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A “Safety Net” for Tough Times –

Boot Camp for New Dads Shares Strategies for Families in Need

Every year, infant formula is one of the most shoplifted items throughout the country.  This brings into focus a problem faced by increasing numbers of families with a new baby as the economy tanks.

Parents of new babies who wondered “how am I going to afford this” before their baby arrived, are now losing part or all of their income and/or home. Now what? There’s no real answer for them, other than cutting back and trying to replace the lost income. If they don’t have luck with replacing that income, things can get steadily worse.  With a baby screaming due to hunger and no money to pay for infant formula (which runs $50 per week), the temptation for a father to steal it from the local market is understandable.  Yet, it is not an option.  Dad being arrested for shoplifting will only add to the economic nightmare for a young family. 

According to Greg Bishop, founder of Boot Camp for New Dads, a non-profit orientation program for fathers-to-be, operating in more than 260 hospitals, clinics, schools, fire stations and churches around North America and internationally, and author of two books on fathering, there are alternatives available for feeding baby and family.

Bishop explained, “Every community has a ’safety net’ for families falling off the economic ladder and they generally give priority to children. Dad will need to learn how to navigate this network, which can be very frustrating, particularly now when there is growing competition for limited resources and each community has a unique arrangement of resources and organizations involved.”

But, assistance is out there.  Boot Camp for New Dads provides some basic guidelines to follow:

• Look for support early when it becomes apparent you may need it.  There may be waiting lists, or an eligibility period, etc. Connect with the local information and referral system.  Don’t know where to start?  Ask at a church, county welfare, a senior citizen center or food bank.
• Start with a local food bank to supplement your family’s meal costs.  They can also provide a wealth of information (talk to others in line and staff as well) for anyone accessing the “safety-net” for the first time.
• Check into your family’s eligibility for food stamps.  The national program through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service is now known as SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program).  The SNAP program provides families with an electronic card, similar to an ATM card which may be used for groceries.  In general, families with an income of less than $2000 per month for a family of four are eligible.  (Visit www.fns.usda.gov/FSP)
• Housing is tough due to limited resources.  Homeless shelters can be a temporary fix, but they are not set up for families.  Subsidized housing may be an option that is available to you and your family, but waiting lists are involved, so investigate this option as soon as you know you may need it.
• You may be eligible for help with your utility bills, especially heating oil.  Check with your local referral system.
• Temporary income assistance may also be available from your county welfare office.
• If you lose your health insurance, check out local health clinics for the uninsured for both treatment and information on insurance alternatives (like Medicaid for your child).
• Look for odd jobs to pay something. 

Bishop continued, “When times are tough, the man who does whatever is necessary, in an honest way, to take care of his family, is a man in its truest sense.”

Tips, Advice, Instructions and more

Greg Bishop offers strategies from more than 200,000 new dads that have gone through the Boot Camp for New Dads program in his second book, Crash Course for New Dads:  Tools, Checklists and Cheat Sheets.  His first book, Hit the Ground Crawling, covers work balance, being a dad, caring for a new mom and much more.  Both books are available online at www.DadsAdventure.com.

New Dads Learn What to Expect at Boot Camp Workshops

Dads-to-be will be better equipped to face the challenges and opportunities of fatherhood after attending a Boot Camp “hands on” educational workshop. Men attend the class when they are expecting their first baby, and are joined in the workshop by “veterans” who had previously attended and have returned with their two to four-month-old baby in tow.  They are able to give the dads-to-be a realistic idea of what to do and what to expect when their first baby comes.  For many men attending, it’s their first time holding a baby.

Boot Camp for New Dads        

Now celebrating their 18th year, Boot Camp for New Dads is nationally acclaimed as the “Best Practice” for preparing men to be fathers and has been named a U.S. Navy Model Program.  Boot Camp for New Dads has prepared more than 200,000 men for fatherhood over the years. 

With more than 4.1 million births (National Center for Health Statistics) and approximately 1.5 million men becoming new dads every year, it’s more important than ever for fathers to realize that being a “good provider” is only part of the very central role they have in their children’s lives.

 For more information about Boot Camp for New Dads, visit www.bcnd.org, or to visit Dads Adventure, go to www.DadsAdventure.com.

TOP SERIOUS HEALTH CONCERNS

FOR AFRICAN AMERICANS

The top serious health concerns for African Americans are:

·    Cardiovascular Disease—The #1 killer of African Americans.

·    Diabetes—3.2 million African Americans have diabetes, yet more than 33% do not know it.

·    Vitamin D Deficiency—Low Vitamin D has been associated with several types of cancer as well as certain autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus.

·   HIV/AIDS—Nearly half of the people who get HIV/AIDS are African American, suffering more deaths than any other race.

·   Cancer—Lung, Breast, Colon, Prostate—African American men are 35% more likely to die from prostate or colon cancer than Caucasian men and African American women are 18% more likely to die from breast cancer because of a genetic predisposition to aggressive forms of cancer. 

“This is a national tragedy,” says Dr. Reginald S. Fowler, a member of the MDVIP nationwide network of doctors specializing in preventive and personalized healthcare.  “The good news is that the risk of early death among African Americans can be reduced with a comprehensive annual physical examination, nutritional counseling, as well as, talking and listening to patients.”

Dr. Fowler’s recommendations for these diseases are:

·     Cardiovascular Disease—The number one killer of all Americans but several studies show it is far worse for African Americans who are at greater risk for coronary disease or stroke.  Poor nutrition, lack of exercise, cigarette smoking and family history coupled with high blood pressure and cholesterol concerns are the significant contributors to the development of these diseases. Dr. Fowler says that proper nutrition and exercise is the key to reversing the downward spiral.  He adds that eating fish like salmon, tuna and mackerel which contain omega 3 fatty acids can help significantly.  Also, cholesterol and blood pressure lowering drugs can be beneficial.  

·     Diabetes—African Americans have more complications. Dr. Fowler recommends that regular consultations with a doctor are necessary and when nutrition alone does not help, closely monitored medication is a necessity. 

·     Vitamin D Deficiency— African Americans have larger amounts of melanin which filters sunlight and decreases the absorption of the sun’s rays necessary for Vitamin D production. Dr. Fowler says there are few sources of Vitamin D other than sunlight and milk.  Cheese and other dairy products are less effective.  In addition, many African Americans are lactose intolerant, so the most common food sources are not options.  Vitamin D supplements are the answer. 

·     HIV/AIDS—In addition to HIV/AIDS, there are other issues facing African Americans including sexually transmitted diseases, lack of education and problems with using appropriate measures to eliminate the risk.  Dr. Fowler says that the sometimes uncomfortable discussions about sex are crucial to the safety of sexually active individuals.  A blood test can detect the disease and education can help stem the spread of the disease.

·      Lung, Breast, Colon and Prostate Cancer—Dr. Fowler says that the medical and family history of patients is crucial.  In addition, screenings such as a mammogram, colonoscopy, chest x-ray and blood tests for these diseases on a regular basis is essential.  Dr. Fowler strongly recommends that everyone should begin getting colonoscopies at age 50; however, he and other experts say African Americans can reasonably begin having them at 45.  Early screening can improve a person’s ten year survival rate by 80-90%.  Exercise is also important in maintaining one’s health but patients should always consult with their doctor initially.

Dr. Fowler says, “One major aspect to preventing as well as controlling most diseases is nutrition. Eating more fruits, vegetables, grains and nuts such as walnuts and almonds, and less red meat can help to decrease the incidence of many diseases.  And don’t forget exercise.”  He also believes that many diseases can be diagnosed earlier or avoided altogether by a complete annual physical and carefully listening to patients.  A sign hangs in his exam rooms for patients to see that says, Talk To Me.  “It is critical to have an open relationship with your doctor in addition to a comprehensive annual physical examination,” he advises.  “To create the perfect wellness plan for a patient, it is important to talk about everything, and I mean everything.  The information that is garnered through conversation is crucial to maintaining your health.”

Unfortunately, the aforementioned diseases are not the only diseases that have high incidences in the African American community.  These are others to be concerned about:

·      Sickle Cell Anemia—African Americans have a 1 in 12 chance of suffering from this genetic disorder which is incurable with a life expectancy in the 50s for those with this disorder. However, the side effects and complications can be relieved with medicines and most importantly proper diet, nutrition and exercise. Each patient has different symptoms and a simple blood test can detect this blood disorder where the red cells are sickle or c-shaped and don’t move through the blood efficiently. 

·      Asthma—African Americans are more frequently hospitalized for asthma attacks than any other race.  More than 33% of those hospitalized are children.  African American children whose parents smoke are at the highest risk pool of all demographic groups for contracting asthma and early death.  Dr. Fowler strongly recommends implementation of smoke-free environments and careful screening of household products and furnishings for offending air toxins and dust.

·      Hepatitis C—More prevalent in the African American population and can lead to chronic liver disease and liver cancer which is a killer. The danger is that an infected person may not have symptoms and, frequently, liver protein tests are normal. One preventive measure Dr Fowler recommends is that people who frequent nail salons bring their own manicure tools with them and that the salon follows strict health and safety guidelines.

·      Depression—African Americans have a high incidence of depression which can lead to suicide. Many people never discuss mental health with their physicians. Dr. Fowler recommends talking with your doctor about everything that is ailing you–both physically and mentally. Depression is treatable with medications such as anti-depressants as well as psychoanalysis. 

About Reginald S. Fowler, M.D.  

 Dr. Reginald Fowler is an MDVIP affiliated primary care physician based in Atlanta, Georgia.  He is board certified in Internal Medicine and is affiliated with Emory University’s Crawford W. Long Hospital and one of Atlanta’s largest hospitals, Piedmont Hospital.  He is Clinical Assistant Professor of Family and Community Medicine at Morehouse Medical School.  He earned his medical degree at Tufts University School of Medicine in Boston, Massachusetts, and received his undergraduate degree from Brown University.  He completed his internship and residency at Emory University Affiliated Hospitals in Atlanta, Georgia. Dr. Fowler is a fellow in the American Academy of Disability Evaluating Physicians.  In addition, he has served on a number of advisory boards and professional organizations, including the Multicultural National Advisor Board, Glaxo Pharmaceuticals, and Trinity Warriors Youth Association.  He is currently a member of 100 Black Men of Atlanta.

In her latest novel focused on world issues, Ellis (the Breadwinner trilogy) focuses on the plight of AIDS orphans in Mulawi. In the opening chapters, current events take precedence over character development. The author establishes how 13-year-old Binti went from starring on a popular radio show, attending a private girls’ school and helping her generous father tend his Heaven coffin shop, to becoming an impoverished AIDS orphan. However, Binti comes to the fore once her father dies (at the funeral, her grandmother reveals the cause as AIDS) and greedy relatives descend upon Binti and her siblings, seize their possessions, and grudgingly offer them homes (separating the sisters from their brother). Ellis lays bare the prejudice and superstitions surrounding AIDS: the abusive uncle who adopts Binti cautions his children to “keep away from them,” to avoid contracting the disease, and men believe that sleeping with a virgin will cure them. Hardship has an impact on the family in myriad ways, including her brother’s trip to prison and her sister’s sensitively portrayed downward spiral into prostitution, but it also brings the siblings full circle to seek out their grandmother, who cares for a band of AIDS orphans, and to employ their coffin-making skills to start another Heaven Shop. The ending may seem a bit tidy to readers who become immersed in this grim portrait of disease and ignorance, but they will likely cheer on this stalwart heroine and may well pay closer attention to headlines about AIDS and Africa.

Stressed? Anxious? Nerves in a bundle? Getting quality sleep is one sure-fire way to ease your mind, reduce the tension and make each day far more productive and satisfying.

We grow and heal in our sleep as our body regenerates and assimilates minerals crucial to cellular repair and growth. Stress results in the release of a myriad of hormones and chemicals in your body that affect your mental state, nervous and immune systems as well as causes cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal, renal, and endocrine imbalances.

Here are some tips on how to achieve higher quality zzz’s

• Beware of electromagnetic fields in your sleep space. Keep alarm clocks, cell phones, PDAs and other electrical devices at least 3 feet away from your body while you sleep. These devices can interfere with melatonin secretion and achieving deep sleep cycles.

• Don’t work before bed, watch TV before bed, play computer games, take pharmaceutical sleeping pills, drink yourself to sleep, eat sugar before bed, watch the clock, frequently change your sleep cycle.

• Sleep in the dark to stimulate the pineal gland to secrete melatonin, an important hormone in the regulation of our circadian rhythm which dictates our wake-sleep cycles. Recent studies demonstrate melatonin’s powerful anti-oxidant properties as well as its critical role in cancer prevention and treatment.

• Avoid late night snacking on grains or sugar, these food will raise your blood sugar before bed and possibly inhibit your ability to sleep well. When you blood sugar drops in the middle of the night you could wake up and have trouble falling back to sleep.

• Take a hot shower or bath 30-60 minutes before sleep. The cooling down of the body will trigger the hypothalamus to aid in the body in falling asleep and the hot water wi11 relax your muscles. Drink chamomile tea, listen to relaxing music or white noise, write in your journal, practice deep breathing, stretch, take a hot bath, use aromatherapy, go to the bathroom right before sleep, and go to sleep by 10pm    
   
   
    
   
   
   
   

   

   
   
   
   
   

   

• Drinking alcohol helps some of us fall asleep easily but can keep us from falling into the restorative, deeper stages of sleep. You surely notice the most lasting impact from a drink-filled night is next day tiredness, even when you get a decent amount of rest. This is because alcohol shortens or hastens our REM sleep. Studies show REM sleep is important to maintaining a positive mental outlook and that people who suffer from depression also experience short or rapid onset REM sleep. Bottom line is our sleep quality is greatly compromised when we drink alcohol. So, if you are having sleep troubles skip the booze or accept the reality of next day fatigue.
  

Sleep and stress reduction are intermingled, critical components for our overall health and well being, and is why we introduced these all natural, non-addictive nutritional supplement formulations each available at www.GoodElements.com:

Dream Supply^™ – A safe, gentle and effective sleep formula that promotes a restful and restorative deep sleep without next day drowsiness.

Chill^™ – An all-natural, non-addictive stress and anxiety relief supplement that reduces feelings of anxiety, and supports emotional well being by moderating the body’s physical and emotional response to daily stress.

Dr. Britta Zimmer, N.D., is the Co-Founder and Chief Health Officer at GoodElements.com – a purveyor of best-of-breed physician-formulated, all-natural vegan health supplements for everyday healthy living. She may be reached through the company’s Web site at www.GoodElements.com.

Former Supermodel is helping to spread the word about uterine fibroid tumors.

Beverly Johnson is speaking out and encouraging women everywhere to ask four simple questions and tell four women about uterine fibroids.  Beverly has decided to completely open up her experience with suffering from fibroids in the 30s and in hopes of education African-American women to learn more about their treatment options.

When Beverly was suffering with fibroids, she suffered alone-not even telling her mother.  Today she wishes that she had been more open, because she possibly could have received advice that could have provided a better recovery for her.

“I was not as educated about my body as I should have been”, admits Beverly.   Her first experience with fibroids caused severe pain and heavy menstrual cycles for many months.  Her doctor removed those fibroids in a procedure known as a myomectomy.  Beverly felt relieved and got on with her life, hoping that everything was behind her but keeping a watchful eye on her yearly exams.   Unfortunately, as in many fibroid cases, her condition returned and was even worse.

Looking back on it now, it is hard to believe how she manage working while dealing with the pain and discomfort of menstruating every day for a year.  So at 43, Beverly went with her doctor’s decision to have a hysterectomy which removed her uterus and ovaries.

If an attempt to get relief from fibroids, Beverly’s decision was she thought the best choice to make, but she was not made aware of other treatment options that would be less intrusive to her body.  As a result of the hysterectomy, she immediately went into full-blown menopause at a young age and was not at all prepared for the many side effects. 

This time in her life was one of the lowest points.  Imbalanced hormones caused weight gain, skin problems, fatigue and complete loss of sex drive. She felt lonely and her daily routine suffered greatly. 

Now after many years of hormone replacement therapy, Beverly has resumed her lifestyle that she has always enjoyed.  She is fit and active and enjoying the social scene around the globe….and just look at her pictures!  She is back on top of feeling great and sharing her story with women.  Her new campaign “Ask4tell4” encourages women to ask their doctors and themselves the right questions about uterine fibroids and then help raise awareness by telling four women the facts about this condition.  

Four Question to Ask Yourself and Your Doctor

Am I at risk for uterine fibroids?

How do I know if I have uterine fibroids?

What options are available for the treatment of fibroids?

To whom should I talk to if I think I have uterine fibroids?

We can ensure that all women are informed about uterine fibroids and treatment options by raising awareness through this important program.”   Please visit, www.ask4tell4.com to learn more about treatment options and empower yourself.

Ben Vereen, Tony Award-Winning Actor, Strives to Raise Awareness of Diabetes and Treatment

Tony Award-winning actor and Broadway star Ben Vereen is partnering with sanofi-aventis, a world leader in diabetes care, to launch Take the Stage for Diabetes Awareness, a national awareness campaign designed to educate people living with diabetes about their condition.  Since he was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in 2007, Mr. Vereen has worked hard to anage his condition and is now urging others living with diabetes to work with their 

healthcare providers to find the best overall treatment plan for them.   “When I was first diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, I was very scared and confused.  After I accepted the initial diagnosis, I committed to doing everything I could to manage my diabetes,” said Mr. Vereen.  “My doctor talked to me about the importance of managing my blood sugar levels to help reduce the isk of diabetes-related complications. I worked closely with him to find the treatment plan that was right for him and now I want to urge others living with diabetesto do the same.”   For some, controlling blood sugar levels may require diet, exercise and/or taking oral diabetes medications.  For others, adding an insulin to their overall diabetes treatment plan may be necessary to help maintain control of their blood sugar levels.

“I had many doubts and fears about taking insulin. I was worried the injections would be painful and interfere with my daily schedule,” said Mr. Vereen.  “Since I never wanted diabetes to define who I am or stop me from doing the things I love, I kept an open mind about all potential treatment options.  My doctor and I decided together that along with watching the types of foods I eat and exercising regularly, I should start using insulin to help manage my blood sugar.  My treatment plan has gotten where it needs to be and now my blood sugar levels are under control.”

As a part of Take the Stage for Diabetes Awareness, Mr. Vereen is kicking off a nation-wide tour, traveling around the country with healthcare professionals to educate people living with diabetes and their families about theimportance of diabetes awareness.  He will share his personal story about living with type 2 diabetes and speak about how essential it is to find the best diabees treatment plan for them.  While living with diabetes is not always easy, the first step to managing it is to get serious about your health and talk with your treating healthcare provider about all available diabetes 

treatment options and your individual blood sugar goals.   “The good news for people living with diabetes is that the condition is manageable,” said Michael Bush, MD, Clinical Associate Professor of Medicine, UCLA, and Division of Endocrinology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.  “However, treatment regimens may need to be changed or adjusted over time, and many people living with type 2 diabetes who currently manage their condition through diet, exercise and taking oral medications alone, may eventually require the addition of insulin to their treatment plan.  That is why it is so important to regularly talk with your doctor about which treatment plan is 

best for you.”

“I am lucky – I have a great doctor who helped me reach my personal treatment goals,” said Mr. Vereen.  “But, it is important for people to know that I take action everyday to maintain my blood sugar control. Checking my blood sugar levels often, continuing to make healthy food choices, xercising regularly, monitoring my activity levels, and taking my diabetes medication as prescribed has become part of my daily routine.”  To read Mr. Vereen’s personal story about living with diabetes, or for more information about diabetes, treatment, and care, please visit www.BensDiabetesStory.com.

 About Diabetes  Diabetes is a chronic, widespread condition in which the body does not produce or properly use insulin – the hormone needed to transport glucose (sugar) from the blood into the cells of the body for energy. More than 230 million people worldwide are living with the disease, and this number is expected to rise to a staggering 350 million within 20 years. It is estimated that nearly 24 million Americans have diabetes, including an estimated 5.7 million who remain undiagnosed.

Enter Dustin Keller—the New York Jets’ 2008 first round draft choice from Purdue University went through his decorated collegiate as a star offensive talent in the Big 10 Conference. Originally sought as a first-day selection the National Football League Draft, Keller saw his stock rise high in the NFL Combine and became the 30^th overall selection of the Jets franchise. Currently a starting tight end in his rookie season and receiving passes from the immortal Brett Favre, Keller took a breather during his busy football schedule to give Black Health Magazine a few words about his ascendance into the League, his daily preparation and the work he’s undertaken to become a target for arguably the greatest quarterback in professional football history.

1.   How does it feel to finally be in the NFL, coming from Purdue University as a first-round selection?

It was really a dream, more than anything…it’s a huge accomplishment.

2.   How would you compare the differences between the NFL and the Big 10 Conference from a physical level?

I wouldn’t say it’s that much more physical than it was in the Big 10, but the speed of the game, more than anything…it’s a lot more precise (in the NFL).

 

3.   Being a first-round draft pick and being depended upon a significant option on the team, how do you prepare on a day-to-day basis?

Well, you just have to do all the things that are expected of you. You have to go in and spend a lot of time doing film work. You have to take care of your body, because your body is your job now—it’s what keeps you going. And anything that the coach asks of you—they’re paying you good money to go out there and put everything you’ve got into football and be prepared every single Sunday; and if you’re not doing that, you’re not doing your job.

4.   What are the best ways to describe both your training regimens in college and in the pros?

Well, in college, we did lot more heavy lifting work, and then you get to the League, everything’s really more based on speed, than just power. So, we’re doing a lot more high reps-lower weight types of things, just to keep you a lot more explosive…it’s really a long season, so you just gotta take care of your body.

5.   Coming from a family with athletic histories, how has been raised among them accelerated your development as a player?

It’s done a lot for me, I’ve learned a lot from them when I was younger, but more than anything, it was just growing up with four brothers, just being in a really competitive environment; always trying to challenge them, even though they were older than me, and I think they made me a lot better and definitely more competitive…and helped give me a swagger about things to make it in the NFL.

They definitely helped and kept me encouraged and always pushed for me to do my best, and anytime I ever needed anything they were always there for me. They made it a lot easier to deal with where I am now.

6.  You have a multifaceted prep history in various sports, namely basketball, and you see players at your position, like Tony Gonzales of the Kansas City Chiefs and Antonio Gates of the San Diego Chargers, who were major players on the hardwood in their amateur careers as well, who are now All-Pro tight ends—what advantages has basketball given you, if any, on the gridiron?

I think a lot of it’s hand-eye coordination, with the ball being passed around a lot, so that’s why those guys are such good receivers, and they’re able to use their bodies really well to shield off defenders to catch the ball; and definitely leaping ability and explosion that you have in basketball—that all kind of transfers onto the football field.

7.   How have the Jets organization and coaches helped in your improvement in your play and physical condition thus far?

They’ve done a lot, especially with a couple guys on the team at the tight end position, Chris Baker and Bubba Franks. They’ve been helping me out a lot, teaching me a few things that it would take most guys a couple of years to learn, as far as taking care of your body and stuff like that; but they spend a lot of money for these guys to stay in top shape and always be healthy…(the Jets) kind of stress that.

8.   Does being a target of (future Hall of Fame quarterback) Brett Favre carry any significance that contributes to your play on the field?

I just really praise Brett for having the confidence in me to throw to me…I think we’ve developed a rapport between the two of us throughout the season, it seems as if it’s come along. At first, things weren’t so smooth, and you have that when you have a lot of new people on a team, but as the season’s gone on, we’ll get better and we’ll continue to get better.

9.   Do you have any goals, short-term or long-term, about how you want to improve your physical condition?

I feel comfortable about where I’m at right now, just with me being more a pass-catcher than anything else. I gotta make sure to keep my speed, so I don’t wanna be 265 lbs. or anything like that. I’m really comfortable with where I’m at right now, and getting bigger and stronger is not really something you can during in the season, it’s more of an off-season type thing, because during the season, there’s more of a “maintain (muscle)” type of attitude; and with our strength coach, Sal Alosi, I think we’ll do pretty good.

10. What advice do you have for young players that see you in your position as a NFL player and want to build on their performance?

The biggest thing, I would say, is just listening to your coaches. At Purdue, I was originally a receiver and my head coach, Joe Tiller, he had me move to tight end, and rather than being upset and staying at the receiver position, I kind of took that in and realized that it was gonna be the best (move) for me; so I worked really hard at it, gained some weight, and worked on blocking and I’m fortunate enough to be in the position I am today. More than anything, just listen to your coaches, because they always have your best interests.

Just keep on cheering for the Jets, wish the best for us for the rest of the season, and hopefully things keep going on the way they are!

-Sandy Dover, Writer