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One in six black men will develop prostate cancer, but for some, preventive screenings are a cause for concern

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News about Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin’s ‘secret’ hospital stay in January 2024 made waves in the political community. Experts debated the protocol stating that a senior national security official is faraway from duty without the knowledge of the president or the general public, but there was one other factor at play. Secretary Austin received a diagnosis of prostate cancer. “This news shocked me and I know it shocked many others, especially the Black community,” he said of his diagnosis. “It was a punch in the gut.”

One in six black men will develop prostate cancer in their lifetime in comparison with one in eight white men. Black men are 60% more prone to have the disease than white men and a couple of.14 times more prone to die from the disease than white men. Black men also die at higher rates low-grade prostate cancer than other breeds. These rates apply to African-Americans and men of Caribbean descent. Prostate cancer in black men could have biological characteristics related to a more aggressive disease. Research suggests that on account of inherited genetic aspects, differences in cancer biology cause cancer to progress faster in black men and/or be tougher to treat. So what do Black men do to stop this diagnosis? In many cases this just isn’t enough.

Stigmata around séances

Marlon McKnight, a 44-year-old man living in Orlando, has never had a prostate screening and is looking forward to having one. McKnight’s primary care provider told him he needed to schedule an exam sooner or later, but didn’t actually refer him for an exam. When talking about finding a doctor, McKnight recalls growing up in Jamaica, where “we go to the doctor when we’re sick.” He’s taking his time, and McKnight says he’s also sensitive around his rectum and doesn’t want anyone touching him there, irrespective of what. “Just the thought of a man behind me with his fingers inside me makes me nervous,” she admits.

“Black men especially are afraid to take the exam,” he says Brian K. McNeil, MD, MBA, FACS, chief of urology on the University Hospital of Brooklyn. “There is a lot of fear there. Fear of the unknown and fear of the results of the test. McNeil says black men are afraid of getting bad results. Questions are running through their minds, resembling: What will occur if I would like surgery or radiation? Will I actually have problems urinating? Will I actually have to wear a pad or diaper for a very long time?

“Prostate cancer, and prostate health in general, is unique in that it can be linked to masculinity,” McNeil explains. He says some may associate it with feeling like a man, masculinity and sexual function. “Anything that could impact that or impede it in any way becomes a little scary,” he adds.

Professor David B. Miller, Ph.D., MSW, MPH., Case Western Reserve University, says his tests shows that it’s an intersection of possible homophobia, identity and distrust. “So these three factors come into play,” he says. “This doctor is going to stick his finger up my ass. Why is he doing this? There’s something wrong with them. Are they doing this to me for another reason?” Miller claims that every one this mythology and conspiracies are mixed up, after which suddenly he not desires to get tested or see a doctor.

The influence of representation

Jerome Fenton, 40, of Newark, New Jersey, has no qualms about prostate screening. At the age of 30, he developed a colon infection and his doctor really useful a prostate examination at the identical time. He plans to conduct follow-up tests soon. When asked why he feels so good about this process, Fenton replies, “My grandfather died of prostate cancer around 1990. That’s why my mother at all times said, “You’re not too big or too strong to go to the doctor.” ” He said his dad had the identical approach. This is a man who will make an appointment to deal with your concerns, big and small.

Professor Miller says that when black men are raised in an environment where routine medical examinations are normal, they’ve less fear of going to the doctor. Conversely, women find out about gynecological examinations at a young age. For most men, especially black men, before a prostate exam, probably the most invasive exam they experience is a dental exam.

Fenton also believes that many black men hear mostly negative stories about prostate screening and treatment. While they might hear about someone going through treatment and coping with urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction, they do not hear or see enough about how medications and screenings improve quality of life.

Lack of trust in the medical system can also be a key factor in black men’s reluctance to undergo prostate screening. Several urologists in fact, these are men of color, so the likelihood of somebody with the ability to go to a urologist who looks like them and find a way to discover culturally is low.

Keeping black men alive

The first step to getting tested for black men is to elucidate the method. What is prostate screening? In the past, this involved digital rectal examination (DRE). Your doctor will examine your rectum and examine your prostate for any lumps, lumps, or hardness, in conjunction with a blood test. “A lot of people have done research on whether the blood test itself is OK,” McNeil says. “Although many organizations still recommend using both drugs, some of the latest research shows that a blood test alone may be sufficient.”

There are screening recommendations for different age groups. Some organizations recommend that individuals ages 55 to 70 talk over with their doctor about prostate cancer screening. This is known as collaborative decision-making. You discuss it and choose whether you wish to get tested. Very Urological organizations recommend screening tests aged 50 to 70.

“If you’re in a high-risk group, you might want to have a conversation about screening at age 45,” McNeil says, “and if you’re in a very, very high-risk group, you might want to consider having that conversation at age 40.”

McNeil says your risk level is set by your age and whether you’ve gotten a member of the family who has been diagnosed with prostate cancer, resembling a father, uncle, brother or cousin. “The age at which a person is diagnosed with prostate cancer matters,” he says. “You want to consider whether your relative died from complications related to prostate cancer.” Perhaps you’ve gotten a relative who was diagnosed with prostate cancer and it was a low-grade cancer who was treated, recovered, and lived a long life. But if you happen to are a member of the family who was diagnosed with prostate cancer and died that very same 12 months, it’s a completely different situation.

Studies have shown that certain genes related to other gynecological cancers could also be related to a higher risk of prostate cancer in men. Especially, BRCA one and two are related to an increased risk of prostate cancer. It is important to know your loved ones’s medical history, each in your father’s and mother’s sides.

“I discovered that this needed to be explained to black men, why they were at higher risk and the way vital it was to get this checked. It’s about explaining what which means so that they could make an informed decision,” Miller says.

And if it helps to simplify things, McNeil wants black men to keep in mind that, identical to a automotive, their body requires maintenance. Consider your urologist as a part of that maintenance. Good prostate health ensures higher peeing, uninterrupted sleep, and a satisfying sex life. And yes, it will probably keep them alive. “It’s not just about the finger,” McNeil says. “It’s about helping save lives.”

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

This Fruit-Based Ingredient Provides Anti-Aging Benefits – Essence

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Despite the misfortunes of agingand the issue behind the term, ingredients used to decelerate our skin clock remain at the highest of our beauty game. The latest to hit the buzzwords — from retinol to tretinoin — is a compound called the “youth molecule,” present in a few of our favourite foods. (Hint: It’s also in red wine and chocolate.)

“Resveratrol is a powerful antioxidant found in the skin of grapes, berries, and some nuts,” board-certified dermatologist Dr. Nicole Ruth tells ESSENCE. With the hashtag #resveratrol at 42.8 posts on TikTok and a slew of products available on the market, “it’s gained popularity in the skincare world for its anti-aging properties.”

Below, Ruth discusses the choice to retinol, its advantages, and what to avoid.

What is resveratrol?

Most commonly present in the skin of grapes, berries, and nuts, resveratrol can also be a component of (deliciously) addictive foods like red wine and dark chocolate. However, you would need to eat extremely large amounts (150 mg per day) to reap the advantages, as only a trace amount may be absorbed through the intestines.

While drinking lots of of glasses wine will not be beneficialusing local advantages as an alternative of an old bottle of Cabernet may be more invaluable. “It polyphenol works by neutralizing free radicals, unstable molecules that damage skin cells and speed up aging,” Ruth says, which is what supplements or topical products can do.

What are the advantages of resveratrol?

“By protecting the skin from oxidative stress, resveratrol helps prevent fine lines, wrinkles, and other signs of aging,” she says. “It also has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that can soothe irritated skin and support overall skin health.” Fulfilling all the factors for a top anti-aging product, resveratrol can even help extend the lifespan of skin cells and maintain homeostasis.

How is resveratrol different from other anti-aging ingredients?

With all of the anti-aging products available on the market, it will possibly be hard to feel drained and never give you the chance to make use of them. “What sets resveratrol apart from other anti-aging ingredients like retinol is its gentleness,” she says, making it a very good alternative for sensitive skin and those that are intolerant to retinol. “While retinol stimulates cell turnover and collagen production, which can sometimes cause irritation, dryness, and redness, resveratrol works by protecting the skin from external aggressors like UV rays and pollutants.”

Popularized by Harvard professor David Sinclair“Resveratrol gained popularity after scientific studies showed its potential benefits for longevity and skin health,” she says. “Originally studied for its role in heart health, it was soon recognized for its skin benefits thanks to its strong antioxidant profile.”

A key ingredient in a variety of high-end skincare lines, including Caudalie and Le Demaine, the food-derived compound is touted for its “natural origins” and multifaceted advantages. “A lot of patients ask me about a natural alternative to prescription drugs, and it’s safe to say this could be a natural alternative to a retinoid.”

How does resveratrol work in skincare?

“In skincare, resveratrol is best used in combination with other antioxidants, such as vitamins C and E, which can enhance its protective effects against environmental damage,” says Ruth. “It also works well with moisturisers, such as hyaluronic acid, to provide hydration while protecting the skin.”

For optimal results, she recommends in search of serums or creams with a stable type of resveratrol and applying them after cleansing and toning, but before applying a heavier moisturizer.

What do you have to avoid when using this ingredient?

As with any latest skincare product, knowing easy methods to use it and what to avoid is usually a tremendous line between top shelf and closet. “When introducing resveratrol, it’s important to start slowly to see how your skin reacts, especially if you’re using it in combination with other active ingredients,” she says. “I tell patients to avoid using it the same night with other harsh exfoliants or acids like glycolic acid to avoid irritation.”

“While it’s generally safe for all skin types, those with particularly sensitive skin should monitor for any signs of irritation,” she warns. However, “resveratrol is generally well-tolerated and can be used both morning and night, although frequency will depend on the concentration of the product.”

This article was originally published on : www.essence.com
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Kamala Harris Takes Spotlight with Oprah at Star-Studded Unite For America Campaign Event in Battleground Michigan – Essence

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U.S. Vice President and Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris (left) joins American television producer Oprah Winfrey at a live-streamed “Unite for America” ​​rally in Farmington Hills, Michigan, September 19, 2024. (Photo: SAUL LOEB / AFP) (Photo: SAUL LOEB/AFP via Getty Images)

Oprah Winfrey, the queen of daytime television who has united Americans in front of her screens for many years, once more united the nation at a Unite for America event to learn Kamala Harris’ presidential campaign. “This people power movement behind Kamala Harris has unleashed a unifying force unlike anything we’ve seen in politics in a very long time,” Winfrey said.

The star-studded event, held in the important thing swing state of Michigan, with 400 people in attendance and nearly 300,000 viewers virtually, aimed to construct on the momentum of the primary Win With Black Women charity phone event, which drew an astonishing number of individuals $1.6 million inside hours of the July announcement that Harris would replace President Joe Biden because the Democratic presidential nominee.

Kamala Harris takes center stage with Oprah at star-studded Unite For America campaign event in battleground state Michigan
TOP PHOTO – US Vice President and Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris joins US television producer Oprah Winfrey at a live-streamed “Unite for America” ​​rally in Farmington Hills, Michigan, September 19, 2024. (Photo: SAUL LOEB/AFP) (Photo: SAUL LOEB/AFP via Getty Images)

Her success led to fundraising conversations with dozens of other groups, including Win With Black Men, White Dudes for Harris and Cat Ladies for Kamala, breaking fundraising records along the best way. Unite for America was inspired by a conversation between Oprah and Win With Black Women founder Jotaka Eaddy. Reflecting on the pivotal role black women have played in bringing the country thus far, Eaddy said, “I just think it’s an honor for all of us to be able to usher in this moment, knowing that those who watered this mighty field are now allowing us to eat the fruit.”

While latest Pew poll shows that Black women overwhelmingly support Harris (87%), with support amongst Black men barely weaker. Eighty percent plan to vote for Vice President Harris, while 17% say they are going to vote for Trump. Oprah said she has heard from several Black men who’re voting for Trump due to stimulus checks they received in the course of the pandemic.

Khalil Thompson, founding father of Win With Black Men, explained the matter: “Congress paid for the check…45 people signed it.” While he acknowledged that individuals must make their very own decisions, his selection was clear: “I don’t want someone with 34 convictions. I don’t want someone who will choose hate over choosing the best way to unite us as a country. That’s why I think Vice President Harris is the best person.”

Voters across the country expressed concerns about several issues, including abortion, immigration, the economy and gun violence. Unite for America kept those issues at the forefront, resulting in some very emotional moments in the course of the event.

In the context of abortion rights, a moving story of a 28-12 months-old woman has emerged Amber Nicole Thurman from Georgia, who was a single mother of a six-12 months-old son and wanted an abortion when she discovered she was pregnant with one other child. Because abortion is against the law in Georgia, she traveled to North Carolina, where she was given abortion drugs. After Thurman returned to Georgia, she became very unwell and located that she had not completely expelled the fetus and needed what known as a dilation and curettage (D&C).

Kamala Harris takes center stage with Oprah at star-studded Unite For America campaign event in battleground state Michigan
TOP PHOTO – US Vice President and Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris joins US television producer Oprah Winfrey at a live-streamed “Unite for America” ​​rally in Farmington Hills, Michigan, September 19, 2024. (Photo: SAUL LOEB/AFP) (Photo: SAUL LOEB/AFP via Getty Images)

Doctors waited 20 hours to perform the procedure on her due to state’s strict abortion ban, and he or she died. Thurman’s mother, who only recently learned from Propublica Informing that her death might have been prevented, she said, “Amber was not a statistic, she was loved by her family, a strong family, and we would do anything to make sure my child, our child, got the help that she needed.” In a deeply moving moment that brought many in the audience to tears, Thurman’s mother continued, “You look at a mother who is broken. The worst pain that a mother, a parent, could ever feel, her father, me and her family, you’re looking at that.”

Vice President Harris reiterated her support for abortion rights, calling it “health care,” and said that on the subject of a lady’s right to come to a decision what happens to her body, “you don’t have to abandon your faith or deeply held beliefs to agree that the government shouldn’t tell you what to do.”

In one other moving moment, the audience witnessed the human toll that gun violence has on our nation’s children. Oprah shared that 383,000 children have been exposed to gun violence and introduced one in all those children, Natalie Griffith, and her parents, Doug and Marilda. Natalie, still bandaged from the gunshot wounds she suffered in the Apalachee High School shooting earlier this month, sat next to her mother, Marilda, who shared the pain she felt when she learned her daughter’s school had been the positioning of one other school shooting, while she had no idea whether her daughter was alive or not. “You don’t know what it’s like until you experience it.” In a tearful plea, Marilda called for immediate motion to stop gun violence. “We can’t let this continue,” she said.

Vice President Harris, who was a staunch gun control advocate and co-sponsored a bill banning assault weapons as a California senator, said, “I’ve seen the autopsies. I’ve seen what these weapons do to the human body, and we have to agree that assault weapons in particular… have no place on the streets of civil society. They’re designed to kill a lot of people quickly.” She also reiterated her support for the Second Amendment and made clear that as a gun owner, she’s not attempting to take guns away from everyone.

On the economy, one area where Trump continues to outperform Vice President Harris in the polls, Harris has promised to create an “opportunity economy” where persons are helped to attain their financial goals. For example, she desires to combat price gouging, give first-time homebuyers $25,000 in down payment assistance, give small-business owners a $50,000 tax deduction (up from $5,000 available now) to assist them grow their businesses, and expand the kid tax credit to $6,000 in a baby’s first 12 months.

Immigration is one other area where Trump is leading in the polls — despite his raising of the Haitian rumor that Haitian migrants are stealing and eating pets. Vice President Harris noted that bipartisan border bill that laws she supported would have provided more border patrol agents, asylum officers and immigration judges, and would have stopped the flow of fentanyl across the border, nevertheless it never passed because Donald Trump encouraged Republican lawmakers to not vote for it. Harris said that was because “he would rather run with the problem than solve it,” but that if elected president, she would sign the bill into law.

But ultimately, Harris portrayed the stakes of this election as much larger than her or anybody particular position. It’s about “fundamental freedoms,” she continued. There’s a lot at stake in this election, and ultimately the query before us is, what sort of country do we would like to live in? And the fantastic thing about democracy — so long as we are able to stick with it — the fantastic thing about democracy is that every one in all us has the facility to reply that query.”

This article was originally published on : www.essence.com
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Off-White™ and The New York Liberty Combine Fashion and Sport in Groundbreaking Collaboration – Essence

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Women’s sports are having a moment, and the most recent news confirms it: Off-White™ has been named the official curator of fashion and culture for the New York Liberty, a groundbreaking partnership between high fashion and women’s basketball.

As Liberty dominates the WNBA and seeks their first championship, this partnership couldn’t have come at a greater time. Given Off-White’s fame for setting trends and Liberty’s electrifying presence in the world of sports, this partnership is about greater than just basketball—it’s about culture, representation, and the long run of ladies in sports.

The multi-yr agreement, Off-White’s first collaboration with a U.S. sports team, will kick off with the revealing of a custom varsity jacket prior to Liberty’s playoff opener. Designed with the fierce harmony and unique brand aesthetic in mind, the jacket is the right mix of fashion and athleticism. But this partnership extends far beyond the court. Over the following few seasons, we will expect Off-White™ to release exclusive fashion capsules, host community-focused events and work with Liberty players to focus on key cultural moments like Women’s History Month, Black History Month and Pride.

Off-White™ and New York Liberty combine fashion and sport in groundbreaking collaboration
September 19, 2024; New York Liberty receives “Off-White” jackets as a present (Photo: Brandon Todd/New York Liberty)

This partnership is greater than only a win for Liberty and Off-White™—it’s an enormous step forward for girls’s basketball and women’s sports as an entire. The WNBA is having fun with a season of unprecedented growth, with viewership surging, arenas filling up and a roster of players becoming cultural icons in their very own right. From their glamorous pregame looks to their off-the-court activism, the WNBA’s players are redefining what it means to be an athlete. And the New York Liberty are on the forefront of this movement. Known for his or her fierce competition and ability to push boundaries, the Liberty turn heads each on and off the court.

“WNBA players are being embraced as style icons like never before, while also driving culture in ways never before imagined,” said New York Liberty General Manager Keia Clarke. It’s true—today’s WNBA stars are usually not only excelling in the sport, they’re also pushing boundaries in relation to fashion and culture. With this partnership, Off-White will help them proceed to thrive, pushing the boundaries of what athletes can do and the spaces they will occupy.

Off-White™ and New York Liberty combine fashion and sport in groundbreaking collaboration

Off-White™ CEO Cristiano Fagnani expressed his excitement concerning the partnership, saying, “Sports is evolving and women are making history by owning it. We are thrilled to partner with this inspiring team and together create a space that doesn’t exist by pushing boundaries to create the future. For everyone.” His words echo the feelings felt across the sports and fashion communities—a partnership built on shared values ​​of empowerment, innovation, and disruption.

The timing of this partnership is especially significant. Both brands are at pivotal moments—Off-White™ is fresh off its New York Fashion Week debut and Liberty is gunning for its first WNBA title. Their collaboration heralds a brand new era where fashion, sports, and culture seamlessly intertwine, especially for Black female athletes who proceed to interrupt barriers and define their very own space in the world of sports.

Off-White™ and New York Liberty combine fashion and sport in groundbreaking collaboration

As Liberty’s fan base grows and Off-White’s boundary-breaking designs proceed to push the boundaries, the probabilities for this collaboration are countless. It’s not only concerning the clothes, it’s about creating experiences that talk to the facility of representation. For Black women, this collaboration is one other reminder of how far we’ve come in the world of sports—and how far we will go when fashion, culture, and athletics intersect.

This article was originally published on : www.essence.com
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