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February Heart Awareness Month

African Americans face greater risk of stroke, report says

Ashley I. King

Issue date: 2/18/05 Section: >Health News">News>>Health News

February is the month in which you should take some things to heart -- in particular, your heart.

February is National Heart Awareness Month and Black History Month. However, African Americans may need to look to their futures and the potential risks of heart disease. A report states that heart disease has claimed millions of African-American lives in recent years.

According to Ebony magazine, heart disease is most common among blacks than any other ethnic group. The report states that the illness not only affects the heart, but the way an individual lives. Some Jackson State University students find this information to be alarming. "There are many diseases that African Americans don't know about, but it's definitely common among the various diseases," said Katreena Lewis, a senior education major from Biloxi.

According to Ebony , African Americans are at an increased risk for heart disease, and the illness can affect anyone at any time. Common risk factors include being overweight, smoking and lack of exercise. Studies show that African Americans are less likely than Caucasians to maintain a healthy diet, a routine workout, and be smoke free. "If you do smoke, quit," said Jami Cameron of the American Heart Association. "The greatest risk is smoking. Cigarettes increase the chances of diagnosis. Quitting smoking greatly reduces the risk of heart disease."
According to Ebony , the risk of having heart disease drops sharply one year after a individual quits smoking, and continues to decline.

According to recent studies by the American Heart Association , Mississippi has the highest percentage of deaths caused by heart disease among African Americans. The report states that two out of every three blacks will develop heart disease by the time they are 60. Those who have high blood pressure have an 80 percent higher stroke mortality rate, which is caused by heart disease.

The combination of risk factors, genetics predisposition and poor access to quality health care are also considered to be major reasons why black Americans are suffering from a disease and not learning about it. Some younger African Americans agree that there is an urgent need to educate blacks about the dangers of heart disease and to motivate them to work with their health-care providers to learn more about prevention. "Many black women, like myself, don't take heart disease seriously because being overweight runs in my family and there's nothing that I can do about it," said Aisha Wells, a senior public relations major from Clarksdale.

Experts believe exercise is the most effective deterrent for hear disease. "It would be wonderful if everyone could get 30 minutes of exercise a week," Cameron said.

According to the American Heart Association, the goal of recognizing the disease during Black History Month is to teach African Americans about the disease. However, Cameron believes the effort to educate should continue throughout the year. "Just because it's Heart Awareness Month doesn't mean we should pay attention to it, since it happens all year long," Cameron said.

Heart Disease Awareness Month

What is the number one killer of all Americans? Heart disease. To try and battle this illness, doctors, organizations and health experts are spreading the word in February. Why? Because February is Heart Disease Awareness Month!

The American Heart Association will launch its national Go "Red For Women" campaign this February to raise awareness of cardiovascular disease. Women are encouraged to wear red clothing, red accessories and red ribbons to help raise awareness about this disease.

Doctors and health professionals are hoping to improve the health of all people through education. They are trying to teach people that certain lifestyle factors--like healthy eating, plenty of exercise, and quitting smoking--can help reduce the risk of heart disease. Healthcare experts also urge Americans to try and control their weight and blood pressure.

The "Red for Women" campaign is supported and sponsored by many different companies, including Macys and Pfizer. Consumers can donate money to heart disease research and education by purchasing certain products from Pantene, Reebok, Walgreens, and Macys.

The American Heart Association has been helping protect people from heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular diseases since 1924.

--Written by Carla Shives

Write your own story telling us what you think about this article!

Go RED!

American Heart Association

For Every Heart, There’s A Story Marie Osmond encourages women to unite in the fight against heart disease and join the Go Red For Women movement. Beginning February 1 – National Wear Red Day – Marie is calling on survivors, family members, friends and heart health professionals to share their story of how heart disease has affected their lives.

Light & Easy Recipes Light & Easy Recipes is a 100-page, four-color magazine cookbook with recipes that help women reduce their risks for heart disease and stroke. Look for it at your local grocery store checkout stand beginning February 5. HEART for Women Act Heart disease, stroke and other cardiovascular diseases are the No. 1 killer of American women. During American Heart Month, ask your lawmakers to do their part to cure these diseases by co-sponsoring the HEART for Women Act. Women’s lives depend on it!

Find out your personalized daily fat recommendations. Is your financial clock ticking? Don't lose heart. Join the AHA and Discovery Health for the National Body Challenge 2008. AHA Statement on the President’s FY 2009 Budget Proposal A simplified scoring system may predict overall CVD risk, individual CVD components risk Burgers, fries, diet soda: metabolic syndrome blue-plate special Daily exercise dramatically lowers men's death rates Avery Exley and her mother's mission to save others. February 10-16 is National Cardiac Rehabilitation Week Learn how to get your heart back on track. Black History Month Recognize past achievements and fight a major threat to blacks: stroke.

STALKING AWARENESS MONTH

JANUARY IS STALKING AWARENESS MONTH
by Laura Hilton and Damita Chambers

Stalking Awareness Month was established and announced in January 2004 to increase awareness among the public of this crime. Stalking is widespread and affects women and men. “Stalking” is defined as a course of conduct directed at a specific person that would cause her/him to feel and live in fear. Stalking is also defined as willfully done, on more than one occasion, follows or is in the presence of, or harasses another person, without legal purpose and with intent either to place in reasonable fear or causes substantial emotional distress. Stalking can be extremely dangerous, and it disrupts lives.

Stalking is a criminal offense under the laws of all 50 states, the District of Columbia and the federal Government. Changes were made to the stalking laws in North Carolina effective December 1, 2004. The law, G. S 14-277.3, states that “Stalking” is defined as following on more than one occasion or otherwise harassing another person without legal purpose with intent to do any of the following:

• Place the person in reasonable fear either for the person’s safety or safety of the person’s immediate family or close personal associates.

• Cause the person to suffer substantial emotional distress by placing that person in fear of death, bodily injury or continued harassment and that in fact causes the person substantial emotional distress.

The definition of Harassment: Knowing conduct, including written or printed communication or transmission, telephone or cellular or other wireless telephonic communication, facsimile transmission, pager messages or transmissions, answering machine or voice mail messages or transmissions and electronic mail messages or other computerized or electronic transmissions, directed at a specific person that torments, terrorizes or terrifies that person and that serves no legitimate purpose.

According to statistics, 1 in 12 women and 1 in 45 men will be stalked in their lifetime. Seventy-seven percent of female and 64% of male victims know their stalker. A minority of victims are stalked by strangers. The overwhelming majority of victims are women. Most women are stalked by current or former intimate partners such as spouses, cohabiting partners, or dating partners. Nearly 90% of the stalkers are men. Stalkers can be acquaintances, strangers, coworkers, or current or former spouses/partners. The majority of stalkers are not mentally ill; however, a small percentage suffer from health problems and are often socially maladjusted and insecure.

Stalking lasts on average nearly two years, according to victim reports. One study showed 25% of victims took time from work to deal with a stalking problem. More than 8 million women and 2 million men will be stalked at some point during their lives. It is difficult to predict when and how a stalker will act. Anyone (including celebrities) can be stalked. Stalking can occur during a relationship or after a relationship. Stalkers are unpredictable. Some stalkers threaten and intimidate, and it is difficult to ascertain if and when it will escalate to violence. Victims may not know if the action they take will stop the stalking or make it worse.

Stalking’s impact is often wide ranging and severe. It can be traumatic for the victim. Many victims feel constantly on alert, vulnerable, out of control, and anxious. Stalking causes long-term emotional distress and disruption of everyday living. Victims are unable to trust, and it is hard for them to recover from the effects. They may go to drastic steps to protect themselves, such as changing their identities and places of residence.

Stalkers can by nature be obsessive and dangerous. The stalker types are divided into four general categories:

Simple Obsession is the most common type. The stalker is usually a male and the victim is someone they know. The stalker feels wronged and this is his way of getting back.

Love Obsession: a stranger or casual acquaintance to the victim is obsessive and begins a campaign of harassment to make victim aware of his or her existence.

Erotomania: The stalker falsely believes that the victim is in love with him or her, and that but for some external obstacle, they would be together again.

False Victimization syndrome is extremely rare and involves someone who consciously or subconsciously wants to play the role of the victim. He or she may make up a complex tale, claiming to be a stalking victim. In such cases the would-be victim is sometimes the actual stalker, and alleged offender is the real victim.

Safety Planning
It is important to have a safety plan to keep safe and to remember the victim is not responsible for the stalker’s behavior. It is important to report all stalking incidents to the police and to seek help from a local victim service agency.

• Try to get as much information on resources available.
• Avoid all possible contact with the stalker.
• Watch for early warning signs: “red flags” such as obsessive and suspicious behaviors.
• Be more vigilant about anything out of the ordinary.
• Do not overlook any signs of unwanted attention.
• Documentation is very important. Try to keep a log book of time, locations, and events that are happening. Record all phone and/or e-mail messages.
• Take pictures of any damage caused by the stalker.
• All threats should be taken seriously and all suspicious activities should be reported to the police.

Resources/Bibliography:
www.nycagainstrape.org/survivors_factsheet_65.html
www.gmu.edu/facstaff/sexual/stalking_1.html
www.esia.net/in_the_work_place.htm
www.forensicnursemag.com/articles/411newsviews.html
www.ncvc.org/src
www.forrelease.com/d20031231/dcw01
www.cops.usdoj.gov

Information provided by Interact, a Non-profit Wake County United Way Agency that provides safety, support awareness to victims and survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. Interact also promotes violence-free relationships and communities through collaboration, public information, education and advocacy. All client services are free and confidential.

Laura Hilton is the Director of Communications and Community Education & Training with Interact, a Wake County non-profit United Way Agency that serves victims and survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault.	Jan 06 - JANUARY IS STALKING AWARENESS MONTH Jan 07 - January is Stalking Awareness Month
She is a dedicated advocate against family violence and is well known as a valuable community resource and consultant. Laura shares her wealth of knowledge, experience and expertise with a variety of agencies, organizations, corporations, law enforcement, legislators, medical, human service, faith community, media professionals, and private individuals throughout North Carolina. She began her work at Interact in 1991. Her current position as an educator, marketing, public relations and communications agent for Interact provides her the opportunity to interface with the community as well as with the media. She serves on several community boards and committees for conferences, special events and awareness planning, training and collaboration. She has received numerous (local, state, national and international) awards and recognition for her work in the field of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault. Education Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration - Queens College Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault/Communications Certification

Thyroid Awareness Month

January is Thyroid Awareness Month

Did you know that 1 in 10 Americans suffer from thyroid disease. That's more
than the number of Americans with diabetes and cancer. The fact that an
estimated 13 million Americans have thyroid disorders, but more than half
still remain undiagnosed.

A few of the signs of an underactive thyroid are Tirdness, Dry coarse hair, Dry skin, High cholesterol, Loss of lateral eyebrow Hair, Puffy face and eyes, Slow heartbeat, Weight gain, Headaches, Depression, and Constipation.

Just some of the signs of an overactive thyroid are Nervousness, Difficulty Sleeping, Bulging eyes, Rapid heartbeat, Increased sweating, Unexplained weight loss, Fine tremor of fingers, Muscle
weakness and Infertility.

All it takes is a few simple blood tests to see what your thyroid levels are. Fifty percent of thyroid disease patients' offspring will inherit the thyroid disease gene. The thyroid gland is essential to the proper functioning of the body, regulating its metabolism and organ function. The thyroid produces hormones that influence every organ, tissue and cell in the body. If the thyroid doesn't work properly, neither well you.

You can help! Start by talking about thyroid disease with others. Let people know how you feel and what the signs of thyroid disease are.

I would like everyone to print up this article and highlight page 3. On page 3 it talks about how the lab range was changed by the AACE in November 2002 to the new range. Many labs still to this day have not changed their range of tsh testing to the new range.

The doctors don't know that the range is changed. Somewhere I read it takes 10 years for a new piece of information to reach every doctors in the world. Lets make is happen faster. Lets all print up one if not more copies of this article and drop it off with our doctors. Mail to their office and put attention to that doctor. We can make the change happen. We can help other humans in the world by doing this simple little thing of printing and dropping off an article to your doctor.

Make a Difference Today and Help out Others in the World. Click here and Print this article. Highlight page 3 and Drop off or Mail to a Doctor you know, Today!

AACE Thyroid Awareness Article 2005

Related Links: AACE Facts on Thyroid Disease AACE Thyroid Awareness AACE Thyroid Article for Printing

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Content copyright © 2007 by Tracy Green. All rights reserved.
This content was written by Tracy Green. If you wish to use this content in any manner, you need written permission. Contact Tracy Green for details.

Cervical Health Awareness Month

January Is Cervical Health Awareness Month

Approximately 10,000 American women will learn they have cervical cancer/HPV this year, and nearly 4,000 will die from an advanced form of the disease. This January, during Cervical Health Awareness Month, the National Cervical Cancer Coalition (NCCC) is focused on educating women about the importance of the Pap test as a screening tool for cervical cancer/HPV and about vaccines that can further reduce the burden of this devastating disease.

It's the start of a new year - a time many reflect on their health. To start the year right, we encourage women to contact their health care provider to schedule a Pap test to check for cervical cancer. This screening is a crucial part of a woman's health care regimen, yet one that many overlook. "It's important to remember that cervical cancer is a preventable disease - as long as it's caught early enough," says Ms. Sarina Araujo, Executive Director of the NCCC.

While routine administration of Pap tests is the best means of detecting cervical cancer at an early stage, vaccines have the potential to protect women from the disease, by targeting cancer-causing types of the human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV, a virus transmitted through sexual contact, is the single known cause of cervical cancer. Two forms of the virus, HPV 16 and HPV 18, account for more than 70 percent of all cervical cancer cases. Some medical experts believe that through a successful education, screening and vaccination program for women, we will have the potential to nearly eliminate cervical cancer in the U.S.

"These vaccines represent a major advancement in women's health and in cancer prevention. With these new tools, we may be able to help ensure no woman in the United States has to endure cervical cancer," says Juan C. Felix, MD, chairman of the NCCC medical advisory panel and chief of OB/GYN pathology at the Women's and Children's Hospital, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine. "We hope these vaccines will make cervical cancer a concern of the past."

Mr. Alan Kaye, the Chair of the Board of Directors of the NCCC states; "The United States has an inadequate delivery system for vaccines that may hinder mass immunization of women for the cervical cancer/HPV vaccine." Mr. Kaye went on to state; "The United States healthcare system is not structured adequately to handle the widespread immunization of adolescents and young adults."

Glaxo receives FDA 'complete response' for cervical cancer vaccine

Blood Flow In Cervical Tumors Can Predict Outcome

Cervical cancer risk reduces after stopping the birth control pill

Gardasil, The Cervical Cancer Vaccine Is Effective, Merck

Pap Tests Used More Than HPV For Cervical Cancer Screening

Poverty in America Awareness Month

January is “Poverty in America Awareness Month”

Today, 37 million Americans—and 1 in 6 children—are struggling in poverty, making hard choices between food, health care, heat and rent. To bring attention to this national crisis, the Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD) has designated January as “Poverty in America Awareness Month.”

During this special month of observance, we devote our efforts to heightening the nation's understanding of the breadth and depth of the problems of poverty:

• Releasing a powerful public service campaign to raise awareness of poverty in America.
• Encouraging the editorial media to focus on poverty.
• Educating the public to be sensitive to the needs of those in poverty and to treat poor people with respect.
• Holding events in Catholic schools and public settings to make sure poverty is top-of-mind for all Americans.
  

What can you do to promote Poverty in America Awareness Month?

• Click here to use this graphic on your website!
  
  
• Visit our Media Center for public service messages.
• Get the facts about poverty.
• Learn how others have overcome poverty.
• Get involved in your community.
• Take the Poverty Tour.
• Email a friend with ideas, events to join or facts.
• Click on the images below to print a PIAAM poster to display.
  
  

• Get the facts about this forgotten state
• Read the latest news on poverty from CCHD
• Learn how others have overcome poverty
• Take a tour of this forgotten state
• Get involved in your community
• Email a friend about povertyusa.org

Glaucoma Awareness Month

January is Glaucoma Awareness Month

January is National Glaucoma Awareness Month, an important time to spread the word about this sight-stealing disease. Glaucoma is the leading cause of preventable blindness. Everyone, from infants to seniors is vulnerable. Moreover, among African-American and Hispanic populations, glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness.

Over 3 million Americans, and nearly 70 million people worldwide, have glaucoma. Experts estimate that half of them don’t know they have it. Combined with our aging population, we can see an epidemic of blindness looming if we don’t raise awareness about the importance of regular eye examinations to preserve vision.

The most common type of glaucoma—primary open angle glaucoma—is hereditary; so if you do have glaucoma, don’t keep it a secret. Let your family members know they are at increased risk.

Help Raise Awareness

Experts estimate that half of the people affected by glaucoma don’t know they have it. Here are three ways you can help raise awareness:

1. Talk to friends and family about glaucoma. If you have glaucoma, don’t keep it a secret. Let your family members know.
2. Refer a friend to our web site, www.glaucoma.org
3. Request to have free educational booklets sent to you or a friend

What is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that gradually steal sight without warning. Although the most common forms primarily affect the middle-aged and the elderly, glaucoma can affect people of all ages.

Types of Glaucoma

There are two main types of glaucoma: primary open angle glaucoma (POAG), and angle closure glaucoma. These are marked by an increase of intraocular pressure (IOP), or pressure inside the eye. When optic nerve damage has occurred despite a normal IOP, this is called normal tension glaucoma. Secondary glaucoma refers to any case in which another disease causes or contributes to increased eye pressure, resulting in optic nerve damage and vision loss.

Read more about Types of Glaucoma

Facts and Statistics

Glaucoma is the leading cause of preventable blindness, and in the most common form, there are virtually no symptoms. Vision loss begins with peripheral or side vision, so if you have glaucoma, you may not notice anything until significant vision is lost.

The best way to protect your sight from glaucoma is to get a comprehensive eye examination. Then, if you have glaucoma, treatment can begin immediately.

Glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness among African-Americans. And among Hispanics in older age groups, the risk of glaucoma is nearly as high as that for African-Americans. Also, siblings of persons diagnosed with glaucoma have a significantly increased risk of having glaucoma.

Read more glaucoma facts and statistics

Risk Factors

Are you at risk for glaucoma? Those at higher risk include people of African, Asian, and Hispanic descent, people over 60, and people with diabetes or hypertension. Read more about groups of people who are at higher risk than others. Regular eye exams are especially important for those at higher risk for glaucoma, and may help to prevent unnecessary vision loss.

Help Us Find a Cure

Glaucoma Research Foundation is a national non-profit organization funding innovative research to preserve vision and find a cure for glaucoma. Gifts of every size make a difference. Donate today.

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