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Inspire, Inform & Educate
february 2011
Edition
Health Issues in the BLACK Community
INSIDE
Secrets We Keep From Our Doctors From minor omissions to outright lies— why our lies are dangerous.
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Get To Know Your Colon By Tanjian Norman The colon, along with skin, kidneys, lungs and the liver is a major eliminatory organ in the body. The primary function of the colon is to prepare and store waste materials for elimination. PAGE 21
Mr. James H. Dykes, R.Ph. & MR. D-MARS MR. D-MARS & ??????????
“If I’d known I was going to live so long, I’d have taken better care of myself. -Leon Eldred
Best Diet For A Cold If you are suffering from a cold then it is important to do everything in your power to combat its effects in order to get back to top health as quickly as possible. PAGE 29
What African American Women Need to Know About Breast Cancer A combination of socioeconomic factors and unexplained biological differences make the disease more deadly—and in some cases, harder to treat—in the black community. PAGE 30
Sandi Johnson Operation Get Fit
Kimberly Wiggins & American Idol Finalist Lakisha Jones
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The ommunity
HIGHLIGHT
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Publisher’s Message
Keith J. Davis, Sr. SR. PUBLISHER Keith J. Davis, Sr. VICE PRESIDENT Kevin Davis JR. PUBLISHER Keith J. Davis, Jr. EDITOR-IN-CHIEF DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS Christopher P. Kirksey OPERATIONS INTERN Ashriel Dunham EDITING CONSULTANT ReShonda Tate-Billingsley ACCOUNTING MANAGER Eugenie Doualla SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Mike Jones C.T. Foster PHOTOGRAPHY Leon Galbreath Grady Carter MARKETING CONSULTANTS Johnny Ray Davis, Jr. MULTIMEDIA DIRECTOR Andrea Hennekes LAYOUT & GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Ghuzzala Malik (Faith) Myron Davis DISTRIBUTION Booker T. Davis, Jr. Johnny Ray Davis, Jr. CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Ashriel Dunham Tanjian Norman Alison Scott Cuillier Jim Lynch, Nurse Practitioner Kelly Taylor Monica J.R. Graham, MD Dr. Ka-Ron Wade, D.D.S
As we celebrate Black History Month, we are reminded of the medical issues that have been so prevalent in the lives of African Americans. Every racial or ethnic group has specific health concerns. Differences in the health of groups can result from genetics, environmental factors, access to care or even cultural factors. In this issue, you’ll find stories with solutions to health issues that affect African-Americans. The health disparities between African Americans and other racial groups are striking and are apparent in life expectancy, infant mortality, and other measures of health status. For example, in 1999 the average American could expect to live 77.8 years, the average African American could only expect to live 73.1 years. Enjoy this issue and remember: Just because you’re not sick doesn’t mean you’re healthy. Thank you for your continued support of d-mars.com. When you support d-mars.com, you are supporting more than just our company; you are supporting the communities in which we live and work. Working together, we can succeed in making positive things happen.
CONTENTS Cullen Care Pharmacy: More than your local pharmacy -- A member of our community 4 Jamaican Chef to the Prime Minister opens restaurant in Galleria area....... 5 Black Men Need To Know! Prostate and Testicular Cancer Prevention….... 6 Local Fitness Guru leading the way to wellness and delivering results....... 8 Imagine If Your Smile...................................................................…………... 10 CoQ10 with Omega-3: The Heart Healthy Combo.............…………………. 13 Secrets We Keep From Our Doctors………………………………………..…. 14 Obesity in America........................................................................................ 16 Get To Know Your Colon......……………………………………………….…… 21 The Symptoms Of A Destructive Relationship.............................................. 22 6 Easy Ways to Live Longer............................………………………………… 23 4 Ways To Feel Sexy At Any Age………………………………………….....… 24 Best Diet for a Cold.......................................…………………...……………. 29 What African American Women Need to Know About Breast Cancer…..… 30 Heart and Soul.............................................................……………………… 31 Your Past Is NOT Your Future!..................................................................... 32 Get the MOST from your doctor visits.......................................................... 33 Binge Drinking.....………………………………………………………………… 34
MR. D-MARS D-MARS.com Business Journal Tip of the Month “One of the most sublime experiences we can ever have is to wake up feeling healthy after we have been sick.” -Rabbi Harold Kushner
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7322 Southwest Fwy, Suite 806 Houston, Texas 77074 713-272-9511 . Phone 713-272-6364 . Fax 1-800-453-8752 . Toll Free www.d-mars.com 3.
Cullen Care Pharmacy: More than your local pharmacy -- A member of our community interactive effects from other prescribed medications. “Our pharmacies cater exclusively to the needs of the community. These efforts are accomplished through hard work, dedication and the desire to provide a better quality of life to our patients,” Dykes says.
Cullen Care Pharmacy Keeps Their Customers Well Informed Mr. James H. Dykes, R.Ph.
If you have been waiting to find the right neighborhood pharmacy to provide courteous, professional, and knowledgeable care, then look no further. For nearly two decades, James Dykes, owner of Cullen Care Pharmacy in the Houston Metropolitan area has been dedicated to serving our community with efficient quality and compassionate service. As owner and operator of two local pharmacies, Dykes assumes many responsibilities to ensure that each pharmacy is successful. Dykes says, “A pharmacy is much more than dispensing medication; there are numerous other responsibilities. These responsibilities include, but are not limited to, daily audits of medication, consulting with patients and physicians, ordering and stocking medication, payroll, working with other healthcare teams and or facilities, attending workshops, training, meeting with sales representatives, speaking to groups about health care issues and continually educating others on the use of prescribed medication and over the counter supplements.” Dykes is extremely vigilant when it comes to care of the people he serves. Some of his scopes of services include one-on-one patient consultation for all medications, home deliveries to individual’s homes and assisted living facilities, and special services to Medicare and Medicaid patients. Cullen Care Pharmacies are also capable of compounding and mixing drugs for a wide range of applications as prescribed by the physician, and special medication packaging. Each pharmacist is thoroughly educated, trained and available to provide the public with expert drug information as it relates to healthcare to prevent adverse February 2011
Pharmacists continue to be on the front line of healthcare. Most communities will have a pharmacy located within 5 miles of their residence. Independent pharmacists play a vital role in answering questions as it relates to pharmaceutical care. Dykes says since he became a pharmacist, the role of pharmacists has evolved to become more inclusive of patients’ health care needs as a whole. National researchers have found that pharmacists are considered to be one of the most trusted professionals when it comes to the care of one’s health. Privately owned and/or independent pharmacy owners are readily available to answer any questions relating to the pharmaceutical care of patient medications, as well as, counseling regarding drug interactions, drug alternatives or equivalents, and managing medication therapy. Often patients that reside in low income areas find it difficult to get to a pharmacy to service their prescription needs. At Cullen Care Pharmacy, they offer all patients FREE Prescription Pick-up and Delivery Service, upon request, as well as offer tips on using your medication(s) wisely. “Because the proper use of medicine is serious business and often time includes more than swallowing a pill, says Dykes.” There are many delivery systems available in today’s market, but not all doctors are aware of the many delivery systems through our community pharmacies. Cullen Care Pharmacy offers a wide range of delivery systems including the Compounding of non-sterile medications that are not available on the commercial market. For example, if you are prescribed medications that may be hard to swallow, Cullen Care Pharmacy can make a formulation of the medication that will dissolve on or under the tongue. Transdermal patches are also an alternative delivery system that maybe www.
used to deliver the medication. “We can that may be available. Cullen Care Pharmacy has two loeven turn a tablet into a liquid suspencations to serve you: sion or lollipop, says Dykes.” Cullen Boulevard Location So, take an active part in making a 9406 Cullen Boulevard, Suite C well informed decision regarding your Houston Texas 77051 pharmaceutical needs. Remember, your 713-264-0699 doctor will lay out a personalized treatBlythewood Boulevard Location ment plan for you, but when necessary 5751 Blythewood Street, Suite 300 your pharmacist can offer a wide range of Houston Texas 77021 information regarding your medication 713-747-2100 needs, as well as, treatment alternatives
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amaican Chef to the Prime Minister opens restaurant in Galleria area
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ome taste the succulent dishes of Jamaica right here in Houston at Jamaica House Restaurant. This restaurant is a cultural café located in the Galleria area bringing the best of gourmet Caribbean cuisine and culture. Enjoy succulent dishes flavored with Jamaican traditions of jerk, curry, and other spices. Dine to the rhythms of classic reggae and island tunes and be sure to check out their selection of imported hand-crafted items in the gift display. Jacqui Francis, a native of Kingston,
(left to right) Wendi-Ann Francis-Walker & Jacqui Francis / Owner
Jamaica proudly boasts twenty three years of catering to International Dignitaries, Heads of States, and recording artists and has now brought the flavors of her country here in Houston. Francis served as the head chef at the Jamaica House (the Office of the Prime Minister). Francis has prepared and served meals for the Queen of England, many US Presidents and several world dignitaries: just to name a few, singer Joe, Shaggy, Kenny Rogers, and Randy Crawford. She has also prepared meals
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for Johnny Cochran, Cuban President Fidel Castro and Her Royal Highness Princess Anne. Jamaica House has also been featured on Great Day Houston with Debra Duncan and the 2010 I-fest featuring the Caribbean. The island atmosphere, friendly service, cuisine, and cultural additions make this a distinctive experience. Jamaica is noted for producing the best coffee and guests can explore the taste and aromas of their freshly brewed Blue Mountain coffee. The restaurant boasts many sodas from the island which are delicious. You must try their flavored teas, Jamaican Ginger beer and the Sangria, called Sorrel. Wendi-Ann Francis-Walker, daughter of Francis, also a native of Jamaica, joins her mother in this venture. Walker says their desire was to, “Replicate the island experience for those curious about the island culture.” She too has a rich history in the Jamaican food industry; her desire was to introduce the gourmet side of Jamaica’s cuisine to Houstonians and the diverse international community. Jamaica House motto is “Our House is Your House” and the menu is a true representation of Jamaica’s cultural diversity. Walker says you can “take your taste buds on a tropical voyage with our eclectic gourmet dishes.” In addition to tasty dishes allow the rhythms of the island to sway you on Friday and Saturday nights between 8-10pm when live music is featured. Stop by for spoken word on Monday nights 7-9pm to hear local poets recite their lines. Jamaica House is located at 6357 Westheimer Rd., Houston, TX 770575103. For more information call 713-339-1004 or visit www.myjamaicahouse.com. Check them out on Facebook (Jamaica House) and Twitter (JamaicaHouseTX).
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BLACK MEN NEED TO KNOW!
Prostate and Testicular Cancer Prevention cancer. • Taking medicines to treat a precancerous condition or to keep cancer from starting.
What is prevention?
tate does not block the flow of urine from the bladder. An enlarged prostate presses on the bladder and urethra and blocks the flow of urine.
General Information about Prostate Cancer
Cancer prevention is action taken to lower the chance of getting cancer. By preventing cancer, the number of new cases of cancer in a group or population is lowered. Hopefully, this will lower the number of deaths caused by cancer. To prevent new cancers from starting, scientists look at risk factors and protective factors. Anything that increases your chance of developing cancer is called a cancer risk factor; anything that decreases your chance of developing cancer is called a cancer protective factor. Some risk factors for cancer can be February 2011
avoided, but many cannot. For example, both smoking and inheriting certain genes are risk factors for some types of cancer, but only smoking can be avoided. Regular exercise and a healthy diet may be protective factors for some types of cancer. Avoiding risk factors and increasing protective factors may lower your risk but it does not mean that you will not get cancer. Different ways to prevent cancer are being studied, including: • Changing lifestyle or eating habits. • Avoiding things known to cause www.
Prostate cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissues of the prostate. The prostate is a gland in the male reproductive system. The prostate is just below the bladder (the organ that collects and empties urine) and in front of the rectum (the lower part of the intestine). It is about the size of a walnut and surrounds part of the urethra (the tube that empties urine from the bladder). The prostate gland produces fluid that makes up part of the semen. As men age, the prostate may get bigger. A bigger prostate may block the flow of urine from the bladder and cause problems with sexual function. This condition is called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). BPH is not cancer, but surgery may be needed to correct it. The symptoms of BPH or of other problems in the prostate may be like symptoms of prostate cancer. Normal prostate and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). A normal pros-
Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer among men in the United States. Prostate cancer is most common in older men. In the U.S., about one out of five men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer. Most men diagnosed with prostate cancer do not die of it.
Prostate Cancer Prevention
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Avoiding risk factors and increasing protective factors may help prevent cancer. Avoiding cancer risk factors such as smoking, being overweight, and lack of exercise may help prevent certain cancers. Increasing protective factors such as quitting smoking, eating a healthy diet, and exercising may also help prevent some cancers. Talk to your doctor or other health care professional about how you might lower your risk of cancer. The following risk factors may increase the risk of prostate cancer:
Age Prostate cancer is rare in men younger than 50 years of age. The chance of developing prostate cancer increases as men get older.
Family history of prostate cancer A man whose father, brother, or son has had prostate cancer has a higher-thanaverage risk of prostate cancer.
Race African-American men are more likely than white men to develop prostate cancer from it.
and die
Hormones The prostate needs male hormones to work the way it should. The main male sex hormone is testosterone. Testosterone helps the body develop and maintain male sex characteristics. Testosterone is changed into dihydrotestosterone (DHT) by an enzyme in the body. DHT is important for normal prostate growth but can also cause the prostate to get bigger and may play a part in the development of prostate cancer.
Dairy and calcium
Diet
A diet high in dairy foods and calIt is not known if decreasing fat or cium may cause a small increase in the increasing fruits and vegetables in the risk of prostate cancer. diet helps decrease the risk of prostate cancer or death from prostate cancer. The following protective factors Multivitamins Regular use of multivitamins has may decrease the risk of prostate cancer: Foliate not been proven to increase the risk of A 10-year study showed that pros- early or localized prostate cancer. tate cancer risk was lowered in men who Lycopene Some studies have shown that a diet had enough foliate in their diets. Finasteride high in lycopene may be linked to a deThe Prostate creased risk of prostate cancer, but other Cancer Preven- studies have not. It has not been proven tion Trial (PCPT) that taking lycopene supplements destudied whether creases the risk of prostate cancer. the drug finCancer prevention clinical trials are asteride can used to study ways to lower the risk of prevent pros- developing certain types of cancer. Some tate cancer in cancer prevention trials are conducted healthy men with healthy people who have not had 55 years of cancer but who have an increased risk age and older. for cancer. Other prevention trials are Finasteride is a conducted with people who have had drug that blocks cancer and are trying to prevent another the enzyme that cancer of the same type or to lower their changes testosterone chance of developing a new type of caninto dihydrotestoster- cer. Other trials are done with healthy one (DHT). DHT may volunteers who are not known to have play a part in the develop- any risk factors for cancer. ment of prostate cancer. The purpose of some cancer prevenThe prevention tion clinical trials is to find out whether study showed there actions people take can prevent cancer. were fewer prostate These may include eating fruits and vegcancers in the etables, exercising, quitting smoking, group of men or taking certain medicines, vitamins, who took fi- minerals, or food supplements. n a s t e r i d e New ways to prevent prostate cancer are compared being studied in clinical trials. to the group that did not take it. However, the men in the finasteride group who did have prostate cancer had more aggressive tumors. The number of deaths from prostate cancer was the same in both groups. The following have been proven not to affect the risk of prostate cancer, or their effects on prostate cancer risk are not known:
Testicular cancer is the most common cancer in men 15 to 35 years old. Testicular cancer is more common in white men than in black men. The causes of testicular cancer are not completely understood. But the following conditions increase the risk of development: • Undescended testicle. Men with undescended testicles have the highest risk for developing testicular cancer. More study is needed to determine how much, if any, the risk decreases after surgical correction and whether age at the time of surgery is a significant factor. • Abnormal testicular development. • Klinefelter syndrome. • Previous diagnosis of testicular cancer. The main symptom of testicular cancer is swelling or a painless lump in the scrotum (in or on a testicle). Other symptoms include a dull ache in the abdomen or pelvis, pain or a feeling of heaviness in the testicles, and fluid collection (edema) in the scrotum. Testicular cancer is treated with a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. The exact treatment depends on the type and extent of the testicular cancer. Most forms of testicular cancer are curable when detected early.
Testicular Cancer
Selenium and vitamin E
The Selenium and Vitamin E Cancer Prevention Trial (SELECT) studied whether taking vitamin E and selenium (a mineral) will prevent prostate cancer. The selenium and vitamin E were taken separately or together by healthy Folic acid men 55 years of age and older (50 years A 10-year study showed that the of age and older for African-American risk of prostate cancer was increased in men). The study showed that selenium men who took supplements of folic acid and vitamin E did not decrease the risk (a nutrient in the vitamin B complex). of prostate cancer. February 2011
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Local Fitness Guru
leading the way to wellness and delivering results
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hysical, mental, spiritual and emotional wellness is the key components to maintaining a balanced life and overall well-being. Regular exercise and healthy nutrition are the first steps in achieving a healthy body and sound mind. Sandi Johnson at Operation Get Fit will provide you with the support, the motivation, and the education you need to achieve your fitness goals. You will reach levels of excellence that you never thought possible.
S a n d i Johnson
HISD after-school programs, Houston Public Libraries, City of Houston Multi-Service Centers, local community centers and at various local parks. Sandi’s contagious enthusiasm and energy motivates and encourages her clients to stick to nutrition and exercise regime to meet their goals and change their life’s. Sandi is a trainer, speaker and life coach who addresses good nutrition and healthy eating habits, weight loss, and exercise and fitness. Sandi focuses on health concerns that continue to plague our community such as: childhood obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease. Sandi’s practical approach to fitness and nutrition inspires and educates clients and audiences to takes action to make lifestyle changes to achieve and maintain health and overall wellness. Sandi has a Bachelors of Science from the University of Central Oklahoma. She is a Certified Personal Trainer and Boot Camp Instructor. Her certifications also include Aquatic Instructor, Arthritis Foundation, American Heart Association, Heart saver CPR & AED, and American Safety & Health Institute. Sandi delivers results.
S a n d i ’s love for fitness began with track as took the Edmond Memorial Bulldogs girls track team to state in two events. Sandi went on to Langston University where she became a University cheerleader and begin her fitness career by Adult Boot Camp becoming a UniOperation Get Fit Boot Camp versity Aerobics is intense and challenging! Usinstructor. With ing supportive and motivational 19 years in the routines, our team of expert certihealth and fitness fied personal trainers will lead you industry Sandi’s through an intense eight-week outpassion for fitness door fitness program. The program lead her to found is designed to put you in the best Operation Get Fit, a shape of your life. You’ll be surfitness and nutrition rounded by other team memcompany that offers bers who, just like you, want youth, adults and seto make dramatic changes in their niors programming. physical and mental well-being. We Operation Get Fit serves the community by provid- will challenge you to push yourself ing fitness and nutrition programs in to reach new fitness levels. The workFebruary 2011
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outs are safe and effective leaving you feeling fit, toned, strong and motivated. Our trainers stress proper form, proper breathing and good technique and safety. Our expert staff puts your health and fitness first and will be happy to modify your workouts so that any modification to workout may be made do pre-existing injuries. Change the way you look and improve the way you feel. Eight weeks to a new you!
Youth Fitness for Kids
agility, balance and coordination. We encourage teamwork through partner and group exercises. Our workouts are self-paced, individually challenging and a lot of fun! Each workout begins with a 5 minute stretch and warm up followed by 40 minutes of fitness activities, 10 minutes of dance and 5 minutes of stretch and cool down. All under the guidance and supervision of certified personal trainers and qualified fitness professionals. Operation Get Fit Youth Fun Fitness is a fun environment where kids can exercise, build relationships, gain nutritional information, and learn strategies to live an overall healthy lifestyle.
Operation Get Fit Youth Fun Fitness addresses the need for physical activities necessary to live a healthy lifestyle and in helping to combat the current youth obesity epidemic. This program provides fitness training, nuFor more information or to contritional information, and dance! The tact Sandi call 832-419-9598 or workouts are designed to increase self- info@operationgetfit.com esteem, decrease body fat, increase strength and endurance, improve
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IMAGINE if Your Smile... to suspect that an unattractive smile can hold you back. That’s particularly true where romance is concerned-with 96% of those surveyed saying an attractive smile makes people more appealing to members of the opposite sex.
A Roadblock to Success By Alison Scott Cuillier Contributing Writer
No real surprise there. But what was surprising was that nearly three quarters of the people interviewed though an unattractive smile could hurt a person’s chances for success. Not a cheerful though- particularly in today’s economic climate. To learn more, the researchers asked participants to look at a series of photos-some of people with less than perfect smiles (although none with major problems like visibly rotting or missing teeth) and some of people who had undergone cosmetic dentistry. Then they were asked for their snap judgment about what the people might be like. In every case, the people whose smiles had been improved by cosmetic dentistry were rated not only more attractive but more intelligent, more interesting, wealthier, kinder and more successful.
Imagine if your smile made you proud? Imagine if your teeth were straight and white and healthy...? Imagine if you felt confident meeting new people-and comfortable no matter how many people were in the room? If you’re embarrassed by your teeth and ashamed of your smile it’s probably almost impossible to imagine feeling like that. Instead, chances are you don’t smile much. And when you do, you probably try to hide your smile behind you hand. It’s only natural-but that doesn’t keep it from being a real problem. Some of the people you meet probably just think you’re shy. Others though, may feel like you’re cold, distant-even stuck-up. It’s When you think about all the bennot fair- but sadly, it is the way people efits of having a more attractive smile it’s react. easy to see why cosmetic dentistry has become so popular. If you’re like many people, though, you may wonder if it’s right for you. Would the problems reAn independent study on behalf ally disappear? Would the results look of the American Academy of Cosmetic natural? Those are smart and sensible Dentistry confirms just how important questions. After all cosmetic dentistry is a smile can be. Conducted by a social a true art and getting it right involves all psychologist, the study discovered that a sorts of esthetic decisions. IF all of this sounds good, give us a whopping 99.7% of Americans believed call and we’ll arrange your complimentaan attractive smile was an important social asset. So you are right if you thing ry consultation... let’s see what cosmetic people are noticing your smile-and right dentistry can do for you!
A Look at a Brighter Future
What Everyone is Thinking
Lasting Impressions Dental Group 4418 Almeda, Houston, Texas 77004 Drs. Alison Scott Cuillier, Rhesa Bautista, Khalilah McAfee
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CoQ10 with Omega-3: The Heart Healthy Combo
Dr. Tamyra Comeaux How many of you placed “be healthier in 2011” at the top of your New Year’s resolution list? If you’re in the top 100% of people that answered with a roaring, “I did” and you’re not including nutritional supplements such as Omega 3 fish oil with CoQ10 in your daily routine, then you’ve already defaulted on your resolution. In observance of Black History Month let’s make a pledge to be heart healthy in 2011. Unfortunately, Cardiovascular Disease (Heart Disease) continues to hold first place as the #1 health concern of African Americans. According to the office of Minority Health a division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, African American adults are more likely to be diagnosed with coronary heart disease. In most cases by the time the diagnosis has been determined; Cardiovascular Disease is in the advanced stages and will more likely result in death. One of the contributing factors to the high mortality rate linked to cardiovascular disease is poor diet, lack of proper exercise, stress and the absence of natural supplements such as Omega 3 Fish Oil with CoQ10. For most people, there aren’t enough hours in the day to accomplish the tasks that wake you up in the morning and tuck you in bed at night. With the hustle and bustle of everyday life, the balance of work and family, everincreasing stress and the deprivation of proper nutrients found in healthy balFebruary 2011
anced meals you walk one step closer to being diagnosed with cardiovascular disease. Instead of eating a sensible lunch or dinner you grab something quick and filled with unhealthy saturated fat and free radicals that aide in destroying the body. When you hear the words fat or fatty acid, there is a common misconception that all forms of fat are harmful. On the contrary, fatty acids such Omega 3 are beneficial in maintaining optimal health and preventing life altering diseases. Studies show that fish, a “heart healthy” food, is an excellent source of Omega 3. Omega 3 can be found in salmon, tuna, mackerel, trout and herring just to name a few. The recommended serving portion of fish rich with Omega 3 is twice a week. Unfortunately, people don’t include fish rich with Omega 3 in their weekly diet. Therefore, it is essential that natural supplements such as Omega 3 fish oil be included in your daily dietary supplement regimen. According The University of Maryland Medical Center, researchers believe that the beneficial effect of CoQ10 in the prevention and treatment of heart disease is due to its ability to improve energy production in cells, inhibit blood clot formation, and act as an antioxidant. One important clinical study, for example, found that people who received daily CoQ10 supplements within 3 days of a heart attack were significantly less likely to experience subsequent heart attacks and chest pain. In addition, these same patients were less likely to die of heart disease than those who did not receive the supplements. By combining Omega 3 fish oil with CoQ10 you will greatly increasing your chances of living a “heart healthy” life and losing the race to #1.
ed as a factor in Cardiovascular Disease (CVD). Consumption of Omega-3 fatty acids may reduce the risk of coronary heart that it is found disease. FDA evaluated the data in every cell in the and determined that, although there body. It is especially is scientific evidence supporting the abundant in the energy-intensive cells claim, the evidence is not conclusive. of the heart, helping this organ beat more than 100,000 times each day. In CoQ10: addition, coenzyme Q10 acts as an anThe primary function of CoQ10 tioxidant, much like vitamins C and E, (coenzyme Q10) is as a catalyst for helping to neutralize the cell-damaging metabolism - the complex chain of molecules known as free radicals. chemical reactions during which food is broken down into packets of energy For more information on CoQ10 that the body can use. Acting in con- with Omega-3 junction with enzymes, the compound speeds up the vital metabolic process, Dr. Tamyra Comeaux providing the energy that the cells need Natural Women’s Health Care to digest food, heal wounds, maintain 11811 FM 1960 Suite 104 healthy muscles, and perform countHouston, TX 77065 less other bodily functions. Because Phone: 832-237-4200 of the nutrient’s essential role in enEmail:info@naturalwomenscare.com ergy production, it’s not surprising www.naturalwomenscare.com
Omega 3 Fish Oil: Omega-3 fatty acids from fish oils repeatedly have been shown to help control chronic low level inflammation, moderate excessive blood coagulation, and to improve other factors linked to Cardiovascular Disease. Low levels of Omega-3 fatty acids have been indicatwww.
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Secrets
We Keep From Our Doctors
From minor omissions to outright lies— why our lies are dangerous. There you are on the exam table when your doctor asks a question you don’t want to answer. The tissue paper crinkles underneath as you consider wriggling out of this one—perhaps with a small change to the facts or a minor omission. Chances are good that your body will tell the truth if you don’t. But if you do slip a little lie right past the physician, you may want to ask yourself: Who’s really getting fooled?
Alcohol Consumption A major problem with underestimating how much you drink is that alcohol is a related risk factor in many health conditions. (What are the effects of alcohol on the body?) Don’t be worried that you will come across as a lush. The physician wants to prevent and treat a medical condition before it becomes a serious health problem, not deliver a morality lecture. What you don’t reveal, a will anyway. And if you are a problem drinker (more than 14 drinks per week for men, seven for women), the doctor should know about that, too.
My Last Physical Without accurate information gathered at regular intervals, it’s easy to miss a significant fluctuation (e.g., in weight, eyesight, blood pressure) that can indicate an underlying problem. Why do we lie to our doctors? Tell the doctor how long it’s really been since your last physical whether it’s four months or four years. You may need to catch up on age-based exams and screenings, and fibbing about the date of your last check-up could leave the doctor assuming you’ve already taken an important test.
Smoking Habits If you’re successful in masking the telltale signs of smoking, your secret will be safe—at least until symptoms of a respiratory disease emerge. (What other effects does smoking have on your body?) But misrepresenting the number of ciga-
Eating Habits
Patients with foodconsumption issues are uniquely challenged; often, they’ve already told themselves so many lies to excuse overeating that the truth stands a slim chance of making its way back out of their mouth. Robert Orford, M.D., medical consultant at Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale, Ariz., remembers a rettes smoked per day is very nearly beside the point, as Dr. Orford explains: 240-pound patient who “Whether a patient smokes two cigarettes a day or two packs a day, I’ll ask, ‘Are you ready to think about quitting?’ If they’re not, I’ll tell them to give it insisted she was eating only calorie-restricted frozen meals. “I pointed out to some serious thought and that I’m going to ask the same question again on her that the caloric content of those meals simply wasn’t enough to sustain her the next visit. They are not going to quit because I tell them to. But when they weight, and that she must be ingesting additional calories somehow. She said, come back and tell me they’re ready, I can recommend treatment methods ‘Well, I don’t eat just one at a time …’” that are highly effective.” February 2011
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Exercise Habits
Downplaying Symptoms
One motive for Physicians know to lying to the docbe on alert for hypochontor is to head off dria—the opposite probunwelcome advice. lem of downplaying sympFor fear of being toms—but without some slapped with an knowledge of your sympexercise regimen, toms they will be unable patients may fudge to help you. Understating the truth about how symptoms due to embarfrequently they get rassment or nonchalance their bodies up and leaves you vulnerable to moving. But you’ll conditions your doctor be outed anyway when you’re winded might otherwise be able to address. Be thorough in reporting changes and after the short walk concerns about your body, and leave it to the physician to decide what does from the waiting room to her office. Instead, be truthful and ask her to recom- or does not matter. mend realistic first steps toward getting fit.
Drug Abuse Doctors are more interested in keeping you off of drugs than busting you—or abandoning you— for a lapse of reason. “As a profession, we don’t make judgmental decisions,” says Dr. Orford. “We’re not going to drop someone on the spot because they’ve admitted [to drug use]. We just don’t do that.” Be aware that physicians need to know what you’re putting into your body—including over-the-counter drugs, vitamin supplements, and herbal remedies—to avoid dangerous interactions with prescribed treatments. If you’re uncomfortable addressing a drug problem with your physician, seek a clinic or program that will protect your anonymity.
Medications Taken Personal physicians may have a difficult time assessing whether a patient has followed instructions or taken a medication as prescribed. The peril here is that a doctor may very reasonably change medications or dosages if the previously prescribed treatment is not having the expected outcome. One recent study showed that 50 percent of patients on medication for high blood pressure and/or cholesterol did not take their medication as directed. You’re paying your doctor for his advice—be straight about whether or not you’ve been following it. February 2011
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in America
By Jim Lynch Nurse Practitioner Central Care CHC, Contributing Writer
The concern over the increase in weight in all Americans is well documented. The Centers for Disease Control published in February, 2010 that 33% of all Americans over age 20 are obese, and almost 6% are extremely obese. By percent- ity level can affect the amount needed in age, African-Americans tend to be obese each food group. more than other races. These numbers are alarming considering that obesity has been linked with diabetes, hyper tension, and heart disease. The problem with obesity is not just in people 5-8 ounces over age 20, it is affecting the children 1 ounce = 1 slice of bread or 6 of America as well. inch tortilla Obesity can be considered an imbalance of calories. Calories are found in all food and are a measure of how much energy is in a food. If a person’s 2-3 cups weight remains the same, the calories 1 cup = 1 cup cooked or 2 cups are in balance. In other words, the caloof leafy vegetables ries a person is putting in their body is equal to the calories that person is us ing during the day to work and play. If a person is gaining weight, then that 1-2 cups person is consuming more calories than 1 cup = 1 large apple, orange, are needed. So, to lose weight, a person or banana has to eat fewer calories (diet), use more calories (exercise), or both. Over the years, what is called a portion of food has been growing in size. 3 cups Americans have adjusted to the larger 1 cup = 8 ounces of milk/ portions and accept this as normal. In yogurt or 2 ounces of cheese essence, Americans have created a caloric imbalance, eating more food and doing fewer activities. The result has been a growing trend in obesity in America. 5-6 ounces The following shows how many por1 ounce = 1 ounce of meat, 1 tions of the different food groups are egg, or Ÿ cup of cooked beans needed in a day (approximately 2000 cal/day) and an example of portion size. Please note that age, gender, and activ-
Grains
Vegetables
Fruit
Milk
Meat and beans
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Get To
Know
Your Colon dehydration and stagnation can occur, toxins and unfriendly bacteria can accumulate, weaken the colon and impair its function.
Do You Have A Healthy Colon? Ask yourself these questions:
1)
Do you eat too much Do you eat your fast foods vegetables? or highly Eating more fresh fruits and vegp r o c e s s e d etables will definitely aid in the overall health of the colon. Additionally, fresh foods?
C
The ommunity
HIGHLIGHT
By Tanjian Norman Contributing Writer
to expel. Also, drink plenty of fresh water. Water has three primary benefits: making it easier for the body to process fiber; promoting proper peristalsis, or muscle contraction, of the colon; and softening the stool to make it easier to expel from the body.
3)
Stay away from fast foods (often loaded with preservatives) and processed foods (cookies, cakes, deli meats,hot dogs, etc). Since these food items are more challenging for the body to digest, they can clog the colon. A clog encourages the growth of unhealthy bacteria in the colon.
fruits and colorful vegetables — especially those naturally rich in water, such as watermelon, onion, celery and cucumbers — can make you urinate more frequently thereby reducing water retention or bloating.
The colon, along with skin, kidneys, lungs and the liver is a major eliminatory organ in the body. The primary function of the colon is to prepare and store waste materials for elimination. The colon also absorbs water, electrolytes and some vitamins Are you a Type II back into the body for use by cells. Diabetic? If bowel movements are irregular or Are you constipated? People with type 2 (usually nonhampered in any way, elimination may Add high-fiber foods to your daily insulin dependent) diabetes have an inbecome incomplete and waste products diet. The fiber found in fruits, vegeta- creased risk of developing colon cancer. can build up in the colon. Additionally, bles, and whole grains increases the bulk of the stool, making it easier for the body
2)
4)
5) Are you over the
age of 50?
The American Cancer Society (ACS) recommends screening for colon cancer after the age of 50. Even healthy individuals with no history of colon cancer, colon polyps, other bowel problems or bleeding should February 2011
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have a colon screening. One type of colon screening is called a colonoscopy; a colonoscopy is a procedure used to see inside the colon and rectum. Colonoscopy can detect inflamed tissue, ulcers, and abnormal growths. The procedure is used to look for early signs of colorectal cancer and can help doctors diagnose unexplained changes in bowel habits, abdominal pain, bleeding from the anus, and weight loss. Contact your physician or a doctor specializing in the digestive system to learn more.
6)
Do you know the Statistics?
Excluding skin cancers, colorectal (colon or rectum) cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosed in both men and women in the United States. Go To www.cancer.org for detailed statistics. Remember, proper colon function is necessary to maintain good health and assist the body in effectively eliminating food wastes. Contact your physician to learn more about colon health and the various types of colon screening. Tanjian Norman is the Owner of Houston Colon Care Center, a premier wellness center specializing Colon Hydrotherapy. Visit at www.houstoncoloncare.com 21.
The Symptoms Of A Destructive Relationship By Kelly Taylor, Contributing Writer
There’s a reason many people often find themselves in relationship situations that seem all too familiar. Relationship patterns are usually rooted in the dynamics of some of the earliest relationships we have in our lives. For example, a young boy who was bullied in school may find himself in relationships where he constantly avoids confrontation and holds back his feelings. For the same reasons he stayed quiet as a child, he will refuse to stand up for himself in relationships. Most commonly, women who grew up with emotionally or physically unavailable fathers end up attracted to or in relationships with emotionally unavailable men time after time. This might happen because women subconsciously hope their man, after a lot of love and attention, will become emotionally available and thereby heal an old wound. More recent relationship wounds can also begin a cycle of destructive relationships; being cheated on, for example, can lead to trust issues in subsequent relationships. These cycles can be broken, but the first step is recognizing the pattern then consciously deciding to take a different path.
How can you tell if you repeat destructive relationship patterns? Determine which areas in your relationships and personal life are your biggest struggles. Any areas that seem to pop up in many aspects of your relationships over a period of time represent a pattern. Examine your behaviors in relationships very closely. Do you: • Continue to date people despite the red flags that appear early on? • Become controlling or territorial? • Push people away at the first sign of intimacy? • Always feel like you work harder and care more than your significant other? Whatever your particular pattern is, discover it and then try to trace it back to the first time you experienced it. Determining the root of the negative pattern can help you learn to properly adjust your behavior, and ultimately break the cycle. February 2011
In what kind of relationships do we repeat patterns? These harmful patterns are not limited to romantic relationships. Once you begin pinpointing your patterns you will most likely find that they affect relationships at work, with family, friends, neighbors and others. For example, people with the overwhelming need to please in romantic relationships often also try hard to please their boss, friends, coworkers and everyone else as well.
How you can stop repeating these destructive behaviors that wreak havoc on your relationships? Being aware of the behaviors is the first step. We have to recognize our patterns and how they play out in our relationships before we can begin to work on stopping their effects. Sit down and list all of the negative patterns and behaviors you can think of that show up in your relationships. Don’t forget to look for patterns in the type of people you flock to and the type of roles you take on in relationships. Consider how you communicate your feelings and needs, how you argue and whether or not you compromise in a relationship and how much. Trace back the origin of the pattern and ask yourself what purpose it served, and what you need to do in order to not rely on those behaviors and patterns. When you do this exercise on paper it will look similar to this:
with me as I do them, but it doesn’t make sense because not everyone is my mother. • How to alter this pattern – I can give myself attention by focusing on my own hobbies and pursing my goals. That way I can back off when I meet someone new and allow na-
ture to take its course. There is a lot you can do on your own to reflect on and alter your damaging relationship patterns. However, if physical, emotional or sexual abuse is at the root of your destructive cycles, you may not be able to handle it without the help of a trained medical professional.
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• Negative pattern – When I meet new guys I do too much. I call a lot and want to see them everyday. Eventually it pushes them away. • Origin of pattern – When I was younger I felt like my mom didn’t pay enough attention to me. I had to basically bug her to get her to spend time with me. • Purpose it served then – I was able to get some much-needed attention and time from my mother which made me feel loved. • Relying on this pattern now – I guess I do it because I want to feel assured that tat person is interested and wants to spend as much time www.
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Easy Ways
6 To Live Longer
While it’s been estimated that the number of African Americans seeing riper, older ages will increase by 102 percent by 2020, the black community still continues to have a lower life expectancy rate than the overall population. According to the National Vital Statistics Reports, African American life expectancy is 70.2 years, compared to an average of 76.5 years for all other population groups. The difference in life expectancy is even more striking among African American men, who have a life expectancy of only 66.1 years, compared to the national average of 73.6 years for all other men. So we still have some work to do! Advances in health, education and disease prevention and treatments are the main reasons for these improvements in our life expectancy rates, and there are many little everyday (translation: easy) things you can do that will further improve longevity.
Try these six today:
Add Raspberries To Your Oatmeal
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Most Americans eat 14 to 17 g of fiber per day; add just 10 grams more and reduce your risk of dying from heart disease by 17%, according to several studies. Dietary fiber helps reduce total and LDL (“bad”) cholesterol, improve insulin sensitivity, and boost weight loss. One easy fix: Top your oatmeal (1/2 cup dry has 4 g fiber) with 1 cup of raspberries (8 g) and you get 12 g of fiber in just one meal. Other potent fiber-rich foods: 1/2 cup of 100% bran cereal (8.8 g), 1/2 cup February 2011
of cooked lentils (7.8 g), 1/2 cup of Scientists in Boston found that cooked black beans (7.5 g), one me- drinking one or more regular or diet dium sweet potato (4.8 g), one small colas every day doubles your risk of pear (4.3 g). metabolic syndrome, a cluster of conditions that include high blood Drink Green or pressure, elevated insulin levels Black Tea and excess fat around the waist (which, in turn, increases your chances of heart disease and diabetes). Controlling blood pressure and cholesterol levels, preventing diabetes and not smoking can add 6 to 9 1/2 healthy years to your life. Both green and black teas contain One culprit could be the addia concentrated dose of catechins, sub- tive that gives cola its caramel color, stances that help blood vessels relax which upped the risk of metabolic and protect your heart. In a study of syndrome in animal studies. Scientists more than 40,500 Japanese men and also speculate that soda drinkers reguwomen, those who drank 5 or more larly expose their tastebuds to natural cups of green tea every day had the or artificial sweeteners, conditioning lowest risk of dying from heart dis- themselves to prefer and crave sweeter ease and stroke. Other studies involv- foods, which may lead to weight gain. ing black tea showed similar results. Better choices: Switch to tea if You really need only 1 or 2 cups of you need a caffeine hit. If it’s fizz tea daily to start doing your heart you’re after, try sparkling water with a some good - just make sure it’s a fresh splash of juice. brew. Ready-to-drink teas (the kind you find in the Eat Purple Food supermarket beverage section) don’t offer the same health benefits. “Once water is added to tea leaves, their catechins degrade within a few days,” says Jeffrey Blumberg, PhD, a professor of nutrition science and policy at Concord grapes, blueberries, red Tufts University. Also, some wine: They all get that deep, rich colstudies show that adding milk may or from polyphenols, which are comeliminate tea’s protective effects on pounds that reduce heart disease risk the cardiovascular system, so stick to and may also protect against Alzheimjust lemon or honey. er’s disease, according to research. Polyphenols help keep blood vessels and arteries flexible and Swap Seltzer For Soda healthy. “What’s good for your coronary arteries is also good for your brain’s blood vessels,” says Robert Krikorian, PhD, director of the Cognitive Disorders Center at the University of Cincinnati. Preliminary animal studies suggest that adding dark grapes
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to your diet may improve brain function. What’s more, in a recent human study, researchers found that eating 1 or more cups of blueberries every day may improve communication between brain cells, enhancing your memory.
Walk Instead of Drive
5
“Fit” people (defined as those who walk for about 30 minutes a day) are more likely to live longer than those who walk less, regardless of how much body fat they have, according to a recent study of 2,603 men and women. Similarly, recent research has proven that overweight women can improve their heart health by adding just 10 minutes of activity to their daily routine. So take a walk on your lunch hour, do laps around the field while your kid is at soccer practice - just try to find different ways to move a little more, each and every day.
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Say Yes To Your Next Invite
Outgoing people are 50% less likely to develop dementia, according to a recent study of more than 500 men and women ages 78 and older from the Karolinska Institutet in Sweden. Participants also described themselves as not easily stressed. Researchers speculate that their more resilient brains may be due to lower levels of cortisol - studies show that oversecretion of this “stress hormone” can inhibit brain cells’ communication. 23.
4
Ways To Feel Sexy At Any Age
A
s you grow older, it’s easy to lose that spark in the bedroom. Boredom, loss of adventurousness, physical ailments, and other problems can overcome even the healthiest of relationships over time, causing a loss of libido and creating emotional distance. But keeping intimacy alive can have profound effects on your life. Research has shown that healthy people have better sex lives. Fit people enjoy sex more and have a lower chance of dealing with a sexual dysfunction that can impair their love life. If you’re experiencing a loss of intimacy, there are steps you can take to reclaim it. Here’s how to feel sexy again.
#1: Stay Healthy To keep your libido revved up you should: Exercise regularly. Your arousal depends in large part on how well blood flows through your body. Regular aerobic exercise can help keep the heart pumping and the blood flowing. Eat right. Maintain your health by eating a diet low in fats and sugars and high in fiber and good nutrition. Eat lots of fruits and vegetables, plenty of whole grains, and a good daily amount of lowfat dairy products. Protein should come in the form of fish, poultry, and lean meats. Sleep well. Good, healthy sleep gives your body the chance to refresh and recuperate. Stop bad habits. Alcohol and tobacco can harm sexual function and can negatively affect your overall health. Intimacy
#2: Communicate
ner about changes in your body that worry you along with any other issues that bother you about your sex life. Describe what makes you feel good. Your partner can’t satisfy you if he doesn’t know what you desire. Don’t criticize. Focus on what he’s doing right, rather than pointing out the things he’s doing wrong. Talk at the right time. During lovemaking is the right time for discussing what you like and enjoy. Save your concerns, worries, and more negative issues for outside the bedroom. Intimacy
#3: Improve Your Own Game
pleasing each other with oral sex, manu- having sex in different locations. Most importantly, have sex and enal sex, massage, and caressing. Being inventive. Leave love notes. Plan an erotic joy intimacy on a regular basis with your getaway. Try making love at different partner. times of the day. Read a love poem. Try
Take these steps to be a better lover: Think about sex. The brain is possibly the most important sex organ. Get your head in the game by thinking about your fantasies and desires more often. Write down your sexual fantasies and share them with your partner. Touch. Maintaining physical affection is critical to keeping a love life happy and frisky. Cuddle, hug, kiss, and hold hands often, even if you’re tired or not in the mood for sex. During lovemaking, experiment with touching your partner in ways that please and arouse him. Educate yourself. There are plenty of self-help books available that will give you tips on improving your sexual technique.
#4: Have Fun Don’t forget that sex is supposed to be an enjoyable experience. Be sure to have fun in the bedroom (and elsewhere) by:
Partners with a satisfying sex life talk to Trying out different sexual posione another; those with an unsatisfying tions. The tried-and-true missionary one need to talk to one another. position can become stale. Experiment. Voice your concerns. Tell your part- Taking a break from intercourse. Try February 2011
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THE EXPERT NETWORK - MEDICAL
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THE EXPERT NETWORK - MEDICAL
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THE EXPERT NETWORK - MEDICAL
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Best Diet for a Cold
der to get around this then you should try to get your diet to focus on foods that digest easily and that are smooth to go down your throat. The aforementioned smoothies and soups can be great for this purpose and particularly if you avoid anything too acidic or alkaline that can upset the acidity of your stomach. Other great foods for a sore throat however are things like ice cream and yogurt that will just slip down your throat. Honey is especially useful as it can not only go down very easily, but also leave a thin coating on your throat in order to prevent it from feeling sorer over time. Bread meanwhile, if you buy (or make) the right kind is also very nutritious while being soft when you swallow it and very dry meaning it is unlikely to upset your stomach.
How to Get Rid of a Cold Fast If you are suffering from a cold then it is important to do everything in your power to combat its effects in order to get back to top health as quickly as possible. This means taking medication and getting lots of rest as per your doctors’ orders (this is what they likely should have told you at least) but it can also be affected by what you eat and drink, and making sure you get the right food and drink can help you to recover more quickly and get back to full productivity. Here is a short guide on what to eat and drink and how it can help you to feel better.
First of all it is highly important to drink a lot of water. The main reason for this is so that you can ‘flush’ your system of the virus and to fight dehydration which can give your body something else to combat while you are already dealing with the virus – a fever can also make you sweat a lot meaning you need more water than usual. At the same time if your cold has come with a fever, then drinking cold water is a great way to cool your body down and to stop yourself from burning up which is very important.
The other top priority is to get lots of vitamins and minerals. These will help your body to fight the disease due to their effect on the immune system, and particularly vitamin C can help boost the immune system and help you get healthier, though all of the vitamins play some role here, as do antioxidants which are also known to help boost the immune system. Something like an orange contains particularly high quantities of vitamin C and is also very soft (great for a sore throat) February 2011
and very refreshing. However the acidity may be a bit much for some people to handle when they are feeling ill, so a vitamin supplement can be a great way to get the vitamins without having to eat anything heavy or citrus-y when you are unwell.
Another point to consider when you have a cold or flu is that a fever can make you sweat a lot. As mentioned this can dehydrate you, but another problem it can cause is that you lose a lot of your body salts which are important for your health generally. This can be replaced with anything salty, and it does not hurt to add a little extra salt to your soup and other foods. Similarly this will mean that you need to replenish your sugar too, and you can get this from a sugary tea. The fact that your body is fighting a disease is one that might sound dramatic, but this is fitting for what is actually going on inside you, and like any taxing effort this means your body requires energy which it can get from carbs. Slow release carbs are the most effective here as they will avoid the spike and trough in energy that comes from using quick release carbs (these are also known as complex and simple carbs respectively). Complex carbs involve things such as bread, pasta and rice, whereas your simple carbs are things like cake and sweets. Unfortunately, while your body will need all of these things to actively fight your condition, the temptation will regularly be to avoid eating anything at all. This will be partly because the fever can make you feel somewhat sick and ruin your appetite, but also because of your sore throat that will make swallowing very difficult. In orwww.
Living with cold can be really annoying. They can easily spoil few days of your life, and you will see yourself fighting against the common symptoms such as running nose, sore throat, fever and headache. That being said, frequent cold is also an indication that your immune system is running out of steam. As of now, there are no permanent cures for common cold. However, there are plenty of means to strengthen your immune system, in order to prevent the frequent onset of cold and to get rid of it. Once you get affected, immediately start your medications so that the ailment does not stay for too long. Resorting to effective measures to eradicate cold means that you have taken responsibility of your health. Your body will most likely respond favorably to your medications. However, if you ignore the major symptoms like fever, then your chances of recovery are pale. Instead of working or running around, apply your energy on eradicating this ailment. Too much of work will drain your body physically as well as mentally,
and this will do no good to your health. You can make up for the pending tasks, once you see yourself on the path of recovery. In the meantime, get home and take some rest to speedup the recovery process. Apart from rest, having diet rich in fruits and vegetables will also contribute over here as fruits and vegetables are rich in antioxidants. The key is to consume something raw. You can also exercise your way to good health. Indulge in activities that you enjoy doing such as swimming, jogging, patrolling with your dog and so on will help. This will not only keep you healthy, but you will also have a good time. Of course, resort to these activities once you recover completely. Drinking orange juice will also help you cure cold fast as it contains vitamin C in it. Vitamin C boosts our immune system, thereby allowing us to stay immune from lots of infection. Don’t you feel better after having an orange juice? Consume it few times in a day. Your health will thank you for this sweet drink. Besides this, increase the water intake in your daily routine. If you not drinking 8 to 10 glass of water on daily basis, then you are not drinking enough. Preferably, choose fruits that contain lots of water as this will help you eradicate the toxins and other harmful elements present in your body, thereby contributing to the recovery process. Common cold can linger in your life for several days before you are finally able to pave goodbye to it. Make sure that you maintain good hygiene to prevent the spread and deterioration of the condition. If you maintain good hygiene you are less likely to infect others. Wash your hands properly, especially after wiping your nose. Lastly, be positive and happy. This ailment lasts only for a few days, so maintain that cheerful smile on your face!
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What African American Women Need to Know About Breast Cancer A
frican-American women tend to start treatment when the cancer is more advanced. Even though breast cancer incidence rates are slightly lower overall among African-American women than white women (the incidence is lower still among Hispanic, Asian, and Native American women), a combination of socioeconomic factors and unexplained biological differences make the disease more deadly—and in some cases, harder to treat—in the black community. Also, African-American women under 45 have a greater incidence of breast cancer than white women in the same age range.
Many women are “triple negative” No one yet knows precisely why, but African-American women are roughly twice as likely as white women to have triple-negative breast cancer—so called because tumor cells in this particularly aggressive form of the disease test nega-
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tive for estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER-2). This puts Herceptin and hormone therapies, such as tamoxifen and aromatase inhibitors, entirely out of reach as treatment options. It’s suspected that some combination of genetics and environmental factors are at play in triple-negative disease.
Socioeconomic factors The five-year survival rate for a white woman is approximately 90%; for African-American women it’s roughly 77%. Differences in medical coverage and health-care access likely explain this. Overall, African Americans tend to have more trouble finding consistent, goodquality health care—which amounts to fewer breast cancer screenings and inferior treatment when they are diagnosed. “Black women have been noted to present [at a doctor’s office] with later stage cancer, which has a worse out-
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come—and they don’t always get adequate care,” says Ruth O’Regan, MD, associate professor of hematology and oncology and director of the translational breast cancer research program at Emory University’s Winship Cancer Institute in Atlanta. “Seeking medical help when a tumor is larger, higher grade, and/or with more lymph nodes involved can dramatically lower a woman’s odds for survival,” says O’Regan.
Not in the research yet Another potential problem for African-American women seeking treatment for breast cancer is that they have been underrepresented in chemotherapy breast cancer research, so it has been difficult to determine whether they might metabolize chemotherapy drugs differently from the primarily white research subjects. The issue is being actively researched now.
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African-Americans and Cardiovascular Disease From grilled meats to succulent fruit cobblers and flavorful root and leafy vegetable dishes, African-American cuisine is based on healthy foods. Collard greens, fish, okra, peaches and sweet potatoes are all power-packed foods. Then why do two in five AfricanAmerican adults suffer from heart disease? Race, genetics, gender and age do, obviously, play a big role, but the way food—in this case, soul food—is prepared can mean the difference between a troubled heart and a healthy body. When it comes to health, if you’re African-American, you have some hurdles to clear. Compared to whites, African-Americans are at higher risk for heart disease and less likely to be treated for it. Research on health issues for non-whites has lagged significantly behind, too. This is especially disturbing because treatments for conditions, such as hypertension, can vary in effectiveness depending on race and ethnicity. African-Americans do not always get the right medical care and often receive
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treatment after the disease has caused considerable damage. Clearly, a lot of work needs to be done, but these factors are also largely out of your control. What you can do now is change a few habits to decrease your chances of even developing heart disease. Giving up cigarettes, seeing your doctor on a regular basis and exercising more will head you in the right direction. You should limit servings of alcohol to one glass of wine, one shot of liquor or one can of beer per day if you are a woman, or two per day for men. You can also lower your heart-disease risk by eating foods that are high in fiber and low in cholesterol and saturated and trans fats. Reduce your hypertension and stroke risks by increasing your intake of potassium and decreasing your sodium. Try a few of these suggestions each day to keep your ticker in tiptop shape:
• Degrease your grub: Instead of fatback, use smoked tur-
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key, leeks, onions, garlic, shallots and peppers to flavor old favorites such as green beans, turnip leaves and roots, pinto beans, collards and rutabagas.
• Ease off the salt shaker: Awaken the flavor of fish, chicken breasts, pork tenderloin and beef eye round roast with lemon and lime juices, vinegars, tomato sauces, herbs and sodium-free spices (and always bake, broil, grill or roast meats—don’t fry).
• DASH to magnesium and calcium: Include calcium-rich foods, like lowfat milk, yogurt and cheese, and some types of tofu, and magnesium-rich fare such as mustard greens, brown rice and almonds in your diet on a daily basis; they have been found in studies like Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (or DASH) to improve heart-disease risk.
• Fiber, fiber and more fiber: Increase your fiber intake by eating whole-grain bread, oatmeal, brown rice, peas and beans, fruits and vegetables.
• Up the potassium: Eat five to nine servings each day of fruits and vegetables, like potassium-rich bananas, sweet potatoes, cantaloupe, oranges and watermelon. You may be known for your ability to “burn” soul food dishes, but your health does not have to join the flames. Try new spins on old favorites by using the tips above or checking out the recipes in the new breed of healthy soulfood cookbooks on the market. Or try the recipes in “Heart-Healthy Home Cooking: African American Style,” from the National Institutes of Health. Savor the flava of these twists on traditional fare and move more. Your heart deserves it.
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Your Past Is
NOT
Your Future! By Monica J.R. Graham, MD, Medical Director Central Care Community Health Center Contributing Writer During your doctor’s visits are constantly being asked about your family history, but how important is that information to your future.
kitchen table, from our families, was as powerful as the “super genes” that we believe we can’t overcome the effects of. Before we are tall enough to
Some patients believe before they even hear the recommendations of a physician that they are destined to have the most common diseases found in their families and therefore their communities. We have been trained to believe that we are bound to re-live the health histories of our parents, aunts, uncles, and grandparents. Truth is, we have more to say about how our stories will end than we believe! In the black community, it is not uncommon to have a family history that includes diabetes, high blood pressure, and cancer. What is uncommon is having the knowledge that those diseases can be eradicated by changing the way that each one of us lives our lives. We don’t get told is that what we learned around the
look into grandma’s big pots on the stove, we are getting our taste buds adjusted the salty or sweet flavors that are weaved throughout our favorite dishes. This starts the programing that can become the blueprint to our health as well as the health of our children’s children. In other words, we learn both our good habits as well as our bad habits from our heritage. If your family cooked with fat back to season all of their cabbage, green beans, and okra, then so will you. If Red Kool Aide was always available in the ice box then you may find it strange to reach for a glass of water to quench your thirst. If you were raised on eating fried fish every Friday, the thought of baked fish Friday may not cross your mind. We do what we see, not what
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we’ve “heard”. How does this impact our community? Hugely! Our community has been ranked in a position of high risk due to poor exposure, not poor genes. We move our bodies, fix our meals, manage stress, and relationship based on how we observed our families perspective in these areas. So the good news is that these are risks factors that we can change! First, use your family history as blueprint only to document high risk areas in your health profile. Because, the fact that “everybody” in your family has diabetes does not mean that you will. Take that knowledge as an opportunity to evaluate the lifestyle choices that those individuals have made. Compare your food choices to theirs. Compare your food preparation to theirs as well as your exercise routine compared to yours. Next, teach your child that after meals is not the time to plop d o w n on the couch to and grab the remote. This is not the best way to prevent obesity or heart disease. Instead, take the family for a walk or engage in an active game of boxing or basketball on some of the now popular gaming systems; with entire family. Now, there are always exceptions to every rule. You may be fortunate enough to have in your family an 80 or 90 year old
who has set the example of living a healthy life. If they are not on medications for blood pressure or diabetes or depression they probably have some very wise advice about how they lived a moderate lifestyle as well their natural cures to some very common complaints. We do have some of our elders who have not fallen prey to the lull of instant foods and artificial sugar substitutes. They still meet their friends out at the park for a brisk walk or a game of golf, where they walk instead ride the cart. We occasionally do see our elder patients in the office who are on no medications in their 80’s and 90’s who want to show that they can still do fifty push –ups during their office visit! These are lifestyles that we should be emulating. So, don’t dismiss your future because of your past. Talk with your health care provider about what lifestyle changes you need to engage in to correct your weight issues, elevated blood sugars, and uncontrolled blood pressures. Then the next step is to decide that history will not repeat itself! Make a change for your future!
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Get the MOST
from your doctor visits You and your doctor work together in managing your health. It is important for you to talk to your doctor about concerns and questions you may have. You can share your efforts in making changes in your lifestyle habits. Your doctor may have some tips to help you make these changes. Keeping track of when you are due to have exams and preventive services helps both you and your doctor.
How to Talk with Your Doctor During Your Visit
• Ask your doctor to explain, in terms you understand, anything that is not clear to you. • Tell your doctor everything. Don’t be afraid that he or she might not approve. • If you do not agree with your doctor’s advice or feel you won’t be able to do everything he or she asks, let him or her know. • Write down all instructions at the end of your visit. • Ask if you should be aware of any signs or symptoms, good or bad, that may occur. • Ask if a followup visit or phone call is needed. • Make sure all your questions are answered. • If you are confused about anything, ask more questions:
A few minutes of preparation can “Would you go over that again?” “I don’t understand how to use help you and your doctor. Before your visit, read and answer the first two this medication.” questions. Take the list and a pen or How to Prepare for Your pencil to your appointment. Let the Doctor Visit doctor read the list. During the visit, write down what you need to remember to do after your appointment. • What do I want to TELL my doctor today? • What do I want to ASK • It’s helpful to bring a list of medimy doctor today? cations you are currently taking – For example, better yet, put your medications – Are there any risk factors that I into a paper bag and bring it to need to be aware of that are more your doctor visit. prevalent among • Take a moment to review the African Americans? “Taking Charge of Your Doc– What can I do to reduce these tor Visit” worksheet. It may be a risks? helpful reference to use prior to • What do my doctor and I agree I each doctor visit. will DO after this visit?
Taking Charge of Your Doctor Visit Worksheet
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Binge-drinking by young adults blamed for rise in oral cancer cases
By Dr. Ka-Ron Wade, D.D.S Contributing Writer Doctors are calling for tobaccostyle warnings on alcohol after new figures show the devastating effects of over-consumption Heavy drinking by young adults has contributed to a surge in the cases of oral cancer in the last
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decade. Rates of cancer of the lip, tongue, mouth and throat have risen by a quarter among men and women in their forties, with alcohol now a higher risk factor than smoking, according to research by Cancer Research UK. The figures show that since the mid-1990s oral cancer cases have risen by 24 percent for women and 28 per cent for men, with an overall increase of 45 per cent across all age groups. Each year about 5,000 new oral cancers are diagnosed in the UK and 1,800 people die from the disease.
Oral cancer risk factors
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Tobacco Alcohol Diet and nutrition Sun-exposure Human papillomavirus and
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immunosuppression • Oral lesions and conditions • Risk in young and middle-aged adults • Previous cancer diagnosis Christine Hill-Kayser, MD, Assistant Chief Resident in the Department of Radiation Oncology at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, responds: Unfortunately, more and more young adults who are not smokers or drinkers are being diagnosed with head and neck cancer. In many cases, these cancers are due to human papilloma virus (HPV). You may have heard of HPV as the virus that causes genital warts. Some strains of HPV do indeed cause warts, but these are not the strains that most commonly cause cancer. Other strains do not cause warts, but can cause cancers of the anogeni-
tal tract (cervix, anus, and vagina), as well as oral cancers. The virus is generally transmitted through genital-genital contact and/or oral-genital contact. This is likely what your doctor meant when he said that your cancer could be a sexually transmitted disease. Unfortunately, HPV is extremely common in college-aged young adults. Barrier methods, such as latex condoms and dental dams, offer some protection (and protection from other sexually transmitted diseases) although HPV may cross these barriers in some cases. The Gardasil vaccine is now approved for males and females aged 9 - 26. Gardasil protects against infection with the strains of HPV that most commonly cause warts and cancer. At this time, the role of Gardasil for patients who have already been infected with HPV is not known. Young adults who are diagnosed with head and neck cancer may feel sad, anxious, and angry about their diagnosis, as well as the complicated treatments that may be recommended. The good news is that some preliminary data has demonstrated that patients with HPV related oral cancers may have a better prognosis than those who have oral cancers related to smoking. Treatments appear to be very effective, and education may help others to protect themselves in the future.
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