Issuu

NATIONAL

VOTERS UNITE: HBCU MILLENNIALS ENERGIZED TO VOTE! P4

facebook.com/DefenderNetwork

Houston’s Leading Black Information Source

SEPTEMBER 13, 2018 |FREE

www.defendernetwork.com

twitter.com/DefenderNetwork

Volume 87 | Number 46

NEWSTALK BOTHAM JEAN shooting prompts outrage in Dallas

P3 NATIONAL BARACK OBAMA issues stern warnings to Dems

OBITUARY

ROLAND MARTIN

LAUNCHES NEW SHOW H PAGE 7

Duke Ejiofor

makes hometown team

The Houston rookie and outside linebacker Duke Ejiofor was the sixth-round selection (177th overall) of his hometown Texans. But the former Alief Taylor defensive end is proving he will be a major asset to the team. H PAGE 10

health

ork.com defendernetw

n der Special Editio

Defen

S T R E SESS: & M IN O RI

N MARSHALL By MARILY Defender

SEPTEMBER 13

DER

| 2018 | DEFEN

things to know

is feeling stressed or many of us, in 10 In fact, eight a part of life. tly they frequen Americans say in their daily encounter stress related to family, it’s or lives, whether school, illness finances, work,

of all ages and other factors. affects people While stress especially trouies, it can be American Psychoraces, for minorit report by the that people with bling. A recent tion (APA) found logical Associa racial/ethnic minority populatheir and of stress than low incomes nce greater levels experie parts. tions , white counter can lead to sigmore affluent level of stress l health This greater and physica ies in mental nificant disparit expectancy. ly affect life distributed,” that ultimate is not equally an APA “Good health PhD, chair of th Brondolo, “And stress report. said Elizabe the that wrote health working group 10 social determinants of top is one of the inequities.” things to know: Here are 10

es. includ ed imhealth outcom interve ntions cited n t of Other commu nicatio teem, distrus quality of tions health care ing low self-es provin g the s and their world, includ of others and the percep and life betwee n patientteachin g parent ing skills ons ning place the intenti and ents. is a threate “Stres s is provid ers -child attachm that the world ng,” Brond olo said. positiv e parent sion.” to promo te has little meanicontrib ute to depres educat ion to lcontin uing also known been Gradu ate and be provid ed to psycho have ers of stress ve trainin g should health care provid with negati High levels other associ ated ng, produc and low-in ogists and ing smoki consis tently racial/ ethnic are highly iors, includ costs. workin g with rn Hispanics health behav drug use and physithat they cans and U.S.-bo counteres for adtions to ensure alcoho l abuse, behav iors and their African-Ameri come popula skilled in best practic stress. their white and stress than and Unhea lthy -relate d the onset exposure to report more compe tent inactiv ity. linked to and culture ng in part from y to experience cal diabet es, g minori ty are closely ing es parts, stemmi dressin includ outcom es, ive increas ed and a tendenc many diseas should be and cognit discrimination course of Aware ness ar diseas e policypublic and traumatic events. , cardio vascul the ng violent cancer among more induci life. the stresse later in s report more maker s on lower income more traumatic declin s at the of persist ent People with had implic ations of interv ention care proin both and having A numbe r “Dispa rities severe stress family, health childhood. implic it biases. visible to those levels could indivi dual, events in their exposu re to may not be comm unity comba t the have relaand health vider and to the top 1 percentthe ages or who and stress in helpin g affectincome is in more advant be useful low-in come t with those than those in Men whose s who have stress on commudirect contac 15 years longer , that differially addres effect s of live almost tively limited said. “A well-in formed of racial/ negati ve and potent . For women dual olo popul ations ing the health bottom 1 percent years. ed,” Brond At the indivi as minor ity improv ities. to 10 l dispar ence is almost nity is critica commu nities.” ention s, such some health to poor effecbody interv e and react ethnic and level, mind- ation, showe d some how we perceiv conomic physic al Stress affects socio-e menta l and yoga or medit world. “Low impro ving negative the outside 85 years tivene ss at associated with outside area for over the status has been oneself and the Houston thinking about s elated illnesse ed that stress-r States more It’s estimat cost the United accidents, and injuries per year from lowered r, than $300 billion ce employee turnove and insuran absenteeism, medical, legal tivity and direct

1 2 3 4 5

8 9

defendernetw

ork.com •

Dealing with stress

CHELSI SMITH former Miss Universe dies at 45

P8 TOP EVENTS

Special Edition

When left unchecked, stress can be hazardous to your health. The Defender takes a look at stress and how to cope with it. Learn about minorities and stress. Find out what parents should know about kids and stress. See how women are impacted.

Serving

H PAGE 1B

defendernetwork.com • Serving the Houston area for over 85 years

Jeffery Wallace, Eric Goodie, Juanita Hines and Judson Robinson III at the Greater Houston Black Chamber’s Pinnacle Awards reception.

P12

DEFENDER | SEPTEMBER 13 | 2018 defendernetwork.com

This advertisement paid for by JUUL Labs

WARNING: This product contains nicotine. Nicotine is an addictive chemical.

My least favorite thing about smoking was the smell.

T H E A LT E R N AT I V E F O R A D U LT S M O K E R S Latina, 39 JUUL customer since Dec 2017

ART-2482-juul-9.75x13.indd 1

9/7/18 2:38 PM

defendernetwork.com

SEPTEMBER 13 | 2018 | DEFENDER

VOTERS UNITE

Inspiring millennials to go to polls The new Defender campaign “Voters Unite” is designed to mobilize voters to: 1) register or confirm your registration and 2) get you and others to vote. The last day to register to vote is Tuesday, Oct. 9. You can vote early from Monday, Oct. 22 to Friday, Nov. 2, OR vote on Election Day Tuesday, Nov. 6. As the baby boomer population decreases in size, experts say it is just a matter of time before millennials become the largest and most powerful group driving future elections in the U.S. With only 19 percent of Americans 18-29

voting in the presidential election, there is room for growth. Young people have been credited with being the difference in the 2012 election of Barack Obama for a second term as president. So young people can make a difference. Why vote? By voting for individuals who will address the problem the way you want it handled you’re empowering people who carry your interests to create policies to make changes in areas like curbing school shootings, reducing college debt, paying for health insurance and creating job opportunities.

If you or someone you know is 18 or olde r, pick up a voter registration application at a U.S. Postal office, library, high school, Texas Dept. of Public Safety and Texas Health and Human Services Commiss ion OR complete your voter registration application at: https://webservices.sos .state.tx.us/vrapp/index.asp. OR call 713-274-8683 (VOTE) and Mail signed vote r registration form to: ANN HARRIS BENNETT Tax Assessor-Collector & Voter Registrar P.O. Box 3527 Houston, Texas 77253-3527

D ONE IDENTIFY TWO FRIENDS AN SENIOR TO REGISTER registered to vote and

ers or friends that are not to register Find two close family memb o, help a senior 65 or older Als e. vot to g rin iste reg h application walk them throug istered to vote, download an reg is er vot ior sen the ce to vote (Note: On for a voting ballot by mail.)

CONFIRM/VERIFY YOUR VO TER REGISTRATION

Search at this link by name

or address: https://www.hc

tax.net/Voter/Search

DS’ REGISTRATION CONFIRM FAMILY & FRIEN family members and al and go online and confirm Get together for fun or a me m online to register the e ress. If not, tak add ir the ng usi e vot to red friends are registe . 9. to vote before Tuesday, Oct Look for the Defender’s “Voters Unite” story each week now through the election.

newstalk Dallas police respond to shooting with proactive approach Associated Press

Dallas police swiftly admitted that a white officer who shot a Black man in his own apartment last week had made a mistake. They expressed contrition, turned the case over to independent investigators and reached out to the victim’s family. Officer Amber Guyger, Botham Jean That proactive apviolence in cities from Ferguson, Misproach appeared to tamp down anger in souri, to Chicago and Baltimore. Police the community in the first few days after departments across the country have scruthe killing on Sept. 6. There have been tinized how others have reacted to learn protests but not large-scale unrest since how to manage in such times of crisis. the death of Botham Jean, a native of the University of Texas-Dallas criminolCaribbean island of St. Lucia who went ogist and professor John Worrall said Dalto a Christian university in Arkansas and las police officials have taken steps to keep worked in Dallas for accounting firm their work and data open to the public. PwC. “As big departments go throughout The killing by officer Amber Guyger the country, I’ve been really surprised at — who told officers she believed the how open they’ve been with their data,” victim’s apartment was her own — could Worrall said. have led to an “explosive situation” on The shooting of Jean happened about the streets, said Frederick Haynes, pastor 10 p.m. Within seven hours, police released of a Baptist church in Dallas and vice a statement that the officer erred by enterpresident of the African-American Pastors ing Jean’s apartment. Hall then held a press Coalition. conference where she acknowledged that Haynes praised the actions of Dallas “there are more questions than we have Police Chief U. Renee Hall, who has been answers,” but also said authorities wanted in her job only a year. to arrest Guyger for manslaughter. She said “She has gone out of her way to the officer’s blood was drawn at the scene communicate not only to the family but to be tested for alcohol and drugs, and also to community leaders,” he said, “and that the Texas Rangers would conduct an as a consequence that has helped keep independent investigation. She added that calm.” she had spoken to Jean’s sister to express Killings of Black men in recent years condolences to the family. have prompted protests and sometimes

localbriefs STATE REP. RON REYNOLDS TURNED himself in to authorities in Montgomery County to begin serving a year-long jail sentence. Reynolds, a Democrat from Missouri City, was convicted in 2015 on misdemeanor charges for illegally soliciting clients for his personal injury practice and sentenced to a year in jail. He was out on an appellate bond for years while his case wound through the appeals process. Reynolds has not resigned his seat and state law does not force resignations for misdemeanor convictions. Reynolds has won several elections since his conviction, including his primary in March. He faces no opposition in the November election…….THE UNIVERSITY OF

HOUSTON eclipsed its previous enrollment record, with a headcount of 46,355 students for fall 2018, an increase of 2 percent over last fall. Preliminary enrollment figures were tallied following the 12th day of classes, which was Sept. 5. Enrollment figures must undergo a certification process and will not be official until November. It’s the fifth consecutive year the student population has grown at UH. It also marks the first time in recent history the freshman class has outnumbered incoming transfer students………A CANDIDATES FORUM to promote awareness and involvement in the upcoming general election is Saturday, Sept. 15, from 10:30 a.m.-12:30

p.m. at Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church, 3826 Wheeler Ave. It is sponsored by the Houston Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and the Houston Area Urban League Young Professionals………FORT BEND ISD’s SMALL BUSINESS Enterprise Program hosts its first meeting of the 2018-19 school year on Wednesday, Sept. 26, from 2-4 p.m. at the FBISD Triplex, 550 Julie Rivers in Sugar Land. Contractors, subcontractors and other small businesses are invited to attend to learn more about construction and nonconstruction business opportunities. Visit www. fortbendisd.com/sbep.

defendernetwork.com • Serving the Houston area for over 85 years

DEFENDER | SEPTEMBER 13 | 2018

national

Voters Unite:

HBCU students energized to vote NNPA News Service

During the contentious 2016 presidential race between Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton, voter turnout proved to be at an all-time low among students who attended Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). In a report released by Tufts University, 2016 voter turnout plummeted by more than 10 points at HBCUs – from 50.5 HBCU protesters make their voices heard after voter turnout plummeted in 2016. percent to 39.9 percent. matters,” said Amos Jackson III, president of the Two years after the Howard Student Government Association. “That’s why election of President Trump, Kamau Marshall, deputy it’s was so important for us to heavily promote voter national press secretary of the Democratic Congressioregistration. During our August Freshmen move-in day, nal Campaign Committee, said that HBCU students are we were able to register hundreds of new voters.” more active and energized to get their vote out than ever “There are a lot of issues up for debate, including before. higher education costs, gun reform Energizing this voting bloc Read more about millennial efforts and scholarship budgets, that diwill make a difference to the www.DefenderNetwork.com rectly affect millennials,” Jackson outcome of several important continued. “So, when people say contests this November. that their vote doesn’t count, that’s “With the fall semester definitely not true. Your vote matters.” kicking off, there is a lot of momentum surrounding this In states like Florida and Georgia, HBCU participavery political climate,” Marshall said. “With November tion is at an all-time high, as students and other citizens elections right around the corner, HBCU students are eagerly await the hopeful election of productive new playing an active and important role when it comes to governors. voting and voter registration.” In Florida, Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum, a For example, Howard University, located in the Democrat, hopes to become the state’s first Black goverheart of the nation’s capital, registered over 1,200 new nor in his campaign against Republican U.S. Rep. Rob voters during the month of August. DeSantis. “The more you get involved, the more your voice

defendernetwork.com

U.S.briefs THE MAYOR OF A LOUISIANA TOWN banned Nike products from city recreation facilities, days after the sports apparel company hired former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick for its new advertising campaign. Kenner Mayor E. Ben Zahn III’s order also demands that purchases made by sports booster clubs for “apparel, shoes, athletic equipment and/or any athletic product” for use at city recreation facilities be approved by the city. The mayor issued the memo in the wake of Nike’s announcement that Kaepernick would be the face of its 30th anniversary “Just do it” advertising campaign. Kaepernick sparked a wave of protests by NFL players in 2016 when he began kneeling during the national anthem to protest police brutality and racial inequality……..OMAROSA MANIGAULT NEWMAN IS SPILLING MORE tea about her time as a White House aide and this time she revealed to MSNBC that staffers used #TFA in text messages, a reference to the 25th Amendment, when Donald Trump did something “insane” or “so crazy.” Newman said she used the hashtag in messages with family, “staffers” and people working in federal agencies, but did not say specifically who else in the administration used it. The White House disputed the claim……..ATLANTA MAYOR KEISHA LANCE BOTTOMS said her administration would no longer work with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). “We will no longer be complicit with a policy that intentionally inflicts misery on a vulnerable population without giving any thought to the fallout,” Bottoms said. “As the birthplace of the Civil Rights Movement, we are called to be better than this.” Bottoms has been a vocal opponent of the Trump administration’s “zero-tolerance” immigration policy, which split up many immigrant families. She signed an executive order to end the multi-million contract between ICE and the city jail. In June, she announced that the city would no longer accept ICE detainees.

Obama tells voters to step up in midterms at Urbana-Champaign – touched on themes of retirement security, climate change and education. Former President Barack Obama “If we don’t step up, things can said the November midterm elections get worse,” he told the audience at will give Americans “a chance to the Anaheim Convention Center. “In restore some sanity in our politics,” two months, we have the chance to taking another swipe at his successor restore some sanity to our politics. as he raises his profile campaigning We have the chance to flip the House for fellow Democrats to regain conof Representatives and make sure trol of the House. there are real checks and balances in Obama didn’t mention President Washington.” Donald Trump by name during a Obama gave shout-outs to seven 20-minute speech in the key Southern Former President Obama Democratic candidates in competitive California battleground of Orange House districts across California that County but the allusions were clear. are considered crucial to the party’s efforts to oust His appearance – one day after a strongly Republicans from control. worded critique of Trump at University of Illinois Associated Press

VOLUME 87 • NUMBER 46 SEPTEMBER 13, 2018 Publisher Sonceria Messiah-Jiles Ad/Client Relations Selma Dodson Tyler Strategic Alliance Manager

Clyde Jiles Art Director Tony Fernandez-Davila Videographer

Jodie B. Jiles

Editors ReShonda Billingsley Marilyn Marshall Contributing Writer Aswad Walker Sports Editor Max Edison Engagement Manager Margo Williams Hubbard

The Defender newspaper is published by the Houston Defender Inc. Company (713-663-6996.. The Defender is audited by Certified Audited Circulation. (CAC). For subscription, send $60-1 year to: Defender, P.O. Box 8005, Houston TX 77288. Payment must accompany subscription request. All material covered by 2012 copyright. (No material herein may be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher).

defendernetwork.com • Serving the Houston area for over 85 years

defendernetwork.com

SEPTEMBER 13 | 2018 | DEFENDER

DEFENDER | SEPTEMBER 13 | 2018

defendernetwork.com

Eulogy reminder of Black church, women work behind the scenes. Some are trustees, evangelists or deacons. But many are denied true leadership A Black pastor’s controversial roles and in some cases are asked eulogy at Aretha Franklin’s recent to deliver sermons from the church funeral laid bare before the world floor, rather than the pulpit. what some Black women say they Some male ministers “actually have experienced for generations: deeply believe that men are supsexism and inequality in their posed to be in charge,” said the Rev. houses of worship every Sunday. Cheryl Townsend Gilkes of Union In eulogizing the beloved artist Baptist Church in Cambridge, Mass. known as the Queen of Soul, the Williams, pastor of Salem Bible Rev. Jasper Williams Jr. declared Church in Atlanta, had also eulogized that as “proud, beautiful and fine as Franklin’s father, Rev. C.L. Frankour Black women are, one thing a lin, in 1984. He prefaced part of his Black woman cannot do – a Black eulogy for Aretha Franklin on Aug. woman cannot raise a Black boy to 31 by saying “70 percent” of Black be a man.” households are led by Black women. The backlash was immediate, Williams apologized later, but given Franklin’s role as a mother defended his choice of topics and said and a pillar for women’s rights. his words were taken out of context. Franklin’s grieving family But even during Franklin’s said Williams’ eulogy, which also funeral, the absence of Black women included references to stopping in the pulpit was evident. The front Black-on-Black crime, was offenrow was occupied by Jesse Jackson, sive because it did not focus on her. Rev. Jasper Williams was criticized for his remarks about Black women during Aretha Franklin’s funeral. Al Sharpton and primarily other Black Social media lit up with criticisms of Rev. Barbara Reynolds, an elder at Greater Mount male ministers. No Black female his remarks as sexist and misogynist. Calvary Holy Church in Washington, D.C. pastors were featured on an early speakers’ list for the For many Black women, Williams’ eulogy re“It’s like we are still not equal. Women fight in ev- funeral. opened wounds and sternly reminded them that Black ery cause for everybody else, but we are not celebrated Shirley Caesar, a gospel music legend and senior churches remain male-dominated institutions, where or even tolerated in sacred spaces,” Reynolds said. pastor of Mount Calvary Word of Faith Church in Raold-school resistance to women holding leadership Women not only fill the pews in many Black leigh, N.C., sang during the service, but also seized the roles is still alive. churches, they also serve as nurses and ushers and moment to squeeze in a little preaching. “Women are hurting about this issue,” said the Associated Press

Fort Bend ISD invites parents, guardians and students to attend one of the 12 community meetings to learn more about the Fort Bend ISD November 6, 2018 Bond Referendum. Tuesday, October 9 is the last day to register to vote in the November 6 election. For more information about registering to vote, check with Fort Bend County Elections at http://www.fortbendcountytx.gov/, under Services/Elections.

DATES & LOCATIONS

The $992.6 million November 6, 2018 bond referendum includes: $403.4 million

New construction, rebuilds and additions

$396.5 million

Life-cycle deficiencies and facility adequacy, including auditorium updates, orchestra hall additions, and turf and track updates at many schools

$14.9 million

Safety and security upgrades and investments

$10.6 million

Transportation

$142.6 million

Technology

$19.7 million

Future land purchases

*$5 million for program contingency.

Tuesday, September 18 6 to 8 p.m. Hightower High School Auditorium 3333 Hurricane Lane Missouri City 77459

Wednesday, September 19 6 to 8 p.m. Kempner High School Auditorium 14777 Voss Rd., Sugar Land 77498

Wednesday, September 26 6 to 8 p.m. Ridge Point High School Auditorium 500 Waters Lake Blvd. Missouri City 77459

Tuesday, September 18 6 to 8 p.m. Austin High School Auditorium 3434 Pheasant Creek Drive Sugar Land 77498

Wednesday, September 19 Fort Settlement Middle School Commons 6 to 8 p.m. 5440 Elkins Rd. Sugar Land 77479

Wednesday, September 26 6 to 8 p.m. Clements High School Auditorium 4200 Elkins Drive Sugar Land 77479

Thursday, October 4 6 to 8 p.m. Hodges Bend Middle School Commons 16510 Bissonnet Houston 77083 Tuesday, October 9 Last day to register to vote Wednesday, October 10 6 to 8 p.m. Dulles High School Cafeteria 550 Dulles Ave. Sugar Land 77478

Wednesday, October 10 6 to 8 p.m. Travis High School Auditorium 11111 Harlem Rd. Richmond 77406 Tuesday, October 16 6 to 8 p.m. James Bowie Middle School Commons 700 Plantation Drive Richmond 77406

Early Voting: October 22 – November 2 | Election Day: November 6 For more information about the 2018 Bond, go to www.fortbendisd.com/bond. #Bond2018

#InspireEquipImagine

Tuesday, October 16 6 to 8 p.m. Willowridge High School Auditorium 16301 Chimney Rock Houston 77053 Wednesday, October 17 6 to 8 p.m. Elkins High School Auditorium 7007 Knights Court Missouri City 77459

health

defendernetwork.com

SEPTEMBER 13 | 2018 | DEFENDER

Defender Special Edition

STRESS & MINORITIES:

By MARILYN MARSHALL Defender

things to know

or many of us, feeling stressed is a part of life. In fact, eight in 10 Americans say they frequently encounter stress in their daily lives, whether it’s related to family, finances, work, school, illness or

other factors. While stress affects people of all ages and races, for minorities, it can be especially troubling. A recent report by the American Psychological Association (APA) found that people with low incomes and racial/ethnic minority populations experience greater levels of stress than their more affluent, white counterparts. This greater level of stress can lead to significant disparities in mental and physical health that ultimately affect life expectancy. “Good health is not equally distributed,” said Elizabeth Brondolo, PhD, chair of an APA working group that wrote the report. “And stress is one of the top 10 social determinants of health inequities.” Here are 10 things to know:

1 2 3 4 5

It’s estimated that stress-related illnesses and injuries cost the United States more than $300 billion per year from accidents, absenteeism, employee turnover, lowered productivity and direct medical, legal and insurance costs. African-Americans and U.S.-born Hispanics report more stress than their white counterparts, stemming in part from exposure to discrimination and a tendency to experience more violent traumatic events. People with lower incomes report more severe stress and having had more traumatic events in their childhood. Men whose income is in the top 1 percent live almost 15 years longer than those in the bottom 1 percent. For women, that difference is almost 10 years. Stress affects how we perceive and react to the outside world. “Low socio-economic status has been associated with negative thinking about oneself and the outside

8 9

world, including low self-esteem, distrust of the intentions of others and the perceptions that the world is a threatening place and life has little meaning,” Brondolo said. “Stress is also known to contribute to depression.” High levels of stress have been consistently associated with negative health behaviors, including smoking, alcohol abuse, drug use and physical inactivity. Unhealthy behaviors and their outcomes are closely linked to the onset and course of many diseases, including diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular disease and cognitive decline later in life. A number of interventions at the individual, family, health care provider and community levels could be useful in helping to combat the negative effects of stress on low-income and minority populations and potentially address some health disparities. At the individual level, mind-body interventions, such as yoga or meditation, showed some effectiveness at improving mental and physical

health outcomes. Other interventions cited included improving the quality of communication between patients and their health care providers and teaching parenting skills to promote positive parent-child attachments. Graduate and continuing education training should be provided to psychologists and other health care providers working with racial/ethnic and low-income populations to ensure that they are highly competent and skilled in best practices for addressing minority and culture-related stress. Awareness should be increased among the public and policymakers on the stress-inducing implications of persistent exposure to implicit biases. “Disparities in both stress and health may not be visible to those who have more advantages or who have relatively limited direct contact with those affected,” Brondolo said. “A well-informed community is critical to improving the health of racial/ ethnic and poor communities.”

defendernetwork.com • Serving the Houston area for over 85 years

DEFENDER | SEPTEMBER 13 | 2018

health

Parents should be aware of stress in kids Defender Exclusive

Adults aren’t the only ones who have problems with stress. It can affect children too, and different youngsters handle stress in different ways. In a Q&A with the Defender, Dr. Stephanie Marton, medical director of pediatrics at Texas Children’s Health Plan The Center for Children and Women, discussed children and stress. Defender: How do you define stress in children? Marton: Stress occurs in children when their emotions cause them to have certain feelings like being worried, scared, frustrated or overwhelmed. These emotions in turn can affect a child’s mood as well as other aspects of their health. Defender: What are the most common causes of stress in children? Marton: Stress in children commonly comes from situations both at school and at home. At school, stress can be from routine schoolwork, completing homework assignments or studying for an exam. Stress can also come from people at school in the form of peer pressure or developing friendships. Children also may experience stress at

home. This may be from changes within the family such as death of a parent or sibling, a change in the home such as moving or a divorce, or a natural disaster in the environment. Defender: What are the symptoms? Marton: Stress can affect children in different ways. There might be changes in blood pressure or heart rate, or headaches and stomach aches. Chronic stress may make a child more prone to illnesses and to have poor sleep. Children might have a change in appetite or a change in their overall mood. Stress can also lead to poor school performance, which then may in turn worsen the stress for that child. Defender: What steps can parents take to combat childhood stress? Marton: Monitor children for signs of stress and talk to them about their feelings. Help children avoid stress if you are aware of what their triggers are. Encourage exercise and even relaxation such as mindfulness meditation or simple deep breathing techniques. Encourage healthy lifestyle habits such as healthy meals and sufficient sleep. Finally, parents need to take care of themselves in order to provide the best care possible for their children.

defendernetwork.com

Many teens feel overwhelmed American teens shed light on their experiences with stress in survey a released by the American Psychological Association. It found that:

1 2 3 4

Teens reported that their stress level during the school year far exceeds what they believe to be healthy.

Even during the summer, when interviewing took place, teens reported their stress at levels higher than what they believe is healthy. Many teens reported feeling overwhelmed (31 percent) and depressed or sad (30 percent) as a result of stress. More than one-third of teens (36 percent) reported fatigue. The most common sources of stress were school (83 percent), getting into a good college or deciding what to do after high school (69 percent) and family financial concerns (65 percent).

Nearly half of teens (42 percent) said they were not doing enough or not sure if they were doing enough to manage stress and 13 percent said they never set aside time to manage stress.

Message from the Publisher

Sonceria Messiah-Jiles

We all get stressed out at one time or another for all sorts of reasons – sitting in bumper-to-bumper traffic, struggling to pay a bill or arguing with a spouse. Regardless of the reason, stress can be hazardous to your health, which is why we are addressing the issue in this Defender special health edition. We begin with a look at how stress can be especially troubling for low-income and minority populations, leading to a disturbing disparity in mental and physical health. We also learn how children can be affected by stress and what parents can do to help. Women are often more stressed out than men

when it comes to coping with life’s ups and downs and we explore how they are impacted. If you’re having a hard time getting a handle on things at work, check out our article on stress on the job. Finally, we look at some of the top causes of stress and ways to deal with it. In addition, we would like to thank our partners – Kelsey-Seybold Clinic, MD Anderson Cancer Center and Texas Children’s Hospital – for their valuable advice on health matters. Stress may be unavoidable at times but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Learning the triggers and solutions can lead to a happier, healthier life.

defendernetwork.com • Serving the Houston area for over 85 years

defendernetwork.com

health

SEPTEMBER 13 | 2018 | DEFENDER

Women more likely to

experience stress Office on Women’s Health

Women traditionally report higher levels of stress than men. Women are also more likely to have mental health conditions that are made worse by stress, such as depression or anxiety. Experts do not fully know the reason for the differences, but it may be related to how men’s and women’s bodies process stress hormones. Here are facts about women and stress from the Office on Women’s Health of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services: • Women in poverty who care for children or other family members as well as themselves may experience more severe stress. • All women are at risk for discrimination, either based on their gender, race, ethnicity or sexual orientation. Stressful events such as discrimination can put women at higher risk for depression or anxiety. • Experiencing trauma may put you at higher risk of depression and other disorders. Women are more likely than men to experience certain types of violence, such as sexual violence, that are more likely to cause mental health conditions, such as post-traumatic stress

disorder (PTSD). • Long-term tension can lead to headache, migraine and general body aches and pains. Tension-type headaches are common in women. • High stress levels can raise your blood pressure and heart rate. Women with a history of heart problems may be at risk of the negative effects of stress on the heart. • Short-term stress can cause stomach issues such

as diarrhea or vomiting. Long-term stress can lead to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a condition that is twice as common in women as in men. • The link between stress and weight gain is stronger for women than for men. Stress increases the amount of a hormone in your body called cortisol, which can lead to overeating and cause your body to store fat. • Women with higher levels of stress are more likely to have problems becoming pregnant than women with lower levels of stress. Also, not being able to get pregnant when you want to can be a source of stress. • Women who experience chronic or long-term stress may have more severe premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms or irregular periods. Some studies link past abuse or trauma to more severe PMS. • Women with long-term stress may take longer to get aroused and may have less sex drive than women with lower levels of stress. • Women caregivers report more stress than men caregivers. Women also have a higher risk for health problems from caregiver stress, including those who care for a loved one who needs constant medical care and supervision. Women caregivers also may be less likely to get regular screenings, and they may not get enough sleep or regular physical activity.

Stressful events can increase odds of obesity Defender News Services

Women who experienced one or more traumatic lifetime events or several negative events in recent years had higher odds of being obese than women who didn’t report such stress, according to research reported by the American Heart Association (AHA). According to the AHA, nearly 70 percent of American adults are either overweight or obese. Women tend to live longer than men, putting especially obese, aging women at greater risk for disease, said study authors. Researchers studied the relationship between major life events and obesity in a group of 21,904

middle-aged and older women, focusing on women with the highest obesity prevalence. They measured the impacts of two types of stress: traumatic events, which could occur anytime in a woman’s life and includes such things as death of a child or being a victim of a serious physical attack, as well as negative life events that had occurred in the previous five years of a woman’s life. Negative events included wanting employment but being unemployed for longer than three months or being burglarized. Researchers found: • Women who reported greater than one traumatic life event versus no traumatic life events had 11 percent increased odds of obesity.

• The higher the number of negative life events reported by women in the last five years, the higher the tendency for increased odds of obesity. Specifically, women who reported four or more negative life events had a 36 percent higher risk of obesity, compared to women who reported no such events. “Our findings suggest that psychological stress in the form of negative and traumatic life events might represent an important risk factor for weight changes and, therefore, we should consider including assessment and treatment of psychosocial stress in approaches to weight management,” said study senior author Dr. Michelle Albert.

defendernetwork.com • Serving the Houston area for over 85 years

DEFENDER | SEPTEMBER 13 | 2018

defendernetwork.com

health

Taking control of your

stress

By MD ANDERSON CANCER CENTER

tress can feel like an unavoidable part of life, especially if you or a loved one is undergoing cancer treatment. Thankfully, there are ways to manage stress. Experts at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center are here to help you better understand and treat the problem.

kept awake by all-consuming thoughts and worries. “Research shows that healthy diet, sleep, and exercise habits can buffer the negative effects of stress. But chronic stress can sabotage these healthy lifestyle habits,” Cohen said.

A change in perspective can prevent stress Cohen said that even unavoidable stress can be managed. We all have the ability to cope with the

Stress is harmful to your health

According to Lorenzo Cohen, Ph.D., professor and director of the Integrative Medicine Program at MD Anderson, stress has physiological effects. For example, your heart rate and blood pressure increase, and your breathing becomes faster and shallower. Such responses evolved long ago to help our ancestors deal with threats from wild animals and dangerous weather, Cohen said. In other words, stress is natural. But certain factors within your life can cause you to stress excessively – perhaps beyond your coping abilities. Anil Sood, M.D., professor of Gynecologic Oncology and Reproductive Medicine at MD Anderson, explained what these effects mean for your overall health. “If chronic stress isn’t managed, it can literally speed up the aging process and increase the risk for heart disease, sleeping difficulties, digestive problems, and even depression,” said Sood, who conducts research on the effects of stress on cancer growth and metastasis. “The health-damaging effects of chronic stress are well-documented in the medical literature,” he said. “Research indicates that it affects almost every biologic system.” Chronic stress can cause people to abandon healthy eating and exercise habits that help prevent cancer and other diseases. These people may find themselves self-medicating with comfort food, bingewatching TV shows, or unable to sleep because they’re

Cohen suggests mind-body practices, such as meditation, yoga, tai chi, or qigong. Research shows that such practices improve quality of life, reverse the harmful effects of stress, and create fundamental changes in how the brain works. When asked to recommend the best mind-body practice for reducing stress, Cohen said that it all depends on the person. His advice? Do your research and try new things. That might include attending a variety of classes and working with different teachers. It’s all about identifying something that works for you – something you’ll use on a regular basis. “Ideally, you should practice these techniques when you’re not stressed so you can use them more easily when a stressful situation arises,” Cohen said. “Find something that you’ll do for 30 to 60 minutes every day. And then make it a part of your life. The more you do it, the easier it becomes.”

A deep breath can move mountains

Stress tends to make your breathing become rapid and shallow. Cohen advises taking 30- to 60-second breaks throughout the day to focus on your breath; this can help

stressors that enter our lives. “Say you have two people who are dealing with the same thing. One person may see it as a fun challenge. But the other person may experience anxiety and worry,” he said. Approaching tasks and activities with a different mindset can help offset feelings of fear and worry. “You can’t control the traffic, for example,” Cohen said. “But you can control how you handle it. Maybe you can leave earlier. Or you can use the times when you’re stopped at red lights or in heavy traffic to do quick meditations.”

Find your own solution

It’s important to learn stress-reducing techniques that work for you. According to Cohen and Sood, identifying stress-relieving activities and developing coping strategies can help us better manage the inevitable stress we will face.

lower your stress level. “Take long, slow, deep diaphragmatic breaths and extend the exhale over the inhale. Be mindful – concentrate on the sensation of air moving in and out of your body as you breathe, your belly pushing out as you breathe in and dropping as you breathe out. Don’t judge your thoughts. Just focus on your breath,” he said. Challenge yourself to practice this way of breathing so you’re prepared for what may be a stressful situation. Cohen uses a doctor’s appointment as an example: “Get centered in the parking lot before you even walk in the door.”

Making progress

By recognizing what stress is, identifying how it affects our overall well-being, and finding ways to treat or prevent it, we’re setting ourselves up for healthier, more enjoyable lives. To learn more, visit mdanderson.org.

defendernetwork.com • Serving the Houston area for over 85 years

defendernetwork.com

SEPTEMBER 13 | 2018 | DEFENDER

“We are stronger than you, cancer” Dr. Terri Woodard | Cancer Physician At MD Anderson Cancer Center, highly specialized cancer experts from multiple disciplines collaborate to develop personalized care plans based on each patient’s unique needs. This integrated approach, pioneered here, ensures that every patient receives the best treatment plan from the very start. Choose MD Anderson first. Call 1-855-894-0145 or visit MakingCancerHistory.com.

Ranked one of the top cancer centers in the nation for 29 years by U.S. News & World Report.

DEFENDER | SEPTEMBER 13 | 2018

DEALING WITH STRESS Five ways to stop feeling frazzled By MARILYN MARSHALL Defender

tress may be a common occurrence, but the effects can build up over time and have serious consequences Dr. Felicia Jordan, an internal medicine physician with Kelsey-Seybold Clinic, said if stress is not managed and identified, it can affect your health adversely. Here, she offers five tips for dealing with stress.

Identify your stressors. “Sometimes people will start feeling overwhelmed and say they’re stressed but don’t take the time to really pinpoint specifically what’s causing stress,” Jordan said. “Until you really take the time to think about what it is you really can’t begin the process of coping with the stressors.” If you conclude that numerous factors are causing stress, Jordan recommends making a list in the order that they are impacting you and start dealing with them one by one. “A lot of times you feel it’s this huge gorilla, but [it will help] if you list them out – ‘this is bothering me or this is bothering me’ – and systematically start checking things off the list,” she said. “It might be easier even to start at the bottom with something that’s minor and might be easier for you to take care of. Either way, identification is the first step – actually organizing your actions.” She added that sometimes, managing your stressors might involve “limiting your exposure to people who stress you out.”

Learn how to set boundaries. “What I really mean is learn to say no,” Jordan said “A lot of times we play the role of caretaker with spouses, aging parents or kids. We want to be there for all of our girlfriends or anybody in our social group. We want to be involved in our

churches and civic organizations and work full-time. We want to do all of these things to make people happy and be the one people can depend on, but in the end it sort of leads to burn-out or fatigue for us.” Jordan said we have to accept that we can’t be everywhere all the time for everybody. “Sometimes people are used to you saying yes all the time and you may get some push-back when you finally do say no,” she said. “Stand firm and know it will be worth it for you,” she said.

Learn how to manage your time. Jordan said poor time management is often a major cause of stress as well as a self-induced stress. “We have stressors at work and at school and a lot of times it’s directly related to waiting until the last minute – what I call the procrastination cycle,” she said. “We know that we have a presentation due, we know that we have to write a paper, we know that we need to study for a test. We’ve had a week or a month to do them but the night before we’re up until midnight or 1 a.m. in the morning trying to get something done that we knew we needed to do a long time ago. “Manage your time,” she said. “Once you stay up all night the next day you’re frazzled and you’re tired and it becomes a vicious cycle. Part of time management goes back to setting boundaries. Don’t overcommit yourself and clutter your calendar with all of these tasks to do and then you don’t have any time to enjoy life.”

Get regular exercise. Jordan said studies have shown that in addition to aiding cardiovascular health and weight loss and fighting ailments such as diabetes and high blood pressure, regular exercise

has other benefits. “It can actually decrease o your sleep patterns,” she said. reduce muscle aches, decrease “When you exercise the br good’ hormones, neurotransmi a natural high – some people r you don’t have to be a long-di she said. “It can happen after a long class. The body feeds on these we [emphasize] exercise. Peop but getting started is the hard p routine and it becomes consiste

Find time to do so Jordan said many ti trated because they feel

to do. “It may be that they’re goi dancy of it,” she said. “Sometim get decreased enjoyment from find something you want to do or your spouse that’s fine, but i happy. “It can happen after a lon Zumba class. The body feeds o that’s why we [emphasize] exe to exercise’ but getting started get into a routine and it becom pays off.”

defendernetwork.com • Servin

Sympt o

omething you love. imes, people get stressed out and frusl like their day is riddled with things

ing day to day, dealing with the redunmes these tasks start feeling like you day to day. It’s important that you for yourself. If it involves your kids it must be something that makes you

ng walk, or swimming or after a on these feel-good hormones and ercise. People may say, ‘I’m too tired d is the hard part. Once you actually mes consistent you will see that it

stress

Some c ommon re 1. Disbe lief & sh actions to a str e ss f u l e o ck 2. Tensio vent inc n & irrit lude: ability 3. Fear &a 4. Diffic nxiety about t he futur ulty ma kin e 5. Loss of intere g decisions st in no 6. Loss rmal ac of tivities 7. Night appetite ma 8. Ange res & recurring r thought s about 9. Incre ased us the eve nt e of alco 10. Sadn hol & dr e ss & o t ugs her sym 11. Feeli ptoms o ng f depres 12. Cryin powerless sion g 13. Slee p proble ms 14. Head aches, b a 15. Trou ble con ck pains & stom centratin ach pro Source: g blems Centers for Dise ase Con trol

overall levels of tension and improve “It can elevate your mood, it can e fatigue and improve concentration. rain releases what we call the ‘feelitters called endorphins that give you refer to it as the “runner’s high” but istance runner for this to happen,”

g walk, or swimming or after a Zumba feel-good hormones and that’s why ple may say, ‘I’m too tired to exercise’ part but once you actually get into a ent you will see that it pays off.”

ms of

defender network.com

sf u l s e r t s 0 Top 1 ts and Rahe Stress Scanled, n e v e e f es li Holmes a the Holm g to Thomas l life Accordin chiatrists y s p y 10 stressfu s: b p d e to p e lo e th v de are lnes he, these ibute to il a tr R n o rd c a n h a Ric at c r adults th events fo e s u f a spo 1. Death o e 2. Divorc on e separati 3. Marriag t nmen member 4. Impriso se family lo c a f o 5. Death r illness 6. Injury o e 7. Marriag s s 8. Job lo iation e reconcil g ia 9. Marr ment 10. Retire

ng the Houston area for over 85 years

DEFENDER | SEPTEMBER 13 | 2018

defendernetwork.com

health

Safe firearm storage in the home

By DR. BINDI J. NAIK-MATHURIA Texas Children’s Hospital

4-year-old found a gun at home and accidentally shot himself in the head, resulting in death. A 2-yearold girl was shot in her pelvis by her 4-year-old brother after finding a loaded gun in the backseat of a car. These are just two examples of the devastating causes of child trauma we see at Texas Children’s Hospital that are a direct consequence of poor firearm safety. Firearm injuries are a major public health concern. Aside from the recent increase in mass shootings and homicides caused by firearm violence, the less-publicized danger to children is often accidental injury. Children are a vulnerable population due to their curiosity and impulsivity, and ease of access to household firearms greatly increases their risk of injury. Among homes with children and firearms, over 40 percent have at least one unlocked firearm. It’s no surprise that children with access to a gun accidentally shoot themselves or other children. An accessible

gun in the home increases the likelihood of children following through with a suicide, since these attempts are usually impulsive actions. Finally, with the recent increase in school shootings, the concern of troubled children bringing guns from home to school has heightened.

w At Texas Children’s Hospital, more than half of the gunrelated injures we see in children are accidental. w In Texas, it is illegal to store a gun where children can have access to it. For all of the reasons above, there should be a focus on safe gun storage in households with children to prevent any injuries or tragedies.

What can I do?

Did you know?

w Accidental firearm injures were four times more common in Texas than in any other state in 2014. w Houston has the highest rate of firearm injures in Texas. w Studies show children know about firearms “hidden” by parents.

w The American Academy of Pediatrics advises the complete removal of guns from homes with children, if feasible. w If you use guns for defense, place them in a rapid-code access or finger-print based safe. w If you use guns for recreation, apply a trigger lock, place them into a combination-based safe and store your ammunition separately. w Guns should be locked at all times and stored unloaded, whenever possible. “Hiding” your firearm is not good enough. Take all the precautions possible in order to prevent firearm injuries in children. Be a responsible firearm owner and keep them away and out of sight from children. Dr. Naik-Mathuria is attending surgeon and trauma medical director at Texas Children’s Hospital

defendernetwork.com

SEPTEMBER 13 | 2018 | DEFENDER

health Encouraging exercise with your family

Newborns and infants: w Start with simple activities such as tummy time eing physically acplay. tive has numerous w Use interactive toys to long-term benefits help infants develop motor for infants, young skills like rolling, crawling and children and adolescents, walking. including healthy weight w Mobile toys can be used management, bone growth to support development of and improved sleep quality. motor skills. In addition, encouraging your w Look for a local children to remain active children’s museum, which is one of the best ways of often have sections dedicated ensuring their optimal health to interactive play for little in the future, alongside ones. improving their developmenYoung children: tal skills and helping them w Introduce them to Dr. Sara B. Rizvi, pediatrician at Texas stay focused and alert in the outdoor play at the park or classroom. pool. Don’t forget to practice Here are some tips to help develop healthy water safety, and bring along sunscreen! physical activity habits in your children. w Consider family vacations to a national or By DR. SARA B. RIZVI Texas Children’s Hospital

state park, or a day trip to the zoo. w Enroll your children in lessons for swimming, soccer, gymnastics, soccer, etc. If your child is reluctant to play team sports, avoid pressuring them. Instead, expose them to a wide variety of activities, and see which they show more interest in. Adolescents and teenagers: w Family walks after dinner help them unplug and get some activity. w Encourage them to pursue involvement in a sport or activity. w If your child enjoys working out, encourage them to find a workout buddy to keep them motivated. Parents: w Make it a family effort, children will often mimic the habits of their parents. w Take a walk with the dog as a family, or go on a family hike. w Remember to always keep safety and fun at the forefront of these efforts. Also, mix it up! Variety is key to keeping the family interested.

Being a parent is hard. Parents, we know you’ve got an awful lot on your plate. That’s why we make it easy to find trusted, high-quality health care for your child, close to home. From routine check-ups to same-day sick visits to expert after-hours care, we’ve got your back, no matter what. • Health care for children ages 0-18 • Prenatal counseling • Newborn and infant care • Immunizations • Hearing and vision screenings • School, sports and camp physicals

texaschildrenspediatrics.org

TCP_020227_18_2018 Defender Half-page Ad.indd 1

Finding pediatric care shouldn’t be.

6/11/18 11:22 AM

10B

DEFENDER | SEPTEMBER 13 | 2018

defendernetwork.com

health

How to cope with

stress on the job A

National Institutes of Health

lmost everyone feels job stress at times, even if you like your job. Some stress is motivating and can help you achieve. But when job stress is constant, it can lead to health problems. Finding ways to relieve your stress can help you stay healthy and feel better.

CAUSES OF JOB STRESS

Although the cause of job stress is different for every person, there are some common sources of stress in the workplace. These include: • Workload. This can include working long hours, having few breaks or juggling a very heavy workload. • Work roles. It can cause stress if you do not have a clear work role, you have too many roles or you have to answer to more than one person. • Job conditions. A job that is physically demanding or dangerous can be stressful. So can working at a job that exposes you to loud noise, pollution, or toxic chemicals. • Management. You may feel stress if management does not allow workers a say in making decisions, lacks organization, or has policies that are not family-friendly. • Issues with others. Problems with your boss or coworkers are a common source of stress. • Fear for your future. You may feel stress if you are worried about layoffs or not advancing in your career.

HOW JOB STRESS AFFECTS HEALTH

Job stress may increase your risk for health problems such as: • Heart problems • Back pain • Depression and burnout • Injuries at work

• Immune system problems

SIGNS TO WATCH FOR

Job stress may be a problem for you if you have any of these signs: • Frequent headaches • Upset stomach • Trouble sleeping • Problems in your personal relationships • Feeling unhappy in your job • Feeling angry often or having a short temper

WHAT YOU CAN DO

• Take a break. If you are feeling stressed or angry at work, take a break. Even a short break can help refresh your mind. Take a short walk or have a healthy snack. If you cannot leave your work area, close your eyes for a few moments and breathe deeply. • Create a job description. Creating a job description or reviewing an outdated one can help you gain a better sense of what is expected of you and give you a better sense of control. • Set reasonable goals. Do not accept more work than you can reasonably perform. Work with your boss and coworkers to set expectations that are realistic. It may help to keep track of what you accomplish every day. Share it with your manager to help set expectations. • Manage technology. Cell phones and email can make it hard to tune out work. Set some limits for yourself, such as turning off your devices during dinner or after a certain time every night. • Take a stand. If your working conditions are dangerous or uncomfortable, work with your boss, management, or employee organizations to resolve the problem. If this does not work, you can report unsafe working conditions to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

• Get organized. Start each day by creating a to-do list. Rate the tasks in order of importance and work your way down the list. • Do things you enjoy. Make time in your week to do things you enjoy, whether it is exercising, doing a hobby, or seeing a movie. • Use your time off. Take regular vacations or time off. Even a long weekend away can help give you some perspective. • Talk with a counselor. Many companies offer employee assistance programs (EAPs) to help with work issues. If your company does not have an EAP, seek out a counselor on your own. Your insurance plan may cover the cost. • Learn other ways to manage stress. They include:

1 2 3 4 5

Recognize the things you can’t change. Accepting that you can’t change certain things allows you to let go and not get upset. Avoid stressful situations. When you can, remove yourself from the source of stress. Change your outlook. Try to develop a more positive attitude toward challenges. You can do this by replacing negative thoughts with more positive ones. Learn new ways to relax. Relaxation techniques help slow your heart rate and lower your blood pressure, from deep breathing and meditation to yoga.

Get enough sleep. Getting a good night’s sleep can help you think more clearly and have more energy. Aim for about seven to nine hours each night.

defendernetwork.com defendernetwork.com

health

A Defender and Kelsey-Seybold Clinic Alliance

JANUARY 12 | 2017 | DEFENDER SEPTEMBER 13 | 2018 | DEFENDER

health

11 11B

Endometrial Endometrial cancer cancerdeadlier deadlierfor forBlack Blackwomen women

most common cancer in women: • Age: Most cases of endometrial conic PBS Newshour anchor cancer are detected in women who are Gwen Ifill died in 2017 at age past menopause. 61 of endometrial cancer. The • Obesity: Having a body mass passing of this trailblazing index (BMI) of 25 or greater is a major journalist and role model risk. for many women and the African• Hormone levels: The amount of American community has shed light on estrogen and progesterone in a woman’s the importance of being vigilant about body can affect her risk. For example, well-woman exams and early detection women who take estrogen by itself Jagjit Khairah, D.O. of gynecologic conditions that are (without progesterone) for hormone treatable when diagnosed early on. replacement during menopause have a higher risk. The most common type of uterine cancer, • Genetics: A family history of uterine, colon or endometrial carcinoma strikes more than 60,000 U.S. ovarian cancer. women every year. It is treatable and even curable in • Take tamoxifen, a drug used to treat certain types many cases when caught early. I say “many cases” of breast cancer. because for unknown reasons Black women are more • Have never been pregnant, had trouble getting likely to die from endometrial cancer, regardless of the pregnant or have had fewer than five periods in a year stage of the cancer at the point of diagnosis. before starting menopause. All women are at risk for uterine cancer, but the There aren’t any reliable ways to test for uterine risk increases with age. Most uterine cancers are found cancer in women who do not have any signs or in women who are going through or who have gone symptoms. The Pap test does not screen for uterine through menopause. Several factors may increase the cancer. The only cancer the Pap test screens for is chance of getting uterine cancer, which is the fourth cervical cancer. This makes it doubly important to

By JAGJIT KHAIRAH, D.O.

recognize uterine cancer warning signs and consult with your doctor about what you can do to reduce your risk. Most women with endometrial cancer have early symptoms, the most common of which is abnormal bleeding. For women who are premenopausal, this includes irregular menstrual bleeding, spotting and bleeding between menstrual periods. For women who are postmenopausal, any bleeding is abnormal. Symptoms of advanced endometrial cancer include abdominal or pelvic pain, bloating, feeling full quickly when eating and changes in bowel or bladder habits. Treatment of endometrial cancer usually includes surgery. The cervix and uterus are removed (a total hysterectomy), plus both ovaries and fallopian tubes. Depending on the stage of cancer, chemotherapy or radiation therapy may also be necessary. There’s no known way to prevent uterine cancer. Ask your doctor about how often you should be checked for uterine cancer, and what you can do to decrease your risk. Dr. Jagjit Khairah is a board-certified OB/GYN specialist at Kelsey-Seybold’s Fort Bend Medical and Diagnostic Center. To make an appointment with him, call 713-442-0000.

Get KelseyConnected KelseyConnected Get

SMSM

Healthcare RevolvesAround Around You. Healthcarethat that Revolves You. KelseyConnected is a smarter approach to your healthcare – because it revolves around you. As a Kelsey-Seybold patient, entire healthcare teamhealthcare can share –your medical history KelseyConnected is ayour smarter approach to your because it revolves througharound one Electronic Record and collaborate onan medical that’s right you. As aMedical Kelsey-Seybold patient, you have entire care healthcare team for thatyou. can share your medical history through one electronic medical record and collaborate on Being KelseyConnected makes your experience with us easy and cost-effective with: medical care that’s right for you. n 20 Locations close to home n MyKelseyOnline. Email your doctor’s Beingand KelseyConnected makes your experience with easy appointments, and convenientrefill with: work. Choose the location office,usmake most convenient for you at prescriptions, view test results and more. n Locations n MyKelseyOnline. close to home Email your doctor’s kelsey-seybold.com/Locations. n Multiple Specialties and Diagnostics and work. Choose the location office, make appointments, refill n most all under one view roof. test results, and more. 24-Hour Nurse Hotline. convenient for you atSpeak prescriptions, with a Kelsey-Seybold nurse, anytime n Kelsey Pharmacy. Available onsite at kelsey-seybold.com/locations. n Appointments today! Book a Family day or night, seven days a week. many locations. n 24-Hour Nurse Hotline. Speak Medicine, Internal Medicine, or with a Kelsey-Seybold nurse after Pediatrics appointment online at 5 p.m. and on holidays and weekends. kelsey-seybold.com/NOW.

24-Hour Appointment Scheduling: 713-442-0000 | kelsey-seybold.com 24-Hour Appointment Scheduling: 713-442-0000 | kelsey-seybold.com

12B

DEFENDER | SEPTEMBER 13 | 2018

defendernetwork.com

SEPTEMBER 13 | 2018 | DEFENDER

entertainment

Roland Martin launches digital show NNPA News Service

Journalist Roland Martin has launched a digital show, “Roland Martin Unfiltered.” The show will feature a live stream broadcast on Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, Periscope and IGTV, Monday through Friday at 5 p.m. Central. It will then replay four times on all of the same platforms, providing several opportunities for views to watch shows and recover ones they may have missed. “I can’t sleep! I’ve been waiting for this day for almost 9 months. Gonna happen in 18 hours!” Martin wrote on his Facebook page the day of the launch. The popular journalist has close to a million “likes” on his Facebook fanpage. He is asking viewers to “support independent fact-based journalism” in the form of the #BringtheFunk fan Club to support the new show. In the wake of President Donald Trump attacking the press and the First Amendment on a continuous basis, some in the profession are taking an offensive position. Memberships for Roland Martin Unfiltered can be seen at: http://rolandsmartin.com/unfiltered/. “I’ve always been an early adopter of the digital space,” Martin said. “When I ran the Chicago Defender, I launched the first Black news audio podcast in 2005, and one year later, I launched the first Black news video podcast. I’ve also launched numerous websites such as BlackAmericaWeb.com with founding editor Tom Joyner. “I’ve always understood not only the power of the digital world but also where we were going in terms of the future and the role the digital world would play…I’ve been waiting for the day where you had broadband capabilities to be able to do exactly what we’re

Roland Martin, a native Houstonian and former Defender managing editor, asks viewers to support his new show.

doing right now. Even when I was on NewsOne, we were doing things on the digital side, and

I even proposed that we should livestream the show.” In an Instagram post in August, Martin outlined the past, future and present. “Over the last eight months, we’ve had numerous discussions about what I would do next with TVOne,” he said. “As that was happening, I was planning my own daily digital show, #RolandMartinUnfiltered, to take advantage of this new media world we are now living in. “I am eternally grateful for all of the folks at TVOne who I have encountered over the last 13 years. To be on the frontlines of watching a Black cable network become one of the fastest growing in history has been eye opening. I’ve learned so much about this business and have truly grown as a journalist.” Martin said TVOne gave him a chance to speak his truth, unimpeded. “TVOne gave me a level of freedom my peers at broadcast and cable networks have never had. I never did take that lightly,” Martin said. His new digital show has a studio in downtown Washington, D.C. and promises to bring some of the same energy and news insight that was seen on “NewsOne Now.” Martin is a veteran journalist who has twice won an NAACP Image Award. He was also a CNN contributor and is a regular guest on MSNBC. In 2013 Martin launched “News One Now” on TVOne. The popular Black news show focused on politics, entertainment and sports news in the Black community. In 2013, TVOne cancelled the show due to “budget cuts.” “One can never say never,” Martin said. “Even though I’m launching this daily digital show and working on other projects, I may end up doing something for TVOne down the line. But as for now, we’ve come to the end of a road. All I have left to say, is thank you,” Martin added in the final words of his Instagram post.

what’sup JOHN LEGEND made history as the singer and actor won an Emmy at the Creative Arts Emmy Awards, along with ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER and TIM RICE, for producing the best variety special winner, “Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert.” The win put all three men in the exclusive EGOT club, which means they have won an Emmy, a Grammy, an Oscar and a Tony – a collection of awards held by only 12 others in the entertainment industry……..BEYONCÉ and CHARLAMAGNE have been named as potential witnesses in the case between TIFFANY HADDISH and her ex-husband,

WILLIAM STEWART. Stewart accuses the actress of damaging his reputation in her book “The Last Black Unicorn,” and he’s sued for over $1 million. He’s also named the publishing company Simon & Shuster in the suit, as well as Haddish’s co-author. It is believed that Beyoncé could tell the court that Haddish embellishes stories for personal gain, and it’s possible they’re referring to the whole Beyoncé-getting-bitten-on-theear tale. Earlier this year, Haddish said that actress SANAA LATHAN bit Bey on the ear during a party, and her story undoubtedly caused a big stir. The plaintiff also feels that Charlamagne can assist because he’s

plugged into entertainment news and can shed light on how much Stewart was affected by the book. Haddish described years of alleged abuse in the book and said one time Stewart choked her……..Despite the pair nearly scrapping inside a New York Fashion Week party, NICKI MINAJ and CARDI B reportedly are not going to press charges against one another. Minaj isn’t going to take legal action against her rap nemesis, and it’s reported that Cardi also won’t be pursuing the case. The viral altercation occurred after Cardi confronted Minaj “to address the lies Nicki was spreading.” But things escalated and security stepped in.

defendernetwork.com • Serving the Houston area for over 85 years

DEFENDER | SEPTEMBER 13 | 2018 defendernetwork.com

New Miss America didn’t wear swimsuit

Former Miss Universe from Texas dies

Associated Press

Defender News Services

The first woman to win the Miss America crown without having to don a swimsuit said she’s glad she didn’t have to. Nia Imani Franklin, who won the title recently in Atlantic City while competing as Miss New York, said the changes in the 98-year-old are a welcome modernization. Meeting reporters soon after winning the crown, Franklin said she’s glad there was no swimsuit competition because it enabled her to eat a little more. Nia Imani Franklin “These changes, I think, will be great for our organization,” she said. A classical vocalist whose pageant platform is “I’ve already seen so many young women reach“advocating for the arts,” Franklin sang an opering out to me personally as Miss New York asking atic selection from the opera “La Boheme.” how they can get involved because I think they She won a $50,000 scholarship along with the feel more empowered that they don’t have to do crown. things such as walk in a swimsuit for a scholarThe decision to drop the swimsuit competition ship. created a controversy and criticism of current Miss “And I’m happy that I didn’t have to do so America leadership. Minutes before the nationally to win this title tonight because I’m more than televised broadcast began, a comedian warming up just that,” Franklin said. “And all these women the crowd mentioned that there would be no swimonstage are more than just that.” suit competition this year, and was met with boos.

Chelsi Smith, the first African-American to win Miss Texas USA and a former Miss Universe, died of cancer on Sept. 8 at age 45. The Deer Park native won the crowns in 1995. She embarked on a successful career in the entertainment business and signed with Music World, Columbia and Sony Records in 1999, according to family members. Smith snagged acting roles in film Chelsi Smith and television throughout her career. “We are heartbroken to share the news that Chelsi Smith has passed away following a protracted illness,” her family said in a statement. “Chelsi was our loving daughter, niece and friend. We will miss her infectious laughter, joie de vivre and free spirit. “She left an indelible mark on all those who knew her. As much as Chelsi cherished her privacy, she always appreciated the expressions of love and good will from people around the world and from all walks of life…” The family is planning a memorial service in Houston.

PAID ADVERTISEMENT

FACING THE PAIN OF SICKLE CELL DISEASE By: Genice Nelson, D.N.P., APRN, ANP-BC

Imagine being taken to the hospital in severe pain, then being dismissed without treatment or care. Now, imagine if you were a physician who was in severe pain, and you were still ignored. How would you feel? Helpless? Angry? Desperate? All of the above? Unfortunately, this isn't a made-up scenario. It's exactly what happened to a physician I know, who happens to live with a debilitating illness that is common, incurable, yet one we know way too little about: sickle cell disease.

MARCUS USED TO STAY LATE AT SCHOOL TO WORK ON HIS HISTORY REPORT. NOW HE DOES HIS RESEARCH FROM HIS BEDROOM.

Sickle cell disease is a lifelong, genetic blood disorder that causes the body to produce abnormally shaped red blood cells. Normal red blood cells move easily through the blood vessels and carry oxygen to all parts of the body. Sickle cells, however, are hard, sticky and tend to clump together. The cells then get stuck and literally block the flow of blood to the organs and limbs, causing pain, anemia and organ damage.

Among black Americans, one in every 400 babies is born with the disease. And the incidence of the sickle cell trait, the carrier status, occurs in one in 12 live births. In the U.S., sickle cell disease affects more than 100,000 people, while globally SCD affects more than 3.5 million people. SCD is also common in Spanish-speaking countries in South America, Central America and parts of the Caribbean. Because of the nature of SCD as a chronic illness, the burden of care can be tremendous on families and communities. The most common reason that people with SCD seek medical care and acute care services is that they frequently suffer from sickle cell crisis pain episodes. In fact, patients with SCD utilize more emergency department services than patients with other more common chronic illnesses such as diabetes, asthma and hypertension.

LEARN MORE. DO MORE. SHARE MORE. Internet EssentialsSM from Comcast brings affordable, high-speed Internet to your home and greater access to what’s important to you. You may qualify if you have at least one child who is eligible for the National School Lunch Program or if you receive HUD housing assistance.

APPLY NOW AT InternetEssentials.com 1-855-8-INTERNET

This sudden, severe, acute pain is also the primary cause of distrust between the medical health system and those living with SCD. It is ingrained in trained medical professionals to seek objective reasons related to patient symptoms and disease processes. Unfortunately, there are no known tests or procedures that can definitively show whether an actual SCD pain crisis is occurring or not. That is why, when people engage the medical system, they are often given erroneous explanations for delays and subpar care such as "your blood counts look good, you can't be having pain" or "we are waiting for your test results before we can give you any treatment" or "we can't give any opioid medications for sickle pain," which only leads to prolonged suffering of the person in pain. My friend's experience was all too common. After being released without treatment the first time she went to the hospital, she returned a few days later. She was fatigued and was struggling to breathe, but she wasn't given any IV fluids, antibiotics or pain medications even though she was in pain with each breath. Fortunately, she had an advocate with her at the hospital who demanded the attention of her physicians — but not before she ended up in the intensive care unit with acute chest syndrome. Acute chest syndrome is one of several serious life-threatening complications of SCD, and it needs rapid treatment to prevent fatal outcomes. My friend was blessed someone advocated on her behalf to save her life. Unfortunately, these episodes occur too frequently with many people succumbing to the complications — not the disease itself. As my friend told me, "I've had two near death experiences, not because of my sickle cell disease but because as a patient I was never acknowledged."

© 2017 Comcast. All rights reserved. Internet Essentials is a program to provide home Internet service for families. It is not a school program, and is not endorsed or required by your school. Your school is not responsible for Internet Essentials accounts.

CIE_Consumer ad_Marcus_4.79x6.5.indd 1

7/7/17 3:23 PM

As providers we must do better. We need to remain empathetic and engaged to serve our patients as humanely as possible, recognizing there is very limited ammunition to fight debilitating pain.

Genice Nelson is the adult nurse practitioner for the UT Southwestern Medical Center Comprehensive Sickle Cell Disease Program and serves on the National Sickle Cell Disease Association of America's Board. She wrote this column for The Dallas Morning News.

defendernetwork.com

SEPTEMBER 13 | 2018 | DEFENDER

All sizes celebrated at Curvy Con gathering Associated Press

To cheers from the crowd, women with bodies not often seen on fashion runways strutted with smiles on their faces wearing pieces from Loft’s new plus line, including five cast from hundreds who attended an alternative New York Fashion Week event, the Curvy Con. Size inclusivity was on the minds of about 1,000 women from around the world who flocked to the three-day celebration at a Midtown venue decked out with a pop-up shop and booths filled with fashion and beauty products. It was the fourth annual Curvy Con, the second to coincide with fashion week. The gathering, with panel discussions, fitness sessions and workshops on style, was co-founded by style influencers Chastity Garner Valentine and CeCe Olisa. “We saw a need for plus size fashion and inclusivity to be aligned with mainstream fashion,” Olisa said after the Loft show. “The lack of plus size fashion options doesn’t make us angry but it is a very clear call to action for the work that we do. We wanted to show that there’s an appetite for plus size fashion. There are women who are ready and willing to shop and buy at all levels, from super cheap all the way FRO-17031-HoustonDefender-RightLoan-9p75x6p5.pdf

Curvy Con attendees celebrate all sizes.

up to designer.” This year’s guest speakers included tennis pro Venus Williams, who has her own activewear line, EleVen by Venus Williams, designer Tracy Reese, who sits on the board of the Council of Fashion Designers of America, and Lizzo, a singer, rapper and body positive advocate. 2:33 PM 3/17/17

“I’m so excited that it’s starting to catch fire,” Reese said of more options these days in larger sizes. “I believe in making everyone feel beautiful.” Her company first started showing larger sizes in 2016. She and other advocates acknowledged there’s a long way to go, however, in terms of equal pricing and equal style above size 16. “The average American woman is larger than the sizes that are carried in department stores by and large. It’s so ridiculous. The missed opportunity is just bad business. There’s a complete disconnect there,” Reese said.

DEFENDER | SEPTEMBER 13 | 2018

sports

defendernetwork.com

Texan Duke Ejiofor makes hometown team By MAX EDISON Defender

The NFL Draft is an inexact science. Sometimes despite their best scouting and evaluation efforts, teams select a player high and for whatever reason the player never develops. Then there is the other side of the coin – a player is drafted low and exceeds expectations. Such is the case with Houston rookie outside linebacker Duke Ejiofor, a Wake Forest ex. The former Alief Taylor defensive end was the sixth-round selection (177th overall) of his hometown Texans. At 6-foot-4, 275-pounds, Ejiofor has 4.53 speed in the 40, a 39-inch vertical leap, 34.9inch arm length, 9.75-inch hands and the ability to rush the quarterback. Most draft experts predicted Duke had the skillset to go higher in the draft. Unfortunately for him, labrum surgery limited his ability to work out for scouts. As a result, his draft stock dropped. That didn’t stop Texan GM Brian Gaine from taking a chance on a local star and Ejiofor is glad he did. “It feels awesome. I never thought I’d be able to play in my hometown,” Ejiofor said. “To be here is an amazing feeling.” Ejiofor had to get healthy to show the Texans exactly what they had in him. Training camp and preseason games would have to be his opportunity to impress the coaching staff. “I missed OTA’s, I missed the spring so to be able to practice again, get practice reps and learn the system, that has allowed me to produce in the games,” he said. Ejiofor has shown an array of polished pass rush moves that are unique for a rookie. His improvement both in practice and in the preseason has not gone unnoticed and head coach Bill O’Brien likes what he sees. “He is a guy who has consistently improved,” O’Brien said. “Greenbriar [training camp] was really good for him. Like any rookie he needs to be more consistent. He had been in the training room. Sometimes, it takes a while to adjust, especially as a rookie. I think if he keeps improving he will be a good player.” Ejiofor’s work has also caught the attention of a Pro Bowl teammate, linebacker Jadeveon Clowney. “I like what I’ve seen so far. He’s going to be good,” Clowney said. “He has a lot to improve

Duke Ejiofor

Houston is home for Ejiofor, who played at Alief Taylor High School.

At Wake Forest University, Ejiofor finished with 23.5 sacks, third best in school history.

on. He needs to stay healthy, but from what he’s shown, I think he has a bright future.” Now that Ejiofor has nailed down a spot on the Texan 53-man roster, he realizes the work has just begun. His immediate goals are simple. “I’m just trying to come out here and get better every day,” he said. “My goal is to come out here and put my best foot forward. My mindset has been to just to work as hard as I can and let my play speak for itself.”

defendernetwork.com • Serving the Houston area for over 85 years

The rookie outside linebacker wants to put his “best foot forward.”

defendernetwork.com

SEPTEMBER 13 | 2018 | DEFENDER

Winner Naomi Osaka is embraced by Serena Williams following their controversial U.S. Open match.

Critics cite double standard after match Defender News Services

The United States Open final between tennis legend Serena Williams and Naomi Osaka, a rising star in her own right, could have been a celebration of talent and determination, regardless of the outcome. Instead, the match will be remembered for what Williams charged were “sexist” code violations against her by the chair umpire, who penalized her for verbal abuse after she called him a “thief.” Osaka went on to win the game in two sets, 6-2, 6-4, but she was also upset and apologized to the crowd and Williams’ fans. Reactions on social media largely focused on the umpire, Carlos Ramos, for penalizing Williams for behavior that critics said would ordinarily result in just a warning for other players. Williams was also fined $17,000 for three code violations. While no one condones yelling at an umpire, luminaries – from Chris Evert to Billie Jean King – have questioned whether the chair umpire, Carlos Ramos, could have dialed down the drama with a warning rather than firing shots at the first offense. The bigger question is whether tennis has a problem with women – and with Black women in particular. The frequency with which the sport seems to castigate the gender it took so long to equally recognize and

remunerate is alarming. Williams, more often than not, bears the brunt of that. In the last month we have seen Williams’s catsuit banned from the French Open – despite having been designed to support the champion’s postnatal medical needs – and Alizé Cornet punished for an on-court shirt change. King, a tennis legend and a pioneer for women in the sport, duly noted the double standard over a woman’s right to express her frustration on court. King congratulated Osaka in a tweet before thanking Williams in a separate one for calling out a double standard between men and women in the sport. Significantly, the attacks on Williams have been personal, her careerlong professionalism and suitability as a role model called into question. “People have not stood up to Serena Williams,” said journalist Caroline Wilson on a sports show, reminding viewers of her abuse of an official at the U.S. Open semi-final almost a decade ago. Wilson tore into Williams’ declaration that she was speaking out to help other women, labeling her a sham. Evert, a former top tennis player, tweeted that Ramos should have warned Williams about the verbal abuse violation before penalizing her. James Blake, a retired tennis star, tweeted that he had said worse things on the court and did not get penalized.

12 DEFENDER | SEPTEMBER 13 | 2018

defendernetwork.com

Happening in Houston For event coverage email: events@defendermediagroup.com

topevents

GHBC PINNACLE AWARDS NOMINEE RECEPTION……..The Partnership Festival’s Houston Debut (Sept. 12-16), the Emancipation Park Conservancy Tower served as the location for the Greater Houston Black Chamber’s Pinnacle played host to a precursor event, the Evolution of Houston’s Black Classical Music Awards Nominee Reception. At the gathering, the Pinnacle and Upstart Award Legacy. Coordinated by founder and artistic director Dr. Lee Pringle, the event finalists and the 2018 GHBC honorees were announced – Willard Jackson and featured performances by world-renowned classical musicians Anyango YarboLisa Johnson (Ebony Magazine), Marcus Davis (TBK Foods), Donovan Casanave Davenport (violin), Ashleigh Gordon (viola), Kevin Phillip Jones (cello), Joy (Shell), Charlotte Kelly Bryant (Blue Triangle) and Gerald Womack (Womack Cline Phinney (piano) and Icy Renee Monroe (soprano). Attendees included Dr. Development). The Pinnacle Award is the most prestigious Elwyn Lee, Michelle Barnes, Lucy Bremond, Nathaniel and award that the GHBC bestows in honor of AfricanMarie Stover, Ruby Ware, Haywood and Billie Talib, Adrianne Defender TOP EVENTS American entrepreneurs who not only have succeeded in Walker, McKenzie Watson, Lillian Smith, Alvin Castle and many More photos on defendernetwork.com business, but have positively impacted the communities more……..CASINO NIGHT FUNDRAISER FOR UNCF…….. and industries they serve. The actual 24th Annual Pinnacle In preparation for the UNCF’s 2018 “A Minds is a…” Gala, H-E-B Awards will be held on Oct. 6 at the Marriott Marquis Houston (1777 Walker St., hosted Casino Night Benefitting UNCF Houston at the Market Square Tower. Along 77010). Reception attendees included Deidre Mathis, Judson Robinson with music and fine foods, there were plenty of casino games available for attendees to III, Jeffery Wallace, Ellis Hubbard, Fred Barksdale, Christopher and try their luck at big wins. Attendees included Shawntell McWilliams, Javania White, Fern Dawkins, Enjoli Williams, Kevin Cooper, Raynese Edwards, Jan Hargrave, Marcus D. Wiley, Jeff Shaw, Dr. Reagan Flowers, Kethia Webber, Carla Lane, Jami Bertrand and many others……..HOUSTON’S BLACK Chef Shay Atkins, Miracle Cooke, Shadow Smith, Chelbi Mims, Jessica St. Rose, Whitney J, Michael Jefferson and scores more. CLASSICAL MUSIC LEGACY……..In honor of the upcoming Colour of Music

Jeffery Wallace, Eric Goodie, Juanita Hines, Judson Robinson III

Ashleigh Gordon, Anyango Yarbo-Davenport, Icy Renee Monroe, Kevin Phillip Jones Monroe, Kevin Phillip Jones

Javania White, Jan Hargrave, Marcus D Wiley

Ellis Hubbard, Fred Barksdale

Lee Pringle, Lucy Bremond

Chef Shay Atkins, Jeff Shaw

Carla Jones, Indria Jenkins, Dr. Tawana Feimster

Haywood Talib, Lillie Starks, Lillie Durden, Billie Talib

Kethia Webber, Julie Fitzpatrick, Gena Knowles, Shawntell McWilliams

defendernetwork.com • Serving the Houston area for over 85 years