Will Downing certainly has come far by grace. The crooner, whose latest release is Euphoria, was diagnosed with polymyositis in 2007 a debilitating chronic inflammatory disease of the muscles which at one point left him bedridden.
“I’ve had my own health struggles in the past but I didn’t let them keep me down,” Downing says. “I fought back by leaning on my faith and the love of family and friends; and of course, my passion for making good music. Along this health journey, I’ve realized that it is important to know your family health history in order to safeguard your life and the lives of your children.”
Downing in conjunction with United Healthcare, is encouraging African-Americans to utilize an important health tool . United provided a Family Health History Tree where you can track your family’s history to help your doctors recognize and deal with any prevailing issue.
“Now I can share my tree with other family members and encourage my loved ones to develop their own Family Health History Tree at Downing says. This tool helps you track family trends that you can ultimately discuss with your doctor who can help you develop a preventive wellness plan.”
At the Allstate Tom Joyner Family Reunion 2014 at the Gaylord Retreat in Orlando over Labor Day weekend, UnitedHealthcare will have this wellness tool available and is hosting daily fitness classes and a line dance contest.
Stop by the Fitness Expo and pick up the Family Health History Tree. And don’t forget to check out Will Downing’s health journey story on the United Healthcare website.
Is exercise a good thing to help your heart to pump better?
Yes, exercise improves cardiovascular function and does help the heart to work more efficiently and effectively.
Are absence seizures a sign of brain tumor?
Absence seizures are usually not a sign of a brain tumor.
What is harder on diabetic body, pills or insulin?
Neither are harder on the body, since it is much more important to stay on whichever therapy the doctor prescribes.
How would adopted children find out about their health?
Adoption agencies may have access to that information.
How do I know If my testosterone levels are too low?
A blood level test can be done.
What if your grandma had high blood pressure…does that mean I will, too?
Not necessarily. But you may be at increased risk, especially if a parent has high blood pressure.
If my parents had a medical condition does that mean I will get it also?
It’s not 100%, but you may be at increased risk, depending upon the medical condition.
My fibroids are back for the second time and I feel the pain again, especially when it rains. Should I have them removed again? If not, what are my options?
You should have them removed if your symptoms get worse, but talk to your doctor to make sure that there was nothing unusual about the pathology report for the fibroid(s) you had removed before.
What about family histories for kids in foster care or who are adopted? They can’t always get that info. I was 39 before I even knew about my father.
It’s more important to have the proper screenings done (blood pressure, cholesterol, sugar, etc.) if you don’t know your family history.
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REGISTER NOW for the 2014 Allstate Tom Joyner Family Reunion taking place August 28- September 1, 2014 in Orlando, Florida! For booking information visit here.
