KOMPA! MAGAZINE

[konpadiva]

The information provided is for all of us Women, men included. Although the results given are based on research from Black Women, however, some of the health concerns relate to men as well, for they have Wives, Sisters, Mothers, etc. I took the liberty to bring the article from the Essence’s March issue. All the information below came directly from it.


Exercise and Fitness Facts: Sisters who exercise regularly have less depression and obesity and may decrease their chances of developing certain cancers.

What this does for you: Getting to the gym, or just walking 3-5 times a week for 30-45 minutes can save your life. Self-confidence plays a vital role as well. You have to believe that you are able to do so. If not, you will fail (which is option if you ask me).

How we’re living: Where you live can affect your Health. Studies show sisters living in an upscale environment as opposed to low-income neighborhoods suffer from less Hypertension. The results also indicate it is not the amount of money you make, nor the lifestyle, but where YOU LIVE. Living the safest neighborhood possible for you will alleviate many worries, stress to for a healthier life.

Hormone-Replacement Therapy
Fact: Hormone-replacement therapy to combat menopause increases your risk of several major diseases.

What this means to you: Women who have had this therapy are at the highest risk of Breast Cancer (One of the main killers in our community). HRT is also associated with increased risk of stroke and Alzheimer’s disease. If HRT doesn’t appear to prevent heart disease but also increases risk of other diseases.
What should you do: Research natural remedies, refrain from using the medication.

Weight Loss: Your weight could be a matter of life and death. “The epidemic of obesity in America is growing particularly among Black Women� says, Dr. Lynn Rosenburg. Your chances of Heart disease and type 2 diabetes increases significantly.

If you are at risk for diabetes because you are overweight keeping your weight under control may lower your chances of developing it. If you are already have diabetes, weight control can help you keep the disease in check.

Mammograms Facts:
More of us are having mammograms than ever before.
What you should do: Early screening results earlier detection. And early detection may mean that you can treat the cancer before it advances and thereby increase your chances of survival. Mammograms should start at the age of 40 In addition, self examines of your breast each month are recommended.

Source: Essence March 2006 Issue: Body & Soul.

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"There's only one way to succeed in anything, and that is to give it everything." ~Vince Lombardi

[CatDog]

Thanks for sharing it with us. I'm having a hard swallowing the how we're living section, especially where it said "The results also indicate it is not the amount of money you make, nor the lifestyle, but where YOU LIVE." In the U S of A you need money to live in an upscale neighborhood. Isn't it the safer the neighborhood is the pricier it gets? The more crimes a neighborhood has the chipper it is? I thought that was a rule of thumb.
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"Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away." George Carlin

[konpadiva]

Catdog you are correct. The higher the Neighborhood cost, the higher you have to put out to live there. However, there are some affordable and safe neighborhoods nonetheless. Depending on the city, I know of some here in Tampa. There are some ROUGH neighborhoods, Upscale, and Affordable safe areas. So, I guess it depends on the City you Live.
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"There's only one way to succeed in anything, and that is to give it everything." ~Vince Lombardi

[belchokola]

Thanks for sharing KD!!
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~~Look past outer beauty, and into the mind and soul. That is the mark of true beauty~~

[Eve971]

Very good informations to share KonpaDiva.
Finalement, it's all about a question of money if we pay really attention. Taking care of ourselves to have a satisfying health depends a lot of our economic power...so, sisters, go to school, study and prepare your future !
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100% GWADA GIRL

[SIROMYEL]

I like this informaiton. Some things that all black women should know.

[Calista]

That is a vey important thread Konpadiva and very informative, women of color for some reason have an increase risk to develop diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol than their white female counterpart, that means that we have to be very careful and weary of what we eat and how they kind of lifestyle we lead because eventually your lifestyle will catch up to you

I just wanted to add two quick points, as far as estrogen replacement therapy goes, whenever possibles they should be avoided, however if someone needs it it's really important that the estrogen is balanced with progestin, when that happens, it decrease the potential complications like cancers and heart disease

As far as breast cancer screening, it is really important to know that if you have a family member (mother, sister, aunt) that develops breast cancer before menopause, you need to start screening ten years before the age that family member developed breast cancer, for instance if your mom had breast cancer at age 45, you need to start screeing at age 35, it could be mammogram or breast ultrasound.

Remember you have to be your own advocate, there are providers out there that are only looking out for the insurance companies so do your research and stand up for yourself

Calista
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Carpe Diem

[Ti boxer]

Good stuff guys! Very informative thread!

Ti Boxer
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Yes Aya