FROM THE DESK OF B.DA On June 25 I was happily at the laundromat, washing all of our comforters and feeling really domestic when I received a text from my friend that said simply, “Michael Jackson has died. He was 50 years old.” The weight of that statement didn’t hit me immediately. I figured it was a random text, a joke of some sort, but decided to check the Internet to see what thus sayeth the newsfeeds.
(Me paying my respects at the birth home of Michael Jackson)
I checked yahoo and google and they were all abuzz with the news, but disbelief was still lodged within me. So I put my ear to the street (so to speak) and went to the one place I knew I would get the answer: Facebook. All of my friends’ status messages were Michael Jackson related. There were R.I.P messages, profile pictures changed to his image, and new “R.I.P. Michael Jackson” Facebook groups had already been created. I left from inside of the laundromat and went to sit in my car to collect my thoughts. When I turned on the radio, EVERY station was playing Michael Jackson songs back to back. That is when the weight of it hit me: The King of Pop was surely dead. I can’t explain the melancholy I felt over the next few days. I was actually embarrassed and surprised that I cared so much. In my everyday life I didn’t think much about him, but his passing reminded me just how important he was to the soundtrack of my life. When I returned home that evening and turned on the television, it seemed that all of the major stations were paying tribute to Michael Jackson and his musical legacy. Not even 7 hours after he had been pronounced dead, NBC debuted a special tribute program for Michael Jackson and Farrah Fawcett, who had also recently died. Elsewhere in television-land, VH1 and MTV were playing all of Michael Jackson’s videos. As I watched them, I was taken back to different periods of my life. For each video played, there was something in the music, something in the movements, something in the dance steps, something in the song lyrics, something in the outfits, that took me back. The Sunday after his death I attended church service and the Pastor preached a sermon entitled, “The Man in the Mirror.” He tied in the lyrics of the song to James 1:19-25. They even showed Michael Jackson’s “Man in the Mirror” video during the sermon. I was moved to tears. The IMPACT this man had on the world! On my way home from church service, I found myself in a prayerful and tearful conversation with the Lord and I prayed ever so fervently that God bless me to have that kind of impact in life on the world. It’s not merely for my own gain that I look to be successful. I choose to be successful in the hopes of positively impacting others…and my prayer is that I get closer to that goal; issue by issue…page by page. Read and be blessed,
B.da Oso StarChild
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THE KING OF POP
July 2009 | Volume 6 Issue 18
REMEMBERING THE TIMES: A timeline of the life of Michael Jackson
4
Q&A: Quincy Jones gives insight into the man behind the music
6
THE JACKSON 6: Six-word obituaries for the King of Pop
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THRILLER GRILLER By: Chef Eric B. Lewis
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The 2009 BET Awards Tribute to Michael Jackson By: B.da
10
2300 Jackson Street: The Memorial
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FEATURES The Comfort Zone By: Angela Ratcliffe
14
Five Best Cities For Jobs
15
Diabetes in African Americans By: Tyra T. Ellis
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DEPARTMENTS 8 Eargasms 19 StarChild Ink 20 Bday Shout Outs Cover art provided by Kate Baker Š 2009
Michael Jackson: 1958
1962 Michael becomes a
Michael Joseph Jackson is born August 29, in Gary, Indiana.
member of the Jackson 5 along with his brothers Tito, Jackie, Jermaine, and Marlon. He is lead singer. Their father, Joe, is their manager. There first playing gig is at a place called Mr. Lucky's.
1970 The Jackson 5 release ‘I Want You Back’, ‘ABC’, ‘The Love You Save’ and ‘I'll Be There’ – they all top the charts
1972 Michael Jackson scores his first number 1 single as a solo artist with ‘Ben’ – he also earns an Oscar nomination
1977 Jackson stars in the movie ‘The Wiz’ with Diana Ross and meets Quincy Jones. During filming, rumor has it he would leave the set without removing his makeup.
1979
Jackson’s album, Off the Wall, produced by Quincy Jones, launches him to superstar standing. Sells over nineteen million copies worldwide. The album goes platinum while singles ‘Don't Stop 'til You Get Enough’ and ‘Rock With You’ top the charts.
1982 Jackson releases ‘Thriller’. The album goes on to become the biggestselling album of all time with over fifty million copies sold worldwide. The album stays on the charts for 2 years and hits number one worldwide.
1983 Performs "Billy Jean" at the Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever Special and for the first time does the moonwalk, later to become his signature move.
1985 Co-writes "We Are the World" with Lionel Richie. The single supports the all-star famine relief effort for Africa.
1986 Photos of him in a hyperbaric chamber are published in the National Enquirer. Jackson later says it's part of his plan to extend his life beyond its "natural span." Cont’d…
Michael Jackson: 1991 New album ‘Dangerous’ is released. First single ‘Black Or White’ debuts at number one.
1987 ‘Bad’ is released - once again produced by Quincy Jones. Singles ‘I Just Can't Stop Loving You’, ‘Bad’, ‘The Way You Make Me Feel’, ‘Man in the Mirror’ and ‘Dirty Diana’ all debut at number 1. The world tour supporting the album becomes the highest-grossing tour of all time.
1993
1995 Jackson releases
Jackson is accused of molesting a 13 year old boy. He denies the charges and settles out of court, paying an estimated $20 million.
Michael Jackson marries Lisa Marie Presley, the marriage breaks up 19 months later.
‘HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book 1. Singles ‘Scream’ and ‘You Are Not Alone’ top the charts.
1996
2001 Michael Jackson is inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and releases the album ‘Invincible’.
The star’s Neverland ranch is searched and he is arrested on charges of child molestation.
2005 Jackson’s child molestation trial begins and he is acquitted on all counts. The singer moves to Bahrain.
2009 Jackson announces his comeback with a 50 date run of shows at London’s O2 arena called ‘This Is It.’ Michael Jackson dies June 25th in California.
Q&A: Quincy Jones The hit-making producer behind the King of Pop's rise discusses Jackson's life‌ Q: I've heard you say that you wanted Michael to sing "She's Out of My Life," the great pop ballad from Off the Wall, Wall, in part because you felt like he had to deal with reality. A: I just wanted to hear him deal with a romantic relationship with a human being rather than a rat. I'm saying that facetiously, but it's true. I saw him at the Oscars very emotional about "Ben." I wanted to hear him get in touch with a real human relationship. "She's Out of My Life" was written by Tommy Bahler from a very bad ending to a marriage. So it was very real. I was saving it for Sinatra. But I gave it to Michael. And Michael cried during every take, and I left the tears in. Q: At root, what do you think killed Michael Jackson? A: I don't know, man. I'm a musician. I'm not a psychiatrist. I would think that the pressure of the concerts and the debt and everything else . . . look, I've been in the hands of Nobel doctors for the last five years, in Stockholm, at the Karolinska hospital, which you can't even pay to get in. I've learned so much about the human mind and the body, and the doctors talk all the time about how you become your thoughts. It's true. With one thought it starts, you know, and if you sit there and just stay hung up on one negative thought, you will become that thought. I know that Lisa Marie Presley said that she always thought he was going to die like Elvis. You sit and think about that stuff, it'll happen to you. If you start thinking about darkness instead of light, or fear instead of love, you'll get in trouble. I really believe that. Q: With so many people asking you about Michael Jackson, is it hard to find the private space in which to mourn his death? A: Yes, it is. It's surrealistic. I don't know how to process it at all. Because everybody's reacting to it, and making up their own answers. Q: You've said that you don't attend funerals anymore because you've lost so many friends. Do you plan to attend Michael Jackson's funeral? A: No, not at all, not at all. Because it's going to be, like, 9 million people there, and it's not what I want to see. Q: You're not going to be there? A: No. I can't be there, anyway. I'm going to Wales the day after tomorrow, I go to Montreux, I go to Marbella, I go to the south of France. My condolences and love I've already sent to the family. But being there with 10 million people is not my idea of a tribute to somebody you were so close to—who's got a part of your soul. Our souls were joined, you know. And a piece of it goes with him.
Photo: Corbis Article: Details.com
"From ABC to PYT to R.I.P."
THE JACKSON 6: Six-word Obituaries for the King of Pop
We are the world. Shocked, grieving. He’s teaching angels how to moonwalk. Michael’s gone. Just remember the good. Black man. White man. Dead now.
We somehow forgot the genius there. Michael, you beat it too soon. Thrilled, healed, and rocked our world.
Mourning Jackson travels around the globe.
He made dancing zombies super cool.
Imagine heaven with Elvis, now Michael.
Peter Pan or King of Pop?
He came, he saw, he moonwalked.
Lost childhood, meteoric stardom, tragic end
Wall. Thriller. Bad. Dangerous. HIStory Invincible
A comeback we won’t ever know
My first schoolgirl crush…is gone. King of Pop. Died too young. It was never about his appearance. Dazzled many but never grew up. Amazingly talented artist…sadly troubled person. Heal The World. Honor The Man. Looks like Prince won this battle. No more Man in the Mirror. To read more entries, click here: http://tinyurl.com/StarChild-Jackson6
Courtesy of Smith Magazine / 6 Word Memoirs
Michael Jackson had 13 number one hits on the Billboard Hot 100 charts
•1972: "Ben” •1979: "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough” •1980: "Rock with You” •1983: "Billie Jean” •1983: "Beat It” •1983: "Say Say Say” •1987: "I Just Can't Stop Loving You”
•1987: "Bad” •1987: "The Way You Make Me Feel” •1988: "Man in the Mirror” •1988: "Dirty Diana” •1991: "Black or White” •1995: "You Are Not Alone”
“My 5 Favorite Yet Obscure Jackson 5 Songs” by: m.dot 1. Maria (You Were The Only Love) 2. Born to Love You 3. Good Times 4. Take Me Back 5. Love Song
DID YOU KNOW…? Michael Jackson had nine platinum singles in the United States, trailing only Elvis Presley (27) and Mariah Carey (10). Michael Jackson's Thriller album remained at number one for thirty-seven weeks. On November 14, 1991, Michael Jackson’s music video, Black or White was broadcast simultaneously in 27 countries with an estimated audience of 500 million people. It is the largest audience ever to view a music video. In March 1991, Jackson signed a new record-breaking $890 million contract by Sony. It is still the largest recording contract of all time. Michael Jackson had the fastest ticket sales in history with 700,000 tickets sold in about four hours for the now-cancelled "This Is It" tour that was set to take place this year.
Thriller Griller
by: Chef Eric B. Lewis
Grilled Shrimp & Pesto Pizza 1 (1/4-ounce) package active dry yeast 3/4 cup warm water (105 to 115 degrees F) 1 3/4 to 2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour, plus additional for kneading and dredging 1 1/2 teaspoons salt 2 teaspoons olive oil, plus 1 teaspoon for greasing the bowl Cilantro Pesto, recipe follows 8 ounces buffalo mozzarella, thinly sliced Grilled Shrimp, recipe follows Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish Whisk together the yeast and 1/4 cup of the water in a small bowl and let sit for 5 minutes to proof. Place 1 (3/4 cups) of the flour in a large bowl with the salt. Add the yeast mixture, the remaining water, and oil and stir until combined. Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead until smooth. Grease a large bowl with the remaining 1 teaspoon of oil, add the dough, and turn to coat. Cover and place in a warm place until doubled in volume, about 1 to 1 1/2 hours. Preheat the grill to high. Once the dough has risen, divide it in half. Divide each half into 2 balls. Roll each ball into an 8inch circle. Brush with oil and grill on both sides until golden brown. Spread a few tablespoons of the Cilantro Pesto over each pizza, top with a few slices of buffalo mozzarella, and then top with 4 shrimp and cilantro leaves. Place the pizza on the grill until the cheese melts. Serve hot. Cilantro Pesto: 3/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves 1/4 cup fresh parsley leaves 2 garlic cloves, coarsely chopped 2 tablespoons pine nuts 1/4 cup grated Parmesan 1/2 cup olive oil Salt and freshly ground black pepper Combine all ingredients in a food processor and process until smooth. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Grilled Shrimp: 16 large shrimp, peeled and deveined Olive oil Salt and freshly ground black pepper Preheat the grill to medium-high. Brush each shrimp with oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill for 1 to 2 minutes per side or until just cooked through (shrimp will be opaque and turn pink).
They say death and tragedy affects everyone differently. For me, the death of Michael Jackson provoked me to do something I had never done before. In memory of the King of Pop, I purposely tuned in to the BET Awards. Since I became an adult, BET has left a bad taste in my mouth. I think when Donnie Simpson left BET, I did too. So that let’s you know how long I had been a staunch BET avoider. The buzz on the ‘net was BET changed up the entire show to be a tribute to Michael Jackson. This I had to see! The show had some highlights such as New Edition’s performance with Bobby Brown, BBD performing Poison, Jamie Foxx and Neyo’s rendition of “I’ll Be There”, Maxwell’s finale and Janet Jackson ‘s tear-jerking remarks. The show also had some lowlights; Beyonce’s Ave Maria, Ving Rhames horribly re-enacting his “Baby Boy” character and the very hard to look at (and even harder to listen to) Tiny . What I loved mot about the BET Awards, really had nothing to do with the show. The true highlight for me was being on Facebook and seeing all of my friends’ status messages as they were watching the show. It seemed that every one of my African-American Facebook buddies was tuning in and weighing in. The comments ran the gamut from sheer accolades to un-repeatable disses. Whether we liked the show or hated it, the fact remained we were all tuned in. and very full of opinions; that we rapidly shared. I felt like I was watching the BET Awards surrounded by 518 of my rowdiest friends . And each time a new status message was posted, it was akin to someone in the theater yelling out stuff at the screen that would make everyone else holler with laughter. There was a unity that I hadn’t personally felt since our recent presidential election and the celebrations that followed. The death of Michael Jackson was the catalyst that enabled BET to single-handedly turn Facebook into a Twitter-esque atmosphere. And though only for one night, it was very memorable.
Here we’ve compiled just a few of the commentary made by StarChild’s Facebook buddies during the BET Awards Show:
5 QUESTIONS THAT WENT THROUGH MY MIND WHILE WATCHING THE BET AWARDS SHOW: 5. Who greenlighted Tiny and Toya’s show?
4. What was Joe Jackson thinking during Janet’s remarks? 3. Why were there underage girls on stage during Drake’s performance?
Joe Jackson said “We just lost the world’s greatest entertainer.” Ummm., that was your son! – Ryan Hodge
I wish Beyonce would Ava Maria off the stage Angelique
2. I wonder who had to clean up all the feathers from Maxwell’s performance? 1. Guns is Michael Jackson?
2300 Jackson Street
The Comfort Zone
by: Angela Ratcliffe
When I started my own business, I believed that I was right about most things and that anyone who didn't agree with me, had a problem. That is where I was most comfortable. In my way of doing things. Sometimes we are our own worst enemy. We may feel that other people are difficult to deal with when in fact, it may be our own self that is the difficult person. I had to learn that my personal growth in all areas of my life were perfected by and practically depended on me coming out of my own "comfort zone" which I discovered were my perceptions or my feelings of being content. It made for a very unhappy me. I realized that what I thought was comforting was, in fact, very uncomfortable. I had to accept that the limits to my abilities are endless as long as I was willing to step out of what was familiar and to always seek alternative ways even if they were not my ways. It is easier to stay in a situation that is familiar and I discovered that I should never be comfortable in any one situation for a long time. This proved true in my relationships, my employment and my living environment. Often times, if I didn't move out of a situation that I had become use to that was either too good or too bad, I was forced out one way or another. I was fired from a job of 12 years back in 2003 that paid very well. I thought it was the worst thing that ever happened to me, when actually it was one of the greatest blessings of my life. The experience, which was very uncomfortable catapulted me to a whole new level of my career and success. While I rely on God to guide the order of my steps, I would like to share some practical thoughts to those of you who have found yourselves 'too comfortable' in your situation. These will work in most every area of your life (relationships, employment/career, health & well being, friendships);
"We find comfort among those who agree with us and growth among those who don't.“ 1: TRUST YOUR GUT (IT'S USUALLY GOD TALKING) If you feel like something is wrong, it probably is. If it feels like a burning desire where you feel like something requires action, move on that thought as long as it won't cause harm to the next. Remember...this is for the betterment of YOURSELF. God gave us all a conscious. It's a gift from Him that let's you know when it's time to move on or move along. 2. DON'T BE AFRAID Fear hinders the soul. We were not born afraid. It is an emotion that tricks the mind into believing you cannot achieve. Never be afraid to try a new thing because you have never experienced the consequences. Consequences are not always bad and are often building blocks to growth and understanding. Failure is an event, not a person.
3. LISTEN MORE THAN YOU TALK I have always gotten along better observing others and listening. Most people just want to be heard, anyway. We don't have to agree with everything we hear, but we do learn more by listening. My business is successful today because I listened to a supervisor whom I couldn't stand. She told me "God gave you two ears and one mouth for a reason." I was insulted at the time but it turned out to be one of the most brilliant statements I've ever heard! 4. THERE'S ALWAYS SOMETHING TO LEARN Most of us are comfortable when everyone agrees with us and thinks we are perfect or when our situation is perfect. The truth of the matter is, you can learn from your critics. Ask other people how they see you, not only at your best but even at your worst. Business Owners....your most unhappy customers are your greatest source of learning!
5. THE LAW OF RECIPROCITY You draw to yourself what you put out. The measure of your success will be determined in how you treat other people. 6. NEVER GIVE UP If success is your goal, TRY! If you tried one thing, try the next. If you tried the next, try something you never tried. If you try something you never tried, ask for help. If you asked for help, try that. 7. BE PATIENT We have been taught for years that patience is a virtue. Just because your blessings may appear to take forever to come to fruition doesn't mean they aren't coming. Use the time to discover the hidden message in the experience. It may be practical knowledge in the preparation for the ultimate task.
Top Five Best Cities for Jobs Most of the cities listed below have shown that they have what it takes to survive in tough times. If better days are coming, these areas seem best positioned to be the next drivers of the economic expansion this nation sorely needs.
No. 5: Dallas-Plano-Irving, Texas Dallas should actually be called one of the ‘least worst’ places to live. The city has actually experienced negative growth, by 0.1%, since 2007. The biggest gains came from government (3.4%) and education and health services (4.6%). Natural resources, mining and construction saw the biggest downward trend; that sector reversed from 18.1% cumulative growth between 2003 and 2007 to a 3.4% decline in 2008.
No. 4: Fort Worth-Arlington, Texas The metropolitan area surrounding Fort Worth has been slowing down but still looks relatively healthy. Cumulative growth in employment from 2000 to 2008 was 30%. Transportation employment held mostly level with 0.1% growth, but that's a relatively robust figure compared with huge losses among rust-belt cities in Michigan, Ohio, Illinois and Wisconsin.
No. 3: San Antonio, Texas Cumulative growth between 2000 and 2008 for education and health care in San Antonio was 34.2%; so far, no slowdown is reflected. Still, overall jobs increased only 0.5% in 2008, down from cumulative growth of 10.8% between 2004 and 2007.
No. 2: Houston-Sugar Land-Baytown, Texas Houston - and its surrounding areas, Sugar Land and Baytown - didn't see any single sector of employment rise dramatically in 2008, but modest growth across many categories, including natural resources, mining and construction; education and health services and wholesale, prevented losses. During the first half of 2008, Texan cities supported comparatively high numbers of manufacturing jobs as construction boomed and oil prices rose.
No. 1: Austin-Round Rock, Texas Of all the large cities with the best employment prospects, Austin is the leader. Job growth between 2004 and 2008 was a whopping 14.8%. In some ways Austin is representative of nationwide changes in employment. For example, as manufacturing waned jobs in that sector decreased by a third. But service sectors like education and health, leisure and hospitality, and others grew tremendously.
To see all 10 of the best cities for jobs, click here: http://tinyurl.com/JulyStarChild-bestcities (Courtesy of Forbes.com)
Prototype Nokia Phone Recharges Without Wires Nokia has invented a cell phone that recharges itself using ambient radio waves from the air, and turning that energy into usable power. While "traditional" wireless power systems are specifically designed with a transmitter and receiver in mind, Nokia's system is flexible about where it gets its wireless waves. TV, radio, other mobile phone systems energy bounce around the air and most of it is wasted, absorbed into the environment or scattered into the ether. Nokia‘s phone picks up all the bits and pieces of these waves and uses the collected electromagnetic energy to create electrical current, then uses that to recharge the phone's battery. A huge range of frequencies can be utilized by the system . Currently Nokia is able to harvest all of 5 milliwatts from the air; the goal is to increase that to 20 milliwatts in the short term and 50 milliwatts down the line. That wouldn't be enough to keep the phone alive during an active call, but would be enough to slowly recharge the cell phone battery while it's in standby mode, theoretically offering infinite power -- provided that the phone is not in a place where radio waves can't penetrate. Nokia says it hopes to commercialize the technology in three to five years.
An Eye on Public Health in the African American Community
Diabetes in African Americans The National Health Interview Surveys (NHIS) show that African Americans have a rising prevalence of diabetes. Most African Americans with diabetes have Type 2 (no insulin-dependent diabetes). Type 2 diabetes usually develops after age 40. However, in high-risk populations, susceptible people may develop it at a younger age. A small number of African Americans have Type I or insulindependent diabetes, which usually develops before age 20. NHIS conducted a survey from 1991 to 1992 that indicates higher rates of diabetes among African Americans than among white Americans. At age 45 or older, the prevalence of diabetes is 1.4 to 2.3 times as frequent in blacks as in whites. The greatest difference seen in NHIS was among people aged 65 to 74. Within this age range, 17.4 percent of black Americans had been diagnosed with diabetes, compared to 9.5 percent Of white Americans. Type 1 Diabetes Type 1 diabetes is a complex disorder caused by the body's inability to produce insulin. Insulin is a hormone manufactured and secreted by the pancreas. Specifically, it is produced by cells called beta cells, which are located in a region of the pancreas called the islets of Langerhans. Insulin is essential for the cells of your body to metabolize glucose properly and function normally. Type 1 diabetes accounts for only 5 percent to 10 percent of all cases of diabetes. The other forms are type 2 diabetes and gestational diabetes. Type 1 diabetes has also been known as insulin-dependent mellitus (IDDM), juvenile onset diabetes mellitus, ketosis-prone diabetes mellitus and immune-mediated diabetes. It usually begins in childhood or adolescence, but is a lifelong disease, since there is no cure. However, effective treatment allows most people with type 1 diabetes to live long lives. Type 1 diabetes has a prevalence rate of approximately 8% in African-Americans.
At age 45 or older, the prevalence of diabetes is 1.4 to 2.3 times as frequent in blacks as in whites. Type 2 Diabetes The frequency of diabetes in black adults is influenced by the same risk factors that are associated with Type 2 diabetes in Americans. The first is genetics, which includes inherited traits and group ancestry. The second is medical risk factors, including impaired glucose tolerance, hyperinsulinemia and insulin resistance, and obesity. The third is lifestyle risk factors, including physical activity. Inherited Traits Researchers suggest that African Americans and recent
African immigrants to America have inherited a "thrifty gene" from their African ancestors. Years ago, this gene enabled Africans, during "feast and famine" cycles, to use food energy more efficiently when food was scarce. Today, with fewer "feast and famine" cycles, the thrifty gene that developed for survival may instead make weight control more difficult. This genetic predisposition, along with impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), often occurs together with the genetic tendency toward high blood pressure. Obesity is a major medical risk factor for diabetes in African Americans. The National Health and Nutrition Survey (NHANESII), conducted between 1976 and 1980, showed substantially higher rates of obesity in African Americans aged 20 to 74 years of age who had diabetes, compared to those who did not have diabetes. Although African Americans have higher rates of obesity, researchers do not believe that obesity alone accounts for their higher prevalence of diabetes. Even when compared to white Americans with the same levels of obesity, age, and socioeconomic status, African Americans still have higher rates of diabetes. Other factors, yet to be understood, appear to be at work. Physical activity is a strong protective factor against Type 2 diabetes. Researchers suspect that a lack of exercise is one factor contributing to the unusually high rates of diabetes in older African-American women. Compared to white Americans, African Americans experience higher rates of three diabetes complications blindness, kidney failure, and amputations. They also experience greater disability from these complications. Some factors that influence the frequency of these complications, such as delay in diagnosis and treatment of diabetes, denial of diabetes, abnormal blood lipids, high blood pressure, and cigarette smoking, can be influenced by proper diabetes management. Does Diabetes Cause Excess Deaths in African Americans? Diabetes was an uncommon cause of death among African Americans at the turn of the century. By 1993, however, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Center for Health Statistics, death certificates listed diabetes as the fifth leading cause of death for African Americans aged 45 to 64, and the third leading cause of death for those aged 65 and older in 1990. Diabetes is more dangerous for African-American women, for whom it was the third leading cause of death for all ages in 1990. Diabetes death rates may actually be higher than these studies show for two reasons. First, diabetes might not have been diagnosed. Many doctors don’t list diabetes as a cause of death even when the person was known to have it. Published by Tyra T. Ellis, M.S.P.H Member, American Public Health Association Doctoral Candidate - Walden University School of Public Health
Let’s Learn From the Pests: Even Cockroaches Get Fat When They Eat Bad Food Cockroaches may be tiny enough to slip through the smallest of cracks, but just like humans, these eternal pests can get fat on an unhealthy diet. As part of a decade's worth of research on cockroaches, Patricia Moore of the University of Exeter studied how female cockroaches change their mating behavior in response to their diet, specifically what they eat when they are young. "We already knew that what they eat as adults influences reproductive decisions," Moore said. But just how the food they consumed early in life shaped these decisions wasn't known. To find out, Moore and her colleagues picked young female cockroach nymphs and divided them into two dietary groups. Half were fed a good-quality balanced diet of protein-rich fish food and high-carbohydrate oatmeal, while the rest were raised on fish food only. Both groups were allowed to eat as much as they wanted. The difference in diets "was not quantity but variety," Moore said. After the last molt, when the nymphs became adults, the team switched the diets of some animals. Half of the cockroaches raised with good quality diet lost their oatmeal, while half of the bugs fed poorly were promoted to a good-quality diet. Eighteen days after the switch, the diet control ended and some of the surviving cockroaches were dissected. The rest were allowed to live on and reproduce. The results: While the lifespan of the members of both groups was about the same, the cockroaches on the poor diet were fatter and took longer to mature. Moore suggests that the poorly fed bugs were storing up excess fat at the expense of their growth in case their dietary options got even worse. "This was a surprising result," Moore said, "but it shows the importance of a balanced diet for healthy development." The effects of unbalanced meals continued throughout the cockroaches' lives, even for the few that were switched to goodquality food. Females that ate a poor-quality diet were less willing to mate and less likely to produce offspring. They were also more picky and spent more time considering possible mates. The findings suggest that "poor diets [during early life] have an effect on the way cockroaches respond to their environment and cannot be reset later on," Moore said.
Obesity and bedwetting linked to Sleep Apnea in Children Children who are overweight and wet the bed at night may have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), researchers report. Both being overweight and wetting the bed are associated with the nighttime breathing disorder, they found. However, overweight and bedwetting are not associated with each other. In a "case-control" study, Dr. Joseph G. Barone, of Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, New Jersey, and colleagues performed overnight sleep studies in 149 children between the ages of 5 and 15 with OSA, and 139 matched control children. They combined that data with information from medical records, including age, gender, height, weight, frequency of bedwetting, history of snoring, diabetes, nasal allergies, and/or enlarged tonsils. According to Barone and colleagues, there was a significant association between both bedwetting and overweight and OSA. Bedwetting raised the likelihood of OSA more than fivefold and being overweight raised the likelihood of OSA more than fourfold. However, their associations are independent of each other, the researchers note. Barone's team suggests that doctors consider OSA in overweight children who wet the bed, especially when they display other symptoms of OSA or fail to respond to standard bedwetting treatment programs. SOURCE: Pediatrics, July 2009.
JESSICA, Chicago
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