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Data from the 2018 Montgomery County Annual HIV Epidemiological Profile reveals that African Americans in Montgomery County are disproportionately impacted by HIV and in 2018 made up 61% of new diagnoses as 17% of the County population. To address this disparity, AAHP offers HIV/AIDS education, testing, and other sexual health resources for African Americans in Montgomery County. AAHP also provides counseling for people who test positive for HIV to delay the onset of AIDS and prevent some life-threatening conditions from emerging.
 
Each year, AAHP observes World AIDS Day on December 1 to highlight the progress made in building an HIV-free future for Montgomery County. It is also a day of celebration and support for the millions of people living with HIV/AIDS and those working to eradicate it. While AAHP did not host a World AIDS Day event this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, AAHP continued to promote sexual health awareness and encouraged County Black residents to get tested.
 
If you do not know your HIV status, make an appointment to get tested. And tell your loved ones about AAHP’s HIV testing and sexual health resources. Visit www.aahpmontgomerycounty.org for more info.
 
Black women are unstoppable. From the highest levels of government, as entrepreneurs, in communities and households in Montgomery County and nationwide, Black women SHOW UP and do the work to build capacity and resources for empowerment. In the spirit of recognizing the indomitable force of Black womanhood, AAHP celebrates the work of two outstanding organizations making real differences in the lives of African American women across the country: GirlTrek and Black Girls RUN!.
 
"When black women walk, things change," say T. Morgan Dixon and Vanessa Garrison, GirlTrek’s enterprising founders. Longtime friends, Garrison and Dixon formed GirlTrek in 2010 to mobilize Black women to come together and walk for health and healing in our bodies, homes, and communities. GirlTrek is the largest health nonprofit for women and girls. The organization recently reached a milestone: one million women and girls have pledged to walk with GirlTrek in the direction of their healthiest, most fulfilled lives. Watch this inspiring video to hear Ms. Dixon’s powerful testimony of how she beat depression by walking.
 
Black Girls RUN! (BGR!) was founded in 2009 to address the obesity epidemic in the African American community and to encourage Black women to maintain an active and healthy lifestyle. BGR! hosts runs, walks, and other fitness-related events and offers support and resources to new and veteran runners. With over 250,000 members nationwide, BGR! provides a community where Black women bond over love of fitness. Watch this feature from NBC News to see BGR! in action.
Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, a severe flu season could be devastating. Each year, flu causes tens of millions of illnesses, hundreds of thousands of hospitalizations, and tens of thousands of deaths in the United States. A CDC study of 10 flu seasons from 2009-2010 through 2018-2019 showed that African Americans had the highest flu-related hospitalization rates. An annual flu shot is generally recommended for everyone six months or older. Increased risk of hospitalization makes getting a flu shot especially important for African Americans.
 
Unfortunately, due to incidents like the Tuskegee Experiment, many African Americans harbor deep mistrust of the American medical establishment, which hinders many from getting a flu shot. But it’s important to examine the facts about flu vaccination and heavily consider the real consequences. Getting sick from flu means missing school or work, and time away from loved ones for about a week or longer. Getting a flu shot is one safe and simple act we all can do to protect ourselves, our families and our communities. It also helps save medical resources and protects health workers so they can continue caring for people with COVID-19.
 
Doctors’ offices and pharmacies are taking steps to ensure vaccines can be provided safely during the COVID-19 pandemic. For more information, including where to find a flu shot near you, visit GetMyFluShot.org. Updates on Montgomery County’s flu vaccination clinics can be found here. 
 
Visit www.AAHPCovid.com to be tested for COVID-19. Remember Don’t Stress. Take the Test!
 
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While any holiday season can take a toll on our emotional and mental health, this holiday season unleashed a wave of loneliness, depression and anxiety that has been far more unbearable for many. But now is the time to really focus on mental and physical health. Be mindful that elevated stress levels may cause you to eat poorly, overeat, not eat enough, drink in excess, or engage in other unhealthy behaviors, so make special efforts not to do so.
 
Keep your mind and body in good shape with exercise and good stress management practices. Exercise is one of the best ways to lower stress. Prayer and meditation are also linked to lowered depression and anxiety symptoms. Talking about your feelings—with friends, family, or a professional—can help you through this exceptionally difficult holiday season.
 
Let’s do our best to stay hopeful and healthy. If you are in need of mental health services or resources, please reach out to AAHP’s social worker at 301-562-5309 or Shauniqua.key@montgomerycountymd.gov.

Health Hint

Why wait until January 1st to start your diet or your exercise regimen? If you’re serious about accomplishing your New Year’s Resolutions, why not start now? If your goal is to lose weight, if you focus on building healthy habits now, it will become easier to make good decisions as the holidays progress. You can get help from the AAHP Weight Management Program by contacting Regina Barnes at (240)777-1833.

Featured Video

In this animated video, TED-Ed explains what happens to your brain when sugar hits your tongue.

Featured Recipe: Vegan Sweet Potato Pie

Every November, AAHP observes American Diabetes Month to promote awareness of diabetes and our work to help Black Montgomery County residents manage and prevent diabetes. More than 34 million Americans live with diabetes, with African Americans facing higher risks of death and serious health complications from diabetes compared to White Americans. AAHP’s Diabetes/Heart Health focus area gives hope and resources to diabetics (and prediabetics) who wish to take control of their health by making positive lifestyle changes.
 
This American Diabetes Month, AAHP challenges you to take AT LEAST one of the following actions to spread awareness of diabetes and its impact:
  • Learn more about AAHP’s services and programs for diabetes education, prevention and management by visiting AAHP’s website.
  • Attend a Health Promotion (formerly called Chronic Disease Management) class on zoom. Check out AAHP’s calendar to see the class schedule, and click on the Zoom link for each class to register and attend.
  • Sign up for dMeetings, AAHP’s online diabetes education classes.
  • Sign up for AAHP’s new Diabetes Prevention Program (see more info below).
  • Share a post about diabetes from AAHP’s Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter pages.
If you are prediabetic or at risk for developing diabetes, join AAHP’s new Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP). Led by the Centers for Disease Control, the program guides participants through lifestyle changes that can help prevent Type 2 diabetes. Learn more:
Source: www.diabetes.org

Most people understand that smoking can lead to lung cancer. In fact, according to the CDC, smoking causes roughly 90% of all lung cancer deaths. However, despite being highly preventable, lung cancer kills around 146,000 Americans each year. But what is the reality behind those numbers? Consider these five lesser-known facts:

  1. Lung cancer kills more people each year than breast, colon, and prostate cancer combined. 
  2. African American men have the highest rates of lung cancer in the U.S., with an incidence rate 30% higher than for White men. Both African American women and men are more likely to develop and die from lung cancer in spite of lower smoking rates and less exposure to cigarette smoke compared to White Americans. 
  3. Because lung cancer screening comes with health risks, lung cancer screening is recommended only for people who have a history of heavy smoking, and currently smoke or recently quit within the past 15 years, and are between the ages of 55 and 80.
  4. People who live and spend a great deal of time around smokers increase their lung cancer risk as much as 20-30% through secondhand smoke.
  5. More than half of lung cancer patients die within one year of diagnosis.

For information and resources to help you or a loved one stop smoking, visit Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services online or call 240-777-1222. 

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Life continually throws at us unexpected challenges. At times, the pace of life and our various struggles overwhelm us. How we respond in these moments impacts our health more than most people may realize. We must protect our physical and mental health by focusing on building emotional resilience and managing stress in healthy and productive ways.
 
Now, more than ever, it’s important to learn and practice good stress management. Learn breathing techniques that can help you relax and lower your blood pressure. Pray, meditate, and practice gratitude as best as you can according to your faith. Exercise regularly to fight depression, manage your weight, and prevent chronic disease. Consider professional therapy and self-care coaching. These health practices can help you keep your mind and your body strong.
 
On the opposite side of the spectrum, if you respond to stress in harmful ways such as drinking alcohol in excess, using drugs, or overeating, your body and your mind will take a hit. Chronic stress keeps our cortisol (stress hormone) levels elevated, which can impair immune function, increase the risk for chronic disease, and make it harder to lose weight. Stress can exacerbate a host of health issues, including heart disease (leading to strokes and heart attacks), preterm labor, mental illness, and substance abuse.
 
While it’s almost impossible for most people to have the best response to stress 100% of the time, we can do the best we can, one decision at a time.

Back to School Facts and Stats

  • Over 70% of young people who took a screen at mhascreening.org between April and July 2020 mentioned loneliness and isolation as the main things contributing to their struggles. Learn more about #CopingDuringCOVID at mhanational.org/backtoschool.
  • Young people continue to be disproportionately affected by COVID19 related mental health issues. Roughly 9 in 10 are screening with moderate-to-severe depression and 8 in 10 are screening with moderate-to-severe #anxiety. Learn more at mhanational.org/backtoschool. #BackToSchool2020
  • Chronic loneliness, which many of us are feeling these days due to COVID19, can translate to poor sleep, high blood pressure, greater risk of suicidal ideation, and even alcohol and drug use. Learn more about #CopingDuringCOVID at mhanational.org/backtoschool. #BackToSchool2020
  • If your kid or teen seems to be struggling, and it persists, something more serious might be going on. Get screened for mental health at MHAscreening.org. #BackToSchool2020
  • Since March of 2020, 83% of 11-to-17-year-olds screened positive or at-risk for #anxiety at MHAscreening. org, and 91% screened positive or at-risk for #depression. Learn more at mhanational.org/backtoschool. #BackToSchool2020 #CopingDuringCOVID
  • 61% of teachers said their jobs were always or often stressful and 58% said they had poor mental health due to stress. Debates over reopening and safety concerns are making teachers’ mental health worse. Learn more at mhanational.org/backtoschool.
#CopingDuringCOVID #BackToSchool2020 

AAHP’s SMILE Program’s New Digital Resources

In support of Black Montgomery County moms and their families, AAHP is excited to introduce a series of videos and online tools on pregnancy, labor, breastfeeding, and more. Visit AAHP’s website to see the coming videos on pregnancy through the first year of life.
 
Check out the SMILE program’s childhood development classes, featuring presentations by SMILE nurse case managers. The more moms learn and participate in SMILE activities, the more SMILE bucks they can cash in for giveaways and prizes like pacifiers, books, car seats, and more. The next class will be held on November 20 at 1pm. Check the calendar for later dates. Learn more about the SMILE bucks program here.

Health Hint

Although social distancing remains in effect for Thanksgiving, putting a twist on your videochat festivities can offer new ways to make special memories. Research creative celebration ideas, such as planning a family menu and cooking together while videochatting. Coordinate a recipe swap and cook-off. Take a “Zoom 2020 Family Photo.” Have a centerpiece contest. Creativity is key in helping us cherish special times with loved ones even during difficult times.

Featured Video

This animated video from TedEX explains how yoga’s combination of movement and posture, breathing techniques, and spiritual contemplation can benefit one’s health:

Featured Recipe: Creamy Vegan Butternut Squash Pudding

The health and vitality of our community starts with the womb. Standing on the front lines of the battle against infant mortality, the SMILE program provides Black Montgomery County moms with the support, education, and guidance they need as they bring forth and nurture new life. As we observe National Infant Mortality Awareness Month, we encourage everyone to join us in this effort by doing their part to build a safe, healthy, and prosperous community where every Black baby can live to reach their full potential.
 
Infant mortality is defined as death that occurs before an infant’s first birthday. The infant mortality rate estimates the number of infant deaths for every 1,000 births. According to the U.S. Office of Minority Health, African American babies are more than twice as likely to die within their first year compared to White babies. While difficult to digest, these statistics tell the true story of the disadvantages African Americans face from the start.
 
Everyone should strive for optimal health by practicing good health habits, but if you are pregnant or may be pregnant in the future, your health habits affect the health of your babies. Eating healthy food, exercising regularly, making sure you’re getting essential nutrients like folic acid (which helps prevent birth defects), knowing your family health history, avoiding alcohol and tobacco, managing and preventing chronic conditions like obesity and diabetes, learning how to manage stress—these core health practices help to ensure a healthy pregnancy and a healthy first year of your baby’s life. Expecting moms and moms of infants can count on AAHP for help putting these practices into action.
 
Since 1999, AAHP’s SMILE team has provided award-winning care and services for pregnant moms and moms of infants, including nurse case management, home visits, childbirth and breastfeeding classes, and more. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic and Montgomery County Stay at Home Orders, the SMILE Program mobilized to create opportunities for social interaction and community-building for pregnant moms who may feel overwhelmed and alone. The SMILE Program is often perceived as a haven, a family, and a school. Learn more about the SMILE program here and spread the word!
 
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Numerous studies have named obesity as the second-leading risk factor for severe sickness or death from COVID-19, with the top risk factor being “advanced age” (over 65). The link between obesity and chronic conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers make obesity an epidemic in its own right. According to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 42% of American adults and 18% of American children and adolescents are overweight or obese. African Americans must address obesity prevalence in order to reduce health disparities. That need is now more critical than ever with COVID-19 in our midst.
 
Being homebound for long periods of time can result in getting less physical activity and eating more processed foods, inevitably leading to weight gain. Establishing and maintaining good eating habits and a regular exercise routine can help counter the threat of obesity-related health conditions and COVID-19. Adults should do the best they can to set a good example and emphasize the importance of a healthy lifestyle to the children and adolescents in their lives. As students settle into virtual classes at home, parents and caregivers should incorporate exercise and healthy eating into their “new normal.”
 
The following chart documents obesity rates by race and ethnicity, according to The State of Childhood Obesity, a report by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation:
Healthcare workers and public health experts predict an uptick in COVID-19 infections and deaths during flu season, which is just around the corner. Losing weight, eating healthy, exercising, and building up the immune system provide the best protection against COVID-19. If you’re ready to start losing weight and getting healthy, join AAHP’s weight management plan. See the graphic under this article for more information.
 
September is Childhood Obesity Month. Find health and nutrition activity worksheets for kids here.
 
Learn more about healthy eating and nutrition at the following resources:
  • Produce for Better Health – a resource for busy parents, providing recipes, serving ideas, shopping advice, and creative ideas for incorporating more fruits and vegetables into the family diet.
  • My Plate – a website from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) with information on how to create a personalized eating plan and balance diet with physical activity, including interactive learning tools for adults and children.
  • Nutrition Information – a website from the Department of Agriculture with links to a wealth of information on nutrition, food facts, healthy eating, physical activity, and food safety.
  • Manna Community Resources – an organization dedicated to ending hunger in Montgomery County through food distribution, education, and advocacy.
  • Montgomery County Food Council – an organization working to improve the environmental, economic, social, and nutritional health of Montgomery County, Maryland by making a positive impact on the local food system.
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The passing of beloved actor Chadwick Boseman from colon cancer at the age of 43 has shaken the African American community. The talent and spirit Boseman embodied with his portrayals of King T’Challah, Thurgood Marshall, Jackie Robinson, and other icons inspired so many towards excellence. As we mourn, we also reflect on the value of life and of a life well-lived.
 
Anyone can get cancer. Half of American women and a third of American men will be diagnosed in their lifetime. African Americans have the highest incidence and mortality for most cancers compared to all other racial/ethnic groups. For colon cancer, which is the third most common cancer in the U.S. and the second most common cause of cancer-related death, the mortality rate for African Americans is 35% higher than that for White Americans. African Americans are twice as likely as White Americans to be diagnosed with colon cancer before the age of 50. A complex mix of biological, socioeconomic, behavioral, and genetic factors drive these statistics. Even though cancer can affect people of any age or health status, social determinants lead to health disparities that place African Americans squarely at the bottom.
 
AAHP answers that current reality by sharing our vision for the future. Imagine with us a future where every African American in Montgomery County:
  • has a colorectal cancer screening (colonoscopy) starting at age 45
  • has the intention and resources to eat a healthy diet filled with fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
  • maintains a healthy weight
  • is physically active relative to their physical ability
  • avoids tobacco and drinks alcohol only in moderation (pertaining to residents of legal age)
If you share that vision, learn everything you can about preventing cancer and other chronic diseases and share that knowledge with others.
 
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Cholesterol is a fatty, waxy substance found in the blood. Although the body needs and naturally produces cholesterol, the foods we eat can add more good or bad cholesterol to our bodies. Too much bad cholesterol can clog the arteries, increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke. Because there are no symptoms of having high cholesterol, it is important to get a blood test every four to six years to check your cholesterol levels. More than 102 million American adults over 20 have high cholesterol levels (220mg/dL), and more than 35 million are at high risk of heart disease. Seven percent of American children and youth between the ages of six and 19 have high cholesterol. Children over the age of two should start getting tested for high cholesterol if they are overweight or have a family history of high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes or other chronic diseases.
 
Like high blood pressure, high cholesterol can be prevented and managed by adopting a healthy lifestyle and/or with medication. More than 55% of adults in the U.S. take medication for high cholesterol.
 
September is National Cholesterol Education Month. Observe by scheduling an appointment or making a date to get your cholesterol checked.
 
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Health Hint

If you want to limit screen time for your child but still want to keep them occupied and entertained, try audiobooks. Perfect for travel, bedtime, and chores, audiobooks can stimulate your child’s imagination and help them learn how to listen more attentively. Families can also listen to audiobooks together as a bonding activity.
 
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In this informative video from Pfizer, Dr. Freda Lewis-Hall discusses the warning signs of colorectal cancer and a young Black woman details her experience being diagnosed with colorectal cancer at the age of 31:

Featured Recipe

INGREDIENTS
  • ¼ cup double-concentrated tomato paste
  • 3 garlic cloves, finely grated
  • 1½ tsp. ground coriander
  • 1½ tsp. ground cumin
  • 1 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1 medium head of green or savoy cabbage (about 2 lb. total)
  • ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil, divided
  • Kosher salt
  • 3 Tbsp. chopped dill, parsley, or cilantro
  • Full-fat Greek yogurt or sour cream (for serving)
INSTRUCTIONS
  1. Preheat oven to 350°. Mix tomato paste, garlic, coriander, cumin, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl.
  2. Cut cabbage in half through core. Cut each half through core into 4 wedges.
  3. Heat ¼ cup oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high. Working in batches if needed, add cabbage to pan cut side down and season with salt. Cook, turning occasionally, until lightly charred, about 4 minutes per side. Transfer cabbage to a plate.
  4. Pour remaining ¼ cup oil into skillet. Add spiced tomato paste and cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until tomato paste begins to split and slightly darken, 2–3 minutes. Pour in enough water to come halfway up sides of pan (about 1½ cups), season with salt, and bring to a simmer. Nestle cabbage wedges back into skillet (they should have shrunk while browning; a bit of overlap is okay). Transfer cabbage to oven and bake, uncovered and turning wedges halfway through, until very tender, liquid is mostly evaporated, and cabbage is caramelized around the edges, 40–50 minutes.
  5. Scatter dill over cabbage. Serve with yogurt alongside.
 
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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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