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

Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS): A Chronic Skin Disease

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Reginia Dodson | UAB Community Health and Human Services Intern

Photo by Angela Roma on Pexels.com

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

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Reginia Dodson | UAB Community Health and Human Services Intern

Photo by Erik Karits on Pexels.com

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

How Fruit Helps Digestive Health

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By Terrie Johnson | UAB Community Health & Human Services Intern

Photo by Hafidz Alifuddin on Pexels.com

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

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

Black Women’s Maternal Health

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By Terrie Johnson | UAB Community Health & Human Services Intern

Photo by SHVETS production on Pexels.com

Black women’s maternal health is a significant issue in the United States since it is responsible for critical care conditions. For example, the death rates of infants born by Black women are higher than their White counterparts. Despite their educational background, Black women are three times more likely to die due to maternal health issues than White women (CDC, 2023). The above situation denotes the critical disparities in care between individuals from the two ethnic groups. One of the underlying factors for the high maternal health issues among Black women is unconscious bias in healthcare. In other words, they do not receive quality care compared to White women (CDC, 2023). As such, they are predisposed to critical healthcare risks that increase the risk of infant deaths. Lack of quality healthcare delivery for the Black population is also responsible for maternal health challenges among Black women. Often, they live in neighborhoods with limited care resources. Thus, the quality of care is compromised, in most cases, leading to maternal death.

The maternal health issues among Black women can be improved. One of the actions that would facilitate this goal is to require the healthcare system to identify unconscious bias in care delivery. This initiative will instigate the removal of barriers to care and provide access for Black women. There is also the need to improve prenatal care delivery in Black neighborhoods (CDC, 2023). Other than the above measures, non-obstetric caregivers should be trained to handle pregnancy issues among Black women. It is also relevant to deal with potential stressors experienced by the target population (CDC, 2023). This initiative will provide an impetus for advanced care for Black women’s maternal care issues. It is also necessary to consider advising the affected people on the criticality of seeking medical help when they feel their health trajectory is not right. Everyone can play a significant role in working to prevent pregnancy -related deaths and improving maternal health outcomes.

Reference

CDC. (2023). Working together to reduce Black maternal mortality. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/healthequity/features/maternal-mortality/index.html

Woman and Heart Disease – How can you reduce your risk?

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By Terrie Johnson | UAB Community Health & Human Services Intern

Photo by Karolina Grabowska on Pexels.com

Heart disease refers to several kinds of illnesses that affect the cardiovascular system. In the United States (U.S.), it is the most common condition responsible for heart attack and high mortality rates. Based on the prevalence rates, the heart disease is the number one killer of women in the U.S. (CDC, 2023). Its occurrence among women is instigated by conditions such as heart attacks, arrhythmia, and heart failure. As such, heart disease leads to low quality of life and high mortality among women.

This topic hits home for me. A month ago, I lost a childhood friend to heart disease. On arriving at the hospital, she was diagnosed with a heart attack. The medical staff induced her into a coma, unfortunately, she did not survive. At her funeral I reflected on how our youth was filled with playing, running, laughing, and hugging my friend. After losing my friend, the situation made me think about my mortality, and what preventative measures I could take.

According to the Mayo Clinic, some steps to reduce your risk include:

  • Portion Control
    • Low calorie, nutrient rich foods like fruits, vegetables and fish
  • Eating whole grains, fruit and vegetables
    • Selecting whole-wheat bread as opposed to white bread
  • Limit unhealthy fats
    • Chose olive oil instead of butter
  • Choose low-fat protein
    • Skim milk, fish or beans are all good choices
  • Limit Sodium
    • Instead of table salt, try seasoning with herbs
  • For more tips check out the Mayo clinic link below

Though nothing can remove the pain I felt at the loss of my friend, I hope that we are learning enough about heart disease prevention that the rate of women dying from this disease lessens every day! What heart-healthy choices are you making each day?

References:

CDC. (2023). Lower Your Risk for the Number 1 Killer of Women. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/healthequity/features/heartdisease/index.html#:~:text=Although%20heart%20disease%20is%20sometimes,disease%20in%20the%20United%20States.

Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2022b, April 28). 8 steps to a heart-healthy diet. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heart-disease/in-depth/heart-healthy-diet/art-20047702

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