Healthy Start Manatee's 2010-11 FBCF Funded Project Impact Up with Wellness: Breast Health Awareness Campaign
The Healthy Start Coalition of Manatee County, Inc. was fortunate to have been a grantee of the Florida Breast Cancer Foundation during the 2010-2011 project year. Thanks to the FBCF's generous support, Healthy Start's innovative and effective Community Health Worker (CHW) initiative was able to implement our Up with Wellness: Breast Health Awareness Campaign. Our CHWs - bilingual and bicutural lay health educators from the project's target communities - engaged 400 at-risk women and their families in educational activities designed to raise awareness and understanding of their risk factors, breast cancer screening options, and healthy lifestyle choices that can serve as preventive factors.
CHWs conducted face-to-face educational presentations with women and their families in small group settings and provided information and education to hundreds more at community events and health fairs throughout Manatee County. Of participants who completed a pre- and post-test, 100% demonstrated an increase in knowledge regarding breast cancer risk factors, screening guidelines and preventive factors. In addition, 100% made pledges to make a lifestyle change; examples of these included using less oil in preparing meals, taking a walk one or more times a week, doing a monthly breast self-exam, exercising, implementing a healthier diet, running, losing weight, and not drinking alcohol.
In addition, the CHWs referred participants to our partner, the Manatee County Health Department, for clinical breast exams and follow-up diagnostic mammograms, as appropriate. They also provided patient navigation and language interpretation assistance for clients undergoing breast health-related testing or treatment.
The Up with Wellness Campaign's focus on prevention and early detection provided participants with the tools and information to make positive changes in their families' eating habits, physical activity, and attention to the need for appropriate cancer screenings. Thanks to the FBCF's grant, this project also boosted access to clinical screening and diagnostic services for participants who, due to language barriers, lack of transportation, and often low literacy levels, among other challenges, might not otherwise have been able to receive or navigate these services.
The Healthy Start Coalition of Manatee County Celebrates Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Bradenton, FL, October 25, 2012: October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, as well as Hispanic Heritage Month; thus Healthy Start Manatee, in partnership with Gulfcoast South Area Health Education Center, held a bilingual community luncheon on Wednesday to educate women about breast cancer and empower them to be proactive with taking care of their health. Through funding from the Florida Suncoast Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure® an inspired celebration of life was had by all. Community members participated as a tribute to the survivors and potential victims of breast cancer.
Jan Chulock, Senior Community Health Nurse at Manatee County Health Department and passionate breast health advocate, presented “Breast Health Basics,” which gave attendees information on the physiology of the breast and breast cancer, as well as risk factors that can contribute to the disease. She also underscored the critical importance of early screening and detection to help ensure effective treatment for women diagnosed with breast cancer. In addition, Anisley Valdes with We Care Manatee, which is also a Komen grantee, discussed local screening and treatment services for uninsured and underinsured women in Manatee County.
The most touching part of the program were the personal testimonials. Sharon Carlson, a 5-year breast cancer survivor and breast health advocate, shared her journey having gone through the experience. She volunteers with newly diagnosed women and fundraises for breast cancer support organizations. Healthy Start team members and sisters - Martha Ramirez and Monica Lamas – also shared their experience, having lost their mother to breast cancer. They now work tirelessly to help underserved Latina women with all types of health and human service needs. Dr. Carla McGill, Board President of Healthy Start Manatee, closed the program by asking the audience to take the information from the session as call to action and share it widely.
This was truly an amazing event – lots of learning, sharing and caring. Funding for this event was generously provided by the Florida Suncoast Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure; the event was planned and implemented by Healthy Start Manatee and Gulfcoast South AHEC. For additional information, contact Ansley Mora, Gulfcoast South AHEC at (941)361-6602 ext. 31 or email amora@health.usf.edu or Lisa Ramirez, Healthy Start Manatee at (941)714-7541 or email lramirez@hsmanatee.com.
Obesity, Inactivity Tied to Common Colon Disease
Women who don't exercise or who are overweight are slightly more likely to be hospitalized for a common disorder of the large intestine called diverticular disease.
Source: Reuters Health
Easier with yoga
A study indicates yoga can ease stress in women getting radiation treatment for breast cancer. At the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Lorenzo Cohen saw this in women who did yoga or stretching. He says the stretching group reported feeling less tired, but the yoga group got this plus less stress and lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol.
Statement from Surgeon General Dr. Regina M. Benjamin on World Breastfeeding Week, August 1-7, 2011
World Breastfeeding Week provides an opportunity to highlight the benefits of breastfeeding and to encourage everyone to support mothers who want to breastfeed. One of the most highly effective preventive measures a mother can take to protect the health of her infant and herself is to breastfeed. It protects babies from many infections and illnesses, such as diarrhea and pneumonia. Children who have been breastfed have lower rates of childhood obesity. Mothers who breastfeed have a decreased risk of breast and ovarian cancers.
For years, little was known about why babies died suddenly and unexpectedly in their sleep. But now, many of these deaths are believed to be preventable accidents caused by unsafe sleep practices. That's led some to question whether the term sudden infant death syndrome is still relevant.
Vaccines for Children Program Resolution No. 6/11-2: Vaccines to Prevent Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis
The Bureau of Immunization is pleased to announce the release of the Vaccines for Children (VFC) Resolution No. 6/11-2, VACCINES TO PREVENT DIPHTHERIA, TETANUS AND PERTUSSIS. Resolution 10/10-2 is repealed and replaced by this new resolution. Resolution No. 6/11-2 was adopted and became effective at the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) meeting held on June 22, 2011. The purpose of this resolution is to revise the previous resolution to incorporate new recommendations regarding thevaccination of pregnant adolescents.
VFC resolutions passed by the ACIP form the basis for VFC program policies on vaccine availability and usage. VFC vaccine must be administered according to the guidelines outlined by the ACIP in the VFC resolutions.
Please distribute this VFC Resolution to colleagues, members, coalitions, and partners with an interest in the supply, distribution, management and administration of vaccines to prevent meningococcal disease Please place this information prominently on your website. Contact Robert Griffin of my staff if you have questions regarding the VFC vaccine supply, and Laura Rutledge for questions regarding the vaccine recommendations at 850-245-4342.
Late Talkers Do Fine as They Grow Up
In good news to parents of late talkers, an Australian study shows a slow start on language is unlikely to have lingering effects on kids' mental health.
Source: Reuters Health
Too Many Women Get HPV Tests
Doctors are testing women for human papillomavirus, or HPV, more often than guidelines recommend, suggests a new study.
Source: Reuters Health
Second-hand flu vaccinations
Babies of mothers who get flu vaccinations seem to pick up protection in the womb. A study found this in data on 1,500 babies younger than 6 months who had been hospitalized for flu-like symptoms in the 2002 to 2009 flu seasons. Those babies are too young for their own vaccination.
Special Infant Formula May Not Prevent Allergies
Despite pediatric guidelines endorsing "allergy-friendly" whey-based infant formulas, a new study finds the products don't ward off allergies in babies at high risk for sensitivities.
Source: Reuters Health
Menu Labels Don't Influence Students' Food Choices
Menu labels on cafeteria food -- highlighting the good and the bad of various meal options -- make no difference in college students' meal choices, a new study concludes.
Sick Kids on Medicaid Wait Much Longer for Care
Sick children covered by Medicaid or the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) must wait twice as long as youngsters with private insurance to get an appointment with a specialist -- if they can get one at all, according to a new study.
Source: Reuters Health
Study Questions Extra Folic Acid Need for Women
Since 1998, the U.S. has required that grain products be fortified with the B vitamin folic acid to help prevent certain birth defects. Now a new study questions the need for women to get even more folic acid from a pill.
Source: Reuters Health
Study Questions Extra Folic Acid Need for Women
Since 1998, the U.S. has required that grain products be fortified with the B vitamin folic acid to help prevent certain birth defects. Now a new study questions the need for women to get even more folic acid from a pill.
Source: Reuters Health
Hispanic Women Have Same IVF Success as Whites
Despite concerns that minority women might have less success using in vitro fertilization (IVF), a new study finds that Hispanic women are just as likely to get pregnant and have a baby as non-Hispanic whites.
Source: Reuters Health
Obama Administration releases National Prevention Strategy
Today, members of the National Prevention, Health Promotion, and Public Health Council, including Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, Surgeon General Regina Benjamin (Chair), as well as Senator Tom Harkin and Domestic Policy Council (DPC) Director Melody Barnes, announced the release of the National Prevention and Health Promotion Strategy, a comprehensive plan that will help increase the number of Americans who are healthy at every stage of life.
No Need to Hold Back on Milk, Nuts in Babies
Giving your baby cow's milk, nuts or other solid foods linked to allergies before six months does not appear to cause extra wheezing or eczema later on, according to a Dutch study.
Source: Reuters Health
MSG Linked to Weight Gain
The flavor enhancer monosodium glutamate (MSG), most often associated with Chinese food and after-dinner headaches, may also be enhancing waistlines, a new study finds.
Source: Reuters Health
How to raise a boy's blood pressure
Kids shouldn’t smoke, and smokers shouldn’t smoke around them. Even if a person does not smoke, breathing the fumes that a smoker produces – what’s called secondhand smoking -- can be bad for health. And a study of children underlines this.
Can Obese Pregnant Women Safely Shed Pounds?
Women who are very obese may be able to safely lose some weight during pregnancy -- and possibly reduce their risk of needing a cesarean section, a new study suggests.
Source: Reuters Health
Meditation and the brain
An eight-week study found that meditation can affect regions of the brain that are associated with sense of self, empathy, muscle control, stress and memory. The study shows that those effects may last longer than just during the period of meditation.
Do Video Games Make Kids Eat More?
An hour spent playing video games may make teenage boys eat more over the rest of the day, a small study suggests.
Obese Teens Lack Vitamin D
Whether raising levels would mitigate risks of being overweight remains unclear
Fewer Behavior Problems for Breastfed Kids
Babies who are breastfed are less likely to grow into children with behavior problems by the time they reach the age of five than those who receive formula milk, scientists said on Tuesday.
Source: Reuters Health
Breastfeeding OK for Moms with Hepatitis B
New mothers with hepatitis B can safely breastfeed their babies, as long as they take a few important precautions, according to a new study.
Source: Reuters Health
Making Moms-to-Be Stronger
Getting in better shape can make a healthy pregnant woman even healthier. And a study indicates that low to moderate intensity weight training can help. Patrick O’Connor of the University of Georgia saw this in a study of 32 women who took up weight training. They did this for 12 weeks, twice a week, starting around their 24th week of pregnancy.
Overweight and real weight
Do overweight or obese mothers and children realize how much they weigh? A study indicates that many don’t. At Columbia University Medical Center, Nicole Dumas looked at data on people in New York City. They were asked to estimate their body size, and researchers also computed their real size.
US NIH Obesity Plan Focuses on Real-World Research
U.S. health officials Thursday announced a new effort to curb America's obesity epidemic by moving science from the lab into clinical trials to find practical ways for prevention and treatment.
Source: Reuters Health
Treatments Show Promise in Reducing Autism-related Behaviors, but Some Have Significant Side Effects
Some medical and behavioral treatments show promise for reducing certain behaviors in children with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), but more research is needed to assess the potential benefits and harms, according to a new report funded by HHS' Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ). The research results were published online in the journal Pediatrics.
More fiber, less heart risk
A study indicates that foods with lots of fiber can be good for the heart, and that people who start early get more benefit.
Not for toddlers and babies
The Food and Drug Administration says children younger than 2 years should not get over-the-counter cough and cold medications. FDA says the drugs have not been shown to be safe or effective in children that young. Hundreds of cases of poisoning and even death had been reported.
Pregnancy Complication Deaths Drop, But Not Equally
Deaths from a dangerous pregnancy complication in which the embryo implants outside the womb have decreased in recent decades, according to a new study.
Source: Reuters Health
Delaware Kid Chefs Learn Prepare Tasty, Nutritious, and Budget-Friendly Meals
About a year ago Beverly Jackey, the community nutritionist for the Food Bank of Delaware, came up with a unique way of teaching kids to eat healthy. Jackey believed that children are more willing to try nutritious new foods when they are involved in preparing them.
Extreme Preemies at Risk for Asthma As Adults
Young adults who were born very premature may have an increased risk of asthma, a report published Monday suggests.
Source: Reuters Health
Heart Drug Linked to Higher Breast Cancer Risk
Women taking the heart drug digoxin have an increased risk of breast cancer, according to a study of more than 2 million Danes.
Source: Reuters Health
Long-Term Tamoxifen Boosts Breast Cancer Survival
Breast cancer patients who take the generic drug tamoxifen for five years are less likely to see their cancer return than those who take it for only two years, according to a large long-term study by British scientists.
Source: Reuters Health
Pregnancy Complication Deaths Drop, But Not Equally
Deaths from a dangerous pregnancy complication in which the embryo implants outside the womb have decreased in recent decades, according to a new study.
Source: Reuters Health
New Food and Beverage Guidelines for HHS and GSA
During this administration, there has been a special emphasis put on physical fitness and healthy eating. In fact, last month the First Lady celebrated the first anniversary of Let’s Move!
More Evidence Folic Acid Prevents Birth Defects
A new study finds that South Carolina's rate of spina bifida and similar birth defects fell substantially after more women began taking folic acid -- adding to evidence of the B vitamin's benefits during pregnancy.
Source: Reuters Health
Inspiration Found in Let’s Move! Detroit The middle of March in the upper Midwest is not ordinarily a time to have much of a conversation about fresh fruits and vegetables, but the people I met in Detroit this morning are far from ordinary. Let’s Move! Detroit’s community partner Green Ribbon Collaborative, invited me to stop by the Eastern Market...
Going for the Gold in the HealthierUS School Challenge
Most Olympians will tell you that going for the “gold” is never an easy road. They will also tell you that it is an achievement that requires dedication and hard work, but the rewards are well worth the effort. Those rewards are even greater when the outcome improves the health and well-being of children...
Strong ties against breast cancer
A study of breast cancer patients indicates that women with strong social ties – especially to their husbands and other family members --- do better than women with weak ties. Researcher Meira Epplein of Vanderbilt University saw it in almost five years of data on more than 2,200 patients:
Stopping bullying, wherever it is
Bullying can happen anywhere, and the steps that people can take to prevent or end it are pretty much the same all over. HHS’ Health Resources and Services Administration has a campaign called Stop Bullying Now, which offers advice to kids, parents, school officials and others about steps they can take.
Staying with breastfeeding
Breastfeeding has health benefits for both mother and baby. But mothers who want to breastfeed often encounter a lot of obstacles at home and at work. So Surgeon General Regina Benjamin has issued a call to action to help remove those barriers.
Program Cuts Cavities in Low-Income Toddlers
Preventive dental care from pediatricians and family doctors may help reduce the widespread problem of early childhood cavities in low-income kids, a new study finds.
Source: Reuters Health
Toddlers' Sleep, Eating Problems Often Go Together
Parents who have a hard time getting their babies and toddlers to sleep at night may also often have trouble at mealtime, new study findings suggest.
Source: Reuters Health
Potassium-Rich Diet Tied to Lower Stroke Risk
People who get plenty of potassium-rich foods in their diet may be less likely to suffer a stroke, a new research review finds.
Source: Reuters Health
Hidden Veggies Lower Calories, May Help Shed Pounds
Adding pureed vegetables to entrees reduces the number of calories the meals pack without sacrificing texture or taste, according to Pennsylvania State University researchers who tried it on unsuspecting study subjects.
Source: Reuters Health
Toddlers' Sleep, Eating Problems Often Go Together
Parents who have a hard time getting their babies and toddlers to sleep at night may also often have trouble at mealtime, new study findings suggest.
Source: Reuters Health
Program Helps Obese Kids Keep Weight Off Long-Term
Kids in an intensive obesity program were able to slim down and maintain a healthier weight a year after it ended, according to a new study.
Source: Reuters Health
Website Launched
The Virginia Department of Health and the University of Virginia Office of Continuing Medical Education announce the launch of a new website dedicated to providing the latest evidence-based guidelines for infant and toddler nutrition. www.infantandtoddlerfeeding.org
Rates of overweight and obesity have increased at an alarming rate over the last three decades. Nationally, more than two-thirds of adults and one-third of children and teenagers are considered either overweight or obese. Recent research suggests that optimal obesity prevention begins at two years of age or younger, with some research indicating it starts prior to birth.
Recognizing the severity and health implications of the current obesity epidemic and what it may mean for future generations, the Virginia Department of Health has developed a series of interactive, web-based continuing medical education modules that provide evidence-based guidelines for infant and toddler feeding. In providing detailed information regarding good nutrition and feeding practices, as well as resources to offer parents and caretakers the Department of Health hopes that health care professionals in all areas and specialties will be teachers and supporters of overweight and obesity prevention through the promotion of good nutrition and feeding practices.
THIS IS WHAT A HEART ATTACK FEELS LIKE TO A WOMAN.
(CHEST PAIN, DISCOMFORT, PRESSURE OR SQUEEZING, LIKE THERE’S A TON OF WEIGHT ON YOU) Other Heart Attack Symptoms to Watch Out For:
Shortness of breath
Nausea
Light-headedness or sudden dizziness
Unusual upper body pain, or discomfort in one or both arms, back, shoulder, neck, jaw or upper part of the stomach
Unusual fatigue
Breaking out in a cold sweat
If you experience any one of these symptoms, don’t make excuses for them. Make the call to 9-1-1. Don’t miss a beat.
Although women often think of heart attack as something that affects mainly men, heart disease is the number one killer of women. Every 90 seconds, a woman in the United States has a heart attack. The Office on Women’s Health has launched a new campaign to educate women about the symptoms of a heart attack. To learn more, visit http://www.womenshealth.gov/HeartAttack.
USDA and HHS Announce New Dietary Guidelines to Help Americans Make Healthier Food Choices and Confront Obesity Epidemic
WASHINGTON, Jan. 31, 2011 — Agriculture Secretary TomVilsack and Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Kathleen Sebelius today announced the release of the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, the federal government's evidence-based nutritional guidance to promote health, reduce the risk of chronic diseases, and reduce the prevalence of overweight and obesity through improved nutrition and physical activity.
Many Spanish-Speaking Hispanics Go Un-Immunized
Older Hispanics who prefer to speak Spanish or who live in communities where little English is spoken may be more likely to miss their pneumonia or seasonal flu vaccinations, suggests a large new study.
Source: Reuters Health
"Storytelling" Found to Aid Blood Pressure Control Tue, 18 Jan 2011
People who have trouble keeping their blood pressure in check might benefit from hearing about other patients' struggles with the same problem, a preliminary study suggests.
Source: Reuters Health
Some Child Hearing Loss Tied to Virus in Pregnancy Fri, 21 Jan 2011
Hearing loss in a child may have links to a virus that Mom got while she was pregnant, according to a new study.
Source: Reuters Health
WASHINGTON, DC, Jan. 20, 2011 - Surgeon General Regina M. Benjamin today issued a “Call to Action to Support Breastfeeding,” outlining steps that can be taken to remove some of the obstacles faced by women who want to breastfeed their babies.
Asians at greater risk for tear during delivery
Asians are nine times as likely as other women to experience severe tearing of the skin around the vagina during childbirth, Israeli researchers report.
Source: Reuters Health
Breastfeeding on Epilepsy Drugs No Harm to Kids' IQ Wed, 24 Nov 2010
Despite concerns that breastfeeding while Mom is on epilepsy medication could hinder infants' cognitive development, a small study out Wednesday finds no evidence of harm to early-childhood IQ.
Source: Reuters Health
Women Seeking Birth Control Get Unneeded Pelvic Exams Mon, 22 Nov 2010
Many doctors require that women have a pelvic exam before they can get a prescription for birth control pills, despite guidelines saying that the step is unnecessary, a new study finds.
Source: Reuters Health
Haitian Americans Show Poorer Diabetes Control Wed, 03 Nov 2010
Diabetics of Haitian descent may have a tougher time controlling their blood sugar than their African-American and white counterparts, a study at one U.S. hospital suggests.
Source: Reuters Health
Severe Morning Sickness Runs in Families Thu, 04 Nov 2010
A woman's chances of experiencing severe nausea during pregnancy appear to be influenced, at least in part, by genetics, according to new study findings.
Source: Reuters Health
Childhood Aggression May Be Linked to Stressful Birth Tue, 02 Nov 2010
Babies who undergo a difficult birth and are delivered using forceps are more likely to develop problems such as aggression during childhood compared with those born by Caesarean section, according to a study in China.
Source: Reuters Health
Obesity Programs Little Help for Black Girls Tue, 02 Nov 2010
Two large initiatives designed to prevent African-American girls from becoming obese are not very successful at it, according to two new studies.
Source: Reuters Health
Mediterranean Diet May Trim Diabetes Risk
Older adults who stick with a traditional Mediterranean diet rich in plant-based fats may help lower their risk of type 2 diabetes -- even without counting calories or shedding weight, new research hints.
Gum Disease Treatment Recommended During Pregnancy
Gum disease can be safely treated during pregnancy and appears to significantly reduce the risk of premature birth associated with periodontal disease, Pennsylvania researchers report.
When Moms Get Flu Shots, Babies Reap Benefits
Newborn babies whose mothers got a flu shot while pregnant are less likely to get the flu or to be admitted to the hospital with a respiratory illness in the first six months of life, U.S. researchers said on Monday.
Eight Virus Types Cause Almost All Cervical Cancer
Scientists have identified the eight human papillomavirus (HPV) types responsible for more than 90 percent of cervical cancer cases worldwide and say they should be the targets for the next generation of vaccines.
Source: Reuters Health
Similac Recall 2010: Abbott is recalling these products following an internal quality review, which detected the remote possibility of the presence of a small common beetle in the product produced in one production area in a single manufacturing facility. Products with affected lot numbers should be returned to Abbott at no cost to the consumer.
The recall of these powder infant formulas includes:
Certain Similac powder product lines offered in plastic containers.
Certain Similac powder product lines offered in 8-ounce, 12.4-ounce and 12.9-ounce cans.
As part of the Federal Executive Leadership Program, I was inspired to host a Let’s Move! Meetup in Salt Lake City. The leadership program, held in Richmond, VA, was aimed at developing skills to assume positions as team leaders, supervisors, and managers. I couldn’t think of a better way to test out what I had...
Becoming a mother is one of the most exciting times in a woman's life. Whether you're dreaming of motherhood, trying to conceive, or already pregnant, you've come to the right place. This section of womenshealth.gov will help you learn what you can do before, during, and after pregnancy to give your baby a healthy start to life. Begin your motherhood journey here...
The Healthy Woman: A Complete Guide for All Ages is available to order online and in bookstores nationwide. From the nation's leaders in women's health, the Guide covers a broad range of health topics affecting women of all ages.
Best Bones Forever
September 1st is the 1 year anniversary of Best Bones Forever (A bone health campaign for girls and their BFFs to "grow strong together and stay strong forever!")
National Cholesterol Education Month
September is National Cholesterol Education Month, a good time to get your blood cholesterol checked and take steps to lower it if it is high. National Cholesterol Education Month is also a good time to learn about lipid profiles and about food and lifestyle choices that help you reach personal cholesterol goals.
Healthy Recipes for a Healthy Life
It's Fruits and Veggies – More Matters Month (quite a mouthful!). In recognition of this great health observance, we're posting some festive fall-inspired recipes from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's "More Matters" website. Dive in!
Text4Baby Celebrated as an HHSinnovates Winner
Text4Baby was recognized by U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kathleen Sebelius as one of six winners of innovation awards in the first cycle of the HHSinnovates program. HHSinnovates is aimed at supporting a "culture of innovation" in one of the federal government's largest departments. The team was recognized during a ceremony at HHS in early August and included the Office on Women's Health's (OWH) director of the division of outreach and collaboration, Valerie Scardino. Text4Baby is a program that makes free information about prenatal and postnatal care available to mothers via their mobile phones. Congratulations to OWH and Text4Baby!
Heavier and wider kids Tue, 31 Aug 2010
A study says more American kids have been growing overweight – and, the study, which looked at different generations of kids, finds overweight kids have been growing even fatter.
