Reflecting on a tragic moment of civil rights history and feelings of yesterday

Leave a comment September 16, 2023 Larrell Wilkinson

Larrell L. Wilkinson | Wilkinson Wellness Lab

Photo of window at the 16th Street Baptist Church and memorial plaque honoring the memory of the four young girls killed by the KKK bombing of the the church on September 15, 1963.

I knew yesterday was going to hit me hard. During the early weeks of September in Birmingham, AL, the annual commemorations begin. This year marks 60 years since the tragic death of four little girls and the injuries of several others, during the turbulent days of the Civil Rights movement. The City of Birmingham honored the victims of the bombing of the 16^th Street Baptist Church on September 15, 1963, during the week of remembrance.

Working in the Birmingham area, I often drive past the historic markers of the Civil Rights movement. I can see the A.G. Gaston Motel, the 16^th Street Baptist Church, Kelly Ingram Park, the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute and drive to Montgomery, AL to the Equal Justice Initiative & National Memorial, Dexter Ave. Church, the Rosa Parks Museum, and sacred sites of the movement. This year, 60 years after that fateful day of losing Addie Mae Collins, Denise McNair, Carole Robertson, & Cynthia Wesley, I know that America has made progress towards racial conciliation. I see it daily at my job, during worship occasions at my church, in visiting my children’s school, walking my neighborhood and patronizing businesses in my community. Still, exercising faith for a future that overcomes the actions of hatred manifested by individuals and groups that want to further efforts to separate us in the U.S., by race, by class, by the faith we practice, by any means that furthers their hate filled mission, that faith must be strong and resilient.

The actions of 60 years ago may seem like history to some but are very relevant to communities of people who have additional concerns when we go for a jog, shop at our community stores, or worship in our churches. Our families trade text messages to remind each other to “be safe”, “travel in groups”, “don’t travel at night”, “don’t get off the phone until you get home”, “don’t get gas at night”, “don’t stop at any stores tonight, we’ll order it later”, etc. Perhaps some if you are reading this, you might say, these sayings sound like useful tips. In contrast, others reading these words understand that these aren’t just tips, but necessary actions of life preservation for people feeling maliciously targeted due to their culture. For many, events that happened 60 years ago doesn’t feel like history, it feels like yesterday. Still, these groups of people press forward in hopes that their girls and boys will experience a society where the actions of a hateful few are no longer. Their hope is in a loving God, with the direction to love Him and to also love your neighbor as yourself (New International Version, Matt. 22: 34 – 40). It is in experiencing this form of solidarity that we can share in faith, hope, and love; love being the greatest of these (New International Version, Cor. 13:13).

Birthday challenge – donating 45 items for each year around the Sun

Leave a comment August 9, 2023 Larrell Wilkinson

By Larrell L. Wilkinson | Wilkinson Wellness Lab

This year, my birthday falls on the same day that my kids go back to school. So, like many parents, I am washing clothes, packing backpacks, tucking in my kids early tonight…earlier than they have gone to bed this summer, setting alarm clocks…oh, and folding those fresh clean clothes. Yeah, you know, organizing for the back to school chaos! The Wilkinson family is working to get back into the flow of how life will be for the next nine (9) months, all three kids in school. We are folding their clothes, I am folding my clothes, the kids are working off some of their nervous energy and Man, I have a lot of clothes to fold. Stop. Why do I have so many clothes to fold? It’s summer, I work from home many days. No, seriously, why do I have so many clothes that I am folding for myself and not my kids’ clothes.

As I am folding these clothes, a thought comes to mind, “I bet you could give away forty-five (45) items to the men’s shelter.” What? First, I don’t have that many items to give away. And second, what? But then I thought about it again. Maybe I do, maybe I should. The voice: “What about your T-shirt collection?” Yep, the fabled man’s t-shirt collection where each shirt can bring back so many memories. “What about socks…the socks you haven’t worn, the new warm socks still in the package after two years?” There is more. Not only is the voice speaking to me, but earlier today my eldest daughter had the idea to fill up her old school backpack (because she has a new one for the new school year) with food and drive to downtown Birmingham to give the backpack to a person experiencing food and/or housing insecurity. I also happen to be in the middle of the clothes month of the popular book “7: An Experimental Mutiny Against Excess” by Jen Hatmaker. So, maybe, this idea is kind of implanted in my mind, right?

Well, I am going to be obedient. I am going to aim for 45 items to give away and take them to the Jimmie Hale Mission in Birmingham, AL. I have donated collared shirts, polo style shirts, dress shoes, pants, coats, etc. there before and many of the guys I interacted with were really cool. To learn more about The Jimmie Hale Mission, please visit them on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/thejimmiehalemission/. If you feel up to giving, I encourage you to donate your gently used items to a shelter or other entities that can help others in the community. Of course, these organizations will accept a financial contribution as well. So, here’s my birthday wish…for each of us to spend a little time helping another person or group of persons in our own way…however compelled. Let us know how it goes in the comments section or hit us up on Facebook: @wilkinsonwellnesslab.

Checking on others – It could save a life!

Leave a comment August 6, 2023 abenko2016

By Terrie Johnson | UAB Community Health & Human Services Intern

When we go about our busy day by rushing to work, the store, meetings, church, and school, we never get the rest we need. Often, we overstretch the capabilities of our bodies to endure burnout. As such, we should ensure that we are okay as we go about our day and lead our lives. It is also relevant to take care of our physical and mental health. This stance is essential since it ensures that we are always to the best of our shape to handle daily activities. Moreover, as you go about your day, you should consider taking some of your time to check on your family and friends. This caring approach allows you to know how they are doing with life. You may ask; how are you doing? In some cases, you can make a phone call. This initiative can help them to relieve some stress in their life. In other words, simply talking to them about what is stressing them may restore their emotional and psychological well-being.

It is also important to listen to your loved ones or offer a suggestion to help them relieve their stress. Often, you could state recommendations they never thought about during their stressful moment. You may even offer to accompany them on a walk or go grab a coffee together. Thus, your initiative will work toward restoring their perspectives about challenges and desirably handling them. You can also be involved in helping individuals judge good from bad. In most cases, it may be hard for some people to differentiate situations. As such, helping a person judge emotion provides an impetus for self-correction. It also creates an impetus for recognizing harmful emotions so that they can be avoided (Health Shots, 2023). Other than this, the initiative can create leverage for improved understanding of interventions to emotional challenges. Thus, it is relevant to help others deal with issues that affect their health.

Reference

Health Shots. (2023). Your emotions always have something to say! That’s why listen to them very carefully. Healthshots.com. Retrieved from https://www.healthshots.com/mind/emotional-health/emotional-health-why-is-it-important-to-listen-to-your-emotions/

RA: Rheumatoid Arthritis – An Autoimmune Disease

Leave a comment August 6, 2023 abenko2016

Reginia Dodson | UAB Community Health and Human Services Intern

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an auto immune disease, which, indicates that the immune system is attacking healthy cells. This causes inflammation and pain. Rheumatoid arthritis, predominantly attacks the joints, however, many joints can be attacked simultaneously. RA commonly affects knees, wrist, and hands. RA causes damage to joint tissue, and long, lasting chronic pain, loss of balance, and deformity. RA can also affect other tissues in the body such as eyes, heart, and lungs.

What causes rheumatoid arthritis? The specific causes unknown, but the CDC states that there are factors that can increase the risk. There are a can begin at any age, the onset is highest among adults in their 60s. Gender can also impact the risk of RA, as women or 2 to 3 times higher to report RA than men. Genetics play a role as well, “genes, called HLA (human leukocyte antigen) class II genotypes, can also make your arthritis worse.” (CDC, 2020).

Other factors that increase risk include as can smoking and obesity, “Studies examining the role of obesity also found that the more overweight a person was, the higher his or her risk of developing RA became.” (CDC, 2020). There are factors within our control, and some factors outside of our control but it is important to do what you can to reduce the risk, especially if you have a family history of RA.

Though rheumatoid arthritis cannot be cured, it’s important to discuss options with your doctor if you begin showing signs or symptoms.

References:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020b, July 27). Rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/arthritis/basics/rheumatoid-arthritis.html

Myeloma – Why annual doctor visits are important

Leave a comment August 6, 2023 abenko2016

Reginia Dodson | UAB Community Health and Human Services Intern

There are so many types of cancer and so many unknown causes for them all as well. Cancer can develop in any part of the body, including bone marrow. The cancer that spreads in bone marrow is called Myeloma. What exactly is Myeloma? “Myeloma, also called multiple myeloma, is a cancer of the plasma cells. Plasma cells are white blood cells that make antibodies that protect us from infection. In myeloma, the cells grow too much, crowding out normal cells in the bone marrow that make red blood cells, platelets, and other white blood cells” (CDC, 2023).

This form of cancer seems remarkably like AIDS in the way these cancer cells attack white blood cells which really weakens the immune system. According to the CDC there are multiple forms of Myeloma, it all depends on location and if the cancer spreads or remains in one area:

Multiple Myeloma
- Develops in bone marrow
Solitary plasmacytoma
- Develops (usually in bone) in one area of the body
Extramedullary plasmacytoma
- Develops in soft tissue, such as throat or lungs

Regardless of which form of myeloma develops, all are very painful and difficult to live with. “Sometimes myeloma does not cause any symptoms. It may be found when a blood or urine test is done for another condition and a higher-than-normal level of protein is found” (CDC, 2023). This is another reason it is vital to get routine check ups, because there is little to suggest that this form of cancer is caused by lifestyle, but doctors can detect it with urine samples x-rays, and blood work.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023b, June 28). Myeloma. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/myeloma/

What There Is to Know About Pneumonia

Leave a comment August 6, 2023 Jessica Feagin

By Reginia Dodson | UAB Community Health and Human Services

One illness that I’ve heard since childhood is pneumonia. I’m unsure if it’s just a Southern thing or an older generation’s caution, but it seemed like an endless list of things that could cause pneumonia. The main one I can recall was going outside with wet or damp hair, especially if it showed any slight chill in the air. Another popular one amongst my grandparents was going outside without putting something on your arms. Nothing like a good Southern myth! More accurately, according to the CDC (2021), causes of pneumonia are viruses, bacteria, and fungi. In the United States, common causes of viral pneumonia are influenza viruses, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19). Common causes of bacterial pneumonia are streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus) and, especially in kids, mycoplasma pneumoniae (CDC, 2021). Depending on where you contract the illness, there are also several different types of pneumonia; this can also help determine which bacteria, fungi, or virus caused the illness. The bacteria and viruses that most commonly cause pneumonia in the community are different from those in healthcare settings. However, clinicians are not always able to find out which germ caused someone to get sick with pneumonia (CDC). According to the CDC, here are the definitions and distinct differences in the different forms of pneumonia:

Community-acquired pneumonia is when someone develops pneumonia in the community (not in a hospital).
Healthcare-associated pneumonia is when someone develops pneumonia during or following a stay in a healthcare setting. Healthcare settings include hospitals, long-term care facilities, and dialysis centers.
Ventilator-associated pneumonia is when someone gets pneumonia after being on a ventilator, a machine that supports breathing.

Either form of pneumonia contracted can cause serious health issues and often be fatal. So, it’s best to take all precautions, both factual and mythical. I still don’t go outside with wet hair to this very day, and I’ve never had pneumonia. I guess Southern remedies have some truth to them.

References

Causes of pneumonia. (2021, October 14). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/pneumonia/causes.html

Barriers to Getting a Colonoscopy for African Americans

Hypertension During Pregnancy

Leave a comment August 6, 2023 Jessica Feagin

By Reginia Dodson | UAB Community Health and Human Services Intern

Pregnancy alone is a lot to deal with for women, but during pregnancy, a lot of health issues can develop, including high blood pressure. There are different forms of high blood pressure for pregnant women, depending on when the disease develops. Chronic hypertension, gestational hypertension, and preeclampsia/ eclampsia are the three different forms. “Chronic hypertension means having high blood pressure before you get pregnant or before 20 weeks of pregnancy. Women with chronic hypertension can also get preeclampsia in the second or third trimester of pregnancy” (CDC). Chronic hypertension usually indicates that the mom had high blood pressure before or early in the pregnancy. For gestational hypertension, “This condition happens when you only have high blood pressure during pregnancy and do not have protein in your urine or other heart or kidney problems. It is typically diagnosed after 20 weeks of pregnancy or close to delivery. Gestational hypertension usually goes away after you give birth. However, some women with gestational hypertension have a higher risk of developing chronic hypertension in the future” (CDC). “Preeclampsia happens when a woman who previously had normal blood pressure suddenly develops high blood pressure and protein in her urine or other problems after 20 weeks of pregnancy. Women who have chronic hypertension can also get preeclampsia. Preeclampsia happens in about 1 in 25 pregnancies in the United States. Some women with preeclampsia can develop seizures, called eclampsia, which is a medical emergency” (CDC). I cannot pinpoint which sounds the most frightening—maybe pre-eclampsia since it can cause seizures, opening up many problems. Regardless, bringing a life into the world is risky, but knowing that health issues can arise because you share your body to birth a baby, can make a person pretty cautious.

References

https://www.cdc.gov/bloodpressure/pregnancy.htm

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

Inflation Impacts Healthy Eating

Leave a comment August 6, 2023 abenko2016

By Terrie Johnson | UAB Community Health & Human Services Intern

Photo by Karolina Grabowska on Pexels.com

Inflation impacts how expensive items become over time due to factors such as demand and cost expectations. It is considered a challenge since it creates the platform for the increase in the price of necessities. Thus, inflation is directly correlated with the rise in food prices across the United States. An increase in food prices can make it difficult for some households to eat healthily. Consequently, it is an issue worth examining to determine the influence on the affordability of critical nutrients and the possible remedies.

The inflation issue has a direct impact on healthy eating. This issue affects the food choices that most people make. For example, a family from a low-income socioeconomic background that used to eat healthily will be forced to downgrade their eating habits due to high grocery prices. The most probable solution for such households is to purchase less expensive, less healthy food (Hrisca, 2022). This trajectory negatively affects healthy eating among financially struggling families. Inflation is also responsible for the increase in prices of farm inputs (Hrisca, 2022). As such, some farmers may reduce their productivity. This path in production means that the market will have a shortage of healthy foods. Thus, inflation issue influences individuals’ healthy eating.

Despite the impact inflation has on healthy eating, it is possible to consider approaches that would alleviate the situation. For example, policies can be enacted to allow people to have expansive home gardens. Additionally, leverage in accessing cheaper nutritious foods can be advanced by local, state and federal governments. The above initiatives will help reduce inflation’s possible negative impacts on healthy eating for populations. What actions do you take to afford eating healthy with rising costs?

Reference

Hrisca, P. (2022). The impact of inflation on food. New Food Magazine. Retrieved from https://www.newfoodmagazine.com/article/167236/the-impact-of-inflation-on-food/