Health and Wellness 29

Let’s Talk About Suicide

• Family history or previous attempts

• Lack of social support

Tami V. Allen, MS, LPC Contributing Writer

With the recent passing of Chelsie Kryst and Regina King’s son, Ian Alexander, Jr., death by suicide is being more heavily looked at in the African American community. Most people never think it can happen to them until it happens to them. We should not let their deaths be in vain as passing news but we need to educate ourselves about the words and behaviors individuals use before they decide to attempt.

Suicide is the end of the road for depression and other mental health disorders where people feel hopeless, helpless, and at the end of their rope...it’s a longterm solution to a temporary problem. Most times, people can seek medication treatment to improve the depression but some individuals who attempt suicide are more concerned about the stigma of seeking mental health treatment or taking medication and some say they just like taking any kind of medication. I often remind individuals who eat processed foods, smoke marijuana, drink alcohol, or take other medications for physical ailments that these behaviors all alter the mind but the stigma and resistance to taking psychotropic medications still exists.

Some of the most prevalent warning signs of impending suicide attempts are as follows:

• E xpression of helplessness or hopelessness and feeling there is no purpose in life

• E xpressly talking about killing themselves

• Feeling trapped and that their problems are burdensome to others

• E xcessive use of alcohol or drugs

• E xcessive sleeping beyond the normal range and staying in the bed most of the day

• Isolating from friends and family

• No pleasure in once enjoyed activities

• Inappropriate calm behavior for the mood

• Giving away cherished items

• Increased irritability and/or reckless behaviors

In addition to warning signs, there are several risk factors to be considered in conjunction with warning signs that are not predicators or causes of suicide, but they are factors in the consideration, attempts, and completion of suicide.

• Depression, bipolar, schizophrenia, anxiety, and some certain disorders

• History of trauma or abuse

• Lack of access to mental health care

• Exposure to others who have attempted – personal or in the media

• Facing challenges in areas such as relationship, career, or finances

• Easy access to lethal means

What can you do to help yourself, your friend, or your family member who is exhibiting these risk factors and warning signs? Get educated about mental illness and especially suicide and get treatment; ask for help. Take suicide expressions seriously; they are cries for help, not just “attention-seeking behaviors.” Utilize community resources to seek the direction of how to help yourself or your loved one. Lastly, move beyond the stigma and do whatever is needed to take care of your mental health.

Resources:

• C all 911 immediately if you or someone else feels unsafe

• National suicide prevention line: 800-273-8255 www. suicidepreventionlifeline.org

• N IMH – National Institute of Mental Health www.nimh.nih.gov

• SA MHSA – Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration www.samhsa.gov

• NA MI – National Institute on Mental Illness www.nami.org

• DB SA – Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (provides family support groups) www.dbsalliance.org

For more information about me and my services, please visit my website at www.AllenCounselingGroup.com. You can also reach me by email at Tami@AllenCounselingGroup.com or by phone at 713-597-4499.

Tami Vienn Allen is the owner of Allen Counseling Group and specializes in relationship counseling.

Like and follow the Allen Counseling Group on social media: FB: @AllenCounseling2017 IG: @AllenCounselingGroup Twitter: @CounselingAllen

HOUSTON AREA URBAN LEAGUE creates 20 new positions for COVID-19 Outreach Initiative

By d-mars.com News Provider

The Houston Area Urban League will be able to hire 20 new Community Health Navigators after being awarded funding with five other National Urban League affiliates to increase COVID-19 vaccination rates among the hardest-hit and highest-risk communities. Other affiliates that received funds are in Knoxville, Tennessee; Jackson, Mississippi; Kansas City, Missouri; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; and St. Louis, Missouri.

The Houston affiliate, which will receive over $1.3 Million from the National Urban League, will hire, train and support the health navigators, conduct outreach and engagement activities in the Greater Houston community and assist residents in getting vaccinated and boosted. The National Urban League received $11.125 million from the U.S. Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) to fund the initiative.

“It’s truly about job creation and investing back in our local community,” states Eric Goodie, Area VP of the Houston Area Urban League. “We desire to help the community overcome this pandemic that’s ravaged disadvantaged communities and at the same time create jobs with livable wages for those that are in need.”

A recent study reported that at least 5.2 million children globally had lost a parent, grandparent, or family member who helped care for them to COVID-19. This sad and shocking statistic recently published in The Lancet Child and Adolescent Health Journal brings to light the vast need for additional education and outreach in communities of color.

“We all know that life without a parent or caregiver can be a challenge for anyone, especially in specific populations. We want to do our part to change the narrative and the outcomes these studies suggest. We can only do it by balancing our efforts in the community with quality vaccine information, access, and outreach,” says HAUL President & CEO Judson Robinson, III. “The addition of Community Health Navigators will allow us to continue caring for our citizens so that we can make significant progress to end this pandemic.”

“One lesson we’ve learned through the COVID-19 pandemic is that trusted voices within communities, such as our affiliate presidents and CEOs, are the best

way to overcome vaccine hesitancy, combat misinformation and connect people with health care providers,” National Urban League President and CEO Marc H. Morial said. “With the support of the HRSA, our affiliates can expand their reach by hiring a local Community Health Navigator workforce to help keep our communities informed, safe, and healthy.”

The National Urban League is one of 51 community-based organizations that received a combined $250 million in American Rescue Plan funding to increase vaccine access for the hardest-hit and most vulnerable communities.

Since 1968, the Houston Area Urban League has advocated for and provides social services to disadvantaged people of all races, gender, age groups, and/or disabilities. HAUL operates the following six (6) programs targeting residents in economically disadvantaged geographic areas in the Greater Houston area: Education and Youth Development; Workforce and Economic Development; Workforce Training; Housing; Social Justice; and Health and Wellness Initiatives. These programs impact the lives of over 10,000 people each year. For more information or to apply for a Community Health Navigator position, please call 713-393-8700 or visit haul.org.

Americans Lose 200 Hours of Sleep Over Debt Stress, Survey Finds

By d-mars.com News Provider

Anew research study looking at how debt affects daily lives reveals that the true cost of debt is more than making the minimum payments. Having debt can also be detrimental to mental and physical health, and impact life decisions.

Commissioned by National Debt Relief and conducted by OnePoll, the survey finds that the average American loses over 200 hours of sleep annually over their outstanding financial obligations and has three “debt nightmares” a week.

In fact, seven in 10 feel like a “black cloud” hangs over them when they have to pay a bill or loan, and 71% feel debt has permanently affected them mentally. Those surveyed report an increase in anxiety (38%), stress (33%), and moodiness (32%) because of their debt problems, and 69% of respondents who have been in debt say it’s made them withdraw from the things they love.

The survey also reveals a vicious cycle -- while 77% of people would feel guilty spending money on leisure items knowing they’re in debt, three in five respondents also admit to feeling pressured to spend money they can’t afford to hide their financial situation.

Unfortunately, debt is not just personal. The survey suggests that debt can also place a burden on families and couples. In fact, people worry about debt so much that nearly three in five have even considered putting off marriage to avoid inheriting their partner’s debt and

54% believe having a partner in debt is a major reason to consider divorce. Half of the respondents are also afraid of eventually inheriting their parents’ debt.

Experts say that when it comes to combating both debt and the negative feelings it creates, it’s important to be open with loved ones.

“Hiding debt can lead to feelings of loneliness and embarrassment around friends and family, or pressure to buy things you can’t afford,” says Natalia Brown, National Debt Relief’s chief client operations officer. “Tell your loved ones your financial situation so they know your limits.”

Brown also recommends adopting practices that improve your financial outlook in the short- and long-term while helping you avoid future debt. This includes having smart

spending habits that align with your budget, getting health insurance to avoid exorbitant out-of-pocket spending on medical care, and setting up automatic savings. With these practices, Brown hopes more people will be prepared to pay a surprise $400 bill, which the Federal Reserve reported 40% of Americans would struggle to pay.

Debt management can be complicated, particularly if you owe multiple creditors or if your debt feels overwhelming. It’s no surprise that nearly three-quarters of those polled wish there were tools and resources available to help them when they were at their worst in debt.

To help you pay off your debt faster or even lessen the amount you owe, Brown suggests enlisting the help of a service such as National Debt Relief, which negotiates with creditors on your behalf to significantly reduce your debt, so you can be debt-free in as little as 24-48 months. As a top-rated debt relief company, National Debt Relief has helped hundreds of thousands of clients over the past decade resolve over $9 billion in unsecured debt on everything from personal loans and medical bills to credit cards and student debt. To learn more, visit nationaldebtrelief.com or call 1-800-781-5141.

With the ability to adversely impact mental health and harm relationships, debt is clearly more than just a financial burden. But there’s good news -- a majority of Americans agree that getting out of debt feels like they’re retaking control of their lives -- and there are debt resources out there to help.

Source: StatePoint

African Americans Are at Higher Risk of Glaucoma: How You Can Help Protect Your Vision

By d-mars.com News Provider

hen improving your health and wellness, it's essential to take care of your eyes too. For African Americans, this is especially important because of increased risk factors for eye disease and vision loss.

According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, glaucoma - a disease that damages the optic nerve and causes vision loss - is three times more likely to occur in African Americans. The risks of glaucoma are magnified further when you consider that the disease strikes, on average, 10 years earlier and progresses faster among African Americans.

The good news is that with early detection and treatments, including a wide range of eye drop medications, laser treatments, and several types of incisional surgery, the majority of patients with glaucoma maintain their vision. By becoming aware of your risk factors and taking preventive steps, you can help protect your eyes.

Finding answers in your genes

While the risk factors for eye disease continue to be studied, the ophthalmology community believes genetics can play a role.

"Aside from the access to care challenges that confront members of minority populations, African Americans have a range of genetic predispositions that make them more susceptible to eye diseases such as glaucoma," says Dr. Eydie Miller-Ellis, professor of clinical ophthalmology and director of the Glaucoma Service at the Scheie Eye Institute, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. "This includes an increased risk of high blood pressure, diabetes and other serious medical conditions that can also contribute to poor eye health."

Don't dismiss a lack of symptoms

Since glaucoma often develops without symptoms and you can lose vision without noticing it, Dr. Miller-Ellis stresses that early action is vital for African Americans to help prevent glaucoma and other eye diseases.

"The increased risk of early-onset glaucoma makes it critical for African Americans to take steps to protect their eye health at a young age," says Dr. Miller-Ellis. "Many people are lulled into a sense of complacency when it comes to their vision because they believe they see fine. But a lot of asymptomatic disorders like glaucoma can be damaging your eyesight without you realizing it."

Schedule an eye exam

Understanding that you are at greater risk for eye disease and vision loss is the starting point toward protecting your eyesight. Begin a routine of yearly dilated eye exams with an ophthalmologist so that vision problems can be detected early. The Glaucoma Research Foundation recommends African Americans get a comprehensive exam to check for glaucoma starting at age 35

No vision plan? No worries

Don't let the lack of a vision plan hold you back from scheduling a screening for glaucoma. Medical eye exams and treatments for eye diseases, including glaucoma, are

typically covered by regular health insurance. Check with your healthcare provider for specifics on your level of coverage. In addition, EyeCare America offers medical eye exams with volunteer ophthalmologists across the U.S., often for free.

Know your family history

Some eye diseases, such as glaucoma, can be hereditary. And for African Americans, the risk of glaucoma is 20% higher if it's already in your family.

"To prioritize healthy vision, it's important to have a complete understanding of your family's history of eye disease," says Dr. Mildred M.G. Olivier, founding regional dean at the School of Medicine, Ponce Health Sciences University, St. Louis campus. "That's why I encourage African American families to not only discuss their individual history of eye disease but also ensure that everyone in the family goes for an annual eye exam."

Unexpected Ways Kindness Improves Kids’ Health

By d-mars.com News Provider

Mental health in children has been at the forefront of discussion since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, with an October 2021 announcement by a coalition of pediatric health experts even declaring children's mental health to be in a state of national emergency. Because of this, parents are constantly looking for ways to help improve the lives of their children during these unprecedented times. Capitalizing on the health benefits of kindness in kids may be a step in the right direction.

The Random Acts of Kindness Foundation says there are "scientifically proven benefits to being kind." Kindness has lasting effects on physical, mental, and emotional development, making kids healthier and happier in the long run.

Empower yourself

Dr. Olivier also encourages people to be their own advocates in breaking down the health inequity barriers for minorities that may stand in the way of better eye health.

"It's important to ask your primary care physician to refer you to an ophthalmologist for an annual medical eye exam," says Dr. Olivier. "When you are at the eye doctor's office, make sure you are getting all the information you need and understand all of your options concerning your eyesight and any problems that arise."

Both Dr. Olivier and Dr. Miller-Ellis are working to improve access to eye care among minority populations as leaders of the Rabb-Venable Excellence in Ophthalmology Program, which supports minority medical students, residents, and fellows in ophthalmology. The Rabb-Venable program is part of the National Medical Association - Ophthalmology Section and is supported by the National Institutes of Health, National Eye Institute.

The Glaucoma Research Foundation offers a wealth of resources for African Americans to help build a plan for better eye health, including the guide "Understanding and Living with Glaucoma." This free booklet, supported by Aerie Pharmaceuticals, is available at www.glaucoma.org/booklet.

Source: BPT

Physical health

Physical health

The age-old golden rule implores people to treat others the way they want to be treated - but it is also important for people to treat themselves well, too. When parents focus on teaching their children to be kind to others and to themselves, it can mean an improvement in self-esteem and a decrease in self-harm. The self-awareness that comes from self-care helps children develop compassion and empathy, which researchers have even linked to the brain stimulation essential for learning. Kindness is also shown to improve mood and lower blood pressure, resulting in a longer lifespan.

Mental health

Mental health

Serotonin and dopamine, brain neurotransmitters associated with feelings of satisfaction, soar during and after performing an act of kindness. These feel-good endorphins can positively alter children's brain chemistry, lowering stress, anxiety, and depression, and even lowering physical pain as a natural painkiller. According to a study featured on the Random Acts of Kindness website, "perpetually kind people have 23% less cortisol (the stress hormone) and age slower than the average population."

Social health

Social health

Kindness builds community, something that is of high importance for childhood development as a fundamental human need. Learning how to be kind makes children friendlier and more trusting, which in turn can help them form stronger bonds and relationships. Notably, one 20-year study found that kids who showed more prosocial skills like kindness as early as kindergarten were more likely to stay in school, avoid criminal activity, avoid drug and alcohol abuse and have better mental health long-term.

Encouraging kindness

Encouraging kindness

"Kindness is something that can be developed over time," said Sharon Pindell, Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care training project manager. "Gestures of kindness can be a simple act like smiling or hugging, but they need to be done continuously - not just one-and-done - to truly have a lasting impact on childhood development."

Pindell, who helped develop Kiddie Academy's Character Essentials curriculum, also says that acts of kindness often build on themselves due to what is called a "helper's high" from the endorphins. "When children see others doing nice things, and the resulting positive reaction to these things, it makes them want to do something kind as well," said Pindell.

Source: BPT

Do You Have Undiagnosed Diabetes?

By d-mars.com News Provider

Diabetes is a chronic condition that leads to serious life-threatening complications, however, many people go undiagnosed and are undertreated -- a situation being further exposed by the COVID-19 pandemic. For this reason, understanding risk factors, symptoms, and the importance of early diagnosis and action are essential.

More than 34 million people in the United States are affected by diabetes, and one in five of them are undiagnosed, according to estimates from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Health services organization Cigna reports that between January 2020 and June of 2021, nearly 800 of its patients who were diagnosed with COVID-19 were found to have undiagnosed diabetes. Only 14% of those people had previously been diagnosed with pre-diabetes.

So why are so many people living with diabetes going undiagnosed? Cigna claims data shows that those at higher risk of having social or economic obstacles to health, also had a higher risk of undiagnosed diabetes and COVID-19, which can compound problems.

“As

Mandeep Brar, Cigna medical director, and board-certified endocrinologist.

symptoms. Sharing any new symptoms with your primary care provider can be crucial in early detection and proper, timely treatment. Symptoms can include frequent urination, excessive thirst or hunger, unexpected weight loss, cuts or bruises that are slow to heal, frequent infections, very dry skin, extreme fatigue, and blurry vision, according to Dr. Brar.

2. Get screened. Schedule an annual preventive check-up or diabetes screening. Regardless of symptoms, one of the most powerful ways to detect diabetes is to be screened for this disease with a simple blood test by your primary care provider. If diagnosed with prediabetes, there are a number of lifestyle changes you can make to reverse prediabetes and prevent or delay Type 2 diabetes and other serious health problems. These changes include eating healthfully, increasing physical activity, losing weight, and managing stress.

3. Assess risk factors. Some people are more likely to develop diabetes than others. In addition to being 45 years or older, risk factors include being overweight, having a parent or sibling with Type 2 diabetes, and being physically active fewer than three times a week. Additionally, African Americans, Hispanics, Native Americans, Asian Americans, and Pacific Islanders are at higher risk than white people for developing Type 2 diabetes. If you have any of these risk factors, request a screening test with your primary care provider, regardless of your age.

For a quick, online Type 2 diabetes risk test, visit diabetes.org/risk-test.

Get savvy about the disease. Understanding symptoms and risk factors can

is the case with many medical conditions, timely diagnosis and treatment of diabetes is impacted by persisting health inequities that affect certain communities and populations,” says Dr.