d-mars.com Health & Wellness 48

Health & Wellness Journal HEALTH

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WELLNESS

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MEDICAL

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RESEARCH

July 2015

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The Power of LEADERSHIP

E-PIC: Impacting the Health Care Industry PAGE 6

PAGES 4-5

Tiffany Davis & E-PIC Training Center, Inc. Making a Healthier Houston

African-Americans and Heart Disease

By Dawn Paul There are many diseases that impact the African-American community.

PAGE 10

PAGE 12 PAGE 8

Honey, I Have a Headache Take Charge of Your Health

By Dawn Paul The theme for this latest issue of the Health and Wellness Journal is The Power of Leadership.

PAGE 17

By Rhonda Dallas

Tips on Creating a Personalized Meal Plan

By Barry “The Tech Doc” Iruke, MD

I have always tried to be true to myself, to pick those battles I felt were important. My ultimate responsibility is to myself. I could never be anything else. ­— Arthur Ashe

July 2015 3

Journal Behind The

Publisher’s Message

MR. D-MARS

SR. PUBLISHER Keith J. Davis, Sr.

SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT Kevin Davis

VICE PRESIDENT Kim Floyd

ACCOUNTING MANAGER Eugenie Doualla

Office Manager Johnny Ray Davis, Jr.

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

This month’s theme for the Health and Wellness Journal is The Power of Leadership. With many family and business responsibilities, it’s sometimes easy to forget to take care of your health. It’s important not to forget to be a leader when it comes to healthy living. Just like we want to be examples in our professional lives, we need to have that same mindset to be a leader and set an example in the area of health.

This month’s cover story is on Tiffany Davis and E-PIC Training Center, Inc. Davis is the CEO and Certified Instructor of E-PIC. Davis is one of the most sought after medical professionals in Houston and the surrounding areas when it comes to health education. Davis is using her passion and gift in the health industry to pay it forward in the community. With kids back in school soon, Davis has been making it a priority to educate parents and agencies about communicable diseases and immunizations. Davis’ cover story and other articles in this issue will inspire you to be a leader when it comes to your health and the health of your family.

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

ASSOCIATE EDITOR Dawn Paul

PHOTOGRAPHY L.C. Poullard Grady Carter Tony Gaines

Contents

MULTIMEDIA DIRECTOR

E-PIC Training Center, Inc.: Making a Healthier Houston.............................................................................................................................4-5

Andrea Hennekes

E-PIC: Impacting the Health Care Industry.......................................................................................................................................................... 6

LAYOUT & GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Honey, I Have a Headache........................................................................................................................................................................................ 8

Angel Rosa

African-Americans and Heart Disease.................................................................................................................................................................10

DISTRIBUTION

Tips on Creating a Personalized Meal Plan........................................................................................................................................................ 12

Booker T. Davis, Jr. Rockie Hayden

Migraine: What You Should Know.......................................................................................................................................................................... 14

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

By Rhonda Dallas Barry “The Tech Doc” Iruke, MD

By Dr. Ka-Ron Y. Wade By d-mars.com News Provider

MR. D-MARS Tip of the Month “If you neglect to recharge a battery, it dies. And if you run full speed ahead without stopping for water, you lose momentum to finish the race.”

- Oprah Winfrey

Community Gets Vocal to Make Rare Diseases Even Rarer.........................................................................................................................15 Are You at Risk for Type 2 Diabetes?...................................................................................................................................................................16 Take Charge of Your Health......................................................................................................................................................................................17 When Memories Are Fleeting: a Caregiver’s Guide to Overcoming the Stress of Alzheimer’s..........................................................17 We’ll Help Your “First Impressions” Be Positive Ones!...................................................................................................................................18

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4 July 2015

E-PIC

Training Center, Inc. Making a Healthier Houston

Tiffany Davis Uses Her Power of Leadership to Help Keep Houston’s Children Healthy

By Dawn Paul

Associate Editor

T

iffany Davis is a native Houstonian and one of the most sought-after medical professionals in Houston and the surrounding area when it comes to health education. She received her Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Nursing from Prairie View A&M University. Her passion has derived from more than 14 years’ experience in Cardiovascular Research, Cardiac Catherization, Nursing Education and Outpatient Surgery. Not only does Davis have extensive experience in the health profession, but she has an entrepreneurial spirit as well. That spirt of business ownership

“School is almost here, and some in our area and not fully aware of the consequences that can happen when children do not receive immunizations. It is of the utmost importance that E-PIC is out there working tirelessly to provide health education, so our children remain healthy.”

— Tiffany Davis

has allowed her to create her own successful health business, E-PIC Training Center, Inc. (E-PIC). Davis is the CEO and Certified Instructor of E-PIC. With school being right around the corner, Davis is pounding the pavement hard, and through E-PIC, she is educating schools, day care centers and other agencies about the importance of immunizations for infants, children and youth.

Davis is high on the list to educate in regards to health because of her impressive resume, extensive experience, credentials and passion for health education. Davis is currently an American Heart Association (AHA) Certified Instructor for Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), Basic Life Support (BLS), Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)

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July 2015 5

and Heartsaver: CPR and AED. Davis is also a Vision and Hearing Screener for the State of Texas and a Certified Infection Preventist, and she has the ability to offer and credit Continuing Education Units in this area. In addition, Davis has been in education and writing policies in health education for 14 years as a Health Science instructor for Gifted/Talented students in the Houston Independent School District (HISD). Her previous experience includes being an educator at the Museum of Health and Medical Sciences in Houston. She also has more than five years of management in Perioperative/ Post Anesthesia in Outpatient Surgery.

Davis has been honored and recognized for her outstanding work through E-PIC because of her stellar work educating, preparing, informing and consulting. She has received recognition from d-mars.com and also been a recipient of the Quality Care Improvement Award, the Preceptor of the Year Award and the Excellence in Nursing Award.

Though Davis has countless awards for her selfless work in the health profession, she has true passion behind what she does. “This is not just a job for me, but this is my mission and my purpose to educate the community in regards to health,” says Davis.

Under Davis’ leadership, E-PIC is not only helping educate students and achieving success by meeting their needs, but through E-PIC, she is making a difference in a student’s learning experience. Davis and the E-PIC team are energetic, experienced and they increase student skill level. Davis has established a Review Course for Medical Assistants in preparing for the American Association for Medical Assistants Certification Exam. In addition, E-PIC is establishing Continuing Education Units for Certified Nursing Assistants and seminars for educational advancement.

Though Davis and E-PIC have the necessary task of educating students, Davis has made one of E-PIC’s top priorities educating Houston and surrounding area schools and agencies on communicable diseases and immunizations. Davis says, “School is almost here, and some in our area and not fully aware of the con-

“Through E-PIC, I am able to be a servant, helping Houston with the gift that God has given to me. This is a ministry and a service, and I’m glad I’m able to do my part to educate Houston and the surrounding areas about communicable diseases and immunizations.”

– Tiffany Davis

sequences that can happen when children do not receive immunizations. It is of the utmost importance that E-PIC is out there working tirelessly to provide health education, so our children remain healthy.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), immunizations have had an enormous impact on improving the health of children in the United States. Most parents today have never seen first-hand the devastating consequences that vaccine-preventable diseases have on a community. While some diseases are not common in the United States, they persist around the world.

The CDC stresses the importance of protecting children with vaccines because outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases can and do occasionally occur

in this country. Vaccination is one of the best ways parents can protect infants, children, and teens from 16 potentially harmful diseases. Vaccine-preventable diseases can be very serious, may require hospitalization, or even be deadly – especially in infants and young children. EPIC is taking charge to address this issue.

Davis, as one of the leading health educators in Houston, has been educating and partnering with agencies to help keep Houston’s children healthy.

Facts on Childhood Vaccines (CDC) • Newborn babies are immune to many diseases because they have antibodies they got from their mothers. However, this immunity goes away during the first year of life.

• If an unvaccinated child is exposed to a disease germ, the child’s body may

not be strong enough to fight the disease.

Before vaccines, many children died from diseases that vaccines now prevent, such as whooping cough, measles and polio.

Those same germs exist today, but because babies are protected by vaccines, we don’t see these diseases nearly as often.

• Immunizing individual children also helps to protect the health of our community, especially those people who cannot be immunized (children who are too young to be vaccinated, or those who can’t receive certain vaccines for medical reasons), and the small proportion of people who don’t respond to a particular vaccine.

• Vaccine-preventable diseases have a costly impact, resulting in doctor’s visits, hospitalizations, and premature deaths.

Sick children can also cause parents to lose time from work.

Davis has a love for the health system and for keeping Houston, and especially our children healthy. Her passion and experience has been a great benefit to our city. Davis has a partnership with Harris County Public Health and Environmental Services (HCPHES) to provide health education, and she has produced great results with such organizations as Gulf Coast Community Service Association, Inc. and others. She is helping countless parents and organizations through her passionate approach to health education on communicable diseases and immunizations. Also a minister, Davis sees this as her ministry, educating Houston and the surrounding areas on health education. “Through E-PIC, I am able to be a servant, helping Houston with the gift that God has given to me. This is a ministry and a service, and I’m glad I’m able to do my part to educate Houston and the surrounding areas about communicable diseases and immunizations,” says Davis. Seminars, workshops, conferences and small group sessions are some tools Davis uses to impact the world with her health knowledge. As an author, entrepreneur, public speaker and writer with more than 20 years of experience, she is a true gem in the medical field and in Houston. To read more about Tiffany Davis and E-PIC Training Center, Inc., please visit www.e-pictc.com.

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6  July 2015

E-PIC: Impacting the Health Care Industry

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July 2015  7

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8 July 2015

Honey, I Have a Headache

By Rhonda Dallas Contributing Writer

“Honey, I have a headache,” is a common phrase, but there is some truth to this statement at times if you are an African-American woman. Migraines quite often go undetected and are sometimes thought to be headaches, but it’s important to realize the symptoms of a migraine differ from a headache.

N

ational sportscaster Pam Oliver is working with the pharmaceutical company GlaxoSmithKline to help educate African-American women about migraines.

There are nearly 29.5 million Americans who suffer from migraines that go undiagnosed, and women are affected three times more often than men (www.

CDC.gov).

Symptoms of a migraine differ from a headache. A migraine includes other symptoms like nausea, vomiting and

sensitivity to light. Other symptoms can be sinus pressure and neck pain.

There are several causes that can trigger a migraine. Hormonal medications such as birth control or hormone replacement therapies can trigger the onset of a migraine. Certain foods like aged cheese and foods high in salt can cause a migraine to flare up. Also, skipping meals can cause migraines. Alcoholic beverages can trigger a migraine, especially red wine. Stress is a silent

culprit to migraines, but it is also one of the highest factors that contribute to the onset of migraines. Other factors are changes in sleep patterns, changes in the environment and prescription drugs (www.mayoclinic.org).

Finally, living a healthy lifestyle, exercising and watching your weight have been indicated as ways to minimize the onset of headaches and migraines. Always seek medical attention first before taking over-the-counter or prescrip-

tion medicine. There are also natural supplements that will aide in migraine headache therapy. It’s also important to do your own homework. Also, keep a log of what causes the onset of your migraine headaches, and live a more fruitful, balanced, and migraine free life.

To find out more about programs and health and wellness coaching, please contact Rhonda Dallas at info@ rhondajdallas.com.

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July 2015  9

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10 July 2015

African-Americans and Heart Disease

By Dawn Paul

Associate Editor

T

here are many diseases that impact the African-American community. According to the American Heart Association, heart disease is the No. 1 killer for all Americans, and unfortunately, the risk of getting heart disease is even higher for African-Americans. Though there are several factors that contribute to African-Americans getting heart disease at a higher rate, there is hope to decrease the number. African-Americans can improve the odds of prevention and beating heart disease by understanding the disease and taking steps to address this disease.

Many forms of heart disease can be prevented or treated in the African-American community with healthy lifestyle choices.

What is Heart Disease?

You cannot address heart disease unless you understand exactly what heart disease is. The heart is like any other muscle in the body. The heart requires adequate blood supply to provide oxygen to allow the muscle to contract and pump. The heart pumps blood to the rest of the body, and also pumps blood to itself via the coronary arteries. These coronary arteries originate from the aorta (the major blood vessel that carries oxygenated blood away from the heart) and then branch out along the surface of the heart (MedicineNet.com).

Heart disease describes a range of conditions that impact your heart. Diseases under the heart disease umbrella include blood vessel diseases, such as coronary artery disease; heart rhythm problems (arrhythmias); and heart defects you’re born with (congenital heart defects), among others. The term “heart disease” is often used interchangeably with the term “cardiovascular disease.” Cardiovascular disease generally refers to conditions that involve narrowed or blocked blood vessels that can lead to a heart attack, chest pain (angina) or stroke. Other heart conditions, such as those that affect your heart’s muscle, valves or rhythm, also are considered forms of heart disease (Mayo Clinic).

older, 63 percent of men and 77 percent of women are overweight or obese. Individuals carrying extra weight should stay focused on the quality of their diet not just during mealtime, but throughout the day. Snacking can add hundreds of calories to your diet that you may not be aware of, and that’s why focusing on diet is vital.

Losing weight can be a challenge for many people. It is hard to make healthy lifestyle changes overnight, but starting with regular physical activity can help, even if it’s just walking at least 30 minutes a day. Eliminating desserts and sugary drinks are also recommended.

Limiting red meat in favor of lean meats such as chicken or fish, and portion control can help make the difference in your health.

African-Americans are more likely to have diabetes than non-Hispanic whites according to the American Heart Association. Many people don’t recognize the early warning signs of diabetes, but it is treatable and preventable. Unfortunately, some avoid seeking treatment out of fear of complications, and many people associate the disease with older relatives who were diagnosed too late and suffered preventable complications

such as blindness, amputations or renal failure.

What to Ask Your Doctor about Heart Disease High blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart failure. WebMD suggests you work with your doctor to keep it in check by asking the following questions: • What is my risk for developing high blood pressure?

• How can I limit my risk and help prevent it?

• What are the symptoms?

• What does my blood pressure reading actually mean?

• Am I taking any medicines that make me more susceptible?

• What medications are available if I have high blood pressure?

• What are the benefits and side effects?

Though heart disease impacts the African-American community at a high rate, there are steps that can be taken to change the numbers. Understanding the disease and taking responsibility for your health are the keys to help improve the odds of preventing and beating heart disease in the African-American community. Start today making healthy lifestyle changes, and be a leader for your family and the community.

Conditions That Increase the Risk of Heart Disease High blood pressure, obesity and diabetes are the most common conditions that increase the risk of heart disease. Dr. Winston Gandy is a cardiologist in Atlanta who volunteers with the American Heart Association. Dr. Gandy says, “Get checked, then work with your medical professional on your specific risk factors and the things that you need to do to take care of your personal health.”

The prevalence of high blood pressure in the African-American community is the highest in the world.

High blood pressure is also known as hypertension.

High blood pressure increases your risk of heart disease and stroke, and it can cause permanent damage to the heart before you even notice any symptoms. This is why it is often referred to as the “silent killer.” Not only is high blood pressure more severe in blacks than whites, but it also develops earlier in life (American Heart Association). You may not be able to change family history, but Dr. Gandy stresses the importance of individuals taking responsibility to control their blood pressure. If you know your blood pressure is high, keeping track of changes is very important.

Medical professionals stress the important of checking your blood pressure regularly and notifying your doctor of changes in case treatment needs to be adjusted.

According to the American Heart Association, African-Americans are disproportionately impacted by obesity. Among non-Hispanic blacks age 20 and

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July 2015  11

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12 July 2015

Tips on Creating a Personalized Meal Plan

By Barry “The Tech Doc” Iruke, MD

T

Contributing Writer

he absolute best way to have better control over your dietary intake is to create a personalized dietary meal plan. What you eat is very specific and personal and shouldn’t be based on some dietary fad centered on some drastic, but temporary dietary change (i.e., the all-broccoli diet).

Such diets only lead to temporary changes in weight. The absolute best method when creating a dietary plan is to focus on foods that are nutritious, favorable to your taste and filling. Your dietary meal plan should also maintain a keen awareness of proper portion size and high-food quality. A good dietary plan should contain foods you would have no problem eating forever.

More important than the foods you choose is the actual approach to proper eating. Learning to plan meals and eating proper portion sizes are critical components of any successful dietary plan.

When planning a personalized dietary

plan, there are certain rules that one should try to follow. Because we want this diet to help us live longer (as opposed to slowly killing us), it’s important to try to include foods that are delicious, fresh and nutritious to the human body.

High-quality whole grains, quality lean protein and large amounts of water, vegetables and fruits should be an integral part of any person’s meal plan, especially if you’re looking to create a diet designed to promote superior health and wellness. High-calorie foods are also okay, so long as you consume them in the appropriate portions to avoid consuming more calories than your daily allotment will allow.

It’s essential when creating a meal plan that a conscious effort is made to ensure you are consuming the appropriate portions of protein, fruits, vegetables and grains as recommended by the MyPlate (www.choosemyplate.gov) nutritional guidelines. Adherence to their recommendations will help ensure your diet contains the appropriate amount of important vitamins and minerals that are essential for optimal health.

To learn more about using the power of technology to supercharge your diet and nutrition, pick up the hottest book on diet and nutrition, Next Level Weight Loss 2.0! Barry “The Tech Doc” Iruke, MD is the author of Next Level Weight Loss 2.0.

To purchase Next Level Weight Loss 2.0 and to read more about Dr. Iruke, please visit www.controlyourw8.com.

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July 2015  13

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14 July 2015

Migraine: What You Should Know

By Dawn Paul

Associate Editor

R

ecently, Migraine and Headache Awareness Month was observed in the United States, building awareness, educating the public and reducing the stigma associated with migraine, cluster headaches and other headache disorders. Migraine sufferers many times find it difficult to function in everyday life. Migraine is a common disease that affects more than 30 million people in this country. Many people do not realize how serious a migraine can be, and it ranks in the top 20 of the world’s most disabling medical illnesses (Migraine Research Foundation). A migraine is not just a terrible headache. A migraine is an extremely debilitating collection of neurological symptoms. Nearly half of all migraine sufferers are never diagnosed, and it remains a poorly understood disease that is frequently undiagnosed and undertreated. It is important to get educated about this neurological disease.

What Is a Migraine?

A migraine is an inherited neurological disorder. The attacks often begin with a fateful phase that may be characterized by yawning, severe fatigue, increased urination, neck pain, sensitivity to light, noise or odors. In one-third of migraine sufferers, the attacks may proceed into an aura phase prior to onset of the headache. The most common type of aura consists of visual symptoms, such as seeing flashing lights, squiggly lines or losing vision in small areas of the visual field. The aura may also be associated with tingling/numbness on one side of the face and hand and difficulty expressing or understanding speech. Head pain is often made worse with routine activities. Migraine attacks may also be associated with sinus pain or pressure, neck pain, difficulty with concentration, dizziness and mental processing, anxiety and other changes in mood. The final postheadache phase is characterized by fatigue, malaise, mood changes, difficulty with concentration and head pain that may occur with movement, coughing or straining. Migraine headaches typically last about 24 hours, but an attack can last several days or more.

What Are Migraine Triggers?

Oversleeping and stress have been identified as migraine triggers. Exposure to strong stimuli such as bright lights, loud noises, or strong smells have also been said to trigger a migraine. Changes in barometric pressure have been described as leading to migraine headaches. Also, various foods such as chocolate, dairy products, aged cheeses and other foods have been listed as contributing factors to trigger a migraine. Not every individual who has migraines will experience a headache when exposed to these triggers. If a person is unsure what his or her

specific triggers might be, maintaining a headache diary can be beneficial to identify those individual factors which lead to a migraine (MedicineNet.com).

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Migraines?

The International Headache Society defines an episodic migraine as being “unilateral, pulsing discomfort of moderateto-severe intensity, which is aggravated by physical activity and associated with nausea and/or vomiting, as well as photophobia and/or phonophobia (sensitivity to light and sound).” A migraine headache typically lasts for several hours and may last up to several days. The pain of a migraine is often graded, as moderate to severe intensity and physical activity will worsen symptoms.

than $20 billion each year. Costs are attributed to direct medical expenses and indirect expenses (American Migraine Foundation). Migraine is disabling. The World Health Organization places migraine as one of the 20 most disabling medical illnesses on the planet. Chronic migraine is even more disabling. Those suffering with migraine are more likely to have sleep disorders, depression, anxiety, other pain conditions and fatigue. Also, individuals who have a history of expe-

riencing an aura phase have been shown to be at an increased risk for stroke and heart attack.

Migraines are more common than you might think. Migraine sufferers find it difficult to function in everyday life, and this is a common disease impacting over 30 million people in the United States.

Many are frequently undiagnosed and undertreated. This is a great time to get informed and bring awareness about migraines to the community.

The most common symptoms of migraine are: • Severe, often “pounding” pain, usually on one side of the head • Nausea and/or vomiting • Sensitivity to light • Sensitivity to sound • Eye pain

Migraine – Whom Does It Affect?

According to the American Migraine Foundation, thirty-six million Americans, about 12% of the population, suffer from migraine headaches. One in four households in America has a member with migraine. Migraines are most common between the 3rd and 6th decades of life in both women and men. However, a migraine can affect people of all ages, including the elderly and children. Migraines are three times more common in women than men. Chronic migraine indicates the presence of at least 15 days of headache each month for at least 6 months.

The Burden of Migraine Migraine costs the United States more

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July 2015 15

Community Gets Vocal to Make Rare Diseases Even Rarer

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By d-mars.com News Provider

id you know that 1 in 10 people in the US have a rare disease1?

That means you or a loved one probably know someone who is affected by a rare disease, but do you know what it’s like to live with one of these isolating conditions? Today there are approximately 7,000 different known rare diseases ranging from rare forms of cancer to debilitating genetic diseases, with new diseases being identified regularly2.

On February 28, the seventh annual International Rare Disease Day, hundreds of patient advocacy organizations, patients and their loved ones across the globe join together to help illustrate that rare diseases are not just statistics, but affect people. This year the community is coming together to raise awareness and “get loud” with a unified voice.

“Receiving the diagnosis of any illness fundamentally changes your life, but people affected by rare and uncommon diseases face an entirely different and particularly challenging spectrum of issues, from feelings of isolation to difficulty finding basic disease information and a support community that addresses their specific needs,” said Walter Capone, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation. “We want all people living with rare diseases to know that they are not alone.”

Although patients with rare disease and their families face many challenges, progress is being made every day; Rare Disease Day is a chance to recognize both rare disease patients’ strength and continued progress. It’s important to come together and amplify our voice with the community to raise awareness and improve access to emotional support, resources and treatments. In the US, Novartis, a company committed to helping patients, focuses on helping those with rare diseases through clinical innovation and research, development of patient resources and coordination with patient advocacy groups. For more information about the online resources available for patients and caregivers, please visit www.novartisoncology.com.

– BPT References

Many rare diseases can be life threatening or fatal, including some cancers like multiple myeloma, which today impacts approximately 81,000 people living in the United States3,4. Multiple myeloma is the second most common blood cancer, but since it impacts less than 200,000 people in the US it is still considered a rare disease2,5.

Like other rare diseases, patients with

multiple myeloma may feel alone in their diagnosis. Treating the disease also presents a medical challenge, though research is underway and advancements are being made. Those living with multiple myeloma are in need of new therapies since there is also a population of people who may experience a relapse of the disease or stop responding to currently available treatments4.

1. National Organization for Rare Disorders. Rare Disease Information. Available at: www.rarediseases.org. Accessed January 2015.

2. National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences. FAQ About Rare Diseases.

Available at: www.ncats.nih.gov. Accessed January 2015.

3. American Cancer Society. Multiple Myeloma. Available at www.cancer.org. Accessed November 2013.

4. The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Myeloma. Revised 2013; 1:48.

5. National Cancer Institute. A Snapshot of Multiple Myeloma. www.cancer.gov. Accessed November 2013.

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16 July 2015

Are You at Risk for Type 2 Diabetes?

By d-mars.com News Provider

A

re you or a loved one at risk for type 2 diabetes? It can be difficult to know, but considering an astounding one in eight Americans has been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, it’s worthwhile to understand the risk factors.

Risk factors for type 2 diabetes include people who are overweight, are under active, older than 45 or who have a family history of diabetes. African Americans, Hispanic/Latinos, Native Americans, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders are also at higher risk. Understanding your risk for developing type 2 diabetes, or getting an early diagnosis, is critical to successful treatment and delaying or preventing some of its complications such as heart disease, blindness, kidney disease, stroke, amputation and death.

For more than 25 years, the American Diabetes Association has set aside special time for people to learn their risk for developing type 2 diabetes.

Starting on the fourth Tuesday of every March, American Diabetes Association Alert Day is a “wake-up call” asking the American public to take

the Diabetes Risk Test. This year’s Alert Day campaign will kick-off on March 24 and continue through April 21. The Association will also be encouraging the public to start living a healthy and active lifestyle by asking them to join a Step Out: Walk to Stop Diabetes event in their area.

The Diabetes Risk Test asks users to answer simple questions about their weight, age, family history and other potential risk factors for prediabetes or type 2 diabetes. Preventive tips are provided for everyone who takes the test.

Jennifer Atkins knows all too well the toll diabetes can take on an entire family. She’s watched many members of her family fight type 2 diabetes, including both of her parents, who work together in managing their disease, and her maternal grandmother and paternal grandfather, both of whom passed away from complications. Her mother’s brother and sister both have prediabetes and are now committed to a life of healthy eating and exercise in order to prevent type 2.

Atkins and her husband, Rob, have two children, Toby and Naomi.

While pregnant with Naomi, Atkins was diagnosed with gestational diabetes, which makes her risk higher for type 2 diabetes later on. She was 36 years old, fit and healthy and

had never struggled with her weight.

“This was genetics at work,” she says.

“Being surrounded by diabetes all my life, I had a lot of family support with my gestational diabetes,” she said. “I took a short walk in their shoes.”

Now at 40, Atkins knows she has a higher risk of developing type 2 someday, because of both her family history and gestational diabetes, but she’s doing all she can to prevent or delay it. She understands that as she gets older she will need to work harder at maintaining a healthy weight and lifestyle.

“We are still learning so much as a family about the disease itself, but the good news is we are learning a lot from each other,” she says.

Studies have shown that type 2 diabetes can often be prevented or delayed by losing just 7 percent of body weight (such as 15 pounds if you weigh 200 pounds) through regular physical activity (30 minutes a day, five days a week) and healthy eating.

By understanding your risk, you can take the necessary steps to help prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes.

Be part of the movement to stop diabetes. Take the Diabetes Risk Test and share it with everyone you know.

Visit diabetes.org to learn more. – BPT

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July 2015 17

Take Charge of Your Health

By Dawn Paul

Associate Editor

T

he theme for this latest issue of the Health and Wellness Journal is Power of Leadership. Many of us strive to be leaders in our professions, organizations and churches, but do we think about being leaders when it comes to our health?

While it’s important to have that drive and determination in different areas of our lives, it’s important to take charge of our health. If you have a family, be a leader of your household and set the example for living a healthy lifestyle. If you are the leader in your organization, then you can inspire other members by taking charge of your health. The great thing is that it’s not too late to start leading a healthy lifestyle. Taking that first step to being a healthier you can make for a healthier family, which can lead to a healthier community.

The Institute of Medicine (www.iom. edu) has some helpful tips to help you take charge of your health: 1. If you smoke, quit. If you don’t smoke, don’t start.

2. Eat a variety of foods, and none to excess.

3. Make exercise a routine part of your day.

4. Drink alcohol in moderation, and avoid addictive drugs.

5. Wear your seatbelt whenever you are in a moving vehicle.

6. Immunize your children against preventable disease, and take recommended vaccines for yourself.

7. Protect your health when you travel.

8. Get screening tests for silent but treatable conditions that threaten your health.

9. Take prescribed medication as prescribed, and do not take unnecessary medicine, whether it is prescribed or overthe-counter.

10. Devise a personal and family disaster preparedness plan.

11. Use reliable sources of health infor-

mation.

12. Enjoy life!

Do you smoke or live with someone who smokes? According to the American Lung Association, every year in the United States over 392,000 people die from tobaccocaused disease, making it the leading cause of preventable death. Another 50,000 people die from exposure to secondhand smoke. Many health professionals encourage people to quit smoking because of the health risks, and also encourage others to never start to smoke. If you quit smoking or don’t smoke, this can dramatically reduce your risks of dying from both cancer and heart disease.

You are not alone if you have taken advantage of one of the numerous diet fads on the market. The problem with diet fads is that you may lose weight, but pretty soon the pounds come back on. Instead of

opting for one of the latest diet crazes that are too strict or unrealistic, eat a variety of foods and none in excess. If you don’t know where to start, try the Food Guide Pyramid. This guide is one of the most widely recognized educational tools when it comes to nutrition. This guide can be the foundation of your meals. Because no single food can supply all nutrients, health professionals suggest a variety of foods, and limiting fats and sugars (www.health.gov).

Physical activity is a must if you want to start getting healthy. Don’t think that you have to start lifting weights or run a marathon, because that is unrealistic. Start at a slow pace, and as you progress, you can add more to your physical activity. Don’t compare yourself to other people and what they can do, but focus on you. If joining a gym isn’t for you, that’s okay, because there are so many other options when it comes to physical activity. Find a fitness boot camp

or ride your bike. Also, it’s as easy as starting to walk just 30 minutes a day in your neighborhood. The important thing is that you just start moving, and make physical activity a part of your daily routine.

Everything in moderation, and that includes alcohol. When used in excess, alcohol can be a poison. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) stresses the dangers of excessive drinking.

Drinking in excess is associated with numerous health problems, including liver cirrhosis, psychological disorders and high blood pressure. Many times alcohol and drug dependence go hand in hand. The National Institute on Drug Abuse is a great resource that addresses the importance of avoiding addictive drugs and preventing drug abuse.

There is so much health information out there, that you may not know where to start. The important thing is to use reliable sources of health information, meaning that the sources are based on facts and not opinions. Information you rely on to protect your health should not be misleading or confusing.

Some credible health sources recommended by the Institute of Medicine are the Food and Drug Administration, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the National Institutes of Health, all part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The Institute of Medicine also suggests WebMD and the Mayo Clinic Health Letter. These suggested sites are great places to start, but don’t hesitate speaking to your health care professional about reliable health sources as well.

There are many things that you can do to take charge of your health. Following the tips listed above, immunization and regular health screenings are just some of the things you can do to help you take charge of your health. This issue of the Health and Wellness Journal should inspire you to start taking charge of your health. Taking that first step to being a healthier you can make you an example for your family and help make for a healthier community.

When Memories Are Fleeting: a Caregiver’s Guide to Overcoming the Stress of Alzheimer’s By d-mars.com News Provider

T

hink of your father.

What is his favorite food? His favorite hobby? Where did he meet your mother? What is his proudest moment?

Think of all these memorable moments in his life and ask another question: Does he have trouble remembering these moments?

For the nearly 2 million men currently diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease (AD), this tragic memory loss is very real. And for the adult children transi-

tioning from the role of fishing buddy or board game partner to caregiver, the stress can be considerable.

Many families are impacted in some way by Alzheimer’s disease. Every 67 seconds, a loved one in the United States is diagnosed with AD, and this devastating condition affects not only the patients themselves, but all who love and care for them. Today, 60 percent of family members provide care for an aging parent.

In honor of Father’s Day, here are some tips that caregivers can utilize to better manage their stress and provide the best possible care for their parents.

• Education is essential. It can make for difficult reading, but educating yourself about AD can help mitigate stress. By better understanding the condition as a whole, you’ll feel better prepared for what may come next.

• Exercise every option. Make the most of medical visits with your parent’s doctor. Use these visits to ask questions about symptom progression and learn about available treatment options.

• Remember that you are not alone. Serving as a caregiver for a parent can be a lonely task, but you are not alone. If you are serving as your par-

ent’s primary caregiver, seek the support of other family members, friends, or even a neighbor to come and spend time with your parent so you can enjoy some personal time. Just a few hours can do wonders to alleviate your stress.

There are numerous things you can do to improve the patient experience for your parent. Start by acting as a patient advocate and a compassionate caregiver. Your efforts will benefit your father every single day.

For strategies in caring for loved ones suffering from Alzheimer’s, please visit alzheimersunconditionallove.com. – BPT

Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

18 July 2015

We’ll Help Your

“First Impressions” Be Positive Ones!

By Dr. Ka-Ron Y. Wade

C

Contributing Writer

osmetic dentistry can make you more approachable, huggable, kissable and confident.

When it comes to professional networking or meeting that special someone, you only get one chance to make a good first impression.

Fair or unfair—people make snap judgments!

Dr. Michelle Callahan, renowned psychologist and relationship expert, notes, “...studies indicate that lasting impressions are made within the first three seconds of seeing someone.”

Yikes...in three seconds, unsightly teeth don’t stand a chance!! We’ll help you get the smile you were meant to have!

While it may not be “right,” economists with the Federal Reserve discovered that attractive people earn higher incomes!

An American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) study showed that smile flaws provoke incorrect assumptions about your personality, happiness, success and intelligence!

Similarly, according to the 2012 Kelton study, Americans consider those with straight teeth to be more trustworthy, happier, healthier and smarter.

The survey also showed that 38% of single adults would not consider going out on a second date with someone who has crooked teeth!

Whether you’re a parent or a student... seeking a job or a promotion...or enjoying retirement—your healthy, inviting smile will have lifelong benefits.

For breakthrough dental technology, call us today at 832-304-2449, or visit us on the web at www.cosmeticdt.com.

First Things Noticed About Your Smile:

Straightness | Whiteness Cleanliness | Sincerity Missing Teeth | Sparkle Of A Smile

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