Protecting Your Child from Illness in Winter Months
By d-mars.com
Your child has a stuffy nose, cough and fever. Is it the flu? COVID? A common cold? Or are they symptoms of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)? Or another virus known to cause the common cold? There seem to be so many, especially in young children who can have several colds per year.
Viruses can keep your child out of school for days and aren’t cured by antibiotics. Days being sick mean missing activities and time with friends. One of the best ways to keep everyone healthy is to get vaccinated when you can, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.
If your child isn’t feeling well and has a fever, stuffy nose, cough, headache or body aches, is throwing up or has diarrhea, it is most likely from a virus. There are tests for things like the flu, RSV and other causes of illness. Be sure to call your pediatrician to help sort out if you need testing and if it could be flu, COVID, or a cold.
How To Make A Difference When It Comes To Heart Health
id you know that every 33 seconds in the U.S., one person dies from heart disease? This is according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which also reports that while affecting people of all ethnic backgrounds, cardiovascular disease accounts for nearly one-fourth (22.6%) of deaths among African Americans. Heart and heart vessel disease can lead to serious health events including heart attacks and strokes.
To make a difference when it comes to heart health, learn how you, your family, and your community can support your well-being - and consider opportunities for pursuing a career in health care.
Impact of heart disease for African Americans
Data published by the American Heart Association in 2022 found that around 60% of Black men and women had cardiovascular disease, making the mortality rate due to heart disease among the highest in Black Americans compared to other racial and ethnic groups.
While many factors such as lifestyle and family health history contribute to the high rate of heart disease for African Americans, experts say it has also been found that inequities within the health care system and unequal access to quality health care create serious obstacles.
Social determinants of health such as having safe housing,
adequate income, access to healthy food and clean water, plus education and job opportunities, are all part of the environment impacting the overall health of an individual, their family and entire communities. These factors
Ask your pediatrician about the flu vaccine. It is recommended for everyone 6 months and older each year. Just last year in 2024, nearly 200 U.S. children died of flu-related illness. Eighty-three percent of the children who died from the flu were not vaccinated, making it clear that the flu vaccine helped children avoid getting very sick.
It’s also important to get the updated COVID vaccine. This virus has not gone away, and it still makes kids sick. In August 2024 during a COVID spike, nearly 6% of emergency department visits for children younger than 5 years old were from COVID, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Lastly, the most common cause of hospitalization in infants under 1 year of age is RSV. Infecting nearly all children at least once by the time they are 2 years old, RSV can be dangerous. The infection can spread to the lungs and cause serious breathing problems that can’t be managed at home. Nirsevimab (Beyfortus) immunization is for infants under 8 months of age during RSV season. It is also for some children age 8 through 19 months who are at increased risk for severe RSV disease and entering their second RSV season.
Source: StatePoint (Edited by d-mars.com)
blood pressure, blood sugar levels and cholesterol levels. Whether you walk, play a sport, go to the gym, dance, swim or cycle - any activity is better than no activity. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting an exercise program.
Eat food that fuels your body
are real burdens when it comes to people being able to be proactive about their own wellness.
Experts say concerns ranging from lack of insurance or being underinsured, to insufficient transportation and the inability to take off work to get checkups can all keep people from taking care of their health. Those working in the field of public health try to bridge those gaps by providing information about access to screenings and lifestyle changes people may find helpful to support their heart health.
Heart health tips to practice and share with others To help reduce your own risk of heart disease, here are some lifestyle tips recommended by the CDC.
Get moving: Regular physical activity can help you maintain a healthier weight, while also potentially lowering your
Choosing fresh fruits and veggies, whole grains and lean proteins will provide more nutrients your body needs than foods containing too much sugar, salt or saturated and trans fats.
See your doctor at least once a year
Annual wellness checks provide opportunities for important screenings that can detect risk factors for heart disease, such as your blood pressure, plus cholesterol and glucose levels. This can help you and your healthcare team take action to support your health.
Reduce smoking and alcohol intake
If you smoke, now is a great time to quit. Ask your healthcare provider for assistance to quit smoking. Reducing drinking to one per day for women and two per day for men can also help improve your blood pressure.
Consider a career in health care
If you want to help communities understand the risks of heart disease and how to take steps for a healthier heart, consider advancing your education in health and wellness. For example, a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree can prepare you to define your path, find your voice, and play a bigger role in health care.
Gain the knowledge and leadership skills to address health and access issues for populations in underserved communities and focus on key health issues that may otherwise be overlooked.
Source: Brandpoint (Edited by d-mars.com)
Dr. Alison Scott Cuillier, Owner 713.528.0040 info@lastingimpressinsdentalgroup.com LastingImpressionsDentalGroup.com FB +
ThePowerSustaining of PowerSelf-Love
By Frenetta Tate | Contributing Writer
hat if I told you that self-love is as vital as oxygen and that neglecting it could rob you of the life you deserve?
For many, self-love is dismissed as indulgent or trivial—a luxury reserved for spa days. But here’s the truth: self-love is a lifeline, a foundation for your physical, emotional, and mental well-being. It’s essential for everyone, regardless of age or gender.
Neglecting self-love has consequences that ripple through every aspect of your life. It’s not just about feeling less confident or skipping self-care; the stakes are much higher. Here’s how self-neglect affects your overall well-being:
1. Physical Health Decline
When self-love is absent, your body bears the burden. Chronic stress can disrupt sleep, weaken your immune system, and lead to long-term health issues. Ignoring fatigue or pain often escalates problems into severe conditions. Overworking, skipping meals, or relying on unhealthy coping mechanisms can further chip away at your well-being. Your body is resilient, but it requires care to thrive. Without self-love, untreated stress and poor habits can lead to heart disease, energy depletion, and diminished quality of life.
2. Mental and Emotional Strain
A lack of self-love creates fertile ground for negative self-talk. Thoughts like, "I’m not good enough" or "I don’t deserve happiness" can erode confidence and decision-making. Over time, these patterns can develop into anxiety or depression, trapping you in a cycle of emotional exhaustion and self-doubt. Without emotional care, challenges feel insurmountable. Resilience wanes, and you may avoid conflict or internalize blame, leading to isolation and disconnection from others.
3. Toxic Relationships
Neglecting self-love leaves you vulnerable to unhealthy relationships. Without boundaries, you may overextend yourself or tolerate manipulation and disrespect. This creates emotional fatigue and resentment. Often, self-neglect leads to seeking validation from others. However, external validation is fleeting and conditional, leaving you feeling empty. Healthy relationships flourish only when rooted in mutual respect and self-awareness—both of which stem from valuing yourself.
4. Stagnation and Missed Opportunities
Self-love fuels ambition and growth. Without it, fear of failure, imposter syndrome, or self-doubt can keep you stuck in unfulfilling routines or relationships.When you lack self-belief, opportunities to step outside your comfort zone are missed, and growth becomes stifled. This stagnation robs you of the joy and fulfillment that come from living authentically and pursuing your passions.
StepInto Your Power
Reclaiming self-love begins with intentional steps toward understanding where you are now and creating a path forward. Here’s how you can start building sustainable self-love:
1. Acknowledge the Problem
Start by identifying where self-neglect has taken hold. Are you constantly giving to others without replenishing yourself? Are exhaustion and self-doubt clouding your judgment? Awareness is the first step toward transformation. Reflect on the choices and habits that have led you here, knowing that this acknowledgment is an act of courage.
2. Start with Small Acts of Love
Self-love doesn’t require monumental changes overnight. Small, consistent actions can rebuild your foundation. These might include:
• Taking intentional breaks to recharge.
• Preparing meals that nourish your body and spirit.
• Saying “no” to obligations that drain your energy.
For many, saying “no” feels difficult due to societal expectations or a desire to serve others. Yet, it’s one of the healthiest forms of self-love. You cannot pour from an empty cup—preserving your mental fitness requires setting boundaries.
3. Reframe Your Inner Dialogue
Your thoughts shape your reality. Begin replacing harmful self-criticism with compassionate affirmations. For example, instead of saying, "I’m always failing," try, "I’m learning and growing every day." Speak to yourself with the same kindness you offer others. Over time, this practice reshapes your mindset and strengthens your confidence.
4. Seek Support
You don’t have to navigate this journey alone. Surround yourself with people who inspire and uplift you— friends, family, mentors, or therapists. A supportive community reflects the love and respect you’re cultivating for yourself, helping you stay on track.
5. Invest in Self-Care
Investing in self-care means committing time and energy to activities that replenish you. It could be as simple as journaling, enjoying a quiet walk, or dedicating time to hobbies. Treat yourself with the same care you offer to others, making self-care an integral part of your routine.
LEAVING SELF-NEGLECT BEHIND
To fully embrace The Sustaining Power of Self-Love, create a plan to prevent old patterns of neglect from resurfacing.
1. Regular Self-Check-Ins
Set aside time weekly or monthly to reflect on your well-being. Ask yourself: "Am I prioritizing my needs? What adjustments do I need to make?" Regular evaluations ensure you stay aligned with your goals.
2. Establish Healthy Boundaries
Boundaries protect your energy and reinforce your self-respect. Learn to say “no” without guilt and communicate your limits clearly. Boundaries aren’t barriers—they’re frameworks for healthier connections.
3. Celebrate Your Progress
Acknowledge your growth, no matter how small. Whether it’s completing a project or simply taking a day to rest, celebrating these moments builds momentum and reinforces your commitment to self-love.
4. Commit to Lifelong Growth
Self-love is a journey, not a destination. Stay curious about your potential, set meaningful goals, and view challenges as opportunities to deepen your understanding of yourself. Your life reflects how much you value yourself. The way you treat yourself sets the tone for how others treat you and how you navigate the world.
Start today with one small step: speak kindly to yourself, say “no” to something that drains you, or nourish your body with care. Each action sends a powerful message: I am worthy. I am enough. Yes!
Self-love is a celebration—and a revolution. It transforms your life from within, creating a foundation of strength and confidence that sustains you through challenges and triumphs. Prioritize yourself and watch how your world changes in response.
You deserve nothing less than a life built on the sustaining power of self-love.
Frenetta Tate is the CEO of Frenetta Tate Global LLC.
New Research Shows African Americans Face Sharply Higher Dementia Risks
ABy Stacy M. Brown News Provider
new study reveals that Americans over the age of 55 have a 42% chance of developing dementia, a figure more than double that reported in previous research. The significant increase in estimated risk means that roughly 514,000 Americans could develop dementia this year alone, with projections rising to approximately 1 million new cases annually by 2060.
Dementia, characterized by progressive declines in memory, concentration, and judgment, is becoming more prevalent due to the aging U.S. population, the study concluded. Factors such as genetics, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, poor diet, lack of exercise, and mental health challenges also contribute to the rising dementia rates.
According to the study, earlier underestimations of dementia
risk were likely due to unreliable recording in health records and death certificates, insufficient monitoring of early-stage cases, and underreporting of cases among racial minorities, who are especially vulnerable.
Conducted by a team from NYU Langone Health with contributions from Johns Hopkins University and other institutions, the research utilized data from the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Neurocognitive Study (ARIC-NCS). Since 1987, this study has monitored the vascular health and cognitive function of nearly 16,000 participants, making it the longest-followed cohort of African Americans studying cognition and heart health.
The study, published in Nature Medicine, indicates that women and Black adults, along with individuals carrying the APOE4 gene variant, face higher risks of developing dementia, with lifetime risks ranging from 45% to 60% in these groups.
RESEARCHERS LAUNCH $3.7M STUDY ON HOW STRUCTURAL RACISM ACCELERATES AGING IN BLACK AMERICANS
ABy Stacy M. Brown News Provider
group of researchers from Rutgers University and Michigan State University have launched a major study to examine the long-term effects of structural racism on cognitive aging, physical decline, and frailty—particularly in Black Americans. A five-year grant from the National Institute on Aging, a division of the National Institutes of Health, will support the study under the direction of Danielle L. Beatty Moody, an associate professor at Rutgers, and Richard C. Sadler, an associate professor at Michigan State.
The research team plans to explore how lifetime exposure to structural racism in neighborhoods affects the aging process. The study will involve 800 Black and white participants from Baltimore who have been tracked for over two decades as part of a larger project on healthy aging in diverse neighborhoods. The long-term data will allow researchers to examine the cumulative impact of historical, enduring, and contemporary markers of structural racism.
Dr. Josef Coresh, the study’s senior investigator from NYU Langone, noted the expected increase in dementia cases due to longer life expectancies and the high number of Americans now over age 65. He underlined the importance of early intervention strategies that target heart health to potentially slow cognitive decline and reduce the onset of dementia.
The study also links hearing loss among older adults to increased dementia risk, recommending enhanced testing and government support for hearing aids to promote healthy hearing.
“The pending population boom in dementia cases poses significant challenges for health policymakers, who must refocus their efforts on strategies to minimize the severity of dementia cases, as well as plans to provide more healthcare services for those with dementia,” Dr. Coresh stated.
Source: NNPA Newswire
In a news release, Moody and Sadler asserted that the study moves beyond traditional research focused only on residential segregation or redlining. “It’s not just redlining, and it’s not just segregation,” they said. “The patterns of racist, discriminatory practices go far deeper. We need to comprehensively document the full array of tools used to entrench structural racism in our urban landscapes to understand why racial inequities persist across numerous health outcomes.”
In addition to exploring how non-Black residents in the same communities are affected, the researchers said they would investigate personal experiences with discrimination and biological and social factors that influence risk and resilience. The authors expect the study will inform strategies to address racial inequities in accelerated aging, particularly in communities where Black Americans live and age in place.
Once completed, researchers said they would share the results with participants and local stakeholders to support ongoing advocacy and policy efforts to achieve health equity. Moody and Sadler hope the study’s findings will help drive transformative change, particularly in housing and neighborhood environments.
“We are not only looking at the past or present,” Sadler remarked. “We’re also aiming to influence the future of health equity in communities where Black Americans continue to take the hardest hits.”
Source: NNPA Newswire
New American Heart Association Report Reveals Alarming Inequities in Heart Health by Race and Gender
By Stacy M. Brown News Provider
he American Heart Association’s 2025 Heart Disease and Stroke Statistical Update uncovers glaring racial and gender disparities in cardiovascular health, illustrating the profound toll heart disease takes on marginalized populations. According to the report, non-Hispanic Black adults experience an age-adjusted mortality rate of 379.7 per 100,000 due to cardiovascular disease (CVD), compared to just 104.9 per 100,000 among non-Hispanic Asian females. Researchers asserted that such inequities reflect the disproportionate burden underrepresented communities bear in accessing equitable healthcare and prevention.
TWomen also face significant challenges in cardiovascular health, particularly during and after pregnancy. Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy doubled from 2007 to 2019, with preeclampsia and gestational hypertension contributing to adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. Black women are disproportionately affected, experiencing higher rates of these conditions, which often lead to long-term cardiovascular complications. Additionally, gestational diabetes increased by 38% between 2016 and 2021, with older mothers facing nearly six times the risk compared to younger mothers. The study’s authors also found that poor sleep quality further compounds the risks, particularly for women, who are up to 2.3 times more likely to report insomnia symptoms than men. According to the report, poor sleep is strongly linked to an increased risk of stroke and other cardiovascular events.
According to the study, social determinants of health, such as poverty, education, and geographic location, also exacerbate these disparities.
Individuals in rural areas or neighborhoods with fewer healthcare resources face limited access to screenings, healthy food options, and consistent medical care. For instance, peripheral artery disease (PAD) patients living in zip codes with a median
household income of less than $40,000 are at a significantly higher risk of undergoing amputations. The report also noted that racial inequities extend to emergency care. Black individuals experiencing out-of-hospital cardiac arrests are 27% less likely to receive bystander CPR at home and 37% less likely in public locations than White individuals. These disparities persist even when income levels are accounted for.
“We have the tools to address these inequities, but they require a commitment to prioritizing the health of all communities,” stated Dr. Seth Martin, who chaired the report. Officials said the AHA’s “Life’s Essential 8” framework is a guideline for improving cardiovascular health. This model includes recommendations for healthier diets, consistent physical activity, and better cholesterol and glucose management. However, the report indicates that over 80% of U.S. adults fail to meet these criteria. Average diet quality scores are just 59 out of 100, and disparities are evident across race, income, and education levels. Researchers insisted that improving these metrics could reduce major cardiovascular events, including heart attacks and strokes.
Community health initiatives play a critical role in addressing these disparities.
Expanding access to nutritious food, exercise facilities, and education can help reduce risk factors.
For example, studies have shown that reallocating just seven minutes of sedentary behavior daily to moderate or vigorous physical activity can significantly improve cardiometabolic health, including reductions in body mass index (BMI) and blood sugar levels.
Another critical area of focus is maternal health. Programs that emphasize early intervention and monitoring for pregnant women—especially those at high risk—can reduce complications such as preeclampsia and gestational diabetes. Lifestyle interventions, including weight management and exercise, have been shown to cut the risk of hypertensive pregnancy disorders nearly in half. Dr. Yvonne Commodore-Mensah, a contributor to the report, added that systemic solutions are essential to addressing these disparities. “When we examine cardiovascular health, it’s clear that social determinants and structural inequities remain significant barriers. Improving health equity means removing these barriers,” she said.
Additionally, the report spelled out the economic burden of cardiovascular disease, which totaled $417.9 billion in 2021 alone. Prescription medications and office visits represent the largest cost drivers, but inequities in care access often lead to more severe and costly outcomes for marginalized groups. The report concluded that addressing the various issues would require a collective effort from policymakers, healthcare providers, and community leaders. Expanding Medicaid, funding local health initiatives, and ensuring equitable resource distribution are steps that can help bridge these gaps. “Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death globally,” said Dr. Mitchell Elkind, another key contributor to the report. “Progress is possible, but it demands both innovation in healthcare and a commitment to equity.”
Source: NNPA Newswire
Shortness of Breath Not Going Away?
Ask Your Doctor for a Blood Test
Pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (PAP) is an ultra-rare lung disease with approximately 3,600 diagnosed cases in the United States. Unfortunately, some people are potentially living with the disease without knowing it, as it is often misdiagnosed.
That is why the American Lung Association, with support from Savara Inc., is launching a new educational campaign to help healthcare providers and patients better recognize the signs and symptoms of autoimmune pulmonary alveolar proteinosis, (aPAP), the most common form of the disease. As part of the campaign, they are sharing these fast facts:
What is aPAP? This disease is characterized by the abnormal buildup of surfactant in the air sacs of the lungs, which can make breathing difficult. The buildup is due to an inability to clear the surfactant. Occurring in both males and females, aPAP is often diagnosed between the ages of 30 and 60.
What are its symptoms? Some people who are living with aPAP may not show symptoms initially, while others may have progressive shortness of breath. Additional symptoms include chronic cough, fatigue, unintentional weight loss and chest pain.
Why is aPAP commonly misdiagnosed? Since aPAP is so rare, and because symptoms are similar to other more common lung diseases, it is often misdiagnosed. Common misdiagnoses include both acute and chronic lung diseases such as pneumonia and asthma.
How is aPAP diagnosed? If you are diagnosed with another lung disease and the treatment is not effective, your doctor may recommend a chest CT scan. If you have an abnormal chest scan with unresolved lung symptoms, you should also talk to your healthcare provider about getting a free, simple blood test called aPAP ClearPath, which measures the level of the GMCSF antibodies in your blood to determine if you have the disease.
How is aPAP treated? Currently, there is no cure for aPAP and no FDA-approved therapies; however, symptoms can be managed. The most common treatment is whole lung lavage, (WLL) also called “lung washing.” WLL washes out the built-up surfactant from the lungs, allowing you to breathe more easily. This treatment often needs to be repeated, as it doesn’t address the underlying cause of the disease.
Managing aPAP well means seeing a specialist who is familiar with this rare lung disease and going to all of your regularly scheduled healthcare appointments.
Without treatment, this progressive disease can increase the risk of infection and lead to respiratory failure that may become life-threatening. Don’t wait. Talk to your doctor if your respiratory symptoms are not being managed with current treatments.
Source: StatePoint
ow is your diet adjusting in the new year so far?
Eating healthier this year doesn’t have to be boring, according to chefs, fitness experts and dietitians. Here’s how to unleash your creativity to ensure your meals and snacks satisfy your cravings:
Go bold
Don’t equate healthy eating with blandness. Instead, add big, bold flavor to meals using herbs, spices, and tangy add-ins, such as vinegar and citrus. Not only will doing so help keep you satisfied, some of these ingredients even have powerful health benefits.
Be willing to learn
If culinary experimentation intimidates you, consider taking a cooking class to gain confidence in the kitchen. Classes are offered at every level and focus on different cuisines and techniques, making it possible to find a course that suits your needs and interests. If you can’t find the right in-person class or your time or budget are tight, check out the wealth of free cooking instruction available online and on social media channels like YouTube and Instagram.
Focus on protein
Make sure all of your meals and snacks are rich in lean protein. This macronutrient is an essential component of a healthy body and can help you feel full for longer. Fortunately, there are convenient and easy protein options that are also convenient and practical for lunch and dinner.
Mix it up
Avoid dietary ruts. To keep things interesting, try new recipes using different ingredients and flavor combinations. We encourage you to think bold and go big in the kitchen in 2025.
Every healthy mashup you make is another chance to win big in your health journey!
You don’t have to be a top chef to create dishes that are anything but ordinary. This new year, step outside your comfort zone, experiment, and have a blast discovering new possibilities in the kitchen.
Source: StatePoint (Edited by d-mars.com)
By d-mars.com