Asthma, Allergies and the Air in May

Today is the first day of May and all is enBloom here in Washington, DC. While many of us are continuing to enjoy the beauty of spring and get excited about the arrival of summer, there are many others out there who suffer from allergies and asthma. May is National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month. All month, we will focus our attention on asthma, air quality and air pollutants, including tobacco, in addition to the normal banter around health policy, politics, health reform and ARRA. Look out for ways to educate yourselves and participate in this month’s featured health observances.

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Do Ethnic Minorities Have Less Access to Cancer Screening

The most commonly occurring cancers vary greatly according to race and ethnicity. For example:

While the gap (as compared to non-Hispanic whites has narrowed since 1991) African Americans are more likely to develop and die from cancer than any other racial or ethnic group. The most common cancers among men in 2009 are projected to be prostate (34%), lung (16%), and colorectal (10%) cancer, and among women, breast (25%), lung (12%), and colorectal (11%) cancer. For all cancer types, African Americans are far more likely to be diagnosed in advanced stages of disease, when the cancer is less treatable. African Americans are also less likely than whites to survive 5 years after a diagnosis, regardless of cancer type and stage of diagnosis.

Cancers associated with viral infection are the most common caners in Hispanics/Latinos. Women have the second highest number of cases of cervical cancer (which is often caused by humanpapliloma virus) while cases of liver cancer (which is often caused by the hepatitis virus) are twice as high in Hispanic men and women as in non-Hispanic whites.

Asian Americans/Pacific Islanders are more likely to develop and die from both liver and stomach cancers than all other racial or ethnic groups (except in the case of stomach cancer where their prevalence and death rates are second to those of African Americans).

Medical researchers focusing on areas of health care disparities continue investigations to elucidate these figures. The interrelationship between multiple factors continues to yield reasons that are complex.

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Do Race & Ethnicity Affect Cancer Risk

Racial and ethnic minority populations continue to grow such that by mid-century, Latino, black and Asian populations are expected to represent the majority of people living in the US, according to the Census Bureau. This is already the case for the nation’s largest metropolitan areas and it is increasingly becoming the case in smaller communities fueled by the growing Latino population. In light of this fact, minority health and health disparities among racial and ethnic minorities is not a issue for special populations but rather an issue that concerns us all especially as we examine the health status of the population as a whole. Nevertheless, the third week in April (19-25) is set aside as National Cancer Minority Awareness Week.

Do race and ethnicity affect cancer risk?

Each year, cancer statistics continue to show that minority groups are more likely than the general population to develop and/or die from certain types of cancer. As researchers continue to unravel the multiple contributing factors to this issue there are things that individuals can do for themselves.

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The Only Things Certain Are Death And Taxes

Absolutely no one likes to think about sustaining a life-threatening injury or catostrophic illness. Yet, as I wrote in an earlier post, trauma happens. There’s also, of course Benjamin Franklin’s wisdom, “Nothing in life is certain but death and taxes.” And such was the inspiration for Nathan Kottkamp, a health lawyer who founded National Health Care Decision Day two years ago. It will be observed this Thursday, April 16 (after tax day) and is intended to teach Americans the benefits of creating advance directives as well as encourage health care providers to recommend them to their patients. Communication among family members and between doctors and patients has to improve.

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I’m Not Gonna Need ‘Em when I’m Dead

First Friday in First Person. At the age of 16, my brother made a simple but profound decision that all too soon came to affect a vast circle of people in ways they could not have imagined. I will never forget his excitement as he reached into his wallet to pull out his brand new driver’s license. He was so proud, taking the time to walk me through each element as if I’d never seen one before. He was like that; charismatic, easy-going with an infectious sense of humor. He pointed to the big heart indicating that he was an organ donor. “You’re an organ donor?” I interrogated. “Yeah…I’m not gonna need ‘em when I’m dead,” he replied in a matter-of-fact kind of manner. Such a simple phrase to encompass a basic concept. Yet the implications, the influence, the ultimate impact was in no way simple or basic. Needless-to-say, I never forgot those words. Little did I know, just five short years later, they would serve as the catalyst for my brother’s incredible legacy.

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National Cancer Control Month

Featured Health Observance. April is Cancer Control Month. Since 1938, this annual proclamation has given Americans an opportunity to focus on advances against cancer, as well as, rededicate themselves to fighting the disease both through pioneering research and prevention. President Obama observed:

“As researchers work daily to better understand this disease, Americans can take steps to decrease their risk of developing cancer. Individuals of all ages should seek regular and appropriate check-ups.

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Do You Have Type II Diabetes

Do you have type II diabetes? Early diagnosis is critical to successful treatment and delaying or preventing some of its complications such as heart disease, blindness, kidney disease, stroke, amputation and death.

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March 12, 2009 is World Kidney Day

Tomorrow, March 12 is World Kidney Day. Last month we discussed how heart disease is the leading cause of death for American women. Unfortunately, too few Americans realize, however, that chronic kidney disease is another life-threatening illness that often goes undetected until it reaches very advanced stages.

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Eat Right

Featured Health Observance. National Nutrition Month® is an education and information campaign created by the American Dietetic Association. This makes the month of March a good time to focus our attention on the importance of making informed food choices and developing sound eating habits. Diet and exercise create a solid foundation for our health and wellness. You may not be fully aware, however just how much diet and exercise also contribute to the presentation and progression of chronic conditions like obesity, diabetes, hypertension and heart disease.

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On Valentine’s Day, Give the Ultimate Gift of Love

On this Valentine’s Day, choose to give the ultimate gift of love by giving the gift of life through organ and tissue donation.

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