Health and Wellness Issue 51 by d-mars.com

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HEALTH & WELLNESS JOURNAL

January 2024

Inspire, Inform & Educate

51st Edition

When You Only

Tell

Your Doctor Half the Story 18

INSIDE

Symptoms And Clinical Presentation Of Vein Disease

Five Things We Learned About Alzheimer’s Disease In 2023

Healthier Habits on a Budget This New Year

14 | January 2024 HEALTH

VEIN DISEASE SYMPTOMS in Minority Healthcare

By d-mars.com Dr. Tonie Reincke

enous insufficiency, commonly known as Vein Disease, can affect individuals across diverse backgrounds, yet there exists a need to address potential disparities in awareness and healthcare access, particularly within minority communities. This article explores the symptoms and clinical presentation of vein disease while emphasizing the importance of proactive health management in minority populations. Vein disease is commonly exhibited through various symptoms: leg pain, swelling, varicose veins, tenderness, fatigue, skin changes, ulcers, restless leg syndrome, thickening of the skin, and leg cramping. Some individuals may not exhibit obvious symptoms, highlighting the importance of thorough examinations by healthcare professionals. Without timely diagnosis, symptoms can escalate, significantly impacting a person’s quality of life. Early recognition of vein disease symptoms is paramount for optimal health outcomes. A key contributor to healthcare disparities is limited access, stemming from factors like lack of insurance, limited availability of quality vein doctors, and financial constraints. At Reincke Vein Center in Sugar Land, free consultations are offered to new patients and health insurance benefits are reviewed with the patient before they come into the office. They also offer payment plans with no interest and self pay options. Effective communication with patients is vital, especially considering health literacy challenges prevalent among minorities. Limited understanding of healthcare information and the importance of timely care can lead to delays in seeking medical help. Dr. Tonie Reincke at RVC spends time with each patient from the first visit to the last to ensure that patients are

fully educated on what is going on and acknowledges the patient’s concerns. Language barriers further exacerbate disparities, impacting the accuracy of symptom reporting and education. Reincke Vein Center’s diverse staff, fluent in Spanish and Vietnamese, facilitates effective communication, ensuring patients can ask questions and comprehend treatment options in their native language. Addressing disparities requires a comprehensive approach, encompassing cultural competence training, community outreach, and education initiatives to improve health literacy. Dr. Reincke actively engages in community outreach, offering free ultrasound scans at health fairs, providing live medical advice on VieTV, participating in LGBTQ Houston Chamber events, and advertising on Univision and Telemundo. Early recognition of vein disease symptoms is pivotal for optimal health outcomes, yet healthcare disparities in minority communities often result in delayed diagnosis and treatment. Bridging these gaps requires a concerted effort from healthcare professionals, community leaders, and individuals alike. By promoting cultural competence, improving health literacy, and dismantling barriers to healthcare access, we can create an inclusive environment that facilitates timely medical intervention for everyone. Reincke Vein Center’s commitment to providing equal care regardless of race or gender aligns with the broader healthcare community’s efforts to bridge disparities. The ongoing strive for equitable access to early diagnosis and treatment remains imperative, ensuring individuals receive the care they need irrespective of their background or ethnicity. FOR MORE INFORMATION visit ReinckeVeinCenter.com or Sugar Land office at 1111 Hwy 6 • #170 • 281.394.4446 Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

January 2024 | 15 HEALTH

DIVERSITY IS THE

SPICE OF

Life AT H-E-B

H-E-B’s Supplier Diversity Program works hard to ensure we’re selling goods and utilizing services from a wide variety of Texan businesses. We’re proud that our suppliers are as diverse as the Lone Star State itself. As a former small business ourselves, we believe in and celebrate the value & strength that working with small businesses, local businesses, and businesses owned by minorities, women, LGBTQ+, Veterans, and disabled Texans brings to both our business and the communities we serve.

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16 | January 2024 HEALTH

CHOOSE TO MOVE 5 Ways to Help Manage Osteoarthritis

FIVE THINGS

We Learned About

Alzheimer’s Disease in 2023 By d-mars.com

By d-mars.com

the FDA — would offer a noninvasive and cost-effective option for identifying the disease.

023 was a landmark year for Alzheimer’s disease research, including advancements in treatment, risk factors, and diagnosis. Here are five significant discoveries made this year: There are three new approved treatments for Alzheimer’s, with a fourth on the way.

First-ever U.S. county-level Alzheimer’s prevalence estimates. The first-ever county-level estimates of the prevalence of Alzheimer’s dementia — in all 3,142 U.S. counties — were reported at AAIC 2023. For counties with a population of more than 10,000 people age 65 and older, the highest Alzheimer’s prevalence rates are in:

In July, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted traditional approval for Leqembi for mild cognitive impairment due to Alzheimer’s and mild Alzheimer’s dementia. This treatment slows cognitive decline and can help people with early Alzheimer’s maintain their independence. In June 2021, the FDA granted accelerated approval to Aduhelm for the same purpose. At the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC) in July 2023, Lilly reported positive results for a third similar treatment: donanemab. The company expects FDA action in early 2024. In May, the FDA approved the first treatment for agitation in people with Alzheimer’s — brexpiprazole.

• Miami-Dade County, Fla. (16.6%) • Baltimore City, Md. (16.6%) • Bronx County, N.Y. (16.6%) • Prince George’s County, Md. (16.1%) • Hinds County, Miss. (15.5%)

Hearing aids could slow cognitive decline for at-risk older adults. In the largest clinical trial to investigate whether a hearing loss treatment can reduce the risk of cognitive decline, researchers found that older adults with hearing loss cut their cognitive decline in half by using hearing aids for three years. The intervention included hearing aids, a hearing “toolkit,” and ongoing instruction and counseling. Though the positive results were in a subgroup of the total study population, they are encouraging and merit further investigation. Blood tests for Alzheimer’s are coming soon. Blood tests show promise for improving how Alzheimer’s is diagnosed. Advancements reported for the first time at AAIC 2023 demonstrate the simplicity and value to doctors of blood-based markers for Alzheimer’s. Blood tests are already being implemented in Alzheimer’s drug trials. And they are incorporated into proposed new diagnostic criteria for the disease. Blood tests — once verified and approved by

steoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis and affects over 32.5 million U.S. adults. OA is a degenerative joint disease that causes pain and stiffness and can lead to limited function. OA of the knee is the most common type, affecting more than 12 million Americans ages 65 and older. The signs and symptoms of OA can vary but commonly include joint stiffness, pain during activity, and cracking or creaking noises around the joint. “Although there is no treatment that can reverse OA, physical therapy can help individuals manage the symptoms conservatively through appropriate and individualized exercise programs and other treatments provided by physical therapists,” said Rachel Prusynski, PT, DPT, Ph.D., a spokesperson for the American Physical Therapy Association. “Physical therapy may also help to prevent a worsening of OA and the need for invasive procedures and prescribed pain medications.” Backed by research. Many studies have shown that physical therapy is effective in helping manage OA. Now, a new report released by the American Physical Therapy Association provides another reason to choose physical therapy for OA of the knee over commonly used steroid injections — the overall value that physical therapy delivers to patients and the health care system. In addition to saving health care dollars, physical therapy helps patients increase mobility, balance, strength, and flexibility, ultimately contributing to better health and lowering the risk of conditions that could require additional health care services down the road. People with OA should increase their physical activity routines more gradually than those without OA and should avoid high-impact exercises (think jumping or pounding movements on the joints).

Certain characteristics of these counties may explain the higher prevalence, including older age and a higher percentage of Black and Hispanic residents, which are communities disproportionately impacted by Alzheimer’s disease. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, these statistics can help officials determine the burden on the health care system, and pinpoint areas for culturally-sensitive caregiver training.

Prusynski suggests five ways to manage OA symptoms through movement:

• Regularphysical physicalactivity activity can can help help maintain maintain and • Regular andimprove improvemovement movementand and functionand andreduce reduce joint joint pain with OA. Physical therapists can prefunction painforforpeople people with OA. Physical therapists can scribe aatailored, physical activity plan, which in addition to helping prescribe tailored,individual individual physical activity plan, which in addition to helpsymptoms, cancan alsoalso boost heart health andand facilitate weight loss.loss. ingwith withOAOA symptoms, boost heart health facilitate weight • Muscle strength training with exercises primarily aimed at the large • Muscle strength training with exercises primarily aimed at the large muscle musgroups around the knee joints. Muscle strengthening exercises include cle groups around the and kneehip and hip joints. Muscle strengthening exercises lifting weights working resistance bands. bands. include liftingorweights or with working with resistance • Low-impact aerobics activities put less stress on the joints and include brisk • Low-impact aerobics activities putaerobics, less stress the joints certain and include walking, cycling, swimming, water lightongardening, group brisk walking, cycling, swimming, water aerobics, light gardening, certain exercise classes, and dancing. group exercise classes, and dancing. Chronic constipation is associated • Balance exercises like walking backward, standing on one foot, and tai chi with poor cognitive function. Balance exercises walking backward, standing one foot, and tai are• important for thoselike who are at risk of falling or whoon have trouble walking. Approximately 16% of the world’s Having chi areOA important for those at risk of or who have trouble can increase yourwho riskare of falling, sofalling it’s important to build your population struggles with constipation. balance walking. OA can increase your risk of falling, so it’s important to build andHaving strength. This year, researchers reported that less your balance and strength. frequent bowel movements were associ- • Flexibility exercises like stretching and yoga are important for people with ated with significantly worse cognitive arthritis • Flexibility exercises like tension stretching yogaYoga are important for people to reduce muscle andand strain. can be modified forwith those function. arthritis to reduce and strain. Yoga stiffness can be modified for those with arthritis. Somemuscle peopletension with OA have joint that makes daily People in the study with bowel move- tasks withdifficult. arthritis.Doing Some daily peopleflexibility with OA exercises have jointhelps stiffness that makes daily of maintain your range ments every three days or more had motion tasks so difficult. Doing flexibility exercises maintain your of you can keepdaily doing everyday things helps like household tasks,range hobbies, worse memory and thinking equal to and motion so you keep doing everyday things like household tasks, hobbies, visiting withcan friends and family. three years of cognitive aging. These and visiting with friends and family. results stress the importance of clinicians discussing gut health with their older Physical therapists are movement patients. experts who improve quality of life through hands-on care and To learn more about Alzheimer’s and remote telehealth visits, patient dementia research, plus available care education, and prescribed moveand support — and to join the cause or ment. They are important memmake a donation — visit the Alzheimer’s bers of your healthcare team and often work closely with other Association at www.alz.org. healthcare providers, including While there is still much to learn about your primary care physician. Alzheimer’s, 2023 was a year of discovery, To learn more and find a physgiving researchers and families impacted ical therapist near you, visit by the disease hope for the year ahead. ChoosePT.com. Source: StatePoint

Source: StatePoint

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January 2024 | 17 HEALTH

Healthier Habits on a Budget This New Year Nourishing the Mind Taking steps to care for your mental health can help decrease stress and improve your mood. Proper rest each night is fundamental. Work toward maintaining his new year, creating healthier habits can be a consistent sleep schedule that includes waking up and easy and affordable with proper planning. going to bed at the same time. Next, find an outlet Whether you’re resolving to improve your diet, to express daily thoughts, such as updating a journal relax your mind or give back to your community, you each night before bed. Finally, create time to practice can use these tips from the team at Dollar General to enjoyable hobbies such as playing in a sports league, help you meet your goals. crafting or reading. By d-mars.com

Food and Fitness If you are looking to improve your physical health in the new year, begin by making slight changes to your eating and fitness habits to aid long-term consistency. For example, use healthier alternatives in your favorite meals. Dollar General’s Better For You recipes provide healthier and affordable options for breakfast, lunch, dinner and even dessert. Additionally, consider setting daily exercise goals, such as taking a morning walk or squeezing in a 30-minute strength training session during lunch. Workouts ;don’t have to take a long time to increase your energy and stamina.

Community Care Getting involved in your community can be a healthy habit that benefits your and others’ wellbeing. To get started, research local nonprofit organizations and choose one that connect to your values. Consider donating time, funds or products to help build strong relationships with neighbors and make a positive difference. Through implementing these smart and affordable resolution ideas and strategies, you can help maintain a healthier lifestyle and improve your wellbeing.

NOURISHING SOULFUL DELIGHTS: YOUR HEALTHIER APPROACH By d-mars.com

oul food, rooted in the Deep South and cherished by many, often includes dishes high in saturated fat, salt, and added sugar. To promote a healthier approach, consider the following tips:

Rethink the Dinner Plate • Encourage kids to prioritize veggies. • Serve small portions of high-calorie dishes on special occasions. Make Meaningful Swaps • Substitute solid fats with heart-healthy oils. • Cut calories in macaroni and cheese with sharp, reduced-fat cheese and low-fat milk. • Opt for brown rice in dishes like Hoppin’ John. • Create a healthier potato salad with Greek yogurt, mustard, and extra veggies. • Choose low-sodium seasonings.

• Make “oven-fried” chicken with buttermilk, panko breadcrumbs, and canola oil. • Slow cook greens in vegetable broth with honey and apple cider vinegar. • Roast okra for a crunchy snack. • Upgrade peach cobbler with baked peaches, honey, oats, almonds, and vanilla Greek yogurt. Try Something New • Use smoked paprika or smoked salt for savory flavor. • Sauté kale or chard in olive oil and garlic. • Experiment with apple cider or rice vinegars for greens. • Marinate chicken in rosemary and lemon juice for a flavorful main dish. Remember, traditions can evolve with a healthy twist or new creations, allowing you to shape your child’s eating habits positively. Source: Eatright.org

Reinvent Family Favorites • Oven roast sweet potatoes with cinnamon, vanilla, and a touch of maple syrup. Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

18 | January 2024 HEALTH

By d-mars.com

When You Only

Tell

Your Doctor Half the Story

or people living with chronic autoimmune conditions, such as Thyroid Eye Disease (TED), regular patient-doctor visits are an important part of tracking symptom progression and staying on top of care. Findings from a recent survey of 116 U.S. adults living with TED reveal a significant gap in communication at these appointments - with only 36% feeling comfortable enough to share the impact of their TED symptoms on their emotional well-being. TED is a rare autoimmune condition that causes debilitating symptoms including eye bulging, eye pain, pressure behind the eyes, dry or watery eyes, light sensitivity, double vision and even vision loss in some cases. It most often occurs in people who have thyroid conditions, like Graves’ disease (hyperthyroidism) or Hashimoto’s (hypothyroidism), and typically affects people aged 40+. Women are up to five times more likely to develop TED than men, and smoking increases the risk of developing TED eightfold.

The Unspoken Toll of TED on Daily Life According to a new national survey of 116 adults diagnosed with TED, when TED symptoms are at their worst, a majority have trouble with common everyday tasks, such as: using a mobile device (81%), watching TV (73%), reading books or magazines (72%), going out in public (67%) and doing their job (66%). And while more than a quarter of adults living with TED (29%) reported having to stop driving at night due to TED symptoms, almost half (49%) admitted they would not report a change of this sort to their doctor. In fact, while 89% of adults with TED are likely to report physical TED symptoms during a routine check-up, only a third (36%) of patients shared they would report how TED was impacting their emotional well-being (e.g., experiencing anxiousness, depressive feelings, decreased self-confidence, or feelings of anger or frustration). Doctors are Left in the Dark A new survey of 102 ophthalmologists, endocrinologists, oculoplastic surgeons and strabismus specialists and surgeons who treat or refer for TED across the U.S. found that nearly one in four doctors (22%) reported their TED patients “rarely” or “never” bring up the impact of TED on their emotional well-being. The course of the conversation could change how their condition is treated, however. Of those surveyed, doctors reported they would start a new treatment, consider modifications or discuss other options when a patient reported symptoms affecting their emotional well-being (83%), independence (78%), or personal life or relationships (72%). “I used to think my anxiety was just something I had to deal with, I didn’t want to burden my doctors with it so I didn’t talk about it. I realize now that sharing how my TED symptoms affected my day-to-day life and my mental health, would have helped my doctor better understand the full effect that TED had on every part of my life. I believe it would have helped me get the best possible care.” - Gail S., who lives with TED. Open and Honest Dialogue Can Go a Long Way Doctors and patients each play an important role in creating open dialogue. The more doctors can ask about the impact of symptoms on emotional well-being, and the more people living with TED or other conditions are willing to share, the better their care can be. For more information on TED and to find a TED Eye Specialist, visit FOCUSonTED.com.

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January 2024 | 19 HEALTH

Addressing Fibroids in Black Women’s Health:

Comprehensive Approach contribute significantly to the challenges Black women face in managing fibroids. Eliminating these barriers is integral to ensuring equitable healthcare.

By d-mars.com

lack women’s health is a critical and multifaceted aspect of healthcare that demands attention, particularly concerning the prevalence of uterine fibroids. Fibroids, non-cancerous growths in the uterus, pose a significant health challenge for Black women, who experience them at rates much higher than their white counterparts. This article explores the various factors contributing to this health disparity, the impact on women’s lives, and the imperative for comprehensive strategies to address fibroids within the Black community.

Understanding the Disparities Genetic Predisposition

Fibroids have a genetic component, and Black women often face a higher risk due to hereditary factors. Research indicates that if a woman’s mother or sister had fibroids, she is more likely to develop them as well. However, genetics alone cannot account for the stark racial disparities observed.

Environmental Factors

Lifestyle choices and environmental factors also play a role. Studies suggest that diet, specifically a high consumption of red meat and a low intake of fruits and vegetables, may contribute to fibroid development. Understanding and addressing these environmental factors are crucial for preventive strategies.

Impact on Physical and Mental Health Physical Manifestations

Fibroids can cause a range of physical symptoms, including heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, and reproductive issues. The severity of symptoms varies, but the impact on daily life and overall well-being can be profound.

Psychological Toll

Managing the symptoms of fibroids, coupled with racial disparities in healthcare, can lead to increased stress and a diminished quality of life. Addressing the psychological toll is as crucial as treating the physical symptoms.

Comprehensive Approach to Fibroids Increased Awareness and Education

Raising awareness about fibroids, their symptoms, and available treatment options is essential. Educating both healthcare providers and the community at large can contribute to early detection and better management.

Culturally Competent Care

Healthcare providers must receive training to recognize and address the unique challenges faced by Black women. Culturally competent care ensures that individuals receive treatment that considers their specific needs and experiences. Community Engagement and Empowerment: Community engagement is pivotal in dismantling systemic barriers. Empowering Black women to advocate for their health, access resources, and engage in preventive measures can drive positive change.

Research Initiatives

Robust research initiatives focused on understanding the genetic and environmental factors contributing to fibroids in Black women are essential. This knowledge can inform targeted interventions and preventive strategies. Addressing fibroids in Black women’s health requires a comprehensive and collaborative effort. By acknowledging the genetic, environmental, and socio-economic factors contributing to fibroids, we can work towards a future where Black women receive equitable and effective care. Empowering individuals, engaging communities, and advancing research are integral components of a holistic approach to promoting the health and well-being of Black women in the face of fibroids.

Socio-Economic Influences:

Socio-economic factors, including limited access to quality healthcare, insufficient insurance coverage, and disparities in healthcare quality, Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication