Health & Wellness 87

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August 2019 | 1

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HEALTH & WELLNESS JOURNAL

BIOTECH | BUSINESS | CAREER | EDUCATION | HEALTHY LIFESTYLES | MEDICAL | MENTAL HEALTH | POLICY | RESEARCH | SPORTS MEDICINE

August 2019

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Inspire, Inform & Educate

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87th Edition

Mental Health Stigma Still Affecting

AFRICAN AMERICANS 02

INSIDE

03 How to protect yourself from 4 health concerns during travel

06 Shapes Fitness for Women – Grand Opening Celebration Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

04 Beauty Beyond Breast Cancer Bras 4 A Cause

2 | August 2019 HEALTH

Mental Health Stigma Still Affecting

AFRICAN AMERICANS

By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Contributor

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istorically, seeking psychotherapy has been difficult for African Americans, said Dr. Viola Drancoli, a licensed clinical psychologist who wrote a master thesis about the barriers to seeking mental health services in ethnic minority communities.

“It is not only a concept with European origin, but also a concept that does not fit the community-oriented, collective approach to healing and support that has been so helpful to this population,” Drancoli said.

“Instead of finding healing in coming together, the client is separated, often sitting in a one-on-one session with a professional. The idea of being focused on, analyzed, can be perceived as threatening,” she said.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health says poverty level affects mental health status and African Americans living below the poverty level, as compared to those over twice the poverty level, are three times more likely to report psychological distress.

Further, African Americans are 10 percent more likely to report having serious psychological distress than Non-Hispanic whites, and the death rate from suicide for African American men was more than four times greater than for African American women, in 2014.

A report from the U.S. Surgeon General found that from 1980 to 1995, the suicide rate among African Americans ages 10 to 14 increased 233 percent, compared to 120 percent for non-Hispanic whites.

Yet, experts said even as the conversation around mental health has grown significantly with celebrities and others in the spotlight sharing their stories, most African Americans still refrain from seeking help.

“Unfortunately, among African Americans it remains taboo to talk about, and one reason is the fear of being labeled as crazy,” said Arron Muller, a licensed social worker.

“The intense fear of being judged has been a huge

deterrent,” Muller said.

“In the African American community there is also an association that mental illness means weakness and the inability to handle your problems on your own or that anxiety or depressive symptoms should be addressed with praying and fasting,” he said.

Prayer and a relationship with God have their place in the full picture of health and wellness and a connection to God and leaning on a higher power does promote tremendous benefits for the brain and brain health, said Dr. Catherine Jackson, a licensed clinical psychologist and board certified neuro-therapist in Chicago.

Jackson founded Dr. J’s Holistic Health and Wellness at DrCCJ.com.

“While having the strength to work on your own problems is a good characteristic to have, not recognizing when to seek help can be detrimental to overall health,” Jackson said.

“Turning to our pastors was needed in the past, but as concerns have grown, more resources are available,” she said, noting also that many A frican Americans eventually visit hospital emergency rooms with complaints that are in fact mental health issues.

“Some hospitals give referrals to mental health practitioners, but without proper education and information shared, follow through is unlikely,” Jackson said.

Educator and life coach Elaine Taylor-Klaus said there’s something else that happens in the African American community that should warrant consideration when discussing the stigma of mental illness.

“In all aspects of life, the African American community has had to appear better than the average person just to be seen as good enough,” Taylor-Klaus said.

“African American families have long been conscious of a need to dress their kids a little nicer in public, to expect their kids to behave more respectfully in public, and to follow directions immediately,” Taylor-Klaus said.

“The implications for the adults when kids don’t behave

has been a risk-factor — when an ‘uppity’ child acts out, an African American adult can get in serious, life-threatening trouble. It’s not reasonable — but it’s a reality of African American life in the United States,” she said.

There are more than 200 classified forms of mental illness and some of the more common disorders are depression, bipolar disorder, dementia, schizophrenia and anxiety disorders, according to Mental Health America, the nation’s leading community-based nonprofit dedicated to addressing the needs of those living with mental illness.

Symptoms may include changes in mood, personality, personal habits and/or social withdrawal.

Mental health problems may be related to excessive stress due to a particular situation or series of events.

As with cancer, diabetes and heart disease, mental illnesses are often physical as well as emotional and psychological. According to Mental Health America, mental illnesses may be caused by a reaction to environmental stresses, genetic factors, biochemical imbalances, or a combination of: • Confused thinking • Prolonged depression (sadness or irritability) • Feelings of extreme highs and lows • Excessive fears, worries and anxieties • Social withdrawal • Dramatic changes in eating or sleeping habits • Strong feelings of anger • Strange thoughts (delusions) • Seeing or hearing things that aren't there (hallucinations) • Growing inability to cope with daily problems and activities • Suicidal thoughts • Numerous unexplained physical ailments • Substance use

In Older Children and Pre-Adolescents: • Substance use • Inability to cope with problems and daily activities • Changes in sleeping and/or eating habits • Excessive complaints of physical ailments • Changes in ability to manage responsibilities at home and/or at school • Defiance of authority, truancy, theft, and/or vandalism • Intense fear • Prolonged negative mood, often accompanied by poor appetite or thoughts of death • Frequent outbursts of anger

In Younger Children: • Changes in school performance • Poor grades despite strong efforts • Changes in sleeping and/or eating habits • Excessive worry or anxiety (i.e. refusing to go to bed or school) • Hyperactivity • Persistent nightmares • Persistent disobedience or aggression • Frequent temper tantrums

For detailed information about mental illness and where assistance is provided visit, www.nami.org; www.mentalhealthamerica.net; or www.minorityhealth.hhs.gov.

Part 2 in this series will tackle the growing number of suicides among young African Americans, an alarming trend that experts say is the result of poverty, racism, and post-traumatic stress syndrome both from military service and domestic and social problems.

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Source: NNPA

August 2019  |  3 HEALTH

How to protect yourself from 4 health concerns during travel By d-mars.com News Provider

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t's the night before that long-awaited vacation you've been planning.

You've tripled-checked your suitcase, checked into your flight and have notified the bank of your travel plans. Everything is ready to go, but even the most experienced travelers can't predict the unexpected health hiccups that might arise along the way.

Before heading off, keep in mind these minor, but common, health concerns and be sure to pack the right items to help protect yourself and stay comfortable once you arrive.

Motion sickness Whether traveling by plane, train, car or boat, sometimes just the slightest bit of constant movement can trigger motion sickness, suddenly making you feel queasy, dizzy and nauseous. Typically, motion sickness occurs when your senses receive confusing signals from your environment. The first thing to do is stay calm, relax and try to focus on something else, such as counting backward from 100.

Natural remedies to provide relief include raw ginger and mint, so bring along a pack of flavored teas or mint-flavored chewing gum to help soothe your symptoms.

Hemorrhoids Extended time sitting during long travel days, sudden diet changes and destinations that may have you further away from the usual bathroom amenities can all lead to backside discomfort and the potential onset of hemorrhoids. Pack Preparation H Rapid Relief Totables Wipes with Lidocaine for portable pain relief from hemorrhoids when you're on-the-go. The convenient and individually wrapped wipes provide rapid numbing relief, reduce swelling and are flushable, making them a perfect, discrete item to bring along to nip the issue in the bud.

Sunburn It goes without saying that using sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun's damaging rays is crucial. But let's face it - sometimes sunscreen application can be spotty and reapplying every two hours can fall by the wayside when having fun, which can ultimately bring on a painful sunburn. In addition to the sunscreen you already had in your bag, be sure to pack a moisturizer with aloe vera to help soothe skin and ibuprofen to help reduce any swelling, redness and discomfort caused by sunburn.

Blisters If your travel plans involve walking or hiking long distances, you may experience some blisters while on the move, as it only takes a little friction and moisture for them to pop up. Whether you're climbing a mountain solo or trekking through an amusement park with the family, make sure to pack adhesive bandages and extra socks to help prevent and treat blisters. The bandages can act as another layer of skin, preventing the formation of blisters, while extra socks can help reduce friction.

Planning ahead for these minor health issues is as easy as tossing items in your purse or bag. Vacation is supposed to be fun, spontaneous and relaxing, but by keeping these extra precautions in mind before you leave, you ensure minor health inconveniences don't get in the way of enjoyment during and after your trip.

For more information on hemorrhoid relief, visit www.preparationh.com.

Source: NNPA

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4 | August 2019 HEALTH

Beauty Beyond Breast Cancer BRAS 4 A CAUSE By d-mars.com News Provider

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n Saturday, July 13, Breast Beyond Breast Cancer (BBBC) hosted Bras 4 A Cause at University Branch Library in Sugarland.

Survivors came from near and far to create one-of-a kind artistic, thematic designs on bras that showcased the journey of being a survivor. These bras were created through the fellowship of participants, including some who are currently receiving treatment.

“Beauty Beyond Breast Cancer was so excited to host Bras 4 a Cause,” said Venita Graves, Founder and executive director of BBBC. “The ladies created beautiful bras

using rhinestones, feathers, pennies, and even pencils.

We can’t wait to see these exquisite designs at our fashion show and luncheon on Sunday, October 6!” BBBCs 2nd annual Luncheon and Fashion show will be at Bayou City Event Center. Tickets and further information are available at www.beautybeyondbc.org.

Beauty Beyond Breast Cancer is an organization where women can come and select free wigs, receive complimentary styling of the wig, and learn makeup applications, all while enduring the ravishing effects of cancer treatments. The organization rebuilds survivors’ self-confidence and self-esteem by providing wigs free of charge. “We aim at assisting and rebuilding their (survivors) confidence and self-esteem during that sensitive period by (providing) these beautiful wigs we have

here at the BBBC Headquarters,” said Venita Graves, executive director and founder of BBBC. Our mission is to provide a private and serene atmosphere where women can come to select a FREE WIG, receive complementary salon services, and learn makeup application all while surviving through the effects of cancer treatments. The goal of Beauty Beyond Breast Cancer is to inform, assist, motivate, and inspire women.

Beauty Beyond Breast Cancer is a 501(c)3 organization.

For more information, visit: www.beautybeyondbc.org.

Breast cancer survivors created artful and themed bras to be featured at Beauty Beyond Breast Cancer's 2nd Annual Luncheon and Fashion Show on Oct. 6 at Bayou City Event Center.

Source: BPT

HEALTH

Exercise is important for everyone, especially people with disabilities By d-mars.com News Provider

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o matter how old or out of shape you think you are, it is never too late to add more physical activity to your life. Regular and consistent exercise can:

• Help you control your weight. Along with healthy diet, exercise plays an important role in preventing obesity.

• Reduce your risk of heart diseases. Exercise strengthens the heart, improves circulation and can lower blood pressure.

• Improve your mental health and mood. During exercise, the body releases chemicals that can help you handle stress and reduce the risk of depression.

• Strengthen your bones and muscles. Weight-bearing activities can help increase and maintain muscle mass while slowing the loss of bone density that naturally comes with age.

• Reduce your risk of some cancers, including colon, breast, uterine and lung cancer.

Experts say these benefits apply regardless of ability or skill level and staying active can be even more critical for people with disabilities. Adaptive sports - activities modified for people with disabilities - provide improved physical and mental well-being, as well as increased independence, purpose and social interaction.

According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, "Recent studies indicate that disabled veterans who participate in adaptive sports report benefits such as: Less stress, reduced dependency on pain and depression medication, fewer secondary medical conditions, higher achievement in education and employment, and more independence."

Paralyzed Veterans of America, a service organization that

advocates for veterans who have experienced a spinal cord injury or disease such as MS or ALS, says adaptive sports are often game changers for their members, helping them through rehabilitation and improving their quality of life.

PVA and the Department of Veterans Affairs co-present the largest annual multi-sport wheelchair event in the world, the National Veterans Wheelchair Games. This year marks the 39th anniversary of the Wheelchair Games and more than 600 athletes will compete in 19 sporting events over six days in Louisville, Kentucky.

All participating athletes are U.S. military veterans who use wheelchairs due to spinal cord injuries, MS, ALS, certain neurological conditions, amputations or other mobility impairments. Kenneth Lee, M.D., director of the Milwaukee VA Spinal Cord Injury Center and a combat-injured Army veteran, is the medical director of the Wheelchair Games.

Lee says adaptive bike riding was key to his own difficult recovery after being injured in Iraq in 2004. It took him years to overcome the effects of an open head wound and shrapnel injuries to his legs.

Lee explains that sports tap into the natural competitive spirit and speed healing, physically and mentally.

"Participating in adaptive sports gives patients a feeling of inclusion. They compete in new ways and you can see their confidence come to life," he says. "When athletes go to the Wheelchair Games, they go home different, feeling like they can work through other barriers in their everyday lives," he adds.

Adaptive sports do not alter the sports that able-bodied athletes play but simply allow modifications to fit the needs of the athletes with disabilities. This ensures adapted athletes are playing and competing on par with able-bodied athletes.

Army veteran Jennifer Steele says, "Sports really made me feel alive again!" Steele, 38, served as a sergeant on a patriot missile crew for five months at the beginning of the Iraq

War. During her service, she started having difficulty running and was eventually diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and given a medical discharge. It took years for her to work through the anger and depression that followed.

She still chokes up when she recalls the first time she played wheelchair softball. "It was like getting a part of myself back that I thought I had lost forever," Steele says.

This year, Steele is preparing to compete in the National Veterans Wheelchair Games for the third time.

Paralyzed Veterans of America has year-round adaptive sporting events across the country for individuals with disabilities, including people with amputation, traumatic brain injury, post-traumatic stress disorder, and neurological disorders such as MS or ALS. Learn more at pva.org/sports.

The power of physical exercise can help us all overcome hardships and challenges to improve our lives. A few small changes to your daily habits to make exercise a part of your regular routine can bring all of these benefits into your life as well.

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Source: BPT

August 2019 | 5

3 TIPS TO LOWER YOUR RISK FOR DIABETES MAINTAINING A HEALTHY WEIGHT

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

MEAL PLANNING

Staying at a healthy weight can help you prevent and manage problems like prediabetes, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure and unhealthy cholesterol.

Physical activity can do a lot for your health, even if you haven’t been very active lately.

What you eat makes a difference in your blood glucose, cholesterol, blood pressure and weight. Eating healthful foods doesn’t have to be difficult.

1 out of 3

ADULTS HAS PRE-DIABETES Which can lead to diabetes and complications

Heart Disease

Blindness

Kidney Failure

Stroke

Make a change. The Diabetes Awareness and Wellness Network offers FREE diabetes education and services for adults with diabetes, pre-diabetes, or those at risk.

CALL OR VISIT US ONLINE TODAY houstontx.gov/dawncenter 832-393-4055

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6 | August 2019

In the Health Community…

To View More Photos, Visit Our Website www.d-mars.com and Click on ‘Photo Gallery.’

Shapes Fitness for Women – Grand Opening Celebration Women-only gym, Shapes Fitness for Women, held its grand opening in Spring, Texas recently. The new 6,670-square-foot gym offers a variety of convenient health and fitness options for the community including strength equipment, cardio machines, infrared sauna, dressing areas with private showers, indoor cycling, personal training, more than 35 group exercise classes as well as many other amenities. The gym also includes a Kid Zone, equipped with toys, movies, attendants and cameras for parents to check in.

The grand opening celebration included a gym tour, mini-group fitness classes, a ribbon cutting ceremony and an afternoon full of activities, vendors, prize giveaways and refreshments. Co-owner Vanessa Hall says the Shapes team plans to continue being very active in the community.

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I am here. I exist. I matter.

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August 2019  |  7

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8 | August 2019

Health care you can count on.

1-800-600-4441 (TTY 711)

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www.myamerigroup.com/tx

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