WHAT IS HPV? HPV, which stands for human papillomavirus, is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States. There are lots of strains of HPV, but you can put those strains into two major categories: low-risk HPV and high-risk HPV. Exposure to low risk strains of HPV can lead to genital warts. Exposure […]
WHY SHOULD PEOPLE OF COLOR TAKE ANY SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS WITH THEIR SKIN DURING THE SUMMER MONTHS? It’s a common misconception among people of color that melanin automatically protects us from the harmful effects of the sun. Many dermatologists call this the “melanin myth.” Most persons with skin of color have an average “inherent” SPF of […]
WHAT EXACTLY IS LACTOSE INTOLERANCE? Lactose intolerance is a digestive disorder caused by the inability to digest lactose, the natural “sugar” in milk and milk products like cheese and ice cream. Lactose intolerance is sometimes called lactose malabsorption; it is not the same as being allergic to milk which is an immune system disorder (body […]
WHAT IS POST TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER (PTSD)? All humans are endowed with a biological and psychological stress response system. Our genetic “Fight or Flight” response is designed for crisis management. This life-saving response causes the body to release stress hormones to fight or get out of harm’s way (flight). It also automatically pumps the heart […]
June is Migraine Awareness Month. Those who suffer from the debilitating headaches know that they can be difficult to treat. Dr. Sharisse Stephenson provides more information that could potentially help sufferers. Here is some info below: WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A HEADACHE & MIGRAINE? WHAT ARE THE MAIN SYMPTOMS? There are many different types of […]
June is Men’s Health Month. Here are just one of the vital concerns for Black men and what you can do to keep your kidneys in order. WHAT IS KIDNEY DISEASE? Kidney disease is the loss of normal kidney function. Chronic kidney disease, commonly also referred to as chronic kidney failure or chronic renal failure, […]
SEASONAL ALLERGIES DURING THE ALLERGY SEASON Q: WHAT CAUSES ALLERGY SYMPTOMS OR ALLERGIC REACTIONS? A: ANTIBODIES OR IgE IMMUNE CELLS CAUSE YOUR BODY TO DEVELOP ALLERGIC REACTIONS. Q: WHAT IS POLLEN FOOD ALLERGY SYNDROME? A: POLLEN FOOD ALLERGY SYNDROME IS ALLERGIC REACTIONS THAT CAN OCCUR EITHER IN THE ORAL AND PHARYNGEAL AREA THAT RESULTS FROM […]
Healthy bones are part of a healthy life. Orthopedic surgeon Dr. Sonya Sloan has some tips on how to keep your aging bones feeling youthful. WHAT IS IT ABOUT TURNING 40 THAT BRINGS ON ACHES AND PAINS YOU DIDN’T HAVE BEFORE? DIET, WEIGHT, INJURIES, SEDENTARY LIFESTYLE, STRESS WHAT ARE SOME OF THE MOST COMMON […]
May is National Mental Health Month. African-American boys are at particular risk for mental health issues as many of them live with untreated trauma and are exposed to harsh treatment and penalties for behavior considered a normal part of development in other cultures. Mental health expert Rwenshaun Miller explains what we can do to help […]
AN ESTIMATED FIVE MILLION PEOPLE AROUND THE WORLD ARE AFFECTED BY LUPUS, WITH 16,000 NEW CASE OF LUPUS BEING REPORTED EACH YEAR. IT AFFECTS ONE IN 537 BLACK WOMEN. SINCE SYMPTOMS ARE DIFFERENT FOR EVERYONE, MOST PEOPLE DON’T EVEN THEY HAVE LUPUS. WHAT IS LUPUS? Lupus is an autoimmune disease where the body’s immune system […]
WHAT IS THE CAUSE OF EARLY PUBERTY IN GIRLS AND BOYS? A: The past 100 years shows that all US girls and boys are experiencing puberty at earlier ages. Girls’ periods have decreased from 16-17 yrs to 12-13 years of age. And boys are showing signs of puberty 6mo to 2 years earlier as well. […]
About two million people suffer with plantar fasciitis ((plant-ar fash-ee-itis)) one of the most common causes of heel pain and very common in runners. It usually occurs between the age of 40 and 60. WHAT IS PLANTAR FASCITIS? Inflammation of the plantar fascia, the bowstring-like tissue that stretches from the heel bone to the base […]
