Health, Medicine & Nutrition

Black women needed for participation in study on attitudes about physical activity

eMAPA is a NIH/NINR funded study (1R01NR010568-01) entitled "Ethnic Specific Midlife Women's Attitudes Toward Physical Activity".

The changing racial and ethnic makeup of the U.S. will require health professionals to practice with cultural competence in areas such as promotion of physical activity, where cultural beliefs may mediate health promotion behaviors. Although the benefits of physical activity are now widely accepted, midlife women, especially ethnic minority women, have low participation rates in physical activity, and prevalence rates of cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, obesity, and hypertension, and all-cause mortality among ethnic minority women (that can be effectively reduced by increasing physical activity) have been reported to be much higher than those of White midlife women. A plausible reason for the low participation rate is that the women's ethnic-specific attitudes toward physical activity have rarely been incorporated into relevant interventions.

The purpose of this study is to explore attitudes of midlife women from four ethnic groups [Hispanic, Non-Hispanic (N-H) White, N-H African Americans, and N-H Asians] toward physical activity while considering the relationships between their attitudes and their actual participation in physical activity within the ethnic-specific contexts of their daily lives. Data will be gathered via Internet survey and ethnic- specific online forums to allow for a national sample.

Study announcement
Eun-Ok Im, PhD, MPH, RN, CNS, FAAN, School of Nursing, The University of Texas at Austin and her colleagues are conducting a study to explore ethnic differences in midlife women's attitudes toward physical activity.

You are eligible to participate in this study if you are a midlife woman aged 40 to 60 years old who does not have any mobility problems; who can readand write English; who is online; and whose self-reported ethnic identity is Hispanic, non-Hispanic (N-H) White, N-H African American, or N-H Asian. Data will be collected through an Internet survey among 500 midlife women in the U.S. starting Feb. 1 2008 and ending May 21, 2011. Your involvement will consist of about 30 minutes to complete the Internet survey questionnaire. You will be reimbursed with a 10 dollar gift certificate for filling out the Internet survey.

For more information and to begin the survey, please visit our project website (http://mapa.nur.utexas.edu/MAPA/)and/or contact us.

Contact Information: Emily Webster, Research Assistant
School of Nursing, University of Texas at Austin
1700 Red River, Austin, TX 78701
E-mail: [email protected]
Eun-Ok Im, PhD, MPH, RN, CNS, FAAN, Professor
School of Nursing, The University of Texas at Austin
1700 Red River, Austin, TX, 78701
Phone: (512) 475-6352
E-mail: [email protected]
Project Website:
http://mapa.nur.utexas.edu/MAPA/

 


Trick Daddy battling lupus [VIDEO]

Trickdaddy

Miami rap artist, Trick Daddy, born Maurice Young, born September 23, 1973 (who also loves the kids) was unable to make it to a scheduled interview recently. It seems that Trick is battling lupus, which can be debilitating.

In this very candid television interview, former award-winning Miami Herald writer Peter Bailey calls Trick Daddy the "most authentic hip hop star" while discussing the legendary rapper's soon to be released autobiography on My33’s Emmy-nominated show “Focus On South Florida”. Bailey goes on to explain how Trick's battle with Lupus has kept him out the spotlight as well as Trick's adoration for black single mothers.

Bailey also also co-authored Trick's autobiography, Magic City: Trials of a Native Son, scheduled for release later this year. The book chronicles Trick's life on the streets of Miami, rise from the Liberty City projects to incarceration to the top of the hip-hop charts.

From Lupus Foundation of America:

What is Lupus?

Lupus is a chronic, autoimmune disease that can damage any part of the body (skin, joints, and/or organs inside the body). Chronic means that the signs and symptoms tend to last longer than six weeks and often for many years. In lupus, something goes wrong with your immune system, which is the part of the body that fights off viruses, bacteria, and germs ("foreign invaders," like the flu). Normally our immune system produces proteins called antibodies that protect the body from these invaders. Autoimmune means your immune system cannot tell the difference between these foreign invaders and your body’s healthy tissues ("auto" means "self") and creates autoantibodies that attack and destroy healthy tissue. These autoantibodies cause inflammation, pain, and damage in various parts of the body.

·

  • Lupus is also a disease of flares (the symptoms worsen and you feel ill) and remissions (the symptoms improve and you feel better). Lupus can range from mild to life-threatening and should always be treated by a doctor. With good medical care, most people with lupus can lead a full life.
  • · Lupus is not contagious, not even through sexual contact. You cannot "catch" lupus from someone or "give" lupus to someone.
  • · Lupus is not like or related to cancer. Cancer is a condition of malignant, abnormal tissues that grow rapidly and spread into surrounding tissues. Lupus is an autoimmune disease, as described above.
  • · Lupus is not like or related to HIV (Human Immune Deficiency Virus) or AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome). In HIV or AIDS the immune system is underactive; in lupus, the immune system is overactive.
  • · Our research estimates that at least 1.5 million Americans have lupus. The actual number may be higher; however, there have been no large-scale studies to show the actual number of people in the U.S. living with lupus.
  • · It is believed that 5 million people throughout the world have a form of lupus.
  • · Lupus strikes mostly women of childbearing age (15-44). However, men, children, and teenagers develop lupus, too.
  • · Women of color are 2-3 times more likely to develop lupus.
  • · People of all races and ethnic groups can develop lupus.
  • · More than 16,000 new cases of lupus are reported annually across the country.

Related Information

Target Awareness: what is lupus?
Watch a short six-minute video which provides an overview of lupus, its symptoms and health effects, and how the Lupus Foundation of America can help.

 
 
 

© 2009, Blogging Black Miami, www.bloggingblackmiami.com

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Health Care Vigil in Miami

Miami can't afford to wait for health care! Join our vigil

MoveOn members have organized candlelight vigils for people suffering under our broken health care system.
Candelight vigil

Host: America S. and your local MoveOn Council

Where: 28 St NW & 17 Ave. Miami FL. (in Miami)

When: Wednesday at 7:30 PM


What: We'll open with moving words from Senator Ted Kennedy, who called this fight "the cause of my life." Then we'll read the names and hear the stories of people struggling with the current health care system.


Can you make it to this vigil?

Click here for more details and to RSVP:


I can come.


Sorry, I can't make it this time.

For more info and to find other vigils in your area, click here.

And don't worry, this email was sent through the MoveOn system, so your personal contact info is kept private.

 

Rolle hosts Miami-Dade Blue health insurance forum July 1

Commissioner Dorrin D. Rolle to host forum for potential applicants for Miami-Dade Blue health insurance

(Miami-Dade County, FL) -- Miami-Dade County residents and small business owners looking for affordable health insurance can get information about a new product introduced this year by Miami-Dade County. Miami-Dade Blue, co-designed by BlueCross BlueShield of Florida, Inc. (BCBSF) and the County’s Office of Countywide Healthcare Planning (OCHP), is a medical insurance plan that offers comprehensive coverage with affordable monthly premiums to County residents and small business owners who are struggling with the high cost of insurance, but do not qualify for government programs.

Continue reading "Rolle hosts Miami-Dade Blue health insurance forum July 1" »


Summer Feeding Programs Available For Communities

As the school year comes to a close, students and families who regularly benefit from school breakfast and lunch programs will no longer have this resource. The Summer Food Service Program, available through the United States Department of Agriculture, helps provide meals for school-aged children. Various summer programs, including parks and recreation, camps, and bible schools are just some examples of potentially eligible sponsors who may be able to offer these vital meals to our students.

The Florida Department of Education Food and Nutrition Management Staff are available to assist communities with the Summer Feeding Programs. Simply call 1-800-504-6609 to learn more about this wonderful opportunity to help the children in your communities this summer.

 

Source: FL Department of Education

 


Miami Herald: Jackson Health System narrows CEO finalists to 3

Posted on Saturday, Apr. 11, 2009

Jackson Health System narrows CEO finalists to 3
By JOHN DORSCHNER

The board overseeing the Jackson Health System has selected three finalists for the job as chief executive of Miami-Dade's public health hospitals and clinics, which have revenue of more than $1 billion a year.

The three are Mark Chastang, executive director of the University of Toledo Medical Center; Anthony A. Armada, chief executive of Henry Ford Hospital and Health Network in Detroit; and Eneida O. Roldan, who is currently interim president and chief operating officer of the Jackson system.

The Public Health Trust, which governs Jackson, is expected to interview the finalists at a public meeting next week, but it's unclear when a new chief executive will be selected to replace Marvin O'Quinn.


 
 
 

Miami Dade College to Offer Free Community Health Fair Feb. 14

Miami, Feb. 4, 2009 – Blood pressure checks, dental screenings, chair massages and more, will be offered during a free community health fair on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2009 at 9 a.m. at Miami Dade College (MDC) Medical Center Campus, 950 N.W. 20th St., Miami. College administrators expect a much bigger crowd at this year’s fair and will offer even more health services, including on-site pharmacists from the Florida Pharmacy Association. The MDC Health Fair is free and open to the public. Free shuttle transportation to the fair will be available at the Culmer Metrorail Station, 701 N.W. 11th St., Miami, beginning at 8 a.m.

For several years, the Medical Center Campus has been offering the fair and many services to the community. Other health professionals will also be on hand to follow-up with individuals who receive questionable health screening results. Other services being offered at the fair include glaucoma, glucose and cholesterol tests, a limited number of free mammograms, information on nutrition, heart disease and cancer prevention, and a blood drive. In addition to medical services and screenings, there will also be a children’s corner with face painting, balloons, arts and crafts and more.

The fair’s main goal is to provide health information and services to those who might not otherwise get regular medical attention. “This year’s event will showcase a range of health screening services and educational activities that lead to a healthier lifestyle and overall well-being,” said Medical Center Campus, President Dr. Anita Kaplan. “We will also have special activities designed for the children in your family in our specially designed children’s corner. We promise fun and learning for all.”

WHAT: Miami Dade College Medical Center Campus’ Free Community Health Fair

WHEN:             Saturday, Feb. 14 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

WHERE:           Miami Dade College, Medical Center Campus, 950 N.W. 20th St., Miami

For more information about the health fair, contact: Madeline Pumariega at 305-237-4212.

To schedule free transportation to the fair, call 305-237-4209.


Who is Aaron Jackson and why is he trying to cure people in Haiti?

It takes all kinds of people to make the world go around yet some folks really do it to beat of another drum. Such is Aaron Jackson who I just read about in the Broward/Palm Beach New Times.

This young man, from a privileged background, has made it his personal mission to raise enough funds to provide treatment to cure the ravages of intestinal parasites in people in Haiti. He’s single-mindedly, with a few bumps in the road, managed to help the people of  Haiti and around the world without the traditional aid encumbrance of our government.

It’s difficult to capture this guy’s story in a couple of paragraphs here so please check out his story and support his initiatives through his non-profit organization, Planting Peace. He’s amazing. After reading it you can’t help but believe in the power of one person to effect positive change in the world.

 

© 2009, Blogging Black Miami, www.bloggingblackmiami.com

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Links and guests celebrate healthy living at Links in Pink 2008

Linksinpink2008_4

On Saturday I attended the 2008 Links in Pink Luncheon at the Doral Resort. In spite of inclement weather, 300 people were in the audience. My tablemates included my friend Bernadette Poitier, my physician, Dr. Victoria Roberts and my soror and fellow FAMU alum, Arleen Poitier.

The Luncheon was sponsored by the Dade County Chapter of the Links, Incorporated. Promoting a healthy lifestyle and supporting efforts to reduce breast cancer were among the foci of the event.

Local attorney and publisher of The South Florida Times, Robert Beatty served as host. Other special guests included young songstress, Alecys “Lyrix” Proctor Turner and nutritionist/author/entrepreneur Roniece Weaver.

Weaver prepared a nutritious and delicious meal sans the fat, sodium and calories that typically comprise our meal selections and contribute to the increased frequency of diabetes, high-blood pressure and obesity in the black community.

The event was chaired by Nicole Archie. Davrye Gibson-Smith is chapter president.

The Links in Pink was indeed a lovely affair hosted by a group of dynamic women. I’m looking forward to attending next year.

Linksinpink1


Getting health in check

My doctor advised me to eat more protein so I had this great salad with grilled chicken from the cafeteria at my office. Some friends and I are committed to making our health a priority so I'm trying to do more fruits, vegetables and lean meats. There are far too many people dying because of cancer, diabetes, etc.

My next step is to develop a simple but easy to follow workout regimen and to just relax more.

I'll keep you posted.