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/

Is it a Virus or Food Poisoning?

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Amanda Benko | Intern UAB School of Education – CHHS

Photo by Sora Shimazaki on Pexels.com

Have you ever had your stomach feeling off? If yes, I’m sure you will agree that at that moment, you are not focused on the reasons for the increased emergency. All that you want is to start feeling better. However, figuring out whether you have stomach flu or food poisoning will inform your best action plan and enable you to understand how long you will have the awful feeling. As noted by De Marco et al. (2019), stomach flu is usually quite common, and like several viruses, it can be passed around by groups of people who gather close to one another. The virus can easily be passed if you are in an enclosed space and in close contact with one another, for example, on a cruise ship (or daycare).

On the other hand, food poisoning often originates from food. For instance, when food sits out too long without refrigeration or is not properly cooked, bacteria can grow in the food. Sometimes, it can be very hard to distinguish between food poisoning and stomach flu since these conditions share many symptoms (Aljamali, 2021). The main side effect of both is diarrhea – watery or bloody. You can also experience vomiting and nausea, while some may develop chills and fever in both cases. However, the major difference between the two is when the symptoms begin after exposure and how long the symptoms would last. In most cases, stomach flu may take around 24 to 48 hours incubation period within your system before it starts showing symptoms. Nevertheless, food poisoning comes quickly, around 2-6 hours after eating spoiled food (Aljamali, 2021). If you are on a picnic and everyone eats the same food, many people will likely experience the same symptoms. You can easily identify food poisoning because the symptoms may start after a more recent event.

Some common symptoms of stomach flu are nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting. Stomach flu can also cause fever and chills. Other symptoms include body aches, stomach pain, and headache. However, you will mainly experience nausea and particularly diarrhea. With food poisoning, you can also experience vomiting and diarrhea, although it can be more severe compared to stomach flu. Occasionally, you can get a fever as well. Other symptoms include an upset stomach and stomach cramps. Whenever you feel these symptoms, seeking proper medical attention and staying hydrated is essential. Some have found that ginger helps reduce nausea as well. What remedy do you know of to help battle an upset stomach?

References

Aljamali, N. M. (2021). Review on food poisoning (types, causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment). Global Academic Journal of Pharmacy and Drug Research, 3(4), 54-61.

De Marco, R., Shankar, S., Rosenbaum, J., & Efron, D. (2018). A Case of the Stomach Flu. Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health, 54(2), 214-214.

Drowning Doesn’t Always Look Like Drowning!

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Amanda Benko | Intern UAB School of Education – CHHS

Photo by MarcTutorials on Pexels.com

Drowning Prevention – Kids under 10

Drowning is an extremely serious issue, especially for children under the age of ten. Every year, numerous lives are lost due to drowning situations that may have been avoided with adequate education and care. This article attempts to shed light on the significance of drowning prevention and how to recognize the subtle signs of drowning. By understanding these crucial points, we can take steps to ensure the safety of our young ones around water.

Drowning Prevention: Several significant precautions may be taken to reduce drownings in children. The first important step is to maintain regular supervision (Wickens et al., 2021). Never leave children unattended near water, regardless of its size or depth. Assigning a responsible adult to supervise children during aquatic activities is critical. Enrolling children in age-appropriate swimming instruction is another important preventative step (Guevarra et al., 2021). These classes teach young people important swimming techniques and increase their confidence in the water. However, it is crucial to realize that swimming instruction alone does not ensure safety. Pool barriers and safety precautions are also essential, particularly for households with pools. Install a security fence around the pool area, with the gate self-closing and latching. It establishes a physical barrier that restricts uncontrolled entry into the pool.

Drowning Does not Always Look like Drowning: Contrary to popular belief, drowning occurs without signs of frantic splashing and cries for help. Instead, a person drowning may be silently struggling to keep their head above water, gasping for air, with a distant look in their eyes and arms extended to the sides. Recognizing these modest indications is critical for early intervention and could make a major difference in saving lives. We can react to and avoid terrible situations in and around water if we recognize that drowning does not always look like what we anticipate.

Above all else, to ensure water safety this summer, make sure kids have a responsible adult present in the water. Also, make sure your children are wearing some form of floatation device, and get your child comfortable in the water to know to go somewhere safe or to a wall when they begin to feel tired or accidentally inhale in water. These are great ways to prevent tragedy in the water. What tips do you plan to use this summer to ensure water safety?

References

Guevarra, J. P., Peden, A. E., Orbillo, L. L., Uy, M. R. S. Z., Madrilejos, J. J. R., Go, J. J. L., … & Franklin, R. C. (2021). Preventing child drowning in the Philippines: the need to address the determinants of health. Children, 8(1), 29. https://doi.org/10.3390/children8010029

Wickens, N., Wallace, R., Dare, J., Costello, L., Lo, J., & Nimmo, L. (2021). Mobile phone use and social interactions among caregivers can reduce their ability to provide constant supervision to children at Australian public swimming pools. Health promotion journal of Australia, 32, 147-157. https://doi.org/10.1002/hpja.445

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

Fun in the Sun-How to Protect Yourself from UV Rays

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By Amanda Benko, Intern and UAB Community Health and Human Services Student

Photo by RDNE Stock project on Pexels.com

Fun in the Sun – How to protect yourself from UV Rays

Going outside is advised and beneficial to your health; however, spending an excessive amount of time in the sun might be hazardous. Therefore, it is essential to take precautions against overexposure to the sun during the summer and throughout the year (Rawstrone, 2023). Taking a few basic measures before heading out into the sun, no matter what time of year it is, may protect your skin from the damaging effects of the sun and reduce your risk of developing skin cancer, which is on the rise in the United States.

The most common precaution people should take to protect their skin is to use sunscreen. It should be used generously on exposed skin areas, including the face, neck, ears, and hands. One should pick a broad-spectrum sunscreen and reapply frequently if they are sweating or swimming. Additionally, one should choose a sunscreen with a high SPF to ensure they are well protected (Sharma & Sharma, 2023). One should avoid directly looking at reflective surfaces, including water and shiny surfaces, as they reflect UV lights increasing exposure. Sunglasses can also help protect the eyes from the intense sun rays when the sun is at its peak.

When spending time outside and the sun is at its peak intensity, people should try to spend as much time as possible in the shade. This may be accomplished by taking refuge behind trees, umbrellas, or other shade-providing structures to avoid exposure to direct sunlight. In addition, wearing long-sleeved shirts and trousers and a hat and sunglasses to shield your face, neck, and eyes from the sun is highly recommended. Following these measures will protect you from getting too much sun, lowering your chances of becoming sunburned, aging too quickly, and developing skin cancer. So how do you protect yourself from UV rays while enjoying time in the sun?

References:

Rawstrone, A. (2023). Safe in the sun. Nursery World, 2023(5), 32-33.

Sharma, M., & Sharma, A. (2023, February). A review on nature-based sunscreen agents. In IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science (Vol. 1110, No. 1, p. 012047). IOP Publishing.

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/

Standing more at work to improve your health!

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By Dr. Larrell L. Wilkinson | Wilkinson Wellness Lab

Photo by Anna Nekrashevich on Pexels.com

Standing while at work can improve your health! A study from a group of scientists at the University of Pittsburgh showed that on average, a person burned 8 more calories standing versus sitting at work (Creasy, Rogers, Byard, Kowalsky, & Jakicic, 2016). This may not sound like a lot, but if standing half the time during an 8 hour workday, after one week a person will have burned (used) 160 calories, about the standard serving size of Oreo cookies or Lay’s Classic Potato Chips. Again, this may not sound like a lot, but every little bit helps, Right?

Calories are how we measure energy and describes the energy we get from eating food and drinking. Calories don’t measure weight or length. Instead, we burn (use) calories when we exercise, walk, and perform regular movements throughout the day. Another way to burn calories is to simply, STAND. Also, there are other benefits to standing more during the day! Experts from the the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) (Chosewood & Franklin, 2012) found that using sit-stand workstations did the following:

  • Standing more while at work decreases the amount of time spent in sedentary work
  • Standing more helps relieve pressure on the lower back, buttocks and legs, and may help reduce compression of the spine arising from long periods of sitting
  • Standing more may improve energy levels
  • Standing more frequently may improve cognition
  • Standing may increase circulation and lead to better blood flow to the brain and other organs
  • Standing more burns more calories than sitting
  • Standing more may assist with energy balance and aid in weight management
  • Standing more may improve bone density over time
  • Standing more may promote better sleep

So what about you? Are you standing more? Are you willing to stand more? How will you stand more during the day? Share your story about standing or the different ways you move here in the comments section and/or share with us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

References
Chosewood, L.C. & Franklin, C.C. (2012, December 5). NIOSH takes a stand. NIOSH Science Blog. https://blogs.cdc.gov/niosh-science-blog/2012/12/05/sit-stand/.

Creasy, S. A., Rogers, R. J., Byard, T. D., Kowalsky, R. J., & Jakicic, J. M. (2016). Energy Expenditure During Acute Periods of Sitting, Standing, and Walking. Journal of physical activity & health, 13(6), 573–578. https://doi.org/10.1123/jpah.2015-0419

How to Kill Cancer in the African American Community

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By Regina Dodson | UAB Community Health and Human Services Intern

Cancer is a leading cause of death in the United States, and there is also a high prevalence of the disease affecting the African American community. African Americans have higher cancer mortality rates than any other racial or ethnic group, with a 14% higher overall cancer death rate than non-Hispanic whites (ACS, 2021). This disparity can be caused by a variety of factors, including socio-economic status, lifestyle factors, and limited access to healthcare.

One solution to reduce cancer disparities in the African American community is to increase access to cancer screenings. Early detection is crucial in the treatment of cancer, and regular cancer screenings can help detect cancer at an early stage, when it is most treatable. However, African Americans are less likely to receive cancer screenings than non-Hispanic whites, due to limited access to healthcare (ACS, 2021).

Community-based interventions have shown promise in increasing cancer screening rates in the African American community. These interventions involve community outreach and education, providing information on the importance of cancer screenings and how to access them. The Patient Navigation Program provides individualized support to people wishing to be screened for cancer, including transportation and other logistical support (Ferrante et al., 2011).

Another community-based intervention is the use of mobile mammography units, which bring mammography services to underserved communities, making it easier for women to access breast cancer screenings (Willems et al., 2019). Mobile mammography units have been shown to be effective in increasing breast cancer screening rates in underserved populations, including African American women.

Increasing access to cancer screenings in the African American community is crucial for reducing cancer disparities. Community-based interventions, such as the Patient Navigation Program and mobile mammography units, can help increase cancer screening rates in underserved populations. By improving access to cancer screenings, we can help detect cancer at an early stage, leading to better treatment outcomes and ultimately reducing cancer mortality rates in the African American community.

References:

American Cancer Society (ACS). (2021). Cancer Facts & Figures for African Americans 2021-2023. Retrieved from https://www.cancer.org/content/dam/cancer-org/research/cancer-facts-and-statistics/cancer-facts-and-figures-for-african-americans/cancer-facts-and-figures-for-african-americans-2021-2023.pdf

Ferrante, J. M., Chen, P. H., Kim, S., & The-Pennsylvania-Patient-Centered-Medical-Home-Initiative (2011). The effect of patient navigation on time to diagnosis, anxiety, and satisfaction in urban minority women with abnormal mammograms: a randomized controlled trial. Journal of Urban Health, 88(2), 211–226. doi: 10.1007/s11524-010-9502-6

Willems, B. A., Henry, K. A., Richter, R. R., & Hsieh, Y. W. (2019). Breast Cancer Screening in Underserved Women in the United States: A Review of the Literature. Journal of Women’s Health, 28(2), 269–277. doi: 10.1089/jwh.2017.6863