d-mars.com Health & Wellness 53

Health & Wellness Journal HEALTH

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WELLNESS

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MEDICAL

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RESEARCH

December 2015

INSIDE

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SPORTS

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FITNESS

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LIFESTYLE

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BEAUTY

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53rd Edition @dmars_com

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Creating Change in Your Community

Coffee Does More for Men Than You Think

By d-mars.com News Provider Millions of Americans need that morning cup of coffee to get them going in the morning.

PAGE 6

PAGE 14

By d-mars.com News Provider

TSU College of Pharmacy Health Sciences Opens First Phase of Health Science Center

Learn to Cope without a Smoke

By d-mars.com News Provider Okay, show of hands. How many of you smoke?

PAGE 8

PAGES 4-5

Lorenzo Armstead Is Your AdvoCare Distributor

Let’s Talk About HIV

By Kaylan Curvey It’s real and so are the stigmas that come with the HIV infection.

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In the Health Community…

• American Heart Association - Houston Chapter • Fort Bend County Black Nurses Association

If I’d known I was going to live this long, I’d have taken better care of myself.

— Eubie Blake

December 2015 3

Journal Behind The

Publisher’s Message

MR. D-MARS

SR. PUBLISHER Keith J. Davis, Sr.

SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT Kevin Davis

VICE PRESIDENT Kim Floyd

ACCOUNTING MANAGER Eugenie Doualla

SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES C.T. Foster Eric D. Goodwine Tiffany Black

Creating Change in Your Community is the theme for this issue of the d-mars.com Health & Wellness Journal. We have to be conscious of how we treat our bodies, because we only have one. You have to be healthy for you and your family. It’s important to exercise and eat right in order to have longevity. Have you not made the best choices when it comes to your health this year? Well, it’s not too late to get started today. This issue will inspire you to get on the track to better health.

Lorenzo Armstead is a fitness professional and AdvoCare Distributor. He is one of the most respected health and fitness professionals in our city. Working with countless clients in Houston and the surrounding areas, Armstead is helping make Houston healthier. AdvoCare has been a world-class nutrition company specializing in health and wellness, weight management, vibrant energy and sports performance since 1993. Armstead is working tirelessly in his business as an AdvoCare Distributor to help make for a healthier Houston.

As always, thank you for your continued support of d-mars.com. When you support us, you are supporting more than just our company; you are supporting the communities in which we live and work. Working together, we can succeed in making positive things happen.

ASSOCIATE EDITOR Dawn Paul

ADMINISTRATIVE TEAM Dyvl Davis

PHOTOGRAPHY

Contents AdvoCare......................................................................................................................................................................................................................4-5

L.C. Poullard Grady Carter Tony Gaines

Coffee Does More for Men Than You Think.......................................................................................................................................................... 6 Concussions and Athletes........................................................................................................................................................................................ 6

MULTIMEDIA DIRECTOR

Learn to Cope without a Smoke............................................................................................................................................................................. 8

Andrea Hennekes

Improved Oral Health Can Help You Control Your Diabetes........................................................................................................................... 8

LAYOUT & GRAPHIC DESIGNER

What Is Your Fitness Level?....................................................................................................................................................................................10

Angel Rosa

The 12 Days of Holiday...............................................................................................................................................................................................10

DISTRIBUTION

Let’s Talk About HIV.................................................................................................................................................................................................... 12

Booker T. Davis, Jr. Rockie Hayden

TSU College of Pharmacy Health Sciences......................................................................................................................................................... 14

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Dr. Ka-Ron Y. Wade Ja’Kya Sheppard Rhonda Dallas Kaylan Curvey Stephanie Allen-Gobert d-mars.com News Provider

MR. D-MARS Tip of the Month “To know how much there is to know is the beginning of learning to live.”

—Dorothy West

Giving Back...................................................................................................................................................................................................................16 Cultural Diversity of Healthcare Workforce.......................................................................................................................................................18 Should You Breastfeed?............................................................................................................................................................................................19 Hoarding on the Rise................................................................................................................................................................................................20 Things Parents Need to Know about HPV.........................................................................................................................................................20 In the Community......................................................................................................................................................................................................21 Reproductive Health Questions............................................................................................................................................................................22

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The Business Owner: • The ability to stimulate money in our communities • Publicity at an affordable price • The professionalism it provides to black-owned businesses

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4  December 2015

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December 2015 5

Helping Houstonians Live a Healthier Life

By Dawn Paul

Associate Editor

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fitness professional and health aficionado, Lorenzo Armstead not only talks the talk when it comes to health, but he walks the walk. Armstead has made it his mission and life’s work to not only live a healthy life, but to pass on his knowledge to others. Working with countless clients in Houston and the surrounding areas, he is helping make Houstonians healthier, which results in a healthier community. There are many diseases that plague African-Americans unlike other communities, so Armstead is an advocate for health, especially for our community. Because health is of the utmost importance, this health guru has partnered with AdvoCare as a Distributor, expanding his business and brand, providing others the opportunity to be an AdvoCare Distributor as well. This partnership with the world-class nutrition company has allowed Armstead to help take his health and the health of his clients to a higher level, while increasing profits.

Armstead first heard about AdvoCare and was presented an opportunity to be their Distributor through a friend. After doing his research on AdvoCare and trying the products for himself, the opportunity to be an AdvoCare Distributor just made sense to him. Armstead says, “Using the products allowed me to gain muscle, and I became stronger. I even lost 5 inches. I’m not going to put my reputation on the line as a health and fitness professional promoting a company or product to clients, unless I’ve done my research. I have tried the AdvoCare products for myself, so I know that with a well-balanced diet and regular exercise, they work and produce benefits.”

AboutAdvoCare AdvoCare About AdvoCare has been a world-class nutrition company specializing in health and wellness, weight management, vibrant energy and sports performance since 1993, with endorsements from Drew Brees, other professional athletes, champion amateur athletes and acclaimed entertainers. AdvoCare’s trusted products are formulated by an elite Scientific and Medical Advisory Board with over 200 years combined experience in pharmacology, toxicology, nutrition, sports per-

Armstead is one of the most respected health and fitness professionals in our city, having been an athlete, playing college ball and working in the education system as a physical education teacher and track coach. Health has always been his passion, and he has seen how diseases like diabetes can impact African-Americans. “Being healthy not only makes you feel better and look better, but it’s about longevity. Right now there is a high rate of obesity. I take my health business very seriously, and my clients appreciate my genuine concern for them living the best life possible,” says Armstead. His motto when it comes to health is “Get It Done!” He makes no excuses when it comes to his health. Though he is in tip-top physical condition today, he admits that it didn’t happen overnight.

Armstead says, “I had to be consistent to get to the point where I am today. 3 years ago, I could only do 3 pull-ups a day. Now, I can do 500 pull-ups in an hour. I am a testimony, so that’s why my motto is ‘Get It Done!’” For Armstead, being healthy is not being on a diet, but really living a healthy lifestyle, and he loves the health business. Now as an AdvoCare Distributor, he is helping take not only his own, but his client’s health to a higher level.

formance and pediatrics.

AdvoCare makes their first consideration safety for every AdvoCare product. The formulations are designed with the most effective combination of nutrients that are easily absorbed into the body for health. Supplementation, in conjunction with a healthy diet and exercise, can have a dramatic impact on your health and wellness.

Not only are the AdvoCare products safe, but they work. AdvoCare helps individuals around the globe produce life-changing results. Read below one of many testimonies of how AdvoCare works: “At 300 pounds, I was in the worst physical shape of my life. In February 2013, I took the 24-Day Challenge™ and my AdvoCare journey began. Starting from scratch, I began making healthier food choices.

I maximized the 24-Day Challenge with MNS®3 and lost a total of 26 pounds. With regular exercise, eating right and additional AdvoCare products, I have continued to lose weight.”

— Spencer McAdams, Alabama

the their lives. AdvoCare is an advocate for their Distributors, and they provide their Distributors with the support and training necessary to succeed.

Below are 4 ways to get involved and become an AdvoCare Distributor:

RetailCustomer Customer Retail If you use AdvoCare products for your own personal weight-loss, fitness or wellness goals, this may be the ideal way for you to be involved with AdvoCare.

Distributoratat20% 20% Distributor When you sign up as a Distributor and you use AdvoCare products on a regular basis, you can take advantage of the discounts offered by AdvoCare.

BenefitsofofBeing Beingan anAdvoCare AdvoCare Benefits Distributor Distributor In just a short time, Armstead has seen the great benefits of being an AdvoCare Distributor. “This business is awesome, because it’s in line with my fitness business and gives me the ability to make money. Not only that, but the business allows flexibility and it’s a 100% willable business,” Armstead says. AdvoCare looks at their Distributors as champions, helping millions feel better, look better and get more out of

Distributor Distributoratat20% 20%to 40% disto 40% Discount count If you share AdvoCare products with anyone, you can enjoy additional income.

Advisorat at40% 40% Advisor (Business Builder) (business builder) Whether you choose to build a business part-time or full-time, as an Advisor, you will enjoy the highest discounts available and your greatest earning potential. For example, in just two years, you could be earning an average of $40,553 annually as a 3 Star Gold Distributor. That’s a possible monthly salary of $3,379!

Health and fitness are not just a job for Armstead, but a way of life. His passion is for the clients he serves and the community to have the best life possible, opting for a healthy lifestyle. Because of diseases impacting members of our community at a rapid rate, Armstead is working diligently in his business and as an AdvoCare Distributor to help make for a healthier Houston. Armstead says, “Partnering with AdvoCare has been one of the best decisions I have made.

Their products fit well with my brand and what I stand for when it comes to health.” For more information about AdvoCare and their products and how you can be a Distributor, please contact Lorenzo Armstead at Lozoe2@yahoo. com, and visit him on the web at www. lorenzoarmstead.com.

Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

6 December 2015

Coffee Does More for Men Than You Think By d-mars.com News Provider

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illions of Americans need that morning cup of coffee to get them going in the morning. Yes, there’s nothing better than a hot cup of coffee.

If you think coffee is just a good pick-meup, well, think again. There are many hidden benefits to consuming coffee for men that you may not be aware of. www. mensfitness.com, a respected source for men’s health information, lists some surprising benefits for men who are coffee drinkers.

MENTAL NOTE Is there anything sadder than seeing an aging loved one drastically losing their mental sharpness? You may be powerless to prevent it, but, according to a recent study, coffee may be able to help you from falling into the same trap.

Researchers discovered that participants who drank three to five cups of coffee per day had about a 65% decreased chance of developing Alzheimer’s disease or dementia later on in life. To ensure you’re always drinking enough coffee, make it a point of always consuming coffee with your meals.

RISK AVERSION

Want to lower your risk of death?

A National Institutes of Health – AARP Diet and Health study of more than 400,000 people revealed that drinking coffee might be the answer.

Between 1995 and 2008, male participants drinking even just one daily cup reduced their risk of death by 6%. Drinking either two to three cups or six or more cups reduced the risk by 10% during the timeframe of the study. The greatest reduction of death risk was 12% in the group drinking four to five cups. Know your limit: five cups.

CARDIOVASCULAR PROTECTION

DIABETES DEFENSE

Anybody who’s serious about health knows the importance of a healthy cardiovascular system. What they may not know is that by simply drinking one or two cups of coffee per day they could have a significantly reduced risk of cardiovascular disease-related death. According to a Japanese study of more than 76,000 participants, men consuming one to two cups of coffee daily reduced their risk of dying from a cardiovascular disease by as much as 38%. Of course, this still doesn’t excuse you from cardio exercises.

An alarming 11.8% of American men over the age of 20 have diabetes. Needless to say, it’s a growing concern and one receiving a great deal of attention in the medical community. Between 1986 and 1998 Harvard researchers tracked the coffee consumption and occurrence of type-2 diabetes of more than 40,000 men. They discovered that long-term coffee drinkers had a significantly reduced risk of developing type2 diabetes and statistics indicated the risk decreased the more they drank.

Concussions and Athletes

Athletes are especially prone to concussions, and by design, some sports are more dangerous than others. Football is generally at the top of the list, as it has more human contact. You can’t see a concussion, but you might notice some of the symptoms right away. Other symptoms can show up hours or days after the injury. Exercise or activities that involve a lot of concentration, such as studying, working on the computer, or playing video games may cause concussion symptoms (such as headache or tiredness) to reappear or get worse.

By d-mars.com News Provider

T

he Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) define a concussion as a type of traumatic brain injury—or TBI—caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or by a hit to the body that causes the head and brain to move rapidly back and forth. This sudden movement can cause the brain to bounce around or twist in the skull, stretching and damaging the brain cells and creating chemical changes in the brain. Medical providers may describe a concussion as a “mild” brain injury because concussions are usually not life-threatening. Even so, the effects of a concussion can be serious. When it comes to athletics, concussions are at the top of the list of safety concerns.

drink any coffee reported having a score of 55. If this study is any indication, you might want to take your coffee breaks literally.

Concussion symptoms include: • Amnesia • Confusion • Headache • Loss of consciousness • Balance problems or dizziness • Double or fuzzy vision • Sensitivity to light or noise • Nausea (feeling that you might vomit) • Feeling sluggish, foggy or groggy • Feeling unusually irritable • Concentration or memory problems

WEIGHT LOSS When you think of coffee, you usually think of the beverage. However, if your focus is weight loss, green coffee extract could be an effective aid. Following a 22-week study of 16 overweight adults, researchers discovered that participants given green coffee bean extract had undergone significant weight loss with 37.5% of them transitioning from being at a pre-obesity weight to a normal weight range. If you’re battling the bulge, consider complementing your workouts by looking at the green bean capsule aisle of your local health nutrition store.

SEX LIFE

Just remember to limit your sugar!

PAIN REDUCTION Are you in pain during the course of a typical workday? It’s not that unusual.

But, what is surprising is the degree to which many people feel rejuvenated following a coffee break and there may be a reason why. Norwegian researchers observed 48 people performing office work and found that those who consumed coffee only declared a pain-intensity level of 41, whereas participants who didn’t (forgetting game plays, facts, meeting times) • Slowed reaction time If you participate in sports or are an athlete, here are basic steps that you can take to protect yourself from a concussion: • Do not initiate contact with your head or helmet. You can still get a concussion if you are wearing a helmet.

• Avoid striking an opponent in the head. Undercutting, flying elbows, stepping on a head, checking an unprotected opponent, and sticks to the head all cause concussions.

• Follow your athletics department’s rules for safety and the rules of the sport.

• Practice good sportsmanship at all times.

• Practice and perfect the skills of the sport.

The CDC encourages anyone with a concussion not to hide it, and you should immediately advise your athletic trainer and coach if you suspect that you

Your daily cup of joe keeps you up in more ways than one. A recent article from www.menshealth.com highlighted a new study from the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston that suggests coffee could reduce a man’s likelihood of having erectile dysfunction (ED). Researchers found that guys over the age of 20 who consumed the caffeine equivalent of 2 to 3 cups of coffee a day were less likely to report ED issues than men who steered clear of the stimulant.

“The connection was strongest in overweight guys,” says study author David Lopez, Dr.P.H., M.P.H., but he plans to dive further into how the caffeine/ED link can affect different weight groups.

“Caffeine has properties similar to ED drugs like Viagra,” says study coauthor Run Wang, M.D. The stimulant triggers a series of effects that cause the arteries in the penis to relax and the blood flow to increase—both keys to a strong erection.

So to all the fellas, enjoy your cup of joe! have a concussion. It is vital that you never ignore a blow to the head. Do not return to participation in a game, practice or other activity with symptoms.

The sooner you get checked out, the sooner you may be able to return to play, but it’s of the utmost importance to get checked out. Your team physician, athletic trainer, or health care professional can tell you if you have had a concussion and when you are cleared to return to play.

A concussion can affect your ability to perform everyday activities, your reaction time, balance and sleep. If you have had a concussion, your brain needs time to heal. While your brain is still healing, you are much more likely to have a repeat concussion. In rare cases, repeat concussions can cause permanent brain damage, and even death. Severe brain injury can change your whole life, so it’s important to pay attention to the signs and seek medical attention if you think you have a concussion. For more facts, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at www.cdc.gov.

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December 2015  7

Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

8 December 2015

Learn to Cope without a Smoke By d-mars.com News Provider

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kay, show of hands.

How many of you smoke? How many cigarettes or packs do you smoke a day? If you’re about to light that cigarette, put it down, because this article is for you. For many, smoking helps to get through difficult times or when you just can’t deal with your emotions. Though it may give you temporary comfort, smoking isn’t really helping, but could actually contribute to health problems that can occur if you don’t stop smoking.

w w w.black hea lthmatters.com lists 10 ways to cope without smoking: 1. Take a time out. A short break from a stressful or upsetting situation can help you think more clearly and help you make a healthy decision about what to do next.

2. Express yourself. Call or text a friend who you can talk to about what’s bothering you.

3. Distract yourself. Take a walk, play a game or read a good book.

4. Get your body moving. If you’re feeling low, take a walk or a jog around the block.

5. Rehearse and practice dealing with stressful situations. If your go-to response to uncomfortable emotions is to stuff them away and pretend they’re not there, it may be time to try to express them. When we bury or deny feelings, they build up until we are on the verge of exploding at the slightest offense. This can be especially tricky when you need to confront someone who has hurt or offended you. Sometimes talking through things in more neutral territory can help.

6. Make a list and set goals. Break down your larger tasks into smaller steps. Then cross off each step as you go to see your progress.

7. Don’t let negative thoughts take over. If you’re feeling down about yourself or life, make a list of things for which you are grateful.

8. Give yourself a break. Instead of demanding total perfection from yourself, allow yourself to be happy with doing a pretty good job. Just aim to do your best without having to be perfect.

9. Exercise, eat regularly and get plenty of sleep. Being physically run down can make it much harder to deal with a bad mood. Take care of yourself.

10. When you are feeling extremely upset, use the Stop-ThinkBreathe method. Stop for a minute and think about the big picture. Sometimes things that don't really matter in the long run can get you all worked up in the moment. Count to 10, breathing deeply, and concentrate on calming down.

Improved Oral Health Can Help You Control Your Diabetes

When you come in for your next exam, please make sure you tell us about your medical condition(s). We’ll work with your medical team to help maximize your health.

Take Control of Your Health!

I

Dr. Ka-Ron Y. Wade Contributing Writer

f you or a loved one has diabetes, you may be more susceptible to contracting infections and, therefore, more likely to have periodontal disease.

Peridontal disease is an infection of the gums, supportive tissue and/or jawbone.

Periodontal disease is often considered a complication of diabetes. People who don’t have their diabetes under control are especially at risk.

Knowledge is Power!

An online survey of individuals aged 18 and older with Type 2 diabetes was recently conducted by the Harris Interactive Poll.

They found that more than one-third of the respondents were not even aware of the link between diabetes and oral health! Sixty-seven percent said they do not discuss their oral health with their MD. Yet, more than half reported one or more symptoms of periodontitis.

Research suggests that the relationship between diabetes and periodontal disease goes both ways. Periodontal disease may make it more difficult for people who have diabetes to control their blood sugar.

Severe periodontal disease can increase blood sugar, contributing to increased periods of time when the body functions with high blood sugar. This puts people with diabetes at increased risk for diabetic complications.

According to reports by the American Academy of Periodontology, diabetic patients are more likely to develop periodontal disease, which, in turn, can increase blood sugar and diabetic complications.

If you or someone you know has diabetes, please be aware of the importance of frequent oral exams and in-office cleanings to reduce oral infections.

Schedule your oral exam today!

For breakthrough dental technology, please call us at 832-304-2447, or visit us on the web at www.cosmeticdentaltexas.com.

If you have tried to quit smoking, but having a hard time, you are not alone. The good news is there are great programs and options out there to help you kick the habit, but start with the tips above. Those tips on the list may help you figure out what works best for you. This might feel uncomfortable at first, but with practice, you can learn how to deal with emotions without cigarettes.

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December 2015  9

Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

10 December 2015

What Is Your Fitness Level?

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By Ja’ Kya Sheppard Contributing Writer

re you the type of person that has unhealthy lifestyle habits and thinks your workout regimen offsets these habits?

How about your diet?

Are you eating fast food and expecting to lose weight? Do you know your fitness level or have the fundamentals to be fit? Below are a few questions you can ask yourself that relate to the misconceptions of knowing your fitness level and where to begin to start living a healthy life.

• Do the cardio machines at the gym accurately count the calories you burn?

This depends. Age, fitness level, BMI, gender, and health history all factor into how the body burns calories and at what rate. Most machines found in gyms do not ask enough information to determine the number of calories that are actually burned.

• Does your heart rate monitor really let you know how hard your heart is working?

Monitors can filter the amount of calories burned during a workout, which also entails a correct heart rate. An example would be wearing a calorie coun-

ter watch while doing jumping jacks.

The watch will measure the calories burned during each jump according to how hard your heart is working.

• Is your weight an indication of your overall health?

Although carrying extra weight is not good for your health, it does not necessarily mean you are unhealthy. Blood pressure, cholesterol, level of physical activity, and whether or not you are a smoker are all much more serious concerns when it comes to overall health.

• Does a low-intensity exercise burn more fat than high-intensity?

According to www.Bodybuilder.com, low-intensity exercise does not necessarily burn more fat than high-intensity. Mobilization of fat goes down as intensity increases. Oxidation of total fats is greater because more calories were burned, but at a lower rate of burned fat.

• Is chugging protein after a workout good?

Quick and easy access to protein is beneficial to repairing and recovering muscles. In theory, proper protein timing leads to bigger long-term gains in strength and lean body mass.

• Can you eat whatever you want as long as you work out?

It’s plain and simple. You have to consume fewer calories than you burn daily to achieve weight loss.

• Do you have to do cardio in the morning to burn more calories?

The time of day does not determine the calories burned. The type of and quantity of food that is eaten determines the amount of fat that you will burn during fat burning zone.

These are just a few questions that

The 12 Days of Holiday

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By Rhonda Dallas Contributing Writer

s we embark on this holiday season, it is very important to stay healthy and safe. We will be around a great deal of people and traveling this season. Staying healthy and safe will require us to follow some simple practices.

On the First Day of Holiday I will wash my hands often. This is one of the most important steps you can take to avoid getting sick and spreading germs. Soap is always the best practice, but using the sanitizing sprays and gels is acceptable.

On the Second Day of Holiday I will stay warm. Living in Houston we can see all seasons in a matter of 24 hours. Even though it’s warm some

days and cold other days, keeping warm in the winter can decrease serious health problems, especially in children and the elderly.

On the Third Day of Holiday I will travel safely. Taking road trips is always fun, but keep in mind not to drink behind the wheel. Wear your seatbelt, and make sure the children have car seats.

On the Fourth Day of Holiday I will visit the doctor to get my yearly check-up. The end of the year is always a good time to make sure you and your family are up to date on your health and wellness visits, as well as vaccinations.

Most deductibles have been met, making the visit affordable.

On the Fifth Day of Holiday I will stop habits that can affect my health for next year. Smoking and excessive drinking can not only cause chronic diseases, but can also cause death. Seek help this year to let go of habits before next year.

On the Sixth Day of Holiday I will watch out for those who cannot take care of themselves. Children are at high risk for injuries during the holiday season. Keep a watchful eye on your kids when they are playing with their

people think they know the answers to.

How did you do? Fitness is not about being skinny, starving yourself, or working out 24 hours a day. According to Howe, Skidmore, Parnell, Lubransky, and Black (2015), a healthy fitness level should consist of a combination of healthy nutrition and some form of cardiovascular activity. Yes, this means that you must eat and exercise. Exercise can include taking the stairs at work, parking farther in the parking lot, and not sitting for long periods. There are also many forms of exercise that beginners through advanced persons can do to help improve their fitness level. Overall, the effects of knowing your fitness level are to create a better you; mind, body, and soul.

Ja’Kya Sheppard is a fitness professional emphatically known as “The Beast Coach.” For tips and more information, please visit her on the web at www.jakyasheppard.com.

toys, eating, etc. Develop rules for them when it comes to safe behaviors, and social media.

On the Seventh Day of Holiday I will do my part to prevent injuries around the holidays. Use ladders and step stools to hang decorations. Keep candles away from children, pets, and curtains. Be careful if you are using a generator or heater device. Test all equipment prior to using from year to year.

On the Eighth Day of Holiday I will handle and prepare my food safely. Preparing holiday meals can be a fun time, but remember you can become ill if food is not prepared or stored correctly. Avoid cross-contamination by keeping raw meat, eggs, and seafood away from food that is ready to eat. Do not leave cooked food out any longer than 2 hours.

On the Ninth Day of Holiday I will start or continue to exercise. During the holiday season we intake extra calories per day or even per meal. We need to do some form of physical activity after consuming additional calories. Walking after a meal can reduce the calories that you just digested. Committing to a low impact workout on a regular basis is ideal.

On the Tenth Day of Holiday I will give back to those less fortunate. Dur-

ing this time of the year it is very important that we remember those who are less fortunate than ourselves. Giving back is so rewarding and fulfilling. Find an organization that you can partner with this holiday season to make a difference.

On the Eleventh Day of Holiday I will mentally, physically and spiritually spend some time with myself. It is very satisfying to take a step back from the hustle and bustle and reflect, write, read, and execute what you learned from this year thus far. This will help make us stronger and more apt to give birth to our ideas, dreams, and desires for 2016.

On the Twelfth Day of Holiday I will manage stress. Stress is the number one trigger to acute and chronic conditions. We are working more than we ever have and seem to have an urgency to keep up with everything and everyone all the time. Slow down, and you can get more done. Enjoy this season by taking some time off.

Starting in January Rhonda Dallas presents “The Biggest Weight Loss Challenge.”

To find out more about programs and health and wellness coaching, please contact Rhonda Dallas at rhondadallasconsulting@gmail.com, and visit her on the web at www.rhondadallascoach ing.com.

References: Howe, A. S., Skidmore, P. M., Parnell, W. R., Wong, J. E., Lubransky, A. C., & Black, K. E. (2015). Cardiorespiratory fitness is positively associated with a healthy dietary pattern in New Zealand adolescents. Public health nutrition, 1-9.

Silver, J.K., Christopher, M. (2008) Understanding fitness: How exercises fuels health and fights disease. Praeger Publishers, 1-221.

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December 2015  11

Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

12 December 2015

Let’s Talk About HIV

I

By Kaylan Curvey Contributing Writer

t’s real and so are the stigmas that come with the HIV infection. The recent bombshell of actor Charlie Sheen’s HIV positive health status has put awareness of the sexually transmitted infection into prospective for many. It’s hard for many to talk about HIV, as it is a touchy subject. There are stigmas and discrimination when it comes to HIV. Some people are shunned by family, peers, and the community, while others face poor treatment in healthcare and education settings, erosion of their human rights, and psychological damage.

These all limit access to HIV testing, treatment, and other HIV services.

Although his announcement may have come with the expected ridicule and backlash, Charlie Sheen’s courage of speaking out puts a new face to what HIV looks like. The infection is not poor or rich, neither white nor black.

Once again, HIV is real. It can happen to any person, any race, and any class.

No one is off limits. Many become uncomfortable speaking about the subject.

We should not put the weight of HIV on one person’s back to carry alone. We should not just sit back. We need to get involved. What can you do to reach out to someone with HIV? You can do this by talking, just listening or being that shoulder to lean on. They can tell if you aren’t being genuine. It is very important to be extremely considerate to this person. If you do not genuinely care or have time to listen to the issues of an infected individual, then please direct that person to a source that can help him or her properly. There are many places that give counsel to individuals with HIV and information that can help assist someone that has been infected. A lot of people don’t want to get involved with another person’s depression for many reasons, and that is okay, as some people cannot handle it. What isn’t okay is doing nothing at all. There are organizations filled with professionals that know what they’re doing.

Another way to actively help people with HIV is to donate. Research for HIV has been revolutionary in recent years. Giving patients the opportunity to manage their illness and help them live regular lives. Other donations help to spread awareness, giving preventive information and education for those who may be ill informed by the multi-

ple stigmas that HIV has.

Having people open up about the difficult times in their lives allows others to do the same, release pain and spread

awareness. You do not have to be infected with the HIV virus to campaign and educate others about the preventive measures they could take. Get involved!

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14 December 2015

TSU College of

Pharmacy Health Sciences

Opens First Phase of Health Science Center By d-mars.com News Provider

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SU’s College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (COPHS) revealed its new Interdisciplinary Health Professions Practice and Simulation Complex to the public recently in the former Nabrit Science Center. The ribbon cutting ceremony and Open House was held as a part of TSU’s Homecoming 2015.

The first phase of a six year strategic plan to develop a Health Science Center, the Health Professions Practice and Simulation Complex promises to be a new learning environment that transitions and expands learning from the traditional classroom to practice labs. The

Complex’s practice labs and classrooms are equipped with cutting-edge audiovisual equipment to facilitate instruction and current healthcare automation and informatics utilized in the most progressive institutions. The new practice labs are designed to teach health professions students in an environment that simulates actual healthcare settings with the goal of developing “practice-ready” health professions graduates.

“The US healthcare industry is very dynamic and currently requires health professionals that are innovative, critical thinkers ready to meet its demand for inter-professional healthcare teams to improve health outcomes of the population,” says COPHS Dean Dr. Ed Stemley. “This new learning environ-

ment is an anticipated game changer for COPHS students as they will now be trained beyond the minimum professional licensure and/or certification requirements.”

The Complex also contains a 20,000 square foot Interdisciplinary Health Professions Simulation Center. The simulation center will provide a simulated hospital and clinic environment to evaluate the ability of health professions students to work collaboratively to care for patients as taught in the practice labs and classrooms. This simulation center is very innovative as it goes beyond simulated hospital and clinic rooms that are traditionally offered by health profession academic institutions to also include all of the major operational units (e.g. nursing unit, pharmacy, respiratory therapy

department, clinical lab, medical records department, etc.) that are typically found in healthcare institutions to support the care provided in the hospital and clinic patient room. The simulation center will include affiliations with area medical and nursing schools in addition to the six health disciplines offered by the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences.

The entire TSU community including all COPHS alumni, students, affiliate hospital and clinic representatives, preceptors, industry partners and area health professions community college and high school representatives were invited to attend.

*Photo Credit: Earlie Hudnall

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December 2015  15

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16 December 2015

Giving Back

By Stephanie Allen-Gobert Contributing Writer

“At the end of the day, it’s not about what you have or even what you’ve accomplished…it’s about who you’ve lifted up and who you’ve made better. It’s about what you’ve given back.” There is so much to love about Denzel Washington, but this quote was stated so elegantly and is correct on so many levels.

Giving back is something we all should do and do it with gladness. The holidays are here, and there are several ways we can give back to ourselves, our family and our community.

Giving back to ourselves might sound a little different, and we might be questioning how we can give back to ourselves. There are several ways we can give back to ourselves and one good way is to take care of our health. As women, such things as yearly mammograms and well-woman exams (WWE) are very vi-

tal. Monthly breast exams are beneficial and could save your life. Men’s health is just as important, and yearly physicals with a doctor are very important.

By scheduling and completing yearly exams, not only are you giving back to yourself, but you are giving longevity and setting a positive example for other friends and family members to give good health back to themselves as well.

Exercise is also a way to give back to

yourself. Exercise is giving back to your heart and other vital organs in your body. Adopting a regular exercise routine is one of the best things that you can do for your long-term health. Exercise benefits all tissues in your body, including your heart, blood vessels, muscles, bones, ligaments, tendons, immune system, intestines, liver, pancreas and brain. Another excellent benefit of exercising is that it is a stress reliever.

Giving back to family might not be as easy as giving back to yourself. Everyone in the family gets busy, and usually it is hard to find time to give to the family, but there are simple ways we can give. Some mornings I listen to the Tom Joyner Morning Show on my way to work. The show brings laughter and informative information, but I most enjoy the “Take a Loved One to the Doctor” segment. This is an amazing way to give back and get that family member that does not like to go to the doctor out of the house and into a doctor’s office for a check-up. Many diseases can be managed if caught early and with simple diet and lifestyle changes. Also, picking up a family member for a quick walk and talk can be a way of giving back. Not only is that quality time together precious, but walking is beneficial.

There are so many ways we can give back in our community. Taking an elderly neighbor to the doctor or the store is another way to give back to our community. These are our elders, and they have positive knowledge and wisdom that needs to be passed down through our communities. Participation in neighborhood watches and programs is also a way to give back to our community. These are just a couple of examples of how we can give back to our community.

There are so many ways we can open up our hearts and minds and bless others. This holiday season and always, let’s give and give, and then look back on our lives and say, “We have lifted up others and have helped make this world better.”

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December 2015  17

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18 December 2015

Cultural Diversity

of Healthcare Workforce Key to Improving Nation’s Health By d-mars.com News Provider

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y 2060, the American population will be older and more racially and ethnically diverse than at any other time in our history, according to statistics from the U.S. Census Bureau. The number of people older than 65 will double, and the need will grow for healthcare and registered nurses to provide it.

Even though nursing is one of the fastest-growing careers in the U.S., there won’t be enough registered nurses available to fill the rising demand for care, according to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN). As America addresses an ongoing nursing shortage, healthcare leaders stress the importance of enhancing available healthcare services through the work of nurses who mirror and understand the ethnic and cultural diversity of the populations they care for.

When you’re ill, your need for care isn’t just about medical requirements.

Recovery from injury, illness and surgery is a mental game, too, and studies

have shown that having a nurse whom you feel understands you can improve your response to treatment.

The relevance of this correlation is rising with the minority population in the U.S. The Census Bureau predicts that minority residents will comprise 57 percent of the population in 2060.

With the AACN reporting that nurses from minority backgrounds represent only 19 percent of the registered nurse workforce, there is growing opportunity for ethnically diverse nurses to care for increasingly diverse patients.

Studies have shown that when patients feel understood by their nurse, they are more likely to trust his or her recommendations, which can improve their health outcomes. Additionally, a nurse who is familiar with a patient’s culture – including diet, traditions and beliefs about medical treatment – is better equipped to address their specific needs.

Penelope Pattalitan, associate professor at the Chamberlain College of Nursing Miramar, Florida, campus, recently researched these barriers and outlined recommendations for how hospitals can streamline and support the transition of

a nursing workforce with foreign and domestic educational backgrounds. One of many tactics Pattalitan recommends is improving training programs for foreign-educated nurses to acquaint them more thoroughly with nursing practices and technology in the United States.

“Certain adjustments to the orientation period of a foreign-educated nurse’s career in the U.S. increase the potential for career success and improve patient outcomes,” she says.

Based on her findings, Pattalitan recommends improving training and orientation programs to educate foreigneducated nurses – registered nurses who received nursing education in a country other than the U.S. – about new equipment, differences in the hospital setup and environment, use of electronic health records, and cultural differences in the U.S., specifically when it comes to patients’ care.

“A nurse workforce that reflects greater diversity can help break down communication barriers and ensure better patient advocacy,” she says.

Similarly, educators and school administrators can help remove cultural

obstacles that may hinder minority students from entering nursing programs by helping them identify resources that will make them more comfortable in their future profession.

Chamberlain College of Nursing, for example, is sensitive to the unique cultural needs across its student population.

For instance, Arab-American students at Chamberlain’s Troy, Michigan, campus are provided with an alternative to the standard scrub pants, allowing them to wear traditional hijabs and long, modest skirts each day. The ankle-length scrub skirt option meets students’ needs, and also complies with the clinical site’s requirements.

Expanding the pipeline of nurses entering the U.S. healthcare workforce can help fill the projected nursing shortage and better address the changing healthcare landscape in this country. A pipeline of nurses that better reflects the national population can help healthcare professionals improve their understanding of patients’ cultural needs and sensitivities, enhancing the care they deliver and improving patient outcomes. – BPT

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December 2015 19

Should You Breastfeed?

By d-mars.com News Provider

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re you going to be a mother or are you a new mother? If so, are you contemplating breastfeeding? According to www. blackdoctor.org, research says that African-American women are the least likely to breastfeed their children compared to other groups of women.

Some contribute this due to barriers in breastfeeding education in the AfricanAmerican community. “In the AfricanAmerican community, because our rates are so low, we don’t see breastfeeding,” says Dalvery Blackwell, the co-founder of the African American Breastfeeding Network of Milwaukee.

There are more health professionals speaking on the benefits of AfricanAmerican women breastfeeding. Below, please see five benefits of breastfeeding from www.blackdoctor.org.

1. Promotes bonding between the mother and child.

You’ve probably heard other mothers say that breastfeeding helps you feel more connected to your child, but did you know there’s actually science behind that? The hormone oxytocin gets released in your body while breastfeeding. Oxytocin promotes bonding between you and your baby.

2. Breast milk is more nutritious.

The nutrients that are in breast milk can’t be found in store-bought formula.

Like Tammi Terrell and Marvin Gaye once sang, “Ain’t nothing like the real thing” and boy, were they right. According to the Natural Resources Defense Council, breast-fed children were less likely develop certain diseases, including heart disease and multiple sclerosis before the age of 15.

3. Breastfeeding is linked to baby’s higher IQ. According to a somewhat-recent study published in the journal Lancet Global Health, the longer children were breastfed, the higher they scored on IQ tests as adults. Pretty impressive, right?

4. Breastfeeding helps you lose weight faster.

It’s believed that breastfeeding can burn anywhere from 300 to 500 calories a day, which can help you return to your pre-pregnancy weight a lot faster. Breastfeed and exercise and you’ll fit into your old jeans in no time! And what new mom doesn’t want that? Still not convinced?

Breast milk is free; formula is not.

5. Not breastfeeding increases your risk of postpartum depression.

It’s estimated that 9-16 percent of new mothers will experience postpartum depression at some point, according to the American Psychological Association. The

good news is that mothers who breastfeed were less likely to develop postpartum depression four months, after giving birth according to a 2012 study.

There are great benefits to breastfeed-

ing for mother and child. More AfricanAmerican women are opting for breastfeeding. If you have questions about the benefits of breastfeeding, contact your healthcare professional.

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20 December 2015

Hoarding on the Rise:

How to Spot Warning Signs

Tips to Recognize a Loved One’s Hoarding and Get Them the Help They Need By d-mars.com News Provider

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hink of that family member or friend whose home is nearly clogged with clutter; how do you describe them? How do you address the situation? The terms you use and actions you take can have a serious impact on that individual’s situation and mental state.

Hoarding is more common than many realize. Recent estimates show that as many as five percent of Americans may meet the criteria for hoarding disorder, that’s up to 15 million people. Hoarding is also now recognized as its own mental health disorder by the American Psychiatric Association.

“A lot of people don’t want to believe their loved one could be a hoarder,” says extreme cleaning expert Matt Paxton.

“We want to believe the situation isn’t that serious, but the truth is that hoarding isn’t just something you see on TV. It happens everywhere, and real people suffer from it every day.”

Paxton, now serving as the in-house expert on hoarding cleanup for ServiceMaster Restore, provides specialized hands-on training to the company's franchisees across the country. To help you recognize whether your loved one is truly suffering from hoarding disorder, and to learn how you can help them get the professional help they need, Paxton offers these tips: • Spot the symptoms. People who

suffer from hoarding have a tendency to be extremely secretive about their problem. They may even attempt to hide it from friends and loved ones by not allowing people into their homes or private living spaces. Sometimes people who suffer from hoarding will cut off all communication to friends and family in fear that their hoarding tendencies will be exposed to the outside world. If you feel like you’re being shut out, don’t give up; it just means you have to work harder to stay in this person’s life and help them get the help they need.

• Recognize common triggers.

Hoarding is often triggered by a trau-

matic event in someone’s life – the loss of a loved one, a divorce, cancer or job loss.

A person begins hoarding because they are trying to fill this void with physical stuff, which adds up over time. Think of your loved ones who may be going through a tough time; are they purchasing items to an extreme? It’s important to recognize that they may need help from an expert, and soon.

• Seek professional help. If you don’t know how to help someone who suffers from hoarding – and most people don’t — ask for assistance before attempting to handle it yourself. People who suffer from hoarding are not just collectors, they have

a psychological attachment to their belongings — something that the average person is not equipped to handle on his or her own. Remember, hoarding is a disorder. Professional cleaning services, like ServiceMaster Restore, can provide compassionate cleaning services for hoarding, and also refer you to local mental health professionals across the country to help ensure your loved ones get the professional help they need. It’s also important to have a professional check for the physical safety and the many hazards that may exist in a hoarded home.

• Don’t escalate the crisis. Attempting to clean something up on your own is not only dangerous, it can also be detrimental to the person who suffers from hoarding. Mental health experts warn against throwing things away or making threats about ending a relationship with someone who suffers from hoarding.

Both of these practices often do more harm than good. Compassion is key when dealing with a hoarding situation.

Paxton urges the importance of understanding that every hoarding situation is unique and requires special attention, especially if harmful contaminants are present. This is where professional companies experienced in construction and repair work, as well as cleaning and decluttering, can be particularly helpful.

"Together with ServiceMaster Restore, we can help more of those-in-need and have a real impact on the lives of those suffering from this mental health disorder," says Paxton. – BPT

Things Parents Need to Know about HPV By d-mars.com News Provider

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eing a parent means looking out for your kids.

When they were small it meant making sure they wore a helmet, crossed the street carefully and wore sunscreen. As they get older, the health challenges they face change. As they become adolescents, you can’t always be with them, so you warn against things like the dangers of alcohol and drugs and sharing too much on social media. But what about human papillomavirus (HPV) – a virus that can cause certain cancers and diseases? Learning about health risks your children may be exposed to as adolescents or young adults that can affect them later in life is the first step toward helping to protect them.

You may have heard about HPV, but you may not be aware of the impact it may have. As your children become adolescents it’s more important than ever to be their health advocate and learn about potential future health concerns, including HPV.

Here are five HPV facts for parents: 1. HPV is more common than you may think. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 79 million Americans are currently infected with HPV, and there are approximately 14 million new HPV infections in the United States each year. Half of these infections occur in people ages 1524. For most, HPV clears on its own. But for others who don’t clear certain types, HPV can cause significant consequences

in both males and females.

2. When HPV does not clear, it can cause certain pre-cancers, cancers and other diseases. These can develop very slowly and may not even be diagnosed until years later. There’s no way to predict who will or won’t clear the virus.

3. You may have only heard of HPV as a cause of cervical cancer in women, but there are other HPV-related diseases that can affect males, as well as females. Certain types of HPV cause cervical, vaginal and vulvar pre-cancers and cancers in females and other HPV types cause genital warts and anal cancer in males and females.

4. HPV often has no visible signs or symptoms, so many people are not even aware that they have it. This means people can pass on HPV without knowing it. It may take only one sexual encoun-

ter to be infected with HPV. HPV can be transmitted through experimentation that involves genital contact of any kind — intercourse is not necessary but is the most common.

5. You may think it’s too soon to worry about how HPV could affect your son or daughter, but the best time to get the facts about HPV is before they may be exposed.

As a parent you never stop looking out for your kids, and the more we learn about health risks for our children, the more we can do to help protect them as they grow up. Take action now, while you are still managing your adolescent’s health care. Speak with your child’s doctor for more information and be sure to ask about ways to help prevent HPV-related cancers and diseases, including vaccination. – BPT

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December 2015 21

In the Health Community…

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

Fort Bend County Black Nurses Association

American Heart Association - Houston • Chapter

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22 December 2015

Reproductive Health Questions

Millennial Women Need to Ask Their Provider By d-mars.com News Provider

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s the end of the year approaches, it’s a good time to think about your overall health. Millennials who are heading home from college should consider scheduling a wellness visit over winter break. A key part of women’s wellness includes reproductive health and, in many cases, contraception counseling. While many women visit their OB/GYN annually, nurse practitioners have become trusted health care providers and can also play an important role in a woman’s reproductive health visit.

More than 30 million U.S. women of reproductive age make at least one medical visit to obtain sexual and reproductive health services each year[i] and there are more than 10,000 nurse practitioners licensed in the U.S. who specialize in women’s health.[ii] Barb Dehn, practicing women’s health nurse practitioner, award winning author and nationally recognized health expert, believes a woman’s relationship with her health care provider should be a partnership. “Nurse practitioners may be able to spend more time with you during your annual visit, which may allow for a better dialogue about contraception options that may be most appropriate for you,” says Dehn.

Dehn urges millennial women to ask the following questions during their annual visit: • How often should I visit my health care practitioner (e.g. nurse practitioner, OB/GYN, etc.)?

• What should I consider or think about when determining the best birth control for me?

• What type of routine screening should I get, and when?

Increasing availability of nurse practitioners in primary care is likely to lead to a high quality of care and high levels of patient satisfaction with a medical visit, according to a study published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ).[iii] As millennial women are preparing for college or are entering the work world, nurse practitioners can help educate patients on sexual health and discuss available birth control options that might be appropriate for them.

Among all the available birth control options, long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs), including intrauterine devices (IUDs) and implants, are gaining popularity. The number of American women on contraception who are using LARC methods increased significantly from 2.4% in 2002 to 8.5% in 2009.[iv] “While the pill remains the most common form of reversible birth control for American women, use of LARCs has increased five-fold in the last decade,[v]” says Dehn. “IUDs and implants are the most effective forms of birth control

available and are widely recommended by health care professionals, including nurse practitioners.”

Skyla (levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system) 13.5mg is a hormone-releasing IUD that prevents pregnancy for up to 3 years. It is an option that the appropriate millennial woman may want to consider discussing with her healthcare provider during her contraceptive conversation. Skyla is over 99 percent effective and works continuously to prevent pregnancy for up to 3 years. Skyla is completely reversible. If you change your mind, your health care provider can remove Skyla and you can try to become pregnant right away. There’s no waiting period. In fact, three out of four women who try to become pregnant conceived within a year of having Skyla removed.

Women can visit a nurse practitioner at their physician or OB/GYN’s office to learn more about birth control options that are most appropriate for them.

You can also visit www.Skyla-us.com to learn more.

Skyla Indication Skyla (levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system) is a hormone-releasing IUD that prevents pregnancy for up to 3 years.

[ii] NP Fact Sheet. AANP.org Website. http://www.aanp.org/all-aboutnps/np-fact-sheet. Updated March 2015. Accessed on March 30, 2015. [iii] BMJ, “Systematic review of whether nurse practitioners working in primary care can provide equivalent care to doctors.” http://www.bmj.com/content/324/7341/819.full.pdf html [iv] Finer LB, Jerman J and Kavanaugh ML, Changes in use of longacting contraceptive methods in the

United States, 2007–2009, Fertility and Sterility, 2012, <http://www.guttmacher.org/pubs/journals/j.fertnstert.2012.06.027.pdf>, accessed July 20, 2012. [v] Amy M. Branum, M.S.P.H., Ph.D.; and Jo Jones, Ph.D., Trends in Long-acting Reversible Contraception Use Among U.S. Women Aged 15–44, Centers for Disease Control and National Center for Health Statistics, 2015, No. 88. — BPT

Skyla Important Safety Information • If you have a pelvic infection, get infections easily, or have certain cancers, don’t use Skyla. Less than 1 percent of users get a serious pelvic infection called PID. • If you have persistent pelvic or stomach pain or if Skyla comes out, tell your doctor. If Skyla comes out, use back-up birth control. Skyla may attach to or go through the uterus and cause other problems.

• Pregnancy while using Skyla is uncommon but can be life threatening and may result in loss of pregnancy or fertility. Ovarian cysts may occur but usually disappear.

• Bleeding and spotting may increase in the first 3 to 6 months and remain irregular. Periods over time usually become shorter, lighter, or may stop.

Skyla does not protect against HIV or STDs. Only you and your healthcare provider can decide if Skyla is right for you.

Skyla is available by prescription only.

For important risk and use information about Skyla, please see the Full Prescribing Information. [i] Frost, J, U.S. Women’s Use of Sexual and Reproductive Health Services: Trends, Sources of Care and Factors associated with Use, 1995-2010, Guttmacher Institute, May 2013 http:// www.guttmacher.org/pubs/sourcesof-care-2013.pdf

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December 2015

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