Psi Alpha Omega

The New Year is a time to reflect on the past but more importantly it is a time to look forward to positive changes for the future. Every year, people make resolutions to do things differently. The most popular New Year’s resolution is weight loss and physical fitness. Although many people make this resolution, few actually achieve their goal. In 2012, it is more important than ever to maintain an ideal body weight. Obesity has reached epidemic proportions in America. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that about one third of U.S. adults are obese. Moreover, 44% of African Americans are obese or overweight. Not only is maintaining an ideal body weight important for having high self-esteem and a positive body image it is essential for overall health. Being overweight or obese increases the likelihood of developing, diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, high cholesterol, stroke, liver & gallbladder disease, and certain cancers (esophageal, pancreatic, uterine, breast, colorectal, kidney, and thyroid).

African American women are 60% more likely to be obese than Caucasian women. However, many African American women simply do not know they are overweight or obese. For many years, African American women have used terms such as big boned, thick, or voluptuous to describe their figures. Many African-American women identify a curvy figure as being attractive and a sign of good health. In a sense, it has become a cultural norm to be on the “hefty side”. Overall, African Americans have a different perception of what is considered an ideal body weight. When some overweight African American women look in the mirror, they do not see themselves as being overweight and they definitely do not see themselves as being obese. Many people equate obesity with someone who is bedridden or someone who tips the scales at 300 lbs. However, the line between an ideal body weight and being overweight is very thin. Being more than 10-15 pounds greater than your ideal body weight will put you in the overweight or obese category.

The terms overweight and obese are used to identify ranges of weight that are greater than what is generally considered healthy for a given height. There is a national formula used to calculate body mass index. The body mass index is a score used to identify weight category based on height and weight. Having a BMI of 18.5-24.9 is considered a healthy weight. A BMI of 25 – 29.9 is considered overweight and a BMI greater than 30 is considered obese. Find your BMI: http://www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/assessing/bmi/adult_bmi/english_bmi_calculator/bmi_calculator.html

After calculating your BMI, set a plan into action to achieve your ideal body weight. Small steps go a long way to making positive life long changes. Weight loss is achieved when the amount of calories burned exceeds the amount of calories taken in. Physical activity is very import to your overall health and for maintaining an ideal body weight. Shedding a few extra pounds will decrease your likelihood of developing diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, high cholesterol, stroke, liver & gallbladder disease and certain cancers.

Find support at: Black Women do Workout: www.blackwomendoworkout.com or Black Girls Run www.blackgirlsrun.com

Find more information at the: US Dept of Health & Human Services www.minorityhealth.hhs.gov/templates/content.aspx?ID=6456 . Learn about the link between obesity and cancer: www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Risk/obesity

All material in this article is provided for your information only and may not be construed as medical advice or instruction. No action or inaction should be taken based solely on the con-tents of this information; instead, readers should consult appropriate health professionals on any matter relating to their health and well-being.

October is breast cancer awareness month. Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in the United States, other than skin cancer. It is the second leading cause of cancer death in women. However, breast cancer rates are different for African-American women. “One size does not fit all,” says Dr. Lovell Jones of MD Anderson Cancer Center.  Many African-American women do not fit the profile of the average American woman who gets breast cancer. African-American women tend to develop breast cancer 10 years earlier than white women. Breast cancer is usually more advance in African-American women at the time diagnosis.  African-American women tend to have either more invasive forms of breast cancers or forms of breast cancers that do not respond to typical treatment. The death statistics for breast cancer in African-American women compared to white women is stunning. Beginning in their 20s, into their 50s, African-American women are twice as likely to die of breast cancer as white women who have breast cancer. The overall incidence of breast cancer deaths has declined over the past decade; however, the rate among African-American women has dropped at a much slower pace.

The first step to understanding breast cancer is to understand your breast. Breasts are made up mostly of fat and breast tissue, along with nerves, veins, arteries and the connective tissue that helps hold everything in place. Breast tissue is a complex network of lobules (small round sacs that produce milk) and ducts (canals) that carry milk from the lobules to the nipple openings during breastfeeding) in a pattern that looks like bunches of grapes.  The body is made up of hundreds of millions of living cells. Normal body cells grow, divide, and die in an orderly way. Breast cancer begins when cells in the breast start to grow out of control. Instead of dying, cancer cells continue to grow forming a tumor. Between 50 and 75 percent of breast cancers begin in the ducts, 10 to 15 percent begin in the lobules and a few begin in other breast tissues Breast cancer can also grow in the armpits. Tumors in the breast tend to grow slowly. By the time a lump is large enough to feel, it may have been growing for as long as 10 years. However, some tumors are aggressive and grow much more rapidly. African-American women tend to have the more aggressive forms of breast cancer. African American women also tend to develop cancer 10 years earlier than white women.

Socioeconomic factors, communication barriers, lack of awareness and religious beliefs (God will heal me) all play a factor in the racial disparities associated with breast cancer survival. Studies have shown African-American women tend to seek treatment when their cancer is in a more advanced stage. In addition, current screening guidelines are not appropriate for African-American women. The government task force recommends putting off the first mammogram until age 50; however, this recommendation puts African-American women lives in danger. Several studies suggest African-American women should get their first mammogram between ages 35-40.

Self breast exams have been shown to be a valuable tool in detecting breast cancer. However, many women either do not do monthly self-breast exams or they do not know how to do them properly. Women should know breast tissue is naturally lumpy. In most cases, lumpiness is not a cause for concern. Women should look for abnormalities such as: nipple discharge, a hard knot or thickening inside the breast or underarm area, change in the size or shape of the breast, dimpling or puckering of the skin, pulling in of the nipple or other parts of the breast, new pain in one spot that does not go away. Women should also be aware of itchy, scaly skin, sores or rash on the nipple, swelling, warmth, redness, or darkening of the breast.

Getting regular screening tests is the best way for women to lower their risk of dying from breast cancer. Screening tests can find breast cancer early, when it’s most treatable. Mammograms are used to find early signs of breast cancer such as a dense mass or clusters of calcium. Mammography is the best screening tool used today to find breast cancer. It can find cancers at an early stage, when they are small (too small to be felt) and most responsive to treatment.  Getting a screening mammogram takes about 15 minutes. During the procedure, each breast is pressed between two plates, and an X-ray image is made. Two views of each breast are taken, one with the X-ray beam aimed from top to bottom and the other from side to side.  Sometimes, the pressure can be uncomfortable, but it usually only lasts a few seconds. Call 1-877 GO KOMEN (1-877-465-6636) to help find low-cost mammogram options in your area. National Breast and Cervical Cancer Control Program provides access to breast cancer screening to low-income, uninsured and underinsured women.

Over the past 20 years, great progress has been made in the early detection and treatment of breast cancer. As a result, the number of breast cancer survivors continues to rise. In fact, there are more than 2.5 million survivors in the U.S. today. Breast cancer treatment plans are based on both medical and personal choices. Breast cancer treatment is tailored to: the specific type of cancer, the stage of breast cancer, and other medical issues. Early detection has shown to have better overall outcomes and early detection allows for greater treatment options. Some treatment options include lumpectomy (removal of a lump and some of the surrounding tissue), mastectomy (removal of the entire breast), chemotherapy, radiation therapy, hormonal therapy. Treatment is highly individualized based on the type and stage of breast cancer.

Often times it starts off as a persistent annoying cough, exercise intolerance, or recurrent respiratory infections. Other times it is overt wheezing or chest tightness. Asthma is a serous medical condition that can present in various ways. Asthma affects over 22 million Americans. Alpha Kappa Sorority, Inc. has recognized the seriousness of asthma and the impact it has on the African American community. Asthma Prevention and Management is one of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. National Health Initiatives for 2010 – 2014. The main goals are early diagnosis, treatment, awareness, and parental education and advocacy.

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the lungs in which the airways periodically and temporarily narrow in response to a trigger. Normally, the airways narrow to prevent harmful substance from entering the lungs. In people with asthma, the airways narrow too easily, too much, and in response to things that wouldn’t ordinarily cause a reaction. Asthma is very common. It is the most common chronic lung condition in America and the most common chronic childhood illness. It affects about 10% of American children and 5% of American adults.

Asthma can vary from mild to severe and an asthma attack can last from minutes to days. Asthma attacks are the result of a trigger irritating the airways and setting off a cascade of events. Once an asthma attack is triggered, the muscles in the airways tighten, the lining of the airways swell, and mucus production is increased. All of these changes in the airways cause difficult and labored breathing producing wheezing. Other symptoms of an asthma attack include difficulty breathing, coughing, chest pain, chest tightness, and nighttime coughing in children. In severe attacks, thick mucus plugs the airways completely blocks the flow of air.

The exact cause of asthma is not known. Many researchers believe hereditary and environmental factors are involved. Allergies also play a significant role for many people with asthma. About 80% of children and 50% of adults with asthma have allergies. Common allergens such as pollen, mold, dust mites, cockroach particles and animal dander can trigger asthma attacks when inhaled into the lungs. Other triggers include exercise, cold damp air, cold viruses, stress, tobacco, and pollution.

Once a person has been diagnosed with asthma they do not simply outgrow it. There is no cure for asthma but asthma can be managed with proper prevention and treatment. People with asthma should be aware of the triggers and avoid them as much as possible. If symptoms develop, all efforts should be made to take a quick acting mediation to prevent a full blown asthma attack. Quick acting medications are often called rescue medications and come in the form of an inhaler. Some people with severe asthma have to take long term medications to prevent asthma attacks. These medications reduce inflammation in the airways and are taken daily to prevent or decrease the frequency of attacks.

African Americans are 30% more likely than Caucasians to have asthma. African Americans are three times more likely to die from asthma related complications. The death rate is 7 times greater in African American children. African Americans are 4.5 times more likely to have to go to the emergency room for asthma related complications. Some of the theories for the health disparities include greater exposure to tobacco smoke, living in neighborhoods with higher pollution, living in poverty stricken areas where cockroach droppings are higher, and lack of access to health care.

It is important to recognize the symptoms of asthma. Sometimes it is just a persistent cough, frequent respiratory infections (cold/flu), or a chronic nighttime cough. Other times, the signs are clear including wheezing, chest tightness, or difficulty breathing. Either way, it is important to know the signs and symptoms so that a diagnosis can be made early. It is important to avoid known triggers for asthma. If an asthma attack is triggered, it is important to take medication as directed to minimize the severity of the attack. In severe cases, it is important to be compliant and adhere to long term medication regimens as directed by your physician. Although there is not a cure for asthma, there is hope.

All material in this article is provided for your information only and may not be construed as medical advice or instruction. No action or inaction should be taken based solely on the con-tents of this information; instead, readers should consult appropriate health professionals on any matter relating to their health and well-being.

Talking about digestive health is a sensitive subject and can be embarrassing for many people. However, we want to spread the word about colon health and the prevention of colorectal cancer. Colorectal cancer is the 2^nd leading cause of cancer death in the United States. However; most of the time, colorectal cancer is preventable.

The colon and the rectum are parts of the digestive tract. They form a long tube called the large intestine. The colon is the first 4 to 5 feet of the large intestine, and the rectum is the last few inches of the large intestine. Colorectal cancer develops when cells lining the colon or the rectum develop abnormally. These abnormal cells grow out of control and a tumor develops. The abnormal cell growth may be the result of inherited genetic factors or external environmental factors.

Most colorectal cancer starts off as a polyp. Polyps are non-cancerous but abnormal tumors on the inner wall of the colon or rectum. Colorectal polyps can slowly progress into cancer over about 7-10 years. Polyps are fairly common and the incidence starts to rise after age 50. However, there have been many cases of colorectal polyps and colorectal cancer developing in people younger than 50. As a matter of fact, African Americans tend to get polyps and colorectal cancer 5 years earlier than Caucasians. In 2005, expert physicians from the American College of Gastroenterology issued new recommendations to healthcare providers to begin colorectal cancer screening in African Americans at age 45 rather than at age 50 as indicated for other ethnic groups. Finding polyps early and removing them is the key to preventing colorectal cancer.

The exact cause of polyps and colorectal cancer is unknown. Research has shown that people with certain risk factors are more likely than others to develop colorectal cancer. Risk factors include: age over 50 (age 45 in AA), family historyof colorectal cancer or colorectal polyps, personal history of ovarian or uterine cancer, personal history of Inflammatory bowel disease(Crohn’s disease or Ulcerative colitis), or cigarette smoking. However, people can develop colorectal cancer without having any of these risk factors.

Colorectal cancer is usually a silent slow growing cancer. In the early stages, colorectal cancer may not cause any symptoms. That is why screening for colorectal cancer is so important. There are several warning signs which should prompt you to see you healthcare provider. The following are not specific to colorectal cancer and could overlap with many other gastrointestinal conditions. These warning signs should be consider suspicious until proven otherwise. Change in bowel habits: diarrhea or constipation, narrow or pencil-thin stools, rectal bleeding, persistent abdominal discomfort, unexplained weight loss, feeling of incomplete emptying of bowels, or constant fatigue (which is a symptom of anemia from cancer related blood loss). Do not wait until you have symptoms. If you are 45 or older, you need a colonoscopy even if you feel healthy. Colorectal cancer screenings should be considered a matter of routine health maintenance and prevention.

There is great news! Ninety percent of colorectal cancer is preventable. That is because 90 percent of colorectal cancer is the direct result of a polyp slowly progressing into cancer. Colorectal cancer prevention is aimed at looking for polyps and removing them before they have a chance to become cancer. A colonoscopy is considered the gold standard for colorectal cancer screening. Colonoscopies are usually done by a Gastroenterologist, stomach/bowel specialist. It is an outpatient procedure that takes about 15-30 minutes to complete. It is done in the doctor’s office. A colonoscopy allows a doctor to visualize the inside lining of the large intestine. If polyps are present, the doctor is able to remove them during the test. Patients are given sedation to keep them very comfortable during the test.

Colonoscopies save lives and has dramatically reduced the incidence of colorectal cancer. However, research has shown, the incidence of colorectal cancer has not decreased in the African American community. There are many barriers including: patient embarrassment, not aware of colorectal cancer, and lack of access to healthcare. Modern medicine has allowed us to find and cure certain cancers. However, modern medicine has given us a great gift when it comes to the colonoscopy. With screening colonoscopies, the goal is not to find the colorectal cancer early but to prevent it.

If you are reading this but you have not reached the recommended screening age of 45, please share the good news with your friends and family members. Encourage every one you know who is 45 or older to have a screening colonoscopy. Colorectal cancer screening is just as important as having a mammogram or Pap smear. More people will die from colorectal cancer than breast cancer. If you or someone you know has experienced any of the warning symptoms please get it checked out. It may turn out to be nothing or it may be the very thing that saves your life. If you have warning signs do not wait until age 45. Get it checked out immediately. Friends don’t let friends get colorectal cancer.

All material in this article is provided for your information only and may not be construed as medical advice or instruction. No action or inaction should be taken based solely on the con-tents of this information; instead, readers should consult appropriate health professionals on any matter relating to their health and well-being.

March has been designated as National Kidney Month. Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. has partnered with the American Kidney Fund to raise awareness of kidney disease and its risk factors. The kidneys are very important organs. They are responsible for homeostasis of the body. The kidneys are responsible for excretion of waste, filtering the blood, regulation of acid-base balance, electrolyte concentration, and regulation of blood pressure. The kidneys are bean shaped organs located in the rear of the abdominal cavity. They are a part of the urinary system.

Chronic kidney disease is the result of long term damage to the kidneys which is usually irreversible. With CKD the kidneys are damaged and do not function properly. The quality of life for a person with CKD is dramatically reduced, however; they are able to survive without needing dialysis. In the case of kidney failure, the most severe form of chronic kidney disease, the kidneys stop functioning and the person requires either dialysis or a kidney transplant to survive. Chronic kidney disease and kidney failure can be the result of many different medical conditions. However, seventy percent of new cases of kidney failure are caused by either uncontrolled or untreated diabetes or hypertension. With that said, the incidence of kidney failure could be dramatically reduced if more people with diabetes or hypertension knew they could develop kidney failure as a result of not keeping their diabetes or high blood pressure in check. In the National Kidney Disease Education Program survey, only 8% of African Americans with kidney disease knew uncontrolled high blood pressure could lead to kidney failure. Only 17 % knew uncontrolled diabetes could lead to kidney failure.

Approximately 20 million Americans have kidney disease. Kidney disease is more common in women than men. More than 35% of people with diabetes have kidney disease. More than 20% of people with hypertension have kidney disease. Early kidney disease has no symptoms. If left undetected, kidney disease can progress to kidney failure with little or no warning. Kidney disease is detected by routine urinalysis and a blood test called GFR, glomerular filtration rate.

African Americans are disproportionally affected by kidney disease. African Americans are four times more likely than Caucasians to develop kidney failure and require dialysis or a kidney transplant. African American men ages 20-29 are 10 times more likely to develop kidney failure due to hypertension than Caucasian men in the same age group.

We have all heard the saying “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”. This is true for preventing kidney disease. We know the two leading causes for kidney disease are uncontrolled diabetes and high blood pressure. People with theses medical conditions should take steps to get their medical condition under control. That ounce of prevention can help prevent the cure which is dialysis. For those who have developed chronic kidney disease, there are ways to slow the progression. The main way to slow progression is by treating the underlying cause. Early detection is the key. People in general, but especially people with diabetes or high blood pressure, should make sure their healthcare provider orders routine blood and urine to monitor kidney function.