AAHP’s SMILE Program is delighted about the birth of its first set of triplets, born on January 18 to 36-year-old J.P. The triplets consist of two girls born at four pounds each within five minutes of each other and a three-and-a-half-pound boy born feet-first one hour later. Because the triplets were born prematurely and underweight, they were hospitalized in the neonatal intensive care unit before being released. AAHP’s clinical director donated a small refrigerator to store breast milk and the SMILE program provided three car seats and Pack and Play cribs. J.P. is married with four other children.
Leading a more active lifestyle takes time, effort, and determination, but in the end, it's really worth the shot. Here's what will happen to your body when you exercise regularly:
One in five new HIV diagnoses occurs in young people ages 13-24. Learn why investing in youth health and education is critical to ending HIV: go.usa.gov.
The anchor video for THE CONVERSATION features W. Kamau Bell in conversation with health care workers addressing some of the most common questions and concerns Black people have about COVID-19 vaccines:
Most families all over the world are quarantined with kids and are forced to find new ways to balance everyday living. Check out these helpful tips on getting through the day so you can be prepared and refreshed for the next:
Remain Calm – Being able to provide your child calm and stability is extremely important, especially during these uncertain times. Although we can’t predict tomorrow or what the day may bring, it’s important for your children to see and know that you are a consistent and stable figure throughout their day. Children will often take in their parent's attitudes, personalities, and mannerisms, so if you’re seeking calm in your household, start from within.
Create a schedule – Consistency is crucial to children of all ages. Before quarantine, most children were on strict school/home/sleep schedules to keep them engaged, active, and well rested. Setting a schedule as similar to their pre-quarantine schedule can make a big difference in behavior. Online school tends to be shorter and less hands-on, so it’s important to not rely on that solely for activity throughout the day. Make your own learning plans that align with their online learning plans, set start and end times for different studies and check in with their progress throughout the day. Try to adjust your schedule to work with their needs but remain consistent!
Set expectations – setting a to-do list and daily goals is not only beneficial in the workplace, but in the home as well. Use age-appropriate language to discuss with your children the plans for the day, what you need to accomplish, and what you expect for them to accomplish as well. Once the daily expectations are met, you can decide what type of reward or privilege is appropriate for your child, but always acknowledge things getting done!
Talk it out – Talk to your children about how quarantine or other daily concerns are affecting them. At this point, most families know and understand that the world is a bit different than how it use to be. However, it’s important that you provide a safe place for your children to openly discuss their personal challenges. Sometimes a listening ear and some reassurance is all they need to reduce anxiety, stress, and sadness. Often times these symptoms can present themselves in children as overactivity, attention seeking behavior, over/under eating, and moodiness. Talk to your children and find a professional if you notice any of these changes.
Ask and be willing to receive help – Undoubtedly, you are dealing with A LOT! Don't be hard on yourself. Reach out to your SMILE team if you are unsure where to start for support. Do the best you can and learn to forgive yourself if you fall short. Take breaks. Take deep breaths. Pray, write, stretch, exercise...whatever recharges YOU! Start from within!
Despite its common role as the centerpiece of your typical American meal, meat does not have to make the meal. A meatless meal can provide all the nutrients and flavor at a fraction of the cost. With some time and patience exploring the world of foods beyond meat, even the most dedicated carnivores can feel satisfied by a meatless meal, or a meal with less meat or healthier meats.
The benefits of ditching meat for plants is well-documented. Health-conscious people who don’t eat meat (vegans and vegetarians) tend to eat more beans, whole grains, and vegetables and consume fewer calories compared to meat-eaters, so they often weigh less and have a lower risk of heart disease and other chronic diseases. People who eat red meat (beef, lamb, etc.) and processed meats (deli meat) have an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes and certain cancers, such as colorectal cancer.
If you can’t let go of meat completely, consider reducing your meat consumption and opting for leaner, healthier cuts of meat. Think of meat as a “topping” or garnish instead of as the main event. Choose chicken over beef and chicken breast over chicken wings—the leaner the better.
If you crave the flavor and texture of meat, you may choose artificial meat sources such as Beyond Burger, but be sure to check the nutritional content first as many artificial meat sources are high in sodium and other unhealthy additives. Learn about meat substitutes like breadfruit and tofu, and attend a Health and Nutrition class for food demonstrations on how to cook delicious, plant-based meals.
This March, in honor of National Nutrition Month and Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, AAHP encourages you to experiment with reducing your meat consumption or going all-out with a #MeatlessMarch.
Source: www.mayoclinic.org
Tooth decay is often first discovered at the dentist’s office. Then and there, your doctor can fill your cavities and send you along with a date for your next appointment in six months. Because that process, like so many other things, has been disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, many people may learn of the poor condition of their teeth by suffering from a toothache.
Seeing a dentist every six months is an important oral health practice, but diligently practicing good oral hygiene is fundamental. That means brushing twice every day for a whole two minutes, flossing daily, drinking plenty of water, eating a healthy diet, and avoiding sweets and processed foods. When you’re taking good care of your teeth, you don’t dread going to the dentist as much. And you can feel more confident that a toothache won’t pop up.
If you or your child or children are due for a dentist appointment, call your dentist and learn about their recommendations and safety protocols. Because dentist offices already held stringent infection control measures, dentists have had lower rates of COVID infection compared to other healthcare professionals. Therefore, if you’re way overdue for a dentist appointment, and you’ve been slacking on your oral care routine and indulging your sweet tooth too often, it may be best to make an appointment before that toothache hits.
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Adolescence and teenage years are not for the faint of heart, especially with COVID-19 and social media in the mix. Mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, and even more severe mental health conditions like bipolar disorder often manifest in the teen years and can lead to a lifetime of struggle with other health issues such as drug abuse. That’s why adolescents and teens need strong mental health support to grow into healthy adulthood.
Parents and caregivers can help adolescents and teens navigate these tumultuous years with connectedness. Open and honest communication with teens, proper supervision, and sharing and engaging in activities with teens can help parents and caregivers build strong bonds with the youth in their lives. It’s also important for parents and caregivers to communicate and collaborate with other adults in a youth’s life, such as coaches, teachers, and other activity leaders.
For more information, check out this handy infographic from the National Association of Mental Health (NAMI) here.
Eye strain is a common problem among adults who work at a computer daily. To help prevent it, the American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends following the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look away from your computer for 20 seconds at an object 20 feet away. If your eyes still consistently feel fatigued, make an appointment to see an optometrist.
Source: www.aao.org
Social media influencer Tabitha Brown discusses her vegan meal prep strategy for the week:
COVID-19 does not just affect the lungs. Watch this video from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) to learn how it affects the heart: |
NowThis News tells the story of a young man whose partner died giving birth: |
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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:
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.
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.
This animated video from TedEX explains how yoga’s combination of movement and posture, breathing techniques, and spiritual contemplation can benefit one’s health:
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:
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