WOMEN and S-T-R-E-S-S

Good afternoon, Fam...

     It's been a while, I know, you don't have to remind me.  I, like you, have just been doing my thing.  Or, at least trying too.  Like most of you who will not admit it, I have been stressing.  Some of it has been the everyday, just get up and live stress and some has been some deep, far reaching, I hope I don't hurt nobody stress issues...

     Sometimes the aches, pains, trouble breathing, heart palpitations, and insomnia we have are not due to some oncoming illness.  Many times all those things can be associated with stress.  Stress affects everything, including our thoughts, feelings, what comes out of our mouths, and how we act.  That urge to slap someone, the hate you are feeling, the cursing out that you just gave someone, and that extra shot of Hennessy you just had could all be a result of the overwhelming stress that is in your life right now.

     Women have always been known to be the caretakers, caregivers, the cook, the dishwasher, the maid, the one who makes everything work out for the good, no matter what, and in some cases the bread winner.  I can remember a time when a woman worked outside the home so that her family could have extras like that special outfit or a summer vacation, but now according to the U.S. Department of Labor, 47% of US workers are women.  Women are the primary, sole earners for 40% of households with children under 18, compared to 11% in 1960.  Women tend to spend less time taking care of themselves than they do others in their households.

     So, what can we do about it?  Make some much needed changes.  It doesn't have to be anything life altering, but it needs to be something that will give us, as women, a moment for ourselves to walk away from the stress issues.  The Cleveland Clinic suggest that leisure time is a  necessary thing, not an option.  We need time to rejuvenate.  They also remind us that we cannot be ALL things to ALL people.  Sometimes we need to ask for help or delegate.  Other things we could consider for a moment to ourselves (and this is just a mini list):

• massages
• reading
• journaling
• exercise
• spiritual time
• listening to music

At the end of the day, if none of those few suggestions work, we should consider some professional counseling, or a support group.  Those are just a few suggestions to help us to wind down and step away from or deal better with the stresses of life.  Try a little something until you find what works for you.

SMOOCHES

Affordable Care Act. Is it about to get Axed???

     Hey Fam...  Hope everyone is healthy, happy, and please do not have any pre-existing conditions.  Why?  Because according to the Washington Post,  on June 7th the U. S. Department of Justice filed a brief in a district court lawsuit arguing that the Affordable Care Act's (ACA)--Obama Care as some call it--protections for people with preexisting conditions should be invalidated at the end of 2018.  That is less than 6 months from now.  What does that mean to you, me, and ours?  Well...The Kaiser Family Foundation states that what it means is approximately 52 million Americans under the age of 65 years old could find themselves without health insurance based on a wide range of preexisting conditions.  


     This withdrawal from the business that many health insurers keep threatening and the continuing rise of the cost of health insurance is all a ploy, in my opinion, to get back to the way things used to be prior to the inception of the ACA.  Essentially, if we go back to the way things used to be, health insurers will have us fill out forms and questionnaires about our medical histories and people sitting behind a desk with NO medical experience will look at some pre-determined chart and decide how much your health insurer is going to charge you to fix your current condition.  Having a preexisting condition could be a death sentence, unless you have the money to pay.  Right now, with ACA there are some mighty sick people able to get insurance without concern for their past medical histories.  With the removal of the ACA or changing of the rules, many people will have their coverage taken away, need it or not.   


     So, is the ACA about to get axed?  Who knows.  The part that bothers me the most is that the folks coming up with the lawsuit probably have the best medical insurance money can buy or should I say the best that your tax dollars buy for them.   Maybe all of those affected by the change, if it happens, will have to go on Medicaid.  Oh, but that, as well as Medicare, may be going away soon, too.  Stay Woke, America!!!


SMOOCHES

      

Brown Skin Too Foundation

Good afternoon:


     In one of my most recent posts, I gave you some insight into skin cancer and people of color.  Since that time I came across an article that was printed in the News Journal in February https://www.delawareonline.com/story/news/health/2016/02/15/brown-skin-too-skin-cancer/80054040/ that highlighted a case of deadly Stage 4 melanoma (skin cancer) in a young Afro-American woman, Tanya A. Haman.  I didn't know at the time that I did my blog post that there was an organization called, Brown Skin Too Foundation.  This foundation was founded in memory of Tanya who passed away in December 2015 after a 2-month battle with Stage 4 melanoma and provides education and awareness of melanoma and promotes skin wellness among people of color.


     The Brown Skin Too Foundation will be having their second annual  benefit gala "Melanin Bright, Shine the Light" on Friday, May 18 from 6-11 p.m. at the Clarion Hotel in New Castle, De.  Per the News Journal information, tickets can be purchased online via https://brown-skin-too-foundaton-annual-gala.eventbrite.com.  Tickets are $65.  A portion of the proceeds will be donated in Tanya Haman's name to the Helen F. Graham Cancer Center & Research Institute in Newark.


Smooches

  

Free Skin Cancer Screening & Awareness Program

Wednesday, May 9 - Thursday, May 10, 5:30 - 7:45 p.m.

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Helen F. Graham Cancer Center & Research Institute

Attend the free skin cancer screening if any of the following apply:

• You have not attended a free skin cancer screening before.
• You have never had a skin cancer screening by a physician or dermatologist.
• You do not have health insurance.
• You have a family history of skin cancer, or if you have a sore that won’t heal.

There will be an education session that includes a self-exam, risk factors and information on how to protect yourself and family.
Bilingual staff available.
Sponsored by Christiana Care’s Community Health Outreach & Education Program, the American Academy of Dermatology, Delaware Chapter and Moving for Melanoma of Delaware.

Call today to schedule your appointment at 302-623-CARE (2273). Pre-registration is required.

The Skin You are In

Good Morning, Fam...  

     May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month.  Over 5 million cases are diagnosed in the US each year and skin cancer is the most common cancer.  Skin cancer is also the most preventable cancer.  Skin cancer is something that many people of color overlook or at least think doesn't affect them and I need you to know that that thought should be far from he truth.  According to Skincancer.org, Asian American and African American melanoma (skin cancer)  patients have a greater tendency than Caucasians of presenting to the doctor with advanced disease at time of diagnosis.

     Being a "caramel colored" Afro-american diva,  I never really worried about the sun and it's affects.  I have always worn sunscreen when I planned to be out in the sun for an extended period of time during the summer and also my Mother suggested that I wear sunscreen when going skiing because the sun reflects off of the snow and you could get sunburned (bet you didn't think about that one, I didn't).  Other than sunscreen, why did I need to worry about the sun and it's affects.  I'm not some fair-skinned, caucasian, sun-worshipper.  Well, surprise!  Surprise!!!

     I love getting a good pedicure--sea salt scrub paraffin wax, milk and honey, chocolate, and fish.  Okay, I never had the last two, but a good pedicure makes me feel good.  It was time for my mani/pedi moment.  I like to trim my toenails before I go, because I like my nails a certain way--yes, I am particular.  So, I started to trim my toenails and noticed a funky looking bump on my toe.  I immediately ignored it thinking it was a little hang tag or mole.  After about 3 weeks, I was preparing for another mani/pedi and I noticed that this same bump, not painful in anyway, was now two different colors.  Now, I'm thinking.  Maybe I should get this thing checked out.  

     I give the dermatologist a call, tell them my concerns and they refer me to a podiatrist.  Why?  Because the bump was on my toe and insurance would not pay for me to have a dermatologist to look at it without the podiatrist looking at it first.  (It's always something with insurance).  Anyway, off I go to Dr. D., my podiatrist.  I'm prepared for him to just look at it and snip it off, so I can go on to work for the day.  That's not what happened.  Dr. D. looks at it and says, he has to schedule a day at the 'surgical-center' because insurance will not pay for him to 'snip' it off in his office.  Here we go with insurance, again.  Anywho, I schedule the surgery.  I go in for the surgery.  It took me more time to complete papers, get undressed and prepped for surgery, than it did for the actual "surgical procedure".  Yes, I was awake and talking the whole time.  My diagnosis, basal cell carcinoma.  Yes, I had skin cancer.  Because the bump was small, the doctor was able to remove all of the affected area and I was given a clean bill of health.  I do have to have yearly skin checks from the top of my head to the bottom of my feet with the dermatologist.  But I was blessed because I did NOT ignore what could have turned into something much bigger and badder.  So for all of you out there, DO NOT IGNORE those abnormal bumps and bruises you may find on you or your children's bodies.  You never what you are dealing with until you get them check out.  

     Prevention is the key for skin cancer.  The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends the following:

• a sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher everyday and for extended outdoor activity use a water-resistant sunscreen with and SPF of 30 or higher
• stay in the shade between 10 AM and 4 PM
• don't lay there and get burned
• cover up with appropriate clothing and UV blocking sunglasses
• keep the newborn babies out of the sun--sunscreens should be used on babies OVER 6 months of age
• examine your skin monthly

     Do NOT ignore that ugly bump that won't go away, or that keeps changing color.  Do NOT be afraid to get these things checked out by a professional.  Protect that precious skin you are in.

SMOOCHES

Get The Shot!!!

     Hey Fam... Yes, the flu is kicking butt this season.  Every state in the US has reported a flu incident.  There have been more than the average amount of flu cases arising and we still have a little while to go until we reach the end of February which is normally the end of the peak of the season.  Keep in mind that the flu usually runs it's course between October and March, but this season's flu outbreaks are so bad, that experts cannot prediction when the severity of it will end.  




     Let's just remind ourselves of some facts about the flu.  You will have any combination of fever or chills, headaches, body wide muscle aches, fatigue, dehydration, coughing and vomiting. It usually lasts about 1-2 weeks, with about 2-3 days of that time being "the worst".  Anyone that I know who has had it, NEVER wants to get it again.


     The flu is easy to spread.  People are contagious starting ONE day before they have any symptoms and for as long as 7 days after becoming sick.  That is a long time to walk around spreading the virus.  Because the virus lingers on surfaces and in the air, you can become an easy target.  We can do some preventative things to stop the spread of germs.  First and foremost, stay away from sick people or limit your contact with them.  Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough/sneeze.  Cover your mouth with your hand--like you were told as a child--and then WASH IT after you sneeze/cough. Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated.  WASH your HANDS, wash your hands, and wash your hands. If you are already sick, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that you can avoid spreading the illness by staying home until 24 hours after the fever is gone without using fever reducers.  Only leave your home for medical attention.
     The flu is not your common cold and people need to recognize that fact.  The flu can kill you.  This season's flu is hitting people of ALL ages hard.  According to the CDC, at least 63 children have died from the flu and it's complications.  In total, just over 4,000 people died during the 3rd week of 2018 from the flu or pneumonia which are closely tied together during the winter season. This season's flu reports far exceed the last severe flu outbreak of 2003.
     Many employer's offer the flu vaccine to their employees.  Your local Department of Health offers the flu shot for free. Here is a cost list compiled by 20somethingfinance.com :

The Cheapest Flu Shot Locations

If you don’t have health insurance, or an employer or county health department that offers free flu shots, there are a number of retailers offering fairly cheap flu shots for the 2017-2018 flu season. If you do have health insurance that covers flu shots, it might even be more convenient than going to your doctor. Most have online scheduling.
Most are not offering their flu shot prices online, but luckily I have a phone and made a few calls. Here is the pricing that I found (insurance acceptance varies and usual co-pay applies):

• Costco Flu Shots: No trivalent this year. $19.99 for quadrivalent. Costco is the cheapest on this list if you don’t have insurance. Flu shots at the Costco Pharmacy is one of the services you can get from Costco without a membership.
• CVS Flu shots: No trivalent (yet this year). $41 for quadrivalent.
• Walgreen’s Flu Shots: Costs $31.99 for trivalent. $39.99 for quadrivalent.
• Rite Aid Flu Shots: Costs $35 for trivalent. $40 for quadrivalent.
• Meijer Flu Shots: No trivalent (yet this year). $35.99 for quadrivalent.
• Wal Mart Flu Shots: Costs $27.88 for trivalent. $39.88 for quadrivalent.
• Sam’s Club Flu Shots: No trivalent this year. $30 for quadrivalent. Flu shots at the Sam’s Club Pharmacy is one of the services you can get from Sam’s Club without a membership.
• Kroger Flu Shots: Costs $30 for trivalent. $40 for quadrivalent.
• Target Flu Shots: No trivalent (yet this year). $39.99 for quadrivalent. Note that CVS now runs all Target pharmacies, so prices are the same, but you do get a $5 Target gift card if you get a flu shot at a Target CVS pharmacy.

     Don't let the trivalent vs. quadrivalent word confuse you.  The trivalent is being phased out as it only covers 3 different flu viruses whereas the quadrivalent product covers 4 different viruses.  Although research shows that the flu vaccine is only about 33% effective this year, a flu shot of any kind is better than having no protection at all.  The FLU is EVERYWHERE in AMERICA right now.  Schools are closing for days at a time, hospitals are limiting visitors, healthcare workers are wearing masks throughout their shifts at work, and some hospitals are at capacity taking care of patients with the flu/pneumonia.  Just take the time to go and GET THE SHOT!!!  It won't hurt...

     Happy New Year, Fam...  yes, it's been a minute since I talked to you.  It's not that I didn't have anything to say, I just was down and out.  Stuff happens.  You know.  Anywho, I thought I would bring you some good news info, as well as, health info in 2018.  Let me know what you think.  Constructive criticism and positive thoughts only.  No one has time for negative mess,  We get that EVERYDAY.  Look at the real news...



     I ran across this article on CNN.com and I want to bring it to you just in case you haven't heard anything about it.  A first for the country of Nigeria.  Reminds of the the appearance of the Jamaican bobsled team at the 1988 Winter Olympics in Calgary, Alberta.  The likelihood of a BOBSLED team being formed in a nation who's temperature never gets cold enough to have a snowfall, just amazes me.  This lets you know, anything is possible.  Check out the article.  Most important, wish the young ladies good luck on their new venture.

     http://edition.cnn.com/2017/12/29/sport/winter-olympics-2018-nigeria-olympic-bobsled-team-seun-adigun/index.html

   

    
Smooches
     (special thanks to CNN.com and CBSnews.com for pic)