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3B LIFE/tr^e Charlotte $ost Thursday, June 1,2006 Mental illness often overlooked among blacks Continued from page 2B the A&ican-American popula- tion. Afiican-Am^cans are dis proportionately exposed to sodal conditions considered to be important risk factors for physical and mental ill ness. Afiican-Americans fre quently lack a usual source of health care as a focal point for treatment- For many African Americans, the emergency room is generally the source of primary care treatment. As a result, mental health care occurs fi^uently in emer gency rooms and psychiatric hospitals. These settings and limited treatment available there, undermine the deliv ery of high-quality mental health care. Adaptive traditions have sustained African Americans through long periods of hard ship imposed by the larger society There is a historical tendency to “cope”" and “adapt” Ihrou^ a myriad of mechanisms. Among them are food, smoking; illicit drugs; violence; and sex, just to name a few. For some, it is a total withdrawal finm social interactions. I am reminded of a child hood friend, who had an “Unde John,” who sat in the same chair, by the window, day in, day out, for as long as I can remember. I can still hear my Mend’s mother telling visitors to the house, “Oh, don’t mind him, that’s just Unde John. He won’t bother you, he harmless.” Less than half of African American adults with mental illness seek treatment for mental health problems, and less than one third of their children receive treatment. The lack in receiving treat ment is due in part to the stigma that surrormds men tal disorders in the AMcan- American community On the surface, the deep threat this issue poses to African American health may not be apparent. However, mental illnesses affect, and are affected by, chronic condi tions such as cancer, heart and cardiovasailar diseases, diabetes and HIV/AIDS. Untreated, they brii^ about unhealthy behavior, non- compliance with prescribed medical regimens, dimin ished immime functioning, and poor prognosis. If this major pubhc health issue is to be addressed efiec- tively in the African American community, several things have to take place; • • More aggressive efforts in addressing health disparities as a community • Educate and involve Religious leada^ in directing seekers of prayer to Mental Health Services • Make mental health a part of dialogue in primary • care settings • Increase the avail ability of AMcan American Mental Heath Providers • Encourage compli ance and continuation of treatment by family and friends Remember, I’m not a doctor, I just soimd like one. Take good care of yourself and live the best life possible! Glenn EUis is a health columnist/writer and media personality who lectures around the country on health issues relevant to the Afiican- Americm community For good health informa tion, visit; www.glennellis.com. Si 25% off Blacks fighting obesity with surgery By Deborah Todd NEW P/rr58Uf?GH COURIER PITTSBURGH - According to the Center for Disease Control, heart disease, vari ous cancers, stroke and dia betes were the top four rea sons Black Americans died in 2002. Each disease is more likely to affect Blacks than my other ethnic group in the coimtry, and all the diseases’ have root causes that can be traced back to obesity “The AMcan-American pop ulation is particularly vulner able to severe obesity, so they’re a popiilation in tremendous need,” said Dr. Anita Courcoulas, Chief of the Section of Minimally Invasive Bariatric and General Surgery at the University of Pittsbui^. Fortunately, Blacks have begun to step up and make the changes necessary to improve their outlooks. According to doctors in atten dance at the National Obesity Help Ccaivention at Magee Women’s Hospital May 13, Blacks are seeking hdp in greater numbers. ‘T think itfs wonderful that, now with more education and awareness, more people are becoming aware of the surgi cal option and are coming for help,” said Courcoulas. Yes. In the AMcan- American community we have a lot of people interested in surgery we have a lot not interested in surgery” said Dr. Madelyn Pemstrom, founder and director of the UPMC Weight Management Center. ‘T think tiiere’s a lot more int^est, sort of more hope, in general. Many Black people hear statistics saying more than 64 percent of our population is obese, but have no idea whether they fall into that category or not. Femstrom said learning a patient’s Body Mass Index is the first step in determining how to help them lose wei^t. “When you’re in that 30s, WQHI> W (iOn RHOADCASTiNKS Nc WADE-AM 1340 WADESBORO, NC Nc (J.hiuUs ''Thhc in Atul 1501 N. l-nS SERYiCe ROAO • Charlotts, nc 28216 704-393-1540 Ckarleston House on Tke Plaza A Low Country Restaurant Lunch 11:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Dinner. 5:00 p.m. -11:00 p.m. 3128 The Plaza Charlotte, NC 28205 704-333-4441 * Lots of good food and Leverages! We'll feed’ you til we fill' you up, fuL true! Book your 2006 Event By May 30th and get 25% off Bool? ^ur: • ^(^dding Receptions * ReLearsal Dinners * • office Parties * Family Reunions * Fkrking availaLie on premises and skuttle services ofl premises. 30 to 35 is Class One Obesity, 35 to 39 is Class Two Obesity and 40 and above is Class Three, that’s what we call severe obesity-thafs the sur gical people,” said Fanstrom. Please see BLACKS/4B 5708-D Nofti Sharon Amity Rd. Charlotte, NC 28215 BIG & I'ALL • Linen Suits • • 2-Piete l.inen & Rayon Scis • • Men's Shoes • Fw directions, call 704-567-9887 or fax 704-567-9^ fSn;? rf-Xb/s -A8HION ■ i 0I‘ 'A ‘ SeOO-F rkxlh Sbafon Amity Week of 05/31/06 thru 06/06/06 Limit 2 Free 9.5-12.5 Ounce Dinners and Flavor Adventures Healthy Choice Entrees Without MVP Card $3.39 Each BUY ONE, GET ONE Without MVP Card $4,99 Lb. BUY ONE, GET ONE FREE FREE 13 Ounce Cocoa or Fruity Pebbles or 14 Ounce Honey Nut Cheerios without MVP Card Regular Retail Breyers Yogurt 4/*1 Limit 8 without MVP Card 4/S2.6 Popsicle Without MVP Card $3,69 Each After Limit And All Other Days Of This Week Without MVP Card S7.99 Without MVP Card $7.49 31-34 Count Huggies Jumbo Diapers ' Without MVP Card S9.99 BUY ONE, GET ONE FREE 1.75 Liters Select Varieties Simply Orange Juice I '■‘if Limit 2 Free Without MVP Card S3.49 Each We reseive the right to limit quantities aid correct typc^rephical end photographic eri s fleinchecks unevailaUe on alcohcri and tobacco products. I jnsc.'vnlEilliiJ I w I laBM Good neighbors. Great prices.
The Charlotte Post (Charlotte, N.C.)
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June 1, 2006, edition 1
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