Health and Wellness 53rd Edition

Left to Right: Shannon Alexander, Mission Mom, March of Dimes | Toni Walton, Sr. Dir., Donor Development, March of Dimes

Yasmene McDaniel, CEO HCA Houston Healthcare SE, 2024 Chair March for Babies | Jennifer Torres, Sr. Executive Director, March of Dimes

HCA Houston Healthcare

HCA Houston

Named Chair of 2024

Named Chair of 2024

COVER STORY HEALTH 1

TTBy d-mars.com News Provider

By d-mars.com Provider

he United States is experiencing an urgent maternal and infant health crisis. Statistics reveal that each day in the U.S., one woman dies every 12 hours from pregnancy-related causes, and in Harris County, one in eight babies is born too soon. One Houstonarea healthcare CEO is calling on surrounding communities to join her in an effort to help the March of Dimes Houston fund research, provide education, and support advocacy efforts to prevent premature births and lower infant mortality rates.

he United States is experiencing an urgent mainfant health crisis. Statistics that each day in the U.S., one woman dies every 12 hours from pregnancy-related causes, and in Harris County, one in eight babies is born too soon. One Houstonarea healthcare CEO is calling on communities to join her in an effort to help the March of Dimes Houston fund provide education, and support advocacy efforts to prevent premature births and lower infant mortality rates.

March of Dimes recently announced the appointment of Yasmene McDaniel as chair of the 2024 Houston March for Babies: A Mother of a Movement™. McDaniel, who is the CEO of HCA Houston Healthcare Southeast in Pasadena, Texas, has a background that includes working in obstetrics and midwifery services. The Dime Box, Texas, native told d-mars.com that her hometown is a maternal desert.

March Dimes recently announced the appointment of Yasmene McDaniel as chair of the 2024 March for Babies: A Mother of a Movement™. McDaniel, who is the CEO of Houston Healthcare in Pasadena, Texas, has a background that includes working in obstetmidwifery services. The Dime Box, Texas, native told d-mars.com that her hometown is a maternal desert.

“My hometown is one of those full maternal care deserts. Even in 2024, I know people who have delivered babies in the car and in their home and other areas because they don’t have access to birthing centers,” McDaniel said.

“My hometown is one of those full maternal care deserts. Even in I know people who have delivered in the car and in their home and other because they don’t have access birthing centers,” McDaniel said.

March of Dimes is known for its focus on improving the health of mothers and babies across the U.S. Presented by HCA Houston Healthcare, a 2024 March for Babies Signature sponsor, the March for Babies provides an opportunity for families to come together to support one another throughout their parenthood journey while raising funds that help the organization ensure parents and their little ones get critical resources needed for them to thrive. March for Babies is MOD’s largest fundraiser and the na tion’s oldest charitable walk. It’s a significant initiative to support the health and well-being of moms and infants from all nationalities, soci oeconomic backgrounds and walks of life.

March of Dimes is known for its focus on improving the of mothers and babies across U.S. Presented by HCA Houston Healthcare, a 2024 March for Babies Signature sponsor, the March for Babies provides an opportunity for families to come together support another their parenthood journey while raising that help the organization parents and their little resources needed for them to thrive. March for Babies is MOD’s largest and the na tion’s charitable It’s a significant to support the health and well-being of moms and infants from all nationalities, soci oeconomic backgrounds and walks of life.

“The number tionwide is staggering,” movement, individuals ensure March grams and advocacy best possible start.”

“The number is staggering,” movement, ensure March grams advocacy best possible start.”

“Yasmene is a longtime will focus her efforts for March of Dimes,” executive director. “We opportunity to lead equity and ensure that quality care.”

“Yasmene is will focus her efforts for March of Dimes,” executive director. opportunity to lead equity ensure that quality care.”

More than just a walk, March nities for health equity, access to care and protect advocacy. The annual experience country to unite and take and make a huge difference

More than just a walk, March nities for health equity, to care and protect advocacy. The annual country to unite and take and make a huge

CEO, HCA Houston Healthcare Southeast

Yasmene McDaniel

CEO, HCA Houston Healthcare Southeast

Healthcare CEO

Healthcare CEO

March

Houston March for Babies

According to marchforbabies.org, those joining this impactful movement are:

According joining impactful movement are:

• equity so all families have access the care they need.

• Uniting for health equity so all families have access to the care they need.

number of babies born pre-term here in Texas and nastaggering,” McDaniel explained. “By joining this individuals and groups can take action to help of Dimes can continue the vital research, proadvocacy that allow moms and babies to get the start.”

of born pre-term here in and nastaggering,” McDaniel explained. “By joining this groups can take action to help of can continue the vital research, proadvocacy that allow moms and babies to get the start.”

longtime supporter of March Babies to raise awareness and critical funds said March of Dimes senior “We are thrilled that has accepted this our movement to advance health that every and baby access to

longtime supporter of March for Babies and efforts to raise awareness and critical funds Dimes,” said Jen Torres, March of Dimes senior “We are thrilled that she has accepted this our local movement to advance health that every mom and baby has access to

March for Babies helps to lift commuopen the door for every mom to have protect the health of families through calls on people across the steps— big or small —to fundraise for the health of families.

March for Babies helps to lift commuopen the door for every mom to have protect the health of families through experience calls on people across the steps— big or small —to fundraise difference for the health of all families.

• Making a commitment to connect with others who want moms and babies and strong.

• Making a commitment to connect with others who want moms and babies to be healthy and strong.

• motherhood, babies and those who have experienced tragic loss, and

• Honoring motherhood, babies and those who have experienced tragic loss, and

• Caring families throughout every stage of pregnancy so they can get the best possible stock.

• Caring for families throughout every stage of pregnancy so they can get the best possible stock.

“Although we see thousands healthy born year in the greater Houston area, we also see of babies who need life-saving treatments in neonatal ICUs. The work of the March of Dimes is unparalleled in what they do moms and babies, I’m so proud be of this important work that affects so many lives,” McDaniel said.

“Although we see thousands of healthy babies born each year in the greater Houston area, we also see thousands of babies who need life-saving treatments in our neonatal ICUs. The work of the March of Dimes is unparalleled in what they do for moms and babies, and I’m so proud to be a part of this important work that affects so many lives,” McDaniel said.

The impact March of Dimes has is evident. In the organization launched its third NICU Family Support pro gram at Lyndon B. Johnson Hospital, which offers family education, healthcare staffing and an improved patient experience. The organization also raised $4.7 million locally last year. MOD officials reportedly diapers, and care kits families in need, recruited 3,068 advocates in the Texas Advocacy Network, and engaged more than 800 mission and partners, in 2023.

The local impact March of Dimes has made is extremely evident. In 2023, the organization launched its third NICU Family Support program at Lyndon B. Johnson Hospital, which offers family education, healthcare staffing training and an improved patient experience. The organization also raised $4.7 million locally last year. MOD officials reportedly distributed 50,000 diapers, wipes, and care kits to families in need, recruited 3,068 advocates in the Texas Advocacy Network, and engaged more than 800 mission and fundraising partners, all in 2023.

Are you looking to take steps with the March of Dimes community to help protect the health of families and generations to come? Join McDaniel and several others for the Houston March for Babies: A Mother of a Movement™, which will be held at 8 a.m. on Sunday, May 5, at the University of Houston TDECU Football Stadium. Visit marchforbabies.org for more information on how to donate and start or join a team. Those looking to volunteer for the event can register at https://getinvolved.marchofdimes.org.

Are you looking take steps with the March of Dimes community to help protect the health of families generations to come? Join McDaniel and others for the Houston March for A of a Movement™, will be held at 8 a.m. on Sunday, May 5, at the University of Houston TDECU Football Stadium. Visit marchforbabies.org for information on how to donate and start or join a team. Those looking to volunteer for the event can register https://getinvolved.marchofdimes.org.

“One the things that picked throughout journey with of Dimes is that this should be something you care about you were ever McDaniel said.

“One of the things that I’ve picked up throughout this journey with March of Dimes is that this should be something you care about if you were ever born,” McDaniel said.

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We are proud to congratulate the honorees of the Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas Awards, celebrating the diverse group of men and women in Texas who have broken barriers in their fields. You’re an inspiration to us all.

LEGACY SUPER TRAILBLAZER

I’m honored to be here this evening because the vision that Keith Davis has said in terms of this award ceremony, I consider this the Emmys, the Oscars for Black folk in Houston… And I commend Keith Davis for his vision in giving this opportunity to us. I applaud everybody who has overcome to succeed and achieve Black excellence in Houston, Texas. Congratulations, Class of 2024.

– BENJAMIN L. HALL, III, PH.D., JD, 2024 TOP 50 P&E LEGACY

D-Mars, you know I love you man. I appreciate everything… You have honored me with the ultimate honor. Thank you so much. I look forward to seeing you next year.

We are under attack in this state of Texas, and so it’s extremely important that we have people who are Black who are doing excellent things in whatever endeavors they do. I’m just thankful to d-mars for spending his time and his money to celebrate Black excellence.

State Rep. Ron Reynolds

Dr. Troy B. Smith, FDIC, CFSP, MBIE Judge Erica Hughes

Hiram H. Smith

Benjamin L. Hall, III, PH.D., JD

Brad “Scarface” Jordan

– STATE REP. JOLANDA JONES, HOUSE DISTRICT 147, TOP 50 P&E ALUMNA

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TRAILBLAZERS

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Yasmene McDaniel Jamie Allen

Dr. Margaret Ford Fisher

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Ige Johnson ®

Dr. Kerrie Patterson-Brown

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Judge LaShawn A. Williams

Judge Dawn Rogers

Sharon D. Phillips

State Rep. Shawn Thierry

LaTrice Martin, JD, LL.M

Judge Robert Johnson

CONGRATULATIONS

BOTTOM ROW, LEFT TO RIGHT: A. Kirk Williams, MD, LaCharro “CeCe” Weathersby, Ige Johnson, Marquis Davis, Chef LaToya Larkin, LaTasha T. Jackson, Judge Erica Hughes, Congressman Rachel Bickham, Dana Clark Green, Vanessa Cole, Dr. Jasmine Boone, Dr. Margaret

MIDDLE ROW, LEFT TO RIGHT: Dr. Barry J. W. Franklin, LaTrice Martin, Loren McCray, Dr. Adria Andre and Miranda Horn, Keith “MR. D-MARS” Davis, Sr., Ricky Anderson, Hiram H. Robert M. Franklin III, Erwin Nicholas II, Constance Jones, Judge Dawn

TOP ROW, LEFT TO RIGHT: Jevaughn Sterling, Branden Gibson, Keith Carter, Abdul Dosunmu, Norris D. Burkley, II, Dr. Troy B. Smith, B. Keith Jackson, Sr., Brent Law, Elfrin Patten, James

2024 HONOREES

Johnson, Yasmene McDaniel, Simone Hopes, Sharterica S. Washington, Letrice Mason, Congressman Al Green, Dr. Benjamin Hall, Sharon Phillips, Stephanie Ross, Deshonda P. Charles, Esq. Margaret Ford Fisher, Lyndsey Brantley, Debora Ann Nixon, Danielle A. Davis

Adria Flowers, Dr. Cherese Sullivan, Tiara Johnson, Mark Norman, Judge Robert Johnson, Smith, James E. Payne, Katrina “Kay” Chambers, Laquita Cyprian, Trenton Thomas, Dawn Rogers, Essence Nixon, Raven Watson, Judge LaShawn A. Williams

Dosunmu, Brandon Q. Jones, Derek J. Holmes, Jamail Johnson, Reginald D. Wilson, Jr., Edward Robertson, Jr., Mack Montgomery, Jr., Reggie Barnes, Sean C. Small, Errol Hughes

Stephanie Ross

Laquita Cyprian

James Edward Robertson, Jr.

A. Kirk Williams, MD

Chef LaToya Larkin, MBA, CCE

Brandon Q. Jones

Jevaughn Sterling

Rachel Bickham, CDT Kevin A. Murray, Esq

Danielle A. Davis

B. Keith Jackson, Sr. Essence Nixon

Brent Law

Errol Hughes

J.D. Garnier, Sr. Debora Ann Nixon

James E. Payne

Derek J. Holmes Raven Watson

Trena Hunter

Dr. Barry J.W. Franklin, CFSP

Katrina “Kay” Chambers

TOP P&E

Branden Gibson

Deshonda P. Charles, Esq

Erwin Nicholas, II

Keith R. Wilson

Abdul Dosunmu

Elfrin Patten

Dr. Jasmine Boone

Simone Hopes, MSHS, PA-C

Trenton Thomas Mark Norman

Constance Jones

Norris D. Burkley, II

LaTasha T. Jackson

Dr. Latisha Rowe

Keith Carter

Sean C. Small, MPH, CHES

Tiara Johnson

Sharterica S. Washington M.Ed., MS

LaCharro “CeCe” Weathersby

Roderick Batson

Letrice Mason, MSN, APRN, FNP-C

Dana Clark Green

Loren McCray

Reginald Wilson

Vanessa Cole

Robert M. Franklin, III

Lyndsey Brantley

Marcquis Davis

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WHY YOU SHOULD AVOID DIY DENTAL TRENDS

By d-mars.com News Provider

DIY activities, like swapping a lighting fixture or painting your living room, are popular ways to accomplish your to-do list. But as anyone who has tackled too big of a project knows, some jobs are best left to the professionals. That includes your dental health.

You may have already seen DIY dentistry products, such as at-home whitening kits, mouthguards or teeth aligners. These often guarantee fast, easy ways

to solve your oral health issues without the involvement of a dentist or an orthodontist (a dentist who specializes in the bite and alignment of your teeth).

“Dental products are never one-size-fits-all,” said American Dental Association (ADA) president, Linda Edgar, D.D.S. “No two mouths are alike, which is why it’s important to work directly with an ADA dentist or orthodontist to determine the precise care that your body needs.”

Skipping the dentist chair and “fixing” your teeth at home can lead to bigger, sometimes irreversible problems. For some people with more complex dental health needs, using an at-home aligner may cause bone loss, lost teeth, receding gums, bite problems,

jaw pain and other damaging and permanent issues. You might also not be aware of other dental issues that should be addressed before you start moving teeth.

“Patients are understandably drawn to these DIY treatments because they might struggle to fit a dentist appointment into their schedule or they assume at-home care will cost less,” Dr. Edgar said. “But when these products cause major issues, patients end up spending more time and more money trying to reverse that damage. Instead, trained ADA dentists and orthodontists can talk through patients’ budget concerns and offer them a wider variety of dependable, approved treatment options.”

In between dental checkups, look for products with the ADA Seal of Acceptance. These have been independently evaluated by experts and recognized to be both safe and effective. When you choose one of these options, you can be assured that your care is backed by evidence-based research and generations of scientific knowledge.

Whether its teeth grinding or a toothache, talk to your dentist before trying to solve your dental problems on your own. A dentist can help you find a personalized treatment plan that’s right for you, monitor your progress and make recommendations on how to manage your oral health outside of the office.

To look for an ADA dentist in your area, visit findadentist.ada.org.

“The ADA’s primary concerns with DIY dentistry are, and always have been, patient safety and quality care,” Dr. Edgar said. “Our job as dentists is to put patient health first.”

Source: StatePoint

SBE YONDDEEPSKIN

Unveiling the Hidden Health Risks of Spider Veins in Women

By Dr. Tonie Reincke News Provider

pider veins, those tiny yet visible veins that often appear on the legs, can be a source of embarrassment for many women.

While they are commonly dismissed as a cosmetic concern, their presence might indicate a deeper underlying issue: venous insufficiency, also known as vein disease. This condition, often overlooked, can have significant implications for women’s health beyond mere aesthetics.

Vein disease occurs when the valves within the veins fail to function properly and leads to an impaired return blood from the legs to the heart. This dysfunction leads to blood pooling in the veins, causing them to swell and become visible beneath the skin, manifesting as spider veins or bulging varicose veins. While anyone can develop spider veins, they are more prevalent in women, with hormonal fluctuations, pregnancy, and genetics playing significant roles.

The connection between spider veins and vein disease is not merely coincidental. Spider veins are often an early warning sign of this circulatory disorder. If left untreated, vein disease can progress, resulting in more severe symptoms such as leg swelling, pain, skin changes, and even venous ulcers. Understanding the potential health risks associated with vein disease underscores the importance of seeking medical attention for spider veins beyond cosmetic concerns. Women, especially those with a family history of venous disease or who spend prolonged periods standing or sitting, should be vigilant about monitoring their vein health.

Diagnosing vein disease typically involves a physical examination and an ultrasound. Fortunately, several

treatment options are available to manage vein disease and alleviate its symptoms and can be done in an office setting. Lifestyle modifications, such as regular exercise, elevating the legs, and wearing compression stockings, can help improve circulation and prevent the progression of the condition.

For more advanced cases, minimally invasive procedures like sclerotherapy or radiofrequency treatment may be recommended to close off or remove the affected veins. These procedures target the underlying problem, promoting better venous function and overall well-being.

Ignoring the signs of vein disease can have serious implications for women’s health and quality of life.Vein disease not only affects physical comfort but can also impact mobility, productivity, and emotional well-being. Moreover, the risk of complications such as blood clots or skin infections underscores the importance of timely intervention.

In conclusion, while spider veins in women are often dismissed as a cosmetic concern, they can serve as a crucial indicator of underlying vein disease in women. Recognizing this connection empowers women to prioritize their vein health and seek appropriate medical care.

Reincke Vein Center offers complimentary consultations for all cosmetic patients, ensuring comprehensive education and evaluation prior to any cosmetic treatments. By addressing vein disease early on, women can mitigate its progression and enjoy improved vein function and overall health.

n celebration of its 30 years as the largest and only national Black breast cancer survivor-run organization, Sisters Network® Inc. is hosting a series of special programs and events to educate, empower, and celebrate the sisterhood the organization has provided for Black women in the United States. In honor of the 30-year milestone and anniversary theme “Loving Our Sisters for 30 Years”, the organization kicked off its first event with a free virtual forum, “Loving Our Sisters: A Candid Talk About Black Women and Breast Cancer,” on Saturday, March 9, 2024, from 1- 3 p.m. featuring special breast cancer survivor guest panelists, including Sara Sidner, CNN anchor and senior national and international correspondent; and Athena Jones, CNN national correspondent. The insightful discussion was led by Lisa A. Newman, MD, MPH, FAC, Chief of the Division of Breast Surgery at Weill Cornell Medicine/New York Presbyterian Hospital Network. The free virtual forum was exclusively supported by Lilly and Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. was a national strategic partner. “As we celebrate 30 years, I am inspired by the courage and resilience of the countless Black women we’ve supported through their battle with breast cancer. We are very proud that Sisters Network Inc. has remained true to our mission for three decades, continues to provide a steadfast support system for thousands of breast cancer survivors, offers impactful breast health education programs and outreach, sustains our operations to serve and advocate for Black women and continues to expand our national footprint with our organization’s unique survivor-run affiliate chapter since 1994,” said Karen E. Jackson, founder and CEO of Sisters Network® Inc.

Since the organization’s founding, Jackson says they have contributed so much to the fight against breast cancer, however, she wants to see more progress.

COVER STORY HEALTH 2

“We have been performing in our communities across the country service and support, and I have always envisioned in the beginning that by now, we would’ve had a cure, so that was my main goal and my main focus,” Jackson told d-mars in an interview. “I’d say we’ve made a great impact, because when I first started, people ran away saying, ‘ There’s that breast cancer lady.’ They didn’t want to hear anything about breast

14th Annual Stop the Silence Walk Sisters Network® Inc. Hosting Celebrating 30 Years

cancer, so in that respect, our community is listening.” As part of the 30th anniversary celebrations, the organization will launch a new website in early spring, host 30 for 30 fundraisers, and have a Pretty in Pink 30th Anniversary Luncheon on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Houston.

The historic Stop the Silence Walk will also return for its 14th year on April 10, 2024, during National Minority Health Awareness Month. The walk will be held at Lynn Eusan Park at the University of Houston Central Campus located at 4400 Calhoun Dr., Houston, TX 77004. The annual 5k remains the only national breast cancer walk hosted by a Black-led organization for Black breast cancer survivors.

“Our Stop the Silence 5K Walk/Run is more than just a race; it’s a movement. Each step taken symbolizes the journey and courage of breast cancer survivors, honors the memory of those we lost to breast cancer, and amplifies the importance of early detection in the Black community,” Jackson said.

Each year, over 3,000 participants from around the United States come together to walk in honor, memory, and celebration of the women they love who have been diagnosed with breast cancer. Black women are still

42% more likely to die of breast cancer than white women. Black women under 35 get breast cancer at two times the rate of white women and die at three times the rate.

“We can see that there is a breast cancer crisis because we have not come to a point where the women in our community are surviving breast cancer as they should. As a 31-year breast cancer survivor, I have seen where women have not been able to get the best service because of the lack of facilities in their area or their city and they don’t have the wherewithal to go to other cities to better hospitals. That’s a very major problem in our community,” Jackson said.

The walk is supported by Pfizer, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Eisai, Lilly, and Merck. A portion of the funds raised from the walk support the Karen E. Jackson Breast Cancer Assistance Program (BCAP). Established in 2006, BCAP provides much-needed financial support to survivors and pays for mammograms for uninsured and underinsured women nationwide. To date, BCAP has provided nearly $1.4 million in financial support and early detection screenings.