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June 2017
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Inspire, Inform & Educate
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71st Edition
JUNE is Men’s
Health Month!
“As this is Men’s Health Month, it is an especially important time to encourage men to make health a priority. Black males are more impacted by some diseases than other groups. It’s time we as men stand up and become examples for our families and the community to be healthier.” —MR. D-MARS
06-07
INSIDE
10 This Can Potentially Save Your Life! Now We Know Ladies
04
In the Community...
10 Being Fit Can Be a Struggle for Men Too
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June 2017 | 3
Publisher’s Message
MR. D-MARS
Health truly is wealth. If you don’t have your health, you cannot have much else. It is encouraging to see health initiatives in our community promoting a healthier lifestyle, but there is more that can be done. It is up to each and every one of us to take our health seriously. If you want to live longer, then taking care of your health is a must. You owe it to your family to be a healthier you. This month’s cover story highlights Men’s Health Month. Anchored by a Congressional health education program, Men’s Health Month is celebrated across the country with screenings, health fairs,
– Sadie Delany
contents
our services
04 In the Health Community 04 Lasting Impressions Dental Group Free Dental Day
ADVERTISING | MARKETING MEDIA | COMMUNICATION
Behind the Journal Publisher & CEO Keith J. Davis, Sr.
“Life is short, and it's up to you to make it sweet.”
Chief Operating Officer Kimberly Floyd ASSOCIATE EDITOR Dawn Paul ACCOUNTING MANAGER Eugenie Doualla Vice President, Marketing Anita Bates SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES C.T. Foster Tiffany Black
04 05 Healthy Lifestyle 05 Access to Mental Health Care May Be Just a Virtual Visit Away 10 This Can Potentially Save Your Life!
06-07 Cover Story 06-07 Men’s Health Month
PHOTOGRAPHY L.C. Poullard Grady Carter MULTIMEDIA DIRECTOR Andrea Hennekes
06-07
LAYOUT & GRAPHIC DESIGNER Angel Rosa
• Business Journal • Health & Wellness Journal • Community Journal • Black Pages Online Business Directory • Top 50 Black Health, Medical & Wellness Professionals • Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs • Top 30 Influential Women of Houston • Top 25 Prime & Subcontractors for Diversity • Business Connection • Business Development • Business Consulting • Graphic Design • Photography • Printing • Web Design • Online & Email Marketing • Public Relations • Social Media • Advertising • Writing • Promotional Marketing
10 Healthy Lifestyle (Continued) 10 It’s Time to Talk About Advanced Prostate Cancer 10 Being Fit Can Be a Struggle for Men Too
Project Coordinator Taelor Smith DISTRIBUTION Booker T. Davis, Jr. Rockie Hayden 10 CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Dr. LaTronica Fisher Reggie Collier d-mars.com News Provider
media appearances, and other health education and outreach activities. The response has been overwhelming with thousands of awareness activities in the USA and around the globe. The purpose of Men’s Health Month is to heighten the awareness of preventable health problems and encourage early detection and treatment of disease among men and boys. 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.
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In the Health Community… To View More Photos, Visit Our Website
www.d-mars.com and Click on ‘Photo Gallery.’
Lasting Impressions Dental Group Free Dental Day
Access to Mental Health Care May Be Just a Virtual Visit Away By d-mars.com News Provider
M
ental health disorders impact thousands of people every day, including many of our friends, neighbors and co-workers. Everyone reading this likely knows someone struggling with mental illness and is aware of the toll it can take on individuals, families and communities. Mental health challenges do not discriminate — they affect people from all walks of life regardless of age, gender, ethnicity and socioeconomic level. While stress, anxiety, depression and other mental health disorders impact an estimated 43 million adults nationwide each year, the World Health Organization reports that only about one in four people with a diagnosed disorder is likely to pursue treatment. Unfortunately, barriers prevent people from getting the mental health care they may need. The reasons are many. Consider these statistics: 4,000 areas in the U.S. have only one psychiatrist for 30,000 or more people; the average waiting time for a first psychiatric visit is 25 days; and stigma is the fourth highest-ranked barrier to help-seeking.
The good news is that people who access care more quickly may be more likely to engage in their treatment and have a better outcome. With the right treatment and support, people can recover from mental health disorders to live healthy, self-directed lives as valuable members of their community. Sometimes all it takes is a gentle nudge from a friend or loved one to help someone take that first step on their path to recovery. For some people, that best first step may be a virtual visit with a mental health provider via a mobile device or computer. For many, access to virtual care may already be available as part of their health care benefits. Virtual care can shorten wait times for an appointment, fit work and personal schedules, and eliminate travel time and expense. An appointment conducted in the safe, comfortable environment of home may reduce stigma. And, research shows that outcomes of a virtual visit with a mental health provider are similar to in-person sessions for multiple disorders. Raising awareness and reducing stigma around mental health issues are keys to supporting well-being within our communities. Today, people can access effective, proven treatment in a variety of formats, including using video-calling technology. It’s up to all of us to reach out and encourage our friends, neighbors and family members in need to access these available resources. For more information and links to recovery support resources in your area, visit www.optum.com/recovery. To learn more about available health care benefits, call the number on the back of your health plan identification card. – BPT Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication
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Healthy Lifestyle PART 2
This Can Potentially Save Your Life! Now We Know Ladies • Nausea • Frequent urination • Urinal pain • Sore waist • Aching waist • Fatigue • Genital warts • Genital herpes • Menstrual disorders (heavy periods, light periods, spotting in between periods, prolonged periods, and abnormal menstrual pains)
Dr. LaTronica Fisher Contributing Writer
A
whopping $2 billion is spent annually on pesticides to spray cotton crops. Conventional tampons contain these pesticides. Investigations have since proved that most menstrual sanitary pads available on the market are produced from recycled paper materials containing print ink and other chemicals which are later bleached with harmful chemicals like dioxin and chlorine. Studies have shown that the chemicals dioxin and chlorine are cancerous when they come in contact with the human skin and more especially, the tender part at the woman’s genitals. A plastic paper is placed in between or under the pad for fear of leakage when a woman is bleeding. This plastic placed in between the pad prevents circulation of air in the woman’s system. In other words, as the woman is having her flow wearing a traditional pad, no air enters the woman’s system and because of this, warmth develops between the pad and her vaginal area. With the moisture from the blood, this area becomes a breeding ground for germs and fermentation takes place. Hence, this is the reason the pads may have an unpleasant scent when removed after use. A World Health Organization report indicates that within two hours of a woman putting on a traditional pad, about 107 different germs develop per cubic centimeter on the surface area of the pad. When pressure is applied on the pad through sitting, and because paper is not absorbent enough, the pad
There are 100% chemical-free sanitary napkins available. For more information, I’m here to help.
allows a “back flow” of the blood into the woman’s reproductive system.
Possible Possibleconditions conditionscaused causedby bypoor poorquality quality sanitary sanitarypads padsduring duringmenstruation menstruationare: are: • External vaginal inflammations • Vaginal itching • Vaginal inflammation • Cervical inflammation and erosion • Endometrial inflammation • Excessive discharge • Pain in the lower abdomen • Fever
Dr. Fisher has a proven system that has already helped thousands to remove the restrictions to healing. Dr. Fisher assists in helping prepare the body to heal. In addition, she helps re-educate the body to heal, produce its own hormones, and restore optimal wellness. For more information on how to get tested, please contact Dr. Fisher at (713) 5208188 or drfisherroad2wellness@gmail.com. Legal Disclaimer: The information in this article is provided for informational purposes only and is not meant to substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professional. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
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6 | June 2017
Raising
Awareness
to Save Our Men and Boys
By d-mars.com News Provider
A
nchored by a Congressional health education program, Men’s Health Month is celebrated across the country with screenings, health fairs, media appearances, and other health education and outreach activities. The response has been overwhelming with thousands of awareness activities in the USA and around the globe. Many companies and organizations are even going to use their company’s dress policy to celebrate Wear Blue Friday, the Friday before Father’s day. The purpose of Men’s Health Month is to heighten the awareness of preventable health problems and encourage early detection and treatment of disease among
men and boys. This month gives health care providers, public policy makers, the media, and individuals an opportunity to encourage men and boys to seek regular medical advice and early treatment for disease and injury.
Below are facts and statistics on some diseases that men should know: Prostate Cancer - You should know what your prostate is and what it does. Over 30 million men suffer from prostate conditions that impact their quality of life. Each year over 230,000 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer and about 30,000 will die from it. • I in 7 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime.
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June 2017 | 7
prostate cancer, but are twice as likely as Asian/Pacific Islanders (who have a higher incidence rate) to die from it. But, all men are at risk, and some who are not in any of the high risk categories are diagnosed with aggressive cancer.
Stage at diagnosis is the best indicator of survival. African-American men are more than 2x as likely to die of prostate cancer. But, if diagnosed at the same stage, the mortality of African-American men is the same as the general population. The 5-year relative survival rate among AfricanAmericans who are diagnosed with early stage prostate cancer is close to 100%, but drops to 29% when the cancer has spread to distant sites. The American Cancer Society states that the steady decline in African-American prostate cancer death rates since a peak in 1993 is possibly due to improved treatment “and early detection by PSA.” Sleep Apnea – Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder that occurs when a person’s breathing is interrupted during sleep. People with untreated sleep apnea stop breathing repeatedly during their sleep, sometimes hundreds of times. This means the brain -- and the rest of the body -- may not get enough oxygen.
There are two types of sleep apnea: • Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA): The more common of the two forms of apnea, it is caused by a blockage of the airway, usually when the soft tissue in the back of the throat collapses during sleep.
• 1 in 5 African-American men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime. • Some men are at higher risk than others.
age, even children. Risk factors for sleep apnea include:
• Being male • Being overweight • Being over age 40 • Having a large neck size (17 inches or greater in men and 16 inches or greater in women) • Having large tonsils, a large tongue, or a small jaw bone • Having a family history of sleep apnea • Gastroesophageal reflux, or GERD • Nasal obstruction due to a deviated septum, allergies, or sinus problems
In addition, untreated sleep apnea may be responsible for poor performance in everyday activities, such as at work and school, motor vehicle crashes, and academic underachievement in children and adolescents. High Blood Pressure - High blood pressure -- in men and women -- is a big problem. One in every three adult Americans -- about 65 million people -have high blood pressure, also known as hypertension. Many more are at risk of developing it. Over half of all Americans age 60 and older have it and over a lifetime, the risk of developing high blood pressure is 90%. Typically, blood pressure increases with age. Risk of high blood pressure begins to climb when men hit age 45, although it can occur in younger men. African-Americans tend to develop it younger and have more severe hypertension. Obesity or a family history of high blood pressure also increases risk. High blood pressure is especially dangerous, because people can have it for years without knowing. In fact, one in three Americans with the condition doesn’t know it. Despite these gloomy statistics, high blood pressure is not inevitable. There is plenty you can do to prevent, delay, and treat the condition.
10 ways to control high blood pressure without medication:
African-American men: AfricanAmerican men are over 1.57-times as likely as the general population to develop prostate cancer, but over 2.14-times as likely to die from prostate cancer. Men with a Family History: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that men with a brother, father, or son who has been diagnosed with prostate cancer are 2- to 3-times more likely to develop prostate cancer. American Indian/Alaska Native men: Have the lowest incidence rate of
• Lose extra pounds and watch your waistline • Exercise regularly • Eat a healthy diet • Reduce sodium in your diet • Limit the amount of alcohol you drink • Quit smoking • Cut back on caffeine • Reduce your stress • Monitor your blood pressure at home and see your doctor regularly • Get support
• Central sleep apnea: Unlike OSA, the airway is not blocked, but the brain fails to signal the muscles to breathe, due to instability in the respiratory control center.
Am I at Risk for Sleep Apnea? Sleep apnea can affect anyone at any Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication
This month is Men’s Health Month, and this month celebrated around the nation raises awareness of health issues impacting our men and boys. If your yearly check-up is overdue, this is a great time to make that appointment. Take care of your health men! Sources: www.mayoclinic.org www.menshealthmonth.org www.menshealthnetwork.org www.webmd.com
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Healthy Lifestyle
Being Fit Can Be a Struggle for Men Too By Reggie Collier Contributing Writer
t
It’s Time to Talk About Advanced Prostate Cancer How Howcan canaadoctor doctordiagnose diagnoseadvanced advanced prostate cancer? prostate cancer?
By d-mars.com News Provider
“I’ve experienced a lot since I started riding this prostate cancer rollercoaster,” said Glenn D., a patient with advanced prostate cancer. “There were some tough days when I was so sick I thought I wouldn’t make it. And, by working with my doctor to develop an individualized regimen for me, there have been some great days where I actually felt like myself again.”
A
n estimated 161,000 men in the United States will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2017. According to the American Cancer Society, behind lung cancer and colorectal cancer, prostate cancer is the third leading cause of cancer death in men in the U.S.1 Glenn is living with advanced prostate cancer, which differs from earlier stage prostate cancer in that it may have spread from the prostate or has not responded to treatment. Because prostate cancer can sometimes spread, or get worse, it is important to focus awareness on the potential for disease progression and how to plan for it.
Aboutadvanced advancedprostate prostatecancer cancer About Testosterone, which is the primary male hormone, fuels the growth of prostate cancer cells.2 However, even when a patient is receiving treatment to help lower testosterone levels, prostate cancer can continue to progress in several ways: Castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) occurs when the disease continues to progress despite low levels of testosterone.3 Metastatic prostate cancer occurs when the cancer has traveled to other parts of the body, such as the bones, lymph nodes, bladder and rectum.4 When the cancer spreads outside the prostate, and progresses despite treatment, it is called metastatic CRPC.5 Several studies have estimated that, within five years of diagnosis, 10-20 percent of men with prostate cancer will develop CRPC.6 This may seem overwhelming, but fortunately there are ways to educate yourself to be prepared for possible progression and help make wellinformed treatment decisions with a physician.
Unlike some other types of cancers or diseases, men living with advanced prostate cancer may not experience symptoms.2 High levels of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) may indicate cancer or other prostate health issues.2 Other symptoms of advanced prostate cancer may include bone pain or problems urinating.7 If appropriate, a doctor may recommend additional tests such as MRI, CT, PET or bone scans to confirm if the cancer has spread.4
Anadvanced advancedprostate prostatecancer cancerdiagnosis diagnosis–– An nextsteps steps next
he main goal is to be better than you were the day before. After competing in my first competition in 2015, I found out a week later that I was going to be a father. My fiancé went into the hospital for preeclampsia, a serious pregnancy condition that could have been fatal for her and my daughter. I spent every free minute I had at her bedside. At that time, I let go of all of my goals to pursue a career in fitness and the competition arena. In 2016, I put on over 30 pounds and during this time, I caught pneumonia. Not being at my physical best limited all exercise for me for about a year. It wasn't until January 2017 that I started back avidly working out, and my only goal was to get back or beat the person I transformed into. Even being a trainer, I over preach this to my clients and always believe in the act of continued progression. I am embarrassed to admit that I lost myself due to making excuses, becoming more complacent, and giving reasons of why I couldn't work out. One thing I know is that you cannot be the person who is content with mediocrity when you know greatness is on the other side if you push for it. That's why I continuously push my clients to outdo the old them, and set new goals to obtain each day. I had to work harder than I ever have before, spending 4 to 8 hours in the gym, 7 days a week. There were no limits to my dedication, because I had to beat the old me. I never knew what exactly the outcome would be when I got on that stage, but at the end of the day, I knew that what mattered was that I gave it my all. Exceeding the old me physically, mentally, and emotionally was important.
Everyone’s experience with advanced prostate cancer is unique. There is no one-size-fits-all option, so it’s important that men discuss treatment and lifestyle priorities with their doctor who can help treat the cancer in a way that’s appropriate for him. Priorities can help the patient and his doctor have detailed conversations about what’s important to him in any future treatment. For more information about prostate cancer progression, including a doctor discussion guide, please visit KnowYourProstatePlan.com. – BPT 1 American Cancer Society. Key Statistics for Prostate Cancer (01-05-2017). http://www.cancer.org/cancer/ prostatecancer/detailedguide/prostate-cancer-keystatistics. Accessed 01-31-2017. 2 Urology Care Foundation. Advanced Prostate Cancer Patient Guide. www.urologyhealth.org/ educational-materials. Accessed 02-16-2017. 3 Prostate Cancer Foundation. PSA Rising During Hormone Therapy. https://www.pcf.org/c/psa-risingduring-hormone-therapy/. Accessed 02-13-2017. 4 Cancer.Net. ASCO Answers Prostate Cancer. http:// www.cancer.net/sites/cancer.net/files/asco_answers_ guide_prostate.pdf. Accessed 02-17-2017. 5 Cancer.Net. Treatment of Metastatic CastrationResistant Prostate Cancer. (09-08-2014). www.cancer. net/research-and-advocacy/asco-care-and-treatmentrecommendations-patients/treatment-metastaticcastration-resistant-prostate-cancer. Accessed 02-16-2017. 6 Kirby M, Hirst C, Crawford ED. Characterising the castration-resistant prostate cancer population: a systematic review. Int J Clin Pract 2011;65(11):1180-1192. 7 American Cancer Society. Prostate Cancer Overview. (02-09-2016). https://old.cancer.org/acs/ groups/cid/documents/webcontent/003072-pdf.pdf. Accessed 02-03-2017.
Reggie Collier of Reggie C Fitness and Brie, his daughter.
Even if you are a busy guy, you can still drop fat, get healthy, and get into the best shape of your life. All you need is a simplified exercise plan, a progressive set of nutrition habits, and a knowledgeable trainer to help guide the process. So many guys will think back to their youthful and healthier days and wish to train like they used to or wish to get rid of that beer belly. Well, I have good news for you! Like I tell my female clients, “Don’t Wish For It. Work For It.” You don’t have to train like you did in high school, but you just have to put down the remote, step away from the couch, start the training process, and stop making excuses! You are the only one holding you back! For more fitness tips from me or to experience Reggie C Fitness and be a healthier you, please visit me on the web at www.reggiecfitness.com.
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