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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

Willow Smith’s debut collection with Moncler is now available – Essence

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Moncler

Willow Smith’s debut collection with Moncler has been launched. The capsule is a mixture of the inside of a musician, actress, writer and creator. In it, a futuristic and unbelievable world is explored through clothes. Smith’s personal style was also showcased. The lineup was originally revealed in Shanghai.

Willow Smith's debut collection with Moncler is now available
Moncler

“Minimalism and utilitarianism. Femininity and masculinity. Black and white. “Putting ideas together in an elegant way is something that really excites me and I wanted to explore that with this collection,” Willow shared.

“Willow’s magnetic energy is captured in a series of images exploring the primary themes of the collection: clashing contrasts, rebirth and renewal, yin and yang, recent beginnings – inspired by Moncler’s mountain origins and love of nature. “Willow’s creativity influences every aspect of the videos and photos accompanying the collection: she not only drives the concept, but also models her designs, narrates the short film and provides the soundtrack,” the brand said in a press release. The launch is accompanied by black and white campaign photos – the dramatization of those photos ushers in an exciting era for Smith.

Willow Smith's debut collection with Moncler is now available
Moncler

The collection is dominated by knitwear perfect for layering, a down jacket and heavy sweatshirts created in shrunken proportions. The capsule is accomplished with extensive outerwear options and a brief-sleeved T-shirt with silver eyelet. The T-shirt is also available in an extended-sleeved version. The collection includes cream and black shades. The down vest with a hood and a brief cut stands out.

Salix leather boots are characterised by an interesting design. In addition to nodding to punk influences, this footwear option is designed with a Moncler logo on the toe, elastic panels on the front and a rubber sole.

Willow Smith's debut collection with Moncler is now available
Moncler

“I am incredibly passionate about the outdoors and exploring this wonderful land. I imagine these pieces can easily transition from overnight camping to fashionable evening wear,” Willow added, emphasizing the natural duality of the collection.

Moncler X Willow Smith is currently available in chosen Moncler stores and more moncler.com .

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

Women are less likely to undergo cardiopulmonary resuscitation than men. Training on breast mannequins could be helpful

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If someone’s heart suddenly stops beating, this may increasingly have happened minutes of life. Performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation may increase their probabilities of survival. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation keeps blood pumping, delivering oxygen to the brain and vital organs until specialized treatment arrives.

However, research shows that bystanders are less likely to intervene to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation if the person is a girl. AND latest Australian study analyzed 4,491 cardiac arrest cases between 2017 and 2019 and located that bystanders were more likely to perform CPR on men (74%) than on women (65%).

Could this be partly because CPR training mannequins (so-called dummies) shouldn’t have breasts? Our recent research we checked out mannequins available all over the world to train people to perform CPR and located that 95% of them were flat-chested.

Anatomically, breasts don’t change the cardiopulmonary resuscitation technique. However, they’ll influence whether people try to accomplish that – and hesitation at these key moments could mean the difference between life and death.

Differences in heart health

Cardiovascular diseases – including heart disease, stroke and cardiac arrest – are probably the most common diseases important reason behind death for ladies all over the world.

But if a girl goes into cardiac arrest outside the hospital (meaning her heart stops pumping air properly), that is actually what happens. 10% less likely receive cardiopulmonary resuscitation than a person. Women too less likely survive cardiopulmonary resuscitation and are at greater risk of brain damage following cardiac arrest.

Bystanders are less likely to intervene if a girl needs cardiopulmonary resuscitation compared to a person.
Doublelee/Shutterstock

These are just among the many health inequalities experienced by women, in addition to transgender and non-binary people. Compared to men, their symptoms they are more likely to be rejected or misdiagnosed, or it could take longer to receive a diagnosis.

Reluctance of the witness

There can also be growth evidence women are less likely to start cardiopulmonary resuscitation compared to men.

This may be partly due to the concerns of those being accused of sexual harassmentworry may cause damage (in some cases based on the assumption that ladies are more “fragile”) and discomfort related to touching women’s breasts.

Bystanders may also get into trouble recognition the lady has a cardiac arrest.

Even in simulated scenarios, researchers found that interveners were less likely to remove women’s clothing prepare for resuscitationcompared to men. And there have been women less likely to receive Cardiopulmonary resuscitation or defibrillation (an electrical charge to restart the center) – even when the training was in the shape of a web based game that didn’t require touching anyone.

There is evidence of how people behave in resuscitation training scenarios reflects what they do in real emergency situations. This means it is amazingly vital to train people to recognize cardiac arrest and prepare for intervention, no matter gender or body type.

Attached to men’s bodies

Very Cardiopulmonary resuscitation training resources depict male bodies or don’t specify gender. If bodies shouldn’t have breasts, it’s a male default.

For example, the 12 months 2022 test taking a look at CPR training in North, Central, and South America, it was found that nearly all of available mannequins were white (88%), male (94%), and slim (99%).

The woman's hands press the torso of a mannequin wearing a blue jacket.
It is amazingly rare for a mannequin to have breasts or a bigger body.
M Isolation photo/Shutterstock

This research reflects what we see in our work once we train other healthcare professionals to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation. We noticed that every one the mannequins available for training are flat chested. One of us (Rebecca) had difficulty finding training mannequins with breasts.

Single mannequin with breasts

Our recent research we checked what cardiopulmonary resuscitation mannequins are available and the way diverse they are. In 2023, we identified 20 cardiopulmonary resuscitation mannequins in the worldwide market. Mannequins are often torsos with no head and without arms.

Of the 20 available, five (25%) were sold as “female”, but only considered one of them had breasts. This implies that 95% of obtainable CPR training mannequins were flat-chested.

We also checked out other diversity characteristics, including skin tone and bigger bodies. We found that 65% had more than one skin tone available, but just one had a bigger body. Further research is required on the impact of those elements on bystanders when performing CPR.

Breasts don’t change cardiopulmonary resuscitation technique

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation technique doesn’t change when someone has breasts. The barriers are cultural. And although you could feel uncomfortable, starting cardiopulmonary resuscitation as soon as possible can save your life.

Signs that somebody may have cardiopulmonary resuscitation include not respiration properly or completely or not responding to you.

Perform effective cardiopulmonary resuscitationit’s best to:

  • place the heel of your hand in the middle of your chest

  • place your second hand on top of the primary and interlace your fingers (keep your arms straight)

  • press firmly to a depth of about 5 cm before releasing

  • press your chest with a frequency of 100-120 beats per minute (you may sing a song) in your head to show you how to keep time!)

An example of performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation – using a flat-chest manikin.

What a couple of defibrillator?

You haven’t got to remove someone’s bra to perform CPR. But you could need to accomplish that if a defibrillator is required.

AND defibrillator is a tool that uses an electrical charge to restart the center. An underwired bra may cause minor skin burns when the debrillator pads apply an electrical charge. However, in case you cannot take your bra off, don’t let it delay your care.

What should change?

Our research highlights the necessity for a big selection of breast CPR training mannequins, in addition to a wide range of body sizes.

Training resources need to higher prepare people to intervene and perform CPR on individuals with breasts. We also need greater education on the chance of developing and dying from heart disease in women.

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

Ant stings can be painful. Here’s how to avoid getting stung this summer (and what to do if it happens)

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The starting of summer is just a couple of days away, and plenty of of us will be looking forward to long, sunny days spent on the beach, by the pool, camping or having a picnic within the park.

Insects love summer too. Most of them right then grow and feed. However, this shared appreciation of the season can sometimes lead to conflict.

Insects have long been preyed upon by many species, including birds, mammals, amphibians, and other insects. Accordingly, quite a lot of defense mechanisms have evolved – perhaps none more familiar to humans than the sting.

Many ants have a stinger on their rear end which they use to deliver venom. It will not be the sting itself that causes pain, but relatively venom. Ant venom accommodates a mix of various chemicals, a few of which have evolved specifically to manipulate the nerve endings in our skin to cause pain.

Let’s take a have a look at the several ant stings chances are you’ll experience this summer in Australia and how to respond.

Bull ants

Bull ants (also often called bulldog ants, jumper ants, or jumper ants) are large for an ant. Some species can grow to length 4 centimeters. They are easily identified by their large eyes, long mandibles (jaws), and aggressive nature.

Their sting is immediate, hot, sharp and unambiguous, similar to that of a honey bee. The intense pain will only last a couple of minutes before being replaced by redness and swelling across the sting site.

There are many differing kinds of bull ants in Australia.
Sam Robinson

Green-headed ants

Green-headed ants are also called green ants (but not to be confused with green ants). green tree ants northern Australia, which do not sting). Green-headed ants are common and love our lawns.

About Length 6 millimetersthey’re much smaller than bull ants. They can be recognized by their shiny green-purple exoskeleton.

Green-headed ants are frequently less aggressive than bull ants, but they can still deliver a big sting. The pain from a green ant sting can construct up step by step and cause intense, sticky pain.

Green-headed ant.
Green-headed ants can be identified by their color.
Sam Robinson

Fire ants

Fire ants (or imported red fire ants) are native to South America. They were detected first in Brisbane in 2001it probably moved in containers and has since spread across south-east Queensland.

Fire ants are reddish brown and black and range in size from Length 2–6 millimeters.

You will almost certainly encounter fire ants of their nests, which appear like a pile of loose dirt. A hearth ant nest has no obvious entrance, which is way to distinguish it from other similar ant nests.

Disturbing a hearth ant nest will awaken an offended mass of a whole bunch of ants and expose you to being stung.

The initial pain from a single sting seems like an intense, hot itch, although it can be controlled. However, fire ant stings rarely occur in the only digits. One ant can sting multiple times, and plenty of ants can sting one person, which can lead to a whole bunch of stings. A hearth ant sting can cause pus-filled ulcers and scarring in the next days.

If you reside in an area where fire ants are present, it’s price taking a couple of minutes to learn how to do this recognize and report their.

Electric ants

Electric ants is one other nasty random import, coming from Central and South America. Currently limited to Cairns and surroundingsthese are tiny (1.5 millimeters long) yellow ants.

Like fire ants, these ants are frequently defensive, so lots of them will sting without delay. Their sting is more painful than you’ll expect from such a tiny creature. I compare it to being showered with red, hot sparks.

If you think that you see electric ants, please report it Biosecurity in Queensland.

Australian ants should not the worst

You may be surprised to hear that Australian ants don’t even make it to the rostrum when it comes to essentially the most painful ant stings. The winners include: harvester ants (North and South America), which cause severe, sticky pain, comparable to a drill slowly rotating in a muscle – for up to 12 hours.

The gold medal goes to the sting of the South and Central American bullet ant, which has been described How:

Pure, intense, sensible pain. It’s like walking on burning charcoal with a 3-inch nail stuck in your heel.

How to avoid getting stung (and what to do if you do)

Fortunately, the answer is frequently quite simple. Look around before you sit on the bottom or unfolded a picnic blanket, avoiding places where you see ant nests or a lot of foraging ants.

The selection of footwear might also be necessary. In my experience, most stings occur on the feet of those wearing thongs.

If you get stung, generally the situation will improve by itself. The pain often subsides after a couple of minutes (sometimes slightly longer within the case of a green ant sting). The redness, swelling and itching that sometimes follows may last for several days.

In the meantime, if mandatory, ice pack it will help with the pain. If it’s particularly bad, a topical numbing cream containing lidocaine may provide temporary relief. You can get it over-the-counter at a pharmacy.

A small proportion of individuals may experience an allergic response to ant stings. In very severe cases this may include respiratory problems or ingestion. If you or a loved one experiences these symptoms after an ant sting, you need to seek urgent medical attention.

This article was originally published on : theconversation.com
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