EIGHTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT 

HEALTH MINISTRY (VOL 2)

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 FEBRUARY 2023

A. Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) Low Vision Awareness Month

Source: National Eye Institute. https://glaucoma.org/january-is-glaucoma-awareness-month

FACTS:

 “Millions of people in U.S. are living with visual impairments. The most common types of Low Vision are central vision loss, peripheral vision loss, night blindness (can’t see in low light), and blurry or hazy vision. The most common causes are AMD, cataracts, diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma. Know that aging doesn’t cause low vision on its own. Eye and brain injuries can also cause low vision. This impairment can interfere with activities like driving, reading, recognizing people’s faces, telling colors apart, seeing TV or computer screen clearly and cooking. This impairment can’t be fixed with glasses, contacts, or treatments like medicine or surgery. To make the most of remaining sight, these small changes can help-use brighter light at home and work, wear anti-glare sunglasses, use a magnifying lens for reading and other up-close activities. Also, ask your eye doctor about vision rehabilitation. This specialist can provide individual training. Don’t accept vision loss as a normal part of getting older. Eight practical tips-Find an eye specialist early with any change; discuss getting a dilated eye exam to find eye disease early; add physical activity to lower risk for health conditions like diabetes and hypertension that can lead to vision problems; learn about family history because glaucoma and macular degeneration can run in families; eat right include more dark leafy vegetables (kale, spinach, collards greens) and fish(halibut, salmon and tuna); wear sunglasses that block 99-100% of both UVA and UVB radiation, even on cloudy days; wear protective eyewear during swimming , bike riding, and moving and playing all sports; follow all of Dr’s treatment plan for long term health conditions as diabetes and hypertension; quit smoking, may get free support (Call 1-800-QUIT NOW; 1-800 784-866).  

Also check smokefree.gov for various programs to help Vets, Women, Teens, & 60 +.  The risk for eye diseases is greater for African Americans and Hispanics. Learn this healthy vision tip called 20/20/20. Don’t spend a long time looking at a computer, phone or TV screen. Every 20 minute, Look about 20 feet away for 20 Seconds.” Take care of your eyes.

B. National Cancer Prevention Month.

 Source: American Association for Cancer Research. https://www.aact.org/

FACTS:

“More than 16.9 million people in U.S. are living with, through and beyond cancer diagnosis. The common adult cancers are as follows: 1. Thyroid. There are 43,800 people in the U.S. with this cancer and the five-year survival rate is 98.4%. It is found most often in women aged 20-34 years. However, it is most often diagnosed in men and women aged 45-64 years. The risk is increased when exposed to radiation and also when there is a family history of cancer. There is no standard or routine screening test for this cancer.

Another common type is Pancreatic Cancer. It is projected to become the second leading cause of cancer deaths behind lung cancer by 2030. The risk factors  are smoking, overweight, having diabetes, having certain hereditary conditions as colon cancer,  breast and ovarian cancers. After diagnosis, the five-year relative survival rate is 11.5%. The signs and symptoms include jaundice, weight loss without a known reason, light-colored stool, dark urine, pain in the upper or middle abdomen and back, loss of appetite and feeling very tired. It is difficult to diagnosis early.

The third common type is Prostate cancer. It is more common in older men and more likely to occur in men over 50 with a family history; about 1 out of every 8 men will be diagnosed with this cancer. It is more common in African American men than any other racial or ethnic group in the U.S. It is the second most common cancer among men in U.S. However, African American men are more likely to die from it than White men.”

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:

1.Sunday Morning Health Corner: “Featured Health Literacy, Health & Wellness Exploring the Healing Properties of a Plant-Based Diet,” “The Benefits of Drinking Water,” “Common Symptoms of Stress,” “Getting Supportive About Prostate Cancer,” “Healthy Ways to Cope with Stress.” 2. Resources: “Cancer Resources,” “Heart Health,” “Obesity & Nutrition.”

PART III.
CENTER FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION

www.cdc.gov/

A. Women and Heart Disease.

FACTS:

1. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women in U.S., killing 314,187 women in 2020 about 1 in every 3 female deaths. It is the leading cause of death for African American and White women in U.S. For Hispanic women, heart disease is the second leading cause of death. About 1 in 16 women age 20 and older have coronary heart disease, the most common type of heart disease.
2. The symptoms of heart disease, some women have no symptoms; others have angina (dull and heavy or sharp chest pain or discomfort, pain in neck, jaw or throat, pain in the upper abdomen or back. These symptoms may happen when resting or when doing regular daily activities. Other symptoms include nausea, vomiting and fatigue.
3. Still called the ‘silent killer’ because may not have symptoms until a major emergency occurs, including a. Heart Attack (chest pain or discomfort, upper back or neck pain, indigestion, heart burn, nausea and vomiting, extreme fatigue, upper body discomfort, dizziness and shortness of breath) b. Arrhythmia which is a fluttering feeling in chest (palpitations). c. Heart Failure shortness of breath, fatigue or swelling of the feet/ ankles/legs, abdomen or neck veins. If any of these symptoms are present, call 9-1-1 immediately.
4. The key risk factors for all people include hypertension, high LDL cholesterol, and smoking. Half of all people in the U.S. (47%) have at least one of these three risk factors. Several lifestyle choices and medical conditions will increase your risk and these are-diabetes, overweight or obesity, no physical activity, drinking to much alcohol.
5. Can reduce your risk-know blood pressure and if high must be controlled, quit smoking, know numbers for cholesterol and triglycerides, limit alcohol one drink a day, eat healthy foods, and manage stress levels and get quality sleep. Note: The CDC’s Division of Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention supports this program in all 50 states. Contact your local Health Depart. Health Literacy is important, talk to your health care provider. Remember regular blood work matters.”

B. Health Topic- National Children Dental Health Month

FACTS: A.

1.Cavities also known as caries or tooth decay are the most common chronic disease of childhood, yet cavities are preventable. Children who have poor oral health often miss more school and receive lower grades than those who don’t have cavities. Untreated cavities can cause pain, infections and lead to problems with eating, speaking and learning.
1.Cavities also known as caries or tooth decay are the most common chronic disease of childhood, yet cavities are preventable. Children who have poor oral health often miss more school and receive lower grades than those who don’t have cavities. Untreated cavities can cause pain, infections and lead to problems with eating, speaking and learning.
2. More than 1 in 5 children aged 2-5 years has at least one cavity in their baby teeth. Children from low-income families are more then twice as likely to have untreated cavities.
3. You can protect and maintain your child’s teeth by following these steps-a. Protect tiny teeth by caring for your mouth during pregnancy, brush and floss because future oral health starts with you b. Wipe your baby’s gums after each meal c. Avoid putting your baby to bed with a bottle d. Remember to brush your child’s teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste; If the child is younger than 2 years, consult your dentist or doctor about when to start using fluoride toothpaste e. Limit drinks and food with added sugars f. Schedule your first dental visit by first birthday; Their tiny teeth matters.
4. Watch what your child eats and drinks, follow these helpful tips-Eat fruits and vegetables for snacks rather than cookies and candies; Brush your child’s teeth twice daily; Serve water at mealtime rather than juice or soda.
5. Children aged 6-11 should get dental sealant to prevent first molar cavities.
6. Remember, for a child younger than 6, watch them brush, make sure you use a a pea-sized amount of toothpaste and teach to spit and not swallow.
7. There are special health care needs if your child wears braces or orthodontics or oral appliances-discuss extra care with the dentist. Protect tiny teeth and keep the mouth healthy.”

FACTS: C.

Resource to promote Healthy Teen Relationships. CDC has “Dating Matters which is a comprehensive teen dating violence prevention model with strategies for individuals, peers, families, schools, and neighborhood. It focuses on teaching 11-14 years healthy relationship skills before they start dating. The goal is to reduce behaviors that increase the risk for dating violence, like substance abuse and sexual risk-taking. The model was tested in four local health department, through 46 middle schools and with many communities partners. The communities included Baltimore, Chicago, Ft. Lauderdale (Broward County), Oakland (Almeda County).
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