Planting Female Trees in Green Spaces can Prevent Asthma

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By Reginia Dodson, Intern and UAB Community Health and Human Services Student

Photo by Iqbal farooz on Pexels.com

 Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease that affects millions of people worldwide, and the African American community is disproportionately affected by this condition. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), African Americans are three times more likely to die from asthma-related causes than non-Hispanic whites (2021). Environmental factors contribute to the higher incidence of asthma in African American communities. Poor air quality, exposure to pollutants, and lack of access to green spaces are all associated with an increased risk of asthma (National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, 2021).  

One potential solution to reducing the incidence of asthma in African American communities is the planting of female trees in green spaces. Female trees are known for their ability to capture and filter pollutants from the air, such as nitrogen dioxide and ozone, which are known asthma triggers. Studies have shown that planting female trees in urban areas can significantly improve air quality and reduce the risk of asthma (Donovan et al., 2013). Female trees produce less pollen than male trees, making them more suitable for individuals with pollen allergies, which can trigger asthma symptoms (U.S. Department of Agriculture, 2021).

In addition to improving air quality, green spaces have been shown to positively impact overall health and well-being. Access to green spaces can improve mental health, reduce stress and anxiety, and promote physical activity, all of which contribute to improve respiratory health (Kondo et al., 2018).  Community-based programs that encourage the planting of female trees in green spaces can effectively reduce the incidence of asthma in African American communities. These programs can be tailored to meet the specific needs of the community and provide education on the benefits of green spaces and the importance of respiratory health.

In conclusion, asthma is a significant health issue that disproportionately affects African American communities. Planting female trees in green spaces can improve air quality and reduce the risk of asthma, promoting overall health and well-being. Community-based programs that promote the planting of female trees in green spaces effectively reduce the incidence of asthma and improve respiratory health outcomes in African American communities.

 

References:

 

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Asthma in the U.S. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/asthma/asthma_stats/default.htm.

 

Donovan, G. H., Butry, D. T., Michael, Y. L., Prestemon, J. P., Liebhold, A. M., Gatziolis, D., & Mao, M. Y. (2013). The relationship between trees and human health: evidence from the spread of the emerald ash borer. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 44(2), 139-145.

 

Kondo, M. C., Fluehr, J. M., McKeon, T., Branas, C. C., & Mobile, V. M. (2018). Urban green space and its impact on human health. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 15(3), 445.

 

National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. (2021). What Is Asthma? Retrieved from https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/asthma

 

U.S. Department of Agriculture. (2021). Female and Male Trees. Retrieved from https://www.fs.fed.us/learn/trees/difference-between-female-and-male-trees

Preventing and Managing Strokes in the African American Community

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By Reginia Dodson, Intern and UAB Community Health and Human Services Student

Photo by Yaroslav Shuraev on Pexels.com

Strokes are a significant health concern in the African American community. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), African Americans have a higher risk of stroke than any other racial or ethnic group in the United States. This increased risk is due to various factors, including high blood pressure, obesity, and diabetes, all of which are more prevalent in the African American community (“Stroke facts,” 2022).

Studies have shown that African Americans are more likely to have strokes at younger ages than other populations, with an average age of 64 years old compared to 71 years old for Caucasians (Howard et al., 2013). The prevalence of strokes in the African American community highlights the need for effective solutions to address this issue.

One solution is to increase awareness and education about stroke prevention and treatment in the African American community. This can be done through community outreach programs, educational materials, and public awareness campaigns. Increasing knowledge about the risk factors for stroke, including high blood pressure, smoking, and diabetes, can help individuals take steps to reduce their risk of stroke.

Additionally, it is essential to provide access to healthcare services, including screenings for high blood pressure and diabetes, which are significant contributors to stroke risk. Access to healthcare services can be increased by investing in community health centers, which provide primary healthcare services to underserved populations. Community health centers are particularly important in the African American community, where there are often significant disparities in healthcare access and outcomes (Schneider & Epstein, 2002). Investing in community health centers and increasing health insurance coverage can also help ensure that all individuals have access to the necessary healthcare services to prevent and manage stroke.

Increasing awareness and education about stroke prevention and treatment, and improving access to healthcare services, can help reduce the incidence of strokes in the African American community. We must work together to ensure that all individuals have access to the necessary resources and support to prevent and manage strokes.

References

Howard, G., Cushman, M., Kissela, B. M., Kleindorfer, D. O., McClure, L. A., Safford, M. M., … & Moy, C. S. (2013). Traditional risk factors as the underlying cause of racial disparities in stroke: lessons from the half-full (empty?) glass. Stroke, 44(2_suppl_1), S123-S125.

Schneider, E. C., Zaslavsky, A. M., & Epstein, A. M. (2002). Racial disparities in the quality of care for enrollees in Medicare managed care. Jama, 287(10), 1288-1294.

Stroke facts. (2022, October 14). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/stroke/facts.htm

Hugs can Impact your Health!

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By Jessica Feagin | Intern and UAB Community Health and Human Services Student

Photo by August de Richelieu on Pexels.com

I love a great big hug from my family and friends. To me, hugs provide comfort, security, and love. Hugs are more than just a friendly greeting; surprisingly, they can be a powerful booster for your health. A hug releases several hormones, such as oxytocin, serotonin, and dopamine, which help lowers anxiety, stress, and blood pressure (Kumar & MBBS, n.d.). A ten-second hug helps the body fight infections and lessens depression and tiredness. A twenty-second hug reduces the harmful effects of stress and boosts heart health. Increasing the hug ratio results in better immunity, decreased cravings, and improved healing.

Hugs may boost your heart health. A study of 200 participants was split into groups. The first group had romantic partners hold hands for ten minutes, followed by a twenty-second hug with each other, and the second group just sat in silence for ten minutes and twenty seconds. The participants in the first group showed reductions in blood pressure and heart rate than the second group (Cirino, n.d.).

Hugging improves our sleep, as gentle touch lowers the hormone cortisol levels. Cortisol is an essential regulator of our sleep-wake cycle. Hugs could also help us fight off infections. Through regulation of the hormones cortisol and oxytocin, hugging can affect our body’s immune response. High-stress levels can suppress our ability to fight infections (“Four ways hugs are good for your health,” n.d.).

Not only does hugging impact the health of adults, but there are also substantial amounts of research that have shown that skin-to-skin contact, such as hugging between mother and baby, can yield benefits such as improved sleep, reduced crying, reduced anxiety, sense of body ownership, and correct production of growth hormone. Hugging a newborn increases weight and improves overall development (Kumar & MBBS, n.d.).

Hugging can impact your health and have many benefits. Hugging is easy, quick, and free. Everyone can benefit from a hug, even if you give yourself a big squeeze. Hugging is something everyone can do, so be sure to get your hugs every single day.

References:

Cirino, E. (n.d.). Why you should get (and give) more hugs. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/hugging-benefits

Four ways hugs are good for your health. (n.d.). Greater Good. https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/four_ways_hugs_are_good_for_your_health

Kumar, K., & MBBS. (n.d.). How do hugs make you feel? Eleven benefits of a proper deep hug. MedicineNet. https://www.medicinenet.com/how_do_hugs_make_you_feel/article.htm

The Health Benefits of Chewing Gum …. Sugarless Gum That Is!

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By Jessica Feagin | Intern and UAB Community Health and Human Services Student

Photo by Karolina Grabowska on Pexels.com

Most adults have chewed gum. Surprisingly, this little habit has some health benefits.

Chewing gum can decrease your waistline. A study by the University of Liverpool concluded that chewing gum can slightly curb your cravings, causing you to make better eating choices. In one study, gum chewers ate 36 fewer calories than those who didn’t chew gum. From chewing a stick of gum, you burn eleven calories an hour. Over time, those calories will add up. Chewing gum, (sugarless gum that is), keeps your teeth healthy by increasing saliva flow and removing food debris. An increase in saliva flow can reduce plaque acid, strengthen your teeth, and reduce tooth decay (SelectHealth, 2019). Chewing gum can improve memory by increasing blood flow to your brain.

Professor Andrew Sholey concluded that your short-term memory could be improved by 35 percent by chewing a stick of gum (Young, 2002). According to one study, chewing gum, especially mint flavored, can help fight drowsiness and sleepiness (Johnson et al., 2012). So, if you’re tired and need to stay alert, chew some gum. Chewing gum can also reduce heartburn and acid reflux by lowering the acid levels in your esophagus. In a 2011 study, it was concluded that chewing gum twice a day for two weeks reduced depression, anxiety, fatigue, and other mental illnesses (Sasaki-Otomaru, 2011).

Although chewing gum has tons of benefits, sugar-sweetened gum can be bad for your teeth because sugar is digested by the harmful bacteria in your mouth, causing a build-up of plaque and tooth decay on your teeth over time (West, n.d.). With all the surprising health benefits of chewing gum, picking up a pack of sugarless gum from a convenience store or vending machine sounds like a good idea.

References

Johnson, A. J., Miles, C., Haddrell, B., Harrison, E., Osborne, L., Wilson, N., & Jenks, R. (2012). The effect of chewing gum on physiological and self-rated measures of alertness and daytime sleepiness. Physiology & Behavior, 105(3), 815-820. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.physbeh.2011.10.020

Sasaki-Otomaru, A. (2011). Effect of regular gum chewing on anxiety, mood, and fatigue levels in healthy young adults. Clinical Practice & Epidemiology in Mental Health, 7(1), 133-139. https://doi.org/10.2174/1745017901107010133

Surprising benefits of chewing gum | SelectHealth. (2019, January 3). SelectHealth.org. https://selecthealth.org/blog/2017/04/surprising-benefits-of-chewing-gum

West, H. (n.d.). Chewing gum: Good or bad? Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/chewing-gum-good-or-bad

Young, E. (2002, March 13). Chewing gum improves memory. New Scientist. https://www.newscientist.com/article/dn2039-chewing-gum-improves-memory/

Limiting Screen Time in Our Little Ones

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By Jessica Feagin | Intern and UAB Community Health and Human Services Student

Photo by Harrison Haines on Pexels.com

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends avoiding screen time for children younger than 18 to 24 months, except for talking with family members. The AAP also recommends limiting screen time for preschool children, ages 2 to 5, to just one hour a day of high-quality programming, such as Sesame Street and other educational shows. Watching educational shows with characters playing and interacting cooperatively can model good social skills (“NewYork-Presbyterian, 2021).

Screen time is the amount of time spent on devices such as tablets, smartphones, computers, and televisions. Too much screen time can be related to obesity, irregular sleep, behavioral problems, impaired academic performance, violence, and less time for play (Christensen & CNP, 2021). Find other activities to do with your children, such as reading, teaching, and playing together. Designating media-free zones such as the bedroom and dining table can be beneficial. Children should not sleep with devices in their bedrooms, including TVs, computers, and smartphones (HealthyChildren.org, n.d.).

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has designed a Family Media Plan to help families make wise media choices. The AAP recommends that families follow the family media plan to consider the health, education, and entertainment needs of the whole family and each child (AAP, n.d.).

As a mother of a three- and five-year-old, and in today’s world, it can be tough to keep toddlers and children away from media devices. Of course, keeping them “preoccupied” with media devices can keep them from crying or from climbing on furniture, but on the other hand, it is vital to understand the risks that are related to increased screen time and should work hard to follow the recommendations provided by The American Academy of Pediatrics. How do you limit screen time with your little ones?

References

Christensen, J., & C.N.P. (2021, May 28). Children and too much screen time. Mayo Clinic Health System. https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/children-and-screen-time

Media and children. (n.d.). Home. https://www.aap.org/en/patient-care/media-and-children/

What does too much screen time do to kids’ brains? (2021, November 3). NewYork-Presbyterian. https://healthmatters.nyp.org/what-does-too-much-screen-time-do-to-childrens-brains/

Where we stand: Screen time. (n.d.). HealthyChildren.org. https://healthychildren.org/English/family-life/Media/Pages/Where-We-Stand-TV-Viewing-Time.aspx

Do People with Dogs Live Longer?

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By Terrie Johnson, Intern and UAB Community Health and Human Services Student

Photo by Humphrey Muleba on Pexels.com

The benefits of owning a dog as a pet are great and shows that having a canine companion makes the owners happier and healthier. Taking a dog for a walk in the evenings or on weekends is refreshing, enabling the owner to unwind and refresh the mind. Furthermore, walking is a form of physical exercise that eliminates the possibility of leading a sedentary lifestyle that increases the risk of obesity and other lifestyle-related illnesses. Dog ownership has health benefits that emanate from walking the pet, the overall happiness that comes with being in charge of the dog, and the possibility of the dog saving the owner in times of crisis, such as a heart attack or an intrusion by a potentially harmful trespasser.

The benefits of owning a dog outweigh the maintenance costs and the time spent with the pet. Research shows that regular interactions with dogs increase the production of happiness-inducing hormones, such as serotonin, oxytocin, and dopamine, all of which contribute to longer lives (Gee et al., 2021). Perpetually happy people tend to have reduced risks, such as the risk of self-harm originating from unmanageable stress levels (Powell et al., 2019). Correspondingly, research shows that owning a dog increases the owner’s mental health, effectively reducing depression while boosting life satisfaction levels (Rodriguez, 2019). Thus, dog ownership will likely increase as people become aware of the numerous benefits they stand to gain.

Dog ownership has always been a favorite hobby for millions worldwide. Most domestic dogs are obedient, can run errands, and alert the owner when an intruder approaches. The deep bond and calming effect are vital aspects of living, which makes life worth every moment. In line with this, people should embrace dog ownership to benefit from longer lives, but they should equally take optimal care of the pets to ensure they are healthy so that they can serve them well.

References

Gee, N. R., Rodriguez, K. E., Fine, A. H., & Trammell, J. P. (2021) dogs supporting human health and well-being: A biopsychosocial approach. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 8. 630465. Doi: 10.3389/fvets.2021.630465

Powell, L. et al. (2019). Companion dog acquisition and mental well-being: a community-based three-arm controlled study. BMC Public Health, 19(1428). 1-10 Doi.org/10.1186/s12889-019-7770-5

Rodriguez, A. (2019). Owning a dog can help you live longer, study suggests. USA Today. https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2019/10/08/aha-journal-study-owning-dog-may-help-you-live-longer/3907770002/

Say No to Road Rage!

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By Jessica Feagin, Intern and UAB Community Health and Human Services Student

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

Road rage can be defined as uncontrolled or violent anger in response to a driving-related behavior, which is a factor in many fatal motor vehicle accidents (Progressive, 2022). Some examples of road rage could be yelling at each other, honking your horn, making rude gestures, tailgating, or weaving through traffic. More extreme examples of road rage could be a physical confrontation or intentional ramming into other cars. Most people experiencing road rage are usually deal with a stressful situation or some emotional crisis. Most people have probably dealt with road rage, even if they were calm. It is vital to handle the situation appropriately, not to make things worse and put yourself in danger.

According to AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety’s 2019 data, nearly 80 percent of drivers expressed significant anger, aggression, or road rage behind the wheel at least once in the previous 30 days (AAA, 2019.). In addition, an AAA Foundation study looked at over 10,000 road rage incidents over seven years, which resulted in at least 218 murders and 12,610 injuries.

If you are prone to road rage and think this has become a problem, some steps to take could be to get adequate rest, limit alcohol, leave earlier for your destination, play soothing music, be aware of your driving, and put pictures of your loved ones on the dashboard to remind you that you want to come home to them. If you are a victim or target of road rage, don’t make eye contact, pull off the road or take the next exit if necessary, calm yourself, don’t return gestures, change lanes if being tailgated, stay behind the angry person, and if someone wants to pass you, slow down and let them (Lawrence, 2003). If the road rager is following you, do not hesitate to call the authorities. Do not take a chance. That can be a very dangerous and serious situation. Protect yourself and others, and say no to road rage! Have you ever been a victim of road rage? If so, let us know about your experience and how you handled the situation.

References

Aggressive driving. (n.d.). AAA Exchange – Advocacy. Communication. Education. https://exchange.aaa.com/safety/driving-advice/aggressive-driving/

How to deal with aggressive drivers. (n.d.). An Insurance Company You Can Rely On | Progressive. https://www.progressive.com/answers/how-to-deal-with-aggressive-drivers/

Lawrence, J. (2003, February 3). Road rage root cause. WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/women/features/root-cause-of-road-rage

The Power of the Banana Peel

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By Jessica Feagin | Intern and UAB Community Health and Human Services Student

Photo by SHVETS production on Pexels.com

One evening while sitting in a hospital waiting room while my dad was in surgery, I noticed a man rubbing a banana peel across his face and arms. Naturally, I was wondering what he was doing, so I went to Google to search for the benefits of rubbing a banana peel on the body. Surprisingly, a banana peel has several health benefits in skin care, hair health, teeth whitening, and first aid.

Banana peels can be used for skin care by rubbing it on your face to reduce wrinkles and brighten skin, reduces puffiness by placing the peel on your eyes, hydrates the skin, helps fade acne scars, treat psoriasis, and removes warts by taping a piece of ripe banana peel over the wart and leaving it there overnight. It has been suggested in the cosmetic industry to use a banana peel as an ingredient in a hair mask to make your hair softer and shinier. Natural healing practitioners also claim that rubbing a banana peel on your teeth is good for teeth and gums, and if you do that every day, it may whiten your teeth. The anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties in banana peels can be used in first aid to relieve itch due to poison ivy, bug bite, or sunburn. It can also reduce the pain from a headache by placing a frozen banana peel on the forehead and back of your neck (Frothingham, n.d.).

The vitamin B6 in banana peels combined with high levels of tryptophan in bananas can relieve symptoms of mood disorders and depression and can help improve sleep. Banana peels rich in fiber can help regulate the digestive system, relieving diarrhea and constipation. The vitamin A in banana peels can help keep your eyes healthy and strong. Eating unripe and green banana peels can help reduce cancer risk by increasing antioxidant levels (WebMD Editorial Contributors, 2020). Some ways to make a banana peel more delicious is by blending it into smoothies, baking it with cinnamon and sugar, or caramelizing it with water and sugar to use as an ice cream topping.

Do you like bananas? So before you throw your banana peel in the trash, think twice about that and think about all the health benefits and the power that is within the banana peel.

References

Frothingham, S. (2019, August 29). 23 banana peel uses: For skin care, hair health, first aid, and more. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/banana-peel-uses

WebMD. (n.d.). Banana peel: Health benefits, nutrients, preparation, and more. WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/diet/health-benefits-banana-peel

Good Sleep Matters!

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By Jessica Feagin, Intern and UAB Community Health and Human Services Student

Photo by Andrea Piacquadio on Pexels.com

Getting proper and sound sleep is essential for everyone. It improves your health, brain performance, and mood. Not getting regularly appropriate and good sleep can increase the risk of many disorders, including stroke and heart disease, dementia, and obesity. We need quality sleep because sleep helps the brain prepare to learn, create, and remember (NIH, 2022).

When you’re sleeping, essential tasks that benefit your physical health by your body and brain are performed. For example, your immune system releases proteins called cytokines, which defend against inflammation and illnesses. When you’re sick, these proteins increase in your body; however, when you’re sleep-deprived, the production of cytokines may dip, making you more vulnerable to viruses and colds. Good sleep is also beneficial for your heart. When you sleep, your heart rate and blood pressure decrease, allowing your cardiovascular system to slow down (Juli Fraga, 2022)

As a woman, we have heard about “getting your beauty rest.” Good sleep benefits your skin. When you’re asleep, collagen is produced, a protein that prevents wrinkles and repairs the skin. Conversely, insufficient sleep can produce cortisol, making your eyes red and puffy and causing skin flare-ups (Juli Fraga, 2022).

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that adults ages 18-60 get seven or more hours of sleep per night. Tips provided by the CDC (2022) for better sleep are to:

  • Be consistent by going to bed at the same time at night and waking up at the same time each morning
  • Make sure your bedroom is relaxing, dark, quiet, and at a comfortable temperature
  • Remove all electronic devices from the bedroom
  • Avoid alcohol, large meals, and caffeine before bed
  • Exercise during the day to help you fall asleep more easily at night

Lack of proper sleep can impact your body in many ways. What tips do you have for those struggling to get a good night’s sleep?

References

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022b, September 13). Tips for better sleep. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/sleep/about_sleep/sleep_hygiene.html

Juli Fraga, Psy. D. (2022, February 25). Why sleep matters more than ever. Sleep.com. https://www.sleep.com/sleep-health/why-sleep-matters-more-than-ever

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2022, July 15). Good sleep for good health. National Institutes of Health. https://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2021/04/good-sleep-good-health

What You Should Know About Adult Eczema

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By Terrie Johnson | UAB Community Health & Human Services Intern

Photo by Karolina Grabowska on Pexels.com (Figure 1)

Eczema is a type of dermatitis that causes the skin to be dry and itchy. This condition reduces the skin barrier function, reducing the organ’s ability to retain moisture and protect the body from external elements. Eczema is a common problem in adults but is not contagious. Although painless, eczema results in unsightly appearances {Figure 1}, and one may develop sores after scratching the skin.

Eczema affects each person differently, and every individual diagnosed with this condition has different triggers. The primary causes of eczema include environmental elements, immune system reactions, and emotional imbalance. For example, environmental elements such as dry weather, clothing, detergents, allergens, air pollutants, and skin care products can cause eczema (Luschkova et al., 2021). In addition, an individual’s immune system may perceive small irritants as foreign invaders and activate the body’s defense mechanism, resulting in inflammation. Regarding emotional triggers, one’s mental health may result in flare-ups of eczema. For example, anxiety and depression can be common triggers in some individuals.

Concerning treatment, there is no cure for eczema; however, an individual may adopt some treatment approaches to manage the condition. One can avoid environmental eczema triggers like dry weather, soaps, and skincare products. In addition, a person may take oral antihistamines and corticosteroids to minimize inflammation and itching. Moreover, applying gentle moisturizers when experiencing dry skin can help manage eczema. Avoiding triggers, taking medications, and applying moisturizers can also help manage eczema symptoms.

To summarize, eczema is a type of dermatitis that makes the skin dry and itchy. The condition primarily results from triggers like environmental elements, immune system reactions, and emotional imbalance. Although there is no cure for eczema, an individual may adopt certain treatment plans to manage the condition. Avoiding triggers is the first-line treatment approach for eczema. Do you experience eczema? If so, what treatments worked for you?

References

Luschkova, D., Zeiser, K., Ludwig, A., & Traidl-Hoffmann, C. (2021). Atopic eczema is an environmental disease. Allergologie Select, 5, 244. https://doi.org/10.5414/ALX02258E.

National Eczema Association, (n.d). Atopic dermatitis. (Online image). https://nationaleczema.org/eczema/types-of-eczema/atopic-dermatitis/