EIGHTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT 

HEALTH MINISTRY (VOL 1)

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Dr. Patricia D. McKenzie

Episcopal Coordinator for Health Ministries

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PART I.
NATIONAL HEALTH OBSERVANCES FOR JANUARY 2023

A. Glaucoma Awareness Month

https://glaucoma.org/january-is-glaucoma-awareness-month/

FACTS:

FACTS: “More than 3 million people in  the U.S. have glaucoma. The national Eye Institute projects a 58% increase by 2030 to 4.2 million. It is called the sneak thief of sight since there are no early symptoms. As much as 40% of vision can be lost without a person noticing. It is the leading cause of irreversible blindness. There are more than 120,000 persons, accounting for 9%-12% of all causes of blindness.  Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases, but most common forms affect the middle aged and elderly. However, it can affect people of all ages. The vision loss is caused by damage to the optic nerve which is responsible for carrying images from the eye to the brain. There is no cure for glaucoma. Appropriate medicine or surgery can slow or prevent further vision loss.  Even though there are various types of glaucoma only one-Secondary Glaucoma has an identifiable cause of increased eye pressure. It is caused by eye injury, inflammation, certain drugs as steroids, and advanced diabetes. The risk factors include

Some of the most common complications:

  • 1. Race-African, Asian and Hispanic descent;
  • 2. Others-People over 60, family members of those already diagnosed, and those who are severely nearsighted;
  • 3. Health conditions-Diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, sickle cell anemia, and even low blood pressure.

There may be warning signs, but they occur in the late stage of the disease. For example, blind spots in your side or peripheral vision; tunnel vision because your loss occurs around the edges of the visual field; parts of the central area (used for driving and watching TV) become blurry.  Therefore, the best way to protect your sight is to get a regular comprehensive eye examination.

There may be congenital glaucoma in a newborn or during a baby’s first few years. Signs and symptoms include-tearing, sensitivity to light and eyelid spasms; a larger cornea and clouding of the normally transparent cornea; habitual rubbing of the eye, squinting or keeping the eyes closed much of the time. See an eye doctor immediately and in many cases glaucoma treatments can minimize or prevent vision loss and blindness.

Recent studies are examining how lifestyle factors can affect glaucoma. 1.Exercise-aerobic as walking, swimming, biking or working out on stationary bike for 30-45 minutes 3-4 times a week has lowered intraocular pressure and improved blood flow to brain and the eye. Caution with strength training and yoga because it may increase intraocular pressure. Consult an eye specialist before starting any exercise program. 2.Diet-nothing definitive and research continues. Lifestyle changes should not be adopted without discussing with your eye specialist.”

Thyroid Awareness Month

Source: https://www.thyroid.org/january-thyroid-awareness-month/

FACTS:

  • The thyroid gland produces thyroid hormone which helps the body use energy, stay warm and keep the brain, heart, muscles and other organs working normally.
  • Hypothyroidism occurs when the cells can’t get enough hormone and the body processes slow down. The thyroid may temporarily become under active after pregnancy or if it is inflamed due to viral infection. The symptoms include-feeling cold, dry skin and hair, being forgetful and depressed, muscle cramps, weight gain, and constipation. Women may experience increased blood flow.
  • The disease can run in families and will require members to get periodic blood level tests. There is no cure.
  • If the disease is well controlled, it will not shorten the person’s life span
  • The blood level is monitored to prevents hyperthyroidism. The symptoms may include-inability to sleep, greater appetite, nervousness, shakiness, feeling hot when other people are cold, trouble exercising because of weak muscles, shortness of breath and racing or skipping heart beats.
  • A blood test of the hormone is required to confirm that the medicine dose is accurate.
  • It is important to be patient as you begin treatment with yourself and the changes happening in your body; patient with your doctor and patient with the people (family and co-workers) who are going through this with you. It may take weeks before the medicine begins to make you feel better and months before you and the doctor get the dose exactly right.
  • The more you and the doctor work as a team, the healthier you will be. Remember, you will probably have hypothyroidism for the rest of your life.
  • Healthy literacy is important, write down all of your questions to discuss with the doctor and remain informed.

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 Health Corner: “Health and Wellness-Achieving Your Fitness Goals in the New Year,” “Cancer Resources, click on Cervical Cancer Clinical Trials & African American Women and Cervical Cancer Power Point.” “For the Sunday Morning Bulletin-“Thyroid Awareness Month” enter BalminGilead.org Bulletin on Thyroid Gland. For the Sunday Morning Bulletin-“Glaucoma Awareness” enter Balm in Gilead Bulletin on Glaucoma.”

PART III.
CENTER FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION

www.cdc.gov/

A. Health Topic-Cervical Cancer

FACTS:

1. It is important to get vaccinated against Human Papillomavirus (HPV). It protects against the cause of cervical, vaginal and vulvar cancer. It is recommended for preteen aged 11-12 yrs.; can be received as early as 9 yrs. It is recommended for everyone through age 26. Not recommended for everyone older than 26. However, some adults age 27-45 have received the vaccine. Discuss with the Dr.
2 . If vaccination is started before age 15, expect two doses. If started after 15, expect three shots. The vaccinations prevent, but do not treat existing infection or disease.
3 . Persons without insurance can qualify for free or low0cost testing through CDC’s National Breast and Cervical Cancer Detection Program. Check with the Texas Department of State Health Services, Austin. The local Health Dept. can assist persons with this information.
4. The Risk Factors-Almost all cervical cancers are caused by HPV. Other factors include having HIV (virus that causes AIDS). Also, tobacco smoking. If you don’t use tobacco don’t start. If you do use tobacco-quit. Why? Tobacco use can cause cancer almost anywhere in the body including bladder, colon, esophagus, kidney, liver, mouth, throat, and stomach. No matter how long you have used tobacco, quitting can reduce your risk for cancer. Second hand smoke is bad because the smoke from cigarettes, cigar and pipes has 70 chemicals that can cause cancer. Smokeless tobacco products as dipping and chewing can cause cancer too. Electronic cigarettes make a mist (cloud) which is dangerous too. Don’t use! African Americans usually start smoking at an older age, but are more likely to die from smoking related disease (e.g. heart disease and diabetes)

B. Health Topic- National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention

FACTS:

Sex trafficking is a form of modern slavery. Human trafficking occurs when a person exploits an individual with force, fraud or coercion to make them perform commercial sex or work. It is associated with child abuse and neglect, intimate partner violence, sexual violence and youth violence. The perpetrator is usually known as a friend, co-worker, neighbor or family member. The sexual violence can occur in person, online, through technology as posting or sharing sexual pictures. Sexual violence starts early-4 in 5 female rape survivors were first raped before 25 and half before 18. I in 3 women and 1 in 5 men experienced sexual harassment in a public place. The consequences of such violence are physical trauma, psychological (depression, anxiety and suicidal thoughts and acts), and health problems (reproductive, gastrointestinal, cardiovascular). The societal factors include community support of violence, norms with male superiority and entitlement/ women’s inferiority, high levels of crime and other forms of violence. Programs help to mentor families and youth, providing positive role models; programs providing emotional health and connectedness to working through conflicts peacefully; programs promoting academic achievement in school; programs teaching alternative approaches to living and working with others. There may be systemic problems which require the communication and cooperation of many citizens and agencies to address poverty, lack of employment opportunities, lack of institutional support from police or judicial system. Even though we recognize that solving this problem will involve many professionals and intense work, we can take the first step and acknowledge that it is real and impacting individuals, families, schools, and our communities. What should we do?
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