EIGHTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT 

HEALTH MINISTRY (VOL 12-2023)

Picture of Dr. Patricia D. McKenzie

Dr. Patricia D. McKenzie

Episcopal Coordinator for Health Ministries

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PART I.
NATIONAL HEALTH OBSERVANCES FOR DECEMBER 2023

A. NATIONAL IMPAIRED DRIVING PREVENTION MONTH

Source: National Highway /traffic Safety Administration.  nhtsa.gov/riskydriving

FACTS:

“Every day about 37 people in the U.S. die in drunk driving crashes, that’s one person every 39 minutes. In 2021. 13,384 people died in alcohol-impaired driving traffic deaths. These deaths were all preventable. Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving. Alcohol affects driving ability by reducing the function of the brain, impairing reasoning and muscle coordination. Alcohol is absorbed directly through the walls of the stomach and small intestines. It is illegal to drink with a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher in all 50 states. A small amount of alcohol can affect driving ability. I 2021,2,266people were killed in crashes where the driver had a BAC of .01 to .07. With a BAC of ,02 there is some loss of judgment, relaxation, slight body warmth and altered mood. The effects on driving are decline in visual functions and decline in ability to perform two tasks at the same time (divided attention). Driving a vehicle while impaired is a dangerous crime. Charges range from a misdemeanor to felony offenses. Impaired driving penalties can include driver’s license revocation, fines and jail time.

Drug-Impaired Driving- It’s illegal to drive under the influence of alcohol, marijuana, opium, methamphetamines (prescribed or over the counter) 56% of drivers involved in serious injury and fatal crashes tested positive for at least one drug. These substances slow your coordination, judgment and reaction times. Remember: If you feel different, you will drive differently.

Responsible Behaviors:
  • 1. Plan ahead for a sober driver.
  • 2. Don’t let a friend get behind the wheel if they’re under the influence of drugs.
  • 3. If you are hosting a party where alcohol or other substances will be used, it’s your job to make sure all guests leave with a sober driver.
  • 4 Always wear your seat belt, it is your best defense against impaired drivers.

Distracted Driving is dangerous and claimed 3,522 lives in 2021. These activities divert your attention-talking, texting, eating or drinking, fiddling with the stereo or navigation system. Teens may join a local organization called Students Against Destructive Decision. They use social media to remind friends, family and neighbors not to make the deadly choice to drive distracted.  Remember that parents must lead by example. Some families sign a pledge to-Commit to Distraction-Free Driving.

Child Safety-Purchase the right car seat and install it correctly. 960+ children have died due to vehicular heatstroke since 1998. Stay alert to the location to children playing because each year back over crashes cause 210 deaths and 15,00 injuries.

Multiple resources are offered, but one is Keeping Kids Safe-A Parent’s Guide to Protect Children in and Around Cars, www.nhtsa.gov/carseat. DOT Vehicle Hotline 888-327-4236.”

B. SAFE TOYS AND GIFTS MONTH

Source: Child and Family Services. https://www.child-familyservices.org/

FACTS:

“Look for the label CPSC-he U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has created a system of stringent standard and testing to protect children. 

Safety Tips to keep in mind.
  • 1 Balloons-keep away from children younger than 8 and discard broken balloons immediately
  • 2. Small balls and other toys with small parts, not for children younger than 3yrs.
  • 3. Scooters and other riding toys can be deadly, be sure helmets and safety gear are sized to fit and are worn properly at all times
  • 4. Magnets-keep high powered sets away from children; small magnets from all children under 8
  1. Once gifts are opened- Immediately discard plastic wrapping and other packaging; keep toys appropriate for older children away from younger children; battery charging should supervised by an adult, pay attention to instructions and warnings on the charger, be aware that some chargers may lack any mechanism to prevent overcharging; beware of choking hazards as plastic film on toys, string and straps; when shopping for toys take time to read labels closely, follow recommended age range and look for warnings on the box; for video games and movies, check the ratings to make sure the content is appropriate for kids.

Children and Family Services provides outreach and counseling services to more than 15,000 people each year. Check your community for a local office and don’t struggle when you need help to respond to family issue.”

PART II.
HEALING AIDS FROM THE BALM IN GILEAD

Source:

www.balmingilead.org

RESOURCES AND FIND TOPICS -Sunday Morning Health Corner and Resources.

Facts:

Sunday Morning Health Corner:

“HIV/AIDS Awareness.”
“Let’s Stop HIV Together,”
"Facts about HIV/AIDS,”
"The Importance of HIV Testing,”
Shattering Stigma,”
"Importance of Hand Hygiene,”
"Importance of Handwashing During Cold and Flu Season.”

Resources:

“HIV/AIDS ”
“Lupus”
"Opioid & Substance Abuse,”
"COVID-19 Public Education Materials.”

PART III.
CENTER FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION

www.cdc.gov/

“HIV/AIDS Awareness.

FACTS:

1. In 2021, 36,136 people received an HIV diagnosis in the U.S. and dependent areas. The annual number of new diagnoses decreased 7% from 2017 to 2106. An estimated 1.2 million people in the U.S. had HIV at the2021. Of these people, about 87% knew they had HIV. In 2021, male-to-male sexual contact accounted for 67% (24,107) of all new diagnoses in the U.S. and dependent areas. Heterosexual contact accounted for 22% (8,059). Injection drug use accounted for 7% (2.513). HIV 2.
2.(Human Immunodeficiency Virus) weakens the immune system by destroying cells that fight disease and infection. There is currently no effective cure. Prevention is possible by following these recommendations-not having sex, never sharing needles, using condoms the right way every time you have sex If you have HIV, the best way to protect others is to get in care and take the medication. Most people can get the virus under control within six months. If you are exposed, you must take PEP (Post-exposure prophylaxis) within 72 and continue for 28 days.
3.The HIV stigma is negative attitude and beliefs about people with it. While discrimination is the behavior of treating people differently. Both stigma and discrimination affect the emotional wellbeing and mental health of people living with HIV. When stigma is internalized, it leads to feelings of shame, fear of disclosure, isolation and despair. These feelings can prevent people from getting tested and treated. It helps to talk openly about HIV. The only way to know your HIV status is to get tested. Knowing your result can keep you and your partner healthy. Talk to your Dr who will decide which of the three types would be best. There is also an HIV self-test and you can get the result within 20 minutes.
4.CDC HIV prevention efforts are coordinated by the Office of Infectious Diseases and their campaign goal is-Ending the HIV Epidemic in the U.S.”

B. Women’s Unseen Battle:

Shining a Light on Lupus. Source: Health Equity Office.

FACTS: A.

“Lupus is a lifelong disease. Current estimate is that 200,000 Americans have Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), the most common form of lupus. Anyone can develop it, but 90% of the patients are women aged 14-55yrs.
1. It is a non-infectious, chronic autoimmune disease that affects different parts of the body. The immune system attacks healthy tissue and organs instead of fighting off infection. This may cause pain, redness, swelling and tissue damage to any organ in the body. Black/ African American and Hispanic/Latino women get lupus at a younger age. They are at greater risk of complications and death. The common symptoms include-pain or swelling in the joints, extreme fatigue, butterfly rash on the cheeks or nose, swelling of the hands, feet or around the eyes, headache, low fever, chest pain, hair loss, finger and toes feeling numb or turning white or blue. Diagnosing lupus is a challenge because symptoms vary and may come and go. There is no single test that can diagnose it. Lupus is a chronic disease with no cure. Treatment will vary and will depend on the symptoms. Medications are changed when the symptoms don’t respond. The treatment team may include a rheumatologist, nephrologist and clinical immunologist. Even though it can cause death, most people live long healthy lives. The leading cause of death are health problems related to kidney, infections and heart disease. Patients must make healthy choices-no smoking, eat healthy foods, regular physical exercise and manage their weight.

Resources:

Lupus Foundation of America, chapters in Texas: Lone Star serves north, central and west Texas-13155 Noel Road, Suite 900 Dallas, TX 75240 and Texas Guld Coast serves Houston & Beaumont- 405 Main St., Suite 300C Houston, TX 77002.
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