Face the Fact:

According to the CDC (Centers For Disease Control), African Americans have a higher incidence of HIV infection of all racial/ethnic groups in the United States. Compared with other races and ethnicities, African Americans account for a higher proportion of HIV infections at all stages, from new infections to deaths.

Look at the Stats:

• In 2010 African Americans accounted for an estimated 44% of all new HIV infections among adults and adolescents, 13 years or older, despite representing about 13% of the US population.
• In 2010, black men accounted for 70% of new HIV infections among all adult and adolescent black which is a rate 7 times as high as white men.
• In 2010, black gay and bi-sexual men MSM (men who have sex with men), represented 36% of new HIV infections among all MSM.
• In 2010, the estimated rate of new HIV infections for black women was 20 times as high as the rate for white women. Most HIV infections among black women are attributed to heterosexual sex.

The Deck Is Stacked:

African American communities have higher rates of other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) compared with other racial/ethnic communities in the United States. Having an STI can significantly increase the chance of getting or transmitting HIV.

The poverty rate is higher among African Americans—28% more than for any other race. The socioeconomic issues associated with poverty, including limited access to high-quality health care, housing, and HIV prevention education—directly and indirectly increase the risk for HIV infection.

Having sex with partners of the same race/ethnicity is the tendency for African Americans, which means that they face a greater risk of HIV infection with each new sexual encounter.

Our Attitude Is Whack:

Lack of awareness of HIV status affects HIV rates in our communities. Almost 100,000 people in the African American community in 2009 were unaware of their HIV status. Late diagnosis of HIV infection is common, which results in missing out on early medical care and preventing transmission to others.

Stigma, fear, discrimination, homophobia, and negative perceptions about HIV testing also place African Americans at higher risk. Many at risk for infection fear stigma more than infection and may choose to hide their high-risk behavior, rather than seek counseling and testing.

KEEPthePROMISEonAIDS.org Recap

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Ladies, there’s nothing men hate more than having the doctor examining his prostate.  And that’s putting it mildly.  The man in your life would rather sit through a chick flick followed by an afternoon of scrapbooking.  You get the point?

Here’s the thing.  You will probably need to schedule this particular doctor’s appointment for the man in your life, put it on your own calendar and give him several reminders to be sure he actually goes in for the exam.

If you don’t know what the prostate is or what it does, you’re not by your lonesome. Most men don’t even know. But you and your mate really should because more than 30 million men suffer from prostate conditions that negatively affect their quality of life.

It’s time to drop some knowledge on you about this gland.  Yes.  It’s a gland.  The prostate is a small gland in men, about the size of a walnut, that is part of the reproductive system. It’s located below the bladder and in front of the rectum and surrounds part of the urethra, the tube that carries urine from the bladder. The prostate helps make semen, which carries sperm from the testicles when a man ejaculates.

Okay.  Now that we’ve gotten that out of the way, here’s the question.  When does your man need to be concerned about his prostate?  Well, when a man reaches the age of 40, the prostate gland might have increased from the size of a walnut to the size of an apricot. By the time he reaches the age of 60, it might be the size of a lemon! Because it surrounds part of the urethra, an enlarged prostate can squeeze the urethra. This causes problems in the passing of urine. Typically, these problems don’t occur in men until they are around age 50 or older. But they can occur earlier, especially if your mate is African American because these men have the highest rate of prostate cancer in the world – at least twice as high as white men.  Family history also plays a part.  The risk of developing prostate cancer doubles if your father, brother or close male blood relative also has the disease.

So, ladies, it’s okay for you to the pop the question. “Baby, have you had your prostate examined?”  If his answer is no or not lately, give the doctor a ring and set a date with his primary care physician as soon as possible.

WHERE can you find a good doctor?

DeKalb Medical at Hillandale is here for you. We’re committed to giving you the kind of care and treatment you deserve.  To find a physician who’s right for you, call 404-501-WELL or visit http://www.dekalbmedicalhillandale.org.

DeKalb Medical at Hillandale.  The cure for the common hospital.

9 Cancer Fighting Foods

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Early detection of breast cancer is key. If you’re 40 or older, call 404-501-2660 to make a mammogram appointment today.  #HillTip  http://www.dekalbmedical.org/hillandale/our-services/breast-center/

DeKalb Medical at Hillandale’s newly renovated Comprehensive Breast Center offers state-of-the-art digital mammography in a comfortable, spa-like environment.  If you’re 40 or older, call 404-501-2660 to make a mammogram appointment today. DeKalb Medical at Hillandale.  The cure for the common hospital.

Black Breast Cancer Survivors

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In this exclusive video, Dr. April Speed offers helpful tips on mammograms and breast care. Dr. Speed discusses when is the right time to have a breast exam and more.

Watch the video below with Dr. April Speed and Carol Blackmon.

** For more information, please visit  DeKalb Medical at Hillandale at www.dekalbmedicalhillandale.org or call 404-501-WELL.

Fat is Fat, Right?

Good Fat vs. Bad Fat

Believe it or not, your body actually needs some fat to stay healthy. These fats can help reduce your heart disease risk, manage your moods, fight fatigue and even control your weight.  So the thing is, you don’t need to completely eliminate fat from your diet- just make healthy choices.

There are two different kinds of fat- bad fats and better fats. So which fats are the better fats? Bad fats are saturated trans fats. These are usually found in meat, partially hydrogenated vegetable and tropical oils.  The better fats are monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats like those found in soybean, olive oil and avocados.

There are three simple guidelines to use when choosing healthy fats:

1. Try to eliminate trans fat from your diet- no amount of trans fat is healthy, read labels, avoid packaged foods and fast foods.
2. Limit your intake of saturated fats- cut back on red meat and full-fat dairy foods.
3. Eat omega-3 fats every day- incorporate fish, nuts and olive oil into your diet.

Here’s a chart that you can also use to help make better choices as it relates to fats:

Replacing bad fat intake with the better fats is a proactive plan to a healthier heart. Also eat lots of vegetables and fruits. And, of course, get plenty of exercise and rest.

** For more information, please visit www.dekalbmedicalhillandale.org or call 404-501-WELL.

In this exclusive video, podiatrist Dr. Naim Shaheed offers tips for proper foot care including buying the right shoes and whether heels are okay to wear.

Watch the video below for more foot care tips from Dr. Shaheed.

Visit DeKalb Medical at Hillandale at www.dekalbmedicalhillandale.org.

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First Mammogram: 40 or Sooner?

A Parent’s Worst Nightmare: Puberty

Exercises For Killer Legs

First Mammogram: 40 or sooner?

Many young women often ask at what age they should have their first mammogram. Most experts, including the American Cancer Society, recommend that women start getting annual exams at age 40.  But, if you have a family history that would make you more at risk, you might even start five to ten years sooner. It is extremely important that you talk to your physician to see when he or she recommends it.

We know that having a mammogram for the first time can be quite the harrowing experience. The idea of having your breasts squeezed in a machine is not the most pleasant thought, now is it?

But think about it this way; early detection can make all the difference. Here’s an interesting fact: white women have a higher rate of getting breast cancer, but black women are actually more likely to die from the disease and it’s usually because of late detection.  So do yourself a favor, talk to your physician about your concerns. A dialogue with your doctor is so important.  And, even if you and your doctor make the decision that you can wait until 40, please be sure to do breast self-examinations to help catch any abnormalities. It could save your life.

If you are ready for a mammogram, DeKalb Medical at Hillandale offers state-of-the-art, digital technology to perform a screening and diagnostic breast mammogram which provides:

- Better contrast and brightness in the image.

- Better evaluate of dense breast tissue.

- Better accuracy than film mammography.

- Quicker appointment times.

- Electronic storage.

- Fewer “call back” appointments to obtain additional images.

Don’t wait. A little squeeze could actually save your life.

Have you had your mammogram this year? You can schedule your own routine mammogram screening at DeKalb Medical at Hillandale by calling 404.501.2660. Routine mammography is offered Monday through Friday from 7 a.m.-5:30 p.m. and Saturday from 7 a.m.-1 p.m.  Or visit us at www.dekalbmedicalhillandale.org.

Puberty seems to be one of those dreaded words when we talk with parents. It causes anxiety and fear for many. The best way to deal with puberty is for both child and parent to be prepared when it happens. Knowing what’s coming and how to deal with it is key to making it through this difficult and often, challenging time for both children and parents.

So let’s start with the basics. Puberty usually starts between the ages of 8 and 13 for girls and between the ages of 10 and 15 for boys. But keep in mind, there is no exact timing for puberty. It is quite possible that your child could start a little earlier or later.

Puberty begins when the pituitary gland in the bottom of the brain releases a “special” hormone that initiates changes in boys and girls. Some of those changes will be experienced by both boys and girls. For example, boys and girls will begin to grow hair under their arms and in their pubic areas. At some point, boys will begin to grow hair on their face as well. Also, because puberty stimulates the sweat glands in the skin, boys and girls will start to experience body odor. This is a great time to introduce deodorants with all natural ingredients.

OK, now let’s talk specifically about girls. For girls, the “special” hormone travels to the ovaries which initiates the production of estrogen and prepares the body for its first period. It is during this time that girls begin to develop breasts. You may first notice them as little “buds” sticking out through their shirt. This is a great time to introduce training bras to your child or to at least encourage the use of undershirts to shield these new additions. It is generally two years after breast development begins that a girl will experience her first period. Also for girls, their bodies will fill out and become more curvy. Please keep in mind that some weight gain during this time is normal. It is so important that girls and their parents know to expect this since puberty and its changes can be a catalyst for the development of eating disorders.

For boys, the “special” hormone travels through the blood to the testes which initiates the production of testosterone and sperm. It is during this time the voice will crack as it begins to deepen. This can happen quickly or take some time. Just be patient with the change. Also, during puberty, the penis begins to widen and lengthen. Other changes for boys include widening shoulders and becoming more muscular.

These are just a few of the changes that occur during puberty. It is extremely important to have an open dialogue with your child about puberty and that changes that it can bring. And yes, parents, although they are quickly becoming young men and women, we know that they will always be your babies.

**DeKalb Medical at Hillandale hosts informational sessions on puberty for girls called “Puberty Rocks.” To find out more information, please visit http://www.dekalbmedical.org/DeKalbMedicalHillandaleCampus/DocTalks.aspx or call 404-501-WELL.

Self-worth differs from self-esteem. Self-worth is what you are born with. As one of the creations of the universe you are worthwhile and have value, which cannot be taken from you. You can’t lose it, but you can lose sight of it. You can forget your value.

Read: 3 Personality Traits You Need For Work At Home Success

A universal spiritual teaching helps us to re-focus on our self-worth and hold on to it. “Love your neighbor as yourself” is the Christian version but the teaching is found in all major religions.

Now when you love your neighbor as yourself who do you begin with? Who do you love and value first? Is it your neighbor or yourself? As a psychologist I have found that many people misunderstand this teaching. They think it begins with the neighbor. They focus on the neighbor so exclusively that they neglect themselves. They give and give to others until they give out and then collapse into a depression. Once depressed they cannot help themselves or anyone else.

Many of us were taught to focus on the neighbor and not on ourselves. As children we are told not to brag or be selfish. While teenagers, wanting to be accepted, we may have minimized our accomplishments to avoid appearing conceited. As adults we may have developed a false humility to avoid looking prideful. We may come to not like ourselves and believe that we don’t deserve anything good. Self-esteem suffers while self-worth is forgotten.

The reality is that loving your neighbor as yourself begins with you. You must love and value yourself if you are to love others. You have to respect yourself and acknowledge your own self-worth. You must take care of yourself so that you can love and help your neighbor.

Does this make you selfish? No. It makes you responsible.

And if you’re sporting a little extra pudge, incorporating these in-the-mood-foods into a healthy, plant-based diet is one of the best ways to help you get back to your sexy self. If you’re overweight, research shows losing just 10% of your body weight can improve the quality of your sex life, explains Martin Binks, PhD, of the Duke University Diet and Fitness Center. “We find that among overweight women, they bring their negative self-talk and body image issues to the bedroom, and it negatively impacts their sexual well-being.”

Here are some of the food ingredients (and my own favorite recipes) that have been major players in aphrodisiac history and lore– and also have modern-day science to help back up their claims. [From CNN Health]

Almonds
Topping my of feisty foods, almonds have long been purported to increase passion, act as a sexual stimulant, and aid with fertility. Like asparagus (another one of my favorite sexy foods), almonds are nutrient-dense and rich in several trace minerals that are important for sexual health and reproduction, such as zinc, selenium, and vitamin E. “Zinc helps enhance libido and sexual desire,” says Dr. Berman. “We don’t really understand the mechanisms behind it, but we know it works.”

Avocados
The Aztecs referred to avocados as, ahem, testicles, because of their physical shape. But the scientific reason why avocados make sense as an aphrodisiac is that they are rich in unsaturated fats and low in saturated fat, making them good for your heart and your arteries. Anything that keeps the heart beating strong helps keep blood flowing to all the right places; in fact, men with underlying heart disease are twice as likely to suffer from erectile dysfunction (ED).

Strawberries
The color red is known to help stoke the fire: A 2008 study found that men find women sexier if they’re wearing red, as opposed to “cool” colors such as blue or green. Strawberries are also an excellent source of folic acid, a B vitamin that helps ward off birth defects in women and, according to a University of California, Berkley study, may be tied to high sperm counts in men. This Valentine’s Day, try making dark chocolate-dipped strawberries. And while we’re on the subject, there’s a reason we give chocolate on Valentine’s Day: It’s full of libido-boosting methylzanthines.

Seafood
Despite their slippery and slimy texture, oysters may be the most well-known aphrodisiac. They’re also one of the best sources of libido-boosting zinc. But other types of seafood can also act as aphrodisiacs. Oily fish– like wild salmon and herring– contain omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for a healthy heart.

For four other sexy foods and a couple recipes to get you in the mood, click here!