Health & Wellness 88

YOUR RISK FOR DIABETES

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MAINTAINING A HEALTHY WEIGHT

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

September 2019 | 1

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Staying at a healthy weight can help What you eat makes a difference in Physical activity can do a lot for your you prevent and manage problems your blood glucose, cholesterol, blood health, even if| you haven’t been very| MENTAL HEALTH BIOTECH | BUSINESS | CAREER | EDUCATION HEALTHY LIFESTYLES | MEDICAL | POLICY | RESEARCH | SPORTS MEDICINE like prediabetes, type 2 diabetes, heart pressure and weight.

Eating healthful active lately. disease, high blood pressure and unfoods doesn’t have to be difficult. healthy cholesterol.

September 2019

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Inspire, Inform & Educate

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88th Edition

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.

05

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

02 Sickle Cell Strong: Sickle Cell Disease Advocate Marie Ojiambo

06 Staying on track: 3 ways to kickstart a healthy fall Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

03 5 Easy Ways To Be A More Active Dad

2 | September 2019 HEALTH

SICKLE CELL STRONG:

SICKLE CELL DISEASE ADVOCATE MARIE OJIAMBO

By Lauren Poteat NNPA Newswire Contributor

I

t’s been more than 100 years since sickle cell disease was first discovered in America.

Today, the rare hereditary blood disorder continues to affect millions of people throughout the world.

Sickle cell disease – or SCD – affects approximately 100,000 Americans and occurs among about 1 out of every 365 African-American births, according to medical experts.

Nearly 1 in 13 African American babies are born with the sickle cell trait, which medical experts said means that an individual has inherited the sickle cell gene from one of his or her parents.

During its annual convention, the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA), a trade organization that represents African American-owned newspapers and media companies throughout the U.S., partnered with Pfizer Rare Disease (Pfizer) to host a forum on this rare disease.

“I was diagnosed with sickle cell disease at the age of 1,” said Marie Ojiambo, a consultant for Pfizer, during the forum moderated by NNPA President and CEO, Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr. “And always wanted to be a support system and advocate for research, for other young women, going through the same thing,” Ojiambo said.

“Because of this, I always felt like it was important for me to not only introduce myself by my profession, but also as a sickle cell warrior,” said the Kenyan native.

“When I competed in the Miss Africa USA pageant back in 2014, I made sure that my pageant platform, represented the same personal goals I had for myself and advocated for, sickle cell disease awareness,” she said.

Dr. Chavis emphasized, “The NNPA is grateful to Pfizer for introducing Marie Ojiambo to the Black Press

of America. Ms. Ojiambo is an excellent role model for millennials, and in particular for young African and African American women, who are interested in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) fields of study. Marie Ojiambo’s outstanding success as a research scientist is truly inspiring as she did not allow the challenges of Sickle Cell Disease to prevent her from achieving her professional career goals.”

According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, the sickle cell disease trait is most commonly

found in places like Africa, India and Southeast Asia.

However, it is not exclusive to one race. Also, as the Hemoglobin disorders follow the malaria belt around the globe, those who have the trait are relatively protected from malaria.

Although most who carry the sickle cell trait remain healthy, medical statistics show that if two healthy people who carry the trait join to conceive a child, there’s still a one in four chance with every pregnancy that they would have child with active SCD. Ojiambo, who graduated from St. John’s University’s College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences in New York and who specializes in pre-clinical Pharmaceutical Research, is also the founder of the Sickle Strong Initiative—a Kenyan-based NGO whose mandate is to raise awareness around sickle cell disease and advocate for better health care opportunities for patients suffering from the disease in Kenya.

While she champions research and viable medications and solutions, Ojiambo also emphasized the importance of being regularly tested. “Both of my parents were carriers of the sickle cell trait and so when they came together, I received the disorder,” Ojiambo said.

“It is so important to know your status and to get tested regularly,” Ojiambo continued. “Take part in clinical trials and work to make sure you have access to primary care physicians and a good hematologist.”

Source: NNRP

I Take PrEP daily

I am here. I exist. I matter.

houston I amLife.com # takePrEPdail

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September 2019  |  3 HEALTH

EASY

ways to be a MORE ACTIVE DAD By d-mars.com News Provider

F

or children, having an engaged dad makes a huge difference - fathers play a critical role, and research tells us just how important that role is. In fact, studies show that children who feel close to their fathers are two times more likely to go to college or find a job after high school.

Despite all the evidence that shows the benefits of an involved father, whether children live with their fathers or not, 63% of fathers say they spend too little time with their kids.

How can you spend more meaningful time with your children? Here are some simple ideas from the National Responsible Fatherhood Clearinghouse and the Ad Council that can help you make a moment with your children:

1. Read to your children.

A bedtime story is a meaningful bonding activity that is not only fun and comforting for children, but dramatically increases their ability and interest in reading over the years. Even children who can read chapter books on their own still enjoy being read to. For older children, take turns reading chapters or pages aloud to each other, and enjoy making up funny voices for the characters.

2. Stay connected.

Whether you have long work days, travel frequently, or if you live apart, find ways to stay connected when you're unable to see your child in person. Text often, video chat or call. Find creative ways to connect, like playing an online game together. Lastly, don't forget the power of something you can hold in your hand - send an occasional handwritten letter or postcard your child can treasure, even if you just live across town.

3. Use errands as an opportunity to bond.

Fathers are less likely to take children to necessary appointments, such as dental and medical checkups. Making the effort to be the comforting presence during a possibly stressful appointment can really strengthen the bond with your child. You can also enjoy making conversation while you're going to and from appointments. Other types of necessary errands to share include going for a haircut together or going to soccer practice. All these crucial activities are ways to strengthen that connection with your child.

4. Be a positive role model.

Share something that you love to do or care about with your children. Introduce them to a hobby you enjoy, take them to a park or other location you have an attachment to and share your memories with them. Volunteer together for a cause that's important to you. Show your children what you are passionate about in life, and they will learn a lot about you. They'll also feel more comfortable sharing what they love and care about with you.

5. Dance like a dad.

Let yourself play and be silly together sometimes. Turn on your child's favorite upbeat music and #DanceLikeADad with your kids. Teach your kids your favorite dance moves and let them show off their own.

"Fathers are important to their children's lives and well-being. Research shows children who feel close to their fathers do better in school and show higher self-esteem and empathy. Whether you live with your children or not, it's the time you spend together and the memories you create that have made the biggest difference," adds Kenneth Braswell, Project Director for the National Responsible Fatherhood Clearinghouse and Chief Executive Officer for Fathers Incorporated.

For more information and ideas about how to be a more active dad, visit fatherhood.gov.

Source: BPT

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4 | September 2019 HEALTH

HOW A SMALL DEVICE CAN OFFER MORE

breast cancer treatment

OPTIONS FOR WOMEN By d-mars.com News Provider

A

diagnosis of breast cancer comes as terrifying news, and according to the American Cancer Society, one in eight women will develop invasive breast cancer in their lifetime. However, for many women, it's not necessarily a hopeless diagnosis. With today's technology and medical advances, the odds of surviving are now much higher than decades ago.

For anyone who is grappling with the shock of this diagnosis, Dr. Anne Peled offers a unique perspective that can be helpful: She's a board-certified surgeon at the Sutter Health California Pacific Medical Center and a breast cancer survivor, so she truly knows what it feels like to receive this life-altering news.

When faced with a breast cancer diagnosis, she says that it's important to research your options, so you and your caregiver can design a treatment plan that will offer the best results and minimize negative side effects. "Not only will this benefit your outcomes, but it will give you peace of mind with the choices that you make," she says. "I remind myself of that a lot, and it's something I absolutely share with my patients."

For women undergoing a lumpectomy or breastconserving surgery, one of their main concerns - in addition to survival - is how their breasts will look and feel post-surgery. One option Dr. Peled frequently offers to women in that position is a medical device designed to both fill and mark the cancer site after surgery. During her own breast cancer treatment, she opted for the BioZorb® 3D bioabsorbable marker, and she routinely recommends the device to her patients. For patients who are good candidates for breast-conserving surgery, the BioZorb marker can be an incredibly useful tool.

How this small device plays a role in breast cancer treatment:

Peled explains the BioZorb marker works like a GPS for the site of the cancerous tissue, which allows a more targeted, precise treatment designed to minimize damage to healthy tissue.1 * When the cancer is removed from the breast, this 3-D device is placed in the cavity left behind by the removed tissue and sutured into place. * The marker has small titanium clips that show up clearly on clinical imaging devices such as mammography, computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). According to research published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, 96% of radiation oncologists have reported that the marker improves accuracy in setup and boosts targeting.2 * As healing commences and fills the space with healthy tissue, the framework starts to dissolve, leaving the titanium clips in place.3

BENEFITS OF USING A 3-D MARKER: 1. Helps women feel more secure about choosing breast-conserving surgery Women who are faced with a breast cancer diagnosis worry about radiation, its impact, and whether the cancer will return. For that reason, Peled explains, a woman may opt for a mastectomy because she perceives lumpectomies as having a higher chance of recurrence.

Having the BioZorb marker in place, however, can ease some of these worries because "radiation oncologists may be better able to target their radiation," she says.

The possibility of having fewer side effects, the higher quality imaging and the results make women feel better about having a lumpectomy.

2. Improves patient outcomes Some women may also worry about how their breasts will look following a lumpectomy. Thankfully, the BioZorb marker is designed to potentially improve the cosmetic outcome of women's breast cancer surgery.

The 3-D design holds the shape of the cavity left by the removed tissue and creates a scaffold for new tissue ingrowth, which fills the cavity left by surgery.3 This can potentially minimize dimpling and help the breast maintain a more natural shape during recovery and beyond. What's more, clinical experience shows the marker is not painful and is well tolerated by patients.4

3. Eases follow-up care Over time, the framework of the BioZorb marker absorbs into the body, leaving behind the titanium clips. "The clips stay stable year after year for imaging, which I love," Peled says. This stability is especially important for women, as traditionally placed clips may move over time. During follow-up mammograms, the clips allow radiologists to easily locate and check the previous cancer site.

Weighing the options carefully Peled says it's understandable to want to give in to that first urge to get the cancerous tissue out immediately. But taking the time to explore your options can prove to be worthwhile in the long run. Thanks to new treatment plans, these choices can help ensure the best possible outcomes for survival while also minimizing side effects and improving cosmetic results.

"Once you're on your path and you figure out what your treatment plan looks like, there is this huge feeling of relief and security," she says. "It allows you to move forward from your diagnosis."

To learn more about the BioZorb 3D bioabsorbable marker, visit MyBioZorb.com.

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Source: BPT

September 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

Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

6  |  September 2019 FOOD & RECIPES

Staying active: Push-ups

While the thought of doing push-ups might be intimidating, there are plenty of ways to make the exercise simpler while still gaining strength in your arms, chest and back. Try a modification on the classic push-up that could even be done on a secure countertop in the convenience of your home.

1. Place your hands on top of a countertop or other firm surface. Make sure to spread your fingers wide.

2. As you lower yourself toward your hands, keep your shoulder blades down and back.

3. Once you have gone as low as you can, come back up and repeat.

SERVINGS: MAKES 2 WRAPS

To take a more active role in your health, some health plans, including UnitedHealthcare, offer gym memberships at no additional cost. To learn more, visit UHCMedicarePlans.com. Consult your doctor prior to beginning an exercise program or making changes to your lifestyle or health care routine.

Walk-in-the-park wraps

Ingredients: 2 whole grain tortillas, 8" 2 tablespoons prepared basil pesto 1 cup spinach leaves 4-6 thin slices tomato 1/2 avocado, cut into 6 slices 4 slices turkey breast 2 slices mozzarella cheese, cut into 3 pieces

Directions: 1. Spread 1 tablespoon of pesto on the center of each tortilla.

2. Layer each with the spinach, sliced tomato and avocado, and then the turkey and cheese.

3. Roll the tortilla into a snug roll and wrap with parchment paper (wax paper works, too).

4. Tie each end with string before cutting in half diagonally to serve.

Health facts: calories: 462; total fat: 20.8g; saturated fat: 0g; cholesterol: 33.4mg; sodium: 178.1mg; carbs: 48.8g; dietary fiber: 8.1g; sugar: 5.3g; protein: 23.7g

Staying mindful: Brain quiz Keeping your mind active and engaged is a good way to help fend off memory loss. Brain games, like trivia, are fun ways to help keep your memory sharp.

1. Which is the biggest part of your brain? a) Cerebrum b) Cerebellum c) Brainstem 2. How much does the average adult human brain weigh? a) 1 pound b) 3 pounds c) 6 pounds 3. Which part of the brain plays an important role in long-term memory and spatial navigation? a) Hippocampus b) Hypothalamus c) Basal Ganglia

Find more simple ways to help enhance your mental and physical health at newsroom.uhc.com.

Plans are insured through UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company or one of its affiliated companies, a Medicare Advantage organization with a Medicare contract.

Enrollment in these plans depends on the plan's contract renewal with Medicare.

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Source: BPT

September 2019  |  7

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8 | September 2019

Health care you can count on.

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