Tonja Ward
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Local Physician Answers First Lady Michelle Obama’s Charge to Fight Childhood Obesity
February 25th, 2010
More than 30 children and parents participated in the kick-off to an exciting new health and fitness program called “BG Be Fit” earlier this month. The on-going program focuses on teaching medically underserved school-aged children and families how to combat obesity with exercise and healthy foods. Texas Children’s Hospital physician Dr. Sarah Barlow, a childhood obesity specialist and Associate Professor of Pediatrics at Baylor College of Medicine, led the program’s activities.
This program is right on time in light of First Lady Michelle Obama’s “Let’s Move” initiative, recently launched to combat child obesity. In a speech last Saturday the First Lady told the National Governors Association “Nearly one in three of our children in this country is overweight or obese. One in three kids today will eventually develop diabetes – and in the African-American and Hispanic communities the number is nearly half.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, obesity is “the single most important public problem that faces the United States today.” Additionally, the CDC states that this may be the first generation of children who fails to outlive their parents. Dr. Barlow, who is also the Director of the Center for Childhood Obesity at Texas Children’s Hospital, agrees with this level of concern. “_I consider every child to be at risk! Because over half of American adults are overweight or obese, that means every child has greater than 50% risk of having a weight problem sometime during their life,” explains Dr. Barlow. Her point is that it is never too early for parents to create healthy eating patterns and an active lifestyle no matter what the child’s weight.
“Obesity and its health problems are high all over the United States, but Houston and Texas in general have among the highest rates,” said Dr. Barlow. “In some schools and neighborhoods, the obesity rate is 25-30%. Latino children and African-American children are particularly vulnerable to excess weight gain and to the important health problems, like pre-diabetes and diabetes,” Dr. Barlow added.
To get the BG Be Fit off the ground, Dr. Barlow successfully matched a community-based program with a supporter. When approached by both The MEND (Mind, Exercise, Nutrition…Do it!) program from the UK to bring the program to the states and by BG Americas and Global LNG about supporting a program that reached out to underserved children in Houston she found a perfect fit.
The BG Be Fit program is designed for children ages 8 to 12 with a body mass index above the 95th percentile. The child’s pediatrician can help figure this out. It is open to children who live close enough to the Cossaboom YMCA and can attend the program twice weekly.
The BG Be Fit program engages child and parent, focuses on healthy eating choices, not diet, makes physical activity fun, and doesn’t talk about weight.
If your child is already overweight or above the 95th percentile Dr. Barlow offers these tips:
1. Focus on goal of good health and strong bodies, not weight loss.
2. Talk about eating healthy and being fit, not dieting and exercise.
3. Make all changes family changes—most of us could eat more fruits and vegetables, switch from soda and juice to water, reduce portion sizes, moving more.
“If the household makes this behavior normal, then children feel good about these behaviors. Plus the household is a “safe” environment that protects children from the unhealthy environment around them. “
The BG Be Fit is a step in the right direction for Houston, but ultimately Houston will need many different kinds of programs for adults and children and coordinate them. Collaboration will be the key to implementing the First Lady’s initiative to get our children the help they need.
Tonja Ward is the co-Founder of FITatudes, a Health & Wellness Ministry that empowers Women, Children and Athletes to Eat to Live, Live to Worship and Get Full on the Word. www.FITatudes.org
Follow Mother Nature’s Lead and Eat Well on a Budget
February 4th, 2010
Ever notice how the prices for fruits and vegetables constantly go up and down? Or have you seen how at times there is more of one group of fruits and vegetables than another? That’s because Mother Nature has every fruit and vegetable on a time-table. Each one has a prime time when it’s at its peak and is most abundant. This works to our advantage in several ways. When we follow Mother Nature’s schedule it’s better for our wallets, better for our taste buds, great for our health and better for the planet.
The combination of 21st century urban industrialized culture and our desire to have what we want when we want has distanced us from the true rhythm of nature. We have almost completely lost connection with where our food comes from. Our supermarkets would have you think that the seasons no longer exist because their shelves look the same month to month. Imports from around the world allow you to have whatever you want year round. If you want strawberries in the dead of winter, you can get them fresh from Chile where it’s summer. However, you will pay a premium.
Whatever happened to eating the right foods at the right time? I don’t know about you but with the recent dips in temperature my family has been craving warm soups and stews. And when it heats up for the summer chili and soups will be a thing of the past and we will opt for cool crisp salads and fresh juicy blueberries.
Today’s economy has us constantly looking for ways to save and seasonal eating is an excellent place to start lowering your grocery bill. The value cannot be beat. I was just in a supermarket this weekend where Clementine were $2.79 for the bag which in the summer can range from $5.99-$8.99. Sweet potatoes, also now in season, are hovering around $0.99 per pound, a lot lower than the summer prices which get close to $2 per pound when they are out of season.
Then there is the taste factor. Most chefs agree that seasonal foods taste the best when they are in peak season. Not to mention the seasonal variety keeps menus appealing as foods change with the season.
Interestingly enough science is beginning to show that Mother Nature was clever enough to makes sure that the nutrients in the seasonal foods match up with what we need for better health during that time of year. For example, citrus is in season now and it’s chock full of Vitamin C, the recommended nutrient when you have a cold. Not to mention all of the phytonutrients and fiber packed in. And watermelon, is full of water, a huge benefit to keep dehydration at bay in the heat of the summer and it’s a great source of the cancer fighting phytonutrient lycopene.
On top of all the personal benefits there are environmental benefits as well. EatSeasonably.com reports growing foods in season requires lower levels of artificial inputs like heating, lighting, pesticides and fertilizers. This promotes sustainability.
So save your self some money, and eat well for your health and save the planet as you enjoy the many flavors of the season.
What’s In Season RIGHT NOW here in Texas?
VEGETABLES
o Broccoli
o Broccolini
o Brussels Sprouts
o Butternut Squash
o Cabbage
o Carrots
o Cauliflower
o Celery Root
o Collards
o Fennel
o Kale
o Leeks
o Mushrooms
o Potatoes
o Rutabaga
o Spinach
o Sweet Potatoes
o Turnips
FRUITS
o Grapefruit
o Kiwi Fruit
o Oranges
o Tangerines
o Ugli Fruit
Watch for sales to keep up with what’s in season or you can check out these sites to print out your own seasonal food calendar. Bon appétit!
http://eatseasonably.co.uk/pdfs/Calendar_A1.pdf
http://www.epicurious.com/articlesguides/seasonalcooking/farmtotable/seasonalingredientmap
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Wellness Symposium Presents Proof Positive: Healthier Employees & Healthier Communities Save More Money for Everyone
January 21st, 2010
Still looking for a reason to improve your health? Being healthy may be your key to keeping or getting a job in today’s economy because employers are discovering that healthy people cost less. At the Third Annual Wellness Symposium hosted by the Houston Wellness Association more than two dozen nationally recognized health and wellness experts shared proof positive strategies for companies and communities to impact Houston’s health in this challenging economy.
Laurie Lee, Chair of the Worksite Wellness Conference said “This year we wanted to broaden the focus [beyond Houston].” “We wanted to bring in speakers from around the country who are recognized experts in their field,“ said Lee.
This year’s Wellness Symposium featured experts such as Dr. Paul Keckley from Deloitte Center for Health Solutions, Andrew Scibelli from Florida Light & Power Co., Beth Common from H-E-B, Pamela Hymel from Cisco Systems, Inez Seaney from Watson Wyatt Worldwide, Dr. Eduardo Sanchez from Blue Cross Blue Shield, Gracie Cavanar from Recipes for Success and Judge Ed Emmett from Harris County, Texas.
Many of the conference attendees represented companies that are doing some things but wanted to learn how to do more. These kinds of initiatives have been around for the past 30 years but have only been in Houston the past 18. “We are seeing a slow and steady growth,” said Lee. “ [But] not the velocity that other parts of the country are seeing,” explains Lee. Large companies like HEB and a few oil companies are leading the way locally. “But some of the most significant results in terms of cost savings are being realized by medium and smaller companies who by spending a little bit of money to educate their employees about better health practices and educate their employees about their own risk status, are earning significant returns on investment that they are able to measure” Lee said.
Viverae, is one of the national providers of worksite wellness programs, that has successfully helped reduce absenteeism, improve productivity and save both the employer and employee costs. “We help employers and employees identify health risk factors before they become expensive medical costs,” said Mark Head Viverae’s chief solutions officer who presented during a break-out session.
There were no surprises that the Risk Factors that affect employer and employee health costs identified were:
o Stress
o BMI
o Blood Pressure
o Lipid Profile
o Smoking
o Physical Activity
o Blood glucose (pre-diabetic)
o Weight
o Arthritis
75% of medical costs come from chronic diseases like the above and they are all influenced by weight.
“In today’s competitive marketplace, companies are looking for innovative solutions to offset the rising cost of healthcare. When executed properly, health management programs can significantly reduce employee health risks, year over year,” said Mark Head.
Employees feel the rising cost of health care as employers have shifted costs with higher co-pays and deductibles. But this is not helping the health of employees nor reducing costs. And, while the debate continues in Washington returning presenter Dr. Eduardo Shanchez, Blue Cross Blue Shield, noted that insuring everyone would not change the health status of Americans. Referencing the 2002 Diabetes Prevention Program he suggested that in the long run it’s cheaper to do lifestyle changes than pharmaceuticals.
Worksite programs are a real part of the solution but wellness doesn’t stop at work. That’s why HWA’s third day focused on community health programs to discuss communication on an ongoing basis, coordination to understand who’s doing what then collaboration between entities in a way that adds value.
Dr. Sanchez maintined that even though new reports show that overweight and obesity has leveled off at 66% , bringing the number down is still a challenge. “Promoting health and thereby preventing obesity is the pathway to tackling obesity and chronic disease,” said Dr. Sanchez. He commented that the high percentage of overweight and obesity represents a potential tsunami of increasing chronic disease. Moreover, since the 66% number includes overweight and obesity there is still room for more obesity.
Dorcus Upke, RD, LD, Co-Chair of the Community Health and Wellness Summit said that since obesity rates have not started dropping “The goal is to get that coordination and collaboration going…we can get people talking about the programs and getting to see how different programs can come together and get people healthier,” she said. Ms Upke emphasize that the focus should be on getting people healthier. “If they learn to eat a minimum of 5 to 7 fruits and vegetables a day and eat more fiber drink more water they will be healthier and that weight will begin to change,” said Mrs. Upke.
Newly elected Mayor Annise Parker was also on hand to support the event and sat on the Community Leader Panel at the symposium to express confidence in preventative care. Keeping to HWA founder and former Mayor Bill White’s theme Mayor Parker said “what we’ve really got to do is get people moving!”
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Make a New Year’s Resolution to NOT DIET in 2010
December 30th, 2009
What if a discovery was made that most DIET programs DO NOT WORK. That diets don’t lead to sustained weight loss or health benefits for the majority of people. Or that one-third to two thirds of all dieters regain more weight than they lost within four (4) years. Would you reconsider your plans for dieting this New Year? Well, it’s all true and supported by scientific studies. A diet probably will not be your best resolution for the New Year.
Restrictive diets are temporary fixes that make you focus on food even more, stress you out and in the end set you up for the likelihood of regain. Yet, year after year we make the same resolution to get healthy and lose weight. Then we resort to a diet to help us get there. And the promise of the diet (in small writing) is… “results NOT typical.”
With this ‘promise’, diet companies compete for your attention by touting low carb, no carb, high/low protein, low fat, low sugar, counting points or packaged meals. However, in a study examining diets with different proportions of carbohydrates, protein and fat, researchers found that it made NO difference what kind of diet people followed. By reducing calories they initially lost weight but after two years average participants had regained weight and were on a path to further regain.
For a lack of results to be the norm it’s really surprising that diet companies are even still in business. But, consider the economics of the diet industry. It is the only industry that continues to grow consistently without proven or satisfactory results for the majority of its consumers. In fact, as the diet industry has prospered the overweight and obesity rates in America have soared and propelled lifestyle diseases like diabetes and heart disease.
So do we go on dieting to overcome the health crises in America? Albert Eisnstein once said that “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.” If we apply this definition to dieting, what can we expect?
If you want a different result you must do something different. Making sustainable changes for better health and wellness begin with a change of the attitude of the mind and heart…then the body will follow. That’s what FITatudes – Feeling Inspired Together + a Godly Attitude – is all about (www.FITatudes.com).
Tune into 89.3 KSBJ from 6- noon or www.ksbj.org from 9 – noon this Sunday, January 3rd when I will be one of the guest DJs and will share some inspirational tips to help you have a great 2010!
Then gather your co-workers, church group or just get a group of girlfriends together and join our FREE New Year’s Class. You’ll learn 9 Essential Tips that will allow you to enjoy everything that the New Year can bring and set forth a plan for your life that leads to total wellness – body, mind and spirit.
Which day works best for you?
January 7th
January 14
February 11
February 18
Send us an email at info@FITatudes.com with your preferred class date. Class time is one hour 7:30CT. Let’s do something different together and get real results this New Year!
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Prevent Weight Gain This Holiday Season With These Green & Red Treats By Tonja Ward & Diana Patton
December 18th, 2009
The Holidays are a wonderful time for cooks to share healthier makeovers of those “tried and true” culinary delights that will have the family licking their lips without worry of it ending up on their hips. Our Marinated Collard Greens and Cranmond Rice Medley recipes may be just the gift of health great chefs like you are looking for to help keep those year-end pounds at bay. With a holiday FITatude and a few simple tweaks to some traditional foods we can help you and your family enjoy healthier spreads and perhaps rid you of that bloated-gassy feeling after your family feast!
Unfortunately the holiday season has, for many, become a time to splurge and even over indulge. But, when all is said and done it usually ends up costing more than it was worth. Let’s face it; some of us just can’t afford a 1-day (or even 10-day depending on the number of party invitations we get) splurge because an eating frenzy can set off a number of triggers, leading to weight gain or negatively impacting an existing diabetes, heart disease or high blood pressure condition!
Preventing holiday weight gain begins with a simple FITatude. A FITatude is the powerful transformation that occurs when “FIT” – that’s Feeling Inspired Together – collides with a Godly “Attitude.” The result: FITatudes! Now don’t worry: This will not put a damper on your holiday fun!! Rather, we want you to fully enjoy your family traditions while enhancing them with a FITatude. It’s a positive attitude of contentment rather than greed, a humble outward focus on serving others rather than being served. It’s an appreciation for real food that is whole, chemical-free, and with the purest ingredients. It’s realizing that this wonderful time of year is about being together with loved ones and really focusing on the meaning of the season, and not so much on food. It simply means we eat when we are hungry and stop when we are full. After you ‘eat and drink’ save the seconds for later, when you get hungry again, and ‘be merry!’
Now we realize that you may get a few questions from family members not used to your new FITatude or the way you prepare your new dish. But just think, later in the afternoon, following that delicious Christmas meal, you will all feel refreshed rather than stuffed because you ate what you needed and your body was able to digest it efficiently. You will knowingly smile because you decreased your risks for lifestyle diseases. And best of all, you will have encouraged your family with a gift towards better health, making gas, heart burn and constipation a thing of the past!
It is best to “lead with love” when encouraging your family to try new things. Forcing others to partake in your new creations or telling them how terrible they’ll feel if they don’t try your recipes will only backfire. Simply sit your wonderful dish on the table beside all of the other wonderful family traditions and ENJOY! Just be prepared to offer the recipe once they tell you how good it is – because they will!
Try these tasty treats out. Let us know what you think!
Marinated Collard Greens:
¼ cup apple cider vinegar
¼ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes
¼ cup chopped scallions
3 garlic clove, minced
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon sea salt, divided
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 bunch collard greens, washed
1/4 cup olive oil
1 cup vegetable or chicken broth
1. In a large bowl, combine apple cider vinegar, sun-dried tomatoes, scallions, garlic, red pepper flakes, 1 teaspoon sea salt and pepper. Set aside.
2. Take several collard leaves and roll into a cylinder the shape of a fat cigar.
3. Using a knife, cut the through the collard cylinder, making strips. Repeat
steps two and three until you have cut all the collard leaves.
4. Place strips in a large bowl. Pour olive oil on collard strips and sprinkle the remaining 1 teaspoon of salt. Massage the oil and salt into the strips until all are well coated.
5. Transfer the collard strips to the bowl with the apple cider vinegar marinade and cup of vegetable or chicken broth to a crock pot and let cook on low for at least 4 hours.
Servings: 4
Another thought: If you’d like to add some protein, try topping with some cooked, chopped, nitrate-free turkey bacon, or top with some slivered almonds or pine nuts!
Cranmond Rice Medley
1 cup brown basmati rice, 1/2 cup short grain brown rice, and 1/2 cup wild rice
1 1/3 cup of chopped almonds
2 chopped green onions
3/4 cup dried cranberries (fruit juice sweetened)
1 bunch of chopped cilantro (equal to 3 or 4 cups)
1 bay leaf
1/2 cup olive oil
4 tablespoon raw cider vinegar
4 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
4 tablespoon agave nectar, local honey or maple syrup
1/4 cup Tamari soy sauce (or Bragg’s Liquid Amino Acids)
1 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper + 1/2 teaspoon salt
1. Cook the rice together with the cranberries, onions and bay leaf with 1 part broth and 1 part water.
2. Add the cilantro and nuts to the cooked rice mix.
3. In a separate bowl combine the olive oil, cider vinegar, balsamic vinegar, maple syrup, soy sauce, black pepper and salt.
4. Add the cilantro and almonds to the dressing.
5. Pour mixture over the rice and combine thoroughly, fluff with a fork and serve warm. It’s best to stick the pan of rice in the wamer for a while to let the dressing really soak through.
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So Far So Good for Texan Mom Working with Dr. Oz to Get Fit and Improve her Health By Super Bowl Sunday
November 25th, 2009
“The Dr. Oz Show,” hosted by cardiac surgeon and health expert Dr. Mehmet Oz, joined forces with the National Football League (NFL) to help 20 moms of NFL players face off to get fit in “Dr. Oz’s Ultimate Health Challenge.” In September, two teams comprised of ten AFC and ten NFC moms kicked off a competition to tackle their health issues as part of a national viewer challenge. Representing the Texans on the AFC team is Karen Barber, mother of Dominique Barber. The Moms are battling to reduce major risk factors contributing to heart disease including their blood pressure, cholesterol, waist size and weight. Now, half way through the challenge, it seems that things are going well and they are ready to tackle the holidays.
The teams are being coached by former Tennessee Titans running back and Heisman Trophy winner Eddie George and his wife Taj, of “Survivor” fame.
Dominique Barber and Mother Karen Barber
Like many busy moms she admits “we’ve been so committed to our families that we forget how important we are. And we just don’t think about how we aren’t taking care of ourselves.” This was one of the reasons Dr. Oz selected the NFL Moms for the challenge. “We want the NFL moms to serve as role models for the average woman who is watching the show,” said Dr. Oz.
Dr. Oz has identified three major aspects for losing weight. “First is the knowledge base, what you are going to eat and how you will make it easy enough to do” explained Dr. Oz. “The second thing is physical fitness,” says Dr. Oz. Eddie George designed a workout for the Moms to do right and home using their own body as the gym. The third aspect is the emotional part. Dr. Oz hopes to get the Moms to regain control over their lives and not manage their controls by eating.
The NFL moms get weekly support calls from the show and they keep in touch with each other through e-mail and phone meetings. “We talk about different recipes that work [and] where we are,” explains Mrs. Barber who is the AFC off TV team captain. “As we meet on the phone I tell them as a team what we have lost instead of going individually,” said Barber. The mothers are relying on each other. “Having my other moms I don’t want to let them down and we are all getting healthier,” said Barber. “That’s what gives you confidence,” explains Dr. Oz. “There are 20 other people doing it.” The message is if they are doing it then you can too.
In the first six weeks their team had lost 21 pounds and now headed into Thanksgiving they have lost a total of 119 pounds and 5.4% body fat.
Dr. Oz told them he would be tracking their weight “but that’s not why we are doing the program,” explained Dr. Oz. “We are doing the program so they can live right now.”
The guidelines that predict longevity are the numbers Dr. Oz are focused on. “I want their Body Mass Index falling into the 30s if not lower. I want their blood pressures all to fall below 140/90 and if not I want them on medication to get them there,” said Dr. Oz. He is also looking for normal blood sugar and LDL Cholesterol numbers.
On the pre-Thanksgiving call Barber reminded the AFC moms to not be afraid to eat, just to watch their portions. “Don’t eat the whole pie, eat a slice,” she advised. Barber cooked Thanksgiving meals for her son Dallas Cowboy Marion Barber; one for Dominque here in Houston; and one for her youngest son at home in Minnesota without a worry. “I think I have this thing mentally” she said. “I ate a little bit of everything and was fine.”
Barber, who aims to get her 10,000 steps a day, was recently told to expect a visit from the show on December 3rd so we will stay tuned to see how it goes.
We wish all the best to our Texan mom Karen Barber and the AFC Moms as they motivate us to get fit by Super Bowl Sunday and hope that they will bring us a Championship. Visit http://www.doctoroz.com/challenge/dr-ozs-ultimate-health-challenge to join the challenge with the NFL moms.
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Health Director Stephen Williams is Empowering Houston with Sustainable Health Care Reform
November 20th, 2009
This Thanksgiving, in the midst of the on-going debate over health care reform in our nation’s capitol, Houstonians can be thankful for the positive changes already in motion under the strong leadership of Stephen Williams, Director of the Houston Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). Williams came to Houston in 2004 after serving a successful nine (9) year tenure as executive manager of Travis County’s Health and Human Services and Veteran Services Department in Austin, TX. His record proves he has more than embraced the challenge Mayor Bill White issued to provide Houstonians with more efficient and effective delivery of public health services.
“I’ve always liked being in a position where I can actually help people.…or influence people that are in the business of helping people.” said Williams. “I always look at situations and see what can be done rather than focusing on what doesn’t exist.” Williams’ attitude, passion and leadership continues to help the City of Houston move in the right direction. There is still a lot to do, but you may be surprised to learn how much has already been accomplished during Williams’ tenure.
Under Williams’ leadership, Project Saving Smiles was initiated, targeting Houston 2nd graders for oral screenings. In only one school year, through enhanced partnerships and updated methodologies, this project resulted in an increase of over 100% for the number of children receiving dental sealants. Williams also established the Gift of Sight to provide vision screening and glasses to school aged children. “One child [who received glasses] didn’t know he had lines on his hands,” recalls Williams. These types of programs have more impact than we know. Oral health is directly related to heart disease prevention. And who knows how many behavioral problems often result from undiscovered vision problems.
Another successful program has been the community Assessment, Intervention and Mobilization project (AIM), a door-to-door responsive services program. AIM meets a variety of short-term and long-term needs, such as minor home repairs, food, clothing, emergency utility and rent assistance, and in some instances, services are granted immediately. So far, the department has taken AIM to Houston’s Near Northside, Sunnyside, Independence Heights, Magnolia Park, Tri-Community, and Fifth Ward neighborhoods.
In addressing communicable diseases, Williams was able to get in front of a syphilis outbreak with a rapid response team. This is ordinarily something requiring assistance from state and federal partners but he was able to address the issue by mobilizing his own staff and community partners. A Disease Surveillance System also was implemented to detect disease outbreaks in the community by monitoring hospitals, clinics and drug stores to gauge what is really going on, from a disease perspective, in the community. This type of creative ingenuity led to a school absentee monitoring system to stay in front of outbreaks including H1N1 influenza.
This administration is also making a name as a trendsetter with its nationally recognized Hip Hop for HIV Awareness Intervention screening and concert event. For the past three years the DHHS has teamed up with several organizations to sponsor free and confidential sexually transmitted infections screenings. This year, over 14,000 teens and young adults took advantage of the free service, with over 120 new syphilis and HIV infections identified. These individuals were then linked to medical care. Alarmingly, over 20% of those tested were positive for Chlamydia or Gonorrhea.
Along with promoting wellness and preventing disease, Williams has improved our regional preparedness efforts for natural disasters. Williams, who has managed relief efforts for 3 hurricanes in five years, understands the importance of preparedness in response to natural disasters. Under his leadership, senior issues are being addressed and childhood immunization rates increased. In conjunction with the Mayor’s Office, air quality improvement efforts were amplified. While the list of accomplishments is long and impressive, Williams keeps a forward focus.
Houston is a thriving city with a world-renowned medical center. It is open and very supportive of businesses. However, Williams admits, “…. we’re still challenged with issues related to poverty and health disparities. There is no reason why we can’t in a meaningful way start to tackle these issues. There is no reason for the abuse and neglect rates to be what they are in some of our communities; there is no reason for our HIV rate to be what it is, for our STD rates to be so high. There’s no reason why we cannot really look at preventative health issues for children. He questions “Why can’t we re-create our systems to be responsive to those needs?”
For Houston to continue expanding and moving upward and responding to the community’s public health needs, Williams has set even higher goals for 2010.
• Maintain efforts in air quality
• Increase testing for HIV and other STIs
• Build initiatives like the Kids Village initiative that focus on children that will result in integrated and comprehensive services for children
• Expand oral health services; provide dental sealants for every 2nd grader in the city of Houston
• Increase the partnership with the One Sight Foundation to include seniors
• Maintain state of readiness for disaster in public health emergency
• Continue response to H1N1 influenza and other potential natural or disease disasters
• Continue depression screening within the WIC program and look at preventative mental health services
• Look for ways to integrate HDHHS services to a greater extent
• Continue Healthy Families initiatives and the nurse family partnership program
• Continue wrap around services in Kashmere High School
Williams is quick to acknowledge that the success of the office and carrying out the future goals are only possible because of his highly competent and knowledgeable staff.
When asked about the Health Care Bill that is now in the hands of the U.S. Senate, Williams agrees that something needs to be done. “There are just too many people who are challenged with access to healthcare. I also think that there needs to be a major focus on preventative health issues, because I think that’s where the cost savings will actually come into play. As long as we are dealing with sick care we are going to continue to be challenged with how to finance that sick care system. There is a way to prevent people from getting chronic disease. And there is a way to manage chronic disease even when it occurs,” said Williams.
When it comes to public health, Williams believes in a comprehensive approach. “It’s not enough just to look at health care. I think you have to consider your emotional, physical and, spiritual well-being in the context of the environment that you exist in and the relationships you have,” said Williams.
Williams is committed to ensuring that the work of the department is geared towards connecting people with long term activities. He emphasizes how we should not wait until we are sick to go to the doctor but get regular check ups. He also mentioned the importance of looking at what we eat and whether or not we exercise. “I believe that people need to assume a greater level of responsibility for themselves and their own well-being,” says Williams.
“I can remember my mother in her senior years even starting to cook greens with smoked turkey. That’s a big deal! We can do things like that. It is possible to maintain our culture and still be healthy,” suggests Williams.
Prior to managing the Travis County Health and Human Services and Veteran Services Department, Williams served as Administrator of Public Health, then Deputy Director for programs and services for the Austin/Travis County Health and Human Services Department. From 1979-1991, he served in various public health capacities, including administrator of community health services in Maricopa County (Phoenix, AZ) and in leadership roles with the Montgomery, AL, Area Mental Health Authority. He also worked in the Juvenile Justice system in the Alabama Department of Youth Services.
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Happy & Healthy Halloween: Avoid the Tricks and Enjoy Healthy Treats
October 29th, 2009
Dr. Stuart Fisher
Let the holidays begin! Halloween is unofficially the start to the holiday season. A time of year that we all enjoy, yet struggle through as we try to reconcile our health with the food-centric festivities.
But you can make this Halloween happy and healthy with these simple suggestions to keep the fun but throw out the fat.
While many parents try not to think about it, it’s a fact that overweight can lead to obesity and obesity causes 40 different illnesses in 9 organ systems. “The well known consequences of obesity, namely diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and heart disease, are extremely lethal by themselves,” says Dr. Stuart Fisher, author of the best selling Park Avenue Diet. But many don’t connect that disorders such as Asthma, Sleep Disorders, Gallstones, Polycystic Ovary, certain cancers etc. are also related to obesity. And obesity is preventable.
Halloween can be a great time to teach kids about good nutrition, while still keeping the holiday fun for everyone. The fact that 1-in-3 American children are overweight or obese should be enough to push parents and care takers to rethink traditional Halloween trick-or-treating and go for something different this year.
Here are some party tips and fabulous food substitutions:
LIMIT JUICE AND SODA:
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends 4-6 ounces of juice per day for children 1-6 and 8-12 ounces for 7-18 year olds. Dr. Fishers adds that overweight children should not be drinking juice or soda at all. Anyone trying to lose weight should only be drinking water. But, this may not be an easy change, so you may want to start by diluting the juice.
SWAP CANDY FOR REAL TREATS:
Serve yummy nutritious foods at your party. For example, instead of serving ice cream, substitute fresh fruit and low-fat yogurt parfaits or all fruit popsicles. You can also put out fresh baked pumpkinseeds or popcorn instead of candy corn. Why not give small raisin boxes, small bags of pretzels or mini granola bars to your trick-or-treaters instead of candy. At FITatudes we also like to broaden the definition of treat to include fun non-food items such as stickers, pencils or small toys. Just think outside the wrapper!
PLAY GAMES THAT BURN CALORIES:
Play a game of soccer or have a dance competition to get all the party goers moving. It’s important to get your kids to start associating physical activity with fun. Enjoy getting out to walk the neighborhood or the mall to show off your costume or go trick or treating.
MAKE THE SNACKS TOGETHER:
Take your child with you to the store and let them pick out what fruits will go in the yogurt parfait. As you make it explain how fresh fruits have vitamins that will make them strong, healthy, and attractive.
MAKE PLANS FOR THE LOOT:
After trick or treating many parents tend to let their kids have at it when they get home. But Dr. Fishers says “There is no reason why a child needs to eat more than two or three pieces of candy on October 31st.” So what do you do with all the candy that has been collected? “Store it – out of sight, out of mind,” says Dr. Fisher. You can use a few pieces at a time occasionally as part of a special surprise or celebration.
What’s most important is for parents to participate in this healthy holiday change. “The problem of obesity in families can only be solved if everyone participates. Parents are role models being observed continuously for decades,” Dr. Fisher explains. By teaching good eating habits you’ll be teaching your child a lesson that can lengthen their life.
Dr. Fischer is the founder of the Park Avenue Diet Center located in Manhattan, where he uses his expertise to consult adults and children on healthy weight loss.
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HSM Health Editor Tonja Goes 0 To 60 Miles In 3 Days in the Fight Against Breast Cancer
October 22nd, 2009
October is National Breast Caner Awareness Month. A reality check time to learn just how devastating this disease really is.
Consider the 2009 Breast Cancer Statistics: Read the rest of this entry “
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Dr. Oz Connects Houston’s Uninsured Community with Free Health Care Service Providers
September 30th, 2009
If you’ve been to one health fair you’ve been to them all. Glossy brochures. Cool give-a-ways. A variety of complimentary health screenings. Free pressure readings. Instant blood glucose tests. Good information. And then you walk away with some disturbing diagnosis, only to find yourself asking “Ok, now what do I do?” While these fairs are well meaning events, the lack of follow-up care always seems to be the missing link. You arrive ready to take control of your health but, leave either unsatisfied or feeling worse because a potential problem was identified.
Well, this was not at all the case last Saturday! Close to 2,000 of Houston’s uninsured residents showed up at the Reliant Center to take Dr. Oz up on his offer for free check-ups, medical screenings and tests. This was certainly not your ordinary health fair. Dr. Oz partnered with the National Association of Free Clinics to host what may become known as the largest free clinic event in America! Houston’s selection was not happenchance. On average, one out of three persons in Houston does not have coverage. Statewide, it’s an alarming one in four people across Texas without health coverage!
At first glance, the staggering numbers and short time period for the health fair could suggest chaos. But as Dr. Oz worked the entire 168,000 square foot Reliant Center room, with more than 120 exam partitioned rooms, there was a surreal feeling of calm, peace and hope. From the top down the volunteer staff was warm, welcoming, engaging and truly helpful. The staff included hundreds of medical professionals (pediatricians, oncologists, cardiologists, E.R. doctors, general
practitioners and nurses of various specialties), as well as families and even church groups from as far away as North Carolina.
The range of care provided on Saturday varied from the typical check up to acute issues requiring immediate attention. In one case, Dr. Oz worked directly with a woman with very high blood pressure, 200/110. Dr. Oz recalled “she was about to faint, couldn’t breathe because her heart couldn’t pump anymore.” So he quickly ran some tests, put her in the on-site ICU, and was able to get her blood pressure down. After her breathing improved, personnel were on hand to transport her to a near-by hospital.
Natalie Flint and her son, both in need of medical attention, were able to be seen at the clinic on Saturday. “I was grateful that they actually had the program…It was very well organized and people were friendly and helpful and I couldn’t have asked for anything more,” she said.
“We are so excited that Dr. Oz partnered with us to bring the face of the uninsured to Houston,” said Nicole Lamoureux, Executive Director of the National Association of Free Clinics. “What we really are seeing is that 83% of the patients that come to free clinics…come from working households and we really wanted to show that the uninsured in America right now are your friends and your neighbors and the people you go to the grocery store with. They’re people who have recently lost their jobs who just a year ago thought the had a health insurance and a great job and now …they have no where else to turn,” Lamoureaux shares.
This was the case for Donna Holmes who explained “I don’t have insurance and I am unemployed and I have some problems and I wanted to get them checked out.” She too thought the well organized event provided her with the answers she needed. “What they did is referred me to a nearby clinic that I can get a primary doctor,” Holmes told us.
Lamoureaux describes Free Clinics as a response to America’s growing health care needs. Last year alone they were able to service nearly 4 million patients across the U.S. Working very closely with the various communities they identify the most common needs, whether diabetes or respiratory illnesses. “And then we tailor all of our services to that area on top of the primary care that we also give in those laces,” explained Lamoureux. Remarkably, they do all of this with no state or federal funding! Donations, local support and grants are their only sources of funding.
Dr. Oz has worked with free clinics in the past, but he realizes that “the big challenges they face are partly because people don’t know that they exist so folks don’t go get their care there.”
“When we started off we thought it was going to be a small little thing. I wanted to shine the spotlight on the importance of clinics in America. I had no idea that in 48 hours we’d pack in 2000 people making it the biggest health clinic in the country.”
As important as the event was, he describes it more as a cry from people who are in desperate need for healthcare. Dr. Oz recalls that the last time the City of Houston mobilized health resources of this magnitude was for Katrina. He said “ I was at Katrina and I know what a natural disasters feels like, this is a national disaster…it’s our fault and it feels the same way to me.”
But it’s not all doom and gloom. Lamoureux shared, “the good news is when they get done with this event, these patients are being connected to a medical home. They are being connected with a clinic in their area that can take care of them. This is not a one shot deal… They are going to have a place where they can have follow up care and continued care… That is so important and that is what makes this event so special.”
Dr. Oz is committed to changing health care in America. “I think that we have changed some lives today, people who if they hadn’t come here would have lost their leg or maybe their life.”
For the uninsured who did not attend, they too will benefit from the light shed on the clinics in Texas offering free health care. To find a free clinic close to you visit the The Lone Star Association of charitable clinics a http://txlsacc.org/.
Dr. Oz hopes people will tune in daily to the “Dr. Oz Show” for the valuable information he will provide. He too wants people to feel empowered to take charge of their own health destiny.
The generous surgeon’s show, which is produced by Oprah’s company HARPO, was the primary sponsor for this event. “We feel passionate about it and I tell you there is no better place I would put the money.” He plans on doing more free clinics around the country.
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How Sweet the Sound™ Host Donald Lawrence Staying Healthy on the Road
September 24th, 2009
Verizon Wireless kicked off the second annual How Sweet the Sound™ (HSTS), The Search for the Best Church Choir in America Tour at the Toyota Center last Saturday in front of a sold out crowd. The super fit Grammy-winning producer and songwriter Donald Lawrence returned as host and will be taking the search to eleven cities nationwide. The winners, one choir selected from each stop will join together for the grand finale in Detroit Michigan November 7th.
Lawrence was responsible for the show’s spectacular success in its inaugural year, and the expectations are high for round two. But serving as host is only one dimension of this multi-talented artist. Most of us know him as the man who transformed the Tri-City Singers into an internationally acclaimed choir for almost a decade. Mary J. Blige, jazz pianist Ramsey Lewis and the legendary Clark Sisters also know him as a talented producer and collaborator. And this year he released his second solo CD The law of Confession Part I.
In addition to his love for music, we found out the gospel super star has a passion for health and wellness.
With a schedule as hectic as his, we wondered what his secret was to staying committed to healthy living. So, we caught up with him after the debut Verizon HSTS show here in Houston to find out.
Tonja Ward: Watching you on stage time and time again you always have so much energy it’s hard to not be engaged. Last weekend was no exception. How do you do it? How do you stay so energized with such a demanding schedule?
Donald Lawrence: I’ve learned that I have to exercise and get proper rest. I go to bed pretty early and get up pretty early. However, since most of what I have to do on tour is from 7pm-10:30pm I try to sleep in and have a decent breakfast; that really gives me a lot of energy. I get wiped out sometimes but mostly when I’m over-seeing administrative things and creative things. On tour it is kind of a break for me, I can just be talent. The most complicated thing is making sure my guests are taken care of. (Cardio, some light strength training and Pilates really works for me as I have scoliosis)
TW: When did you start your journey to wellness? I remember for a time you were vegetarian so you’ve been committed to healthy living for a while. Was there a turning point in your life that prompted you to live your life this way?
DL: I’ve always been pretty disciplined as it relates to my diet although I fall off the wagon sometimes lol! I REALLY started to concentrate on my wellness at least 10 years ago watching really young people die of heart attacks, etc…. It’s a must being in such a stressful business as well as having such a demanding schedule. The body and metabolism REALLY changes as you age and your life-style has to change with it! I do a lot of reading on anti-aging.
TW: Is there a protocol that you follow? How do you keep it up when you are in a different city every other night on the HSTS tour?
DL: The protocol that works best for me is to watch my calorie in take daily or as you would say my food budget. Understanding that I can’t take in much more energy-food than my body can burn. So if I want to stay at a certain weight and size what I burn daily has a lot to do with that. When you are trying look healthy, and polished on stage and in designer suits (hahaha) this has to become lifestyle!
It’s a little hard on tour; you have a tendency to grab the first thing you see. I keep protein bars with me. I do eat some junk food on the run but I ALWAYS read the label and mostly make sure its a not HUGE amount of calories this way I’m satisfied and I don’t over- indulge as oppose to not eating some comfort food at all. (You know you want some chips or cookies every now and then)
TW: African Americans lead the statistics in most chronic diseases and for overweight and obesity, often the pre-cursor to conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease. As the Quincy Jones of the gospel music industry you are destined for the Gospel Music Hall of Fame, how do you hope your healthy living example can also leave a legacy?
DL: Well on my mom’s side of the family they suffered with diabetes a lot. I’ve always been VERY conscious of this. I TRULY believe a “Kingdom life-style” is balance: Spirituality, family, life, love and healthy living. I hope to create or be a part of a wellness program that helps not only Gospel artist but African American people of faith to just stop and take a look at their life’s balance, so they can be around to watch their kids graduate college, get married enjoy their grand-kids, etc…I feel
People lived longer years ago but due to what’s in food now a days people are REALLY getting sick. I’m also a FAN of “Whole Foods” lol!
Here’s To Life!!
You can follow the HSTS tour at www.howsweetthesound.com.
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Drastically improve your health … chat with your neighbor!
September 17th, 2009
Do you make an effort to just stop and chat with your neighbors? Or, are you too busy trying to get in your front door or garage as fast as you can, hoping no one is around to say hello as you escape indoors. We know some of you are laughing right now because that’s you!
Does your lifestyle include meeting with friends and family often – for no particular reason – just because?
When we use the term “neighbor” it’s not just the people you physically live beside it’s also those in your community – your daily circle of influence. That includes your co-workers, the person you sit beside at church, the grocery store attendant, your child’s teacher – you get the picture! We know you speak, but what if you actually listened to a response when you say “how’s it going?” Instead we wait for the typical “great thank you, how are you?” and move on.
But remember, just a year ago this week, talking to our neighbors was the norm as we pulled together to rebuild after hurricane Ike. For many of us, it was the first time meeting our neighbors. Communities banned together to support each other like never before. But once we were pretty much put back together we stopped getting together with our neighbors.
We stopped the very dialogue and neighborly chatting that makes a healthy difference and adds years to your life. It’s the conversations that involves true meaningful communication – like what was found in the small community of Roseto, Pennsylvania; and what is now known as the “Roseto effect.”
The introduction in Malcolm Galdwell’s Outliers is entitled “The Roseto Mystery – These people were dying of old age. That’s it.” The mystery behind this community of immigrants from the Italian province of Foggia was that no one under 55 died of a heart attack or showed any signs of heart disease. In fact, “for men over 65, the death rate from heart disease in Roseto was roughly half that of the United States as whole. In fact, there was no suicide, no alcoholism, no drug addiction and very little crime. The cardiologists and other health professionals that studied these people thought their diet practices from the “Old World” was the contributing factor – but they were blown away when they found a whopping 41% of their calories came from fat. This was not a town where people got up at dawn to run a brisk six miles either. To the contrary, in fact the Pennsylvanian Rosetans smoked heavily and many were struggling with obesity.
What gives? The researchers found a common theme – the “Rosetans visited one another, stopping to chat in Italian on the street, or cooking for one another in their backyards.” Extended family clans underlay the town’s social structure. They saw how many homes had three generations living under one roof, and how much respect grandparents commanded. They also counted 22 separate civic organizations in a town fewer than 2000 and how the church had a strong, unifying and calming effect on the community.
Now, let’s fast forward to America today. The leading cause of death in America is -Heart Attacks! Over 26% of Americans suffer from heart attacks and African Americans lead the pack.
What if we applied the wisdom from the Roseto effect (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/ – “Roseto effect”) to our own lives? What if we returned to the neighborly atmosphere that existed as we recovered from hurricane Ike? Can you imagine the wonderful and significant health benefits?
Now here’s a health tip you can implement RIGHT NOW! Call friends and invite them over “just because.” Stop your car in the driveway and chat with your neighbor. Meet people after church and have a meal. Parents, really live out the old adage “it takes a village to raise a child.”
Every day, make it a point to find meaningful ways to Feel Inspired Together.
FITatudes can help! Join the FITatudes 9-week telephone-seminar series starting the week of September 21st. Contact us – info@FITatudes.com to learn more or visit us at www.FITatudes.com.
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