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Where Would the World be without Health Care Professionals By Stephanie Allen-Gobert PAGE 12

Pregnancy and Your Feet By Julie Lester

Pregnancy leads to many changes in a woman’s body. Many women complain of the typical morning sickness, back pain, a...

Steps to a Healthier You

PAGE 16

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Implementing Nature’s Gift’s into Your Everyday Health, Beauty and Wellness Regimen

Proud to Be an Afro-American Health Care Professional By Rhonda Dallas

As a Health Care Administrator, a Health and Wellness Coach, and a Nutritional Counselor, I am proud to... PAGE 18

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Sisters Network Hosts 5th Annual Stop the Silence Breast Cancer Walk

R2EWD Presents Gala to Combat Obesity in Children

To keep the body in good health is a duty...otherwise we shall not be able to keep our mind strong and clear. – Buddha

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Journal Behind The

Publisher’s Message

Keith J. Davis, Sr.

SR. PUBLISHER Keith J. Davis, Sr.

Health is a subject that should be the part of conversations throughout the year. It’s a vital part of our individual well-being. It’s important to take care of ourselves by eating the right things, getting plenty of exercise and keeping a sound mind. But almost just as important is recognizing and thanking the people who help us to stay healthy – health care professionals. The health care professionals in our communities work tirelessly to ensure our families are well taken care of – from late night emergency room visits to annual check-ups. It never hurts to extend an extra “thank you.” This issue of our journal reminds us to take care of our health, but also includes why many of our community heroes are proud to be health care professionals. They don’t do it for the accolades or recognition, they do it because they love it!

SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT Kevin Davis

VICE PRESIDENT Kim Floyd

ASSOCIATE EDITOR Valerie Jones

ACCOUNTING MANAGER Eugenie Doualla

Administrative Assistant Angelle Gillum

SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Johnny Ray Davis, Jr. C.T. Foster Eric D. Goodwine Tiffany Black

Contents

Implementing Nature’s Gifts into Your Everyday Health, Beauty and Wellness Regimen.......................................................... 4 Cavity PREVENTION Can Save You THOUSANDS!........................................................................................................................................ 6 Healthy Breakfast Dishes.................................................................................................................................................................................7 R2EWD Presents Gala to Combat Obesity in Children............................................................................................................................ 8

PHOTOGRAPHY L.C. Poullard Grady Carter Tony Gaines

“This is the Big One, Elizabeth! I’m Coming to Join Ya Honey”............................................................................................................10

MULTIMEDIA DIRECTOR

Where Would the World be Without Health Care Professionals?....................................................................................................... 12

Andrea Hennekes

Protect your HEART!......................................................................................................................................................................................... 14

Sisters Network Hosts 5th Annual Stop the Silence Breast Cancer Walk......................................................................................10

LAYOUT & GRAPHIC DESIGNER Kevin Wright

Pregnancy and Your Feet...............................................................................................................................................................................16

DISTRIBUTION

More than 800 Walkers Expected for 5th Annual Liver Life Walk Houston.....................................................................................18

Booker T. Davis, Jr. Rockie Hayden

Proud to Be an Afro-American Health Care Professional......................................................................................................................18

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

The Black Box That Could Save Your Life..................................................................................................................................................20

Dr. Ka-Ron Y. Wade Rhonda Dallas Valerie Jones Stephanie Allen-Gobert Kandice Rose Julie Lester, DPM d-mars.com News Provider

The Nation’s Most Deadly Disease.............................................................................................................................................................. 22 Want a Shot at a Healthy Future? Vaccinations Aren’t Just for Kids............................................................................................... 24

Are you Ready to Take Your Business to the Next Level? 499.99

MR. D-MARS Tip of the Month “It’s so important to realize that every time you get upset, it drains your emotional energy. Losing your cool makes you tired. Getting angry a lot messes with your health.” – Joyce Meyer

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Implementing Nature’s Gifts into Your Everyday

Health, Beauty and

Wellness Regimen

hen it comes to being natural, different things may come to mind for African Americans. For example, many black women have joined the movement and decided to embrace their “natural hair” – which is hair in its natural state without relaxers or chemicals. But “being natural” goes far beyond just hair. African Americans can – and should – implement natural elements into their health and wellness regimens every day. It can be extremely beneficial. Natural remedies and products can help combat a society that has become too reliant on things that are over-processed, oversaturated and artificial.

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Natural Skincare

Organic foods are grown without chemical fertilizers, herbicides or pesticides. By definition, organic meat, poultry, eggs, and dairy products come from animals that are given no antibiotics or growth hormones. Though they tend to be more expensive, organic produce and meats have proven health benefits. Food in its natural state is not necessarily more nutritious, but eating organic food contributes to better health through reduced pesticide exposure. Studies have shown that organic food is higher in some key areas, such as total antioxidant capacity. Children are also more susceptible to the effects of pesticide exposure. Foods That are Best to Buy Organic (from www.health.com): • Beef – Buying beef that’s been certified organic by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), consumers are not only cutting out hormones in cattle which are connected to cancer in humans, but they’re also avoiding the massive doses of antibiotics cows typically receive, which the USDA says may lead to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in people. • Strawberries – These fruits can pose a potential risk, unless bought organic because strawberries have a large surface area with tiny bumps, making it hard to wash off pesticides. • Popcorn – Linings of microwave popcorn bags may contain a toxic chemical called perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), which according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), is a likely carcinogen. • Milk – Dairy products account for a reported 60 to 70 percent of the estrogens consumed through food, mainly because milk naturally contains hormones passed along from cows. Some experts worry because about 17% of dairy cows are treated with the hormone rBST (or rBGH), which stimulates milk production by increasing circulating levels of another hormone called insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1). • Celery – Celery stalks are very porous, so they retain the pesticides they’re sprayed with—up to 13 of them.

Holistic Medicine

Beauty is an industry in which there are so many products, customers can get confused. Product A claims to target something better than Product B. Product B claims to be cheaper than Product C and so on. The skin – especially the face – is one of the most sensitive areas on a person’s body. Skin is also the body’s largest organ. Just think of everything a person’s face can be prone to: acne, razor bumps, dry skin, etc. African Americans are also more prone to having keloids, which are growths of extra scar tissue where skin has healed from an injury. There are a myriad of skin care products on the shelves of drug stores, grocery stores and pharmacies, but African Americans need to be especially selective when purchasing products. This is because while many products may be good, they are not always designed for use with African American skin. There are some natural remedies that can help common issues. Organic and natural soaps are great for cleaning the face and African Americans should be knowledgeable of ingredients in the soaps and facial cleansers. Artificial ingredients in some store-bought soaps can irritate the skin. Oils used in the hair can also be a reason for acne on the face. Tips to Remember: • Shea butter soap and olive oil soap – great organic face cleansers • Tea tree oil is good for acne • Bar soaps dry the face – gentle cleansers are better • Select products appropriate for your skin type (gels and serums work well with oily or combination skin; creams and lotions work well for dry skin)

Organic Foods

Some doctors swear by it – holistic medicine is a form of healing that considers the whole person (body, mind, spirit, and emotions) in the quest for optimal health and wellness. Often times, holistic doctors will use conventional medication as well as alternative therapies to treat patients. A holistic doctor may use naturopathy – noninvasive treatments that help the body do its own healing. Some examples of naturopathy include massage, acupuncture, herbal remedies, exercise and lifestyle counseling. How many of us have grandmothers who have a special trick or potion for different ailments? Ever heard of a hot toddy to cure a cold or flu? What about placing onion on your chest to break up congestion? There are many benefits to natural medicine. Think about it – before modern technology, doctors relied on natural techniques and herbal remedies for healing. Benefits to natural medicine include: • Unlike pharmaceutical drugs which may cause adverse reactions in patients, natural medicines are not manufactured and cause fewer harmful side effects. • The ingredients used in herbal medicine are regularly produced in the body and utilize the body’s natural healing process for treating conditions. • Natural medicines are usually much more cost-effective than pharmaceutical drugs, even generic brands.

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Cavity PREVENTION Can Save You THOUSANDS! By Dr. Ka-Ron Y. Wade

Contributing Writer

he Data and Analysis Center reviewed more than 77 million Delta Dental claims and found that—over a lifetime—a single cavity can have serious economic consequences down the road. We can help you prevent tooth decay

and save you a bundle! With new advances in Dental Technology and Treatment, we can stop tooth decay from progressing and beautifully restore damaged teeth. Once restored, proper home care will help your restorations last; however, there is no such thing as a “permanent dental restoration.” That’s why we are so passionate about having you and your family come in for routine dental exams to help prevent tooth decay – That means not waiting until you’re in pain to call us!

Keep Your “Pearly Whites” Pristine! A new study shows that since all restorations are “temporary,” the lifetime cost of treating just one molar that started with a small filling—on average—is about $2,187. Multiply that by several teeth and you’ll come up with lots of reasons you’d rather enjoy spending your hard-earned money on other things!

tirely preventable. Yet, 90 percent of all adults have had one or more cavities. And nearly 80 percent of young people have had a cavity by age 17. We don’t want you or your family to become another dental statistic. When caught early, we can restore the form and function of your decayed

“Every dollar spent on preventive care can save you money by avoiding restorative and emergency procedures.” Let’s face it, by comparison—an exam costs next to nothing. And this is where real prevention comes in. We now know that when good oral hygiene is coupled with regular dental visits and cleanings—cavities are almost en-

teeth before more serious damage occurs. If you really want to keep your pocketbook and your pearly whites happy… preventive dentistry is the way to go!

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Healthy Breakfast Dishes

Special Edition

Sausage and Cheese Breakfast Casserole

Carrot Cake Pancakes

Crown these lightly spiced waffles with cinnamon sugar, sliced bananas, and/or a drizzle of maple syrup. Buckwheat flour adds a somewhat tangy, robust nuttiness to this breakfast favorite.

Prep this the night before for an easy breakfast or brunch. Find turkey sausage in the freezer section of the supermarket with other breakfast meats.

These cakey flapjacks feature warm spices and bright carrot flavor. Our lightened version calls for low-fat buttermilk and a small dab of honey butter.

Ingredients • 1 cup all-purpose flour • 1/2 cup whole wheat flour • 1/4 cup buckwheat flour • 1/4 cup ground flaxseed • 2 tablespoons sugar • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon • 1/4 teaspoon salt • 1 1/2 cups fat-free milk • 3 tablespoons butter, melted • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten • 1 large ripe banana, mashed • Cooking spray

Ingredients • 1 teaspoon canola oil • 12 ounces turkey breakfast sausage • 2 cups 1% low-fat milk • 2 cups egg substitute • 1 teaspoon dry mustard • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper • 1/4 teaspoon salt • 1/4 teaspoon ground red pepper • 3 large eggs • 16 (1-ounce) slices white bread • 1 cup (4 ounces) finely shredded reduced-fat extra sharp cheddar cheese • Cooking spray

Instructions 1. Lightly spoon flours into dry measuring cups; level with a knife. Combine flours, flaxseed, and next four ingredients (through salt) in a medium bowl, stirring with a whisk. 2. Combine milk, butter, and eggs, stirring with a whisk; add milk mixture to flour mixture, stirring until blended. Fold in mashed banana. 3. Preheat a waffle iron. Coat iron with cooking spray. Spoon about 1/4 cup batter per 4-inch waffle onto hot waffle iron, spreading batter to edges. Cook 3 to 4 minutes or until steaming stops; repeat procedure with remaining batter.

Instructions 1. Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Coat pan with cooking spray. Add sausage to pan; cook 5 minutes or until browned, stirring and breaking sausage to crumble. Remove from heat; cool. 2. Combine milk and next 6 ingredients (through eggs) in a large bowl, stirring with a whisk. 3. Trim crusts from bread. Cut bread into 1-inch cubes. Add bread cubes, sausage, and cheddar cheese to milk mixture, stirring to combine. Pour bread mixture into a 13 x 9-inch baking or 3-quart casserole dish coated with cooking spray, spreading egg mixture evenly in baking dish. Cover and refrigerate 8 hours or overnight. 4. Preheat oven to 350°. 5. Remove casserole from refrigerator; let stand 30 minutes. Sprinkle casserole evenly with paprika. Bake at 350° for 45 minutes or until set and lightly browned. Let stand 10 minutes.

Ingredients • 5.6 ounces all-purpose flour (about 1 1/4 cups) • 1/4 cup chopped walnuts, toasted • 2 teaspoons baking powder • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon • 1/4 teaspoon salt • 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground nutmeg • Dash of ground cloves • Dash of ground ginger • 1/4 cup brown sugar • 3/4 cup low-fat buttermilk • 1 tablespoon canola oil • 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten • 2 cups finely grated carrot (about 1 pound) • Cooking spray • 3 tablespoons butter, softened • 2 tablespoons honey

Banana Cinnamon Waffles

Instructions 1. Weigh or lightly spoon flour into dry measuring cups, and level with a knife. Combine flour and next 7 ingredients (through ginger) in a large bowl, stirring with a whisk. Combine 1/4 cup brown sugar and next 4 ingredients (through eggs); add sugar mixture to flour mixture, stirring just until moist. Fold in 2 cups carrot. 2. Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Coat pan with cooking spray. Spoon 4 (1/4 cup) batter mounds onto pan, spreading with a spatula. Cook for 2 minutes or until tops are covered with bubbles and edges look cooked. Carefully turn pancakes over; cook 1 minute or until bottoms are lightly browned. Repeat procedure twice with remaining batter. Combine butter and honey in a small bowl; serve with pancakes.

*All photos and recipes courtesy of myrecipes.com

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R2EWD Presents Gala to Combat Obesity in Children Rhonda Dallas of Reaching to Empower Women Daily (R2EWD) recently hosted the Combating Obesity Gala at Momentum BMW West in Katy. R2EWD, in collaboration with Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Move initiative, has joined forces to combat obesity in Houston.

R2EWD is a nonprofit organization that was established in 2010 with the purpose of empowering, mentoring, and building self-esteem in women and youth who are experiencing life altering transitions socially and economically.

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Sisters Network Hosts 5th Annual Stop the Silence Breast Cancer Walk

"This is The Big One,

Elizabeth!

I'm Coming

to Join Ya

Honey." – Fred Sanford, AKA, Redd Foxx

By Valerie Jones

Contributing Writer

By Rhonda Dallas Contributing Writer

his is such a popular phrase when a person is faking a heart attack, but the fact is that on October 11, 1991, Redd Foxx suffered a heart attack while taping a television series and died at the hospital. Because he always faked heart attacks, the cast thought he was playing for a minute. Another famous Afro-American—Harold Washington—the first black mayor of Chicago, while in a meeting with his staff, just simply slumped over in his chair and suffered a heart attack. He died on the way to the hospital. One of the deadly diseases they had in common was heart disease or hypertension. Heart disease is the number one killer of Americans and the risks of getting those diseases are even higher for African-Americans. (American Heart Association) The good news is that we can take steps today to prevent heart disease. Steps to Prevent or Combat Heart Dis-

ease: 1. Get checked out by your physician on a regular basis (at least 1-2 times per year) 2. Control your blood pressure, keep track of the changes, and notify your doctor 3. Make lifestyle changes 4. Keep your weight under control (BMI 25), according to the American Heart Association 5. Know your family history; it’s suggested there are genes that we may carry that make us more sensitive to salt (American Heart Association) 6. Eat more chicken, fish, and vegetables and watch your portions 7. Exercise on a regular basis for cardio strength (walking and running are great exercises) We must become more aware of how to better take care of our heart and how to decrease stress in our lives. Health And Wellness Life Coach, Health Administrator, and Nutritional Counselor Contact me at info@rhondajdallas.com

photo: Wikipedia

here is probably not a person alive who has not been affected by breast cancer in some way. Perhaps you have a sister, mother, aunt, cousin, friend or child who is fighting the disease. Or maybe you have suffered the devastating fate of losing a loved one to breast cancer. Maybe you are a survivor. However you are affected, either directly or indirectly, it’s important for everyone to be aware of and educated about breast cancer. Sisters Network has made breast cancer awareness its mission and purpose, and this April will mark the fifth year it’s hosted the Stop the Silence Annual National African American Breast Cancer 5K Walk/Run. The Walk, which benefits the Breast Cancer Assistance Program (BCAP), will take place Saturday, April 5, at 10am at Discovery Green Park. “This year is our 20th anniversary as an organization and we’re excited because we’ve already accomplished so many milestones,” said Karen Jackson, Founder and CEO of Sisters Network. “The Stop the Silence Walk allows us to reach a broader scope of people in the community and raise a significant amount of money to provide assistance for BCAP. We’re looking for 10,000 people to attend – we want it to be a sea of pink and brown.” With Kandi Eastman, radio host for Majic 102.1, serving as Chair and MC for the Walk, Sisters Network hopes to raise even more awareness for the breast cancer cause by “putting a face” on the disease. Eastman has been very open about her breast cancer diagnosis. “Kandi has always been involved with Sisters Network, but she’s stepped up this year to be an MC,” said Jackson. “It always helps that someone can say ‘I saw

this person, I know this person.’ It does make a difference to see breast cancer survivors living – and living well – after diagnosis. It dispels the myth that you get a diagnosis, and then you die.” Sisters Network was founded in 1994 and is the only national African American breast cancer survivorship organization in the United States. The organization’s purpose is to save lives and provide a broader scope of knowledge that addresses the breast cancer survivorship crisis affecting African American women around the country. Sisters Network is also recognized as a critical information resource for African American women. “Early detection is so important. We know, but we aren’t listening. We hear the information and the facts, and our organization stresses the fact that early detection is not a myth; it can help save your life,” Jackson said. “The statistics are still not good – we are dying from breast cancer. But we’re speaking out and having open dialogue about breast cancer and what should be done on all levels. We concentrate on the positive side of surviving.” Jackson remembers the very first year Sisters Network hosted the Breast Cancer Walk: it rained, yet nobody went home. “I still remember that. It was so special to me,” she said. “It’s always important to me that we thank our community because some years ago, breast cancer wasn’t given as much awareness. I can see the impact of what we’re trying to do is finally working. That’s not to say we don’t have a long way to go, but it has definitely improved.” Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. is a national partner for the Walk. Sponsors include Eisai, Fiesta, General Mills, MD Anderson and Walgreens. For more information, visit www.sistersnetworkinc.org.

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5th Annual National African American Breast Cancer 5K Walk/Run Benefitting Sisters Network Breast Cancer Assistance Program (BCAP)

Saturday, April 5, 2014

8:00 a.m. Registration - 10:00 a.m. Walk Discovery Green Park | 1500 McKinney | Houston,TX 77010 Registration fee: $30.00/individual | $300.00/team (10)

RARY O N O H R CHAI

NO CH RARY AIR

WANDA ADAMS

HISD BOARD OF EDUCATION DISTRICT IX

IR & CHA K WAL MC

KANDI EASTMAN

CONGRESSWOMAN SHEILA JACKSON LEE

18TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT OF TX

“The Sweet Talker” KMJQ Majic 102 Houston

WWW.STOPTHESILENCEWALK.ORG

1-866-781-1808 toll free | stopthesilencewalk@sistersnetworkinc.org Sponsors and Vendor/Exhibitor Booths Available

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Where Would the World be Without Health Care Professionals? By Stephanie Allen-Gobert

Contributing Writer

health care professional is defined as a person who helps in identifying or preventing or treating a medical illness or disability. There are many different types of health care professionals. They/ we all play a significant part in patient care and health – from assisting patients and doctors, administering patient medication, performing life-saving surgeries, and so many more daily tasks…where would the world be without health care professionals? Growing up with a strong grandmother, who was also a LVN (licensed vocational nurse), I admired her and was determined to be in the health care field. Seeing her get so pretty in her white scrubs, not a wrinkle in sight, and the love she had for helping and healing, I was even more determined to be a health care provider. Immediately upon graduation, I went to college with dreams of becoming a doctor. The dream was short-lived when I found out I was pregnant with my beautiful daughter. I immediately went to school to become a medical assistant. A medical assistant is a health care pro-

fessional who is usually trained in front and back office skills. A medical assistant normally works in a doctor’s office and assists with jobs such as patient setup, room stocking, obtaining patient’s vital signs, patient care, medication refills, answering telephone lines, assisting in surgeries (when applicable), and so much more. I loved being a medical assistant. I later returned to school to become an ultrasound technologist. An ultrasound technologist/ sonographer is a medical professional that operates the ultrasound machine. An ultrasound tech uses the machine to obtain images of the inside of the body to assist doctors in diagnosing medical images, assisting surgeons during surgeries, and to monitor fetal growth. The field of ultrasound is constantly changing and grow-

ing. I am currently enrolled in college to become a Physician’s Assistant (PA). For all the different areas of medical science, there are even more types of health care professionals. For example, in the field of Psychology, there are specialized doctors, nurses, technicians, surgeons, staff, and therapists. All health care professional workers are of great importance. Their jobs play a key role in patient care. Doctors are usually the type of health care professionals with the most variations in that which they specialize. There are doctors who practice in Oncology (diagnose and treat cancer), Cardiology (diagnose and treat cardiovascular problems or concerns dealing with the heart), Radiology (interprets and reads medical images),

Dental (specializes in the care of teeth, gums, and the mouth), Podiatry (specializes in foot, ankle, and lower leg), Family Practice (practices and cares for all ages and gender in the family), and Ob/Gyn (specializing in the management of pregnancy, labor and the female reproductive system). There are thousands more valuable specialty fields, careers and professions that make up the world of health care professionals. Everyone in this world has been sick at some point. The individualized attention a nurse, assistant, front desk personnel, or the doctor gives us makes us feel better even before the prescription is written. The kind pharmacist and his/her staff that take the extra time to fill your prescriptions and gives you the proper information on the side effects and the proper way to take the prescription eases your mind before you even make it home. The surgeon and his/her staff who takes the time to give you an update on your mother or father who just had a major surgery can be life changing. The dedication, compassion, understanding, knowledge, and the overall love I and so many more health care professionals give daily and whole-heartedly makes me ponder and really wonder…where would the world be without health care professionals?

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Special Edition

Protect your HEART!

By Kandice Rose

Contributing Writer

eart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women, but heart disease is preventable and controllable. Heart disease is a major problem. Every year, about 715,000 Americans have a heart attack. About 600,000 people die from heart disease in the United States each year—that’s one out of every four deaths. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women. So what can you do to protect yourself from heart disease? While there are some risk factors you can’t control—such as age, gender, heredity, race and diabetes—there are risk factors for heart disease you CAN control, like high cholesterol, high blood pressure, smoking, exercise, obesity and stress. Working on Heart Disease Prevention

You can help prevent heart disease by

making healthy choices and managing any medical conditions you may have. • Eat a healthy diet. – Choosing healthful meal and snack options. Be sure to eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables—adults should have at least five servings each day. Eating foods low in saturated fat, trans fat, and cholesterol, and high in fiber can help prevent high cholesterol. We love salt but we have to limit our salt or sodium intake. • Watch the Weight. – Being overweight or obese can increase your risk for heart disease. • Let’s Get to Moving. – Physical activity can help you maintain a healthy weight and lower cholesterol and blood pressure. The Surgeon General recommends that adults should engage in moderate-intensity exercise for at least 30 minutes on most days of the week. • What’s your blood pressure? – High blood pressure often has no symptoms, so be sure to have it checked on a regular basis. You can check your blood pressure at home, at a pharmacy, or at a doctor's office. • Don't smoke. – Cigarette smoking greatly increases your risk for heart disease. If you don't smoke, don't start. If you do smoke, quit as soon as possible.

• Alcohol Check. – Avoid drinking too much alcohol, which can increase your blood pressure. Men should stick to no more than two drinks per day, and women to no more than one. • Cholesterol check. – Your health care provider should test your cholesterol levels at least once every five years. Speak with your doctor about this simple blood test. • Manage your diabetes. – If you

have diabetes, monitor your blood sugar levels closely, and talk with your doctor about treatment options. • Take your medicine. – If you're taking medication to treat high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes, follow your doctor's instructions carefully. Always ask questions if you don't understand something.

Heart attack symptoms The five major symptoms of a heart attack are: • Pain or discomfort in the jaw, neck, or back • Feeling weak, light-headed, or faint • Chest pain or discomfort • Pain or discomfort in arms or shoulder • Shortness of breath • If you think that you or someone you know is having a heart attack, call 9–1–1 immediately

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Special Edition

Pregnancy and Your Feet

By Julie Lester, DPM Contributing Writer

regnancy leads to many changes in a womanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s body. Many women complain of the typical morning sickness, back pain, and exhaustion. However, pain and swelling of the feet and legs, cramping, and development of varicose veins are just as common. As the belly grows and body weight increases, a motherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s center of gravity is shifted. This leads to a change in the gait pattern that can cause significant discomfort and difficulty walking. The stance becomes widened during weightbearing, causing the feet to roll inward (over-pronation). This, in turn, leads to flattening of the arches, which puts an increased amount of stress on the plantar fascia, which is the band of fibrous tissue that courses from the heel bone to the ball of the foot. The inflammation along the plantar fascia can cause heel pain, arch pain, or pain in the balls of the feet.

Changes in hormone levels are also expected during pregnancy. These changes often lead to fluid retention and weight gain, as well as structural and biomechanical changes in the lower extremities. As the fetus increases in size, it applies pressure to the veins within the pelvis that work to transport blood and fluid from the lower extremities. In turn, the smaller veins of the feet and ankles become engorged. During the later stages of pregnancy, there is an increase in the hormone, Relaxin, which is meant to relax the ligaments of the pelvis to allow for childbirth. It also relaxes the ligaments of the knees, ankles, and feet, exacerbating the aforementioned symptoms that accompany over-pronation. Many women also complain of leg cramps during pregnancy. These cramps could be the result of dietary deficiencies in calcium or potassium. In some cases, leg cramps are thought to be a result of an abundance of phosphorous, which can be found in diet sodas and processed meats. In addition to flat feet, swelling, and cramping, many women experience the development of varicose veins in the legs. Because of the nutritional needs of the growing fetus, there is a natural increase in overall blood content within the circulatory system. This increase puts added pressure on the walls of the veins, causing them to stretch. This, in turn, leads to the appearance of bluish, snake-like veins.

There are several ways to treat and/or prevent some of the pangs of pregnancy. Heel and arch pain due to over-pronation can be managed with pre-fabricated insoles designed to control inward rolling of the feet, and support the arches. It also helps to wear supportive shoes rather than flats or slippers. Swelling and fluid retention are to be expected during pregnancy, but can be controlled by elevating the feet to a level above the heart twice daily for about 20 minutes at a time. Limiting salt intake and drinking lots of water also help decrease fluid retention. Light exercises, such as simple ankle rotations, short walks, or bike rides, can also help to increase circulation and push some of the fluid out of the lower extremities. Exercise can also help prevent or decrease the severity of varicose veins. Sleeping on your side also helps decrease the pooling of fluid in the legs, as lying on your back

can put pressure on the major vein that returns blood from the lower extremity to the heart. Leg cramps can be controlled with warm compresses and gentle massages. In cases of dietary deficiencies, increased dairy consumption or calcium supplements can be helpful. Snacking on potassium-rich bananas often times relieves those pesky cramps. It is best to speak to your physician prior to taking any dietary supplements. The road to motherhood can be one of the most exciting and rewarding experiences in a womanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s life. However, along with the excitement also comes the seemingly inevitable pain and discomfort that accompany pregnancy. Keeping your weight under control, and your feet happy and healthy during this time can make the road to motherhood easier and more comfortable.

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More than 800 Walkers Proud to Be Expected for 5th Annual an Afro-American Health Liver Life Walk Houston Care Professional

The American Liver Foundation’s 5th Annual Liver Life Walk Houston is expected to attract more than 800 walkers Saturday, April 26 at McGregor Park located at 5225 Calhoun Road. Last year’s Liver Life Walk Houston attracted more than 700 walkers and raised more than $100,000 for the Desert Southwest Division of the American Liver Foundation, which is comprised of Texas, Arizona, New Mexico and Utah. The fundraising goal this year for Houston is to raise more than $110,000. The Liver Life Walk Houston is a teambased event and each team member is asked to raise $25 in donations. Walkers

raising $100 or more will receive a National Liver Life Walk T-shirt. Bronze, Silver and Gold Liver Life Walk medals will be awarded to walkers raising $250 or more. This is an event for people to have fun, enjoy the beautiful spring weather in Houston and raise money for vital research and support for liver disease. Registration begins at 8:30am and the 5K and 1K walks will start at 10am and conclude at 11:30am. Walkers will enjoy a festive atmosphere with entertainment and food. Teams may register for the even online at www.liverfoundation.org/walkhouston.

By Rhonda Dallas Contributing Writer

s a Health Care Administrator, a Health and Wellness Coach, and a Nutritional Counselor, I am proud to be in an Afro American health professional. Having multiple health care professions yields so many opportunities and in one of the largest and fastest growing professions in the world. You Too Can Be a Health Care Administrator A bachelor’s degree in science or health care administration and a Master in Health Administration (MHA) are required to become a health care administrator. Several colleges have this degree program and now even some two-year colleges offer an associate degree in this field. As an administrator, I manage an office. My duties include managing staff, marketing the practice and the doctor, implementing policies and procedures, and handling all level of patients’ questions and concerns. I love what I do because it allows for me to put my ‘people skills’ to work. You can work in hospitals, nursing homes, large medical groups, surgery centers, etc. Your salary can range from $38,000$200,000, depending on experience. You Too Can Become a Health and Wellness Coach This program requires certification from an accredited coaching institution. The length of the program varies from school to school. It also happens to be one of the

fastest growing certification programs, but not with Afro-Americans. There is so much you can do with this certification. You can coach health and wellness classes at a doctor’s office, you can speak at events on health and wellness topics, you can partner with people to help them live a healthier lifestyle, or you can start your own company and have people come to you for health and wellness sessions. I wanted to assist our clients in finding new ways to inspire healthier habits. Wellness Coaches are also responsible for developing a wellness coaching relationship with clients and assisting the client through the process of actively working towards better health by providing support, encouragement, and education. Your salary can range from $20,000 and up. You Too Can Become a Nutritional Counselor This program is offered online and in person at several institutions and can take from six months to 15 months to complete. There are several schools that offer this certification and will afford you to be able to study and attend courses in your own home. The focus of a nutritional counselor is to help an individual personalize their nutritional needs based on the needs of her body. Some counselors work with metabolic functions and will advise what kind of supplements a person should take. Nutritional Counselors also assist dieticians, doctors, and other health care providers with diet for their patients. They can create food diaries for people and partner with other health care providers to help them with their patient database. Your salary can range from $ 30,000 and up. If you are interested in learning more about these professions contact me, Rhonda Dallas at info@rhondajdallas.com to help you on the road to fascinating health care professions.

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The Black Box That Could Save Your Life d-mars.com News Provider

lack boxes in airplanes or trains hold critical information relevant to a disaster. However, there is another type of black box that can help stop a medication-related catastrophe before it happens: a black box warning. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires that some medications carry a black box warning to alert patients to the potential for serious and sometimes fatal side effects. Teresa Tran, a specialist pharmacist in the Express Scripts Neuroscience Therapeutic Resource Center, and her team of specialist pharmacists, help answer questions about black box warnings and other medication management issues for patients facing a wide range of diseases, such as depression, pain, Alzheimer's and attention deficit disorder. "Sometimes it's hard to distinguish worsening disease symptoms from potential side effects, especially for disorders like depression and dementia," Tran said. "Prior to starting any medication, ask your doctor or specialist pharmacist about the side effects, risks associated with the medication, and the expected benefits. More than 500 medications currently include black box warnings, which is the most serious medication warning required

by the FDA. The list includes commonly used antibiotics, antidepressants and diabetes medications with potentially lifethreatening or debilitating side effects. "Antidepressants have a black box warning because of increased risk of suicidal thinking among children, adolescents and young adults, so it's important to pay close attention to behavioral changes – especially during the first one to two months of treatment," said Tran. "Additionally, some antipsychotics used to treat dementia-related psychosis in elderly patients can increase the risk of death." Tran offers some helpful tips to keep in mind regarding black box warnings and ways you can achieve healthier outcomes. • Follow doctor's orders: Listen to your doctor's instructions on the duration and course of your medication therapy. Even if your symptoms are

completely resolved, in order to prevent a relapse, you should continue taking the medication. If a patient stops a medication abruptly, new or worsening side effects may appear. • Become informed: Black box warnings can include risks of serious adverse effects. However, these medications can be important in treating your medical condition. Understanding the risks versus the benefits is important in being an informed consumer. Remember you play an important role as part of the health care team since you are the one ultimately responsible for your health. • Communicate your concerns: Depression and some medications may be associated with an increased risk of suicide. If you are taking medication to treat these types of conditions, make sure family members and/or

caregivers recognize potential signs of an adverse event. Keep an open dialogue with your doctor or pharmacist and notify them immediately if you experience something out of the ordinary that may be a side effect related to your medication. • How to educate yourself: Patient medication guides are required for drugs that have a serious and significant public health concern. They are often required for products that have boxed warnings. Patients should always read the medication guide or patient information leaflet that comes with their medication. If he/ she doesn't understand the information, or has questions, this should be discussed with a doctor or specialist pharmacist. The FDA provides a comprehensive list of medication guides which can be found online. • Keep a journal: For conditions that don't have concrete ways to measure success, like depression, maintaining a daily journal to track your symptoms will allow you and your doctor to chart your progress and adjust your medication therapy. Keeping track of your baseline symptoms prior to starting a medication will also allow you to monitor whether your condition is improving or getting worse. (BPT)

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The Nation's Most Deadly Disease d-mars.com News Provider

ew people understand just how much a threat cardiovascular disease (CVD), or heart disease, can be. Consider this: heart disease is the leading cause of death in the world. Cardiovascular disease claims more lives each year than cancer, chronic lower respiratory disease and accidents combined. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 71 million American adults (33.5 percent)have high LDL, or "bad," cholesterol and only one out of every three adults with high LDL cholesterol has the condition under control. While heart disease is truly dangerous, in many instances the disease is preventable. You may have heard concerns over high cholesterol levels. Elevated cholesterol is among the leading risk factors for CVD. Living a healthy lifestyle that incorporates good nutrition, weight management and getting plenty of physical activity can play an important role in lowering your risk of CVD, according to the American Heart Association. If you're interested in reducing your risk of cardiovascular disease, these tips can help: • Move your body. Exercise not only reduces your bad cholesterol levels, it can also increase your HDL, or good

cholesterol, levels. The exercise need not be strenuous to enjoy the benefit either. Get a pedometer and aim for 10,000 steps a day. A 45-minute walk can help you reach your goal. • Cut the saturated fats. Saturated fats have long been linked to high cholesterol levels. As you prepare your next meal, use canola oil or olive oil instead of vegetable oil, butter, shortening or lard. • Opt for fish. You don't have to become a vegetarian to achieve a healthy cholesterol level; you just have to make smarter meat selec-

tions. Fish and fish oil are loaded with cholesterol-lowering omega-3 acids. The American Heart Association recommends fish as your source for omega-3s and eating fish two or three times a week is a great way to lower your cholesterol. • Avoid smoking. Smoking has been linked to many health concerns and research shows that smoking has a negative impact on good cholesterol levels and is also a risk factor for heart disease. Heart disease accounts for one in three deaths in the United States and many cas-

es of the disease are preventable through healthy choices. There is a clinical research study being conducted to try to help with this disease. The Fourier Study, sponsored by Amgen, is a clinical research study to find out if an investigational medication may reduce the risk of future heart attacks, strokes, related cardiovascular events and death in individuals with a prior history of heart disease. The study is investigating a different approach to reducing LDL cholesterol or "bad" cholesterol. (BPT)

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Want a Shot at a Healthy Future? Vaccinations Aren't Just for Kids

d-mars.com News Provider

he best approach to health is a proactive one, and that means getting an annual checkup and staying up-to-date on recommended vaccinations. But many adults don't visit a doctor unless they feel ill, nor do they think about vaccination as part of their routine, preventive health care. This leaves them needlessly vulnerable to illnesses that can

cause severe health complications or even death. "Ignorance is not bliss when it comes to your health," said Dr. Thomas M. File, Jr., an infectious disease specialist and president of the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID). "It's important to know which vaccines you need as an adult to avoid serious illness." One such vaccine helps prevent pneumococcal (pronounced noo-muh-kok-ul) disease. Those with children or grandchildren may know that kids receive pneu-

mococcal vaccinations as part of the routine childhood immunization schedule. Few are aware, though, that adults also need protection from pneumococcal disease which kills thousands of adults in the United States every year and sickens many more, leading to more than 175,000 hospitalizations annually. A bacterial infection, pneumococcal disease can cause pneumonia, meningitis, and blood poisoning (sepsis). The bacteria are spread through coughing, sneezing, or direct contact, such as kissing. Anyone can get pneumococcal disease, but it's most dangerous for those age 65 and older and adults of any age who smoke or have common health conditions such as: asthma; diabetes; heart, liver, lung or kidney disease; or HIV/AIDS or other conditions that weaken the immune system. This is true even if the condition is well controlled with medication or other treatment. Most adults only need to receive one pneumococcal vaccination in their lifetime, though some will need more than one dose depending on age and personal health. Dr. File advises that flu season is a good time to ask your health care provider about protection against pneumococcal

disease â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a common complication of the flu â&#x20AC;&#x201C; but he emphasizes that adults can receive a pneumococcal vaccination at any time of year. He also urges adults to ask about other vaccines they may need including shingles, pertussis, or hepatitis. "Vaccines are a simple and effective tool you can use to help protect your health now and in the future," File said. NFID stresses five reasons why you should get vaccinated for pneumococcal disease if it's recommended for you: 1. Pneumococcal disease is a potentially deadly infection that can strike quickly. 2. In its worst forms, pneumococcal disease kills one out of every four to five people over the age of 65 who get it. 3. Getting vaccinated is the safest, most effective way to protect yourself. Even if vaccination does not stop 4. you from getting the infection, it can reduce the severity, helping to keep you out of the hospital. 5. Medicare covers the cost of vaccination, and most private insurers will pay for those in at-risk groups. (BPT)

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