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Cold vs. Flu

Kimberly Higgins-Mays What is the difference between a Cold and the Flu? Maybe you did not get a flu vaccination, but got sick last season. Maybe you had the flu, maybe it was a cold. Did you know the difference?  The common cold and the flu are both respiratory (breathing) infections caused by viruses.  Some of the symptoms are similar, and it may be difficult to determine whether you have a cold or the flu.  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides the following information about colds and the flu:

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Lower Your Cholesterol And Reduce Your Risk For Heart Disease!

David Pryor, MD Lower Your Cholesterol And Reduce Your Risk For Heart Disease! African American Women, Heart Disease, and High Cholesterol Death rates from heart disease are higher for African Americans than for Whites and heart disease is the leading cause of death for African American women. By living a healthy lifestyle, you can significantly reduce your likelihood of developing heart disease. Monitoring (and reducing if necessary) your cholesterol is an extremely important part of “living healthy.” A large body of research has shown that elevated blood cholesterol is a major risk factor for the development of heart disease.

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Autism a Public Health Problem

Kimberly Higgins-Mays Autism is a serious public health problem which impacts many children. According to a recent report from the Centers for Disease Control, 1 out of every 150 American eight-year-olds has some form of autism. The previous estimate was one in 166 children. This suggests that 560,000 children in the US have autism. The reason for the high percentage of autism remains unclear. The CDC is now conducting a study to try to identify the environmental factors associated with autism. Research has shown no differences based on race, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status in either the prevalence or incidence of autism in children. Although, the condition does not seem to differ in percentage by culture or race; diagnosis and treatment disparities do exist.

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Asthma

Kimberly Higgins-Mays Asthma According the American Lung Association (ALA) 4.8 million African Americans have been diagnosed with asthma and African Americans account for 26% of all asthma related deaths. . Asthma has a significant impact on African-Americans, especially in the inner cities. Inner cities are plagued with asthma-causing agents: tobacco and cooking smoke, indoor allergens, aerosols and other air pollutants, respiratory infections, and stress. African American children with asthma are 2.3 times more likely to visit an emergency room, 3.8 times more likely to be hospitalized, and 2 to 3 times more likely to not be able to do activities as a result of asthma. , According to a study presented at the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology's (AAAAI) Annual Meeting exposure to high levels of cockroach allergen, sensitization to indoor allergens and family history of allergy were strongly associated with persistent wheezing in inner city children. Regular care from a primary care physician or asthma specialist, prevention efforts and adherence to symptom management can help African Americans keep asthma under control and help prevent asthma attacks.

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Prenatal Excercise: Good for Mom and good for Baby

Darlene Turner - Lee Prenatal Exercise Good For Mom and Good For Baby! Exercise is an important part of good health and when women become pregnant, regular fitness routines should not automatically be abandoned. Pregnant women and their babies both benefit greatly when mom engages in regular moderate exercise.

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