Health
Panel on opioid addiction ignores the elephant in the room!
Experts fail to address why heroin addicts of today are treated more humanely than crack addicts of the ‘80s and ‘90s
By Mikel Holt
The most relevant question about the national opioid epidemic was never posed and thus never answered by panelists during a breakfast program on the pandemic.
The panel discussion highlighted a program sponsored by BizTimes at the Italian Community Center Thursday titled: “The Opioid Crisis—Understanding Its Impact.” The event also included the media company’s annual “Health Care Heroes” Awards.
But the question many African Americans have pondered was never posed, even though the answer was obvious: why is there a current national emphasis on the opioid epidemic, when there was silence and antipathy when crack invaded the Black community two decades ago?
And while the crack epidemic resulted in hundreds of thousands of African Americans being imprisoned, the media and politicians view opioid users as victims, versus criminals.
Panelist Kenneth Harris, Jr., PhD, a former Milwaukee police officer, came closest to answering the pertinent question when he asked why the debate today seemingly ignores accountability and instead focuses on victimhood by the opioid users.
Implicit in his statement was the overemphasis on imprisonment for crack users during the 1980s, 1990s, and early 2000s, while today’s users of heroin are treated as individuals with a health problem.
Ken Hartenstein, a counselor and head of an assisted treatment center, quickly rejected that assertion, declaring addicts are held accountable, although incarceration does little to solve the problem.
Treatment, whether counseling or medical intervention provide the long-term solution. (Harris, an African American and professor at Concordia University, told this reporter after the discussion that the inherent unfairness and hypocrisy of the two “solutions” go to a larger societal issue.)
Beth Dejongh, PHARM.D., a pharmacy instructor at Concordia, said medically based treatment offers hope for addicts, although there is a stigma attached by some who say, “we are trading one drug for another.” She also said the epidemic is touching more and more lives, and that the family of addicted users are also impacted.
Last year, nationally there were over 72,000 deaths from heroin usage. Opioid related deaths in Wisconsin are higher than the national average, with an overwhelming majority of addicts being White males, 22-30.
Dejongh placed much of the blame for the increase on the increase of prescribed opioids, which far too often lead to heroin use. Greater monitoring and training of medical personnel is essential to stemming the epidemic, she said.
Asked how the epidemic has impacted law enforcement, Harris said it has placed a strain on services, often tying up both police units and emergency medical personnel. “And in many cases, we don’t know the outcome,” which could help to humanize the scenario, he said.
“You can tie up half a district on one overdose case because it is treated as a homicide,” he explained. He recalled responding to several overdoes by the same person on the same day. Imagine how an officer views that scenario and the person. Is he a victim of his own self-indulgence, or someone who should be treated differently?
And, because of the lack of communication between officers and the medical community, the officer never sees the other side. “Did that person survive? Let us know the outcome; it would give us motivation.”
Harris also suggested making naloxone (also known as “Narcan”), a medication used to counter the effects of opioid overdoses, more readily available to the public.
Hartenstein suggested interception as a way to stem the tragedy. Family members and friends hold the key to that process. And then it is up to the addict to admit his or her sickness.
“Recovery is a personal journey.” The Health Care Heroes breakfast provided an opportunity to honor individuals and organizations who have impacted their communities and networks through health related services.
This year’s honorees were:
Advancement in Health Care: Parameswaran Hari,
Medical College of Wisconsin;
Behavior Health: C. Frederick Geitfuss II, Grand Avenue
Club; Robert Gouthro, Medical College of Wisconsin;
Robin Monson-Dupuis, Aurora Behavioral Health Care;
Community Service: Medical College of Wisconsin
Cancer Center Community Advisory Committee; Ascension
Wisconsin, Be of Good Heart program; David Nelson,
MCW;
Executive Leadership: Coreen Dicus-Johnson, Network
Health; Patricia Metropulos, Kathy’s House;
Health Care Staff: Sheila Dodds, Children’s Hospitalof Wisconsin;
Nurse: Mariya Gozenpud, IndependenceFirst Inc.;
Julie Katrichis, Milwaukee Health Dept.; Brianne Ortega,
Waukesha County Public Health;
Physician: Frank Downey, Aurora St. Luke’s; Adrian
Nazir; Taha Medical Center; Ronald Schulgit, Ascension
Medical Group-Racine; and
Volunteer: Dawn Panfil, Hair & Body Solutions Salon and Spa
Lifetime Achievement: Richard Aster, Blood Center of Wisconsin
Released During National Caregivers Month, “From Carefree to Caregiver” Provides Support to Those Who Serve in a Caregiving Role
Upper Marlboro, MD (Blacknews.com)— Although they are an increasing segment of our populations, many do not understand the level of responsibility that caregivers carry. Caregivers are an often overlooked, yet vital segment of our population. According to data from AARP, 43.5 million caregivers have provided unpaid care to an adult or child for at least 12 months. Nearly one in six working adults have responsibilities of providing care for a family member. On average African-American caregivers spend 30 hours each week performing caregiving duties. This causes significant impact on their lives.
Additionally, 69% of working caregivers caring for a family member or friend report having to rearrange their work schedule, decrease their hours, or take an unpaid leave in order to meet their caregiving responsibilities. These situations can adversely impact the mental and physical health of the very caregivers who are providing support for others.
In From Carefree to Caregiver, Teraleen Campbell provides much needed support for caregivers. In the book, she chronicles her seven-year journey as a caregiver. During that time, she provided care for her mother.
The book is formatted as 31-day devotional book. Each daily passage provides an inspirational reading in addition to a prayer and space for journaling. This is Campbell’s way of encouraging self-care, which she found important while caring for her mother. “I realized the importance of taking some time for focus on me and what I was dealing with, in addition to processing what was happening in my life. I became mindful that if I wasn’t healthy, I couldn’t adequately care for my mother. “
Campbell, who is also a minister at Greater Mt Calvary Holy Church in Washington, DC, was also motivated by the fact that despite the growing need, there are very few books that support caregivers. She found even fewer that are designed to lift their spirits and provide emotional support. She shared, “One of the most difficult aspects of being a caregiver is having a front row seat where you watch a once strong loved one get to the point where you take care of them. When it’s your parent, it’s as if your roles have reversed.”
In chronicling her caregiving journey, Campbell provides insight on navigating through the healthcare system and shares the highs, lows, challenges, and triumphs of her time as a caregiver. She is transparent, yet encouraging.
The foreword was written by Dr. Mary Breaux Wright, 24th International President of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. During her time in the position, Elder Care was her signature service initiative. Dr. Wright also served as a caregiver for her mother. Published by Pen Legacy, From Carefree to Caregiver was released in November 2018. From Carefree to Caregiver is available at Barnes and Noble, Amazon, Pen Legacy Bookstore, and www.teraleencampbell.com.
Embrace the Cold Weather with These Winter Hydration Tips
It may sound strange, but it’s more common to experience dehydration during the winter months. Dr. Thomas Ball reports that, during the winter, your chances of dehydration can actually be higher than they are during the summer. Throughout winter, dehydration can lead to headaches, mood swings, dry skin, and other unfavorable symptoms. Besides drinking more water, use these seven tips for staying hydrated:
1. Proper Layering
If you’re someone who exercises outside during the winter, your efforts to stay warm may actually be hurting you. Many people end up over-layering when heading outside in the cold. This increases their skin temperature, which in turn makes them sweat more. Proper layering will help you stay warm while reducing excess water loss that comes with sweating.
2. Use Moisturizer
Many people experience dry skin during the wintertime. Be sure to choose the right products for your specific skin type, as you can actually do more harm than good if you’re not using the right ingredients.
3. Avoid Problematic Drinks
Caffeine and alcohol can really dehydrate—regardless of the season. If you’re already not drinking enough water, you’ll want to limit your intake of soda, coffee, and alcoholic beverages. But that doesn’t mean you have to give up your morning caffeine boost. If you’re persistent about drinking more water, and your body shows no signs of dehydration, you can still indulge in these other beverages.
4. Take a Bottle with You
Always keep a bottle of water with you throughout the day. Invest in multiple bottles; keep one on your desk, by your bed, in your gym bag, etc. If water is always in front of you, you’re likely to drink it more frequently.
5. Set Goals
It’s imperative to drink water throughout your whole day—not just during workouts. Currently, the Mayo Clinic recommends an average daily water intake of 92 ounces for women and 124 ounces for men. Set realistic goals and try to drink as much water as you can throughout the day.
6. Eat Your Water
Several fruits and veggies have a high water content that can help you reach your daily intake. Hearty soups and stews are also a great way to stay hydrated because they’re often full of water.
7. Use an App
There are plenty of apps that help you track your water intake and set hydration goals. Waterlogged, Plant Nanny, and My Water Balance all come highly recommended.
Many people tend to think that tips for staying hydrated are only needed during the summer—but you have to remember to stay hydrated during the winter too. It’s important to be aware of dehydration signs and to drink as much water (if not more) as you do during the summer. We hope these winter hydration tips help make the cold a little more bearable.
Meet the Black Father Pushing Congress to Save More Black Moms Who Die While Giving Birth
Los Angeles, CA — Charles Johnson IV, the husband of Kira Johnson, a Black mother who died of childbirth complications in a hospital, has since been advocating for pregnant Black women. In his latest efforts, he is pushing for Congress to pass the Preventing Maternal Deaths Act to save more Black mothers from dying due to pregnancy-related causes.
Charles announced on Thursday through Instagram that the final deadline for the Congress to pass the Preventing Maternal Deaths Act is next week. He is also asking for people to let their senators and congressional representatives know that they are “respectfully demanding” them to support the act.
Charles lost his wife, Kira, in 2016 after she gave birth to their second son in a hospital where she was left bleeding for over 7 hours. He said he pleaded for a CT scan and other tests but the staff and doctors had them waiting for hours because they were apparently not their priority.
Charles and his two sons filed a medical malpractice and wrongful death lawsuit against the Cedars-Sinai Hospital and the involved doctors for allegedly ignoring Kira’s medical needs and negligently inflicting emotional distress. According to the lawsuit, Kira died of “hemorrhagic shock due to acute hemoperitoneum” which they claim that could have been prevented if the doctors acted immediately and properly.
Since then, he and his mother, reality court TV show Judge Glenda Hatchett, has advocated for Black women who were three to four times as likely to die from pregnancy-related causes as their white counterparts, according to the Centers for Disease Control.
Moreover, Charles has established 4Kira4Moms, a nonprofit committed to honor Kira’s life and to prevent other families from experiencing unnecessary birth-related deaths.
They recently participated in a congressional briefing on maternal mortality. They are calling on Congress to pass H.R. 1318 or the Preventing Maternal Deaths Act that will support states in their efforts to save and sustain the health of mothers during pregnancy, childbirth, and in the postpartum period.
The act also aims to eliminate disparities in maternal health outcomes for pregnancy-related and pregnancy-associated deaths and identify solutions to improve health care quality and health outcomes for mothers, especially Black moms.
They are asking for more people to sign the petition to support the passing of the act in the Congress.
Health Equity Leaders, Dr. Gail Christopher and Heather McGhee, Co-Host Webinar on the Impact of Racism on Health Outcomes and the Importance of Individual and Organizational Leadership in Efforts to Overcome Racism
Milwaukee Health Services, Inc. to Offer Crucial Catch – Intercept Cancer Event
Milwaukee Health Services, Inc. will host Crucial Catch Day – Intercept Cancer event, thanks to a partnership between the American Cancer Society and The National Football League. The event is an opportunity to provide cancer outreach and education to increase awareness, help the community reduce cancer risk, and promote cancer prevention and regular screenings that would include cervical cancer screening or mammograms.
The event will be held on October 25, 2018 at the MLK Heritage Health Center from 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM. Community members are invited to attend the event and learn more about ways to reduce their risks and the potential for screening to prevent cancer or to find it early when it is most treatable.
This event is made possible through a grant from the American Cancer Society, funded by the National Football League. The NFL’s Crucial Catch initiative provides funding to support cancer prevention and early detection activities aimed to reduce the unequal burden of cancer in underserved communities through the American Cancer Society’s Community Health Advocates implementing Nationwide Grants for Empowerment and Equity (CHANGE) program.
WHAT: Crucial Catch Day – Intercept Cancer community health event providing the community with free cancer outreach, education and a range of services that would include cervical cancer screening. Complimentary luncheon, guest speakers, entertainment and prizes. Meet Super Bowl Legends LeRoy Butler and George Koonce. Enter to win a trip to St. Louis, MO to see Cedric “The Entertainer”
WHEN: October 25, 2018 from 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM
WHERE: MLK Heritage Health Center
2555 N. Martin Luther King Drive
Milwaukee, WI 53212
414-372-8080
How divorced parents can keep Halloween sweet for their children
HOUSTON – (Oct. 17, 2018) – Trick-or-treating, dressing up in costume and having fun are all most children want to do on Halloween, but for some divorced families it can be a challenge to figure out how to make the night a treat and not a fright. Baylor College of Medicine’s Dr. Sandra Gonzalez gives her tips on how to do this.
“Many times the arrangements as far as who spends time with whom on holidays and certain days of the week is dictated in part by the courts through a custody or co-parenting agreement so you know in advance who will have the children,” said Gonzalez, assistant professor in the Department of Family and Community Medicine at Baylor. “One of the biggest tips I can offer in any situation though is to coordinate details in advance. Both parents should communicate information like who is buying the costume, where the child is going, who they are going with and what time they are going to go. You should share this information with the child as well so they can feel more comfortable about the situation.”
Although some parents choose to split the time on Halloween, this arrangement often does not work and actually can be more stressful for the parents and, most importantly, for the child because they may feel torn between two households. Unless the child is accustomed to this arrangement and they do well with it, Gonzalez recommends that alternating who has the child each year may be more appropriate.
“For the parent who does not have the child for Halloween, I recommend establishing another tradition that they can do on a different day that is related to the holiday and is something that they can do every year that the child will remember,” Gonzalez said. “It is also important, as a courtesy to the other parent, to share that information, especially if both parents want to do the same thing and feelings may be hurt as result.”
Gonzalez explained that it is important for parents to prepare themselves when they know they will not have the child on an occasion like Halloween. This could mean making sure that you have plans with friends or family members. Having other plans can make coping with the sadness you may feel about not being able to spend that holiday with your child every year a bit easier.
In some cases, if the parents get along well, they may make the decision to celebrate as a family, which can be a very good option as long as it does not cause undue stress on the child and there is not a conflict that can be internalized by the child. However, Gonzalez cautioned that there needs to be some clarity provided on the part of the parents to the child to explain that this is something that, although you are doing it as a family, does not mean that you are going to reconcile.
Often extended family members want to see the child on Halloween as well, Gonzalez added, so it is important to communicate what the plans are with them so they are not surprised at the last minute or disappointed that they are not able to see the child.
“Regardless of the situation, communication and advanced planning are essential in order for a holiday, in this case Halloween, to be as stress free as possible for all involved,” Gonzalez said.
New Nonprofit to Help Black Pregnant Women Get Adequate Care
NATIONAL NONPROFIT LAUNCHES TO ADDRESS INEQUITIES IN CARE RECEIVED BY BLACK WOMEN THROUGHOUT THE BIRTH PROCESS
National nonprofit launches to address inequities in care received by Black women throughout the birth process
Washington, DC (BlackNews.com) — A new, national organization has been launched to address inequities in the care and treatment of Black women and persons throughout the reproductive years. The National Association to Advance Black Birth (NAABB), an organization that was formerly known as the International Center for Traditional Childbearing (ICTC), was unveiled within the national midwifery community by its Board of Directors over the last few months. With a scope that is primarily focused in the U.S., and addressing “intersectionality” issues affecting multiple professions and stakeholders, the Board rebranded the organization to match its new vision, mission as well as its current and planned programming.
Dr. Abigail Aiyepola, chair of the NAABB Board said, “We look forward to working with healthcare organizations, policy makers, institutions, associations and individuals alike to authentically challenge the status quo treatment of Black women throughout the birth process. The shocking statistics and realities of the dangerous care in U.S. healthcare settings must be addressed in systematic ways that go beyond diversity and implicit bias trainings. We need a true revolution in the care and treatment of Black women and birthing persons, which is currently being ignored and dismissed within many U.S. medical establishments, despite the numbers showing increasing fatalities and the serious medical problems in our communities across the country.”
NAABB’s vision is a world in which Black women and persons achieve their full birthing potential and thrive during the childbearing years. NAABB’s mission is to combat the effects of structural racism within maternal-infant health to advance Black birth outcomes. NAABB’s goal is to transform the national maternity system to advance the well-being of – and gain equity for – Black women and persons in the U.S. A number of national reports and articles, including recent ones in The New York Times and ProPublica, are raising awareness of the far-reaching impacts of racism, racial biases and inequitable care towards Black women throughout the birthing process, regardless of income.
NAABB produced and recently launched a documentary, The Loudest Silence: Black Women’s Birth Experiences, to highlight the impact of inequities in care. These disparities produce statistics such as Black infant mortality being twice the rate of white babies; and that college educated Black women die or almost die from childbirth-related causes at twice the rate of white women who never graduated from high school. NAABB’s documentary has begun being shown at midwifery conferences and other birth related convenings across the country; and will be used in healthcare settings as an opening to begin not just conversations, but training programs that address inequitable hospital care and treatment of Black women that is primarily driven by structural racism and racial biases.
“Legacy is important – both a legacy that was created for us to build upon as well as the legacy to come, based on the current times and needs of the Black women and persons whom we serve,” said Dr. Aiyepola. “Our new name reflects both our history, Sankofa, and our future, where Black women and birthing person do not have to fear that being pregnant or giving birth to a baby may put their life at risk. We’re excited about advancing the support of Black women and persons who face issues that impact their ability to have a safe and healthy birth in which they are recognized, listened to, and treated with respect in all healthcare settings.”
For more information on The National Association to Advance Black Birth, see www.TheNAABB.org, or contact [email protected]
About NAABB
The National Association to Advance Black Birth (NAABB) works to improve the care and treatment of Black women, infants and persons to combat the effects of structural racism on Black maternal-infant health through: advocacy, research, educational programming, activism and policy change; equipping birth workers (doulas, midwives, lactation consultants, nurses, and doctors) and maternity health institutions with the practical tools and education they need to improve outcomes for Black women and persons; developing and supporting innovative models of care that are sensitive to the cultural and social needs of Black families; and partnering with organizations that are connected to and can help advance NAABB’s vision. Infused throughout NAABB’s work is harnessing the wisdom from African and African American birth traditions, which is part of its legacy as well as its future
Experts blame summer rains for bad allergy season
(CBS – Binghamton, New York)
If you’ve been sneezing and itching your eyes more than usual, chances are it’s because recent wet conditions have magnified this allergy season, according to experts.
“When we had all the rainfall we’ve received, that’s creating a great growing environment for the mold and the allergens,” says meteorologist Brian Schroeder.
Drier seasons usually result in calmer seasonal allergies.
“If it’s a dry season and the growth is meager, then the pollen levels will not be as high. So absolutely this has been a very high, seasonal allergy season because of that,” Dr. Mohan Dhillon, an allergy specialist, said.
Mold and other allergens like ragweed have flourished in the recent wet conditions. Dr. Dhillon says allergy season typically begins in mid-August, when ragweed starts to grow. It ends in late October when the temperatures drop. However, mold is unlike other allergens. It can grow inside.
“Once there’s snow cover on the ground, then the outdoor mold will start to go away, however mold can also be found indoors,” Dr. Dhillon said.
Mold will grow in warm, damp spaces, like behind a heater.
“Mold is nature’s recycler. So if there’s anything organic out there, mold will grow on it because that’s its source of food,” Dr. Dhillon said.
Symptoms of allergies are often sneezing, itchy eyes and nose, stuffiness, sinus pressure, headaches, and post-nasal drip.
If you do suffer from seasonal allergies, Dr. Dhillon said there are steps one can take to lessen the symptoms.
“The pollen levels tend to be highest in the mornings cause that’s how nature works. It releases pollen early in the morning so avoiding being outdoors in the morning is beneficial,” Dr. Dhillon said.
Dr. Dhillon also recommends not drying clothing outside because pollen will latch onto it. If avoiding pollen isn’t enough, he said taking an antihistamine or nasal spray can help. For those with more severe seasonal allergies, immunotherapy is another option.