Happy & Obese; They Never Really Went Together 

Remember when folk thought that most obese people were inherently happy? New research shows that there is a definite connection between obesity and depression that is not good. Obese folk are often depressed and suffer from panic disorders and mood swings. Obese folk often will not exercise leading to more obesity. Obese folk often overeat in response to depression, anxiety, and other hidden factors. Depressed patients, on the other hand, often lack an appetite and lose a significant amount of weight while depressed. It appears that both depression and obesity start in the deep crevices of the brain. Keep in mind that the medication used to treat depression and obesity can cause similar side effects. Some depression medicine causes a lack of appetite and weight loss, while other medicines can increase one’s appetite and cause weight gain. It is a good chance that some obese folk are often unhappy. Now you have heard the real deal.

The Clock Can Tell More than Time

Cancer, HIV/AIDS and Alzheimer’s disease continue to be the most feared diseases by many Black folk. The medical research community and physicians have made tremendous progress in early diagnosis and treatment for most of these diseases, but Alzheimer’s disease continues to lag behind. One reason Alzheimer’s disease may continue to be easily misdiagnosed is because physicians often don’t take the time to make such a frightening diagnosis. Early clues regarding Alzheimer’s are often very settled. A fairly sensitive test that a physician can perform with 85% accuracy is called the clock test. Patients suspected of having Alzheimer’s disease are asked to draw the time 10:10 on the face of a clock. Alzheimer’s patients usually have difficulty drawing this picture. This simple test can lead physicians to administer more complex tests that will provide more accurate diagnoses. Hopefully these types of tests will be created sooner than later.

Racial Differences in Cancer

You may not be aware but there is a major difference of cancer in African Americans and White Americans. Pfizer pharmaceutical, in collaboration with the National Medical Association and Thomas Jefferson University, recently published a compelling report. In 2005, more than 177,000 black folk 20 years and older were diagnosed with cancer. About 722 black patients out of 100,000 will be diagnosed with Cancer this year as compared to 665 white patients out of 100,000. The black male population drives the number of incidence of Cancer higher. The incidence of cancer is lower in black women than white women. Some reasons why the incidence of cancer is higher among blacks than whites is because black males fear finding out, have very poor life style habits, and many have a genuine distrust in the medical community. As a result of this, the mortality rate among black males is higher---237/100,000 and 190/100,000 among black and whites, respectively.

Today I Lift Weights

It is well established that lifting weights is good for people at all ages and it is an activity that is well worth your while when you grow older. The medical literature is very clear. If one wants to grow older and maintain relative good strength for daily living, weight lifting for men and women is a good thing. If you have no idea of what weight lifting is all about, see a fitness trainer. They are experts in getting folk of all ages in good physical shape but it is up to you to maintain it. Lifting weights properly is a must because weights lifted improperly will cause you a lot of unnecessary pain. Talk with a friend and decide that you both are going to grow old gracefully and in good health. Weight lifting two or three times a week is not a bad investment for life long strength.

Are You Sure you are Walking Three Miles?

I encourage everybody to walk. All of the recent medical research encourages people to be involved in some kind of physical activity regularly. I also practice what I preach---I walk everyday for exercise. I was not surprised to find that recent research shows that all pedometers are not equal. A pedometer is an instrument used to keep track of how many steps are taken daily. It appears that “el cheapos” are not accurate and in fact 3 out of four give inaccurate readings. Two-thirds of pedometers give credit for steps not taken. I really prefer the old “get in your car and check the mileage” method. Besides most pedometers require some math and you know how we feel about that especially in this age of technology. Remember, if you want to improve your health, about 12 miles per week is the magic number for walking. Get some good walking shoes because you don’t want to be walking with bad feet and bad shoes.

What Do You Think?

Several weeks ago I explained to you that the CDC considered recommending that every one from ages 13 to 64 be tested routinely for HIV/AIDS. In other words this test would be treated no differently than a blood sugar test or urine test that is done routinely in a physician’s office. We know that HIV/AIDS is of epidemic proportion in the African American community and that more than half of new cases are Black women---they get it from Black men. I think the more important question is, once the infection has been discovered, will folk who are found to be positive have easy access to treatment and counseling? Also, will the community learn not to be judgmental about folk who are HIV positive so folk will be more willing to come forth and deal with their disease? This is public health 101. The last time I checked, the medical community was in favor 3 to 1 of testing everyone. What do you think?

“Smoking, Some Folk Don’t Get It.”

After much discussion the South Carolina Medical Association will come out strongly against Smoking. In our community we still have folk who don’t understand what smoking has done to the health of our loved ones. Let me connect a few dots for you concerning tobacco and the health of Black folk.

1. A major cause of the short life span of black men is smoking.

2. Smoking is a major cause of heart disease in black people.

3. Cigarette companies target the black community specifically.

4. Diabetes is a major health problem in the black community and smoking makes diabetes worse.

5. Smoking is one of the contributing factors of cancer in African Americans.

6. Hypertension is a major health dilemma and smoking makes hypertension a lethal weapon.

7. African Americans who try to stop smoking without help are rarely successful.

Smoking will cause you to have health problems; it’s just a matter of time good buddy. Brother, sister, family---it’s just a matter of time.