One of the biggest challenges for African-American women is diet. Our family history tells us to eat many of the traditional foods that are higher in fat. Regardless of the level of education, some meals remain popular in the household.
Foods like fried chicken, cornbread, collard greens cooked with pork and pork fat, macaroni and cheese (sometimes with four different cheeses) and other such foods are a part of the regular diet. Sunday meals are favorites. However, good eating and health can survive in the same room provided some adjustments are made during food preparation.
Some of the leading causes of death among African-Americans are high cholesterol, heart disease and stroke. We must change our diets in order to change the rate we continue to die disproportionately from these diseases.
Personal health narratives from women who are a part of the community are being used to help personalize the message that managing weight and making better decisions about lifestyle are vital to the health of the African-American community. The use of personal narratives from other black women may help all of us readily identify with the illness described.
Attitude change is the first step to losing the pounds.
Friday, November 13, 2009
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Menapaus and health
Two of the highest compliments of aging are to be in good health and have the ability to deny your age among strangers. I relish these little fun moments. However, when the symptoms of menopause suddenly emerged about three years ago, I could not deny this mind controlling tell-all from changing my life while redefining senior moments. My perfect bill of health and younger than what I am appearance ducked for cover. Hot flashes and mood swings play a combative game of catch me if you can with no regard for the rules. This rollercoaster ride has peaks, turns and drops as unpredictable as our current state of the economy on Wall Street.
Before menopause, I felt like God was always there to pull me through the tough experiences of life. And, as back-up, my two adult sons were within a whisper just in case I needed a reminder of why I was born and what my purpose in life was all about. They are truly blessings, even when they disagree with family outings, Sunday church services, meals together at holidays and any other planned event I might decide is worth attending. Time with the family is indefinitely simmering on the back burner of life.
So, I hold on to the little things. Our home has become my safe place when mood swings hit and I become this energetic person who cleans and polishes my tile floors tirelessly to settle myself. I cannot deny the obsessive house cleaning, uncontrollable crying, weight up weight down, and all the other uncertainty that consumes my life as a result of menopause. This time in my life is not easy, and certainly the behavior is not something I readily acknowledge with strangers.
That’s menopause and me, this drastic change in behavior I simply cannot deny. The symptoms started without any warnings to which I paid attention. Maybe my ex-husbands could provide some insightful bits of information.
I will never forget my first hot flash. There I was, dutifully representing career women of the world, wearing a light blue linen tailored suit, when my body temperature just soared and the sweat started pouring down like steam. I was so caught off guard there was no time to properly adjust, if there is such a thing. Oh my God, I thought out loud. The saving grace was there were only a few people around when the attack happened, mostly women who sincerely sympathized. The senior ladies jokingly assured me that the flashes would undoubtedly get worst before all was said and done. Thanks, I needed that, I thought. I gave absolutely no credibility to the men who witnessed my melt down and without invitation rendered their sarcastic comments.
Here I am at the beginning of what has become just another rollercoaster ride in my life. Of course, adjustments had to be made to accommodate my new friend. A “must have” in the bedroom now includes a new extended-blade ceiling fan that runs nonstop year-round at low speed so as to not blow the lightweight cotton comforter to the floor. This unassuming adjustment helps manage the night hot flashes that show no mercy.
In addition, my entire wardrobe and appreciation for colorful, simple, tailored fashions has changed. Nothing silk, no solid light colors, everything cotton or cotton blend. Dark colors have become my trademark. My closet looks like a replica of the American Airlines throwback uniforms. Light colors are almost non-existent, except for white cotton tops that are plentiful. And to think, I was voted “best all around” in high school.
To say that this is a fact of aging most women go through seems like a copout and excuse for erratic behavior to me. So, I look for ways to change my diet to include less carbs, more fruits and vegetables and lots of water to help manage this overpowering process of aging. Everything I read says this too shall pass, though in the midst of a hot flash the end is never soon enough.
Is menopause an illness? I would vote no. But these life altering episodes leave me to second guess every outfit, plan elaborate exit strategies and avoid close contact with people I’m just getting to know casually.
I often laugh after an episodic mood swing, to keep from crying, feeling sorry for those I regrettably put in the middle of this undeniable rage. Well beyond childbearing years, I feel like my body is stuck in first gear and no matter how much I try to shift without jerking or stalling I essentially lose control. Diet and exercise seem to be working a bit. I cannot readily recall the last mood swing, or maybe choose not to, or maybe I am not a credible source. But the hot flashes continue and actually seem to be increasing in intensity. If I had my druthers, I guess hot flashes win out over mood swings any day. Thank God this is but one part of my life, one that shall pass - right?
As part of my home therapy as I define my attempt to combat menopause, I have managed to fill my life with little diversions to keep me busy and out of the path of unsuspecting victims who may just fall prey to a mood swing. Self evaluation is a big part of my critique to manage menopause as best I can without drugs. I am proud of my effort to readily accept responsibility and apologize when obligated to do so. In this area of seeking forgiveness and accountability for transgressions my strength continues to grow. I recognize that it is simply unfair to leave acquaintances wondering and feeling guilty about negative chance encounters that are undeniably my fault. I am cautiously reminded of moral rules that require good citizens to not intentionally cause harm to others. Though intent may not be a part of mood swings, it indubitably leaves an air of unjustified harm upon its victims. As for my health, I believe menopause is a part of my journey that will make me work harder to stay fit, denying age whenever possible.
Before menopause, I felt like God was always there to pull me through the tough experiences of life. And, as back-up, my two adult sons were within a whisper just in case I needed a reminder of why I was born and what my purpose in life was all about. They are truly blessings, even when they disagree with family outings, Sunday church services, meals together at holidays and any other planned event I might decide is worth attending. Time with the family is indefinitely simmering on the back burner of life.
So, I hold on to the little things. Our home has become my safe place when mood swings hit and I become this energetic person who cleans and polishes my tile floors tirelessly to settle myself. I cannot deny the obsessive house cleaning, uncontrollable crying, weight up weight down, and all the other uncertainty that consumes my life as a result of menopause. This time in my life is not easy, and certainly the behavior is not something I readily acknowledge with strangers.
That’s menopause and me, this drastic change in behavior I simply cannot deny. The symptoms started without any warnings to which I paid attention. Maybe my ex-husbands could provide some insightful bits of information.
I will never forget my first hot flash. There I was, dutifully representing career women of the world, wearing a light blue linen tailored suit, when my body temperature just soared and the sweat started pouring down like steam. I was so caught off guard there was no time to properly adjust, if there is such a thing. Oh my God, I thought out loud. The saving grace was there were only a few people around when the attack happened, mostly women who sincerely sympathized. The senior ladies jokingly assured me that the flashes would undoubtedly get worst before all was said and done. Thanks, I needed that, I thought. I gave absolutely no credibility to the men who witnessed my melt down and without invitation rendered their sarcastic comments.
Here I am at the beginning of what has become just another rollercoaster ride in my life. Of course, adjustments had to be made to accommodate my new friend. A “must have” in the bedroom now includes a new extended-blade ceiling fan that runs nonstop year-round at low speed so as to not blow the lightweight cotton comforter to the floor. This unassuming adjustment helps manage the night hot flashes that show no mercy.
In addition, my entire wardrobe and appreciation for colorful, simple, tailored fashions has changed. Nothing silk, no solid light colors, everything cotton or cotton blend. Dark colors have become my trademark. My closet looks like a replica of the American Airlines throwback uniforms. Light colors are almost non-existent, except for white cotton tops that are plentiful. And to think, I was voted “best all around” in high school.
To say that this is a fact of aging most women go through seems like a copout and excuse for erratic behavior to me. So, I look for ways to change my diet to include less carbs, more fruits and vegetables and lots of water to help manage this overpowering process of aging. Everything I read says this too shall pass, though in the midst of a hot flash the end is never soon enough.
Is menopause an illness? I would vote no. But these life altering episodes leave me to second guess every outfit, plan elaborate exit strategies and avoid close contact with people I’m just getting to know casually.
I often laugh after an episodic mood swing, to keep from crying, feeling sorry for those I regrettably put in the middle of this undeniable rage. Well beyond childbearing years, I feel like my body is stuck in first gear and no matter how much I try to shift without jerking or stalling I essentially lose control. Diet and exercise seem to be working a bit. I cannot readily recall the last mood swing, or maybe choose not to, or maybe I am not a credible source. But the hot flashes continue and actually seem to be increasing in intensity. If I had my druthers, I guess hot flashes win out over mood swings any day. Thank God this is but one part of my life, one that shall pass - right?
As part of my home therapy as I define my attempt to combat menopause, I have managed to fill my life with little diversions to keep me busy and out of the path of unsuspecting victims who may just fall prey to a mood swing. Self evaluation is a big part of my critique to manage menopause as best I can without drugs. I am proud of my effort to readily accept responsibility and apologize when obligated to do so. In this area of seeking forgiveness and accountability for transgressions my strength continues to grow. I recognize that it is simply unfair to leave acquaintances wondering and feeling guilty about negative chance encounters that are undeniably my fault. I am cautiously reminded of moral rules that require good citizens to not intentionally cause harm to others. Though intent may not be a part of mood swings, it indubitably leaves an air of unjustified harm upon its victims. As for my health, I believe menopause is a part of my journey that will make me work harder to stay fit, denying age whenever possible.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
African-American Healthcare
African Americans and Critical Health Issues
Health disparities among African-Americans in the U. S. healthcare system has been a topic of national debate among politicians, health care providers, community leaders and the general public for years. The main critical health issues among African-Americans are heart attacks, diabetes, high blood pressure and organ transplants. These conditions are killing members of the community at alarming rates.
It is important to study how health providers interact with all cultures in order to provide the quality of service each individual is entitled. The sources within the community, through media and other outlets, can significantly contribute to this goal. Communication is a key to proper healthcare. Mainstream doctors and minority patients often struggle to understand some of the basics. There are non-traditional resources within the African-American community that can be tapped to deliver information about critical health issues. African-Americans are more likely to fall ill and die of chronic diseases than members of the majority population. These health disparities persist even when differences in educational level and socioeconomic status is taken into account. Many diseases that effect African-Americans disproportionately, such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease, can be prevented or controlled with proper nutrition and regular physical activity.
The support continues to build for community involvement from the inside in order to influence people who show little trust in outside consultants and health care providers. In other words, we must educate ourselves, change our diets on our own initiative and make a difference in healthcare among African-Americans.
Health disparities among African-Americans in the U. S. healthcare system has been a topic of national debate among politicians, health care providers, community leaders and the general public for years. The main critical health issues among African-Americans are heart attacks, diabetes, high blood pressure and organ transplants. These conditions are killing members of the community at alarming rates.
It is important to study how health providers interact with all cultures in order to provide the quality of service each individual is entitled. The sources within the community, through media and other outlets, can significantly contribute to this goal. Communication is a key to proper healthcare. Mainstream doctors and minority patients often struggle to understand some of the basics. There are non-traditional resources within the African-American community that can be tapped to deliver information about critical health issues. African-Americans are more likely to fall ill and die of chronic diseases than members of the majority population. These health disparities persist even when differences in educational level and socioeconomic status is taken into account. Many diseases that effect African-Americans disproportionately, such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease, can be prevented or controlled with proper nutrition and regular physical activity.
The support continues to build for community involvement from the inside in order to influence people who show little trust in outside consultants and health care providers. In other words, we must educate ourselves, change our diets on our own initiative and make a difference in healthcare among African-Americans.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)