Barriers to Getting a Colonoscopy for African Americans       

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By Ashley Peoples| UAB Community Health and Human Services Intern

Photo by Klaus Nielsen on Pexels.co

When we think about going to the doctor, there are many things to consider and thoughts that go through our heads. Many of us dread making appointments because it is either uncomfortable or time-consuming. However, there are barriers that some of us encounter that may make things worse when we consider going to the doctor to get checked for procedures such as a colonoscopy.

 African Americans face barriers that may prevent them from reaching their needed help. Some obstacles may be financial because they may need more money to pay for it. Some low-income African Americans may not understand why they should get a colonoscopy. For example, the article “Preventing Chronic Disease” mentions that in their mixed-methods study, which included African American people and people with low income, barriers identified were a lack of understanding about what to do when being screened and what screening involved” (CDC, 2022). Socioeconomic status is a significant barrier when we think about education. Education relates to health since people must understand why they should get a colonoscopy.  Having a lack of knowledge is also a barrier. The ability to know why you need a colonoscopy makes a difference. When we do not understand a task, we hesitate to perform it. A lack of motivation is another barrier that may decrease the behavior of getting a colonoscopy. The article “Preventing Chronic Diseases “mentions “a lack of motivation to get tested because of reservations about getting the test’ (CDC, 2022).

 Prevention is essential to colon cancer, so getting a colonoscopy matters. I encourage all African Americans to get a colonoscopy and understand why they should get a coloscopy and the benefits of it.

References

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022a, April 21). Adults who have never been screened for colorectal cancer, Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, 2012 and 2020. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/pcd/issues/2022/22_0001.htm

How to help someone having a heat stroke, and how to avoid having one yourself.

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Ashley Peoples | UAB Community Health & Human Services Intern

Photo by Sefa Tekin on Pexels.com

Most places, especially in the south have record breaking heat in the summer months. When the temperature is higher than usual outside, it is a warning for heatstroke. Heat stroke is significant when the body temperature is longer is controlled and above the average temperature. When this happens, the temperature in the body increases fast. The body cannot produce a lower temperature to cool the body off.

Heat stork can cause the body temperature to increase to 106. This temperature occurs in the time frame of 10-15 minutes.

The symptoms of heat stroke are being confused and unaware of what is happening. Confusion is associated with heat stroke, causing an altered mental status. You may lose consciousness or go into a coma. The skin becomes hot and dry, or you may or may not have a heavy amount of sweat. According to The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, “Heat stroke can cause permanent disability or death if the person does not receive emergency treatment” (CDC). If you treat someone, it needs to be within a safe timeframe; this will prevent them from having a permanent disability.

First aid is the key to helping someone that is experiencing heat stroke. It is important to remember to call 911 for help. If someone passes out from heat stroke, the CDC states, you should move them to a shaded area. Cool them down by using cold water or giving them an ice bath, soaking a cloth in cold water, and placing a wet cloth on the person to cool them off. Cool materials should be placed on their head or under their armpits. If anyone experiences heatstroke, these are the method you should follow to help them.

Some preventative measures to avoid extreme heat, according to the CDC include:

  • Stay hydrated
  • NEVER leave children or pets in cars
  • Remain indoors when possible – with air conditioning or proper ventilation
  • When possible, schedule outdoor activities during non-peak hours (avoid mid-day)
  • Wear loose fitting, light weight clothing
  • Take cool showers or baths
  • Check on neighbors and friends

Using preventive measures can help us all enjoy the warmth that summer has to offer while remaining safe. What steps do you take to cool down?

References:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020, July 15). Protect yourself from the dangers of extreme heat. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/toolkits/extremeheat/

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022b, May 13). Heat stress related illness. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/heatstress/heatrelillness.html

What cinnamon can do for your health!

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Ashley Peoples | UAB Community Health & Human Services Intern

Photo by Mareefe on Pexels.com

Do you like the taste of cinnamon? Some people like the taste of cinnamon in dessert dishes such as peach cobbler and apple pie. Some people even like the taste of cinnamon in their coffee. If you enjoy cinnamon, there is some good news about the health benefits of cinnamon.

According to Healthline, cinnamon is high in antioxidants and can fight inflammation and reduce blood sugar levels. Some people with arthritis and lupus have found cinnamon to help reduce inflammation. Cinnamon is related to lowering the development of heart disease. If a person takes ¾ teaspoons of cinnamon daily, triglycerides decrease. Increased triglycerides are a risk for heart disease. (Leech, 2022). Another benefit of cinnamon is that it may increase sensitivity to insulin. Additionally, cinnamon can also decrease blood sugar levels. Healthline states that cinnamon could imitate the benefits of insulin to better the access to sugar in cells. Other reports state cinnamon is being studied as possibly protecting against cancer.
Cinnamon can help with neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s as well. In addition to the health potential of cinnamon, some studies suggest it helps with hair growth (check out cinnamon/honey hair mask).

So the next time you enjoy that spiced latte or green tea, maybe give yourself a pinch of extra cinnamon to give your body a boost.

References

Leech, J. (2022a, October 13). 10 evidence-based health benefits of cinnamon. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/10-proven-benefits-of-cinnamon

Seward, M. (2018, August 8). Amazing benefits of cinnamon for hair. Healthy Focus. https://healthyfocus.org/cinnamon-for-hair/

The Importance of Colorectal Cancer Screening

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By Ashley Peoples| UAB Community Health and Human Services Intern

Photo by SHVETS production on Pexels.com

Have you been screened for colorectal cancer recently, or ever? Well, it may be time for a routine screening if you have not. Colorectal cancer screening is used to detect colorectal cancer. According to the CDC (2023), the screening test will look for cancer when a person does not have symptoms. The development of colorectal cancer comes from precancerous polyps in the colon rectum. The purpose of screening is to look for early detection of cancer. The age for screening has changed from 50 to 45-75 years old due to prevention. According to the CDC, if you are 76-85 years old, you should speak to your doctor about screening. Also, it is essential to know what colorectal cancer screenings are available.

The CDC has created a campaign called “Screen for Life: National Colorectal Cancer Action Campaign.” This campaign presents information to men and women 45 years and older on how imperative it is to get screened for colorectal cancer. The campaign was created in 1999 and is an excellent source for many people who do not know about colorectal cancer screening.

 Below are a few messages stated by the CDC through their campaign, “Screen for Life: National Colorectal Cancer Action Campaign,” that I found excellent motivators for health promotion.

  • “Screening for colorectal cancer saves lives.”
  • “Screening helps find colorectal cancer early when treatment can be very effective.”
  • “You need to get screened even if you have no family history. Most colorectal cancers occur in people with no family history of the disease”.

I urge you to get screened for colorectal cancer if you are 45 years or older, have never been screened, or if it is time for your routine screening. Getting recommended screenings is one of the most important things you can do for your health.

References

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023a, January 25). Screen for Life: National Colorectal Cancer Action Campaign. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/colorectal/sfl/index.htm

Ouch…Mosquito Bites Can Cause Inflammation

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By Ashley Peoples| UAB Community Health and Human Services Intern

Photo by Jimmy Chan on Pexels.com

Have you ever wondered why mosquito bites cause inflammation? I may have the answer. When mosquitoes bite you, they typically bite off the part of the skin that is not covered by clothes. This leaves that bitten area of the skin red or inflamed, and a bump forms. The bump becomes swollen due to the mosquitoes feeding off your blood. According to the Mayo Clinic (2022) website, “Mosquito bites are caused by female mosquitoes feeding on your blood.”

Once the mosquito bites and ingests your blood, saliva is injected into your skin. Their saliva causes a reaction in your immune system that results in itching. According to researchers from the Mayo Clinic (2022), “The saliva triggers an immune system reaction that results in the classic itching and a bump.” The ways to prevent this are by lessening your exposure to mosquitoes, fixing tears or issues in screen windows, and placing a mosquito net over your sleeping area if you are sleeping outdoors.

Use effective insect repellents with ingredients such as DEET, oil of lemon eucalyptus, and para-menthane-diol (PMD). Wearing protective clothing will help as well, such as a hat, long sleeve shirts, and pants. Using preventive medicine is helpful to prevent inflammation from mosquitoes. Vaccinations and medications that help prevent inflammation and reactions from mosquitoes are available by talking to your doctor. You can reduce mosquitoes around your home by regularly emptying outdoor flowerpots, unclogging roof gutters, getting rid of old tires in the yard, and emptying your children’s wading pools often.

  Mosquitoes bite during the day and at night. No one likes getting bitten by mosquitoes, so take control of the protection of your skin and be proactive by taking the necessary steps to protect yourself from mosquito bites.

References

Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2022, October 26). Mosquito bites. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/mosquito-bites/symptoms-causes/syc-20375310

Ladies…When Aunt Flo is Too Heavy

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By Ashley Peoples| UAB Community Health & Human Services Intern

Photo by Karolina Grabowska on Pexels.com

Ladies, how is the flow of your period? It is considered menorrhagia when the period is heavy and lasts for more than seven days. If bleeding heavily, your pad or tampon should be changed often. For example, if you are clotting or bleeding heavily, your pad or tampon should be changed every two hours. According to Bleeding Disorder in Women, “If you need to change your tampon or pad after less than 2 hours or pass clots the size of a quarter or larger, that is heavy bleeding. If you have this type of bleeding, you should see a doctor” (CDC, 2023).

If your heavy periods are not treated, your quality of life can be affected. Some possible causes of heavy menstrual bleeding are tumors, such as fibroids, that are not cancerous. Cancer in the uterus and cervix, certain types of birth control, and hormone-related problems can also cause heavy bleeding. Some tests can be used to understand why you are bleeding heavily. Some of the tests that can be used are blood, pap, and ultrasound tests. A blood test is used to check for anemia, problems with the way blood clots, and thyroid problems. Pap tests check for cancer by taking cells from the cervix to examine under a microscope for signs of cancer. An ultrasound test uses sound waves and a computer to show what your blood vessels, tissues, and organs look like and how they work and affect your blood flow (CDC, 2023).

 Treatment for heavy periods depends on the cause of the bleeding and how serious it is. Your physician may suggest taking an over-the-counter medicine such as ibuprofen. NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen, can help reduce pain and the amount of bleeding. If you are showing signs of anemia, iron supplements can be used to get more iron into your blood to help it carry oxygen. Birth control pills can also make periods more regular and reduce the amount of bleeding.  Surgery may be required in some cases where bleeding is heavy to the point of affecting the quality of life.

Heavy-period bleeding is not discussed as much as it should be, and we must address this. Ladies, your period health is essential and part of your overall well-being. You do not have to be afraid to discuss this sensitive topic that needs your attention. Take care of yourself and your period health.

References

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023b, June 23). Heavy menstrual bleeding. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/blooddisorders/women/menorrhagia.html

Breathe Deep – Ways to Help Reduce Air Pollution

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By Ashley Peoples | UAB Community Health & Human Services Intern

Contributor: Amanda Benko | UAB Community Health & Human Services Intern

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

With the discussion of pollution in New York City, air quality is a focus of this issue that we should all be concerned about. According to the CDC, climate change affects the health of humans by an increase in “ground-level ozone and particulate matter air pollution” (CDC, 2020). This means that when there is a change in the ground level our health is impacted. Smog is something that most of us are familiar with, and it is related to asthma, as well as stroke, lung cancer, and heart disease (WHO, 2018).

According to the World Health Organization, some ways to avoid breathing polluted air include limit walking outside during peak traffic time (such as rush hour), if you are walking with a small child, lift them up (if able) above the level of exhaust. Other tips include limit spending time in high traffic areas when possible, limit use of vehicle during “air quality alert” days, and don’t burn waste or trash.

There are many clean air interventions that you can support. Globally, the WHO has initiated a BreatheLife campaign. This aims to reduce air pollution in countries, regions and cities, and as of 2018 the reach of this program was approximately 97 million. In the Birmingham area, there is a group called GASP (Greater-Birmingham Alliance to Stop Pollution), this group is laser focused on improving air quality in our city. Before 1970, when the Clean Air Act was passed, truckers referred to Birmingham, AL as “Smoke City”. GASP and other non-profits locally and globally can use your support (Byiton, 2018).

If you want to know more about the air quality history of Birmingham, check out this article by BHAM NOW: https://bhamnow.com/2017/08/17/smoke-city-birmingham/

To show support for GASP: https://gaspgroup.org/our-story/

References:

Byington, P. (2018). “Smoke City” – Birmingham air pollution our past and future. BHAM NOW. https://bhamnow.com/2017/08/17/smoke-city-birmingham/

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020b, December 21). Air Pollution. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/climateandhealth/effects/air_pollution.htm

The gasp story: Our mission, vision, values & more. GASP. (n.d.). https://gaspgroup.org/our-story/

World Health Organization. (2018, October 29). How air pollution is destroying our health. World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/news-room/spotlight/how-air-pollution-is-destroying-our-health

What Every Parent Should Know About Rotavirus

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By Ashley Peoples| UAB Community Health & Human Services Intern

Photo by Karolina Grabowska on Pexels.com

Many children under five experience diarrheal disease, which comes from different conditions. Rotavirus can be transmitted to infants and children by not washing their hands when they have a bowel movement or putting fingers in their mouth after touching objects that are not clean. Rotavirus is released through bowel movements. According to the CDC (2021), rotavirus is spread without complications among infants and children. The CDC states, “They can spread rotavirus to family members and other people with whom they have close contact.”

There are symptoms to look out for if you think your child may have rotavirus: diarrheal and vomiting. This can cause dehydration due to the loss of body fluids. The CDC mentions, “Since rotavirus disease can cause severe vomiting and diarrhea, it can lead to dehydration (loss of body fluids).” Symptoms of dehydration caused by rotavirus include:

  • decreased urination.
  • dry mouth and throat
  • feeling dizzy when standing up
  • crying with few or no tears and
  • unusual sleepiness or fussiness.

It is essential to know the symptoms of dehydration if your child has rotavirus. Treatment for dehydration may consist of IV fluids. The CDC suggests, “Severe dehydration may require hospitalization for treatment with intravenous (IV) fluids that patients receive directly through their veins.” Hand hygiene is essential to help stop the spread of rotavirus. Washing your hands can also prevent your child from developing rotavirus.

According to the CDC, “Good hygiene like handwashing and cleanliness are important but are not enough to control the spread of the disease.” The best way to stop rotavirus is with the vaccination. Two vaccinations that can prevent rotavirus are the RotaTeq and Rotarix. RotaTeq is given in three doses at ages two months, four months, and six months. Rotarix is given in two doses at ages two months and four months. Most children (about 9 out of 10) who get the vaccine will be protected from severe rotavirus disease. About 7 out of 10 children will be protected from rotavirus disease of any severity (CDC, 2021). The first dose of either vaccine should be given before a child is 15 weeks of age and they should receive all doses of rotavirus vaccine before they turn eight months old. Both vaccines are given by putting drops in the child’s mouth.

The rotavirus vaccine is the best way to protect your child against rotavirus infections, which are the leading cause of severe diarrhea and vomiting among young children. Contact your child’s healthcare provider if you notice rotavirus symptoms.

References

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021, March 26). Rotavirus. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/rotavirus/index.html

Food Poisoning During the Summer

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By Ashley Peoples| UAB Community Health & Human Services Intern

Photo by Sora Shimazaki on Pexels.com

It is summertime, and we will attend cookouts at our family’s homes. Food will be served while we are there, and many of us will be excited to participate in the prepared meals. However, we must be aware that some foods being prepared may cause food poisoning. Food poisoning comes from contaminated foods that are not cooked all the way through. Several foods can cause food poisoning—for example, eating raw food such as beef, eggs, chicken, and seafood. For example, meat is a product that can cause food poisoning, better known as salmonella, e-coli, and yersinia. Salmonella comes from chicken not being cooked all the way through.

There are ways to prevent food poisoning, which can be done by washing your hands before and after preparing food. According to the CDC (2022), your hands should be washed with soap and water for 20 seconds. When cooking meat, it should be cooked to a safe temperature. After the meat is cooked, clean and disinfect the surface. If the surface is unclean and someone touches it, they can develop food poison.

 So, when you are at the family cookout, ensure your hands are clean before and after preparing meals. Be aware of how thoroughly the meat is cooked before you serve it. It may help if you ask the person to cook your meat well done. For instance, some people like their beef cooked medium rare. However, if you are at a cookout, ask the person to cook your meat well done. Remember to wash your hands before and after eating so that germs do not enter your mouth. If we utilize the methods described in this blog, we can prevent food poisoning. Remember, prevention is key.

References

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022b, December 7). Food poisoning symptoms. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/foodsafety/symptoms.html

What is PTSD?

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By Ashley Peoples| UAB Community Health & Human Services Intern

Photo by RDNE Stock project on Pexels.com

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a disorder that people experience due to many reasons. This blog post may be sensitive, but I hope someone can find help as they read this. PTSD is developed when someone has an encounter that causes fear and stress, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). According to the NIH, people who develop PTSD are anyone, regardless of age. Some of these experiences may result from being sexually and physically abused (“Post-traumatic stress disorder,” n.d.). People who have PTSD have symptoms of stress when there is no longer danger present. Sometimes PTSD can also be developed by learning about something sad that happened to someone they know.

The NIH states that women experience PTSD more often than men, and this may be due to genetics. Research now suggests that PTSD may not be just an individual experience but may be inherited (“Post-traumatic stress disorder,” n.d.). Some symptoms of PTSD are being aroused, which means being triggered and having flashbacks by reliving the events that have occurred and being physically stressed, avoiding places that remind you of the event.

Some risk factors that may develop the likelihood of developing PTSD are exposure to previous traumatizing events that have occurred during childhood, seeing people killed or hurt, feeling helplessness, getting injured, having no social support after the event, and dealing with extra stress after the event, such as loss of a job or losing a loved one. A family or personal history of substance use or mental illness is also a risk factor (“Post-traumatic stress disorder,” n.d.).

Seeking support and having a coping strategy for getting through the event are resilience factors that may contribute to reducing the likelihood of developing PTSD. PTSD can also be treated with the help of a mental health professional. Psychotherapy which is referred to as “talk therapy,” can be used to help individuals identify and change troubling thoughts, behaviors, and emotions (“Post-traumatic stress disorder,” n.d.). Exposure therapy can also help people manage their fears related to their experienced trauma by gradually exposing them to the event that traumatized them. PTSD is a severe condition, but it can start with proper help.

References

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (n.d.). Post-traumatic stress disorder. National Institute of Mental Health. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd