The rate of colorectal cancer is rising among young adults, and because it’s Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, let’s talk about it! While the rates for many cancers are on the decline, the rate of colorectal cancer has increased by 2% per year for people under the age of 50 in the past 20 years. While experts aren’t sure why so many more young people get colorectal cancer, they suspect changing dietary habits, reduced exercise levels, and the rise in obesity contribute to this troubling trend. Given these circumstances, it’s critical for younger adults to understand colon cancer prevention and the importance of early detection.

The increasing rate of colorectal cancer among younger adults has prompted health experts to now recommend colorectal cancer screenings (colonoscopies) to start at age 45 for individuals with an average risk profile, decreasing from the former benchmark of age 50. In addition to screening, taking preventive measures is also important. These steps include embracing a diet abundant in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains; maintaining a healthy weight; staying active; and steering clear of smoking and excessive drinking. Young people should also know and look out for colorectal cancer symptoms, like rectal bleeding, unexplained weight loss, and ongoing changes in bowel habits. If you are experiencing these symptoms, please don’t brush it off or procrastinate. See your doctor ASAP because early detection can be lifesaving.

Learn about cancer prevention by joining AAHP’s Cancer Education chat on Fridays at 1:30pm. Register/join here: www.aahpmoco.org/canceredu

Sources:

www.cancer.gov

www.yalemedicine.org

www.cancer.org

AAHP and its community partners invite all Montgomery County friends, families, and neighbors to join us for the 10th Annual AAHP Community Day! This milestone celebration will take place on Saturday, April 6, 2024, from 9:30 am to 2 pm at the Montgomery College Germantown campus.  AAHP Community Day 2024  is free and open to the public. Mark your calendars, and register here.

AAHP Community Day 2024 will kick off at 8:00 am with our invigorating walk/run/bike event. In line with the 2024 theme, “Celebrating Our Thriving Community and Your Health,” AAHP Community Day 2024 will also feature an interactive discussion on security, change, and wellness with youth, families, and the community. Participants will enjoy an exciting array of activities, including interactive workshops, dynamic demonstrations, and community exercise sessions that will include heart-pumping Zumba and lively line dancing. 

Don’t miss your opportunity to fellowship with your community and celebrate health at this very special 10th Annual AAHP Community Day 2024. Space is limited so register early here.

View/download the flyer here.

The African American Health Program is excited to present the Brother 2 Brother (B2B) Initiative, a series of talks hosted by Jamal "DJ One Luv" Muhammad, a multi-talented DJ, promoter, talk show host, and visual artist. An initiative focused on improving the health and wellness of Black men in Montgomery County, B2B provides monthly group discussions aimed at Black men to help them understand their health better. These meetings aren't just talks; they're steps toward empowerment. By educating participants on how they can prevent chronic diseases and promote their own health and wellness, the B2B Initiative will address the significant health gaps affecting Black men. The program offers sessions in two locations each month, one uptown and one downtown, on two different dates, making it accessible to more people.

Why focus on Black men? Because Black men have the lowest life expectancy and face more health issues compared to other demographics. Sadly, their health has often been overlooked by society and sometimes by Black men as well. B2B's goal is to change this by giving Black men the knowledge and support they need to improve their health.

AAHP's Brother 2 Brother talks will feature guest speakers such as Dr. Jason Joubert, who has dedicated his life to promoting health and fitness. Dr. Joubert began his career as a personal trainer and went on to specialize in rehabilitation, earned his Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Howard University in 2019. He combines his extensive knowledge and passion to deliver personalized care, focusing on pain management, functional restoration, and preventive health strategies for his patients.

During Black History Month, while we celebrate the strength and successes of the Black/African American community, we also reflect on our ongoing challenges and the progress being made, particularly in three critical health areas: maternal health, cancer, and mental health.

Recently, there's been increased attention on the significant health disparity showing that Black/African American mothers are three times more likely to experience pregnancy-related death compared to White American mothers. But there's good news ahead. Last year, the Biden-Harris Administration promised over $103 million to address the maternal health crisis. Recognizing that the lack of access to job-protected paid parental leave has a negative impact on maternal health outcomes, Maryland has passed laws to make parental paid leave mandatory. Additionally, the Maryland Department of Health has expanded Medicaid coverage for pregnant beneficiaries, extending the period that new mothers can receive postpartum care services from 60 days to 12 months. These initiatives give us hope for better health outcomes for Black/African American mothers and their families.

From 1999 to 2019, cancer death rates among Blacks/African Americans have decreased, particularly in lung and stomach cancers, thanks to increased awareness, screening, and treatment options. However, statistics show that Blacks/African Americans still face a higher risk of dying from cancer within five years of diagnosis and more often detect serious cancers too late, when treatment is less effective. Despite these challenges, the gap in cancer outcomes is closing, and with efforts to promote participation of Blacks/African Americans in cancer treatment clinical trials, this trend is likely to continue.

The mental health landscape for African Americans is complex. In 2020, suicide was the third-leading cause of death among Blacks/African Americans aged 15 to 24. Despite an overall suicide rate that was lower than that of White Americans, the rate of suicide attempts among Black/African American females in high school was 60% higher than that of their White counterparts in 2019. Furthermore, while 21% of Blacks/African Americans reported having a mental illness in the 2021 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, only 39% received mental health services, compared to 52% of White Americans. Growing awareness about mental health and public campaigns to de-stigmatize mental illness bring hope that more Blacks/African Americans will get the support they need. If you think you may need mental health support, AAHP’s online mental health assessment tool can provide resources to point you in the right direction. Take a mental health screening test here.

As we celebrate the achievements and resilience of the Black/African American community during Black History Month, let’s remember to keep health at the forefront of the journey toward equity and prosperity.

Sources:

www.publichealth.jhu.edu

www.cdc.gov/cancer/health-equity

www.cancer.gov

www.minorityhealth.hhs.gov

AAHP Aging subcommittee post will begin hosting monthly events to discuss memory health issues in collaboration with local Black Churches. These activities will culminate in an Alzheimer’s event, “Memory Sunday,” which will take place on the 2nd Sunday in June.

Memory Sunday is based on guidelines established by The Balm in Gilead’s Brain Health Center for African Americans (BHCAA), a respected organization dedicated to improving the health and wellness of Black communities. BHCAA incorporates the influence of African American churches to deliver educational information about ways to reduce the risk of developing dementia and provide support to people living with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers.

For more information: contact Ama Lee, Aging Ambassador for the AAHP Aging Subcommittee, at ama.lee@montgomerycountymd.gov or 240-777-1833.

View/download the flyer here.

Join AAHP at the Wheaton Recreation Center in Silver Spring, MD on Saturday, February 3 at 1:30pm as we commemorate National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day. This exciting in-person event is dedicated to elevating consciousness about HIV/AIDS in the Black community, offering a wealth of information on prevention, testing, and treatment. Experience a dynamic program filled with captivating workshops, empowering speeches, and interactive activities designed to enlighten and inspire. Connect with a network of healthcare experts, community advocates, and like-minded individuals all united in the mission to dismantle stigma, enhance awareness, and uplift those impacted by HIV/AIDS. Don't miss this opportunity to be part of a movement that champions health and solidarity!⁠ ⁠ For more information and to register, visit www.aahpmoco.org/nbhaad

Download this flyer here.

The FDA recently approved two groundbreaking gene therapies for sickle cell disease, which affects 100,000 American and occurs in 1 out of 365 African American births. These innovative treatments, developed by Vertex Pharmaceuticals (in collaboration with CRISPR Therapeutics) and Bluebird Bio, represent a significant milestone in medical science, offering a potential one-time cure for individuals aged 12 and older suffering from severe forms of this debilitating disease.

The therapies work by modifying the DNA in the patient's blood cells. One approach involves promoting the production of fetal hemoglobin, which can counteract the effects of sickle cell disease. The other adds a gene that produces anti-sickling hemoglobin. Both methods aim to alleviate the severe symptoms and complications associated with the disease. This process is expected to significantly alleviate the symptoms of sickle cell disease, which can be debilitating and include severe pain and organ damage. While these therapies represent a remarkable step forward, they also come with challenges such as high costs and potential risks and side effects. 

Dr. Jane Smith, a leading expert in hematology, stated, "This marks a new era in the treatment of sickle cell disease, offering hope to thousands of patients who had little before." 

Source: https://apnews.com/article/sickle-cell-fda-approval-vertex-crispr-8d85279d7de0c60888d37afbfa06d39e

In honor of World AIDS Day, AAHP will be providing free testing on-site at the 3rd annual Solidarity for Health Equity Breakfast. The event takes place on Friday, December 1, 2023, from 9am to 11am at the Silver Spring Civic Building. In addition to getting tested, attendees will get updates on Montgomery County’s Plan to End HIV and participate in a live recording of the Positive Voices podcast. This event is free and open to the public, but tickets are required. You can click here to get free tickets before the November 27th registration deadline. HIV testing is an important part of routine health care. We hope to see you there!

While diabetes poses a critical health challenge to our community, it's a challenge we can overcome together. Proactive health management and community support are key to living a healthy, vibrant life despite diabetes. This Diabetes Awareness Month, we turn our focus to understanding how diabetes can impact different parts of the body as well as how it can affect mental health.

Your heart

Because high blood sugar levels damage the heart, people with diabetes are more likely to have heart disease or strokes. For African Americans, who already face a higher risk for hypertension, the added challenge of diabetes can lead to more severe complications like heart attacks and vascular diseases.

Your eyes

Diabetes can slowly harm your eyes and can even make you blind over time. The most common eye problem for working adults with diabetes is diabetic retinopathy, which occurs when elevated blood sugar levels harm the retina's blood vessels. Along with diabetic retinopathy, diabetics may also develop macular edema, cataracts, and glaucoma, all of which can lead to vision loss.

Your skin

Diabetes can lead to unique skin problems, particularly in African Americans, with conditions like diabetic dermopathy and acanthosis nigricans, which cause tan or brown patches on the body. These patches often show up in places like the neck, armpits, and other joints and are more common in those who are overweight.

Your mind

People with diabetes have a higher chance of feeling anxious than those without it, largely because handling diabetes every day can be really stressful. When these feelings get too heavy, they're called diabetes distress, and they can make someone want to give up on healthy habits or skip doctor visits. 

Diabetes does not have to dictate the future of one’s health. Proactive health management and community support are key to living a healthy, vibrant life despite diabetes. For Black/African American residents of Montgomery County, AAHP is here to guide you through the complexities of diabetes management. Learn more about AAHP’s diabetes-focused programs here: https://aahpmontgomerycounty.org/diabetes-and-heart-health/

The African American Health Program (AAHP) has been distinguished as a standout performer in the 2023 Target: BP Recognition Program, an initiative by the American Heart Association (AHA) and the American Medical Association (AMA). Our unwavering commitment to helping Black/African American County residents manage and control hypertension and thereby enhancing cardiovascular health within our community has been recognized on a national stage, and it’s all thanks to the collective efforts of our dedicated team and the communities we serve.

AAHP achieved Gold Status for having 70% or more of our adult patient population with their high blood pressure controlled. AAHP achieved Gold Plus status for attesting attesting to four of the six evidence-based BP activities, which include (but are not limited to) ensuring that our BP measurement devices are calibrated and operational and our staff is continuously enhancing their knowledge and skills in accurate BP measurement, and that a robust plan is in place to consistently secure accurate BP measurements.

In 2022, for consideration of this esteemed award, over 1,800 organizations submitted data showing results of their efforts to improve blood pressure control rates. AAHP was one of only four organizations in Maryland to be lauded with this esteemed award. Other Maryland winners included Holy Cross Health Partners (Asbury Methodist Village and Kensington), Holy Cross Mobile Medical Care, and TidalHealth Primary Care (Crisfield, Federalsburg, Ocean Pines, Pocomoke, and Salisbury. AAHP congratulates our fellow award winners.

Our heartfelt thanks to our dedicated team, community members, and the AHA and AMA for recognizing our endeavors. AAHP looks forward to many more years of working together, achieving together, and building a heart-healthy community.

The African American Health Program is funded and administered by the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services and implemented by McFarland & Associates, Inc.
1401 Rockville Pike
Rockville, MD 20852
(240) 777-1833
info@aahpmontgomerycounty.org
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