November is diabetes Awareness Month

November Is Diabetes Awareness Month

Diabetes is a long-lasting disease that affects how your body turns food into energy. Most of the food you eat is broken down into sugar and released into your bloodstream. Your pancreas makes insulin,which acts like a key to let the blood sugar into your body’s cells for use as energy. 

If you have Diabetes, your body either doesn’t make enough insulin or can’t use the insulin it makes as well as it should. When this happens, health problems could develop over time, such as heart disease, vision loss and kidney patient outcomes. 

The major types of Diabetes are:

Type 1 Diabetes an autoimmune disorder that typically begins before adulthood, in which the immune system destroys cells within the body that make insulin, a hormone that regulates blood sugar.

Type 2 Diabetes A disease that usually begins in middle age, which results when the body isn’t able to use insulin properly to regulate blood sugar.

Gestational Diabetes A condition during pregnancy in which the body doesn’t use insulin properly, similar to type 2 diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes by the numbers:

Over 30 million adults in the United States have diabetes

Diabetes is the seventh leading cause of death in the United States

Diabetes is the number one cause of kidney failure, lower-limb amputations, and adult-onset blindness.

In the last 20 years, the number of adults diagnosed with Diabetes has more than tripled as the American population has aged and become more overweight.

Who’s at risk?

You’re at risk for developing type 2 diabetes if you:

• Are overweight
• Are 45 years or older
• Have a parent or sibling with type 2 diabetes
• Aren’t very physically active
• Symptoms:
• Urinating often
• Feeling very thirsty
• Feeling very hungry—even though you are eating
• Extreme fatigue
• Blurry vision
• Cuts/bruises that are slow to heal
• Weight loss—even though you are eating more (type 1)
• Tingling, pain, or numbness in the hands/feet (type 2)

You could be diagnosed if:

• -Your blood glucose after fasting (and before a meal) tests at 126 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) or
• higher.
• -Your random blood glucose is 200 mg/dl or higher.
• -You receive a result of 6.5 or higher on the hemoglobin A1C test, which shows how much glucose has attached to the hemoglobin in your red blood cells, on average, over the past three months.

Tips to help manage prediabetes and prevent Diabetes.

Take small steps. Making changes to your lifestyle and daily habits can be hard, but you don’t have to change everything at once. It is okay to start small. Remember that setbacks are normal and do not mean you have failed—the key is to get back on track as soon as you can.

Move more. Limit time spent sitting and try to get at least 30 minutes of physical activity, 5 days a week. Start slowly by breaking it up throughout the day.

Choose healthier foods and drinks most of the time. Pick foods that are high in fiber and low in fat and sugar. Build a plate that includes a balance of vegetables, protein, and carbohydrates. Drink water instead of sweetened drinks.

Lose weight, track it, and keep it off. You may be able to prevent or delay diabetes by losing 5 to 7 percent of your starting weight.

Seek support. It is possible to reverse prediabetes. Making a plan, tracking your progress, and getting support from your health care professional and loved ones can help you make the necessary lifestyle changes.

Stay up to date on vaccinations. The COVID-19 (booster shot, if eligible) and flu vaccines are especially important for people who may be more likely to get very sick from COVID-19 or the flu, such as people with Diabetes.

October Is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Breast cancer is a life-threatening illness, but it can also be treatable with early detection and

other preventative measures.

In the United States alone, one in eight women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime. An

estimated 330,840 mothers, grandmothers, wives, sisters, aunts and friends are expected to be

diagnosed with breast cancer. Breast cancer can also affect MEN; it grows in the small amount of breast tissue men have behind their nipples. It usually happens in men over 60, but can very occasionally affect younger men.

The purpose of Breast Cancer Awareness Month is to save thousands of lives from a deadly

disease. By increasing the community’s knowledge of breast health and sharing the importance

of regular screenings, we can improve the breast cancer survival rate.

Through measures like monthly breast self-exams, regular clinical exams and mammograms,

early detection significantly impacts patient outcomes. When localized breast cancer is detected

early, the 5-year survival rate is 99%.

The efforts during Breast Cancer Awareness Month are aimed towards:

• Encouraging diagnostic screenings
• Raising awareness about the impact of the disease
• Funding mammograms for women with low income
• Reaching vulnerable women in the community
• Distributing breast health education to underserved communities

How to support Breast Cancer Awareness?

1. Raise Awareness

No matter how much time or money you have to contribute towards breast cancer awareness, you

always have a voice. Spend the month of October reminding all of the people in your life about the

importance of breast health and diagnostic screenings.

2. Support Your Local Charities

Countless organizations are working together in the fight against breast cancer. Donating to highly-rated

breast cancer charities will help support patients and their families throughout the treatment and

recovery process and fund research to end the disease.

If donating money is out of your budget, you can still contribute by donating your time. These

organizations rely on volunteers to help them raise money, particularly if they’re a nonprofit. Consider

sign-up to cook a meal or sell tickets at a local fundraising event.

3. Offer Your Support

Even small acts of kindness make an impact during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. If you know

someone battling breast cancer, reach out and offer your support. For instance, you may want to cook

dinner for their family or watch their children for an afternoon.

Early Detections and Preventive care:

1. Perform a Breast Self-Exam

Start checking your breasts once per month. These simple checks detect the first signs of breast cancer. It only takes a few seconds.

Here’s how you do it:

Shower Exam: While you’re in the shower, take a few moments to check your breasts for lumps. Lift

your arm behind your head, so your entire breast is easily accessible. Using the pads of your three

middle fingers, lightly press around your breast and armpit area. Feel for anything unusual like

thickening, hardened knots or lumps. If you check regularly, you’re more likely to notice changes in your breast soon after they develop.

Mirror Exam: A visual inspection will also help identify changes in your breasts. While in front of a

mirror, inspect your breasts with your arms at your sides. Then, raise your arms high above your head.

Look for any unusual dimples, swelling, contours or puckering. Finally, lower your arms and press the

palms of your hands firmly into your hips to flex your chest muscles. Look for the same changes as

before. Most women’s breasts are slightly different sizes. Still, look for any unusual formations from one side to the other.

Exam lying down: When you lay down, your breast tissue spreads evenly across your chest, which allows you to inspect them even closer. With a pillow underneath your Right shoulder, lift your Right arm above your head and use your Left hand to press around your entire breast and armpit area gently. Check for any unusual lumps or discharge from your nipples. Repeat the same steps on the opposite side for your Left breast.

2. Yearly mammogram at the age of 40 or sooner if there is a family history.

Breast cancer is a life-threatening illness, but it can also be treatable with early detection and other

preventative measures. Benefits.gov hopes these resources will help you stay informed and take steps to lower risk factors or get treatment for yourself or a loved one. If you are looking for additional

resources, we encourage you to take the Benefit Finder questionnaire to see what benefits you may be eligible to receive.

The goal throughout September is to come together, celebrate individuals in recovery, 

and offer hope to those who are struggling or who has struggled. National Recovery Month reinforces the positive message that behavioral health is essential to overall health, prevention works, treatment is effective, and people can and do recover. Recovery Month celebrates the gains made by those in recovery from substance use and mental health, just as we celebrate improvements made by those who are managing other health conditions such as Hypertension, Diabetes, Asthma, and Heart Disease.

Substance Use Prevention

Risk of drug abuse increases greatly during times of transition. For an adult, a divorce or loss of a job

may lead to drug abuse; for a teenager, risky times include moving or changing schools. In early

adolescence, when children enter middle school, they face new challenges including being exposed to

drugs such as alcohol and cigarettes. In high school, teens may encounter social activities where drugs are present and experience increased peer pressure. College is a time where many young adults seek new experiences and want to try in things; this may include experimenting with drugs. National data shows that children start experimenting as early as age 12; drug prevention is crucial during this time in a child’s life.

How to Start the Conversation?

Remember, you might know all of the facts and that’s ok. Just by starting the conversation with a loved

one can create a positive foundation for someone who is thinking about using or already using.

Be sure to:

1. Talk early and often- Do not wait until a situation presents itself.
2. Correct misconceptions together- Kids and adults who aren’t properly informed are at greater
3. risk of engaging in unsafe behaviors and experimenting with substance use.
4. Be a role model- Your attitude about drugs and behavior can influence others especially a child.
5. Be realistic- Although the ultimate goal is for loved ones not to abuse drugs, we must also
6. prioritize safety. If someone is using drugs be realistic in situations such as drinking and driving,
7. let them know they can call for a ride, etc. with no questions asked.
8. If you or someone you know is struggling with a drug or alcohol problem, there are people that can
9. help! There are a variety of different types of help available such as counselors, medical professionals,
10. and treatment centers. Reaching out for help is the first step and the most important!

Signs of Drug Abuse & Addiction

1. Change in appetite or sleep patterns
2. Decline of personal hygiene or appearance
3. Frequent, unexplained bruises or other injuries
4. Skipping class or declining grades
5. Sudden change in relationships and friends
6. Missing money / stealing
7. Sudden mood changes – irritability or outbursts
8. Appearing withdrawn, anxious, or paranoid

What is Uterine fibroids/ Who is affected?

Fibroids, noncancerous growths of the uterus often appearing during childbearing years, affect 

70-80% of all women between 35 and 54. Those numbers are even higher among Black women. 80% of Black women will develop fibroids by the time they are 50 compared to 70% of white women. Uterine fibroids are more common in African Americans than White, Hispanic, or Asian women and the cause of fibroids are unknown. It affects 20 percent to 80 percent of women by the time they reach age 50. Uterine fibroids are benign tumors that grow in the uterus of women of childbearing age.

Symptoms

Fibroids can cause a variety of symptoms from pain, fatigue, infertility, and miscarriages. While some

women don’t experience any symptoms, many do. Some of the more common life-interrupting

symptoms include:

Painful periods, including heavy or inconsistent menstrual bleeding

Debilitating cramps, pelvic pain, and pressure

Pain during sex

Fatigue and weakness

Bloating or swelling in the lower abdomen

Back or leg pain

Bowel or bladder dysfunction

Constipation, diarrhea, and rectum discomfort

How do you find out if you have fibroids?

Your doctor may find that you have fibroids when you see her or him for a regular pelvic exam to check your uterus, ovaries, and vagina. The doctor can feel the fibroid with her or his fingers during an

ordinary pelvic exam, as a (usually painless) lump or mass on the uterus.

Ultrasound- An ultrasound is usually the first kind of imaging test your doctor will order. It can show

your doctor if you do have fibroids, where they are, and how big they are.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): If the ultrasound didn’t provide enough information, an MRI can help your doctor figure out what kinds of different tumors you may have so they can decide which

treatment is best.

What is the main cause of fibroids? The cause of fibroids is not known. Research suggests each tumor develops from an abnormal muscle cell in the uterus and multiplies rapidly when encountering the Estrogen hormone, which promotes the tumors growth.

Treatment

-Oral medication

-Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE- procedure for fibroid treatment that avoids often complicated and

bloody procedures such as a hysterectomy or myomectomy).

-Hysterectomy (surgical removal of the uterus).

We encourage all women to talk to their healthcare providers about uterine fibroids to help understand

your risk, diagnosis, managing symptoms and treatment options.

This month is all about encouraging the men in your life (including you, men out there!) to take care of their bodies by eating right, exercising, and working to prevent disease. The official symbol for the month is a blue ribbon and the purpose of Men’s Health Month is to heighten the awareness of preventable health problems and encourage early detection and treatment of diseases including cancer, heart disease, and depression. It’s important as a man to brush up on your health facts, listen to your body and be sure to get regular checkups. Not only will you live longer, you’ll have a better quality of life.

Goal of Men’s Health Month 

Did you know that men, on average, die almost five years earlier than women? Part of the reason is that men are more reluctant to go to the doctor, according to menshealthmonth.org. In fact, studies show that women go to the doctor twice as much as men. Additionally, Men’s Health Network notes that certain conditions are more prevalent in men, which patients and their doctors should keep an eye on through regular appointments. Thus, the purpose of Men’s Health Month is to heighten the awareness of preventable health problems and encourage early detection and treatment of disease among both men and boys. This month gives health care providers as well as individuals an opportunity to encourage men and boys to seek regular medical advice and early treatment for disease and injury.

General Health – Even if you don’t feel sick, it's important to see your doctor regularly and schedule annual exams.  Here are recommended screening test: 

• Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm 
• Blood Pressure 
• Colorectal Cancer 
• Depression 
• Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 
• Lipid disorders 
• STD 

Illness – It seems simple but if you’re sick see your doctor. According to the Health in Aging Foundation, 40% of men said that when sick, they delay seeking medical care for a few days; and 17% percent said they would wait “at least a week.” Don’t wait. Prompt medical care can be the difference between life and death. 

Medications – It’s important to take medications as directed, and especially for seniors to keep a complete list of medications and dosages handy.  Always inform any doctor you visit about your medications – the more they know about your meds, the better they can look out for potentially life-threatening drug interactions. The older you get, it’s common you may be on more daily prescriptions and medications; so with increased medications you run a greater the risk of side effects and adverse interactions. 

Vaccines and Inoculations – Keep up with recommended shots, including for flu, shingles, pneumonia and diphtheria/tetanus, is vitally important — especially for the elderly men in our lives. 

Healthy Eating – Older men have specific dietary needs. They need more calcium, vitamin D, fiber and potassium. Experts recommend limiting fat calories to 20 to 35 percent of your diet and suggest the following guidelines for daily calorie needs for men 50 and over.

Use Sunscreen – Up to 50 percent of Americans who live to age 65 will have at least one skin cancer, and Caucasian men are particularly at risk. It’s never too late to take steps to prevent further damage from the sun. Try to avoid the sun during peak hours from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., wear a hat and sunglasses, and liberally apply SPF 30 or greater sunscreen to all exposed skin.

Tweak your diet: Men's Health Month is a great opportunity to change the way you eat. Cut back on alcohol this month or up your intake of healthy fermented foods like sauerkraut and kefir. You can do anything for a month, and if you do it for a month, you can do it for life! 

Set some goals: Use this month to take stock of your health now and think about where you want it to be. Do you want to lose weight? Gain muscle? Simply eat more vegetables? Set small and achievable goals and work with your doctor to make them a reality. 

• Every 40 seconds, someone in the United States has a Stroke. 
• As of 2020, 1 in 6 Cardiovascular related deaths are due to Stroke.      
• Stroke is the second leading cause of death for women and African Americans   
• Every 3.5 minutes someone in dies of a Stroke    
• Almost 800,000 Americans have a Stroke each year

What is Stroke?  

A stroke, sometimes called a brain attack, occurs when something blocks blood supply to part of the brain or when a blood vessel in the brain bursts. In either case, parts of the brain become damaged or die. A stroke can cause lasting brain damage, long-term disability, or even death. A stroke, sometimes called a brain attack, happens in one of two ways: 

Ischemic stroke—when the blood supply to the brain is blocked   

Hemorrhagic stroke—when a blood vessel in the brain bursts     

Symptoms to look for (F.A.S.T.) :   

FACE: Smile to tell if one side of the face is drooping  

ARMS: Raise both arms to see if one falls downward  

SPEECH: Say a simple sentence to hear if speech is slurred  

TIME: The sooner a person calls for help, the better the chances are for a full and fast recovery   

Quick Treatment Is Critical for Stroke-  A stroke is a serious medical condition that requires emergency care. Act F.A.S.T. Call 9-1-1 right away if you or someone you are with shows any signs of a stroke. Time lost is brain lost. Every minute counts.

Steps you can take to reduce your risk for stroke: 

-Eat a healthy diet low in sodium with plenty of fruits and vegetables.  

-Maintain a healthy weight.  

– Exercise ,Be physically active.  

-Don’t smoke, and avoid secondhand smoke. 

CDC’s Office on Smoking and Health website has information on quitting smoking. 

-Limit alcohol use. See CDC’s Alcohol and Public Health website for more information. 

-Prevent or manage your other health conditions, especially high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and obesity. Lower Your Blood Pressure. 

What is Autism?  Autism, or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), refers to a broad range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech and nonverbal communication.  

What causes autism? Research indicates that genetics are involved in the vast majority of cases. Children born to older parents are at a higher risk for having autism.  Parents who have a child with ASD have a 2 to 18 percent chance of having a second child who is also affected.  Studies have shown that among identical twins, if one child has autism, the other will be affected about 36 to 95 percent of the time. In non-identical twins, if one child has autism, then the other is affected about 31 percent of the time. Over the last two decades, extensive research has asked whether there is any link between childhood vaccinations and autism. The results of this research are clear: Vaccines do not cause autism.  

More Facts About Autism

• In 2021, the CDC reported that approximately 1 in 44 children in the U.S. is diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD), according to 2018 data. 

• 1 in 27 boys identified with autism 1 in 116 girls identified with autism.  

• Boys are four times more likely to be diagnosed with autism than girls. Most children were still being diagnosed after age 4, though autism can be reliably diagnosed as early as age 2. 

• 31% of children with ASD have an intellectual disability (intelligence quotient [IQ] < 70), 25% are in the borderline range (IQ 71–85), and 44% have IQ scores in the average to above average range (i.e., IQ > 85). 

• Autism affects all ethnic and socioeconomic groups. Minority groups tend to be diagnosed later and less often. Early intervention affords the best opportunity to support healthy development and deliver benefits across the lifespan. 

Autism In Adulthood   

• Teens with autism receive healthcare transition services half as often as those with other special healthcare needs. 

• Young people whose autism is coupled with associated medical problems are even less likely to receive transition support.  

• Many young adults with autism do not receive any healthcare for years after they stop seeing a pediatrician.  

• More than half of young adults with autism remain unemployed and unenrolled in higher education in the two years after high school. 

• This is a lower rate than that of young adults in other disability categories, including learning disabilities, intellectual disability or speech-language impairment. 

Intervention and Supports 

• Early intervention can improve learning, communication and social skills, as well as underlying brain development.   

• Applied behavior analysis (ABA) and therapies based on its principles are the most researched and commonly used behavioral interventions for autism.  

• Many children affected by autism also benefit from other interventions such as speech and occupational therapy.  

• Developmental regression, or loss of skills, such as language and social interests, affects around 1 in 5 children who will go on to be diagnosed with autism and typically occurs between ages 1 and 3. 

• Autism Is Not A Disability It's A Different Ability. A-lways  U-nique  T-ruly  I-nteresting  S-pecial (and)  M-emorable 

Join the #MHBCCares Challenge: 

If you know someone who is a parent or caretaker of someone with Autism, be a blessing to them. Whether it be a card, kinds words, running an errand or a financial gift, take time this week to show love.