HealtH & Wellness HealtH & Wellness
Back to school the healthy way
Offered cancer screenings, school supplies and resources
Asthma hits Blacks hardest
By StatePoint
Four ways you can support young men’s mental health
There is an epidemic of loneliness affecting boys and young men in America. The fascination with recent shows like Netflix’s “Adolescence,” Jonathan Haidt’s “The Anxious Generation,” and the return of the online “Ice Bucket Challenge” spotlight this youth mental health crisis in important ways that have reached millions.
It is no secret how the mental health crisis has impacted boys and young men, making the conversation more important than ever.
Meanwhile, statistics show that large numbers of boys and young men are feeling driftless and alienated; and so-called
AI “aggro-rithms” are filling the void by increasingly driving them toward misogynistic and anti-democratic content online.
Traditional gender roles have resulted in boys and young men often being left out of the mental health conversation and care, despite being at particularly high risk for poor mental health outcomes. They are the least likely to seek mental health support and are four times more likely to die by suicide than women in the United States.
“Supporting boys in addressing mental health challenges begins with ensuring that they have the role models to learn how to build healthy relationships,
See MENTAL, D7
Don’t be afraid to ask simple questions that show concern. If there are specific changes you’ve noticed, mention them.
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A back to school fair that was good for the community’s health
Dillon Foundation offered cancer screenings along with supplies and resources
By Kenya Vaughn St. Louis American
Fifteen years ago, No Limit Haircare owners Buffy and Dwann Dillon launched a school supply giveaway out of their Spanish Lake salon as a way of paying their success forward.
After only three years of presenting their Back to School Bash, Dwann Dillon died of colon cancer at age 39.
Toward the end of Dwann’s battle with his disease, Buffy made him two promises. She assured him that the good work they were doing through the backto-school bash would continue — and that she would never let the world forget her husband’s name.
The event has grown exponentially. It outgrew the salon and moved to the North County Rec Plex.
As the Dwann Dillon Colon Cancer Foundation’s 15th Annual Back to School Bash came to a close on the afternoon of Sunday, Aug. 10, Buffy didn’t appear the least bit exhausted or emotionally taxed after completing an event with so many moving parts.
“The foundation began by me basically telling him I wasn’t going to let the world forget his name,” Buffy said. “And, I mean, if you’re here, what are you doing on Earth if you are not helping somebody?”
Her intention for the fair was beyond offering help. Buffy wanted to provide life-changing — and possibly life-saving — services.
“I didn’t want it to be an event where kids play in a bounce house, get a bag and walk out,” Buffy said. “It was my hope
that at least one of the vendors — either on the inside or the outside — made a difference in their lives.”
In addition to the nearly 500 backpacks they gifted, the event had teeth-cleaning, hearing and vision screenings.
But the services that were closest to Buffy’s heart were the colon and prostate cancer screenings offered by
PECaD (Program for the Elimination of Cancer Disparities) — an initiative of Siteman Cancer Center and Washington University.
“It was another way we wanted to make sure we touched lives,” Buffy said. DaVonte Hughes, a rapper and 22-year-old cancer survivor, was also among the roster of groups and individu-
als who entertained those who attended.
“When I heard his story, I said, ‘I’ve got to get you here to perform,’” Buffy said. “I wanted to show people that this is a young man who battled cancer and overcame.”
In addition to the supplies, screenings and services. Youngsters received fresh haircuts and styles thanks to her partnership with Craig Blac’s Community Cuts for Kids.
Andrea Montgomery has worked closely with Blac since the beloved former St. Louis radio personality started the initiative 25 years ago.
“It’s so often that we don’t have a lot of what we need — when we need it — around back to school time,” Montgomery said. “Craig has been adamant about continuing to come back to St. Louis. He doesn’t even live here anymore. Him being so committed to our city and our region drives me.”
The W founder and owner Wydonna Sumpter has had a presence at the backto-school bash by way of Community Cuts for Kids for the past six years.
“I’m from Pruitt-Igoe, so I know what it feels like to go back to school without new clothes or shoes and without my hair done,” Sumpter said. “To see these kids, smile and go back to school with what everybody else has makes me feel so good. All I am is a ‘big mama.’ We are the village that is helping shape the child — and through events like this, they know they can depend on us.”
If Buffy’s late husband could speak to her, she knows without a doubt what he would say.
“He’d tell me, ‘Buffy, we did it again,’” Buffy said. “I want to keep making him proud and letting him know, ‘We didn’t forget about you Wann.’ A lot of people leave this earth and people forget about them. I promised him, ‘We won’t ever forget you.’”
Buffy feels her husband is beyond worthy of the recognition she continually gives him through the foundation.
“One way or another, we wanted to make sure that we touched lives,” Buffy said.
Photo by Kenya Vaughn / St. Louis American
Joseph of Precise Haircuts shapes up Nikolai Adams, 7, at the Dwann Dillon Colon Cancer Foundation’s 15th Annual Back to School Bash on Sunday, Aug. 10, at North County Rec Plex.
Why pregnant women should receive this very important test
By StatePoint
Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection that can spread to a fetus during pregnancy or a newborn during labor. When this happens, it is known as congenital syphilis and can result in miscarriage, stillbirth, infant death or medical issues for the baby, including deafness, blindness, bone deformities and meningitis.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, congenital syphilis has tripled in recent years, with more than 3,800 cases reported nationwide in 2023 alone. This is the highest number reported in one year since 1994.
“While serious, congenital syphilis
is preventable through timely screenings before and during pregnancy,” says Margaret Ikeda, MD, MS, FAAP, board-certified pediatrician, Yale University School of Medicine, and member of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Section on Infectious Diseases.
To help pregnant women protect their babies, the AAP is sharing some vital information:
Steps to take during pregnancy: Testing and treatment can help protect your baby. The AAP recommends all pregnant women be tested for syphilis during early pregnancy and that high-risk
See PREGNANT, D7
The AAP recommends all pregnant women be tested for syphilis during early pregnancy and that high-risk pregnant women be tested again during the third trimester and at delivery.
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Asthma hits Blacks hardest; Black women at greatest risk
By Wendy Todd St. Louis American
Asthma disproportionately affects Black Americans and other minority groups, with the disparities driven by a complex web of environmental factors, social conditions and systemic racism, including socioeconomic barriers
Black women are three times as likely to die from asthma, making them the demographic with the highest mortality rate from the disease.
Asthma Peak Week, observed Sept. 15-21, highlights the urgent need to address these inequities and raises awareness about managing the chronic disease. It’s always the third week in September, when asthma attacks tend to spike due to a confluence of conditions.
Environmental factors, such as poor housing, higher exposure to pollutants and allergens can contribute to poor asthma outcomes. Predominantly Black neighborhoods that were historically redlined continue to experience the greatest exposure to air pollution from industrial facilities, traffic and other sources. Pollution contributes to airway inflammation and worsens asthma symptoms.
Poverty and lack of access to quality education and healthcare are some social factors that make asthma more difficult to manage. People with low incomes are more likely to experience poor health. A lack of health education and therefore a diminished ability to self-advocate with medical providers also hinders health outcomes.
For example, some medical providers use a technique called racial norming, where race is used as a biological factor to assess health, which can lead to inaccurate readings that prevent additional medical care. Patients should know whether assessments accurately reflect their health.
Socioeconomic challenges, including being uninsured or underinsured, create another barrier to effective asthma care. In 2022, nearly 11% of Black Americans lacked health insurance.
The Allergy and Asthma Foundation of America (AAFA) was founded to sup-
port people with asthma and help them effectively manage the disease. The organization also acknowledges that the Black community is disproportionately affected by asthma and provides resources to help address it.
The organization helps those with asthma access treatment and offers a pri-
vate Facebook support group for Black women, called AAFA’s Black Women’s Asthma Alliance, where members can ask questions, learn more about asthma care and meet others in a supportive space.
Asthma is a grave, chronic condition that can often be dismissed or played down. According to the federal Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2021 not only did nearly 25 million people in the U.S. have the disease, but an estimated 3,517 died from it. And contrary to a widespread cultural belief, people do not “outgrow” the disease. While symptoms may lessen over time for some, it does not simply disappear or become “outgrown.”
In addition to accessing quality healthcare and treatment, it is important to work in tandem with a medical provider to ensure effective management of the disease. The AAFA advises patients to see a specialist to pinpoint triggers and decide the best way to manage them, stressing that self-advocacy is critical to getting the right treatment plan.
Kenny Mendez, president and CEO of AAFA wants patients to feel informed and confident when speaking with medical providers about their care.
“We want to make sure that people are educated and know how to advocate for themselves when they go see their doctor and ask the right questions,” he said. Mendez advises patients to be clear about their health status and ask specific questions. For example, “I don’t feel my asthma is well controlled because I’m having asthma attacks. I’m having to use my rescue inhaler all the time because I can’t breathe. So, what are my other options?”
Along with the care from a medical provider, the responsibility of managing asthma is also personal. For example, being aware of your home environment is important in mitigating asthma triggers. Removing dust, not having rugs and investing in an air purifier are some suggestions to create an asthma-friendly atmosphere.
Nearly 25 million people in the U.S. had asthma in 2021, but with more awareness and effective treatment, more symptoms can be managed, more attacks can be prevented and more lives can be saved.
Wendy Todd is a member of Report for America, which supports local journalists who cover under-reported issues and communities.
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Socioeconomic challenges, including being uninsured or underinsured, create a barrier to effective asthma care. In 2022, nearly 11% of Black Americans lacked health insurance.
The mortgage math every homebuyer should know
Buying a home is one of the most exciting and financially significant steps you can take. Before you fall in love with a front porch or backyard, it’s important to understand the numbers behind the purchase. Let’s break down the math of buying a $250,000 home, so you may make informed decisions with confidence.
Down Payment
Your down payment sets the tone for your mortgage. While some programs allow as little as 3% down, putting down more can reduce your monthly payment and reduce or eliminate mortgage insurance.
• 3% down = $7,500
• 10% down = $25,000
• 20% down = $50,000
Some homebuyers, including first-time buyers, may qualify for assistance programs to help with this upfront cost.
Loan Amount and Interest
Let’s say you put down 10%, leaving you with a $225,000 mortgage. With a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage at 6.5% annual percentage rate (APR) for this example, your monthly principal and interest payment would be around $1,422
Calculating Mortgage Payments – each monthly mortgage payments include several items.
Principal and Interest – goes towards paying the lender and reducing the amount you owe on the mortgage. An amortization table will demonstrate the percentage of your payment over time that goes towards the principal, building equity, and the amount going towards interest. Over time the principal portion of the payment grows while the interest portion decreases.
Taxes and Insurance – monthly mortgage payments In St. Louis include property taxes averaging about 1.25% of the home’s value annually. For a $250,000 home, that’s roughly $260/month. Homeowners insurance may add another $100/month, depending on your coverage. The amount you pay for taxes and insurance will vary over time and the cost may be adjusted annually, based on your escrow balance.
PMI and Other Costs – for homebuyers with a down payment under 20%, expect to
pay mortgage insurance — typically $50 to $150/month. You’ll also need to budget for closing costs (2–5% of the home price), maintenance, and utilities. In addition to monthly mortgage insurance, FHA mortgages incur up-front mortgage insurance, which is included in closing costs and not part of a monthly payment.
Total Monthly Cost
Here’s a sample monthly breakdown for a buyer with 10% down:
• Mortgage: $1,422
• Taxes: $260
• Insurance: $100
• PMI: $100
Estimated monthly cost: $1,882
Stifel Bank & Trust: Your Mortgage Partner
When it comes to financing your home, Stifel Bank & Trust offers personalized mortgage solutions designed to fit your financial goals. Whether you›re a firsttime buyer or looking to refinance, Stifel’s experienced mortgage professionals can guide you through every step of the process. With competitive rates, flexible loan options, and a commitment to customer service, Stifel Bank & Trust partners with homebuyers to make homeownership more accessible and less stressful. Our team understands the local market and is ready to help you navigate the numbers with confidence.
To learn more about the homebuying process, visit https://stifelbank.banzai.org/wellness for educational resources or contact Stefanie Mitchell at mitchellst@stifelbank. com or (314) 317-1235
Get started here: www.StifelMortgage. com or call (314) 317-6900 for additional information.
Stifel Bank & Trust, NLMS #375103
Please contact your Stifel Bank & Trust Lender for loan program details. This information is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to extend consumer credit as defined by section 1026.2 of Regulation “Z.” Interest rate, program terms, and conditions are subject to change without notice.
Stifel Bank & Trust offers mortgage services to clients of Stifel and current and prospective homeowners in the St. Louis Metro Area of Missouri and Illinois.
Mental
Continued from D2
ultimately leading them to take healthier actions, and create safer communities for all,” says Brian O’Connor, vice president at Futures Without Violence, a national nonprofit.
For nearly 40 years, Futures Without Violence has pioneered programs and resources for advocates, policymakers and other professionals to foster safe, healthy communities.
Through its Engaging Men programming, the organization is working to mitigate online dangers for boys and men, addressing the mental health crisis among them by connecting them with trusted mentors, and is supporting them to engage in healthier relationships.
One of their efforts is a program called Team: Changing Minds (T:CM), which launched three years ago after a $5 million grant through Harry’s Open Mind Initiative. Training already-embedded adults in the lives of kids, like sports coaches, teachers, mentors and community leaders, to recognize early signs of mental health challenges, the program leverages existing relationships and trust to connect boys and young men to necessary support.
With the support of founding investor Harry’s, and partners FUTURES, Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, and the National Council for Mental Wellbeing, T:CM has trained over 80,000 adults to-date and is on track to reach over 1 million youth within the next year.
Anyone can be a mental health support
Pregnant
Continued from D4
pregnant women be tested again during the third trimester and at delivery. If you are diagnosed with syphilis, it is important to receive treatment right away. This should be followed by repeat blood tests to make sure the treatment worked. Since you can be infected at any time during pregnancy, your doctor may do the test more than once.
Steps to take after birth: Newborn babies can also be tested and treated for congenital syphilis. As soon as infection is detected, babies should be treated with antibiotics. After the first treatment, babies will have repeated blood tests over several months to
for the boys and men in their life. Here are four simple, everyday actions family members, friends and coaches can take right away:
• Ask questions. Don’t be afraid to ask simple questions that show concern. If there are specific changes you’ve noticed, mention them. This can be as simple as, “You’ve been less talkative lately, is there anything you’d like to talk about?”
• Listen to understand (not to respond) with empathy. If you’ve shown the young people in your life that you’re someone who really hears them, they may be more likely to talk to you when they are having a rough time.
• Ask for help. You’re not a therapist, and you aren’t expected to have all the answers. Lean on experts (such as school counselors or your child’s pediatrician) and brainstorm others you can call in to be part of the support team. You’re an important piece of this puzzle, but you never have to do this alone.
• If you or someone you know needs help, call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by just dialing 988.
To become a Team Changing Minds responder, visit teamchangingminds.org. To learn more about the mental health crisis affecting men and boys, visit futureswithoutviolence.org.
“Focusing on everyday actions to empower boys and young men to step into the simple things they can do as leaders, allies and change-makers is the goal, ” says O’Connor.
make sure the infection is gone, and occasionally, will need to be treated again.
Signs and symptoms to be aware of: The first stage of acquired syphilis can appear as a painless sore on the genitals a few weeks after exposure, however it often goes unnoticed. Unless treated, the infection can spread throughout the body.
Symptoms at this stage can include skin rash, swollen glands, fever, headache, joint aches and fatigue, and can last for months or even come back later if not treated. However, it’s important to understand that you can be infected with syphilis but not feel sick or have any symptoms at all, which is still dangerous for the baby. That’s one reason why testing is so important.
Visit https://www.aap.org/congenitalsyphillis to learn more.
By StatePoint
Your pharmacist is an essential health ally
When you think about your health care team, you likely think first about your doctors. Others, however, play a critical role in helping you be healthy, including your pharmacist.
This is especially true for older adults, according to Dr. Grant Tarbox, national medical executive with Cigna Healthcare Medicare, because they tend to have more chronic conditions than younger people and often rely upon multiple medications to keep them well. In fact, more than half of adults 65 and older report taking four or more prescriptions, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF), an independent source for health policy research, polling and news.
Pharmacies and pharmacists have been expanding their roles over the years. Tarbox says the following are among the services you can expect from your pharmacist.
Improving adherence. Not taking your medication as prescribed can result in negative health consequences. Only about 50% of people take their medications as directed due to such reasons as fear and forgetfulness. A pharmacist can help you understand the purpose of each prescription and discuss strategies for taking it correctly. For example, they may simplify your regimen to once- or twice-daily dosages to pair at the same time as a daily activity or recommend digital reminders.
Ensuring safety. More than 1.5 million people visit emergency rooms annually because of adverse drug events, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Older adults are especially susceptible. They may take medications prescribed by several different doctors. This can cause confusion, especially during transitions in care, such as returning home from the hospital. Pharmacists can help reconcile medications during these times, while reducing the risk of errors. Remember to discuss any over-the-counter (OTC) drugs you’re taking, which can have negative side effects, interact poorly with other medi-
cations and food, or even become addictive. Always read and follow instructions for OTC drugs. And ask your pharmacist to run an interactions check of all of your medications.
Providing access to care. Older adults in rural areas or lacking transportation may have difficulty accessing their prescriptions. By utilizing a mail-order pharmacy, you may be able to have a three-month supply of medication delivered, while saving money, too. Ask your insurer for details.
Addressing affordability. According to the KFF, 21% of older adults did not take their medicines as prescribed in the
past year because of cost. Pharmacists can help. Working in concert with your physician, they may be able to suggest a lower cost or generic alternative that is just as effective. Additionally, they can point you toward patient assistance programs, such as those run by pharmaceutical manufacturers, which help eligible patients access medications at little or no cost. Finally, they may be aware of government agencies or other programs that can help with costs. Unfortunately, many people who qualify for these programs don’t even know they exist.
Offering immunizations. Several vaccinations are important for older adults,
Pharmacies and pharmacists have been expanding their roles over the years. As the population ages and the prevalence of chronic diseases grow, you can expect pharmacists to deliver more services.
such as COVID-19, flu, RSV, pneumonia and shingles. But older adults may not get them because of distrust, needle phobia or cost. Your pharmacist can address your concerns and may even be able to offer them on-site. The cost may be covered by a Medicare Advantage or Medicare Part D plan.
As the population ages and the prevalence of chronic diseases grow, you can expect pharmacists to deliver more services as key members of your health care team, Tarbox said.
For more information about Medicare and pharmaceutical coverage, visit cigna.com/medicare.
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