d-mars.com Health & Wellness 34

Health & Wellness Journal HEALTH | WELLNESS | MEDICAL | RESEARCH | SPORTS | FITNESS | LIFESTYLE | BEAUTY

Inspire, Inform & Educate

April 2014

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Health for a Lifetime

How Alcoholism Affects the Feet

By Julie Lester, DPM PAGE 10

Making a Difference in the Field of Dentistry

April is Minority Health Month

By Kandice Rose PAGE 14

Dr. Ka-Ron Y. Wade

page 4

According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research

“Black and Hispanic children and those living in families with lower incomes have more untreated decay.”

Have We Progressed or Regressed as a Race?

By Rhonda Dallas

PAGE 16

page 8

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Thousands Attend Sisters Network 5th Annual Breast Cancer Walk The best diet is the one that can be sustained over the long term, combined with other healthful lifestyle behaviors.

– Francis Collins

page 6

April 2014

Journal Behind The

3.

Publisher’s Message

Keith J. Davis, Sr.

SR. PUBLISHER Keith J. Davis, Sr.

What you do today can and will affect your future. This is true in school, work, and in your health, too. This is why proper health and wellness should start at a young age. The sooner a person begins healthy habits, the better, because healthy habits eventually turn into healthy lifestyles.

As adults, it’s important to instill healthy habits into our children. Signing them up for sports or other athletic activities is one way to do this. Planning healthy meals and taking children for regular checkups is another way. Most of all, set the example. Children will model what they see so make sure they see you doing the right thing. That is the best way to create health for a lifetime!

SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT Kevin Davis

VICE PRESIDENT Kim Floyd

ASSOCIATE EDITOR Valerie Jones

ACCOUNTING MANAGER Eugenie Doualla

Office Manager Johnny Ray Davis, Jr.

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

Contents Dr. Ka-Ron Wade Making a Difference in the Field of Dentistry.......................................................................................................... 4

PHOTOGRAPHY

Sisters Network 5th Breast Cancer Walk................................................................................................................................................... 6

L.C. Poullard Grady Carter Tony Gaines

Savory Salmon Recipes.................................................................................................................................................................................... 8 How Alcoholism Affects the Feet.................................................................................................................................................................10

MULTIMEDIA DIRECTOR

Autism Awareness Month…Why it Matters!............................................................................................................................................... 11

Andrea Hennekes

LAYOUT & GRAPHIC DESIGNER

6 Proven Ways to Help Get Rid of…Halitosis............................................................................................................................................. 12

Angel Rosa

Now is the Time to Stop Your Drug Dependence.................................................................................................................................... 12

DISTRIBUTION

April is Minority Health Month...................................................................................................................................................................... 14

Booker T. Davis, Jr. Rockie Hayden

Have We Progressed or Regressed as a Race?.......................................................................................................................................16

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Just One More....................................................................................................................................................................................................18

Valerie Jones Julie Lester, DPM Judy Blake Dr. Ka-Ron Y. Wade J. Thomas Smith Kandice Rose Rhonda Dallas Stephanie Allen-Gobert Lisa Bradley

My Weight Loss Journey................................................................................................................................................................................20

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MR. D-MARS Tip of the Month “How far you go in life depends on your being tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving, and tolerant of the weak and strong. Because someday in your life you will have been all of these.”

– George Washington Carver

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Dr. Ka-Ron Wade

4.

April 2014

Making a Difference in the Field of Dentistry

By Valerie Jones

D Associate Editor

r. Ka-Ron Y. Wade, a premier cosmetic dentist in Houston, recounts the story of Deamonte Driver, a seventh-grader who died from what many would have considered a simple toothache. Because an abscess in his tooth was not treated, the infection spread to Deamonte’s brain, which caused his untimely death.

This was Feb. 25, 2007. Deamonte was homeless and his Medicaid coverage had lapsed. If he had had basic dental coverage which would have allowed him to have the infected tooth removed, his life could have been saved.

The tragedy sparked media attention and national outrage about the state of oral health care.

“It is important to remember that untreated tooth decay is an enormous issue among children in the United States. About 6.5 million children enrolled in Medicaid had untreated tooth decay in 2005,” said Dr. Wade. “There are striking disparities among these numbers, and the impact of the risk hurts some communities harder than others.

According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, ‘Black and Hispanic children and those living in families with lower incomes have more untreated decay.’”

Dr. Wade, who earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology

at Wiley College and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Texas Women’s University, was inspired to enter the field of health care as a young child after seeing her grandmother going in and out of the hospital. She worked in the nursing field for several years after college before choosing to follow her true passion, which was a career in dentistry.

She went on to pursue a Doctorate in Dental Surgery from the University of Texas and began a solo practice in 1999. But she didn’t stop there…her desire for excellence in her field led her to acquire continued education and dental instruction from the Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies.

Through her 10+ years of serving the Houston community through her Midtown office location, Dr. Wade has seen her fair share of patients. She and her dental team actually see 6,000 patients per year.

“The most

common issues I have observed are bad breath, tooth decay and the big one – gum (periodontal) disease, which is a killer if left untreated,” Dr. Wade said.

Along with good oral hygiene and proper insurance coverage, parents can encourage healthy eating habits in their children – but it can be simple and fun. Children love to run, jump and play. Parents can help channel children’s natural energy into activities that keep them fit and strong.

“Parents can also explore ‘anytime’ and ‘sometime’ foods. Explain to your child that fruits and vegetables are ‘anytime’ foods – so good for you that you can eat them every day,” Dr. Wade said. “Foods like cookies, chips and soda are called ‘sometime’ foods because they are high in sugar, fat or salt and should only be eaten once in a while.”

She added that visiting the dentist twice a year will teach children how important dental health is and remove some of the fear that many adults have of the dentist. Developing healthy habits as a child will carry over into adulthood. Restraint from eating ‘sometime’ foods promotes good oral health by decreasing the chance of developing cavities and periodontal disease—which can lead to heart disease, stroke, diabetes and a host of other problems.

In 2001, Dr. Wade and Freda Epka-Powell founded Houston Medi-Dent Mobile Health Corporation, a nonprofit organization with a mission to operate exclusively for charitable and educational purposes by: • Providing dental screenings, preventive dentistry and quality dental and health education • Providing screening for diabetes, hypertension and oral screenings for HIV and oral cancer • Health education for diabetes, hypertension and HIV • Health education for chewing tobacco and cigarette smoking for low-income or indigent individuals In 2012, more than $40,000 in free dental services were provided to individuals in socio-economically underserved communities.

Even with a busy practice, Dr. Wade still finds time for charitable and philanthropic efforts and community outreach. She plans on taking a mission trip to The Dominican Republic with Lakewood Church in June.

Wade has lived in Houston for more than 20 years and has two children: son Jenerro and daughter Dystiny, whom she describes as the loves of her life.

“The most common issues I have observed are bad breath, tooth decay and the big one – gum (periodontal) disease, which is a killer if left untreated.”

– Dr. KaRon Y. Wade

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April 2014

Sisters Network 5th

Thousands in Attendance for Stop the Silence Walk

By Valerie Jones

I

Associate Editor

t was a sea of pink and brown at the fifth annual Stop the Silence National African American Breast Cancer Walk. Sisters Network, celebrating its 20th Anniversary as an organization, hosted the walk—which was attended by thousands.

Alexis Shields attended with four of her best girlfriends from college.

“I love the Sisters Network walk and everything that it stands for,” she said.

“I lost my great aunt to breast cancer in 2007, and I also found a lump on my breast in 2006, but it was non-cancerous. So you can say I am walking for the both of us.”

This is the second year Shields has

participated in the walk.

“This year’s walk was just amazing; I think this was the biggest turnout yet,” she said. “I ran into people from every part of my life, and it was just wonderful to see all those beautiful people supporting this great cause. My girls and I will be back next year, and I’m sure it will be even better.”

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.

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Breast Cancer Walk

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April 2014

Savory Salmon Recipes This fresh summer supper combines lycopene-rich tomatoes with basil and corn. Olive oil and vinegar provide a smoothness to the relish as well as a little heart-healthy fat.

Ingredients • 4 ears shucked corn • Olive oil cooking spray • 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt, divided • 3/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, divided • 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar • 3 tablespoons thinly sliced fresh basil, plus whole basil sprigs for garnish (optional) • 4 (4-ounce) salmon fillets

Grilled Salmon with Charred Corn Relish

Instructions 1. Prepare grill.

2. Soak corn in a large bowl of cold water for 20 minutes. Remove and pat dry.

Coat corn on all sides with cooking spray, and season with 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Grill about 15 minutes or until charred on all sides. Remove cobs from grill and cool slightly. Slice the kernels from the cobs and transfer to a medium bowl. Add tomatoes, olive oil, vinegar, and sliced basil; season with 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper.

Let the relish sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving.

3. Meanwhile, lightly coat both sides of salmon fillets with cooking spray; season with remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Place fillets skin

Bourbon-Glazed Salmon

side down, and grill 3–4 minutes or until golden brown. Flip fillets, and grill for 3 more minutes. Fish should feel slightly firm in the center and will register 145°

The omega-3 fatty acids and low sodium in this dish make it a health nobrainer for a heart-healthy diet. The rich flavor of the bourbon brings out both the saltiness of the soy sauce and the sweetness of the brown sugar.

Ingredients • 3 tablespoons brown sugar • 3 tablespoons bourbon • 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce • 1 tablespoon grated peeled fresh ginger • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice • 3 garlic cloves, minced • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper • 4 (6-ounce) skinless salmon fillets • Cooking spray • 1/4 cup thinly sliced green onions • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, toasted

Six ingredients make a tangy Asian dinner. You’ll get vitamin C and fiber from the zucchini, plus plenty of filling protein from the salmon.

Ingredients • Low-sodium teriyaki sauce • 2 (6-ounce) salmon fillets • Sesame seeds • 2 small zucchini, thinly sliced • 4 scallions, chopped • Canola oil

on an instant-read thermometer. Place salmon onto each of 4 plates, and spoon relish over top. Garnish with basil sprigs, if desired.

Instructions 1. Combine first 7 ingredients in a large zip-top plastic bag. Add fish to bag; seal. Marinate in refrigerator 1 1/2 hours, turning occasionally.

2. Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Coat pan with cooking spray. Add fish and marinade to pan; cook fish 4 minutes on each side or until fish flakes easily when tested with a fork or until desired degree of doneness. Place 1 fillet on each of 4 plates; drizzle each serving with about 2 teaspoons of sauce.

Sprinkle each serving with 1 tablespoon green onions and 3/4 teaspoon sesame seeds.

Teriyaki Salmon with Zucchini

Instructions Combine 5 tablespoons teriyaki sauce and fish in a zip-top plastic bag. Seal and marinate 20 minutes. Toast sesame seeds in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat, and set aside. Drain fish, discarding marinade. Add fish to skillet, and cook 5 minutes. Turn and cook for 5 more minutes over medium-low heat. Remove from skillet, and keep warm. Add the zucchini, scallions, and 2 teaspoons oil to skillet. Sauté 4 minutes or until lightly browned. Stir in 2 tablespoons teriyaki sauce. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and serve with salmon. *All photos and recipes courtesy of health.com.

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April 2014

How Alcoholism Affects the Feet Contributing Writer

t’s no secret that excessive alcohol consumption over a long period of time is detrimental to your overall health. Heavy drinking not only affects a person’s mood and behavior, but it can also cause damage to the liver, increase the chances of developing certain types of cancer, weaken the immune system, and lead to cardiovascular complications such as high blood pressure, stroke, and abnormal heart rhythms. In addition, increased alcohol consumption can cause problems with the feet.

Alcoholism can lead to nerve damage, also called alcoholic polyneuropathy. This is a disorder in which multiple nerve endings become impaired, leading to pain and weakness. The nerves of the feet are affected first, causing numbness or painful burning and tingling. Patients will often complain of a “pins and needles” sensation. As the condition progresses to include the ankles, the hands also become involved. This manifestation is known as a “stocking and glove” pattern. These sensory abnormalities are eventually accompanied by motor deficits, causing muscle cramps, weakness and even paralysis in extreme cases. Nerve damage associated

with alcoholism can be caused by toxins produced when the alcohol is broken down in the body. Nutrition deficit, which often times accompanies alcoholism, has also been proven to play a role in the nerve damage.

If treated in its early stages, the symptoms associated with alcoholic polyneuropathy can be reversed.

Unfortunately, not many patients experience the reversal of symptoms because it is very difficult for an alcoholic to stop drinking completely right away. In cases of chronic long-term alcohol abuse, the nerve damage is permanent. There are medications that can be taken to decrease the painful symptoms associated with nerve damage, as well as nutritional supplements that can help to slow down the progression of the disease.

Another condition with pedal manifestations that is associated with increased alcohol intake is gout.

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By Julie Lester, DPM

Gout is a complex form of arthritis that causes severe pain and inflammation in and around joints. It most commonly affects the big toe joint in the foot, and is caused by increased uric acid levels in the body. Uric acid is produced naturally in the body as a by-product of purine digestion. Research has found that consumption of high volumes of alcohol, whether on a binge or over a long period of time, leads to excess uric acid levels in the bloodstream. This is especially true with beer consumption, due to the high levels of purines found in beer.

Acute gout attacks can be treated with medications to decrease pain and inflammation, as well as medications to regulate uric acid levels. Decreasing the amount of alcohol intake can decrease the likelihood of repeat gout flare-ups.

Chronic alcoholism can also affect the skin. The disease causes an impaired or weakened immune system, which leads to an increase in the development of bacterial and fungal skin infections. It can also increase the chances of developing toenail fungus. There are also other changes that occur more commonly in the fingernails. These changes are a possible indicator of liver damage associated with heavy drinking. A condition called koilonychia causes the nail to appear concave or sunken. Clubbing is just the opposite, causing the nail to bulge out at the root of the nail. Another finding includes horizontal white lines across the nail plate with sections of normal nail in between.

The effects of long-term alcohol abuse can be devastating and life-threatening. The disease can affect every organ system of the body. If you or a loved one would like more information or need support, please contact the American Council on Alcoholism treatment referral line at 800-527-5344.

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April 2014

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Autism Awareness Month – Why it Matters!

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By Judy Blake Contributing Writer

utism. It’s a word that some of you have heard of but don’t know much about, some of you are well aware of, and there are some of you who don’t care to know. You think it’s not important enough to know about. It is my hope that after reading this article, you will begin to understand why it matters to all of us.

Autism is a neurologically-based disorder. At its core, it is a social communication disorder that ranges from mild to moderate to severe. There is so much controversy as to the cause and if there is a cure, but we do know that early intervention is critical. There has been a ten-fold increase in prevalence during the last 40 years.

That is a huge increase and that’s why it matters to us because the numbers continue to rise. In the United States, two million people are affected and 10 million people are affected worldwide.

Autism affects boys more than girls. The Centers for Disease Control estimates that one in 42 boys and one in 189 girls will be diagnosed. The rate of autism increases annually, ranging anywhere from 10% to 17%.

Anyone can have autism – it doesn’t matter what race

you are, your religion, ethnicity or socio-economic status.

Society tends to be very judgmental. If we can see a disability, we tend to be more understanding and compassionate. Yet if the person is acting strange, acting out, rude or abrupt – we think their actions are intentional. If it’s a young child, we think the parents do not know how to parent their child. If it’s an adult, we automatically assume they’re just being difficult and want everything their way. We don’t know the entire story but assume we do. If someone appears typical on the outside, we assume they’re typical on the inside. Nothing could be farther from the truth regarding those on the autism spectrum disorder.People with autism have tremendous difficulty with communication and socializing. They lack eye contact, have trouble picking up social clues and reading body language. This makes it very challenging to navigate their way through life because there are so many variables with which they contend. People on the spectrum tend to think in concrete terms: life is black or white – there is no gray. It’s the way they’re wired to think. Some on the spectrum are brilliant while others may have academic challenges.

Regardless of a person’s special needs, everyone deserves respect, understanding, and the chance to lead

a meaningful life. Different does not mean less than.

Different just means different. If you or someone you know might be struggling with their peers, workplace or in school – I urge you to be more empathetic. If it’s you or your child, contact your doctor for an evaluation. You might be referred to a specialist, but that’s good because help is on the way. Having autism is nothing to be ashamed of and those affected should be valued members of society. The next time you see someone struggling emotionally, try to be more tolerant. They could have autism, anxiety, depression or another hidden special need. One day, it could be someone you care about and wouldn’t you want others to be kinder to you?

Judy Blake is the author of Judy’s World – The World of Autism through the Eyes of a Mother. Her story chronicles her life and that of her boys. Giving speeches for 10 years, she travels throughout the country and speaks to audiences of all ages. Students, teachers, and adults are taken on a journey about her experiences in raising two boys with hidden disabilities. To purchase her book or schedule her as a speaker, please contact her at judy@judysworld.info or check out her website at www.judysworld.info.

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April 2014

6 Proven Ways To Help Get Rid Of …

HALITOSIS! scribed cleaning schedule!

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By Dr. Ka-Ron Y. Wade Contributing Writer

hen you find yourself covering your mouth or are embarrassed to talk to people for fear of having bad breath, try these simple steps to boost your self-confidence and breathe easier!

GET PROFESSIONAL DENTAL CLEANINGS! Professional cleanings remove odorcausing bacteria found in hardened plaque.

For fresh breath that lasts, stay on your pre-

STEP UP YOUR ORAL HYGIENE! One of the main causes of bad breath is the bacteria present in the daily buildup of plaque. Just like food that has been left out rots, you don’t want food left between your teeth to rot! Brush at least twice a day for at least two minutes and spend about one minute more flossing. Also, as you sleep, less saliva is produced that would naturally clean your teeth. Your tongue harbors bacteria, so be sure to add “tongue scraping” to your nighttime oral hygiene regimen DISS THE MINTS! Don’t just mask bad breath with mints! In fact, sugary mints promote the growth of oral bacteria and only add to

bad breath problems in the long run. A better option would be to chew sugarless gum, preferably one with zylitol: Gum chewing stimulates saliva: your mouth’s built-in oral cleaner.

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GET REGULAR CHECKUPS! An oral exam will determine if you have decay or gum disease that could be the cause of chronic foul mouth odors.

Decay creates the perfect hiding place for smelly bacteria, and because periodontitis is a gum infection, you may have unpleasant-smelling drainage coming from your

infection. Addressing all of your dental issues can make a world of difference in resolving bad breath.

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RINSE THOROUGHLY! When you can’t brush, especially after eating foods with onions and garlic, eliminate food particles by rinsing and gargling with plain water. It’s not a substitute for good oral hygiene, but it works in a pinch and is better than doing nothing at all!

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STOP SMOKING! Smoking can leave you with a lot of undesirable consequences ranging from bad breath to oral cancer and lung disease. Talk to us if you would like help pursuing a smoking cessation program. Your teeth and gums (and a whole lot more) will thank you later!

For breakthrough dental technology: To Learn More, call us TODAY! For More Information, call us at 713.654.7756 or visit our web-site at www.cosmeticdt.com

Now is the Time to Stop Your Drug Dependence

By J. Thomas Smith Contributing Writer

‘Crazy.’ ‘Stressful.’ ‘Hard to take.’ Many people have described their lives in these simplistic terms. When they begin to use drugs, some say they are “looking for a way out.” Others say they are seeking an “escape” or a way to forget about life and its problems for just a little while. Focusing on these simple facts, people look for various ways to deal with the stress that life brings.

Unfortunately, drugs in one form or another have become the most prominent coping mechanism that people use to deal with life’s problems. Essentially, drugs give us a desired effect producing a feeling of euphoria that makes us feel better – at least temporarily.

There are hundreds of ways that drugs help people cope with life and each person has their own reason why they choose a certain drug.

Drugs can help calm you down, give you energy, overcome shyness, and avoid feelings of loneliness. They make you feel bolder and want to take risks you wouldn’t normally take. They are used to fit into social situations and get into a “party” mood and even to celebrate joyous occasions.

Medically, drugs are used to alleviate pain, help you sleep, suppress anger, combat anxiety, and avoid depression. They can be used to cope with stress, stimulate your desire for sex, and lose weight. Many people report that they began using drugs as a response to peer pressure. Those around them would use drugs, so to fit in, they began using as well.

The ways drugs affect us are count-

less—for everyone, so much that often it seems drugs can cure all our ills and help us overcome whatever bothers us. If that’s all there were to it, we might consider each drug to be some kind of “wonder drug.”

This is where the thought process gets a little skewed. People begin to crave the feeling of euphoria that they get when they use drugs and that’s when it becomes a problem. It can be a vicious cycle. You feel you can’t live without the feelings drugs give you and you just won’t be able to cope with life without those drugs.

That’s what breeds addiction.

ning much earlier in life. Children have reported experimenting with drugs as young as 10 years old. By seventh grade, many middle schoolers have already had their first taste of alcohol.

What is even more disturbing is the health effects that drug use and abuse causes. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2012 alone, there were approximately 88,000 deaths attributable to excessive alcohol use each year in the United States.

This makes excessive alcohol use the third leading lifestyle-related cause of death

with drug abuse or dependence.

What can you do if you find yourself in this situation? The answer is a great deal. If you find yourself with a problem, the time to take action is now! You can check yourself into a treatment facility, but if your problem has not reached the critical stage, you may benefit from attending 12–step support groups or other self-help steps first. Whatever you decide, get started now. Take that first step. Analyze your pattern of use and decide what you wish to do. You can overcome your abuse of, or your dependence on, drugs.

It won’t be easy, but you can do it. But you have to start now. Don’t allow addiction to overcome your life. Start your journey today!

J Thomas Smith is an attorney, mental health consultant, author and host of “Sunday Morning Live” on KMJQ/Majic 102.1 (9-11 am). His book, “The Secret to a New Life” is available through booksellers or online at www.TheSecrettoaNewLife.com.

People begin to crave the feeling of euphoria that they get when they use drugs and that’s when it becomes a problem.

The details of the various drugs of choice are beyond the scope of this article.

However, we cannot ignore the fact that marijuana has become legal to possess and use in a number of states in recent years.

For this very reason, we can expect its use to increase. Today, 23 percent of high school seniors use marijuana on a regular basis. On the other hand, methamphetamine use has grown to alarming rates in the United States. More than 25 percent of the population is addicted to this drug.

More than 43 percent of adults report alcohol use problems.

What is also startling is that drug use, including alcohol and cigarettes, is begin-

for the nation. In 2006, there were more than 1.2 million emergency room visits and 2.7 million physician office visits due to excessive drinking. The economic costs of excessive alcohol consumption in 2006 alone were nearly $225 billion.

Drug addiction doesn’t discriminate either. It doesn’t matter whether you are rich or poor, drugs don’t discriminate. All we have to do is watch the nightly news and we can see that many famous celebrities struggle with addiction just like the not-so-famous and not-so-rich. Whether a housewife, business professional, politician or the head of a Fortune 500 company, one can find themselves struggling

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Alcohol-Related Disease Impact (ARDI). Atlanta, GA: CDC. Mokdad AH, Marks JS, Stroup DF, Gerberding JL. Actual causes of death in the United States, 2000 . JAMA 2004;291(10):1238–1245.

Bouchery EE, Harwood HJ, Sacks JJ, Simon CJ, Brewer RD. Economic costs of excessive alcohol consumption in the United States, 2006 . Am J Prev Med 2011;41:516–24.

Dawson DA, Grant BF, LI T-K. Quantifying the risks associated with exceeding recommended drinking limits . Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2005;29:902–908.

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April 2014

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April 2014

April is Minority Health Month

By Kandice Rose

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Contributing Writer

pril is National Minority Health Month and it’s time to raise awareness about the health disparities that continue to affect racial and ethnic minorities. I personally feel like this is a month for everyone to unite towards one common goal… getting involved to improve the health of our communities!

I attended Huston-Tillotson University (an HBCU) in Austin, TX where I was heavily involved with HIV/AIDS prevention. Our President and my psychology professor encouraged programs to empower our student body. I served as peer educator. We were trained in relevant health information and communication skills. Armed with these skills, the peer educators then engaged our peers in conversations about issues of concern, seeking to promote health-enhancing knowledge and skills. As we already know, HIV/ AIDS has had a devastating impact on minorities in the United States. Racial and ethnic minorities accounted for 70 percent of the newly diagnosed cases of HIV infection in 2011. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human services, in 2011, 82 percent of children born with HIV infection belonged to mi-

nority groups.

Minority Health Month will shine light on other topics besides HIV/AIDS. In researching about this month, I have learned about 18.8 percent of African Americans under the age of 65 do not have health insurance, minorities who live in lower-class communities are at an increased risk and a higher death rate than Whites for treatable diseases. These treatable diseases include diabetes, coronary heart disease and stroke, according to federal statistics. Did you know cancer is the second leading cause of death

for most racial and ethnic minorities in the United States? A study by the Multicultural Market Resource Group shows the number one killer for Asians is cancer. African American men are more than twice as likely to die from prostate cancer as White men are. Black women are more likely to die of breast cancer than any other group. Hispanic women have the highest incidence rate for cervical cancer.

It’s time to get educated and obtain health care coverage!

The health care law addresses the needs of minority populations and other under-

served groups by investing in prevention, supporting improvements in primary care and Medicare, and making health care coverage affordable and accessible for everyone with the new Obamacare!

I personally praised first lady Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move Campaign for promoting healthy diets and community involvement, among other things. My family encouraged annual check-ups at the doctor, exercising and working towards a living a healthy lifestyle, so I know the importance of health insurance and being knowledgeable about health issues.

I want to encourage EVERYONE to take a loved one to the doctor, go get your physical, annual check-up, and most important, empower each other about health issues. Education is the key in my personal opinion because everyone should have the chance to live a healthy life, regardless of whom they are and where they live.

National Minority Health Month is an inclusive initiative that addresses the health needs of African Americans, Hispanics, Asians, Native Americans, and other minorities. Its goal is to strengthen the capacity of local communities to eliminate the disproportionate burden of premature death and preventable illness in minority populations through prevention, early detection, and control of disease complications.

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April 2014

Have We Progressed or Regressed as a Race?

By Rhonda Dallas

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Contributing Writer

ore than 50 years ago, Martin Luther King, Jr. stood historically on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in 1963 and spoke about the fierce urgency of making a difference “now.” Although we have come a long way since that day, we are still more likely to get preventive care – that means go to the doctor before something goes wrong. Once a year we should strive to get a check-up, lab tests, eye examinations, and teeth cleanings and X-rays.

The Office of Minority Health (OMH) was created in 1986 and is one of the most significant outcomes of the 1985 Secretary’s Task Force Report on Black and Minority Health.

The OMH is dedicated to improving the health of racial and ethnic minority populations through the development

of health policies and programs that will help eliminate health disparities.

OMH was reauthorized by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010. (HHS.gov) This month’s theme is “Advance Health Equity Now: Uniting Our Communities to Bring Health Care Coverage to All,” according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. During this month we should

strive to do the following for ourselves and for others: • “Take a Loved One to The Doctor.” This is a huge campaign started

by Tom Joyner more than 13 years ago.

Many stories have been told on how taking a loved one to the doctor ultimately saved their loved ones because of early detection.

• Control your weight. This can be achieved by exercising, eating right and becoming involved in a local center or outreach facility that promotes health. My church, The Church Without Walls, has a Recreation Ministry which offers an array of health and wellness classes as well as

sports. We also have an amazing Health and Wellness Ministry, which promotes living a healthy lifestyle.

• Read the right information and not the wrong information. There is so much information on social media. Some is truthful and worthwhile and some is just flat out wrong. Take the time out to invest in your health and well-being by reading and watching programs that pertain to minority health. Share it with your family members and friends as well.

So as we can see, the information is available to us and now that we have Affordable Health Care in this country, there should be no excuse to preventive healthcare. The question becomes, “what information am I feeding my body and soul? Am I making excuses and using the race card as a crutch to my health?”

If you need assistance on where to seek out medical care, feel free to contact your local Department of Health and Human Services at 832-3935169 or email me at info@rhondajdal las.com.

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April 2014

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A Division of Health Care Service Corporation, a Mutual Legal Reserve Company, an Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association

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April 2014

Just One More

By Stephanie Allen-Gobert

H Contributing Writer

ave you ever been at a happy hour and said to the bartender, “just one more drink, please?”

Think about the effects that one extra drink or drinking in general can have on our mind and bodies. I know a grand gold margarita from Pappasitos or a vodka and cranberry juice taste good going down, but how are our bodies and the crucial organs involved with those drinks impacted?

April is alcohol awareness month, so this article will educate us on the effects alcohol has on our bodies and minds.

Hopefully, it will make us a little more skeptical of ‘just one more’ drink.

Thirty-seven percent of adults in the U.S. report drinking low to moderate amounts of alcohol, which is, on average, up to one drink per day if you are a woman, and two drinks per day if you are a man. Another 28% of adults drink more each day, which is considered heavy drinking.

A drink of alcohol is generally defined as 12 ounces of beer, five ounces of wine, or oneand-a-half ounces of 80-proof distilled spirits (www.nih.gov).

Drinking too much – on a single occasion or over time – can take a serious toll on your health. Every major organ, in some shape or fashion, is affected by drinking alcohol. Here’s how alcohol can affect your body and the organs: • BRAIN: Alcohol interferes with the brain’s communication pathways and can affect the way the brain looks and works. These disruptions can change mood and behavior, and make it harder to think clearly and move with coordination. This is sometimes the reason why a nice person can turn into the “incredible hulk” after a couple of drinks.

• HEART: damage to the heart can include Cardiomyopathy, the stretching and drooping of heart muscle; arrhythmias, irregular heartbeat; stroke and high blood pressure.

However, some research has shown that drinking moderate amounts of alcohol may protect healthy adults from developing coronary heart disease.

Heavy drinking takes a toll on the liver and can lead to a variety of problems and liver inflammations including: Steatosis, or fatty liver; alcoholic hepatitis; fibrosis and cirrhosis. The liver is the second largest organ in the body; only the skin is heavier and larger. The liver performs essential functions related to metabolism, digestion, immunity and the storage of nutrients within the body.

The liver also aids in detoxification. The hepatocytes of the liver monitor the contents of the blood and remove many potentially toxic substances before they can reach the rest of the body. Enzymes in hepatocytes metabolize many of these toxins such as alcohol and drugs into their inactive metabolites.

In 2007, a working group of experts convened by the World Health Organization's International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) reviewed the scientific evidence on alcohol and cancer risk for 27 different anatomic sites.

They found sufficient evidence that alcohol drinking is a cause of cancers of the mouth, pharynx, larynx, esophagus, liver, colon, rectum, and female breast. And for cancers of the mouth, larynx, and esophagus, people who drink and use tobacco have combined risks, which are greater than either tobacco use or alcohol use alone!

It is also now well recognized that drinking even low amounts of alcohol can increase the risk of breast cancer, the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women in the U.S. and worldwide. Compared to non-drinkers, there is a 10% to 12% higher risk of female breast cancer associated with each drink per day (www.cancer.org).

As adults, we all know the risks of drinking and drinking in excess. Signs are posted throughout our city reading, “Drive sober or get pulled over,” or “you drink, and you drive, you go to jail,” warning us of the legal/criminal repercussions of drinking alcohol while driving (DWI or DUI). As those signs are seen so vividly and make us think a little deeper about ‘just one more’ drink before we drive, we also need to take into account our bodily organs and the functions they play in good health, as well as the negative effects excessive or prolonged alcohol use/abuse can do to our bodies and minds.

“JUST ONE MORE

DRINK, PLEASE?”

Think about the effects that one extra drink or drinking in general can have on our mind and bodies.

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April 2014

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April 2014

My Weight Loss Journey

By Lisa Bradley

I

Contributing Writer

was walking through life not realizing that time was passing me by.

The life I had was no more. I was going nowhere fast and my health issues and life happenings took precedence. Before I knew it, I woke up obese. I was so consumed with my family, my kids, church, volunteering in several entities, and my businesses. I had time for everything and everyone but lost my sense of self in the midst of it all. I had even forgotten God in my chaotic life.

‘Morbidly obese’ were the words I heard from the hospital bed in which I was confined to not see past my weight. I was in the dark in excruciating pain getting multiple shots and a plethora of medications to eradicate my migraine, but to no avail.

After leaving the hospital, not only was my body poisoned internally from the constant medication that was pumped into me, but I lost 25 pounds in one week.

Despite the fact that it was necessary for me to lose weight, losing weight due to an illness is never warranted. At that point, I knew I had to make a change. I was baffled that my chief complaint in the hospital had nothing to do with my weight, yet that was the focus. There is always a stereotype when it comes to obesity; people assume weight issues are correlated with overeating, which was not the case for me. Life can happen in such a way that stress, depression, and a plethora of illnesses can come to fruition

because of those things. Often times, people fail to get to the root of the problem because one is looking by the naked eye alone.

After that ordeal, I had to face reality and make some tough decisions. I eliminated things that were not to my benefit. I opted to get my life on track—mind, body and soul. All of these things must be in sync for true success, which was a hard lesson for me to learn, but I learned quickly. I decided to get serious about my health and made time to get it done! I changed my eating habits, began moving, and slowly but surely the weight started coming off. I opted to eat clean, no foods after 7pm, no fried foods, soda, you know, all the stuff we feel is the “good stuff” that is killing us one bite at a time.

I got serious and I am working diligently to become healthier than ever. I am proud to be a Beachbody Coach and I help others obtain their goals, offer recipes, motivation and support as they opt to be better than the day before. I am so blessed and thankful to God that HE allowed me the opportunity to get my life back. While I wasn’t always obese, after high school, many life happenings became too much for me to handle and I turned to food as my way out.

I was told for many years that I was bigboned and it was hereditary and I was made up this that way: to be obese. I’m glad to say that I have rewritten that mark and my genetics no longer define who I am or what I can accomplish. I realize that this did not happen in a day; slow and steady wins the race. This race is not given to the swift but to those that endure!

It’s your moment.

No matter your passion, HCC can help turn your dreams into reality.

If you’re just getting started, or starting a new chapter, we have the skills and knowledge that meet your goals and your schedule. HCC has convenient locations andhundreds of programs and degree plans. What are waiting for? Go get it. It’s yours.

Your journey begins here.

visit hccs.edu to learn about our logistics program

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April 2014

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One goal: end cancer.

At MD Anderson Cancer Center, we are focused on Making Cancer History.

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We have the largest cancer clinical research program in the nation. And many of today’s most innovative treatments, now considered the standard of care worldwide, originated at MD Anderson. It’s why we rank first in grants awarded by the National Cancer Institute. To learn more about the breakthroughs we’re making every day, call toll free 1-855-894-0145 or visit MakingCancerHistory.com.

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