By Cheryl L. Dejewski With diabetes at epidemic levels, you probably know (or are) one of the 30+ million Americans with the disease. Whether or not the cause is due to lifestyle (poor diet, lack of exercise), genetics or both, be aware: Diabetes does more than affect blood sugar levels. Without proper precautions, it can lead to nerve damage; limb amputation; and heart, … [Read more...] about Are you at risk for losing your sight to diabetes?
Health and Fitness
Speak up, speak out! Nine ways to advocate for your needs at the doctor
As she has shared, tennis legend Serena Williams faced life-threatening complications while giving birth to her baby girl Olympia last year. If it weren’t for Serena speaking up and pushing for doctors to listen to her, she may not have survived. Her story offers a perfect example of how important it is for us to be able to advocate for ourselves in healthcare … [Read more...] about Speak up, speak out! Nine ways to advocate for your needs at the doctor
Concussions worse for Black youth
While there has been much attention in regards to concussions in pro-athletes, the problem affects far more athletes at the high school and junior high school level, according to the federal government statistics. In 2009 alone, nearly 250,000 youth age 19 or younger were treated in emergency rooms for sports and recreation-related injuries that included concussions, … [Read more...] about Concussions worse for Black youth
Sleep apnea often missed in Black Americans
Sleep apnea is common -- but rarely diagnosed -- among Black Americans, researchers say. The new study included 852 Black men and women, average age 63, in Jackson, MS, who were participants in the Jackson Heart Sleep Study. The investigators found that 24 percent of the study participants had moderate or severe sleep apnea, but only 5 percent had been diagnosed by a … [Read more...] about Sleep apnea often missed in Black Americans
Earwax, of all things, poses unrecognized risk in long-term care of seniors
Of all the indignities that come with aging, excessive earwax may be the most insidious. Don’t laugh. That greasy, often gross, buildup occurs more often in older ears than those of the young, experts say. And when it goes unrecognized, it can pose serious problems, especially for the 2.2 million people who live in U.S. nursing homes and assisted living centers. “The … [Read more...] about Earwax, of all things, poses unrecognized risk in long-term care of seniors
Warning–don’t use bleach to treat athlete’s foot
Not every home remedy we get is good or safe. The advice to use bleach on athlete's foot should not be followed. There are much safer home remedy options. Q. I have heard about many different ways to treat athlete’s foot, but one that doesn't get mentioned, the best one: BLEACH! On the rare occasion that I get a toe fissure or itchy sole, I just pour several glugs of bleach … [Read more...] about Warning–don’t use bleach to treat athlete’s foot
Kohl’s donates more than $1 million to the American Cancer Society
On October 2, 2018, Kohl’s announced the donation of more than $1 million to the American Cancer Society over 1.5 years, to implement programming that improves the health and wellness of Milwaukee-area families through the Kohl’s Healthy Families program and continues Kohl’s ongoing support of the fight against cancer. The grant funds the launch of several new pilot programs … [Read more...] about Kohl’s donates more than $1 million to the American Cancer Society
What you need to know about sickle cell disease
Sickle cell disease is a blood disorder that’s passed down from parents to their kids. Babies are born with sickle cell disease when they inherit 2 abnormal genes (one from each parent). These genes cause the body’s red blood cells to change shape. What sickle cell disease does to the blood Instead of moving through the bloodstream easily, sickle cells can clog blood … [Read more...] about What you need to know about sickle cell disease
Choosing the best assisted living facility for your loved one
With the array of assisted living facilities available throughout the United States, the sheer amount of choices can seem overwhelming; however, making the right choice is made easier when you start the search prepared. Think of the process in three steps: • Decide what you need • Find locations that match your needs • Evaluate locations using multiple resources • … [Read more...] about Choosing the best assisted living facility for your loved one
Alzheimer’s disease: black Americans are hardest hit
As the aging population continues to grow, so will the prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease and worse yet, Blacks will be hit hardest. According to the Alzheimer’s Association’s 2018 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures, an estimated 5.2 million Americans have Alzheimer’s disease and 1.1 million of them are Black Americans. Alzheimer’s disease is currently ranked as the sixth … [Read more...] about Alzheimer’s disease: black Americans are hardest hit