When bringing in the New Year, many restaurants brought a word to the forefront, trans fat. Popular chains such as Starbucks, Wendy’s and McDonald’s banned trans fat from their menus.
Listed on food labels as partially hydrogenated vegetable oil, trans fat, which is a manufactured fat, is thought to boost “bad” cholesterol and decrease “good” cholesterol.
Human papilloma virus (HPV) and cervical cancer have always been a concern among other sexually transmitted diseases, but 2007 was the first time they were brought to the public on a national level. According to Dr. Bennet Desadier, there are more than 100 strains of HPV, but only certain types are bad. While penetrative sexual contact carries the greater risk of transmission, any non-penetrative sexual activity involving skin to skin contact increases the risk of HPV infection. Regular pap smears can detect precancerous cervical lesions and HPV.
Unfortunately, up to 70 percent of sexually active women will be exposed and infected with HPV during their lifetime. Despite HPV-related cervical cancer being the second leading cause of death in women, there is a preventative vaccine available called Gardisil.
Hoosiers were better educated during the month of May about a serious condition that affects more than 5 million people, predominantly women, worldwide. Lupus is a potentially life-threatening autoimmune disease that causes the immune system to attack the body’s own health tissue. Facing the potential of strokes, heart attacks, pain, fatigue and other symptoms, people with lupus banded together to call for more research, safer and more effective treatments, and improved health care for those affected by lupus.
During 2007, the Recorder reported on many other important health issues such as glaucoma, West Nile virus, obesity, nursing home care, and autism. Among the many health disparities and issues taking over the nation, breast cancer, AIDS, diabetes, heart disease and prostate cancer continues to ravage the Black community.
In overcoming health issues and finding affordable health care, the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper will continue to inspire all readers and your loved ones during 2008 to take steps to a healthier diet, exercise, taking preventative measures such as seeing your doctor regularly, getting tested and treated for major illnesses and overall positive health and well being.
