EIGHTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT 

HEALTH MINISTRY (VOL 3)

Picture of Dr. Patricia D. McKenzie

Dr. Patricia D. McKenzie

Episcopal Coordinator for Health Ministries

PART I.
NATIONAL HEALTH OBSERVANCES FOR MARCH

A. National Colorectal Cancer (CRC) Awareness Month

Source: Colorectal Cancer Alliance. https://colorectalcancer.org/

FACTS:

“CRC is the fourth most common cancer in the U.S. among men and women combined and the second leading cause of cancer death. It can be prevented with screening and is highly treatable when detected early.

Some of the most common complications:

  • 1. Each year 150,000 Americans are diagnosed and more than 50,000 will die. The average age of diagnosis among men and women is 66 and 10% of the cases are under 50. There are more than 1.5 million survivors in the U. S. Young adults are the only population group experiencing an increase; the deadliest cancer is among young men 20-49 years. Black Americans have the second highest mortality; 35% are more likely to die and 15% more likely to develop it then non-Hispanic white. Generally, Black Americans are at higher risk than other racial or ethnic group in the U.S.
  • 2. Comm on Symptoms-CRC can develop without symptoms. a. Early changes in bowel habit (diarrhea, constipation, changes in consist of stools or size b. Ongoing stomach pains, cramps, gas, feeling full or bloated c. Rectal bleeding (bright red or very dark) d. Weakness or fatigue e. Unexplained weight loss e. Nausea or vomiting.
  • 3. See your Dr. and report all the symptoms experienced. Nearly one-in-four cases in African Americans are diagnosed late when it is harder to treat.
  • 4. Prevention-Screening for African Americans should start at age 45.
  • 5. Family History, most don’t have a family history connection, however, if parent or sibling have abnormal growth in colon or rectum, talk to the Dr. about when to start screening. Pre-existing conditions may also increase the risk as type 2 diabetes, obesity and inflammatory bowel disease.
  • 6.Healthy Lifestyle for Healthy Colon-a. Eat fiber (fruits and vegetables), drink plenty of water, eat wholegrains, drink low-fat or fat free milk, eat lean protein (chicken & turkey) instead of processed meats as hotdogs and lunch meat, reduce excess sugar and fried foods, limit alcohol intake, maintain healthy weight, don’t smoke, and exercise regularly.
  • 7. Monitor bathroom habits for any changes.

Resources:

1. Call Toll-free helpline 877-422-2030.

2.  Health Equity:  free colonoscopy information, go to BLKHLTH and Citronelle

3. Take a Screening Quiz at https://colorectalcancer.org/screening-quiz// “

B. NATIONAL KIDNEY MONTH

Source: National Kidney Foundation. www.kidney.org/

FACTS:

“I IN 3 adults in U.S. are at risk for kidney disease. Risk Factors-include taking medicines to control blood sugar, treatment for heart diseases; if family had kidney transplant/kidney failure or been on dialysis, you are 2 to 3 times more likely to develop kidney disease; African Americans are at increased risk with delayed diagnosis. Other factors which contribute to development include high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, not being physically active or exercising regularly, eating unhealthy foods as those rich in sodium. If unknown, it can also lead to health problems as heart disease or stroke, high blood pressure. Drugs which are harmful to the kidneys include pain killers (aspirins), antibiotics. laxatives, drugs as heroin, cocaine and alcohol. Remember to avoid unsupervised medication use, every drug you take must pass through your kidneys. Kidney disease is easily diagnosed with a blood test or urine test. The disease can also affect you sexuality-from hormones, nerves and energy levels.

See your physician early, the team may include a dietitian.

Resource: to identify healthy foods, go to www.choosemyplate.gov/foo-groups may use it for all ages.”

Suicide Prevention Awareness Month Source: National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI).

https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/

FACTS:

“We can all prevent suicide. 1. Know the risk factors as a diagnosis, alcohol or substance abuse, behavior -impulsive and/or aggressive, job or financial loss, loss of relationships. Know the warning signs as talking about wanting to die, talking about feeling hopeless, talking about being a burden to others, and acting anxious or agitated to behaving recklessly, sleeping  too little or too much, and extreme mood swings.  Take action Call or text 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (formerly known as National Suicide Prevention Lifeline).

Mental health is the capacity of people to interact with one another and the environment in ways to promote subjective well-being, optimal development and use of mental abilities.”

PART II.
HEALING AIDS FROM THE BALM IN GILEAD

Source:

www.balmingilead.org

Click on Education and Inspiration and find to topics-Sunday Morning Health Corner and Resources

Facts:

; Sunday Morning Corner- “Check Ups & Check-Ins,” “Building Better Health Habits,” “Heart Health and Hypertension” &” The Benefits of Drinking.” Resources- “Cancer Resources” & “Heart Health.”

PART III.
CENTER FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION

www.cdc.gov/

“STAYING UP TO DATE WITH COVID-19 VACCINES

FACTS:

1. People ages 12-64 years should have received 1 dose of 2024-2025 Moderna COVID-19 vaccine OR 1 dose of 2024-2025 Pfizer-Bio N Tech COVID-19 vaccine OR 1 dose of the2024-2025 Novavax unless you are receiving the vaccine for the very first time. If never received any COVID-19 vaccine and get Novavax. You need 2doses 2024-2025 to be up to date.
2. People who are moderately or severely immunocompromised: Vaccine can help to protect against severe illness, hospitalization and death. People ages 6months and older should have received at least 2 doses of 2024-2025 vaccine, 6 months apart. Also, certain vaccine brands are recommended for specific age groups, consult your health care provider. Remember: COVID-19 vaccination causes a more predictable immune response than an infection with the virus that causes COVID-19.

NEW RESOURCE FOR YOUR CALENDAR AND MINISTRY PLANNING: National Drug and Alcohol (NDAFW) Week is March 7-13. Source National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIH.Gov)

“NDAFW is focused on the Science of drug use and addiction that educates and empowers youth to make informed decisions about substance use and their health. Learn lifesaving skills focused on overdose awareness and responses. Contact: https://nidanih.gov/research-topic/national-drug-alcohol-acts-week. FIND TOPICS: 1. “Plan Your Event (s)” 2. “Get Activity Ideas.”
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