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Black people have a disproportionate association with dementia

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I’ve never met Wendy Williams. However, the news that she suffered from aphasia and frontotemporal dementia brought upon her a familiar feeling of grief and sympathy. My grandmother suffered from dementia, or more precisely, Alzheimer’s disease, and died in 2015. It’s hard to clarify the pain you’re feeling if you witness a loved one lose the qualities that make them who they’re and regularly develop into someone you do not recognize.

But Williams’ messages also taught a more universal lesson: Dementia doesn’t discriminate based on class, income or celebrity status. However, there are significant racial differences in diagnosis and treatment.

Racial disparities in diagnosis and treatment

– notes the Alzheimer’s Association frontotemporal dementia it causes damage to nerve cells that changes behavior, personality and the flexibility to grasp language and is less common than Alzheimer’s disease. Carl V. Hill, Ph.D., M.P.H.the corporate’s director of diversity, equity and inclusion Alzheimer’s Associationargues that Black people and other underserved communities are disproportionately affected by Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, and yet they’re less more likely to be diagnosed, recruited to take part in research, and have less access to care and support services.

He notes that Black Americans are roughly twice you usually tend to develop these two conditions that they bring about lack of cognitive functions that impair considering, remembering, learning, reasoning and more. Yet the risks and impacts of dementia in Black communities are vastly underestimated in comparison with its impact.

“There are many factors contributing to family health disparities in disproportionately impacted communities,” Hill says, noting that systemic inequalities — including lack of wealth, poor early-life education, and low access to food and health care — are root causes of health disparities experienced by the Black and other communities related to Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. “Additionally, chronic health conditions associated with a higher risk of dementia, such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes, disproportionately affect Black/African American and Latino/Hispanic populations.”

Character identification

Sharon D. Allison-Ottey, MD, is a physician trained in internal medicine and geriatric medicine, and an writer, researcher, health advocate, speaker and health strategist who explains that dementia shouldn’t be a specific disease, but relatively generic term as a consequence of impaired ability to recollect, think or make decisions that interferes with on a regular basis activities.

“There are many other clues we should be aware of, such as an inability or difficulty doing tasks they used to do, a change in desire to go to social events or outings, or your loved one feeling noticeably anxious, confused, fearful or having a change in mood.” says Allison-Ottey. “Another red flag is problems with evaluating finances and other areas.” Here are some real-life examples of changes that would set off alarm bells:

  • Grandma has been baking pound cake for over a decade, but her last two attempts resulted in failure (i.e. omitted the sugar, burned the cake, etc.).
  • Your uncle is sensible, but now he seems neglected or not so smart, and also you notice that he takes a very long time to tie his shoes.
  • Grandpa lets everyone borrow money; now he has given large sums to a wayward grandson, a distant relative, a friend, and even a stranger.

“We should look for progressive and significant signs of memory impairment that impact daily life,” he says. “This includes losing things, having trouble remembering dates and faces, and even more troublesome issues like difficulty ‘finding words’ and repeating yourself can be part of early or late onset dementia,” he says.

What to do

She notes the importance of treating the one you love like an adult and asking others around them in the event that they, too, see the changes.

Don’t assume what is going on on.

National Institute on Aging notes that many circumstances – so simple as medication uncomfortable side effects, sleep problems, low vitamin D levels or an unbalanced eating regimen, or as serious as head injuries, blood clots, cancer or thyroid problems – could cause similar symptoms. “A visit to the doctor will help sort everything out. Is it a short-term problem related to medication, normal aging, or early-to-mid-stage dementia?” says Allison-Ottey. ‘A specialist reminiscent of a geriatrician or neurologist could also be advisable as they might help guide initial and subsequent treatment. Family meeting and discussion are vital at every stage without a loved one, and definitely with a loved one.”

Engage more often.

She notes that it is important to talk over with family members “in a safe atmosphere” to see how they’re feeling and in the event that they notice changes of their memory, mood or each day activities. It also suggests routine phone calls, more frequent visits and residential security checks to ensure they will navigate the space. But don’t treat them like children and do not take away their autonomy. “I continue to emphasize that you respect their ‘adulthood’ and do not try to control their lives or drastically change them, as this may cause them to withdraw and become defensive,” she says. “If you believe your loved one is a danger to themselves, it is important to intervene appropriately.”

Support them in visiting the doctor.

More knowledge is frightening but crucial. “If possible, ask if you can make an appointment with your GP to discuss the situation and offer to go with her,” advises Allison-Ottey. “Write down all your problems and concerns and you can send them to the office even if they don’t want you to go with them.”

Find a community.

Without my family members, it could be not possible to process the mourning after the lack of my grandmother. Community is important at every step of this process. “I tell diagnosed people and family caregivers that nobody has to undergo this disease alone. It’s vital to achieve out for help — from your loved ones, your personal network, the Alzheimer’s Association and other services in your community, says Hill, who reports that the Alzheimer’s Association has offices across the country.

There were many moments – reminiscent of while playing music or talking – that I saw him come back to me. If I knew then what I do know now, I might have spent much more time with her and brought many more photos. It has been over ten years since we noticed these first symptoms. This journey has been painful more often than not, but I do not regret making the choice to become involved and support my grandmother in the ultimate stages of her life.

 

This article was originally published on : www.essence.com
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Health and Wellness

Recipe for change: eliminating health disparities and economic empowerment – the essence

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Throughout the 12 months, the Global Black Economic Forum held quite a few select conversations focused on solutions to the most pressing economic and social issues facing marginalized communities. One of those issues – too often missed – is the link between Black health and wealth. If we do not start eliminating health disparities and inequalities today, we cannot give you the chance to construct wealth for the future.

This intersection was the focus of an event we hosted in August as a part of our cooking talk series. It was held on Martha’s Vineyard, round the corner National Medical Scholarships (NMF), the Black World Economic Forum had the opportunity to satisfy with NMF’s unapologetic leader, Michellene Davis. Recognized by Modern Healthcare magazine as certainly one of the 25 most influential minority leaders in healthcare, Michellene’s profession has involved policy advocacy and social change.

Her organization is devoted to increasing the variety of Black, Indigenous and physicians of color through fellowships, service-learning programs, mentoring opportunities and clinical research leadership training.

The conversation revealed two easy and interconnected data points: In the next decade, the United States will experience:huge shortage of doctors while becoming a majority non-white nation. These two trends highlight the need for greater diversity on this field. Studies have shown that patients of color see racially and ethnically diverse physicians. Treatment results are frequently higher.

However, the percentage of black doctors in the US is growing at an alarmingly slow rate – it has only increased by 4% over the last 120 years.. In the face of conservatives’ regressive and destructive attacks on diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts, there has never been a greater need for us to redouble these efforts. The more we are able to improve health outcomes, the higher we’ll give you the chance to seize and compete for economic opportunities in the future. Given the urgent need to deal with health care workforce disparities and their direct impact on Black economic outcomes, it’s equally essential to acknowledge the broader economic opportunities that may drive wealth creation in our communities.

The competition for certainly one of the best economic opportunities in the history of tourism and hospitality – the 2026 FIFA World Cup – was the focus of our other curated conversation. Organized round the corner East Point Congress and Visitors Bureau, we sat down with its president, Chantel Francois. In her position, she is responsible for the development of the tourism industry in the city of East Point, Georgia. Previously, she led economic development and tourism promotion efforts in Atlanta, Trinidad and Tobago.

Francois described how local businesses run by entrepreneurs of color can leverage global events like the FIFA World Cup to extend their brand visibility, increase sales, and even start their very own businesses. She emphasized the importance of partnerships with event organizers, teams and athletes in constructing company awareness. This cooperation can also be crucial as the city government works with many stakeholders to make sure the safety of tourists and maximum economic opportunities for the area people.

When it involves such major events, it is usually essential to instill a way of community pride in each sector wherein an organization competes. This pride translates into a robust bond with travelers that may make them proceed to interact with small businesses or spark curiosity in them to learn more about the community. The 2026 FIFA World Cup has the potential to place tens of millions of dollars into the pockets and communities of individuals of color, and it’s crucial for businesses to begin planning now in the event that they have not already.

This article was originally published on : www.essence.com
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Health and Wellness

Phenergan for children under 6 years of age is currently banned due to fear of hallucinations. Here’s what you can use instead

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The Australian Drugs Regulatory Authority has issued an order safety warning over Phenergan and related products containing the antihistamine promethazine.

The Therapeutic Goods Administration has stated that over-the-counter products mustn’t be given to children under six years of age due to concerns about serious unwanted effects similar to hyperactivity, aggression and hallucinations. Breathing may additionally change into slow or shallow, which can be fatal.

When high doses are administered to young children, difficulties in learning and understanding, including reversible cognitive deficit and mental disability, may additionally occur. – said the TGA.

The latest warning follows international and Australian concerns concerning the drug in young children, which is commonly used to treat conditions similar to hay fever and allergies, motion sickness and for short-term sedative effects.

What is promethazine?

Promethazine is a “first generation” antihistamine that has been sold over-the-counter in Australian pharmacies for a long time for a spread of conditions.

Unlike many other drugs, first-generation antihistamines can cross the blood-brain barrier. This means they affect your brain chemistry, making you feel drowsy and sedated.

In adults, this will likely be useful for sleep. However, in children, these drugs can cause serious unwanted effects on the nervous system, including those mentioned on this week’s safety alert.

We’ve known about this for a while

We have known concerning the serious unwanted effects of promethazine in young children for a while.

Advice regarding 20 years ago In the United States, the drug was not beneficial for use in children under two years of age. In 2022, an Australian Medicines Advisory Committee made its own suggestion to increase the age to six. New Zealand released similar warnings and advice in May this yr.

Over the last ten years, 235 cases of serious unwanted effects from promethazine have been reported in each children and adults reported to the TGA. Of the 77 deaths reported, one was a toddler under six years of age.

Reported unwanted effects in each adults and children included:

  • 13 cases of accidental overdose (leading to 11 deaths)
  • eight cases of hallucinations
  • seven cases of slow or shallow respiration (leading to 4 deaths)
  • six cases of decreased consciousness (leading to five deaths).

TGA security alert comes after an internal investigation by the manufacturer of Phenergan, Sanofi-Aventis Healthcare. This investigation was initiated in 2022 advice from the Medicines Advisory Committee. The company has now updated its information for consumers and healthcare professionals.

What can you use instead?

If you have allergies or hay fever in young children, non-sedating antihistamines similar to Claratine (loratadine) or Zyrtec (cetirizine) are preferred. They provide relief without the chance of sedation and other disturbing unwanted effects of promethazine.

If symptoms of a chilly or cough occur, parents must be reassured that these symptoms will normally subside with time, fluid intake, and rest.

Saline nasal sprays, adequate hydration, a humidifier or elevating the kid’s head can relieve the congestion related to hay fever. Oral products containing phenylephrine marketed for nasal congestion must be avoided because evidence shows that this is the case This article was originally published on : theconversation.com

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Health and Wellness

7 things you can do if you think you’re sweating too much

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Sweating is a way for the body to chill down, a bit like an internal air conditioner.

When your body temperature rises (since it’s hot outside or you exercise), sweat glands throughout your skin secrete a watery fluid. When the liquid evaporates, it takes heat with it, protecting us from overheating.

But sweating can vary from individual to individual. Some people could get a bit of dew under their arms, others may feel like they may fill a swimming pool (perhaps not as dramatically, but you get the thought).

So what’s a traditional amount of sweat? And what’s too much?

Why do some people sweat greater than others?

How much you sweat depends upon many aspects aspects including:

The average person sweats at a rate of approx 300 milliliters per hour (at a temperature of 30°C and humidity of roughly 40%). However, because you can’t measure the quantity of your individual sweat (or weigh it), doctors use a unique measure to evaluate the impact of sweating.

They ask if sweating interferes with on a regular basis life. Maybe you stop wearing certain clothes due to sweat stains or you feel embarrassed, so you don’t go to social events or work.

If so, it’s a so-called disease state excessive sweatingwhat affects tens of millions of individuals everywhere in the world.

As you might expect, people affected by this condition most frequently report problematic underarm sweating. However, sweaty hands, feet, scalp and groin might also be an issue.

Excessive sweating could also be a symptom of one other disease, e.g hyperthyroidism, fever or menopause.

But excessive sweating cannot have an obvious cause, and the causes of this so-called primary hyperhidrosis are somewhat mysterious. People have a traditional variety of sweat glands, but scientists consider they simply produce excessive amounts of sweat when exposed to triggers reminiscent of stress, heat, exercise, tobacco, alcohol and spicy spices. There might also be a genetic link.

Okay, I’m sweating loads. What can I do?

1. Antiperspirants

Antiperspirants, especially those with aluminumThey are the primary line of defense and have been designed to scale back sweating. Deodorants only stop unpleasant body odor.

Aluminum chloride, hexahydrate, aluminum chloride or weaker tetrachlorohydrex aluminum and zirconium glycinate they react with sweat gland proteins to form a plug. This plug temporarily blocks the sweat ducts, limiting the quantity of sweat reaching the skin’s surface.

These products may contain as much as 25% aluminum. The higher the proportion, the higher these products work, however the more they irritate the skin.

Make sure you buy antiperspirant, not deodorant.
Okrasiuka/Shutterstock

2. Beat the warmth

This could seem obvious, but staying calm can make an enormous difference. This is because you have less heat to lose, which causes your body to provide less sweat.

Avoid highly regarded and long showers (you’ll have more heat to lose), wear loose clothing fabricated from breathable fabrics reminiscent of cotton (this can help sweat evaporate more easily), and carry a small hand-held fan to assist your sweat evaporate.

When exercising, try it ice bandanas (ice wrapped in a shawl or cloth after which applied to the body) or wet towels. They can be worn across the neck, head or wrists to lower body temperature.

Also try to switch when or where you exercise; If possible, try to seek out cool shade or air-conditioned places.

If your sweating remains to be affecting your life after taking the primary two steps, consult with your doctor. They will help you find the most effective strategy to cope with this problem.

3. Medicines

Some medicines may help regulate sweating. Unfortunately, a few of them can also cause uncomfortable side effects reminiscent of dry mouth, blurred vision, abdominal pain or constipation. So consult with your doctor about what’s best for you.

Your GP might also refer you to a dermatologist – a health care provider like me who makes a speciality of skin conditions – who can recommend a wide range of treatments, including among the following.

4. Botulinum toxin injections

Botulinum toxin injections usually are not used solely for cosmetic reasons. They have many applications in medicine, including: they block the nerves that control the sweat glands. They do this for months.

The dermatologist normally gives injections. But they’re only subsidized by Medical care in Australia under the arms and if you suffer from primary hyperhidrosis that can not be controlled with the strongest antiperspirants. These injections are given as much as thrice a yr. It just isn’t subsidized within the case of other diseases, e.g. hyperthyroidism or other areas, e.g. face or hands.

If you don’t qualify, you can get these shots privately, but it would cost you a whole bunch of dollars for treatment that can last as long as six months.

A healthcare worker giving a man a Botox injection under his arm
In some cases, injections can be found under Medicare.
Satyrenko/Shutterstock

5. Iontophoresis

This involves using a tool that passes a weak electric current through water to the skin decreased sweating in your hands, feet or armpits. Scientists aren’t sure how exactly it really works.

But it’s the one way to manage sweating within the hands and feet, which doesn’t require drugs, surgery or botulinum toxin injections.

This treatment just isn’t subsidized by Medicare and never all dermatologists provide it. However, you can buy your individual device and use it, which is frequently cheaper than using it privately. You can ask your dermatologist if that is the proper option for you.

6. Surgery

There is a procedure where the nerves within the hands are cut, which prevents them from sweating. This is very effective however it may cause sweating somewhere else.

There are also other surgical options that you can talk to your doctor.

7. Microwave therapy

This is newer treatment which stimulates the sweat glands to destroy them in order that they can now not work. This just isn’t quite common yet and is kind of painful. It is out there privately in several centers.

This article was originally published on : theconversation.com
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