Helping Women dealing with Alopecia Areata and Hair Loss

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Angela Wilson | UAB Community Health & Human Services Intern

Photo by Athena on Pexels.com

For many women, having long, lustrous hair is a sign of youth, aesthetic beauty, and confidence. It is a brief snapshot of how we represent ourselves to the world. So, it is no wonder that if a woman starts to see her hair thinning, shedding, or coming out in copious amounts, it is time to stop everything to tend to this problem.

Alopecia Areata is an autoimmune disease where cells in your immune system surround and attack your hair follicles. The causes of this disease include age, genetics, severe emotional distress, crash diets, hormonal imbalance, eccentric hair styles, and childbirth or other illness.  Alopecia Areata causes the hair to come out in clumps about the size of a quarter. The amount of hair loss varies from person to person and so do the effects. Some women experiencing alopecia may fully regrow their hair, while other women may never get their hair back.  Alopecia does not only occur on the head. Men and women can occur anywhere on the body, including eyebrows, eyelashes, armpits, and facial hair. 

Studies find that African American women are more vulnerable to alopecia than any other demographic. This may be attributed to certain hair practices conducive to their culture like braids and weaves. Chemically treated and/ or permed hair also make African American women more prone to alopecia (Lane, 2023). Alopecia typically does not cause pain or have symptoms.  As a matter of fact, women may be (otherwise), healthy. Most of the pain that women with alopecia experience is mental. They feel less attractive, embarrassed, saddened, frustrated, angry, shame, and even less of a woman.

There is good news though. There are many different options to treat female hair loss. They include the FDA approved drug, minoxidil, hormonal treatments such as anti-androgen therapy and estrogens, multi-vitamin and iron supplements, steroids, protein-rich plasma (PRP) injections, wigs, and hair restoration (NIH, 2023). If you are a woman who suffers from alopecia and are seeking treatment,  please do your research, consult a medical professional, and make the best choice for you.

References:

Lane, D. (2023, June 14). Black Women & CCC Alopecia: 5 things you must know. BlackDoctor.org. https://blackdoctor.org/black-women-central-centrifungal-cicatricial-alopecia-what-you-must-know/

Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2022a, March 26). Hair Loss- Symptoms and Causes. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hair-loss/symptoms-causes/syc-20372926

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2023, July 27). Alopecia areata. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/alopecia-areata

What is being done about poverty in Alabama?

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Angela Wilson | UAB Community Health & Human Services Intern

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.c

Alabama is known for its Southern Hospitality, college football, sandy beaches, and mouth-watering cuisine.  But what is not very well known about Alabama is the economic hardship and poverty levels that many of its residents’ face. Alabama is the 6th poorest state in the country according to Alabama.org., a nonprofit organization that removes barriers to success and economic empowerment.  Over 714,000 Alabamians live in poverty which includes 220,000 kids.  Alabama has 67 counties, and seven of them have poverty rates higher than 25%. Two counties in Alabama (Perry and Bullock), have poverty rates of higher than 30%, which is astounding.  There are only two counties in Alabama that have a poverty rate of less than 10%, which are Baldwin and Shelby.  Africans Americans and Hispanics are disproportionately impacted by poverty when compared to their white peers.  African Americans make up 25.6% of people living in poverty, while 29.2% of Hispanics live in poverty.  This pales in comparison to the 11.2% of white people living in poverty. 

This data provides the necessary transparency needed to address these issues and apply viable and tangible solutions.  Educational opportunities, employment, health care, and food security are all concerns when exploring the upward mobility of these vulnerable counties. 

In 2022, Governor Kay Ivey awarded over $480,000 to The Community Action Agencies Association of Alabama to help Alabamians rise from the economic strains of poverty.  The funds will be used towards programs that help low-income residents improve self-sufficiency.   Governor Ivey also signed a grocery tax reduction into law last month.  This tax cut reduces the current sales tax on groceries from 4% to 3% and could be reduced to 2% by September if the Education Trust Fund rises.  These efforts are a great start towards easing the burdens of poverty, but more must be done. On a national level, safety net programs like Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), need to be expanded as the current benefit is inadequate according to the Center for Progress.org. Additionally, affordable housing and childcare must be a priority so that working families can provide for their families’ fundamental needs on a regular basis.

Alabamians are capable and resilient.  I know that with a little support, families in this great state can overcome the burdens of poverty.

References:

Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs. (2023). Governor Ivey Awards $480,000 to Assist Low-Income Residents Statewide. https://adeca.alabama.gov.

Alabama Possible. (2022). Barriers to Prosperity Data Sheet. https://alabamapossible.org.

Pathak, A., Ross, K. Center for American Progress. (2021). The Top 12 Solutions to Cut Poverty in the United States. http://www.americanprogress.org.

Caregiving For the Elderly and Managing Caregiver Fatigue

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Angela Wilson | UAB Community Health and Human Services Intern

Photo by Andrea

Seniors are living longer these days, and more people live to be 100 years old. That is excellent news regarding longevity, reducing loneliness, and having a sense of purpose. Many of our elderly are cared for in the comfort of their homes by their children, grandchildren, or other family members or friends.  They are often loved, admired, and even cherished by their caregivers, but caring for them sometimes can become exhausting.

As more adult children choose to take care of their aging parents and opt out of nursing homes, the stress, fatigue, and physical demands put upon them can be wearing. Caregivers have many responsibilities when providing for the elderly. They must ensure they take their medications, prepare food, clean, and maintain their rooms, ensure they are bathed, and perform a plethora of other tasks daily.  With all these obligations, it can be easy for caregivers to neglect their own needs.   Caregivers are often sleep-deprived and tired; some even forget to eat. They can experience anger, sadness, frustration, isolation, depression, and resentment toward their loved ones. When this happens, it is usually time for the caregiver to take a break and care for themselves.  After all, if the caregiver is not taking care of themselves, they will be unable to provide adequate care for their loved one.

Caregivers should ask for help.  There are usually siblings or other family members or friends who can watch their loved one so they can walk outside, have dinner with friends, or see a movie. There are also local support groups that can provide encouragement, validation, and other viable resources.  Most communities offer respite care, including in-home help from health care aides, adult centers, and even short-term nursing homes so the caregiver can get away. Getting help and addressing your needs as a caregiver may make you feel recharged and give you a much-needed energy boost to manage your caregiver duties better. So, not only does taking care of yourself benefit the caregiver, but your loved one will also benefit from it!

References

Robinson, L. et al. (2023). Family Caregiving. Helpguide.org. https://www.helpguide.org.

American Psychological Association. (2014). Positive Aspects of Caregiving. https://www.apa.org

The Benefits of Honey

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Angela R. Wilson | UAB Community Health & Human Services Intern

Photo by ROMAN ODINTSOV on Pexels.com

Honey is sweet and pleasing to the pallet, but taste is not the only good thing about this viscous substance. Although honey has more calories than typical white sugar, it offers more flavor and usually requires a smaller amount when cooking and baking.  Raw honey is an unprocessed food that comes straight from a beehive.  The honey sold in stores is less sticky and easier to serve after increased heat temperatures. 

Honey has antioxidants known as phenolic and flavonoid acids that help the body keep various health issues at bay, like heart disease, autoimmune disorders, and cancer. There are many types of honey.  Clover Honey, Wildflower Honey, Acacia Honey, Alfalfa Honey, and Manuka Honey are a few of the more popular sorts. The darker the honey, the greater the antioxidant. The antioxidants and nutrients in honey can also help facilitate a healthy diet and help manage diabetes.

Honey is also medicinal and has long been used to treat wounds and burns. When applied to wounds, the micronutrients nourish the unhealthy tissue and stimulate tissue growth while promoting healing. Honey also moisturizes the skin while giving it a protective barrier.  A medical grade of honey can be used to treat first and second-degree burns, pressure ulcers, and leg and foot ulcers.  This sterilized form of honey comes from bees that gather honey from trees in New Zealand and Australia.  Medical grade honey can be in the form of gels, dressings, and pastes and added into adhesives.  Make sure you consult your physician before using medical grades of honey on any cuts, wounds, or burns. 

Honey is also known to soothe a sore throat when added to warm lemon water or hot tea. It may also be used as a cough suppressant for children between 1-5 years old. Although studies have shown that honey can be just as effective as cough medicine for children, giving honey to infants under one is not wise due to the risk of infant botulism.

If you have honey at home and are considering using it for healing purposes, do your research and consult your doctor or physician to increase your knowledge and maximize honey’s benefits.

References

WebMD. (2022). Honey: Are There Health Benefits? https://www.webmd.com.

Sass, C. (2023). What Are the Health Benefits of Honey? https.//www.health.com

Cleveland Clinic Health Essentials. (2023). The Benefits of Honey. How to Incorporate It You’re your Diet. https://health.clevelandclinic.org.

The Importance of Prostate Screening

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Angela R. Wilson | UAB Community Health & Human Services Intern

Photo by Karolina Grabowska on Pexels.co

Many men prolong getting a prostate exam or do not get one at all.  The reasons vary and include things like thinking they are not old enough to have a prostate exam or believing there is no reason for a prostate exam because they feel okay.  This approach can adversely impact your health by increasing your risk of prostate cancer.  

According to the American Cancer Society (2023), men should start screening for prostate cancer at 50.  However, African American men and men with a history of first-degree relatives, like a father or a brother, who have been diagnosed with Prostate cancer are at a higher risk. They should begin screening as early as 45. Men who have more than one first-degree relative should start their screening by the time they reach age 40. Although cancer screenings are essential, they are not recommended for men 75 and older because the risks outweigh the benefit in this age group.

So, what is a prostate exam? A prostate exam allows a doctor to check the male’s prostate by carefully inserting a gloved finger into his rectum. This allows the doctor to check for abnormalities, lumps, tenderness, hard spots, or swelling in a male’s prostate. The screening is quick (usually lasting only a few seconds) and not painful, although men have complained that it is relatively uncomfortable. If your results are abnormal, your doctor may need to conduct further testing like magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or a prostate biopsy to look for signs of cancer (John Hopkins Medicine, 2023).

Prostate screening allows cancer to be detected in its infancy, offering more treatment options, improving survivability, and extending life expectancy.  Prostate screening is one of the most essential things a male can do to find cancers before they spread, so please get in touch with your doctor to schedule an appointment. Remember that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!

References

 American Cancer Society. (2023). American Cancer Society Recommendationos For Prostate Cancer. https://www.cancer.org.

John Hopkins Medicine.  (2023). Prostate Cancer Screening.  https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org.

Rochester Regional Health. (2021). Prostate Exams: Do You Really Need One?. https://hive.rochesterregional.org.

The Unsung Hero of Self Care : Get Your ZZZzzzzz’s!

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Angela R. Wilson | UAB Community Health & Human Services Intern

Photo by Rachel Claire on Pexels.com

Seems like everyone has a busy life these days.  Some adults work two jobs and have children participating in sports, band, or other extracurricular activities. We are constantly on the go with our hectic schedules, and we rely on our bodies to continue to function properly amidst our many physician demands. One of the most important things we can do for our bodies is to ensure that we get enough sleep.  The significance of sleep is often underrated and not thought of as a necessity. But not getting enough sleep can have detrimental consequences. 

Quality sleep improves your health, mood, and brain performance. It can also help you avoid certain diseases and disorders.  Getting the proper amount of sleep can reduce your chances of getting heart disease, stroke, obesity, high blood pressure, dementia, and diabetes. According to News in Health, healthy sleep consists of three things; how much sleep you get, sleep quality, and consistent sleep. (Bryant & Reynolds, 2022). Just because you are sleeping does not mean that your brain is sleeping too. As a matter of fact, just the opposite is true.  Your brain is constantly working during the time that you are sleeping and is preparing your brain to create, learn, and remember.  Sleep also allows your blood vessels, immune systems, and other metabolic processes to repair. Without proper sleep, these processes will be disturbed, and the body does not reset. Experts recommend that school-age children get at least nine hours of sleep per night. Teenagers should get at least eight to ten hours a night, and most adults should get at least seven or more hours of sleep per night. 

If you are having trouble getting to sleep at night, try making small changes in your sleep routine.  Doing things like lowering your thermostat and cutting off all electronic devices like cell phones, computers, and televisions can facilitate a quiet, peaceful place free of distractions. Going to sleep and waking up at the same time every night can help your internal clock maintain a regular schedule. Avoid taking naps throughout the day so that your body is fully prepared to rest when you finally call it a day.  Avoid caffeine, chocolate, beverages, and energy drinks after lunch due to their ability to stimulate alertness. Try visualizing things that make you happy or reading from a traditional paper book, (not an e-book). And lastly, talk to your doctor about using sleep enhancing supplements like melatonin, magnesium, or 5-HTP, (an amino acid that boosts serotonin production).

Hopefully, you will find a viable solution to help you get the proper amount of sleep you need, and the saying, “out like a light” will be your new reality.  Good night!

 References

Bryant, E., & Reynolds, S. (2022, July 15). Good sleep for good health. National Institutes of Health. https://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2021/04/good-sleep-good-health

Dasgupta, R. and Semeco, A. (2023). Healthline. 20 Tips That Help You Fall Asleep Quickly. https://www.healthline.com.

Let’s Get Physical- The Importance of Physical Activity

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By Angela Wilson | UAB Community Health & Human Services Intern

Photo by Kate Trifo on Pexels.com

Engaging in physical activity on a regular basis is one of the most important things you can do to improve your health.   Many people do not realize the tremendous benefits that physical activity provides to the body.  Not only does it help with weight management, but it also improves brain health, strengthen bones and muscles, and reduces the risks of diseases (CDC, 2020). 

Physical activity is movement that consumes energy and works your muscles. Many people may think that physical activity has to be traditional activities such as jumping jacks or running on a treadmill, but physical activity is expressed in many ways including dancing, swimming, yardwork, yoga, riding a bicycle, aerobic exercise, and even ascending and descending stairs in your home. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommends getting at least 150 minutes a week of moderate physical activity.  This calculates to 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week.  Being physically active can benefit everyone regardless of age, shape, ethnicity, size, or shape (CDC, 2020).

Heart disease and stroke are the two leading causes of death in the United States, and getting the proper amount of physical activity can significantly lower the risks for these diseases (CDC, 2022). The heart is a muscle that needs exercise (like all our other muscles).  Engaging in physical activity allows the heart to pump blood throughout the body freely, without straining and maximizes its optimal efficiency.   Physical activity promotes insulin sensitivity and helps control glucose levels, thereby lowering the risk of Type 2 Diabetes. Also, as people get older, they lose muscle mass and strength.  Muscle-strengthening exercises (such as lifting weights, push-ups, sit-ups, squats, and working with resistance bands), helps you maintain muscle mass and keeps your bones and joints healthy. This allows you the ability to be physically active and mobile.  Lastly, physical activity can help keep your cognitive skills crisp by improving your thinking, learning, and judgment.  It can also help with anxiety, depression, and improve the quality of sleep. 

Now that you know a few of the benefits that regular activity provides, what are you waiting for?  Let’s Get Physical (Olivia Newton John music playing)! So what do you do to exercise or improve your fitness? What activities do you regularly enjoy? Leave your comments below and join us on Facebook here.

References:

Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Benefits of Physical Activity. (2022). https://www.cdc.gov

The History Behind Carrie A. Tuggle Elementary School

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Angela Wilson | Intern UAB School of Education | CHHS

Photo: Instagram | #carrieatuggleelementaryschool

The History Behind Tuggle Elementary School

Tuggle Elementary School is located in Birmingham, Alabama and has approximately 472 students from Pre-Kindergarten to fifth grade. Although it has been affiliated with The Birmingham City School System since 1926, many natives of Birmingham are oblivious to the remarkable history embedded in its name.

Tuggle Elementary School is named after Carrie A. Tuggle, a fierce innovator whose trailblazing efforts are still visible today.  She was born in 1858 in Eufaula, Alabama and subsequently married John Tuggle and had four children.  The couple eventually moved to Birmingham in search of better job opportunities.

Mrs. Tuggle excelled in education, social work, and religion, and found her calling when she began working with delinquent boys as a welfare officer.  After speaking on behalf of boys as young as ten years old, she was inspired to provide housing accommodations for orphaned black children.  She initially took them into her home, until she was able to open a single-building school in September 1903. Named The Tuggle Institute this facility allowed black, destitute orphans and juveniles to receive an education. She also used her courtroom experience to help create The Jefferson County Juvenile and Domestic Court. 

The Tuggle Institute garnered praise from the citizens of Birmingham and was noted for its substantial contributions to the advancement of black people.  Some outstanding alumni who credit Mrs. Tuggle for her influence include Dr. A. G. Gaston, John T. Wheatley, and Erskine Hawkins, to name a few. The Tuggle Institute became affiliated with the Birmingham City Public Schools in 1926. In 1936, The Board of Education named it the Carrie A. Tuggle Elementary School.

Carrie A. Tuggle died in November 1954 and is buried on the school’s ground. There is memorial plaque with these words inscribed: “Carrie A. Tuggle, a scholar, educator, and servant of mankind.” To learn more about Mrs. Tuggle and Carrie A. Tuggle Elementary School, check out https://alafricanamerican.com/beyond-the-book-honoree-archives/beyond-the-book-carrie-tuggle/

References:

Alabama Women’s Hall of Fame. Carrie A. Tuggle. http://www.awhf.org.

Beyond the book – Carrie A. Tuggle – Alabama African American history. Alabama African American History – sponsored by AT&T. (2022, January 14). https://alafricanamerican.com/beyond-the-book-honoree-archives/beyond-the-book-carrie-tuggle/

Let’s Support The Lovelady Center!

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Angela Wilson | Intern UAB School of Education -CHHS

Photo by Antoni Shkraba on Pexels.com

Lovelady Center Donations

Birmingham, Alabama, has several shelters for the homeless population, and most of them are non-profit organizations. The Lovelady Center is where women can get a second chance at life and prepare for re-entering society as productive contributing members. Not only does it provide shelter, meals, and other services for recovering women, but it also provides for their children too.

The Lovelady Center can accommodate approximately 48 -50 women and children. Although they generate roughly 70% of revenue from their two thrift stores, they still rely heavily on the support and donations from foundations, churches, fundraisers, and individual supporters like you and me to meet their operational commitments. Since The Lovelady Center provides all their resident’s necessities, including toiletries, linen, office supplies, cleaning supplies, first aid supplies, and infant and children items, the fiscal demands can get quite exorbitant. This is where the community’s help is integral in bringing the shelter’s mission to fruition by bridging the gap in financial resources. The Lovelady Center accepts donations in many forms and is humbly grateful for whatever the public gives them. They are unwavering and undeterred in their mission to improve the lives of women and their families and provide a platform that supports second chances.

The Lovelady Center accepts monetary donations online via its website. They also accept high-demand items, like toilet paper, paper towels, personal hygiene products, pillows, disinfectant spray, and gift cards. How about donating your time if you cannot donate any of these items? The Lovelady Center accepts volunteers to assist with teaching, mentoring, food service, and infant and childcare tasks. Endorsed and praised by Mayor Woodfin, Governor Kay Ivey, and Sheriff Mark Pettway, The Lovelady Center restores faith, hope, and love to women who were once without. BUT GOD!

If you want to donate or volunteer at the Lovelady Center, please contact Joni Morton, at (727) 458-9113. Opportunity Awaits!

References

https://www.Loveladycenter.org. (2022). Retrieved June 1, 2023.