By Cheryl L. Dejewski Glaucoma is known as the “Sneak Thief of Sight” because the most common type is painless and progresses so slowly that most people don't notice symptoms for years— until severe permanent damage has already occurred. Glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness, especially for blacks. In fact, black Americans have a 6-8 times higher risk rate, and at least … [Read more...] about Are you at risk for a leading cause of blindness in black Americans?
Health and Fitness
Genetic ancestry and All of Us
Your DNA carries a record of generations past You get half of your DNA from your biological mother. The other half is from your biological father. Because of this, your DNA can tell you about your genetic ancestors from the last few hundred years. What you can learn Your genetic ancestry tells you where your recent ancestors likely lived. This is based on your DNA. … [Read more...] about Genetic ancestry and All of Us
Cognitive decline linked to ultra-processed foods
Research reveals need for healthy changes in 2023 For many Americans, ushering in the new year means developing a list of resolutions. Becoming a healthier eater is one of the resolutions most frequently seen at the top of the list, and for a very sound, evidence-based reason. Ultra-processed foods make up more than half of Americans' diets. Research presented at the … [Read more...] about Cognitive decline linked to ultra-processed foods
Six great ways to work out in winter
Winter can sometimes make working out seem less than desirable. Who wants to bother with piles of snow just to make it to the gym? Who wants to dress like a mummy or risk falling down on ice just to go for a run or a walk? Also, relaxing in a warm armchair on a cold day with a hot, delicious (and calorie-loaded) beverage or snack is one of the great winter pleasures out … [Read more...] about Six great ways to work out in winter
COVID-19, RSV, flu, respiratory illnesses abound
HAPPY HOLIDAYS! Yes, we are all ready to meet family, travel to places and return to a degree of normalcy after two years of the pandemic and a year of adjusting to this new normal. But, like 2020, when COVID-19 crept into our rear view of life as we’d known it, 2022 year’s end has given us a triple whammy. We CANNOT IGNORE IT. It’s time to MASK UP AGAIN. While the Center … [Read more...] about COVID-19, RSV, flu, respiratory illnesses abound
Triple threat: Flu, COVID-19 and RSV wreaking havoc before holiday travel
Hospitals across the country are hitting capacity as flu, COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) cases rise into the millions. The spread of COVID-19 has increased by more than 35 percent in the last two weeks. Nationwide flu activity remains high, with 15 million cases, and experts say this flu season is dramatically outpacing last year. According to the CDC, … [Read more...] about Triple threat: Flu, COVID-19 and RSV wreaking havoc before holiday travel
Depression: More than simple sadness
By: Jacquelyn D. Heath Special to The Milwaukee Times In a recent interview with People magazine, former first lady Michelle Obama revealed her struggle with low-grade depression during the COVID-19 pandemic. One might wonder how someone as successful, accomplished and admired as Ms. Obama could be plagued by mental illness. The fact is, depression is a form of mental … [Read more...] about Depression: More than simple sadness
Health-related DNA results from the All of Us research program
The DNA results you get from the All of Us Research Program are research results. These results should be confirmed with a clinical DNA test. Please always talk to your doctor or health care provider before making any changes to your health care or medicines. Medicine and your DNA Everyone metabolizes, or processes, medicine a bit differently. For example, do you … [Read more...] about Health-related DNA results from the All of Us research program
Winter safety for older adults
Baby, it’s cold outside! When the temperature drops, older adults run a higher risk of health problems and injuries related to the weather, including hypothermia, frostbite, and falls in ice and snow. Like most things in life, it is better to be prepared. Here are a few precautions everyone should take, especially older adults, during the winter. Hypothermia Hypothermia … [Read more...] about Winter safety for older adults
Racism is #1 factor in preterm birth disparity
By: Dr. René Settle-Robinson, DPM Author and Podiatry Specialist in Milwaukee, WI. As a black woman Podiatric Surgeon, I know all too well the stressors that contribute to poor health outcomes and healthcare disparities. My Sorority, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, annually contributes to the March of Dimes. As a young girl, I remember trying to fill a page with dimes to donate … [Read more...] about Racism is #1 factor in preterm birth disparity