Empowering ourselves to tackle food insecurity in Alabama

Leave a comment April 14, 2024 Wilkinson Wellness Lab

by Haleigh Horton | UAB Community Health & Human Services Program Student

Photo by RDNE Stock project on Pexels.com

Food insecurity is a significant issue affecting communities across the United States, including Alabama’s Black Belt region. In addition to compromising physical health, lack of access to nutritious food exacerbates socioeconomic disparities. Building
healthier, more resilient communities requires understanding the root causes of food insecurity and implementing sustainable
solutions.

There are significant barriers to accessing affordable, nutritious food in Alabama’s Black Belt. Several factors contribute to high
rates of food insecurity, including limited grocery options, transportation challenges, and economic hardship (Harris, 2023).
Because of this, many people consume low-quality, processed foods that are high in calories but lack essential nutrients, resulting in obesity, malnutrition, and chronic diseases.

Food insecurity needs to be addressed through a multifaceted approach that addresses all levels of influence. Among the measures include increasing economic opportunities, improving access to affordable, nutritious foods, and promoting community-level interventions such as urban gardening initiatives and farmers’ markets.

It’s important to note that individuals and families can make healthier food choices within their means by becoming aware of the importance of healthy eating and learning about nutrition and meal planning (Harris, 2023). Urban agriculture and community gardens: It is possible to increase access to fresh produce as well as empower residents to take control of their food supply by
setting up community gardens and urban farming initiatives in underserved areas (Harris, 2023). These initiatives not only provide nutritious food but also promote community engagement and sustainability.

Policy advocacy and food assistance programs provide essential food resources to vulnerable populations with food
assistance programs such as SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) and WIC (Women, Infants, and Children)
(Harris, 2023). As a further step, develop policies that tackle systemic barriers to food access, such as food deserts and inequities in resource distribution.

To address the issue of food insecurity in Alabama’s Black Belt, it is imperative to take a holistic approach that addresses the underlying socioeconomic, cultural, and environmental factors that contribute to the problem. Thru the implementation of targeted interventions at multiple levels, we can build healthier, more resilient communities in which everyone has the opportunity to achieve their full potential and is able to access nutritious food.

How are you addressing food insecurity? What methods are you or your community using to combat food insecurity in your community. Share here and on our Facebook page at Wilkinson Wellness Lab.

References

Fielding, S. (2022, October 15). Food insecurity is tied to poor mental health. Verywell Mind. https://www.verywellmind.com/biden-administration-food-insecurity-poor-mental-health-6748799

Food insecurity: A year-round health concern. Andalusia Health. (2023, February 1). https://www.andalusiahealth.com/news/food-insecurity

Harris, S. (2023, November 1). Adequate access to nutritious food is associated with better health for people of all ages. Alabama’s Health. https://www.alabamapublichealth.gov/blog/2023/11/sho-november.html#:~:text=While%20food%20insecurity%20affects%20all,white%
20Alabamians%20are%20food%20insecure.

Addressing substance misuse among young people: Supporting brighter futures

Leave a comment March 2, 2024 Wilkinson Wellness Lab

By Haleigh Horton | UAB Community Health & Human Services Program Student

Substance use among teenagers and adults is a serious public health issue that affects an individual’s health as well as the health of their families and communities. In 2022, an estimated 48.7 million individuals twelve and older had a substance use disorder, including 29.5 million experiencing alcohol use disorder (AUD) and 27.2 million experiencing drug use disorder (DUD), according to the Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Teenagers and young adults may be particularly susceptible to the influence of drugs due to a variety of social, economic, and environmental factors (Morin, 2022). As a result of teenage and young adult substance abuse, it is important for society to promote healthy behaviors among youth, it is essential to implement preventive measures and interventions to combat the health and social issue.

According to the CDC (2022), young people may be at risk for substance use if experiencing risk factors like:

Family history of substance use
Favorable parental attitudes towards the behavior
Poor parental monitoring
Parental substance use
Family rejection of sexual orientation or gender identity
Association with delinquent or substance using peers
Lack of school connectedness
Low academic achievement
Childhood sexual abuse
Mental health issues

School-based preventive programs should be encouraged in our nation’s middle and high schools. These programs may promote positive peer relationships and effective decision-making, while educating them about the risks and consequences of substance abuse. Moreover, students can develop resilience and coping skills needed to navigate adolescence and resist substance abuse by incorporating social-emotional learning elements, such as empathy and self-awareness (ICF, 2022). It is also important for communities to provide support and resources for teenagers and their families by engaging local community organizations, religious institutions, and local leaders in an effort to create awareness about teenage drug use, as well as provide support and resources for those too (ICF, 2022). Counseling services, peer support groups, and recreational activities are also needed supports to address drug use among teenager and young adults (SAMHSA, 2023). Effective strategies to prevent drug use among young individuals is critical to ensuring the well-being of our communities.

We can help teenagers and young adults have a healthier future by implementing evidence-based prevention programs, creating supportive environments, and providing them with essential skills and resources. Advocacy and community involvement are essential to overcoming substance abuse challenges and fostering positive outcomes for future generations. So what do you think? Have you benefited from programming in schools? In college? Share here and on our Facebook page @Phame.US.Impact.

References:

Drug-free communities program successes | drug overdose | CDC injury center. (2023, October 23). https://www.cdc.gov/drugoverdose/drug-free-communities/program-success.html

HHS SAMSHA release 2022 national survey on drug use and health data. (2023, November 13). https://www.samhsa.gov/newsroom/press-announcements/20231113/hhs-samhsa-release-2022-nsduh-data

High risk substance use in youth | adolescent and school health | CDC. (2023, March 24). https://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/substance-use/index.htm

ICF (2022). Drug-Free Communities (DFC) Support Program National Cross-Site Evaluation: End-of-Year 2022 Report. Washington, DC: Office of National Drug Control Policy.

Morin, A. (2022, January 9). Is your teen using drugs? look for these warning signs. Verywell Family. https://www.verywellfamily.com/teen-drug-use-
warning-signs-2606192

Parents and schools can work together to improve adolescent mental health

Leave a comment March 1, 2024 Wilkinson Wellness Lab

By Travia Martin | UAB Community Health & Human Services Student

Although thought to be light and carefree, the adolescent years leading into adulthood are significant to the development of a child and their preparation into adulthood. From physical health, emotional health, mental health and other domains of wellness, these years are important as young people begin to take on adult like responsibilities. According to World Health Organization (n.d.), children ages 10-19 at some point may experience health issues related to the following poor hygiene, partaking in behaviors involving alcohol and drug use, unsafe sex, abuse, and teen pregnancy. While every area of health is important for the proper development of adolescents, mental health may be one of the categories often overlooked and underserved. For example, depression and anxiety have the most impact on this age group in relation to illness with suicide being the leading cause of death among those 15-19 (WHO, 2023). 1.1 million adolescents die each year, whether it be traffic accidents, violence, or self-inflicted harm.

School health programs should be championed and supported in middle and high schools to support adolescent development. Why? First, we should consider that in the U.S., fifty-six million students spend at least 6 hours a day at school, receiving social, physical, and intellectual development (CDC, 2021). Within your community, are you aware of the programs, activities, and group organizations that offer support to your middle and high school adolescence? Supplying mental health support and assistance within schools may elevate awareness, guidance and understanding of such complex health issues among adolescents. Additionally, social media plays a role in adolescent development, because young people see and do what they are taught or have learned, picked up through observational learning while constantly viewing social media on their electronic devices.

Whether you are a parent or an educator, there are several behaviors you can implement into your home, school, organization, etc. to help support and aid the development of adolescents and their mental health. Minor changes like spending more time engaging with young people through face-to-face conversation and allowing them to express their feelings mentally and emotionally, can aid positively to overall health and well-being (CDC, 2021). Removing teens and young adults from environments or locations that are toxic and filled with trauma to more peaceful and positive environments are also important. Supporting pro-social behaviors to express ones emotions such as art, writing, or even support groups involving peers of the same age is also important. Adolescent therapy and counseling are additional tools that can support the development of their mental health and create positive influence among their behaviors and actions (CDC, 2021).

What about you? Did you experience tough times during your adolescent years? What tips would you give to teenagers and young adults today? Leave a comment here or join the discussion at @WilkinsonWellnessLab on Facebook.

References:

Adolescent and young adult health. (n.d.). Www.who.int. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/adolescents-health-risks-and-solutions#:~:text=Depression%20and%20anxiety%20are%20among

CDC. (2021, April 23). Mental health of children and parents—A strong connection. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/childrensmentalhealth/features/mental-health-children-and-parents.html

COVID-19 Pandemic Associated with Worse Mental Health and Accelerated Brain Development in Adolescents. (2023, January 26). National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). https://www.nimh.nih.gov/news/science-news/2023/covid-19-pandemic-associated-with-worse-mental-health-and-accelerated-brain-development-in-adolescents#:~:text=The%20two%20groups%20differed%20significantly

National Library of Medicine. (2022). CHILD AND ADOLESCENT MENTAL HEALTH. In http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (US). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK587174/

Why schools? | adolescent and school health | CDC. (2021, June 8). https://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/about/why_schools.htm

Healthy habits while enjoying fun in the sun

Leave a comment February 18, 2024 Wilkinson Wellness Lab

By Haleigh Horton | UAB Community Health & Human Services Program Student

As we approach spring and then move into the summer, it is important to begin considering again our exposure to the sun. Did you know that the beautiful rays that we get from sunlight may also pose a risk to yours and your child’s skin? Focusing on children, it is important to learn how sunshine can affect your child’s skin and learn simple steps to protect them. From wearing protective clothing to using sunscreen, these practices can safeguard your family from harm and promote a healthier sunshine habits. Specific to southern United States, where the sun’s warmth is abundant, it’s vital to be aware of the potential risks posed to children’s delicate skin from harmful UV exposure. Extended sun exposure can lead to various health issues, particularly for children with sensitive skin. The risks go beyond sunburn, encompassing long-term consequences such as premature aging and an increased risk of skin cancer.

To protect children, proactive measures like wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen, and seeking shade during peak sunlight hours are important. Embracing sun protection practices ensures the enjoyment of the outdoors while minimizing potential harm to young skin, promoting a healthier future for our little ones. To turn these practices into habits, it is important to incorporate sun protection measures into your daily routine. Wearing protective clothing and adding sunscreen through daily when applying lotion not only reduce the risk of skin cancer, including severe forms like melanoma, but also prevent sunburn, signaling skin damage. Additionally, embracing sun protection promotes
overall skin health by maintaining moisture, preventing dryness, and minimizing premature aging. Sun protection is regarded has not only a benefit to ones long term health, but also is recognized as a part of one self-care regimen. Thusly, wearing wide-brimmed hats and long sleeves, becomes a proactive measure against harmful UV rays. Applying broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF (i.e., 30 SPF or higher) before outdoor activities (i.e., including school or extracurricular activities) offers an additional layer of defense. Seeking shade during peak sunlight hours, typically between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., becomes a strategic choice to minimize direct sun exposure.

As parents in the South, protecting our children from sun exposure is vital. During spring and summer months, let’s remember to cover up, use the right sunscreen, and be
mindful of peak sunlight hours. Understanding the risks of skin cancer and premature aging highlights the importance of consistent sun protection. By prioritizing sun safety, we contribute to our children’s long-term wellbeing, shaping a healthier future. Let’s champion our kids health together, ensuring our children thrive while under the sun and foster a culture of skin health awareness. For more information about, please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) website on sun safety here. Do you have additional sun safe tips to share? If so, please share in the comments section here and/or share on a Facebook page @WilkinsonWellnessLab.

References

American Academy of Dermatology Association (n.d.). Sunscreen FAQs. https://www.aad.org/media/stats-sunscreen

Raymond-Lezman, J. R., & Riskin, S. (2023). Attitudes, Behaviors, and Risks of Sun Protection to Prevent Skin Cancer Amongst Children, Adolescents, and Adults. Cureus, 15(2), e34934. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.34934

Salvado, M., Fraga, A., Marques, D. L., Pires, I. M., Gonçalves, C. C., & Silva, N. M. (2021).
Sun Exposure in Pediatric Age: Perspective of Caregivers. Children (Basel, Switzerland),
8(11), 1019. https://doi.org/10.3390/children8111019

SickKids staff. (2024). What’s the best way to protect kids’ skin from sunburn?
HealthyChildren.org. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/tips-tools/ask-the-pediatrician/Pages/whats-the-best-way-toprotect-kids-skin-from-sunburn.aspx

Supporting local efforts, the Revive Health Fair on October 7, 2023

Leave a comment October 7, 2023 Larrell Wilkinson

The Wilkinson Wellness Lab is excited to partner with the UAB Community Health & Human Services Program and Christian Life Church in support of the Revive Health Fair on Saturday, October 7, 2023. The health fair is located at 2490 Valleydale Road and will take place 9am – 1pm. As a resource for the health fair, the Wilkinson Wellness Lab is providing:

Blood pressure screening,
Body Mass Index reading,
Body Fat percentage reading, and
Skeletal muscle percentage reading

For more resources in support of achieving your overall weight goals, please click on the links below:

Food

Physical Activity

Sleep

Are You Getting Enough Sleep? (cdc.gov)

Body Mass Index

https://www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/assessing/bmi/adult_bmi/

Join the conversation on Facebook or in the comments section. Have you lost weight over a process? What did you do lose weight? How long did the weight loss take you? How was your experience? Please share with family and friends.

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/

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/

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

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.

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