AUGUST 2019 HEALTH WELLNESS & NUTRITION SUPPLEMENT
Heightened Senses: LIVING WELL WITH PHYSICAL, SENSORY & COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENTS SPONSORED BY
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Living Well with Physical, Sensory & Cognitive Impairments By Dr. Shantella Y. Sherman Informer Special Editions Editor
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In Memoriam Dr. Calvin W. Rolark, Sr. Wilhelmina J. Rolark THE WASHINGTON INFORMER NEWSPAPER (ISSN#0741-9414) is published weekly on each Thursday. Periodicals postage paid at Washington, D.C. and additional mailing offices. News and advertising deadline is Monday prior to publication. Announcements must be received two weeks prior to event. Copyright 2016 by The Washington Informer. All rights reserved. POSTMASTER: Send change of addresses to The Washington Informer, 3117 Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave., S.E. Washington, D.C. 20032. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher. The Informer Newspaper cannot guarantee the return of photographs. Subscription rates are $45 per year, two years $60. Papers will be received not more than a week after publication. Make checks payable to: THE WASHINGTON INFORMER 3117 Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave., S.E Washington, D.C. 20032 Phone: 202 561-4100 Fax: 202 574-3785 news@washingtoninformer.com www.washingtoninformer.com
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Zarifa Roberson, i.d.e.a.l. Magazine
According to a 2018 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, 1 in 4 U.S. adults – 61 million Americans – have an impediment that impacts major life activities. Types of impairment include mobility (walking or climbing stairs), sensory (hearing or sight impaired), and cognitive (concentration, remembering, or making decisions), and increasingly these conditions are impacting African Americans under the age of 50. While some are born with illnesses or develop them in early childhood, others find that chronic health concerns such as hypertension, diabetes, and living in toxic spaces, impair their sight, hearing, mobility, or cognitive abilities. Brilliantly, most find ways of enjoying life to the fullest. Among them, a former colleague, Zarifa Roberson, comes to mind. As the former founder and publisher of i.d.e.a.l. Magazine, a publication giving voice to urban young people with disabilities, Roberson embodied the passion of both an advocate and educator. During its 11 years of operation, i.d.e.a.l. came to epitomize Roberson’s amazing spirit for living and loving with arthrogryposis multiplex congentia, a condition characterized by multiple joint contractures (stiffness) and involves muscle weakness found throughout the body prior to birth. The name, derived from Greek, means curved or hooked joints. Roberson, who shuttered the magazine in 2015, now travels the country as a motivational speaker, encouraging others with disabilities to enjoy every aspect of their lives – including active sex lives. “My purpose through my business is to change the way society has stigmatized people with disabilities especially among people of color, and to create an image of people of color with disabilities as contributing members of society such as entrepreneur, lawyers, doctors, vocational rehabilitation counselors, and teachers,” Roberson said. “Most importantly, I want our image to be diverse, successful and as valuable members to society.” In addition to addressing some of the health concerns of those with mobility, sensory and cognitive impairments, this Informer health supplement celebrates the tenacity, resilience and graft of this growing community. Read, Learn, Enjoy. Dr. S
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Dating Websites, Apps Open Doors to Socializing for Those with Disabilities and Impairments By Stacy M. Brown and Lee Ross Informer Staff Writers The internet contains a trove of sites where meetings and hookups can be accomplished with a touch of the keyboard – swipe right or swipe left, you decide. But, what about individuals looking for love or companionship who are disabled or impaired in some way? The prevalence of dating sites for those with impairments might surprise some. The success rate of matchmakers on those sites likely will stun. “Many disabled people are surprised to find love – but there are so many success stories out there, that there is no reason to be so hesitant,” wrote Laurel House and other dating experts for the blog, “The 10 Best Dating Sites. “The reality is that there are advantages to dating someone who is disabled. Among them, there is no stronger bond in a relationship than that in which you can wholeheartedly trust your partner to be with you through thick and thin, through sickness and health,” House wrote with experts Ken Solin, James Preece, Erika Ettin, Nida Sea, Vanae Tran, and Carmelia Ray. “A relationship with someone who is disabled already has that wonderful commitment to help and trust each other from the getgo,” the dating experts wrote. “Before I found Disabled Mate, I had resigned myself to the idea that I’d be spending the rest of my life alone,” John Simmons, a member of Disabled Mate, who found love on the platform said. “Something told me to give the website [Disabled Mate] a try and I’m glad I did. Since joining, I’ve made several new friends and I feel good about the connections and friendships I’ve forged, in-
cluding one with a special lady.” Dating – or even “hooking up” has become much easier for those with impairments and disabilities through advanced technology, including new apps like Glimmer, which launched earlier this year. Designed to create a more transparent environment for people with disabilities, Glimmer, was founded by Geoffrey Anderson, who was inspired by his brother, who has cognitive disabilities. Anderson told Buzzfeed that he didn't like that people felt the need to omit their disabilities on sites like Tinder, saying “The problem clearly isn't the omission itself, it's that having a disability is often stigmatized.” Removing that stigma was very much the goal for Shari Stallman, 40, who wears a back brace to assist with adult idiopathic scoliosis – a condition that was only recently diagnosed. Stallman said that with her self-confidence near exhaustion, dating seemed unrealistic. “I love to dance, and it has been part of my dating ritual for decades to go to parties, but I was too embarrassed to go out anymore since I started wearing the brace. Who would want to dance with me with my spine twisted?” Stallman told the Informer. “Even though I never considered myself ‘disabled’ it felt like a strike against my chances of meeting a good person if I admitted.” Stallman said that instead, once she opened up to cyberdating on sites that catered to those with impairments or disabilities, it was pretty easy getting back to the dance floor. “Things are so transparent that I can relax and simply enjoy the company of the other person. There are no judgments and no hiding, so it really is less superficial than traditional dating for me,” Stallman said.
Dating – or even “hooking up” has become much easier for those with impairments and disabilities through advanced technology...
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For those seeking to find love or companionship online, vantagemobility.com recently compiled a list in which their experts called The Best Dating Sites for Those Who are Disabled. They include Whispers4U, which has been around since 2002; Dating4Disabled, a free site that allows users to meet, date and share resources with other people with disabilities; Special Bridge, a private and family-owned and operated social community for those with disabilities; Disabled Passions, a social networking community that provides a variety of content related to disabilities and dating, including humorous videos, games and collected resources. HS
New Apps and Websites that cater to those with disabilities or impairments have made socializing and dating much easier, transparent. (Courtesy photo)
Nutrition Made Easy!™ A health podcast for food lovers. Hosted by Giant® nutritionists. Stream or Download: www.giantfood.com/nutrition
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• Encourage kids to eat right. Healthy breakfasts and lunches help students be more alert. Help kids pack lunches or make healthy choices at the cafeteria, and limit junk food. AmeriHealth Caritas District of Columbia (DC) members can take healthy cooking classes at no cost at our Member Wellness Center. To see our monthly schedule, visit www.amerihealthcaritasdc. com. • Keep reading all summer. Let kids choose what they like to read. Comic books, catalogs, and magazines all count. Children and adults in the District can earn prizes for reading through the D.C. Public Library Summer Challenge. Learn more at www. dclibrary.org/summerchallenge. • Research and talk about after-school activities. You can narrow the choices down to one or two that your child will enjoy. Make sure your child has time for homework and personal time.
Keep Your Student Healthy
Submitted by AmeriHealth Caritas District of ColumbiaSM Most of us dread the back-toschool routine, even though we welcome its familiar pace after we’re in it. Take time to prepare now and get back into the swing of
HELP CHILDREN WITH SCHOOLschool with ease. And remember, • Slowly move bedtimes back. RELATED CONCERNS healthy students are better learners. We all tend to veer off regular bed- AND STRESS. START NOW TO BE READY.
Eating right and getting enough sleep and exercise can help students do their best.
#BestMe
Rewards Program
time schedules during the summer. A couple of weeks before school starts, begin pushing bedtimes back by 15 minutes each night. If meal times or other routines have changed, reset those too.
Helping your kids with school is one of your most important jobs as a parent. • Teach them study skills. Make sure your child has a quiet place with plenty of light to
study. Many parents set a time each day for homework. Pay bills, read, or do other “homework” at the same time your child does schoolwork. This shows kids how the skills they are learning in school are applied to real life. • Help kids get organized. Teach them how to plan a schedule, make to-do lists, and set goals and deadlines for projects. You can help your child learn how to break large tasks into smaller ones. • Support a healthy schoollife balance. Make sure homework and study time are not too stressful or overwhelming. Personal time, time with friends, and extracurricular activities are important for children too. • Be ready to help with any challenges. Talk with your kids if they are having anxiety or concerns about school, classmates, or teachers. If your child has an issue, you might want to meet with an administrator or school counselor to learn more and help find a solution. Stay connected to your kids by talking with them every day about their experiences in and out of school. Expect them to do their best so they can be proud of themselves. Ask open-ended questions and listen. Car trips are a good time to fit in these important talks.
I got a gift card for getting my annual physical. You can too. You can get a $25 gift card if you: • Are an AmeriHealth Caritas District of Columbia member • Are 12 – 21 years old • Get an annual physical exam
Visit www.amerihealthcaritasdc.com/giftcard to learn more. Note: A member cannot get more than $50 in incentives each year.
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www.amerihealthcaritasdc.com
All images are used under license for illustrative purposes only. Any individual depicted is a model.
AmeriHealth Caritas District of Columbia complies with applicable federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex. English: ATTENTION: If you speak English, language assistance services, at no cost, are available to you. Call 1-800-408-7511 (TTY/TDD: 202-216-9885 or 1-800-570-1190). Spanish: ATENCIÓN: si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística. Llame al 1-800-408-7511 (TTY/TDD: 202-216-9885 o 1-800-570-1190). Amharic: ማሳሰቢያ፡ አማርኛ መናገር የሚችሉ ከሆነ፣ ከከፍያ ነጻ የሆነ የቋንቋ ድጋፍ አገልግሎት ይቀርብልዎታል፡፡ በስልክ ቁጥር 1-800-408-7511 (TTY/TDD: 202-216-9885 ወይም 1-800-570-1190) ይደውሉ. 1-800-408-7511 اﺗﺼﻞ ﺑﺮﻗﻢ.ﺎن ﻓﺈن ﺧﺪﻣﺎت اﳌﺴﺎﻋﺪة اﻟﻠﻐﻮﻳﺔ ﺗﺘﻮاﻓﺮ ﻟﻚ ﺑﺎ، إذا ﻛﻨﺖ ﺗﺘﺤﺪث اﻟﻠﻐﺔ اﻟﻌﺮﺑﻴﺔ: ﻣﻠﺤﻮﻇﺔ: Arabic .(1-800-570-1190 أوTTY/TDD: 202-216-9885 )رﻗﻢ ﻫﺎﺗﻒ اﻟﺼﻢ واﻟﺒﻜﻢ
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#BESTME CORNER
#BestMe is a campaign created by AmeriHealth Caritas DC all about being the best you possible.
Back-to-school checklist
Five Tips for a Stress-Free Morning
Your morning can set the tone for the rest of your day. Weekday mornings can be challenging with the added stress of getting your child ready for school and making sure they arrive on time. Start your day off right with these ideas: • Think of something you’re grateful for as soon as you open your eyes. It can be different each day or the same.
• Schedule a yearly well visit for your child. Make sure your child has eye and dental exams. These are provided at no cost to AmeriHealth Caritas DC members under age 21. • Make sure your child is up to date on vaccines
• Smile and laugh. We hold a lot of stress in our faces. A laugh or smile can help release some of that tension.
• Help kids make healthy food choices
• Breathe. Take a few slow, deep breaths as you move about in the morning. This calms and grounds you.
• Help kids stay active and ready to learn
• Listen. Research says music can help with stress, so use it to start your day! The sounds of nature have also been shown to relieve stress.
• Learn how to get kids to school safely
• Meditate. Meditating, being mindful, or saying a prayer during the first few minutes of your day can instantly help your Sources: “Back to School” and “Head Back to School Safer and Healthier this Year!,” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, accessed June 12, 2018, www.cdc.gov/features/back-to-school/index.html. “Back to School,” U.S. Department of Education, accessed June 9, 2018, youth.gov/feature-article/ back-school. “Five Tips to Help Manage Stress,” American Psychological Association, accessed June 12, 2018, www.apa.org/helpcenter/manage-stress.aspx All images are used under license for illustrative purposes only. Any individual depicted is a model.
Find us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/amerihealthdc / Find us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/AmeriHealthCaritasDC
#BestMe
Rewards Program
I got a gift card for getting my prenatal checkup. You can too. You can get a $25 gift card if you: • Are pregnant and within your first trimester • Are an AmeriHealth Caritas District of Columbia member • See a midwife or OB/GYN for your first prenatal office visit
Visit www.amerihealthcaritasdc.com/giftcard to learn more. Note: A member cannot get more than $50 in incentives each year.
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www.amerihealthcaritasdc.com AmeriHealth Caritas District of Columbia complies with applicable federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex. English: ATTENTION: If you speak English, language assistance services, at no cost, are available to you. Call 1-800-408-7511 (TTY/TDD: 202-216-9885 or 1-800-570-1190). Spanish: ATENCIÓN: si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística. Llame al 1-800-408-7511 (TTY/TDD: 202-216-9885 o 1-800-570-1190). Amharic: ማሳሰቢያ፡ አማርኛ መናገር የሚችሉ ከሆነ፣ ከከፍያ ነጻ የሆነ የቋንቋ ድጋፍ አገልግሎት ይቀርብልዎታል፡፡ በስልክ ቁጥር 1-800-408-7511 (TTY/TDD: 202-216-9885 ወይም 1-800-570-1190) ይደውሉ. 1-800-408-7511 اﺗﺼﻞ ﺑﺮﻗﻢ.ﺎن ﻓﺈن ﺧﺪﻣﺎت اﳌﺴﺎﻋﺪة اﻟﻠﻐﻮﻳﺔ ﺗﺘﻮاﻓﺮ ﻟﻚ ﺑﺎ، إذا ﻛﻨﺖ ﺗﺘﺤﺪث اﻟﻠﻐﺔ اﻟﻌﺮﺑﻴﺔ: ﻣﻠﺤﻮﻇﺔ: Arabic .(1-800-570-1190 أوTTY/TDD: 202-216-9885 )رﻗﻢ ﻫﺎﺗﻒ اﻟﺼﻢ واﻟﺒﻜﻢ
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AUGUST 2019 HEALTH WELLNESS & NUTRITION SUPPLEMENT / www.washingtoninformer.com
All images are used under license for illustrative purposes only. Any individual depicted is a model.
By Lee Ross Special to the Informer
Recommended Books About Living Well with Disabilities and Impairments In Sickness and in Health: Love, Disability, and a Quest to Understand the Perils and Pleasures of Interabled Romance Ben Mattlin In Sickness and in Health is more than an "inspiring" story of how a man born with spinal muscular atrophy-a congenital and incurable neuromuscular condition-survived childhood, graduated from Harvard, married an able-bodied woman, built a family with two daughters and a cat and a turtle, established a successful career in journalism, and lived happily ever after. As Mattlin considers the many times his relationship has been met with surprise or speculation by outsiders-those who consider his wife a "saint" or him just plain "lucky" for finding love-he issues a challenge to readers- why should the idea of an "interabled" couple be regarded as either tragic or noble?
On the Beat of Truth: A Hearing Daughter's Stories of Her Black Deaf Parents Maxine Childress Brown As an African American woman born in 1943, Maxine Childress Brown possessed a unique vantage point to witness the transformative events in her parents' lives. Both came from the South -- her father, Herbert Childress, from Nashville, TN, and her mother, Thomasina Brown, from Concord, NC. The oldest of three daughters, Maxine was fascinated by her parents' stories. She marveled at how they raised a well-respected, middle-class family in the midst of segregation with the added challenge of being deaf.
Kissability: People with Disabilities Talk About Sex, Love, and Relationships Katherine Duke In Kissability, Katherine Duke and forty other individuals from around the world open up about their bodies, minds, and hearts. Their words interweave to create a book about differences and common bonds, about inner selves and outward appearances, about change and acceptance—and about the many ways that people need and connect with one another.
Disability and the Black Community Sheila D Miller Disability and the Black Community addresses physical, mental, and learning disabilities experienced across age, gender, and ethics groups by the Black race in the United States. This unique book works to increase understanding and awareness of those working with the disabled by mobilizing advocates, providing alternatives for successful intervention and planning, and encouraging research in disability and rehabilitation. Disability and the Black Community raises the level of understanding and awareness of the complex and diverse concerns facing the disabled and their families in the community and the workplace. The book is at once motivational, influential, and empowering, examining social and political issues that compound the ordeals confronting the Black disabled.
Johns Hopkins Cancer Clinic
Cancer keeps us up at night, too. Sibley Memorial Hospital and Unity Health Care – collaborating to improve access to high quality cancer care. Call 202-660-5776 to schedule an appointment at the Parkside location.
The Promise of Medicine
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Hypertension: The Silent Killer Submitted by The Greater Washington Region American Heart Association Did you know that 1 in 4 of adults in the Greater Washington Region have high blood pressure? This is a major issue. When left untreated, high blood pressure can be a contributing factor to heart attack, stroke, and other health concerns. High blood pressure or hypertension is when the force of blood flowing through your blood vessels is consistently too high. The normal range for an adult is less than 120/80. It is known as a “silent killer” as most of the time there are no obvious symptoms. African Americans have a higher prevalence of high blood pressure than other racial and ethnic groups. It also can be more severe, and some medications are less effective in treating high blood pressure in African Americans. Thiazide-type diuretics (water pills) and/or calcium channel blockers are more effective in lowering blood pressure when given alone or as initial medicines in a multidrug regimen to African Americans.*
Certain physical traits and lifestyle choices can put you at a greater risk for high blood pressure. How can you prevent and manage high blood pressure? Start by making healthy lifestyle choices such as: • Moving More: The American Heart Association recommends adults get at least 2.5 hours of physical activity each week. • Eating Healthy: Making healthy food choices can help lower blood pressure. Eat fruits, veggies, whole grains, low fat dairy products, and low sodium food options. • Stopping Smoking: Using tobacco can cause your blood pressure to temporarily increase and can damage your arteries. • Limiting your alcohol intake: Limit your alcohol consumption to only one drink per day. • Starting to stress less: Find healthy ways like exercise or meditation to lower your stress level. • Losing weight: Maintain a normal body weight and BMI. “It’s critical for everyone to know their blood pressure numbers. At the American Heart Association,
we are working with community members and organizations to raise awareness of the dangers of high blood pressure to help the Greater Washington community live their longest, healthiest lives,” said Greater Washington Region American Heart Association’s Executive Director Soula Antoniou. If you do have high blood pressure, work with your healthcare provider to determine the best treatment options. Depending on your risk and blood pressure levels, you may be prescribed medications along with healthy lifestyle changes. With proper treatment and management, you can control your blood pressure to live a long and healthy life. The only way to know if your
blood pressure is high is to check it regularly. The American Heart Association has a free online tool called the Check.Change.Control. program. This program tracks your blood pressure readings and connects you with a volunteer health mentor. The American Heart Association is also working with healthcare partners such as Unity Health, DC Primary Care Association, and the Primary Care Coalition to help people get their blood pressure under control through education and programming including Target: BP. Target: BP supports physicians and care teams by offering access to the latest research, tools and resources to help their patients work on blood
pressure. Last year, these partners reached 200,000 patients in the Greater Washington Region with Target: BP initiative. Visit http://www.targetbp.org to learn more or www.heart.org/dc to get involved with the Greater Washington Region American Heart Association. *Note: Specific source to the information regarding African Americans and Hypertension is from American Heart Association: https:// www.heart.org/-/media/data-import/downloadables/pe-abh-whatabout-african-americans-andhigh-blood-pressure-ucm_300463. pdf?la=en&hash=95E93A0B6B484F665782A17CA1FFD148EDEEAFB7.
There are enough adults diagnosed with high blood pressure in the Greater Washington Region to fill the Washington Redkins' FedExField 11 times!
Did you know that blood pressure over 120/80 is considered too high? Find out more about how to control your blood pressure at www.loweryourhbp.org.
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Secret Foods to Lower Blood Pressure By Elaine Magee, MPH, RD Albertsons Companies Wellness Corporate Dietitian and the author of 25 books, including “Tell Me What to Eat if I Suffer from Heart Disease”
us know that limiting sodium and salt to less than 2400 milligrams a day is recommended, but here are a few of the more secret food-related tips.
About 73 million U.S. adults are walking around with high blood pressure or hypertension. It’s called “the silent killer” because there are absolutely no signs that you have it. When you have high blood pressure your heart has to pump harder and the arteries are under increased pressure, which can lead to injury of the artery walls, atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease. Shockingly less than one-third of people with high blood pressure have it under control and uncontrolled blood pressure significantly increases the risk of heart attack and stroke. The good news is new research reported a 10 mm Hg reduction of systolic blood pressure reduced the risk of major cardiovascular disease events, stroke, and heart failure by 20-28%. Experts agree that maintaining a healthy weight, staying active and not smoking are three of your best bets for managing blood pressure. But what you eat (or don’t eat) can also improve blood pressure. Most of
The Tale of Two Minerals: Potassium and Sodium Americans tend to get too little potassium and too much sodium in their diet. While a high intake of sodium raises hypertension risk, people who meet the daily requirement for the electrolyte potassium, reduce their risk of cardiovascular disease and its risk factors. Get more potassium every day by including a daily dose of dark green leafy veggies. Other potassium heavy hitters in the vegetable category include artichokes, Brussel sprouts, sweet potatoes and potatoes with skin. In the fruit category look to bananas, oranges/orange juice, papayas, cherries, kiwi, tomatoes, avocado, and cantaloupe/watermelon for potassium. The Three Amigo Minerals: Potassium, Magnesium, and Calcium We’ve just been reminded about the power of potassium, but potassium is also one of three minerals that
are vital for improving blood pressure. And as luck or mother-nature would have it, at least two and sometimes all three are found together in foods. The big star in this list is dark green leafy veggies (which boasts all three minerals), other foods on this list include low fat dairy, nuts (almonds, peanuts, soy nuts, pistachios, sunflower seeds, etc.), beans and peas (especially edamame/soybeans), seafood (especially shellfish and clams), and whole grains (especially oats and quinoa).
Let the DASH Diet Inspire You The DASH eating plan, which features many of the foods we already noted in the first two tips, has lowered blood pressure similar to what is commonly achieved with medications. Along with a lower sodium intake, this tested eating plan encourages daily 8-10 servings of vegetables and whole fruit, 2-3 servings of low-fat dairy, whole grains over processed grains, nuts, seeds and beans (2-3 tablespoons), and no more than 6 ounces of lean meat, poultry or fish.
Include Extra Virgin Olive Oil in your Daily Diet New research continues to suggest that there may be blood pressure-lowering benefits to including extra-virgin olive oil in your daily diet. Along with the more favorable monounsaturated fats, extra virgin olive oil adds 30-plus plant compounds, many of which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory action in the body.
Dark Chocolate & Cocoa Helps Crush High Blood Pressure Dark chocolate and unsweetened cocoa are loaded with antioxidants and improve blood pressure, blood lipids, and arterial flexibility and vascular health. The dose suggested to be helpful (and associated with lowering the risk of heart attack) is .33-ounce dark chocolate or 1.5 tablespoons of cocoa powder at least 3-4 times a week.
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Get Ready for School at Whitman-Walker’s East of the River Fall Fest By WhitmanWalker Health
In 2016, Whitman-Walker staff members (and fellow Washingtonians), Adisa Bakare and Dwayne Lawson-Brown, created East of the RivMark your er Fall Fest to celebrate and support the historic calendars! WhitAnacostia community. Since then, the event has m a n -Wa l k e r grown to donate more than 300 backpacks and Health is hosting supply more than 350 meals to fall fest attendees! its 4th Annual Past performers have included the Walker Redds East of the RivProject, Ushindi Performance Troupe of Split This er Fall Fest – a school supplies giveaway and Rock Youth Programs, DisgoFeva and of course community party with live Go-Go by Sirius Sirius Company! Company! On Friday, August 23rd, from 3:00 Did you know Whitman-Walker has operated to 6:00 p.m., stop by Whitman-Walker’s Max its health center at Max Robinson Center for more Robinson Center at 2301 Martin Luther King, than 25 years? Our Max Robinson Center offers… Jr. Ave, SE – right near the Big Chair! Each year, this free festival brings together multiple organizations, partners, • Primary medical and dental care Enjoy live music, poetry, and mouth-waterand community members for an afternoon of music, fun, and giving back! • Behavioral health and substance use treatment ing food from Caribbean Citations while pick• Legal Services and Insurance Navigation ing up free backpacks and other school supplies • Research study enrollment for the 2019-2020 school year. • HIV/STI testing and counseling • PrEP – the daily that prevents HIV before exposure to HIV WHAT TO EXPECT AT EAST OF THE RIVER FALL FEST? • PEP – the 28-day pill regimen that prevents This annual community event includes a resource fair featuring… HIV after a potential exposure to HIV • Whitman-Walker’s Public Benefits and Insurance Navigation team to help you • AND a full-service pharmacy located next navigate Open Enrollment and getting insured through DC Health Link door at 2303 Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave SE! • HIV testing through Whitman-Walker’s mobile testing van We hope you'll join us at East of the River Fall Fest 2019! Learn more about the event, • Information on currently enrolling research studies at Whitman-Walker and how to get involved at whitman-walker.org/fallfest. Please note: The rain date for • Sign-ups for mammography appointments through Breast Care for East of the River Fall Fest is Friday, August 30th. Washington’s mobile mammo unit • Soufside Creative merchandise from Congress Heights Arts & Culture Center
ABOUT WHITMAN-WALKER HEALTH
GIVEAWAYS INCLUDE... • • • • •
For over 40 years, Whitman-Walker Health has been proudly serving communities who often feel critically left out of the healthcare system. Whitman-Walker provides stigma-free, culturally humble and vital healthcare to the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, gender expansive and queer communities, as well as to those living with or affected by HIV; and to individuals who cannot afford to pay or otherwise feel uncomfortable in other healthcare settings. Learn more about Whitman-Walker at whtiman-walker.org.
Backpacks, school supplies and books for all ages Oral hygiene kits for adults and youth Tampons, pads and gently used, or new, bras Free rideshare bike passes from Capital Bikeshare Walk & 5K to End HIV t-shirts
FRIDAY, AUG. 23, 2019 LOCATION
MAX ROBINSON CENTER
2301 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave, SE
TIME
3 PM - 6 PM
FREE EVENT
GO-GO Music Live Performances Free Food & Drinks
HIV Testing School Supplies and more!
www.whitman-walker.org/fallfest
www.washingtoninformer.com / AUGUST 2019 HEALTH WELLNESS & NUTRITION SUPPLEMENT
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Our pharmacists go above and beyond. But you don’t have to go much beyond the Big Chair.
OPEN NOW! Whitman-Walker has a new pharmacy right in your neighborhood! Monday - Friday 8:30 am - 6:30 pm
2303 Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenue, SE H-11 HS-11
AUGUST 2019 HEALTH WELLNESS & NUTRITION SUPPLEMENT / www.washingtoninformer.com
Losing Sight, Gaining Perspective
By Dr. Sophia Sparks Special to the Informer
Did I lose my side or did my blind spot enlarge? When I first began my journey as a person with low vision four years ago, I thought I had lost my sight. I only knew how to operate in a world using my vision. How can one function in a world with limited vision? Yes, I have other senses, but I can never gather the full picture by just hearing, touching, smelling, or tasting. I guess my ability to use my imagination, in the same manner children do, was my saving grace. I still, however, needed my vision to fully interact with my surroundings. Climbing stairs, reading printed materials, operating my cell phone, watching television, and even matching my clothing, became obstacles. Either I missed steps because I didn't see them or could not read data – a necessary component to my work as a scientist -- because the print was too small. Certain color families would blend together making feel as though I was colorblind. As a result, I received many bruises from walking into objects
or falling from missing steps. It was difficult to maneuver in the world or even the safety of my own home. Frustration set in. This was compounded by the societal stigma that made my failing abilities a “disability.” I also became frustrated with the amount of time it took me to complete simple tasks like sweeping a floor. To combat fears and frustrations, I enrolled in a center that teaches those with low to no vision how to operate in a visual world. It was a godsend. I saw people with varying visual impairments – some who acted as if they had not lost their sight, others who were on a quest to restore their sight, and still others, embracing technological devices that temporarily restored their vision or helped them successfully navigate with the sight that remained. In watching them, I realized that I was thinking about my condition in the wrong manner. My sense of sight cannot be lost nor can any of my other senses. However, it can be reduced. I still have the organ that provides sight, but it is not functioning at the same level it did prior to the situation
resulting in the reduction of my vision. Therefore, I don't need to look for ways to get it back. I may sound repetitive but that was what I continually told myself. I can't get back something I did not lose. Shifting focus, I thought about attributes I possessed that could help me see with limited vision. Nothing came to mind until I saw a father who was totally blind running after a small child who appeared to have no visual limitations. If it was not for his identification cane, I would have never known that he was blind. So, I sat in the park analyzing and realized that my ability to truly interact with my surroundings had been compromised without the impairment. I allowed my sight to dictate what I saw and inadvertently ignored the information processed by my other senses. This father used the sound of the child's laughter, the pressure from the child's footsteps, and the smells in the air to guide his pursuit after the child. He, the father, saw where to run despite having no field of vision and no
sight as most perceived it. The father used a culmination of all his other senses to see. As a newlywed, this scene brought me a level of peace, as I considered how amazing it would be to chase behind my own children or play “catch me” with my husband. I needed to adapt and register the information processed by
To combat fears and frustrations, I enrolled in a center that teaches those with low to no vision how to operate in a visual world. It was a godsend.
my other senses in my conscious mind. I needed to imagine. Take the information from my sense of taste, touch, smell, and hearing to create the picture in my mind. After completing imagination exercises, I now build furniture in my spare time, and enjoy lots of international travel – including sightseeing with my husband, Cliff. Those with sight deem these types of mobility and fun impossibilities, but I recognize them as the start to unlocking the true ability of sight. Dr. Sophia Sparks is scientist specializing in toxicology. Her work explores water soluble toxins. She lives in Dallas TX. and is a regular contributor to the Washington Informer. HS
Sophia Sparks, like many with low vision, adapted to her condition using several devices, including bioptic glasses and continues to travel and build furniture alongside her husband, Cliff. / Photos courtesy of Sophia and Clifford Sparks
www.washingtoninformer.com / AUGUST 2019 HEALTH WELLNESS & NUTRITION SUPPLEMENT
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Finding the Right Care Launches a Cookie Entrepreneur By Winoka Wendy Wilkes The HSC Health Care System Program Coordinator
The HSC Pediatric Center is a specialty hospital in Washington, DC, that services children from infancy through age 21 with special needs, disabilities, and complex medical conditions. Kyle and his mother were able to experience the care and services at HSC and agreed to share their story as we highlight National Health Center Week. Kyle has autism. He struggled to communicate his basic wants and needs, eventually leading to more challenging behavior; his mother didn’t know what to do. Navigating health care services for a child with autism and other developmental disabilities can be a daunting task. It requires time, resources, and
can become overwhelming for both parent and child. Finding the right place for your unique child can make a difference in his or her quality of life Kyle’s mother contacted his primary care physician to ask for guidance with how to help her child. She was referred to The HSC Pediatric Center ‘s Psychology Department for Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). ABA is a scientific, evidence based practice which focuses on how behaviors change, or are affected by the environment, as well as how learning takes place. Skills related to communication, socialization, and daily living are targeted in ABA therapy. After coordinating with their insurance company, Kyle was evaluated by a Board-Certified Behavior
Analyst and deemed a candidate for ABA clinic services. He was enrolled in the Early Learner program, which offers early childhood services for children with autism and developmental delays, with a focus on growth, overcoming challenges, and increasing opportunities for success. Goals include managing challenging behaviors while teaching new skills such as communication, play, and self-help skills. Kyle received individualized instruction within a group setting, four days a week for several years. He made incredible strides with his communication skills and learned important coping skills. Kyle’s mother was so impressed with his progress, that she became curious as to what else the HSC Pediatric Center could offer her now teen-
aged child. She discovered the Cultivating Independence for Transitioning Youth (CITY) Clinic; a specialized afterschool program for teens with autism and developmental disabilities developed in collaboration with the Cleveland Clinic Center for Autism. Programming is designed to promote independence and development of the skills necessary for young people to be active members of their community. Social-communication, adaptive living & pre-vocational skills, as well as community integration are key features of the program. Youth in the afterschool program also participate in community outings for leisure and employment readiness purposes. Kyle’s favorite part of CITY Clinic was Downtown Cookies – a group-run cook-
ie business. Each month, he and his group-mates plan and execute a cookie sale at The HSC Pediatric Center. Some HSC staff have nicknamed him the “Cookie Man.” Kyle and his mother were able to find the right services because of their early introduction to The HSC Pediatric Center. The HSC Pediatric Center has served DC families of children with disabilities, special needs, and complex medical issues for 136 years and is growing. Visit hschealthcare.org to learn more about what HSC has to offer.
The HSC Health Care System salutes National Health Center Week Caring. Serving. Empowering for 136 years.
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AUGUST 2019 HEALTH WELLNESS & NUTRITION SUPPLEMENT / www.washingtoninformer.com
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By Kaja Rae Lucas Special to the Informer Stunning the fashion world, Aaron Philip recently appeared on the cover of Paper Magazine, marking a graceful start to a promising career. Philip is a Black, disabled, genderfluid 18-year-old girl from New York, and she is propagating a new wave of inclusion. So, though she may be the first Black, trans, disabled person on runways, she will not be the last. Philip and her family are originally from Antigua but moved to New York City to secure better medical care for her. Seven years ago, her family was forced into a homeless shelter due to overwhelming medical bills. At fourteen, she co-wrote a book with Tonya Bolden, This Kid Can Fly: It’s About Ability (NOT Disability). But, after seeing Kylie Jenner’s 2015 Interview cover, Philip wondered, as she stated in an interview with Them, “where were all the other people with disabilities in the shoot?” Initially, Philip sent headshots to agencies, but didn’t find success until she turned to social media where she had already secured a large following. The tweet she put out read: “honestly when I get scouted/discovered by a modeling agency it’s over for y’all.” And from that viral suc-
Beauty, By Any Other Name
cess, she started getting picked up for photo shoots. Philip was signed to Elite NYC, a high-profile modeling agency, in the fall of 2018. In June, she made her modeling debut at the Willie Norris Workshop. When she said “it’s over for y’all” Philip knew how to follow through. Philip finished high school and went to prom rocking Marc Jacobs. Philip was also interviewed by one of her idols, Naomi Campbell, in Paper. Since this start, Philip has made skillful, effective steps, while remaining true to her own ideal. On Twitter, she has stated that she’s not an activist, rather, that she just “gives a f**k.” And she certainly believes marginalized people should be allowed to live without needing to justify themselves. Philip is clear-sighted when it comes to her work; she rejects the idea that she’s an “activist,” and in an interview with Dazed she stated: “I think when it comes to being a marginalized person in society, people have such high expectations,” she said, “they want people who are marginalized to do the labor of constantly advocating for themselves. I’m not an activist. I’m a model.” It’s this giving a f**k that gives her a strong po-
sition in the world-- she stated in her Paper feature. “I want to be seen as equal. I want to have the equal opportunities that any other woman would have in life itself.” She knows this is beyond modeling, although modeling is her work. It is the creation of a lane where there wasn’t one before. Philip knew the lack; “I was hyper-aware of my disability. I realized there’s no one I see on TV or online or in fashion on the stage that I love, looking like me.” The creation of representation is so important-- “everyone deserves to be acknowledged, respected, and valued” she stated. It is modeling, but it’s also trailblazing. It’s this clarity of purpose that
makes Philip a stunning force in her field, as well as her authenticity. “I feel like I’m doing nothing but trying my hardest to authentically live my life,” she told Paper. Philip knows her image for the future of fashion, stating she
wants “genuine inclusion and diversity,” in an interview with Dazed. In her first cover, she stated “I hope that my first show goes to show that runways and fashion collections with people like me in it can be possible.” HS
Aaron Philip’s foray into the fashion world breaks several barriers to acknowledging the beauty within disabled and trans communities. (Courtesy photos)
Area Resources for Special Needs, Hearing and Sight Impaired Individuals and Families Lee Ross Informer Staff Writer Each of the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia has an agency to help its blind and visually limited residents obtain the skills and tools needed to find and maintain jobs. They provide job placement assistance, orientation and mobility training, support for courses leading to potential employment, magnification and screen reading software and training, other aids to assist with basic life activities, and general information to aid in seeking and holding jobs. The Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) under the District of Columbia’s Department on Disability Services provides job counseling, development, placement and retention services.
Information can be found by calling (202) 730-1700 or by visiting RSA’s web site at: http://dds.dc.gov/page/dds-services Aira, the assistive technology service, has offered its blind and low vision subscribers, who are job seekers, a free service to assist with employment searches through the Aira Employment Program. For more information, visit the web site: http://go.aira.io/employment. Columbia Lighthouse for the Blind (CLB) is a private non-profit organization that provides a comprehensive, integrated range of services including low vision care and rehabilitation, job development training, and employment for people of all ages who are visually impaired or blind. Information can be found by calling (202)
454-6400 or by visiting CLB’s web site at: http://www.clb.org American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) http://www.asha.org/public/hearing/Hearing-Testing/External Provides information on newborn hearing screening. Address: 10801 Rockville Pike, Rockville, MD 20852 E-mail: actioncenter@asha.org (800) 638-8255 — (Voice, TTY)
programs is also available. Address: MS E-88, 1600 Clifton Rd, Atlanta, GA 30333 E-mail: ehdi@cdc.gov 1-800-CDC-INFO (1-800-2324636)
Special Population Students DCPS Find resources and information for local education agency (LEA) staff, educators, and community organizations who serve students from special populations in the District of Columbia though the Office of the State Superintendent of EduCenters for Disease Control & cation (OSSE). Content includes Prevention (CDC); NCBDDD; Early guidance documents, policies, Hearing Detection & Intervention archived training materials, instrucProgram (EHDI) tional resources, and stakeholder https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/hear- engagement opportunities. https:// ingloss/index.html (Federal Website) osse.dc.gov/page/special-populations Provides information about chilHS dren and hearing loss and answers some commonly asked questions. Information about state EHDI
www.washingtoninformer.com / AUGUST 2019 HEALTH WELLNESS & NUTRITION SUPPLEMENT
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Some Senses We Take for Granted, Hearing and Vision By Brittany E. Tillman, Health Neurotics LLC, CHES, Health Neurotics, LLC
We often see our older population looking for their spectacles to read the newspaper, an article or even a Facebook post. We hear, “huh?” or “what’s that?” a thousand times. Have we truly thought about damage prevention to our eyesight and hearing? I think we chalk it up to growing older and as a normal part of life. What if I told you that is so far from the truth? Would you believe me? Vision problems result from inflammation and degeneration of the eye. Age-related macular degeneration is the leading cause of blindness in the United States. The leading cause of blindness in ages 20-74 according to Michigan State University is cataract, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma and macular degeneration; which affects adults ages 40 and over. Ear infections, meningitis, earwax build up, fluid, punctured eardrums, medicines and long-term exposure to loud noise can cause hearing loss. According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, the greatest amount of hearing loss is in the 60 to 69 age group. In addition, men are twice as likely as women to have hearing loss among adults aged 20-69. The late and great Dr. Sebi teaches us that our eyesight is deeply connected to our colon and our pancreas. Unimagined right? The more clogged your colon and pancreas is, for a lack of a better term, the worse your vision is. A self-check of your diet is ever important. Our bodies are a magnificent alarm system that we often tune out. Listen attentively and fill the body up with alkaline foods to help reduce inflammation. Alkaline Foods for Eyesight include cantaloupes, peaches, Burro bananas, blackberries, squash, tomatillos, kale seeded oranges, strawberries watercress, amaranth (grains), and bladderwrack (seaweed). Alkaline Foods for Hearing include avocado, seeded oranges, seeded melons, kale, arugula, quinoa, and tomatoes.
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Foods to Avoid include wheat gluten (causes mucus production), dairy products (causes mucus production), meat (causes mucus production), seafood (disrupts gut health), and sugar (causes mucus production). Visit your optometrist or ophthalmologist annually or biannually. Always keep a food journal when transitioning into a new diet. Use your food journal as a level of accountability. Consult with your physician if you have sudden hearing loss or gradual hearing impairments. Water helps move digested food particles along the colon to prepare the body for a bowel movement. Continue to drink plenty of spring water, at least a gallon per day. Eat more alkaline foods, because an alkaline diet wards off disease while an acidic diet contributes to the onset of disease, according to Dr. Sebi's Nutritional Guide. I would be remised if I did not mention the magic of marijuana for cataract, glaucoma and pain management for hearing or vision impairments. Speak with your physician to get a medical marijuana recommendation or visit a medical marijuana dispensary in the legally participating states and/or territories. Remember health is your only wealth. Health Neurotics, LLC is an emerging health promotion firm in Washington, DC offering health promotion seminars, consultations, products and services. Health Neurotics specialize in nutrition education for adolescents and adults using health literacy standards and cultural competence to target demographics. One of our most celebrated efforts was a guest appearance on Sirius XM Shade 45 nationally syndicated radio show, First Aid with Kelly Kinkaid focusing on Diabetes Awareness Month. Visit us at www.healthneurotics.com, shop for our all alkaline vegan product line at www.healthneurotics.com/shop or find our products at The Glut Food Coop or Takoma Park Silver Spring Coop. Contact Health Neurotics at healthneurotics@ gmail.com. HS
Health Neurotics, LLC is an emerging health promotion firm in Washington, DC offering health promotion seminars, consultations, products and services. Health Neurotics specialize in nutrition education for adolescents and adults using health literacy standards and cultural competence to target demographics. One of our most celebrated efforts was a guest appearance on Sirius XM Shade 45 nationally syndicated radio show, First Aid with Kelly Kinkaid focusing on Diabetes Awareness Month. Visit us at www.healthneurotics.com, shop for our all alkaline vegan product line at www.healthneurotics.com/shop or find our products at The Glut Food Coop or Takoma Park Silver Spring Coop. Contact Health Neurotics at healthneurotics@gmail.com.
AUGUST 2019 HEALTH WELLNESS & NUTRITION SUPPLEMENT / www.washingtoninformer.com
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with most insurance* your next grocery purchase with any immunization**
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