DID YOU KNOW

from the Edwards family and Mayor Turner on the death of former State Rep. Al Edwards Statements

By d-mars.com News Provider

ormer State Representative Al Edwards passed away recently at the age of 83. Edwards was a prominent civil rights activist and, during his 30 plus years as a state representative, was instrumental in passing the legislation to recognize the abolition of slavery in Texas as an annual holiday.

The Edwards' family statement is below, followed by a statement from Mayor Sylvester Turner. F

Edwards family statement "It is with heavy hearts that we announce that former District 146 State Rep. and Civil Rights Leader, Al Edwards Sr. died today from natural causes. He was an ordained minister, father, and grandfather that notably sponsored the legislation making Juneteenth the first legal Texas state holiday for African Americans. He was a proud graduate of Phyllis Wheatley High School and Texas Southern University. He will be sorely missed by all who loved him. He was 83 years old."

Mayor Sylvester Turner

“The Honorable Al Edwards worked tirelessly for the people of House District 146 and the state of Texas. During nearly three decades in the Texas House, he served with distinction on several influential committees. In 1979, in the face of considerable opposition, Edwards passed legislation to recognize the abolition of slavery in Texas as an annual holiday, earning him the well-deserved nickname “Mr. Juneteenth.”

“As a former chair of the Texas Legislative Black Caucus, Edwards was instrumental in getting the Texas African American History Memorial installed on the Texas State Capitol grounds in Austin.

“Edwards and I served together in the Texas Legislature for more than two decades, and during that time, he became like a brother to me. I deeply loved him. And I will miss him greatly.

“On July 28, 2018, I had the honor of proclaiming Albert E. “Al” Edwards Day in the city of Houston.

“Because of the COVID-19 public health crisis, his family and many friends will not be able to gather in person for a memorial service. But make no mistake, Al deserves a grand celebration for his lifetime of achievements.

“I look forward to honoring my friend and brother at the appropriate time”

May 2020 | 13 d-mars.com ® FREE ®

HEALTH & WELLNESS JOURNAL

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May 2020 | Inspire, Inform & Educate | 96th Edition

As You Age, Keep Nutrition Top of Mind

INSIDE

16

14 | May 2020

HEALTH 4 simple tips

and tricks to help manage arthritis pain

By d-mars.com News Provider

rthritis joint pain is a daily reality for millions of people in the United States. For some, this pain is temporary due to an injury, but for others, it can be a persistent and even debilitating symptom of arthritis.

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, affecting more than 30 million adults in the United States1. About one in four adults report experiencing severe joint pain related to arthritis, and nearly half of adults with arthritis experience persistent pain2.

Whether your arthritis pain is temporary or ongoing, it’s important to take steps to alleviate discomfort. We may not realize how much joy comes from the simplest everyday movements, until pain gets in the way. Here are four simple tips that may help lessen your arthritis joint pain so you can feel better and keep moving. A

1. Use hot and cold therapy

Applying hot and cold compresses to your joints can help provide some much-needed relief. When joints feel stiff, use heat to help them relax and feel more agile. A morning bath or shower can make a world of difference for stiff joints after sleeping. For joint pain that involves swelling and inflammation, look to incorporate cold therapy into your routine. For instance, if your knee is sore and looks puffy, apply a cold compress or bag of frozen veggies wrapped in a towel.

2. Move your body

If you have arthritis symptoms, including wrist, hand or knee pain, the idea of getting up and exercising may seem counterintuitive. However, thoughtfully moving your body helps increase blood flow to joints and stretches muscles and ligaments, which can provide some relief. Regular movement helps increase flexibility while also building muscle, which is important for the health of the joints. effective topical arthritis pain relief solution available without a prescription. The FDA recently approved Voltaren Arthritis Pain as the first and only full prescription-strength topical nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) gel available over the counter for the treatment of arthritis pain in adults in the hand, wrist, elbow, foot, ankle or knee. Visit www.voltarengel.com/what-is-voltaren/ now to preorder Voltaren Arthritis Pain (available nationwide next month). If you order now through May 12, 100% of profits from pre-order will be donated to the Arthritis Foundation to provide virtual care and connection for their patient community*. Additionally, for every donation made to the Arthritis Foundation between May 13 and May 31 in support of its goal to provide virtual care and connection to their patient community and mission, Voltaren will match up to $100,000.

4. Add glucosamine and omega-3s to your diet

Fish oil has been studied for dozens of inflammatory and autoimmune disorders, according to the Arthritis Foundation3. You can get the omega-3s by taking a high-quality fish oil supplement. Look for fish oil options with at least 30% EPA and DHA (both types of omega-3s). According to the Arthritis Foundation, taking up to 2.6 grams EPA/DHA twice a day may help relieve osteoarthritis pain.

If arthritis joint pain is a part of your life, try these simple strategies at home to help movement so you can live a full, healthy life.

* GSK Consumer Healthcare will donate 100% of the net profits with a maximum of $100,000 from the preorder of Voltaren Arthritis Pain.

* https://www.cdc.gov/arthritis/ basics/osteoarthritis.htm

* https://www.cdc.gov/arthritis/ pain/index.htm

* https://arthritis.org/ health-wellness/treatment/ complementary-therapies/ supplements-and-vitamins/ supplement-and-herb-guide-for- arthritis-symptoms

16 | May 2020 HEALTH Spring Clean Your Diet With 5 Fridge Essentials

By d-mars.com News Provider

Recipe: Sweet Potato Bowl

Spring cleaning is a tradition that often includes dusting, mopping, decluttering and organizing homes for a fresh start. Many families may be cooking more while home right now, so this is a great opportunity to refresh your kitchen staples by filling the fridge with foods that support a healthy diet.

Registered Dietitian and Nutritionist Dawn Jackson Blatner shares her top five fridge essentials to boost overall health and wellness:

Leafy greens

Leafy greens are a powerhouse of nutrients like vitamins A and C, potassium, calcium and iron. They're great for soothing chronic inflammation and increasing energy levels naturally. Some tasty and versatile leafy greens to add to your grocery list include spinach, arugula, kale, chard and watercress. You can use these as a salad base, add to sandwiches or wraps, create tasty side dishes or incorporate a handful to your favorite meal to add supercharged nutrition.

Eggs

Eggs are an important source of essential vitamins and nutrients, but not all eggs are created equal. Eggland's Best (EB) eggs offer superior nutrition compared to ordinary eggs at the grocery store, such as 25% less saturated fat, more than double the omega-3s, 10 times more vitamin E and six times more vitamin D. EB eggs also contain more than double the vitamin B12 compared to other eggs, which may help maintain energy levels while giving your house a spring makeover. By simply incorporating EB eggs into your family recipes, you can easily boost the nutrition of your favorite meals.

Greek yogurt

Yogurt is a trending health food, but some yogurts offer greater health benefits than others. Reach for plain Greek yogurt on your next trip down the dairy aisle, because it has twice the protein and less sugar than regular yogurt. Not to mention, its thick, creamy consistency may help you feel fuller longer, reducing the likelihood of extra snacking. Create your own parfait by choosing plain yogurt and add natural sweetness with fresh fruit or a drizzle of honey. Plain yogurt also makes a great base for healthier dressings and other tasty recipes.

Oats

Fiber is an essential part of any diet because it fills you up, helping you to feel more satisfied throughout the day. Although not technically stored in the fridge, oats are a fiber superstar and a must-have for every kitchen because they offer an affordable and accessible way to get a healthy dose of daily fiber. For example, when eaten as part of a balanced breakfast, oats help curb cravings and keep you feeling satisfied until lunch time. For a simple breakfast on-the-go, blend oats into your favorite smoothie. to mention snacking on a few throughout the day is a great way to naturally satisfy a sweet tooth. Frozen berries are a wonderful alternative when fresh aren't available, providing similar health benefits. You can mix into a smoothie, yogurt, or thaw for baking!

To celebrate your fridge makeover, explore new recipes featuring these nutritious ingredients, such as this Eggland's Best recipe for Sweet Potato Bowls.

Sweet Potato Bowl

Ingredients:

• 2 Eggland's Best Eggs (large), poached • 1 large sweet potato • 2 teaspoons olive oil, separated • salt and pepper • 1 cup ground sausage • 1/2 cup salsa • 1 avocado, diced

Directions: 1. Heat 1 teaspoon of olive oil in a medium pan over med/high heat and brown the ground sausage. 2. While the sausage cooks, fill a large pot with a few inches of water and place over medium/ high heat until it just starts to simmer. 3. Crack eggs individually into a ramekin or cup and create a gentle whirlpool in the water. 4. Slowly pour the eggs one by one into the water and leave to cook for three minutes. 5. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towel. 6. While the eggs poach, spiralize the sweet potato using a spiralizer. 7. Heat the other teaspoon of the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. 8. Add in the sweet potato noodles and cook until they just begin to soften, about 5-7 minutes. 9. Season with salt and pepper. 10. Transfer the cooked sweet potato noodles into a large bowl. 11. Drain the ground sausage and add to the sweet potato noodles. 12. Toss with 1/2 cup of the salsa. 13. Divide the noodles and sausage between two bowls, top each with diced avocado and a poached egg!

HEALTH As You Age, Keep Nutrition Top of Mind

By d-mars.com News Provider

Getting proper nutrition can be challenging for everyone, but especially as we age for a variety of reasons, including changing tastes, physical or dental conditions, and lack of access to healthy foods.

“It’s critical that people of all ages get proper nutrition, but especially seniors, and particularly now with the spread of COVID-19 in the United States,” says Dr. Gina Conflitti, chief medical officer with Cigna’s Medicare Advantage business, which offers Medicare plans in 18 states and the District of Columbia. “Good nutrition helps older adults stay active and vital, and can help them stave off or better manage chronic conditions.”

Cigna provides the following nutrition tips:

• Make healthy choices. Add plenty of fruits and vegetables to your plate for colorful, nutrient-rich, fiberfilled meals. Add flavor with spices and herbs instead of salt. Stay hydrated with plenty of water. Even light exercise can stimulate appetite and strengthen bones and muscles. • Consult your doctor. If your appetite is changing or you’re losing weight, talk to your primary care physician. There could be an underlying reason for these changes. For instance, your medication might be affecting your appetite. Or maybe you’re dealing with depression. Your doctor can work with you to identify possible causes. • Adapt to changing tastes. There are a number of ways to change your eating habits to improve your nutrition, from eating more frequent, smaller meals to trying new foods and cooking styles. For tips on preparing healthy meals, visit ChooseMyPlate.gov. • See a dentist. A dentist may be able to address any dental problems impacting your ability to enjoy food. If you have a Medicare Advantage (MA) plan, you may have access to dental benefits at no extra cost. Check your plan for details. • Explore options. If mobility is an issue, look for local organizations offering transportation or meal delivery to older adults. If you have an MA plan, you may have access to home-delivered meals following a hospitalization. One-third of hospital patients are malnourished at admission and poor nutrition increases their risk of having to return to the hospital after being released. Good nutrition helps patients regain their strength and energy faster for better recoveries. Check your plan for details. • Get help. Some older adults with limited resources may qualify for assistance with food purchases through programs such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Many older adults qualify for this program and don’t know it. One way to verify eligibility is to visit Cigna.BenefitsCheckup.org and enter your information under the “Food & Nutrition” section.

If you aren’t eligible for this type of assistance, you can still find ways to save on food bills, including asking for senior discounts, using coupons, having a store discount card and buying store brands.

These are just a few resources. Every individual has unique needs. Cigna encourages you to talk with your physician for additional information about your personal nutrition requirements. For videos about senior nutrition and some warning signs of malnutrition, visit wnpt.org/ agingmatters/nutrition-aging.

Proper nutrition is essential to overall health. As you age, keep nutrition top of mind and explore new ways to eat well.

By d-mars.com News Provider

In the U.S. alone, 28.1 million people are living with diabetes, and an added 7.2 million are living with undiagnosed diabetes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Additionally, the American Diabetes Association reports that 84 million American adults have prediabetes, but nearly 90 percent of them don't even know it.

If you are experiencing symptoms such as frequent urination (often more than ten times a day), persistent thirst or chronic fatigue, it's possible that you are living with diabetes - and it's crucial to get tested so you can get the treatment your body needs. That's particularly important now, because, according to the CDC, diabetes sufferers are among those at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19.

Although the current pandemic and social distancing measures make things more challenging, the following tips can help you manage your blood sugar and prioritize your health if you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes, a family history of diabetes or are experiencing diabetes symptoms:

1. Get tested

The only way to be sure about your blood sugar health is to get tested. It's easier than ever to determine your risk for diabetes, even when spending more time at home. LetsGetChecked offers an at-home HbA1c test that measures your blood sugar over the previous three months to help identify prediabetes or check how well you are controlling the disease following diagnosis. After you receive your results, a team of physicians and nurses are available to help you navigate them and answer your questions. You can find the LetsGetChecked diabetes test online.

2. Keep track of your symptoms

Identifying your symptoms will help you tackle your health issues head on. Keep an eye out for symptoms of high blood sugar, including feeling thirsty all the time, feeling tired all the time or weak, frequent headaches, concentration issues and a fasting blood sugar level of 100mg/dl or more. If you experience these symptoms, it's important to get tested for diabetes right away.

3. Choose foods with a Low Glycemic Index

The Glycemic Index (GI) is a ranking of how quickly certain foods make your blood glucose levels rise after eating them. Carbohydrates with a low GI, such as porridge, brown pasta, noodles and multiseed/granary breads, are the best type of carbohydrates to eat for prediabetes or diabetes. 'Pulses' such as chickpeas, garden peas, butter beans, kidney beans, black beans and lentils are high in fiber and protein, which will also help slow down the breakdown of carbohydrates into glucose in the blood. This means that they don't give that sharp rise in your blood sugar levels.

4. Stay active

Physical activity is one of the best things you can do for your overall health and will help keep your blood sugar levels within normal limits. As a rule of thumb, aim to get at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise into your day 5 times per week. Many free classes are available online, for all fitness levels, to help you start or continue your exercise routine.

5. Prioritize sleep

Sleep affects blood sugar, and your current blood sugar affects your sleep. Studies show that those who sleep for six hours or less will have significantly higher blood sugar, and a lack of sleep leads to slower fat metabolism and slower glucose processing - so aim to get at least seven to eight hours of quality sleep each night.

While staying active, eating the right foods and keeping track of your symptoms can all help manage your blood sugar, the most important way to make sure you are managing your health is to get tested.

Source: BPT

24 | May 2020 HISD Coach Goes Beyond the Call of Duty COMMUNITY

By d-mars.com News Provider

ISD Coach Austin Obeng from Black Middle School has gone above and beyond during school closures to ensure his students are maintaining a healthy workout routine.

Obeng, an employee at Black Middle School, where he coaches football, basketball, track and strength and conditioning, as well as swim at Waltrip High School, has taken it upon himself to provide his students with daily workout routines even while schools are closed.

“I received a message from a parent saying their son was feeling down about his track season being cut short,” Obeng said. “So I decided to send him daily workouts to keep busy. I thought, if I can send it to one student, I can send it to all, and that is how this whole thing got started.”

At first Obeng did not know if creating the workouts was worth it, but by the end of the first week feedback was pouring in from parents and students who loved receiving the tips for keeping active. He sends the workouts via the app Remind, which allows student to respond with any questions. H

Black Middle School has the largest student athletic program in all of HISD, so Obeng knew there were a lot of students to serve that would be interested in this effort.

The workouts consist of a variety of things to get the students up and moving. The moves range from sprints to endurance running, line drills, foot work movements, push ups, sit ups and much more.

“All of the positive feedback motivated me to keep creating these workouts,” Obeng said. “I felt it was important to keep my kids I shape, and this was something the whole family, neighbors and friends could join in on. This gives them a release as well as some structure with something to look forward to every day.”