A Day in Pink

Article and photography by: Barney Hilton Murray
BHMurray@BHMurray.com – (520) 390-4723

Pink was the color of the day and breast cancer awareness was the focus. The Coalition of African American Health and Wellness’ mission is to educate the community in health issues facing people of color. The attendees, numbering more than eighty, participated in presentations, Q&A, lunch and talking with available community resources.

“This is our first year having the Breast Cancer Awareness Luncheon” said Mary F. Stoute, president, CAAHW. “The Coalition hosts the Annual People of Color Festival in September, but we felt it was important to address this topic in a separate setting,” Stoute said.

The information was delivered in a number of timely presentations throughout the morning.

Francisco Garcia, M.D. talked about reducing the risk. In his presentation, Garcia stressed the importance of self examinations and knowing one’s body. This is vital in detecting abnormalities in early stages.

The Effect on the Family was presented by Rosalind Buckhanan. She shared her personal experiences with regards to involving the family while in the process of cancer treatments and the impact it has on family life. “It is critical that your spouse understands and is supportive about what you are going through,” Buckhanan said. “During this critical time in a women’s life, far too many couples separate under the stress, and this is unfortunate,” said Buckhanan.

Early Detection, a presentation by Linda Parker, R.N., C.D.E. also went into detail about the importance of self examination and regular mammograms. “We are working with the community and faith-based organizations in health education and by doing on-site diabetes screenings,” Parker said. 

Barbara Horton, Ph.D. a two time cancer survivor spoke about coping techniques. Horton presented a plan called BOARD SHIP which was an acronym that spelled out different activities and attitudes that help during the cancer experience. “During the treatment process, there will be times that you won’t fell like eating,” Horton said. “These are the times that you should feed your soul by reading the Bible and do self affirmations,” says Horton.

The luncheon keynote speaker, Leona Downey, M.D., spoke about the advances in cancer treatments. Downey delivered statistics and data supporting the improvements and success rates in the treatment of cancers. The presentation was informative and established a hopeful outlook in the care of cancer patients.

The community and health care professionals participated by providing resources and information tables. These included; Tucson Breast Center of University Physicians Healthcare, Well Women Healthcheck of the Pima County Health Department, Southwest Fair Housing Council, Cancer Health Disparities Institute of The University of Arizona, El-Rio Community Health Center and Pima Community Access Program.

The event was also co-sponsored by: Southern Arizona  Missionary Baptist  District Association Women’s Department,  Dunbar/Spring Neighborhood, Friendship Baptist Church,  Lutheran Social Services, State Farm - Sherry Jordan, agent; Tucson Urban League, COPE Community Services, J.P. Industries, Inc., Black Women's Task Force and Isadora Wright - Wright Realty.

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Yvette Marie Miller, M.D., Executive Medical Officer, American Red Cross

Balance Is The Key To A Healthy Life

Balance is important in everything that we do, like balancing family time versus personal time to relax and revive.  But balance is also critically important in terms of our physical health.  Every 18 seconds an older adult is treated in an emergency department for a fall, and every 35 minutes someone in this population dies as a result of their injuries.  But falls are not an inevitable part of aging. There are proven strategies that can reduce falls and help older adults live better and longer.

Who is at risk? In 2003, about 72% of older adults admitted to the hospital for hip fractures were women.  The rates of fall injuries for adults 85 and older were four to five times that of adults 65 to 74. There is little difference in fatal fall rates between whites and blacks from ages 65 to 74.  After age 75, white men have the highest fatality rates, followed by white women, black men, and black women (CDC 2006).

Many people who fall, even those who are not injured, develop a fear of falling. This fear may cause them to limit their activities, leading to reduced mobility and physical fitness, and increasing their actual risk of falling. At any age, regular exercise, helps improve balance and flexibility.  Exercise programs like Tai Chi that increase strength and improve balance are especially good.  Older adults can take several steps to protect their independence and reduce their risk of falling. They can:

• Ask their doctor or pharmacist to review their medicines—both prescription and over-the counter—to reduce side effects and interactions.
• Have their eyes checked by an eye doctor at least once a year.
• Improve the lighting in their home.
• Reduce hazards in their home that can lead to falls.

The CDC supports research and dissemination on ways to help prevent falls among older adults.  The agency has also developed brochures and posters, in partnership with the CDC Foundation and MetLife Foundation, to educate older adults and those who care for them about preventing falls and the injuries that result.  To read about these activities, visit the website CDC Fall Prevention Activities.  Working together, we can all lead healthier more balanced lives.

Enjoying The Fruits of Summer
Part II: Fun In The Sun

Yvette Marie Miller, M.D., Executive Medical Officer, American Red Cross

One of the best things about summer is that you get to spend a lot more time outdoors.  However, with all the outdoor activities, you need to protect your skin from sun damage.  Studies have shown that the incidence of melanoma, the most deadly type of skin cancer, has been increasing in certain populations, particularly Caucasians and Hispanics, for the last several decades.  Certainly, earlier detection of melanoma is one explanation for the increase in incidence but the use of tanning beds and depletion of the ozone have also been thought to play a role.  Although darkly pigmented people (e.g., African-Americans, Asians, and Hispanics) develop skin cancer on sun-exposed sites at lower rates than lightly pigmented people, UV exposure still increases their risk of skin cancer. Recent genetic studies have identified genes that may play a role in the development of melanoma, but repeated unprotected exposure to UV light is still the primary cause of the development of melanoma. 

Melanoma typically develops on the skin of the face, neck and upper body.  However, African Americans develop melanoma on unusual sites such as the palms of the hands, nail beds, eyelids and soles of the feet.  Although he was not African American, Bob Marley, the renowned Reggae musician, died from an aggressive and deadly form of melanoma that started on his toe.  Because melanin (a skin pigment produced by cells called melanocytes ) acts as a sunscreen and protects the skin from ultraviolet light, many African Americans and people of color do not use sunscreen.  This is a big mistake.  Not only can the sun exposure lead to melanoma but it can lead to premature aging of the skin and wrinkles.  To protect yourself and your family members from the harmful affects of having fun in the sun, everyone should:

• Use sunscreen with a SPF of 15 or more that offers UVA and UVB protection

•    Apply at least one ounce (the amount in a shot glass) to skin 30 minutes before going outdoors and follow product directions for reapplication

• Avoid sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when the UV rays are the strongest

• Wear sunglasses, a wide brimmed hat and clothing to protect the skin, no sunscreen blocks out all UV rays

• Protect your children- babies under 6 months should be shielded from direct sun; apply sunscreen to older children as directed by the product label

• Reapply sunscreen as needed after swimming, sweating or toweling off; sunscreen is not “waterproof” and does wash off

• Nothing lasts forever-check the expiration date on your leftover products each year

• Examine your skin head-to-toe every month.

• See your doctor every year for a professional skin exam.

For more information on skin cancer prevention visit www.cdc.gov, www.mayoclinic.com, www.mdanderson.org  and www.cancer.org

The information contained here is provided as an educational service, which can assist you in your personal research on a specific disease or condition. Any information provided is not medical advice and should not be substituted for regular consultation with your healthcare provider.

July 2008: Enjoying the Fruits of Summer
Part 1

Yvette Marie Miller, M.D., Executive Medical Officer, American Red Cross

I am not going to bore you with a lot of useless statistics and facts about weight management.  Americans are getting heavier each year.  Don’t take my word for it, just look around you. The average person gains 2 lbs a year.  This certainly does not sound like much but wait until you go to your 20^th high school reunion!  In the past 30 years, the prevalence of overweight and obesity has increased sharply. In 1990, 10% to 14% of Arizonians were obese.  In 2006, that increased to 20% to 24%.  So you ask me, what can I do to fight the cookie monster?  Try these three simple things (you’ve heard them before!):

• Enjoy the fruits of summer-eat fresh fruits and vegetables that are currently available at the farmers market near you
• Include moderate physical activity in your daily routine; exercise at least 30 minutes a day
• Control portion sizes and the total number of calories you consume

Doesn’t that sound easy?  You know that you can do it.  Of course see your personal physician before changing your diet or altering your exercise plan.  For more information and great tips on good nutrition and physical activity, visit www.cdc.gov and www.mayoclinic.com

June 2008: Let’s Celebrate The Men In Our Lives

Yvette Marie Miller, M.D., Executive Medical Officer, American Red Cross

June is that fabulous month when our minds turn to thinking about men (don’t go there ladies) and how much they mean to us (don’t go there ladies). So, Happy Father’s Day gentlemen. We thank you for all that you do to make our world a better place to live in, our jobs easier and our lives happier. To celebrate your special day, and to make sure that you are around to celebrate many more, please get your annual physical.

Let me give you some disturbing information- despite all of the advances in medicine, science and technology, men still have a lower life expectancy than women. There are many contributing factors, but not detecting diseases early is a major reason.

Let’s take a look at prostate cancer. It is the leading cause of death among men of all races and Hispanic origin. The incidence rate is even higher among Black men. A ten minute exam, called a digital rectal exam (DRE) and a blood test, called prostate-specific antigen (PSA), can save your life. Researchers at M. D. Anderson Cancer Center recommend that African-American men and men with a family history of prostate cancer begin annual screening at age 45 and other men by age 50.

Okay ladies, let’s talk. We know that men really rely on us to take care them. Even though prostate cancer is exclusive to men, we can support and encourage them make good choices regarding their health care. Sharing this information is truly caring. For more information, check out the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website, www.cdc.gov.