Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS): A Chronic Skin Disease

Leave a comment August 5, 2023 abenko2016

Reginia Dodson | UAB Community Health and Human Services Intern

Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS) chronic skin condition is also referred to as “Acne Inversa” which inflames the skin because bacteria, keratin, and sweat builds up in hair follicles. This results in pus-filled abscesses to various parts of the human anatomy if not treated at the onset. These pus-filled follicles eventually burst causing severe painful lesions to certain parts of the body (Health Central, 2022) HS is a painful yet chronic inflammatory disease of the skin that affects the inherent unpredictability of the health of the infected individual. If it goes untreated with respect to the course and severity of the disease and the response to treatment will pose significant challenges for patients especially African American women.

HS causes pimple-like bumps or boils on and under the skin. This skin disease is chronic (long- lasting) and can be severely painful for prolonged periods of time. HS is not contagious and does not spread from one individual to another. HS starts in the hair follicle in the skin and happens mainly where areas of skin may touch or rub together. HS is not caused by neglecting personal hygiene. In many cases, the cause of this skin disease is actually unknown. African American women are more likely to get HS than men, and it is more common in the African American community than in other communities. HS often appears around puberty and the areas of infection and symptom level can fluctuate based on the severity and affection rate (NIH, 2023)

There’s no lab or blood test that will diagnose the disease. Instead, medical providers conduct a detailed medical history and do a thorough skin check. Before the physical exam, your doctor will want to know about your symptoms. Your physician may inquire about how often these outbreaks happen, how long the lesions last, where they occur, and if anyone in your family has had a similar condition. If your dermatologist suspects you may have another chronic condition along with HS (and many patients do) or you have a high BMI (Body Mass Index), you’ll get your blood tested to check your cholesterol, triglycerides, and blood sugar. The goal of treatment is simple: to stop or reduce the pain and drainage and prevent the nodules from coming back or at least lengthen the time between flares. One biologic drug has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) specifically for treating HS and another is sometimes prescribed off-label for this purpose as well. If you believe you may be showing symptoms of HS, don’t hesitate to seek medical attention, so the relief can begin.

References:

Health Central (2022, Jan) Hidradenitis Suppurativa: Everything You Need to Know.

https://www.healthcentral.com/condition/hidradenitis-suppurativa

NIH (2023) Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS) Basics. https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-

topics/hidradenitis-suppurativa-hs/basics/symptoms-causes

Protect yourself from ticks & Lyme Disease

Leave a comment August 5, 2023 abenko2016

Reginia Dodson | UAB Community Health and Human Services Intern

What is Lyme disease? According to the Centers for Disease Control, Lyme Disease is caused by the transmission of the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi. The transmission of this disease most often occurs from the bite of the black-legged tick. The disease itself includes symptoms such as fever, headaches, fatigue, difficulty in thinking, and a rash. (CDC). However, it can be treated with the use of antibiotics. Some people that are infected with Lyme Disease often have a delayed infection even after the bite of a tick. The disease itself is normally detected later because people that have been infected symptoms seem more like mild flu symptoms and these delays in identifying Lyme Disease.

There are several ways to protect yourself from getting bitten by ticks. Some preventative measures include wearing clothing to cover your arms and legs, checking your body regularly for ticks, and use repellents containing DEET when going in wooded areas on outdoor activities, protect pets from ticks by giving them monthly doses of flea and tick medications, and check their bodies regularly when they come from outdoor excursions.

The CDC recommends taking the following steps to remove a tick:

· Use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin’s surface as possible.

· Pull upward with steady, even pressure. Don’t twist or jerk the tick; this can cause the mouth parts to break off and remain in the skin. If this happens, remove the mouth parts with tweezers. If you are unable to remove the mouth easily with clean tweezers, leave it alone and let the skin heal.

· After removing the tick, thoroughly clean the bite area and your hands with rubbing alcohol, an iodine scrub, or soap and water.

· Dispose of a live tick by submerging it in alcohol, placing it in a sealed bag/container, wrapping it tightly in tape, or flushing it down the toilet.

Outdoor activities can be enjoyed relatively safely with these measures in place for protection. It is summer enjoying the sunshine and getting in some physical activity outside is a great way to maintain optimal health.

References:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022a, January 19). Lyme disease. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/lyme/index.html

Help America’s Children Battle Obesity!

Leave a comment August 5, 2023 abenko2016

Reginia Dodson | UAB Community Health and Human Services Intern

We all know that obesity is a trending issue in the United States of America. Between junk food, desserts, fast food, and the cost of healthy foods, many things counterproductive to fight obesity. It seems as if the target for obesity is becoming younger and younger. Increased obesity rates are becoming more evident in the children of the United States of America. Obesity-related conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, asthma, sleep apnea, and joint problems can be directly correlated to being obese.

According to the Centers for Disease Control:

Childhood obesity affects approximately 19.7% of children and adolescents.
The prevalence of obesity among different races among children ages two to 19 years. They are as follows:
- Hispanic children: 26.2%
- African-American children: 24.8%
- Non-Hispanic white children: 16.6%
- Asian- American children: 9%

The good news is childhood obesity is a preventable condition. Providing families with community resources where they can obtain healthy foods for free or low cost can help in the fight against childhood obesity. Encouraging physical activity and minimizing screen time increases the likelihood to win the battle. Remember if you are modeling healthier lifestyle habits, children can easily adapt to better eating habits and increased physical activity.

References:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022, September 27). Obesity, race/ethnicity, and covid-19. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/obesity/data/obesity-and-covid-19.html

Using Doulas to Improve Birth Outcomes

1 Comment August 5, 2023 Jessica Feagin

By Terrie Johnson | UAB Community Health & Human Services Intern

Photo by u041eu043bu044cu0433u0430 u0416u0430u0440u0438u043au043eu0432u0430 on Pexels.com

Non-clinically trained professionals, also known as doulas, are essential in improving birth outcomes. They can provide varied care paradigms that advance positive outcomes during pregnancy, delivery, and after childbirth. One of the doulas’ critical services is the advancement of emotional care. Foundationally, they can advocate for emotional well-being throughout the pregnancy journey. Doulas also provide pertinent educational support by extending opportunities for women to access information on varied topics (Knocke et al., 2022). For example, they can link women to details regarding the possible risk factors they must watch out for during pregnancy, delivery, and after childbirth. This information is critical since it allows the target population to watch for warning signs and take precautionary measures to prevent poor maternal and infant outcomes. Women going through stressful faces during their pregnancy also benefit from doula services centered on advancing support structures. Thus, they are a critical part of improving birth outcomes.

Doulas also facilitate advocacy actions that benefit women during pregnancy, delivery, and after childbirth. Their critical role is to provide information that fosters women’s understanding regarding the signs to look for and address. Additionally, they provide pointers that inform on the best practice in pregnancy care (Knocke et al., 2022). Beyond this facilitation, doulas advocate for aspects that limit maternity care inequality. The non-clinically trained professionals also help women navigate critical processes in the healthcare sector. For example, they may point out the available social services. Doulas may also help access community services (Knocke et al., 2022). In other words, they may coordinate with a community nurse to offer relevant care services during the postpartum. The above facilitations provide the impetus for improving birth outcomes. Foundationally, doulas help women mitigate challenges during pregnancy and after delivery. Thus, they are instrumental in ensuring that desired results reflect among all pregnant individuals.

References

Knocke, K., Chappel, A., Sugar, S., De Lew, N., & Sommers, B.D. (2022). Doula care and maternal health: An Evidence review. Office of Health Policy. Retrieved from https://aspe.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/documents/dfcd768f1caf6fabf3d281f762e8d068/ASPE-Doula-Issue-Brief-12-13-22.pdf

Why Many Men Avoid the Doctor

Leave a comment August 5, 2023 abenko2016

By Terrie Johnson | UAB Community Health & Human Services Intern

Some men avoid the doctor. It may be due to work, masculinity, expense or simply underestimating the issue causing symptoms. This issue limits the rate at which men would seek care for their underlying conditions. Thus, outlining the reasons this population segment does not access medical care on time would help solve the challenge.

The current societal paradigms define a man based on his masculinity. This exemplification is part of the reason men do not seek timely medical care. In other words, based on societal norms, they develop stereotypical perspectives that they should demonstrate strength and perseverance (Handcock, 2022). This inclination is responsible for most seeking to stay away from care facilities to avoid being weaklings. In some cases, men avoid healthcare services citing reasons such as being preoccupied with work duties. Additionally, most men are likely to ignore vital health warning signs (Handcock, 2022). In some cases, they could fear diagnosis outcomes, thus, choose to stay away from hospitals.

The issue among men regarding the lack of criticality in seeking timely medical care can be remedied through varied strategic approaches. For example, mitigating harmful masculinity perspectives, such as avoiding care facilities to appear strong, is relevant. Other than this intervention, educating men on the need to value their health as their occupation. This consideration will promote a desire to seek timely medical care. Therefore, the above approaches may cement criticality among men to visit care facilities immediately when needed.

Reference

Handcock, M. (2022). ‘It’ll get better on its own’: Men and their resistance to seeing a doctor. The Health Policy Partnership. Retrieved from https://www.healthpolicypartnership.com/itll-get-better-on-its-own-men-and-their-resistance-to-seeing-a-doctor/#:~:text=But%20why%20are%20many%20men,seek%20medical%20attention%20than%20women.

What cinnamon can do for your health!

Leave a comment August 5, 2023 abenko2016

Ashley Peoples | UAB Community Health & Human Services Intern

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/

What cinnamon can do for your health!

How Fruit Helps Digestive Health

Leave a comment August 4, 2023 abenko2016

By Terrie Johnson | UAB Community Health & Human Services Intern

Digestion involves a complex process, which may not work as required due to numerous factors leading to constipation. Though not a popular topic, constipation can lead to serious medical issues. According to WebMD, chronic Constipation can lead to rectal prolapse, anal fissures, hemorrhoids, pain and vomiting.

For people who experience constipation, there is a high likelihood that they do not eat enough fruits. According to Sweeney (2023), lacking the recommended consumption of the desired number of fruits per day for both men and women would result in feeling backed up. The lack of proper hydration is also responsible for the condition. In rare cases, an underlying medical condition may cause difficulty passing hard stool. It is important to speak to your physician if this condition persists.

The feeling of being backed up can be self-remedied at home using simple solutions. For example, women should have 21 to 25 grams of fiber per day, and their male counterparts 30 to 38 grams (Sweeney, 2023). A focus should also be placed on increasing water intake through fruits such as raspberries, which are one of the best fruits for constipation. In cases whereby fruits are rarely available, fiber supplements alongside staying hydrated can help loosen the hard stool. There is also a need to switch your posture by squatting. This strategy is believed to make it easier to relieve the self of the backed-up feeling (Goldsztajn, 2022). Therefore, trying the above remedies will help improve the duration it takes to have a bowel movement without complications.

Hopefully with enough hydration and eating some vegetables, you will have things moving steady!

References

Goldsztajn, I. (2022). How to make yourself poop when you’re feeling backed up, according to experts. Shape. Retrieved from https://www.shape.com/lifestyle/mind-and-body/how-to-make-yourself-poop

Sweeney, E. (2023). Backed up? This is the best fruit to eat to help you poop, according to a GI doc. Yahoo!Life. Retrieved from https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/backed-best-fruit-eat-help-223000525.html?guccounter=1

WebMD. (n.d.). Chronic constipation: How it affects your body. WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/chronic-constipation-affects-body

Kidneys: Our Own Filtering System

Leave a comment August 4, 2023 Jessica Feagin

By Reginia Dodson | UAB Community Health and Human Services Intern

Every organ in the body plays a vital role in creating a livable life for our bodies. Some of the smallest organs can play the biggest part and have significant impacts. Like for instance, the kidneys. They may be one of the smaller organs of the body; however, you cannot survive without them. The kidneys filter toxins out of the body and turn them into waste through our urine. Without the kidneys, our bodies would poison themselves, and we would die. So, as you can imagine, having chronic kidney disease is not a fun thing to deal with.

When people develop chronic kidney disease (CKD), their kidneys become damaged and, over time, may not clean the blood as well as healthy kidneys. If kidneys do not work well, toxic waste and extra fluid accumulate in the body and may lead to high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and early death (CDC). According to the Centers for Disease Control, 1 in 7 adults in the United States suffer from chronic kidney disease. “More than 1 in 7 US adults–about 35.5 million people, or 14%–are estimated to have chronic kidney disease. As many as 9 in 10 adults with chronic kidney disease do not know they have it. About 1 in 3 adults with severe chronic kidney disease do not know they have chronic kidney disease” (CDC). Diabetes and high blood pressure are the more common causes of chronic kidney disease in most adults. Other risk factors include heart disease, obesity, a family history of chronic kidney disease, inherited kidney disorders, past damage to the kidneys, and older age (CDC).

Healthy choices in diet and exercise can help fight chronic kidney disease and even prevent it. Keep in mind that water is our best friend as well. Water will keep your body and kidneys functioning well.

References

https://www.cdc.gov/kidneydisease/publications-resources/ckd-national-facts.html