes suffered by people with SCD.
Unfortunately there is no “one size fits all” treatment for SCD. Many patients rely on regular blood transfusions to keep painful episodes and other complications in check.
HealthyStartt (MCJ) September, 2013
“I can’t thank BloodCenter and Dr. Field enough for the care he has provided me,” said Latoyia.
Blood donors are integral
“I’m grateful to be a part of the important work being done by Dr. Field and BloodCenter of Wisconsin,” Latoyia said.
he’s setting new career goals and seeking the educational opportunities she’ll need to realize them. As someone living with sickle cell disease (SCD), Latoyia knows she may face obstacles along the way. She feels ready to face them now that she has treatment that is working for her. Latoyia is one of 270 patients who receive treatment at the Adult Sickle Cell Disease Clinic at Froedtert Hospital, directed by BloodCenter of Wisconsin’s Dr. Joshua Field.
and organ damage.
Concussion Awareness and Treatment
A
ny blow to the head, regardless of the force of impact, could lead to something minor like a headache or something major like death. When that blow disrupts the normal cellular activity in the brain, that is what is called a concussion. Concussions happen in contact sports such as boxing, soccer, wrestling and hockey, but in most cases, it happens in football. And the subject of concussion awareness and its short and long-term effects was the topic of discussion in a two-part series that brought some light to a serious medical issue. Inside the club level suites Skyy Lounge at Miller Park recently, a couple of hundred people attended the three-hour information seminar on sport-related concussions which included remarks from two medical concussion experts, a former Marquette male cheerleader and former Green Bay Packer running back Dorsey Levens. Levens, like thousands of youths and adults who play football, know the dangers of suffering from headaches and feeling dizzy or lightheaded. But those who play football know the risks in a sport that they volunteer to play. It has been documented that a football-related concussion could lead to memory loss as players get older or someone taking his own life because it ends the suffering. An ex-football player in his mid-20s told Levens that his “head hurts all the time. I can’t eat. I can’t think. I can’t sleep. And I can’t afford to get healthy. And if I can’t get healthy, I’ll take care of it.” That’s the way ex-NFL players Junior Seau and Dave Duerson chose to take care of their miseries. Neither player shot themselves in the head because it was important to them that their brains get examined to analyze how thousands of repeated contacts over the years going back to youth football could lead to post-concussion issues that included mood swings, erratic behavior and sitting in a dark
room to avoid flashes of bright light that could leave them in a dizzying state. Levens pointed out that former teammate, Packers fullback William Henderson, looked discombobulated in games. “I don’t know how many times he would come back to the huddle with this look in his eyes,” he said. “And he’s blinking, and he’s trying to get it together. And it’s like, ‘C’mon big fella, I need you (to block for me).’ And about once every other game, William would go the wrong way (blocking on a running play). Brett (Favre) would always say, ‘You know that William went the wrong way.’ ” Henderson, according to Levens, is still dealing with post-concussion issues. Levens helped produced a film documentary, “Bell Rung,” in which he talked to former players about their experiences with concussions. “I learned how to document concussions in the NFL,” Levens said. “When you lose track, you don’t think about it. That’s part of the game growing up. You get your bell rung, you get back in the game and that’s it.” Everyone who’s associated with contact sports, including parents of athletes, must be aware of the concussion symptoms and have a plan in place to deal with it. Dr. Michael McCrea, Professor and Director of the Brain
Questions Wisconsin consumers have about the health reform law (continued from page 5)
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But some larger companies, those with 50 or more employees, are already looking for ways to cut costs and avoid getting hit with a new tax scheduled to take effect in 2018 on insurance plans valued at $10,200 or more for individual coverage and $27,500 for family policies. United Parcel Service, for example, informed its white collar employees that it will no longer cover spouses if they can get coverage through their own employers.
to help people choose and sign up for the best insurance plan on the exchange for them. Here's a list of six groups in Wisconsin who received federal money to provide navigator services: //oci.wi.gov/healthcare_ref/grant_recipients.pdf Other groups have "certified application counselors," who are like navigators but aren't expected to make referrals. The best way to find one of them is to check with local hospitals, nonprofit groups or city officials.
I WORK FOR A SMALL BUSINESS. WILL IT GIVE ME HEALTH INSURANCE NOW?
IS THERE ANYWHERE ELSE TO GET HELP?
The Affordable Care Act defines a small business as one with two to 50 employees. It does not require them to provide workers with health insurance benefits, although they may choose to. Companies also don't have to provide coverage for part-time employees.
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (http://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov ) and the state insurance commissioner's office (http://oci.wi.gov ) have information on their websites.
THIS IS ALL SO COMPLICATED. CAN'T I JUST SIT DOWN WITH SOMEONE WHO CAN WALK ME THROUGH IT? Yes, there are a number of free services, starting with so-called navigators, who are trained
Independent groups also have created tutorials and online videos to help explain the Affordable Care Act. They include the Kaiser Family Foundation (http://kff.org ) and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (http://www.rwjf.org ).
Healthy Start
Injury Research Department of Neurosurgery and Neurology at the Medical College of Wisconsin, estimated that there are about 3.8 million concussions every year from contact and collision sports. In the past, a football player who got his bell wrong and felt dizzy sat out for a while and asked to go back in the game. Now when a football player gets dinged, he isn’t allowed to return to action for the rest of that day and up to two weeks later until all symptoms of a concussion are gone. After that athlete passes a series of concussion tests and get the medical clearance, he or she can resume competition. In a recent study, according to McCrea, more than half of the athletes who suffered a concussion during competition (64%) took up to a week to recover from their symptoms. A complete recovery takes about 10 days from the impact of the blow. McCrea knows how bad a high school football player wants to play in the next game after having his bell rung in a previous game. He gives that player a 10-day layoff, which
may include skipping the next game. If that player ignores the 10-day order and convince the coach to let him play before the end of the grace period and he has another setback, then the layoff time could be up to 7 or 8 weeks, which ends the season for that player. Coaches, athletic trainers and parents should check for telltale signs of an athlete who leaves the playing area after a hit to the head. They have to look for a dazed look, a behavioral change and a slow response to any questions they ask him/her, said Kevin Walter, Associate Professor at the Medical College of Wisconsin and a medical advisor to the Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association. That athlete with a concussion symptom is removed right away and should be observed for changes in normal habits and routines. The kid who gets hit from helmet-to-helmet contact or gets driven to the ground head first on a tackle and lies on the ground for a minute because he got the wind knocked out of him gets up, walks to the sideline and calls it a night. But he comes the following Tuesday, ready to practice so he can play in the next game the following Friday. Not anymore.
Do Strong Religious Beliefs Snoring is More Than Help Cancer Patients Just an Annoying Habit Battle the Disease Better? Our program was created by the Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA) largely because of a suggestion from a patient and her husband. They asked if I would be willing to meet with local clergy persons that they knew for an informal discussion on cancer care and support from a faith perspective! The importance of OJOH to the treatment centers continues to position the organization as one of the leaders in the healthcare arena. We truly value and encourage the faith community to marshal the strength of its value system to fight back against cancer. Faith works.
Prayer also leads to optimism, reduces stress and can bolster the immune system, studies say. According to a Women’s Heath Initiative study conducted by the U.S National Institute of Heath, those who regularly attend religious services reduce their risk of death by 20 percent. In the book God Changes Your Brain, Dr. Andrew Newburg found that those who pray and meditated have a highly developed parietal lobe, which improves memory and improves wellbeing. An article in Critical Care Clinics states that prayer is the second-most common form of pain management, next to oral medicine. Because of these and other findings, increasingly, the medical community seeks to boost health by understanding and encouraging practices of belief. Tapping into strong spiritual practices/beliefs during a healthcare threat are the “X” factor in many cases of survival. Therefore, one cannot, and must not ignore the profound opportunities that spiritual beliefs bring to the table of hope. Part of my work with Our Journey of Hope (OJOH) is to encourage the use of faith, religious or spiritual practices, to promote wellness and facilitate an infrastructure of clergy and others with strong spiritual beliefs to provide a network to help patients and their families to restore health. OJOH is a seven-hour training session for pastors, and lay members to equip them with the tools and ideology to empower them to address and respond to the needs of individuals who are dealing with cancer. We teach caretakers as well. They are empowered by the belief that they too have access to a source greater than themselves to call upon for
I have seen the power of faith and communities to change the lives of patients struggling with cancer. Thirteen years ago, Gloria, fell into a comma. Family members asked if I would pray for her to regain consciousness. Soon after I prayed over her, Gloria opened her eyes and indeed regained consciousness. She is still living 13 years later. A faith or spiritual belief assures cancer patients that it is possible to live through challenging health threats, regardless of the odds of long-term survival and overcome the challenge. We don’t disavow science. However, those who rely on science alone often wrestle with the limitations of humanity’s knowledge. God has no limits. Faith and a spiritual belief are not rooted in limitation. The best part of my work is providing a platform for genuine discussion for a topic that typically is ignored. The church and faith community in general lacks healthcare-related ministries organized in a meaningful way to address the very relevant issues surrounding this community of people. OJOH has equipped thousands to broach the subject of cancer with confidence and fearlessness. We have the opportunity to provide a meaningful relationship with pastors and their members concerning healthcare. Ultimately, faith and spiritual beliefs equip individuals with the mental and emotional fortitude to withstand the travails and challenges of treatment and forge ahead in the effort to keep cancer at bay by tapping into a “power source” greater than themselves. With engaged spirituality, informed clergy, caretakers and family we can support all patients as they brace themselves to live their lives, overcome obstacles and seek hope in their darkest hours.
Exercise May Be as Effective as Drugs in Treating Disease (continued on page 6) Drug treatments in the studies included statins and beta blockers for coronary heart disease; anticoagulants and antiplatelets for stroke; and diuretics and beta blockers for heart failure. A landmark study by Dean Ornish, founder of the Preventive Medicine Research Institute, found that a low-fat vegetarian diet, increased exercise and stress management can reduce heart disease more than standard medical care. Patients who receive training from medical professionals on Ornish’s program for reversing heart disease have been reimbursed by Medicare since January 2011. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death globally, killing at least 17 million people a year with fatalities predicted to rise to
more than 23 million by 2030, according to the World Health Organization. Deaths linked to heart disease and stroke would be reduced by 25 percent if people quit smoking, limited salt intake and adopted other healthy habits, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said last month. Not all patients benefit more from exercise than from drugs. For those recovering from heart failure, diuretic medicines were more effective, according to the analysis. To contact the reporter on this story: Makiko Kitamura in London at mkitamura1@bloomberg.net To contact the editor responsible for this story: Phil Serafino at pserafino@bloomberg.net
Why do People Snore?
Almost everyone snores occasionally. In fact, 40% of the world’s population snores regularly, and 90% of the world’s snorers snore because their airway is obstructed. Snoring usually occurs when your tongue and the tissues around the back of your throat relax during sleep. This relaxation causes the tongue and the soft tissues to fall back and block (obstruct) your airway. Your body realizes this reduction in airflow panics and increases the velocity (speed) of air entering the body. The increase in air flow velocity causes the fine tissues in your throat to vibrate and cause the snoring noise.
Snoring is a serious matter and is often dangerous to your health!
Besides making life more unpleasant for significant others, snoring may be an indicator of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), a seriously and sometimes even deadly health hazard! Other problems related to snoring and Obstructive Sleep Apnea include: Hypertension Stroke Heart Problems Depression Impotenceeor Cardiac Arrest Death Snoring Snoring occurs when air flows past relaxed tissues, such as your tongue, soft palate and airway, as you breathe. The sagging tissues narrow your airway, causing these tissues to vi brate. Enter the “No Snore Zone” Try this quick test: _yes _no _yes _no _yes _no _yes _no _yes _no _yes _no _yes _no _yes _no
I have been told that I snore. I take catnaps during the day. I have problems concentrating for a long period of time. I am overweight. I have jolted awake gasping for breath during sleep. I feel tired and irritable even though I slept well. I seem to be losing my sex drive. I get morning headaches.
If you answered yes to two or more statements, TheraSnore can help! Here, at The Centre for Exceptional Dentistry, Dr. Bruce P. Hamilton treats snoring by providing the TheraSnore family of oral appliances. The TheraSnore is small and comfortable to wear; it’s a lot like wearing a sports mouth guard! The TheraSnore has an 87%-93% effective rate for treating snoring and mild to moderate Obstructive Sleep Apnea. The TheraSnore is a painless way to keep your lower jaw from falling back, therefore keeping the airway open. With the airway open you get more air, thus elimi nating or greatly reducing the snoring noise. For more information on how this device can help you rest easier, please call
The Centre for Exceptional Dentistry to schedule your consultation with Dr. Hamilton at 414.372.7374
If You Love Your rostate Then Take This Test (continued from page 3) patients will be classified as low risk and may not require immediate or aggressive treatment. Yet many of these men will receive immediate aggressive treatment despite the small chance of their cancer becoming deadly. A new website was launched in September (Prostate Cancer Awareness Month) that helps patients and their families navigate the decision-making process, My Prostate Cancer Coach, found at www.MyProstateCancerCoach.org . The site allows anyone interested in learning more about prostate cancer to gain accurate information on the disease and how it can affect men and those in their lives. Tools from the site include Prostate Cancer 101, providing information about treatment options, side effects, understanding the diagnosis and PSA testing, as well as a glossary of terms that can help patients better understand the disease. By answering a few simple questions about your diagnosis, a man receives a personalized guide outlining how aggressive a his disease is likely to be and highlighting key questions to help you have a more productive discussion with the healthcare team.
The My Prostate Cancer Coach web site also provides visitors with resources to better understand their risk for getting prostate cancer, questions to ask their doctor, and other resources relating to prostate cancer. To learn more about other prostate conditions, visit the Prostate Health Guide at www.prostatehealthguide.com. One in six men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer. The chances of surviving prostate cancer increase if you detect the cancer early and make an informed decision about treatment. Don’t be another statistic - be proactive – remember prostate cancer is almost 100% treatable if detected early and treated right. Men's Health Network (MHN) is a national non-profit organization whose mission is to reach men, boys, and their families where they live, work, play, and pray with health prevention messages and tools, screening programs, educational materials, advocacy opportunities, and patient navigation. Learn more about MHN at www.menshealthnetwork.org and follow them on Twitter @MensHlthNetwork and facebook.com/menshealthnetwork
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strength and help!
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B
elief can make the difference for a life in transition. During difficult times when an individual must prioritize their health, a spiritual or religious faith can ease tensions, boost attitude and support overall improved health. Research strongly suggests that individuals with religious and spiritual beliefs cope better during their battle with cancer.
September Is Infant Mortality Awareness Month
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orget-me-not flower and baby blocks.Unfortunately, about 25,000 infants die each year in the United States. The loss of a baby remains a sad reality for many families and takes a serious toll on the health and well-being of families, as well as the nation.
4Affected by maternal
and income, but most importantly—a woman's health.
4Victims of injuries
Good preconception health care means living a safe, healthy lifestyle and managing any current health conditions before getting pregnant. By taking action on health issues before pregnancy, many future problems for the mother and baby can be prevented.
complications of pregnancy. (e.g., suffocation).
These top five leading causes of infant mortality together account for 57% of all infant deaths in the United States in 2010.1
The death of a baby before his or her first birthday is called infant mortality. The infant mortality rate is an estimate of the number of infant deaths for every 1,000 live births. This rate is often used as an indicator to measure the health and well-being of a nation, because factors affecting the health of entire populations can also impact the mortality rate of infants. There are obvious differences in infant mortality by age, race, and ethnicity; for instance, the mortality rate for nonHispanic black infants is more than twice that of non-Hispanic white infants.
4Victims of Sudden Infant Death
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Syndrome (SIDS).
4Quitting tobacco use. 4Not drinking excessive
amounts of alcohol and using “street” drugs. care provider about screening and proper management of chronic diseases.
4Talking with your health
care provider about taking any medications.
4Visiting your health care provider at the
recommended scheduled time periods for your age and discuss if or when you are considering becoming pregnant.
4Using effective contraception correctly
Fortunately, most newborns grow and thrive. However, for every 1,000 babies that are born, six die during their first year.1 Most of these babies die because they are—
preterm birth; birth before 37 weeks gestation).
tive regularly.
4Talking to your health
What are the Causes?
4Born with a serious birth defect. 4Born too small and too early (i.e.,
4Being physically ac-
and consistently if you are sexually active, but wish to delay or avoid pregnancy.
4Preventing injuries and considering the What Can You Do? Become healthy before pregnancy.Pregnancy and childbirth have a huge effect on the health of women and their families. Pregnancy-related health outcomes are influenced by factors such as race, ethnicity, age,
It is important for all women of reproductive age to adopt healthy behaviors such as—
4Taking folic acid. 4Maintaining a healthy diet and weight.
safety of your home and family (e.g., wear seat belt, take CPR, install and test smoke alarms).
A healthy pregnancy begins before conception and continues with appropriate prenatal
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Big, Beautiful & Blessed Supports Teen Girls and Women
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ew Milwaukee Group Provides Assistance to teen girls and women with Weighty Issues of Creating Stronger Self-esteem, Healthy Living and Empowerment Milwaukee, September 9, 2013 – Like many women in America, Milwaukee’s Shemelian Bowman struggled growing up heavier than her peers. She experienced real life pain from her fleshiness, from grade school to high school, making her both the brunt of and the giver of bullying. Today, “AfricanAmerican Women have the highest overweight and obesity rates,” (Office of Women’s Health – U.S. Department of Health and Human Services). But Bowman has learned how to turn her pain into her passion, and Big, Beautiful & Blessed was born. The group will host their Premier event, (free and open to the public) the release of the 2014 Big Beautiful & Blessed 12-Month
Calendar, launched by a fashion show, highlighting local plus-sized women – at the El-Bethel Church of God in Christ, November 3rd, 2013 from 4pm to 7pm, 5401 West Good Hope Road in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Though this organization (BBB) is officially the brainchild of Shemelian Bowman, founder and executive director, Laneice McGee serves as assistant director. “Big, Beautiful & Blessed is committed to cultivating positive self and body image in all women, focusing on the beauty of women with curves, sizes 14 and up,” McGee urged.
CareerCast studied U.S. professions and ranked them based on five criteria: work environment, stress level, physical demands, median salary, and projected job outlook. Of the top 10 “Best Jobs of 2013” named by CareerCast, five were healthcare careers.
Sponsorship opportunities exist. Visit the website, http://www.bigbeautifulblessed.com/upcomingevents.html or email Laneice McGee (calendarbbb@gmail.com) for further information.
Dental hygienists have the No. 1 healthcare job, according to CareerCast, partly because talented hygienists have higherpaying jobs and flexible schedules with relatively low stress.
MCW and Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin Partner on Project
T
CHIMC originated as a partnership between MCW researchers and community partners using a community-based participatory research (CBPR) approach to address immunization rate disparities. In partnership with community members, researchers designed a social media campaign and an education program and identified key factors associated with both barriers and facilitators of immunization compliance. After four years of the project titled “Save Lives – Immunize,” the immunization rates increased by 82% in children 19-35 months of age, which is consistent with the Healthy People 2020 goal (80%) for this age group.
Aspirin Found to Shut Down Breast Cancer The VA study found that, in lab tests, aspirin blocked the proliferation of two different breast cancer lines, including a difficult-to-treat form known as “triple-negative breast cancer.” Aspirin also boosted the effectiveness of tamoxifen, the usual drug therapy for so-called “hormone-receptor positive breast cancer.”
Other healthcare jobs were cited for their high pay and their anticipated market growth. Audiologists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, and optometrists weren’t far behind as best professions on CareerCast’s Top 10. Forbes dug a little deeper with CareerCast’s list and added seven of their own picks for a total of 12 great healthcare jobs. Forbes’ top 12 along with median incomes is as follows: Dental Hygienist – $68,000 Audiologist – $67,000 Occupational Therapist – $72,000 Physical Therapist – $76,000 Optometrist – $95,000 Pharmacist – $112,000 Physician’s Assistant – $86,000 Chiropractor – $67,000 General Practice Physician – $205,000 Registered Nurse – $65,000 Speech Pathologist – $67,000 Psychiatrist – $164,000
ties among children under the age of 4 years of age.
Earnestine Willis, M.D., M.P.H., Kellner Professor in Pediatrics at MCW, Director of the Center for the Advancement of Underserved Children, and Director of Health Equity and Urban Clinical Care Partnership, is the primary investigator of the project, titled “Community Health Improvement for This project will build upon findings Milwaukee’s Children (CHIMC): Earnestine Willis, M.D., M.P.H from the previous research efforts to Take Control – IMMUNIZE!” Dr. disseminate the findings from “Save Willis is a pediatrician at Children’s Lives – Immunize” and facilitate adopHospital of Wisconsin. Childhood immunizations are a tion of this CBPR approach by local non-profit organizakey factor in the prevention and control of preventable tions for families and children younger than four years diseases. According to the World Health Organization, old. A web-based immunization toolkit will be developed vaccinations save the lives of more than three million peoto engage families and other community members, while ple every year. utilizing social media strategies and tactics. However, there are significant immunization rate dispari-
(continued from page 4)
H
ealthcare jobs rank among the best professions in the nation, according to a recent CareerCast report.
Recognize beautiful women, from all over the Metropolitan Milwaukee Area, as they share their faith testimonies in the 2014 Calendar, which can be reserved immediately.
Boosting Immunization Rates in Milwaukee:
he Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) received a three-year, $1.3 million award from the National Institutes of Health’s National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities to improve the rates of childhood immunization in Milwaukee neighborhoods in which there are significant disparities in immunization coverage.
12 Healthcare Professions
because the prognosis is very poor," said co-researcher Sushanta Banerjee, a professor at the University of Kansas Medical Center. Aspirin can have negative side effects, including gastrointestinal bleeding. But the new research suggests the longused headache remedy could become a promising new weapon in treating and preventing breast cancer.
"We are mainly interested in triple negative breast cancer,
City of Milwaukee Offers Plain Talk Program
--By Nick Tate, Newsmax
Milwaukee County Offers Help in ACA Enrollment (continued from page 4) in insurance they may be eligible for under the ACA. Winged Victory, a program funded through BHD, was developed to assist people living with mental illness in applying for disability benefits and other entitlements available to them. The Behavioral Health Division has trained an intake service manager and two administration coordinators to help patients enroll. These staff members will provide individuals every opportunity to understand and enroll in insurance they may be eligible for under the ACA. The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is partnering with IMPACT 2-1-1 to provide people with accurate information about healthcare benefit options, and provide an over-the-phone
high teen birth rates, or come from racial or ethnic minority groups. In addition to education on abstinence and contraceptive use, PREP projects also offer services to prepare young people for adulthood by implementing activities that address healthy relationships, financial literacy and educational attainment.
screening to help make the most appropriate referral to an enrollment assistance provider, or directly to an ACA Marketplace website or call center. The BHD Community Services Branch is requiring all Central Intake Units to have trained Certified Application Counselors on staff to assist with enrollment into ACA exchanges or Medicaid. The Milwaukee County Department on Aging (MCDA) is providing training to senior advocates, staff and community service providers. MCDA is also partnering with SeniorLaw to provide information to people 60-64 years old on enrollment options. Milwaukee County is working with the Community Justice Council to pursue options for people in the criminal justice system to get enrolled.
In addition to partnering with Milwaukee schools, the Prep Talk for Youth Program works closely with and is supported by the WestCare Wisconsin, Inc. - Harambee Community Center. WestCare Wisconsin, Inc. - Harambee Community Center is the home of the Prep Talk summer youth employment program.
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Health Events
Forbes Ranks Top
HealthyStartt (MCJ) September - October, 2013
UPCOMING
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