Eating fruits and vegetables is more than just healthy—it also makes you happier! The Produce for Better Health Foundation’s (PBH) research indicates that Americans who eat fruits and veggies every day say they experience physical, emotional, and social benefits now as well as into the future. Yet, close to 9 in 10 Americans don’t eat the recommended amount, which is 4-5 servings daily.
If you want to eat more fruit and vegetables, you should strategize and figure out what works best for YOU. Here are some ways to get your fruits and veggies numbers up without a ton of hassle:
National Fruits & Veggies Month is the perfect time to start incorporating more fruits and veggies into your daily routine. For more information visit www.fruitsandveggies.org. And check out AAHP’s Health and Nutrition classes on Thursday afternoons at 1pm for cooking demonstrations and plant-based recipes (register here). You can also find some delicious plant-based recipes in AAHP’s cookbook.
Source: www.fruitsandveggies.org
For parents and caregivers with children back in school, this can be a nervous time! Parents and caregivers should remind themselves and their children to think positive, be flexible, and make good decisions in the face of so much uncertainty. For help, seek out mental health and social support services, including those provided by AAHP (such as AAHP's mental health screening tool). Parents and caregivers of students attending Montgomery County Public Schools can find resources on page 19 of the MCPS Reopening Guide.
Food companies spend billions of dollars advertising cereal, drink and quick meals to impressionable children, contributing to an epidemic of childhood obesity. Common Sense Media explains how parents can steer children away from this harmful marketing:
In recognition of National Breastfeeding Month, AAHP seeks to raise awareness about the importance and benefits of breastmilk, and to empower and support all mothers to achieve their breastfeeding goals.
Breast milk is the best source of nutrition for most babies, providing a variety of vitamins and minerals to help babies grow big and strong. Moms often have many concerns about breastfeeding, especially in the early days, and it’s not always easy for them to get the support they may need. AAHP’s SMILE nurses are sensitive to the common challenges moms and families face and offer guidance, education, and support with breastfeeding and other aspects of caring for an infant. Check out the SMILE program’s digital library for instruction and insights on breastfeeding as well as pregnancy, childbirth, postpartum life, and more.
Mothers can still breastfeed and keep their baby safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Centers for Disease Control is providing safety guidelines and recommendations as information about breastfeeding and COVID-19 continues to evolve. If you’re concerned about COVID-19 vaccinations while breastfeeding, watch this video from Greater than COVID:
A well-balanced diet can help ensure that we get an adequate supply of nutrients to keep our bodies healthy and strong. However, vitamin deficiencies can occur in individuals with specific medical conditions or diets or in certain demographics or phases of life. This is particularly true with three essential vitamins: vitamin D, folic acid, and vitamin B12.
Vitamin D helps your body absorb the calcium it needs for strong bones and teeth. Vitamin D deficiency has been associated with some types of cancer and cardiovascular disease. Unlike most other vitamins, vitamin D is mostly obtained via sunlight. Melanin reduces the skin’s ability to produce vitamin D from sunlight, so individuals with darker skin are at higher risk for low Vitamin D levels. Because Vitamin D is hard to come by in food, many Blacks/African Americans should consider taking it in vitamin form.
Found in leafy green vegetables, fruits (particularly citrus fruits, melons and strawberries) and legumes, folate (or folic acid) is important in red blood cell formation and for healthy cell growth and function. It’s best known for aiding in fetus development and preventing birth defects, so women of reproductive age should get 400 micrograms of folic acid daily, in addition to eating a healthy diet. Folic acid may be difficult for some people to get through foods alone, so additional supplements may be needed.
Vitamin B12 promotes the health of your nerves and blood cells, and aids in red blood cell formation and DNA synthesis. As you age, your stomach acid decreases, making it more difficult to digest protein and release vitamin B12 from meals. Additionally, diseases such as Crohn’s disease or medicines such as the diabetes medication metformin may impair B12 absorption. Because meat, poultry, fish, and eggs are the greatest sources of vitamin B12, vegans and vegetarians are also at risk of B12 deficiency. These populations should consider a B12
supplement.
Sources:
www.newsinhealth.nih.gov
www.health.clevelandclinic.org
www.healthline.com
National Institutes of Health
www.everydayhealth.com
Palm oil (also known as Dende in the Caribbean) is one of the most widely used oils in the world. Its color ranges from deep red orange to almost translucent, with the darker colors containing the most nutrients. Popular in West African and Caribbean cuisine, palm oil is believed to have several health benefits. According to Oldways (a nonprofit organization helping people rediscover and embrace the healthy, sustainable joys of shared cultural traditions), its significant saturated fat content interacts differently with our bodies than the saturated fats found in unhealthy foods.
Palm oil’s potential risks and benefits have sparked debate among nutritionists and medical researchers. A recent study showed that palm oil increased cholesterol levels and put consumers at risk for heart disease. In an animal study, consumption of palm oil that had been repeatedly heated led to plaque deposits in the arteries. Other researchers contend that there is no scientific proof that palm oil leads to increased cardiovascular health problems, and that, when compared to other oils (such as coconut oil), palm oil is virtually cholesterol-free. These researchers claim that palm oil has antioxidant properties that may support brain health and reduce heart disease.
In addition to the health debate, there are several ethical questions concerning conservation, wildlife and the environment related to the production of palm oil. Increasing demand for palm oil has led to deforestation, which contributes to global warming and catastrophic changes in ecosystems.
Sources:
www.healthline.com
National Institutes of Health
www.oldwayspt.org
Stock supplies that save lives. Keeping a well-equipped first-aid kit in your home and vehicle can assist you in successfully responding to common injuries and emergencies. Keep them in a convenient location out of reach of little children. Make sure older children know their purpose and location. You can build your own first-aid kit or purchase one at most drugstores.
This informative animated video explains why breast is best:
For seniors, managing life safely in the comforts of one’s own home can be especially challenging, especially for seniors who live alone. Accidental falls and burns are two of the most common health and safety concerns affecting the elderly.
If you are a senior living alone, you can safety proof your home by keeping all pathways well-lit and clear of any objects over which you can trip and fall. A rug lying around on a slippery floor is an accident waiting to happen. Make sure there are no loose rugs anywhere in your pathway. You may want to tape your rugs down to prevent any chance of slipping and falling.
Fires can be frightening for anyone. If there is a fire in your home, don’t try to put it out yourself. Know at least two ways that you can leave your home or apartment and leave quickly. Make sure you have fully functioning smoke detectors installed throughout your home so that you can be alerted before the fire gets out of control.
AAHP collaborates with the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service (MCFRS) to help keep African American seniors in Montgomery County healthy and safe from falls and fires in their homes. Earlier this year, AAHP staff and senior volunteers and MCFRS conducted home visits in which AAHP provided health screenings and MCFRS personnel checked smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, reviewed fire prevention tips, and discussed injury prevention. For updates and information on similar events, check out the Senior’s Corner on AAHP’s website.
Sources:
www.healthinaging.org
www.seniorsmatter.com
blog.mavencare.com
July is the hottest month of the year, with temperatures ranging between the low 80s to the mid to high 80s. When a person is unable to adequately cool themselves, they may experience heat-related disease or even death. Seniors, small children, infants, and people who have chronic medical problems are more vulnerable to heat-related sickness and mortality. In the U.S., more than 700 people die each year from severe heat. To protect yourself from extreme heat and sun damage, adhere to the following tips:
“People with dark skin may have the misconception that they are immune to skin cancer because their skin has more melanin – or pigment,” says Ana Ciurea, M.D. “While they are less likely to get skin cancer, they are still at risk.”
Track extreme heat in your area with the CDC Heat & Health Tracker. This nifty resource provides up-to-date local information on heat and health to help individuals and communities better plan for and react to severe heat events.
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Many of AAHP’s programs and classes use vocabulary only known by individuals with high levels of health literacy. Empower yourself with knowledge to prevent and fight cancer and other chronic diseases by making sure you know and understand the following terminology:
Antioxidants – “Good” molecules that protect the body from “bad” molecules (free radicals) that damage cells and cause disease. Antioxidants naturally occur in our bodies but can be supplemented by foods to maintain the best balance of antioxidants and free radicals.
Carcinogen – A substance that causes cancer.
Colonoscopy – an exam used to detect precancerous tissue or polyps in the colon or rectum. Colonoscopies are performed by inserting a tiny video camera inside a person’s body so a doctor can view inside the colon.
Free radicals – molecules formed in the body that can cause disease. Free radicals serve important functions for health but should always be balanced by antioxidants.
Mammogram – an x-ray used on the breast to look for early signs of breast cancer.
PSA (prostate-specific antigen) test – a blood test to locate a protein made by normal cells and cancer cells in the prostate gland.
SPF (sun protective factor) – a measure of how much UV radiation from the sun can burn skin when using sunscreen compared to not using sunscreen. SPF value increases as sunburn protection increases.
Source:
Seniors and children home alone while their parents are at work during summer are vulnerable to predators. Make sure you as well as the children and seniors you love are savvy about personal safety. A child or senior home alone should not allow strangers, salespeople, and/or uninvited guests into their home. Personal information should never be shared with anyone before talking it over with a trusted friend or family member. A senior should never sign anything they do not understand or give in to pressure to donate money to a cause or charity. In these situations, it’s best to say NO.
July is Minority Mental Health Month. Comedian and Daily Show host Trevor Noah presents this hilarious and informative clip on the state of mental health in the African American community:
The unrelenting stress of fighting systemic racism can alter a body’s normal functioning until it starts to wear down. The theory, known as John Henryism, helps explain health disparities that impact Black/African American men:
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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