Ask Nichele
Q. I need to lose weight for my wedding in August. Will wearing a vinyl sweatsuit help?
A. Every time I see somebody walking around my favorite park in a
rubber suit, I pull out my CPR card and get ready to hit 911 on my cell
phone. Sweating is good. I sweat early, often and everywhere.
Evaporating perspiration cools us off. That’s what it’s for.
rubber suit, I pull out my CPR card and get ready to hit 911 on my cell
phone. Sweating is good. I sweat early, often and everywhere.
Evaporating perspiration cools us off. That’s what it’s for.
You can safely and effectively lose one to two pounds per week by
reducing your daily calories and upping your physical activity to
create a calorie deficit each day–calories in versus calories out.
That’s the only magic there is. If you start your program today, you
can safely set your goal at four to 18 pounds by August 1. Involve your
bridesmaids and family. Set up a little healthy competition and
support. Have a wedding day 5K walk and fun run.
reducing your daily calories and upping your physical activity to
create a calorie deficit each day–calories in versus calories out.
That’s the only magic there is. If you start your program today, you
can safely set your goal at four to 18 pounds by August 1. Involve your
bridesmaids and family. Set up a little healthy competition and
support. Have a wedding day 5K walk and fun run.
And if are trying to sweat to avoid retaining water, drink more
water. Your body won’t work so hard to hold on to it if it’s getting a
regular and plentiful supply.
water. Your body won’t work so hard to hold on to it if it’s getting a
regular and plentiful supply.
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Skip the Bird’s Eye View
If you’re a frequent flyer, you may know that long airplane
flights increase your risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a potentially
deadly blood clot that usually starts in the legs. But did you know
that where you sit on an airplane also could affect your risk of
developing the condition?
flights increase your risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a potentially
deadly blood clot that usually starts in the legs. But did you know
that where you sit on an airplane also could affect your risk of
developing the condition?
It might, according to a study by Dutch researchers in the British
Journal of Haematology. Researchers compared 80 DVT sufferers with 108
control subjects who’d recently flown for at least four hours. They
found that passengers sitting in window seats doubled their risk of
DVT; no increased risk was found for those in middle seats. Weight
appeared to increase the danger: Obese passengers in window seats were
six times more likely to develop DVT than those in aisle seats.
Journal of Haematology. Researchers compared 80 DVT sufferers with 108
control subjects who’d recently flown for at least four hours. They
found that passengers sitting in window seats doubled their risk of
DVT; no increased risk was found for those in middle seats. Weight
appeared to increase the danger: Obese passengers in window seats were
six times more likely to develop DVT than those in aisle seats.
One explanation for the increased risk: Passengers are more
cramped in window seats. Another is that passengers fall asleep by a
window. In fact, sleeping for several hours at a time during long
flights is known to increase one’s risk of a blood clot, which can be
deadly if it travels from the bloodstream to the lungs, causing
pulmonary embolism.
cramped in window seats. Another is that passengers fall asleep by a
window. In fact, sleeping for several hours at a time during long
flights is known to increase one’s risk of a blood clot, which can be
deadly if it travels from the bloodstream to the lungs, causing
pulmonary embolism.
Researchers found that flying business class reduced passenger
risk by about 30 percent. They also found that standard advice from
clinicians and airlines for preventing in-flight DVT–drinking water,
exercising, wearing compression stockings and avoiding alcohol–was
inconsequential or had an opposite outcome.
risk by about 30 percent. They also found that standard advice from
clinicians and airlines for preventing in-flight DVT–drinking water,
exercising, wearing compression stockings and avoiding alcohol–was
inconsequential or had an opposite outcome.
But one of the study’s critics cautioned against reconsidering
preventive advice for passengers. The study sample was just too small.
preventive advice for passengers. The study sample was just too small.
–Nicole Crawford-Tichawonna
Affordable Birth Control
Remember the good old days when you paid between $3 and $5 for
birth control pills? If you get your contraceptives at a health clinic
or on a college campus, affordable birth control may be back. President
Obama recently signed the Affordable Birth Control Act, a provision in
his $410 million 2009 Omnibus Spending Bill, making contraceptives more
affordable.
The new law undoes the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 that caused
the price of birth control to spike for clinic patients, college
students and Medicaid-eligible women, to the tune of $30 and $50 per
month. Many women found they had to make a choice between paying for
food and their birth control. While many pharmacies and clinics started
offering lower cost, generic versions, several contraceptives,
including NuvaRing, were unavailable in a generic form.
the price of birth control to spike for clinic patients, college
students and Medicaid-eligible women, to the tune of $30 and $50 per
month. Many women found they had to make a choice between paying for
food and their birth control. While many pharmacies and clinics started
offering lower cost, generic versions, several contraceptives,
including NuvaRing, were unavailable in a generic form.
While the law goes into effect immediately, you might not see the
savings at the pharmacy for several months. Most clinics on college
campuses will have to sell off their existing supply at the current
higher pricing before they renegotiate lower-priced contraceptives next
year. Check with your health center or pharmacy to find out when you
can expect to see the savings. –Andrea Collier
savings at the pharmacy for several months. Most clinics on college
campuses will have to sell off their existing supply at the current
higher pricing before they renegotiate lower-priced contraceptives next
year. Check with your health center or pharmacy to find out when you
can expect to see the savings. –Andrea Collier
Change the Color of Your Nursery
It all started with our hospital tour. My husband and I, as wide-eyed
with excitement as first-time expecting parents can possibly be, followed the nurse leading the tour. We
dutifully took notes about where to check in, what paperwork to bring
and, as we stopped by the nursery where tiny bundles of newborn life
lay in innocent sleep, we began to imagine how we might feel when the
life tumbling inside me pushed into the world. Then, breaking us out of
our sentimental reverie, the nurse told us we’d have to select our
pediatrician and start making decisions about our baby’s vaccination
schedule with the doctor before our due date. All my calm joy
disappeared in that hospital corridor, and my wide eyes no longer
signaled excitement, but a growing sense of dread.
As my second trimester progressed, more than the specter of
mercury-laced vaccinations began to grip us. News reports about lead in
children’s toys surfaced. Suddenly, every purchase of a Teddy bear or
playmat required a burdensome meticulousness. I had to negotiate a
twinge of fear with every trip down the baby aisle. That twinge grew to
an impossible-to-ignore twang when we headed out to register for our
baby showers.
My college friend and mother of two young boys, Aisha Salmon,
volunteered to help us register. I figured Salmon would be an excellent
source of information for things like which stroller is best for the
subway and which baby carrier would enable me to nurse with dignity as
I negotiate the crowds of New York City. I got more than I bargained
for when she warned me to register only for bottles labeled Bisphenol A, or BPA, free.
mercury-laced vaccinations began to grip us. News reports about lead in
children’s toys surfaced. Suddenly, every purchase of a Teddy bear or
playmat required a burdensome meticulousness. I had to negotiate a
twinge of fear with every trip down the baby aisle. That twinge grew to
an impossible-to-ignore twang when we headed out to register for our
baby showers.
My college friend and mother of two young boys, Aisha Salmon,
volunteered to help us register. I figured Salmon would be an excellent
source of information for things like which stroller is best for the
subway and which baby carrier would enable me to nurse with dignity as
I negotiate the crowds of New York City. I got more than I bargained
for when she warned me to register only for bottles labeled Bisphenol A, or BPA, free.
Huh?
And then, the discovery that changed everything popped up in my
e-mail. Carter’s (yes, Carter’s!) fall 2007 tagless clothing line,
including onesies, had produced second-degree burns on the backs of
about 400 newborns. Though the company’s official site calls the
reactions “allergic” not burns, I saw Internet pictures of baby’s backs
that made me shudder as hard as a Braxton-Hicks contraction.
e-mail. Carter’s (yes, Carter’s!) fall 2007 tagless clothing line,
including onesies, had produced second-degree burns on the backs of
about 400 newborns. Though the company’s official site calls the
reactions “allergic” not burns, I saw Internet pictures of baby’s backs
that made me shudder as hard as a Braxton-Hicks contraction.
Thimerosol, lead, BPA–oh, my! They were enough to make any young
mother go gray. And now I also had to second guess Carter’s, the
clothing I grew up wearing! Exactly what kind of world will I be
bringing my child into?
mother go gray. And now I also had to second guess Carter’s, the
clothing I grew up wearing! Exactly what kind of world will I be
bringing my child into?
My husband and I decided it would be an organic one. As much as
possible on our average American budget, we are going to create a green
nursery. Conflicting information didn’t make this easy. I received an
e-mail from Kimberly Seals Allers, author of The Mocha Manual to a
Fabulous Pregnancy, that said: “A few months ago the FDA tried to tell
us we were just hysterical moms with nothing to worry about when it
stated Bisphenol A was safe at the levels where it appears in most
consumer products…. Another government agency, the National Toxicology
Program, concluded there is ’some concern’ that BPA alters development
of the brain, prostate and behavior in children and fetuses.”
possible on our average American budget, we are going to create a green
nursery. Conflicting information didn’t make this easy. I received an
e-mail from Kimberly Seals Allers, author of The Mocha Manual to a
Fabulous Pregnancy, that said: “A few months ago the FDA tried to tell
us we were just hysterical moms with nothing to worry about when it
stated Bisphenol A was safe at the levels where it appears in most
consumer products…. Another government agency, the National Toxicology
Program, concluded there is ’some concern’ that BPA alters development
of the brain, prostate and behavior in children and fetuses.”
I get nothing but similarly conflicting reports as I surf for
credible, authoritative information regarding vaccines and autism. And
Carter’s never actually recalled those tagless clothes, as it claimed
the items affected less than 1 percent of its customers. And what
happened to the big hullabaloo over lead in toys? Allers has helped me
negotiate this maze of contradictory information. “As black mothers,”
she says, “we know better than most not to rely solely on the
government to tell us what’s safe.”
credible, authoritative information regarding vaccines and autism. And
Carter’s never actually recalled those tagless clothes, as it claimed
the items affected less than 1 percent of its customers. And what
happened to the big hullabaloo over lead in toys? Allers has helped me
negotiate this maze of contradictory information. “As black mothers,”
she says, “we know better than most not to rely solely on the
government to tell us what’s safe.”
So we registered for organic products, from crib sheets to infant
soft books to chlorine-free diapers to Seventh Generation cleaning
products like detergent and dishwashing liquid. We look forward to
having a frank, informed discussion about vaccinations. We’ll use
BPA-free bottles, and when I shop, I read labels to check where
products are made. We’re also checking out NexGen Cosmetics African
American Baby Care organic product line (africanamericanbabycare.com).
I can breathe deeply and not inhale a load of toxins knowing I’m buying
green products for our baby’s nursery while also supporting black-owned
businesses.
–Eisa Ulen
Step Healthy
As a teenager, New York State First Lady Michelle Paige Paterson
learned firsthand how important physical fitness and healthy eating can
be to mental health and self esteem. “When I went through puberty, I
started gaining weight and going through depression,” Paterson says.
“Then I started eating healthy and running, and it changed my life.
Exercise really helped me feel better and more confident about myself.”
learned firsthand how important physical fitness and healthy eating can
be to mental health and self esteem. “When I went through puberty, I
started gaining weight and going through depression,” Paterson says.
“Then I started eating healthy and running, and it changed my life.
Exercise really helped me feel better and more confident about myself.”
Paterson’s love of
healthy living is one she’d like to share with her state’s young
residents, particularly those living in urban areas where there are few
opportunities for organized physical fitness. So when her husband,
David, became governor, she decided to launch a state-sponsored
version of her Healthy Steps to Albany program.
healthy living is one she’d like to share with her state’s young
residents, particularly those living in urban areas where there are few
opportunities for organized physical fitness. So when her husband,
David, became governor, she decided to launch a state-sponsored
version of her Healthy Steps to Albany program.
Paterson first created
a local version of the obesity-fighting program while living in New
York City. “I was bothered by the gro
wing number of overweight and obese kids,” she says. “I wanted to do
something to motivate and educate them about what happens when you eat
whatever you want and don’t exercise.” A statewide version of the
physical fitness contest, which challenges middle school students to
increase their fitness by competing with each other to walk 4 million
steps over a six-week period, launched in March. Participating
classrooms receive activity recommendations and materials for tracking
their progress. Winning classrooms lunch with the governor and first
lady, take a trip to a local organic farm and receive other prizes.
a local version of the obesity-fighting program while living in New
York City. “I was bothered by the gro
wing number of overweight and obese kids,” she says. “I wanted to do
something to motivate and educate them about what happens when you eat
whatever you want and don’t exercise.” A statewide version of the
physical fitness contest, which challenges middle school students to
increase their fitness by competing with each other to walk 4 million
steps over a six-week period, launched in March. Participating
classrooms receive activity recommendations and materials for tracking
their progress. Winning classrooms lunch with the governor and first
lady, take a trip to a local organic farm and receive other prizes.
The Healthy Steps
challenge will engage 26,000 middle school students in 2009, but
Paterson plans to expand it next year. “I want to grab them in the
middle school years,” she says, “so we can help them develop a healthy
lifestyle that will stay with them throughout adulthood.”
challenge will engage 26,000 middle school students in 2009, but
Paterson plans to expand it next year. “I want to grab them in the
middle school years,” she says, “so we can help them develop a healthy
lifestyle that will stay with them throughout adulthood.”
–Shawn Rhea
Cholesterol-Lowering Shopping Tips
Lowering your cholesterol means limiting the grams of fat you eat
(particularly saturated and trans fat), cutting back on protein foods
like meat and dairy, and cutting cholesterol consumption by eating more
complex carbs. Here’s Heart & Soul’s shopping list for your next
trip to the store:
(particularly saturated and trans fat), cutting back on protein foods
like meat and dairy, and cutting cholesterol consumption by eating more
complex carbs. Here’s Heart & Soul’s shopping list for your next
trip to the store:
Fresh fruit and veggies. Oranges, apples, pears, grapes, bell
peppers, broccoli tomatoes, dark leafy greens, kale, celery, zucchini,
squash
peppers, broccoli tomatoes, dark leafy greens, kale, celery, zucchini,
squash
Poultry and fish. Boneless and skinless chicken breasts and tenders, ground chicken or turkey, salmon, tuna, tilapia, trout
Limited dairy. Skim or 1 percent milk, nonfat or 1 percent fat
yogurt (plain or with fruit), soy-based cheeses or yogurts, egg
substitutes or egg whites
yogurt (plain or with fruit), soy-based cheeses or yogurts, egg
substitutes or egg whites
Nuts. Walnuts, almonds, sunflower seeds, sesame seeds
Salt replacements. Onion powder, cloves, paprika, bay leaves, basil, oregano
Snacks. Brown rice cakes, whole grain pretzels, plain or light microwave popcorn
Beans, grains, complex carbs. Lentils, kidney, pinto, black beans, brown rice, oatmeal, whole wheat pasta, whole-grain breads
-Kennedy Spencer
Heart Healthy Sleep
Scratch another old myth: A recent study released by the
University of Chicago proves it’s the lack of sleep that’s actually the
cousin of death. The findings, published in the Journal of the American
Medical Association, confirm what nagging mothers and teachers have
told us for years–not getting enough shut eye at night can make you
sick.
University of Chicago proves it’s the lack of sleep that’s actually the
cousin of death. The findings, published in the Journal of the American
Medical Association, confirm what nagging mothers and teachers have
told us for years–not getting enough shut eye at night can make you
sick.
That, however, is an
understatement. According to the study, which followed the sleep
patterns of men and women between the ages of 35 and 47, almost 30
percent of the participants who caught less than five hours of restful
sleep every night developed plaque in their heart vessels. On the other
hand, only 11 percent of patients who got the recommended five to seven
hours and 6 percent who racked up more than seven hours of Zs showed
any signs of calcium buildup in their arteries, which can create the
plaques that cause heart attacks and strokes. The results confirmed a
suspected connection held by the medical community for ages.
understatement. According to the study, which followed the sleep
patterns of men and women between the ages of 35 and 47, almost 30
percent of the participants who caught less than five hours of restful
sleep every night developed plaque in their heart vessels. On the other
hand, only 11 percent of patients who got the recommended five to seven
hours and 6 percent who racked up more than seven hours of Zs showed
any signs of calcium buildup in their arteries, which can create the
plaques that cause heart attacks and strokes. The results confirmed a
suspected connection held by the medical community for ages.
“Disorder of sleep is
now considered a risk factor over and above traditional risk factors,”
says Richard Staudacher, M.D., a cardiologist at ProHealth Care Medical
Associates in New Berlin, Wisconsin. “The surprising part about the
study was that [plaque accumulation] happened in a re
latively short period of time.”
now considered a risk factor over and above traditional risk factors,”
says Richard Staudacher, M.D., a cardiologist at ProHealth Care Medical
Associates in New Berlin, Wisconsin. “The surprising part about the
study was that [plaque accumulation] happened in a re
latively short period of time.”
The upside to drawing
the parallel between a good night’s rest and good heart health (besides
an excuse to snag more sleep)? “Plaque volume is reversible with proper
diet,” Dr. Staudacher advises. “In general, if somebody has coronary
disease with plaquing, there can be a reversal with modification of
risk factors like quitting smoking, losing weight and controlling
diabetes and cholesterol.”
the parallel between a good night’s rest and good heart health (besides
an excuse to snag more sleep)? “Plaque volume is reversible with proper
diet,” Dr. Staudacher advises. “In general, if somebody has coronary
disease with plaquing, there can be a reversal with modification of
risk factors like quitting smoking, losing weight and controlling
diabetes and cholesterol.”
–Janelle Harris
Best Specialty Hospitals in the Country
HIV/AIDS
Center for Special Studies
New York City
A part of New York-Presbyterian University Hospital of Columbia
and Cornell, the Center for Special Studies provides specialized care
to meet a wide range of needs, including
and Cornell, the Center for Special Studies provides specialized care
to meet a wide range of needs, including
spiritual, emotional and social, for people infected with or
affected by HIV/AIDS. In addition, CSS established the Starfish
Project, a collaborative program that provides training, education,
support and medications to two hospitals in Nigeria.
affected by HIV/AIDS. In addition, CSS established the Starfish
Project, a collaborative program that provides training, education,
support and medications to two hospitals in Nigeria.
Plastic Surgery
The
Johns Hopkins Center for Facial
Johns Hopkins Center for Facial
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
and the Wilmer Eye Institute
Baltimore
The Center for Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery performs
cosmetic procedures, including botox and major and minor surgical
enhancements. Kofi Boahene, M.D., world renown for his work with ethnic
skin, helps patients create the look they want. The Wilmer Eye
Institute is ranked one of the premier eye care centers in the nation
and is a leader in laser vision correction.
cosmetic procedures, including botox and major and minor surgical
enhancements. Kofi Boahene, M.D., world renown for his work with ethnic
skin, helps patients create the look they want. The Wilmer Eye
Institute is ranked one of the premier eye care centers in the nation
and is a leader in laser vision correction.
Breast Cancer
The Nellie B. Connally Breast Center
Houston
The center is one of the largest in the country and offers
comprehensive treatment for all forms and stages of breast cancer, as
well as surgical reconstruction options. One of the key initiatives is
the Young Breast Cancer
comprehensive treatment for all forms and stages of breast cancer, as
well as surgical reconstruction options. One of the key initiatives is
the Young Breast Cancer
Survivors’ Program, which caters to women younger than 45, including those who are pregnant.
Reproductive Health
Brigham and Women’s Hospital
Boston
The hospital is a teaching affiliate of Harvard Medical School and has been recognized as
a world leader in both routine and complex
obstetrics/gynecological care, as well as gender-specific health
maintenance. It has extensive outpatient services and clinics equipped
with state of the art diagnostic and treatment technologies.
obstetrics/gynecological care, as well as gender-specific health
maintenance. It has extensive outpatient services and clinics equipped
with state of the art diagnostic and treatment technologies.
For a list of the top 15 hospitals in the country, pick up a copy of the February/March 2009 issue of Heart & Soul.
--Kennedy Spencer
Be Well
When it comes to strengthening the immune system, people would do
better to think in terms of overall quality of life rather than
specific steps to take. According to some physicians, improving one’s
ability to fight off colds can have as much to do with being kind as it
does with eating good foods.
better to think in terms of overall quality of life rather than
specific steps to take. According to some physicians, improving one’s
ability to fight off colds can have as much to do with being kind as it
does with eating good foods.
The immune system is a complex network that protects the body from
relatively simple infections, such as influenza, and more serious
illnesses, such as cancer. It’s not something that “you can simply
build up at will,” says Michael Foggs, M.D., chief of allergy, asthma
and immunology for Chicago-based Advocate Health Centers.
relatively simple infections, such as influenza, and more serious
illnesses, such as cancer. It’s not something that “you can simply
build up at will,” says Michael Foggs, M.D., chief of allergy, asthma
and immunology for Chicago-based Advocate Health Centers.
At the most basic level, he concedes, improving the immune system
means eating properly, getting plenty of rest and avoiding toxins. “Not
processed food, but food loaded with antioxidants–fruits and organic
vegetables.”
means eating properly, getting plenty of rest and avoiding toxins. “Not
processed food, but food loaded with antioxidants–fruits and organic
vegetables.”
Non-restorative rest or inadequate sleep can lead to physiological
imbalances that affect your body’s ability to fight infection. Stress
weakens the system, causing hormonal imbalances.
imbalances that affect your body’s ability to fight infection. Stress
weakens the system, causing hormonal imbalances.
As for toxins, Dr. Foggs says that beyond known outdoor
pollutants, a host of synthetic materials found indoors can build up in
the body. Paint, carpet linings and bioaerosols often can be more
harmful, he says, than some outdoor pollutants. Not all indiv
iduals will have the same response to such elements. He says, however,
that those suffering regularly from red watery eyes, headaches, itching
and respiratory distress need to inspect their indoor environment
carefully.
pollutants, a host of synthetic materials found indoors can build up in
the body. Paint, carpet linings and bioaerosols often can be more
harmful, he says, than some outdoor pollutants. Not all indiv
iduals will have the same response to such elements. He says, however,
that those suffering regularly from red watery eyes, headaches, itching
and respiratory distress need to inspect their indoor environment
carefully.
Many people fight toxins with a homeopathic approach. Echinacea,
for example, has been said to decrease the prevalence and severity of
colds. Dr. Foggs, who says medical science disputes this claim,
cautions against believing that all homeopathic formulations or
treatments can do the trick “without official evidence to prove their
validity based on randomized controlled clinical trials.”
for example, has been said to decrease the prevalence and severity of
colds. Dr. Foggs, who says medical science disputes this claim,
cautions against believing that all homeopathic formulations or
treatments can do the trick “without official evidence to prove their
validity based on randomized controlled clinical trials.”
Still, there’s something to be said for living cleanly and well.
Robert Anderson, Ph.D., founder and executive director of the American
Board of Integrative Holistic Medicine based in Washington state,
encourages patients to lower their stress levels–a major factor in
compromised immune systems according to conventional and homeopathic
practitioners –through, among other things, exercise, meditation and
touch. Anderson also espouses thinking of others.
Robert Anderson, Ph.D., founder and executive director of the American
Board of Integrative Holistic Medicine based in Washington state,
encourages patients to lower their stress levels–a major factor in
compromised immune systems according to conventional and homeopathic
practitioners –through, among other things, exercise, meditation and
touch. Anderson also espouses thinking of others.
“Volunteers in a study at Harvard watched a 30-minute video
showing the work of Mother Teresa. Their salivary [immunoglobulin A
(IgA)] levels increased significantly after viewing the film,” Anderson
says. “Levels increased even in volunteers who had a negative feeling
about the film. It seems even viewing altruism improves our immune
defenses.” IgA is a chief antibody tha
t protects against infections.
showing the work of Mother Teresa. Their salivary [immunoglobulin A
(IgA)] levels increased significantly after viewing the film,” Anderson
says. “Levels increased even in volunteers who had a negative feeling
about the film. It seems even viewing altruism improves our immune
defenses.” IgA is a chief antibody tha
t protects against infections.
A common manifestation of immune system disease is asthma. Dr.
Foggs, who co-authored the most recent National Institutes of Health
“Expert 3 Panel: Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of
Asthma,” says across ethnic groups, young boys present more of this
respiratory disease than girls. By puberty, however, girls’ rates are
higher. And it manifests in black women at higher rates than any other
ethnic minority.
Foggs, who co-authored the most recent National Institutes of Health
“Expert 3 Panel: Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of
Asthma,” says across ethnic groups, young boys present more of this
respiratory disease than girls. By puberty, however, girls’ rates are
higher. And it manifests in black women at higher rates than any other
ethnic minority.
Acknowledging environmental and genetic factors in how your body
responds to attacks, Dr. Foggs and Anderson encourage people to simply
take care of themselves as the best defense. It’s the one method over
which you have the most control.
responds to attacks, Dr. Foggs and Anderson encourage people to simply
take care of themselves as the best defense. It’s the one method over
which you have the most control.
–Monette Austin Bailey
Hurdling Asthma
For a time in Jackie Joyner-Kersee’s life, she was overcome with
self-doubt and fear. She was 18 years old, a multi-sport star at
UCLA–far from her beloved East St. Louis, Illinois, roots–who had come
face to face with an opponent she wasn’t convinced she could beat:
asthma.”I had lived in denial for a very long time,” Joyner-Kersee
recalls. “I didn’t want to accept it because I knew I wanted to have a
great quality of life. But once I realized asthma was a disease I
really couldn’t play around with, I decided to educate myself.”
Joyner-Kersee has managed to live quite the life with asthma.
Considered one of the greatest athletes of all time, she was the first
woman to win back-to-back Olympic gold medals in the heptathlon, the
grueling seven-discipline event.
Considered one of the greatest athletes of all time, she was the first
woman to win back-to-back Olympic gold medals in the heptathlon, the
grueling seven-discipline event.
“I always took preventive measures to prevent an attack,” says
Joyner-Kersee. “Sometimes there were circumstances I had no control
over, like changes in climate or altitude, but this is where the
controlling part of it comes into play.”
Joyner-Kersee. “Sometimes there were circumstances I had no control
over, like changes in climate or altitude, but this is where the
controlling part of it comes into play.”
Now retired from competition, Joyner-Kersee, 46, is on a crusade
to educate people about the disease, particularly the importance of
getting a flu shot. This year, more than more than 36,000 people will
die from influenza, according to the Centers for Disease Co
ntrol and Prevention.
to educate people about the disease, particularly the importance of
getting a flu shot. This year, more than more than 36,000 people will
die from influenza, according to the Centers for Disease Co
ntrol and Prevention.
To help bolster her role as an advocate for asthmatics and
athletes nationwide, Joyner-Kersee has joined forces with the Medco
Tour of Champions, which is designed to educate and empower Americans
to become champions of their health by managing chronic conditions. The
campaign team consists of six gold medalist athletes, including Bob
Beamon (diabetes), Peggy Fleming (breast cancer ) and Greg Louganis
(HIV).
athletes nationwide, Joyner-Kersee has joined forces with the Medco
Tour of Champions, which is designed to educate and empower Americans
to become champions of their health by managing chronic conditions. The
campaign team consists of six gold medalist athletes, including Bob
Beamon (diabetes), Peggy Fleming (breast cancer ) and Greg Louganis
(HIV).
“Some people confuse being out of shape with an asthmatic
condition,” Joyner-Kersee says. “They have to learn the difference
between the body not being able to put the mileage in you want and a
full-blown asthma attack.” Which is why the flu shot is so important.
The American Lung Association says only 8 percent of people with
asthma get a flu shot. (If every asthmatic got the shot, 100,000
hospital visits could be prevented a year.)
condition,” Joyner-Kersee says. “They have to learn the difference
between the body not being able to put the mileage in you want and a
full-blown asthma attack.” Which is why the flu shot is so important.
The American Lung Association says only 8 percent of people with
asthma get a flu shot. (If every asthmatic got the shot, 100,000
hospital visits could be prevented a year.)
Joyner-Kersee relies on different medications to control her
asthma and consults with a specialist. And she stays busy as a
motivational speaker and with her Jackie Joyner-Kersee Foundation (jackiejoyner-kerseefoundation.org ).
A motivational book and an apparel line for girls are in the works.
“Who says you can’t be an athlete and have an active lifestyle with
asthma? I have taken athletics to the highest level. I know it can be
done.”
asthma and consults with a specialist. And she stays busy as a
motivational speaker and with her Jackie Joyner-Kersee Foundation (jackiejoyner-
A motivational book and an apparel line for girls are in the works.
“Who says you can’t be an athlete and have an active lifestyle with
asthma? I have taken athletics to the highest level. I know it can be
done.”
–Mark W. Wright
