MAY 2020 HEALTH WELLNESS & NUTRITION SUPPLEMENT
SPONSORED BY
NEWSPAPER READING IS A HABIT
WORDS FROM THE EDITOR
DON’T BREAK THE HABIT!
Black Nurses: A Tradition of Care Amid Crises Dr. Shantella Sherman WI Special Editions Editor
READ THE WASHINGTON INFORMER YOUR WAY: n In Print – feel the ink between your fingers of
our Award Winning Print Edition
n On the Web – www.washingtoninformer.com
updated throughout the day, every day
n On your tablet n On your smartphone n Facebook n Twitter n Weekly Email Blast – sign up at
www.washingtoninformer.com
202-561-4100 For advertising contact Ron Burke at rburke@washingtoninformer.com
...Informing you everyday in every way
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
PUBLISHER Denise Rolark Barnes STAFF D. Kevin McNeir, Editor Ron Burke, Advertising/ Marketing Director Shevry Lassiter, Photo Editor Lafayette Barnes, IV, Assistant Photo Editor John E. De Freitas, Sports Photo Editor Dorothy Rowley, Online Editor ZebraDesigns.net, Design & Layout Mable Neville, Bookkeeper Dr. Charles Vincent, Social Sightings columnist Tatiana Moten, Social Media Specialist Angie Johnson, Circulation REPORTERS Stacy Brown (Senior Writer), Sam P.K. Collins, Timothy Cox, Will Ford (Prince George’s County Writer), Jacqueline Fuller, Hamil Harris, D. Kevin McNeir, Kui Mwai, Lee Ross, Dorothy Rowley, Brenda Siler, Lindiwe Vilakazi, Sarafina Wright, James Wright, PHOTOGRAPHERS John E. DeFreitas, Ja’Mon Jackson, Shevry Lassiter, Roy Lewis, Jr., Robert R. Roberts, Anthony Tilghman
In addition to the month of May being designated National Nurses Month, the World Health Assembly, the governing body of the World Health Organization (WHO), also designated 2020 as the Year of the Nurse and Midwife to advance nurses’ vital position in transforming health care around the world. Amid the crises generated by the Covid-19 pandemic, this year’s commemoration of National Nurses Month, has highlighted the abundant need for, importance of, and resilience embodied by nurses. This is not a spotlight, however, unfamiliar to African American nurses – both lay and professional – who historically 5 Dr. Shantella Sherman (Photo by India Kea) served on the frontlines of the U.S. public health industry since its inception. According to historian Susan Smith’s Sick and Tired of Being Sick and Tired: Black Women’s Health Activism in America, 1890-1950, throughout the earaly twentieth century the Black nurse was a key figure in spreading the gospel of good health and hygiene to African Americans. “As the field of public health nursing expanded in the twentieth century, and public health workers placed more emphasis on individual hygiene, nurses came to symbolize the ideal teachers. Public health nurses were especially important in rural areas where access to doctors was severely limited. Leaders of the Black health movement agreed that ‘one of the greatest needs as related to public health work among Negroes is an adequate supply of well-trained public health nurses.’ It was believed that the public health nurse was one of the most, if not the most effective instructor in the health education for Black people.” Their importance has not waned. Like Mary Frances Hill Coley, a revered mid-wife in rural, segregated Albany, Georgia, many of today’s young, Black nurses enter the field with a desire to help and an abundance of compassion. African Americans interested in entering the medical profession as midwives – or today’s doulas – have found that even with the necessary coursework and credentials, it is the mentorship of elders in the field that steers their development. “My grandmother, Mary Alice Riverton, was a ‘catcher’ who did all the duties of an obstetrician but could not be licensed by the state of South Carolina because she only had a third-grade education. She was termed a catcher because she was not allowed to legally do anything but catch a baby as it delivered, and comfort the mother,” Philadelphia-based doula, Shauna Waylon told the Informer. “Fortunately, she had been trained and understood things like how stress, high blood pressure, venereal infections and lack of rest impacted the birth process. In 45 years, she never lost a mother or child because her care was holistic. I want to be able to provide that same type of love and care.” Waylon said that many nurses today fuse the cultural sensitivities of their grandparents with new technologies to build trust with patients and incorporate their mental, emotional, and spiritual needs. “When you consider the amount of anxiety under which we live right now – we’re wearing masks and gloves to go outside, we’re stressed about economic security, and many are fearful to a point that they are not sleeping or eating properly. How do we factor those painful realities into health assessments? The nurses’ skill is making the patient feel comfortable enough to reveal their ailments. I cannot cure what you will not divulge. And so, nurses remain vitally important to overall good health,” Waylon said. As the Washington Informer commemorates National Nurses Month, we invite you to utilize this quick guide for information on the history of nursing, career paths, and tips for nurses who need a bit of relaxation. Let us cheer on and support the nurses in our community! Read, Learn, Enjoy!
5 Mercy Hospital School of Nursing, Class of 1936 (Courtesy photo)
www.washingtoninformer.com / MAY 2020 HEALTH WELLNESS & NUTRITION SUPPLEMENT
HS-2
World Health Organization and Partners Call for Urgent Investment in Nurses WI Staff Report / WHO The Covid-19 pandemic underscores the urgent need to strengthen the global health workforce. A new report, The State of the World’s Nursing 2020, provides an in-depth look at the largest component of the health workforce. Findings identify important gaps in the nursing workforce and priority areas for investment in nursing education, jobs, and leadership to strengthen nursing around the world and improve health for all. Nurses account for more than half of all the world’s health workers, providing vital services throughout the health system. Historically, as well as today, nurses are at the forefront of fighting epidemics and pandemics that threaten health across the globe. Around the world they are demonstrating their compassion, bravery, and courage as they
respond to the COVID-19 pandemic: never before has their value been more clearly demonstrated. “Nurses are the backbone of any health system. Today, many nurses find themselves on the frontline in the battle against Covid-19,’ said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director General. ‘This report is a stark reminder of the unique role they play, and a wakeup call to ensure they get the support they need to keep the world healthy.” The report, by the World Health Organization (WHO) in partnership with the International Council of Nurses (ICN) and Nursing Now, reveals that today, there are just under 28 million nurses worldwide. Between 2013 and 2018, nursing numbers increased by 4.7 million. But this still leaves a global shortfall of 5.9 million - with the greatest gaps found in coun-
tries in Africa, South East Asia, and the WHO Eastern Mediterranean region as well as some parts of Latin America. Revealingly, more than 80 per cent of the world’s nurses work in countries that are home to half of the world’s population. And one in every eight nurses, practices in a country other than the one where they were born or trained. Ageing also threatens the nursing workforce: one out of six of the world’s nurses are expected to retire in the next 10 years. To avert the global shortage, the report estimates that countries experiencing shortages need to increase the total number of nurse graduates by on average 8% per year, along with improved ability to be employed and retained in the health system. This would cost roughly USD 10 per capita (population) per year. “Politicians understand the cost of
educating and maintaining a professional nursing workforce, but only now are many of them recognizing their true value,” said ICN President Annette Kennedy. “Every penny invested in nursing raises the wellbeing of people and families in tangible ways that are clear for everyone to see. This report highlights the nursing contribution and confirms that investment in the nursing profession is a benefit to society, not a cost. The world needs millions more nurses, and we are calling on governments to do the right thing, invest in this wonderful profession and watch their populations benefit from the amazing work that only nurses can do.” About 90 per cent of all nurses are female, yet few nurses are found in senior health leadership positions-- the bulk of those positions are held by men. But when countries enable nurses to take a leadership role, for example by having a government chief nursing officer (or equivalent), and nursing leadership programs, conditions for nurses improve. This report places much-needed data and evidence behind calls to strengthen nursing leadership, advance nursing practice, and educate the nursing work-
5 New research reveals the increased need for nurses across the globe in coming years. / Courtesy photo
force for the future,” said Lord Nigel Crisp, Co-Chair of Nursing Now. “The policy options reflect actions we believe all countries can take over the next ten years to ensure there are enough nurses in all countries, and that nurses use of the full extent of their education, training, and professional scope to enhance primary health care delivery and respond to health emergencies such as COVID-19. This must start with broad and intersectoral dialogue which positions the nursing evidence in the context of a country’s health system, health workforce, and health priorities.” WI
BY STAYING HOME NOW WE WILL SAVE LIVES NOW AND GET BACK TOGETHER LATER
STAY HOME. SAVE LIVES. #StayHomeDC CORONAVIRUS.DC.GOV
H-3 HS-3
MAY 2020 HEALTH WELLNESS & NUTRITION SUPPLEMENT / www.washingtoninformer.com
Thriving Under Stress Submitted by AmeriHealth Caritas District of Columbia We all want the resilience to bounce back quickly from difficult times. Even more than that, we’d like to do well while they’re happening. Resilience is our ability to recover emotionally and psychologically from challenges, like experiencing a loss or sickness. It’s our capacity to adapt and move on. Why do some people become overwhelmed in stressful times, while others feel more at ease in them and even find fresh enthusiasm? How can we not just survive the stress, but thrive in it?
ENGAGE THE CHANGE
Here are three beliefs that can help you find and keep your health and happiness during life’s hassles: • Commitment. You can think of this as your connection. When a
crisis comes, you might feel an urge to avoid it. You might want to distract yourself with something else — anything to run from the feeling of stress. Instead, lean into the feeling. How can you become more involved in challenging events? Look for ways to be included, rather than becoming isolated. • Control. What can you do to help change events for the better? Focus on how you can be a force of good for yourself and others, even in little ways. These little efforts to improve things can be enough to keep you from feeling powerless. And where you can’t change events, you might be able to change how you see them. • Challenge. Within a crisis hides an opportunity. This belief allows you to see change as a way to learn something new. Thinking back, you can probably remember a time when something that seemed bad at the time led to something good. If
#BestMe
Rewards Program
you can, simply accept that something good is possible from the current stress. The challenge of today can lead to something better later on. These beliefs can help you when you feel strained. They can reduce your sense of being overwhelmed. They can help you get a handle on any anxiety or depression you might feel. At the same time, they can boost your life satisfaction.
BACK TO BASICS
There’s no right or wrong way to feel about stress. Emotions can be hard to predict during these times, so, if you can, wait to make major life choices when you are feeling less stressed. You can also: • Limit the amount of stressful news you watch or listen to • Create and keep to a routine • Eat nutritious foods that will give you energy • Avoid drugs and alcohol • Exercise most days, even
if just taking a walk • Get enough sleep Above all, when you’re feeling the heat, be kind to yourself. When you can be a good friend to yourself, you know that you’re on your side. Sources: 1. “Turning Lemons into Lemonade: Hardiness Helps People Turn Stressful Circumstances into Opportunities,” American Psychological Association, https://www.apa.org/research/ action/lemon. 2. “Coping Tips for Traumatic
Events and Disasters,” Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, https://www.samhsa.gov/ find-help/disaster-distress-helpline/coping-tips. 3. “Understanding and Overcoming Procrastination,” McGraw Center for Learning and Teaching, Princeton University, https://mcgraw.princeton. edu/understanding-and-overcoming-procrastination. All images are used under license for illustrative purposes only. Any individual depicted is a model
I got a gift card for getting my postpartum checkup. You can too. You can get a $25 gift card if you: • Are an AmeriHealth Caritas District of Columbia member • See a midwife or OB/GYN within three to eight weeks (21 – 56 days) after giving birth
Visit www.amerihealthcaritasdc.com/giftcard to learn more. Note: A member cannot get more than $50 in incentives each year.
ACDC-19433327-6
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
www.washingtoninformer.com / MAY 2020 HEALTH WELLNESS & NUTRITION SUPPLEMENT
HS-4
#BestMe
How to get things done on time Have you ever heard someone say they put off doing things because they “work better under pressure”? Or are they a little harder on themselves, and say it’s because they are “lazy”? It turns out that when we avoid doing things we don’t want to do, it’s not usually for either of these reasons. Putting things off is actually a way we try to protect ourselves from fear. We might fear not doing the job well, fear doing it so well that we are given too much work, fear losing control, or have some other fear. This emotional weight can keep us feeling bogged down. It also doesn’t leave us much wiggle room if something happens that we don’t expect.
HOW TO OVERCOME A DREAD OF DOING? TRY THESE TIPS TO BE YOUR #BESTME: • • • • •
Identify your own reasons for putting things off. You might have different reasons than someone else does. Finding your reasons may take some thought, but knowing why we really put things off is key to managing our time better. Find your motivation. What can you learn or accomplish in a task that feels good to you? Reduce the stress of how you manage your time. Try to avoid making huge lists of things to do and keeping strict schedules. These can overwhelm you. Instead, set reasonable goals. Break down big tasks into smaller ones. Pace yourself. Be gentle with yourself. Use surroundings that help you. Try to find an area with few distractions. Set aside blocks of time for the job. Reward yourself for finishing. Give yourself time for something you enjoy after you complete a job.
#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.
ACDC-19433327-1
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
H-5 HS-5
MAY 2020 HEALTH WELLNESS & NUTRITION SUPPLEMENT / www.washingtoninformer.com
All images are used under license for illustrative purposes only. Any individual depicted is a model.
National Nurses Week 2020: Celebrating Our Everyday Heroes Jamila Livingston Marketing Specialist The HSC Health Care System In uncertain times, we often look for someone to save the day and heroes often reveal themselves in the most unexpected ways. A hero is someone who is admired for their courage, achievements, and noble qualities. Our world has been shaken by the COVID-19 pandemic, but through these dark times, there is a beacon of light in knowing that we are surrounded by everyday heroes. While many of us were sent to the confines of our home to quarantine, our nurses, doctors, therapists, administrative staff, janitorial staff, security officers, and other essential workers stayed on the frontlines. Putting their own safety at risk is a true testament to their
compassion for the wellbeing of children and youth with complex medical conditions. National Nurses Week 2020 is officially held from Wednesday, May 6th – Tuesday, May 12th, but this year it is perfectly ok to extend it indefinitely. What better way to celebrate than by showing your appreciation for our heroes? Here are 5 simple ways to celebrate:
1. WRITE A THANK YOU CARD OR MESSAGE.
• A simple ‘thank you’ goes a long way. Design a homemade or virtual card to let your hero know how much they mean to you. If you are posting the card on a social platform, tag @HSChealthcare and #HSCheroes.
2. DONATE TO A HOSPITAL.
• Visit your local hospital’s website or give them a call to inquire about ways to donate. To donate to The HSC Pediatric Center, email donations@hschealth.org.
3. BUY LUNCH FOR ESSENTIAL WORKERS.
• Contact your local hospital for details on how to safely deliver meals. To make a meal donation to The HSC Pediatric Center, email donations@hschealth.org.
4. CHECK ON ESSENTIAL WORKERS’ FAMILIES.
• While our heroes are on the frontlines, their families are at
home and cannot see them often due to long hours and safety protocols. A simple phone call to show your support can make a huge difference.
5. STAY HOME.
• Quarantining and social distancing when making necessary trips helps us fight the spread of COVID-19 together. Our appreciation for our nurses and frontline staff at The HSC Pediatric Center and HSC Home Care, LLC is ineffable. We will celebrate you always. You are our #HSCheroes! To learn more about The HSC Health Care System and the services we provide children with complex needs, please visit hschealth.org. WI
Our world has been shaken by the COVID-19 pandemic, but through these dark times, there is a beacon of light in knowing that we are surrounded by everyday heroes.
Caring. Serving. Empowering.
THANK YOU! The HSC Health Care System celebrates National Nurses Week 2020 and our #HSCHeroes.
hschealth.org
@HSChealthcare
@HSChealthcare
The HSC Health Care System
www.washingtoninformer.com / MAY 2020 HEALTH WELLNESS & NUTRITION SUPPLEMENT
HS-6
COVID-19 Crisis Highlights Ways to Combat Health Disparities for People of Color By Brandi Alexander The coronavirus pandemic is taking a disproportionate toll on people of color, joining the many healthcare disparities that people and communities of color as a whole, have historically faced. Unequal access to economic opportunities and healthcare facilities, structural inequality and discrimination are just some of the systemic hurdles that policymakers must address to close the healthcare disparities chasm faced by people of color. Now is the time to seek viable solutions to address those disparities that are realistically within our collective grasps. As a member of the African American community, I am personally and communally affected by the insidious COVID-19. Every day I continue to see and hear how this deadly virus is impacting my community. The numbers reported are real. I know because currently my aunt is recovering from the virus. The small silver lining so far in this public health crisis is that it highlights ways to help combat these healthcare disparities right now. The question is what can people of color do in the near term to minimize our chances of dying from this life-threatening illness and another deadly disease in the future? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that groups at higher risk for severe illness from the coronavirus include people of all ages with underlying medical conditions, particularly if not well controlled, including, but not limited to: • People with chronic lung disease • People who have serious heart conditions • People who are immunocompromised by cancer treatment, smoking, bone marrow or organ transplantation, immune deficiencies, poorly controlled HIV or AIDS, and prolonged use of corticosteroids and other immune weakening medications • People with severe obesity (body mass index [BMI] of 40 or higher)
H-7 HS-7
• People with diabetes Some of these healthcare conditions are genetic or are caused by lack of healthcare access, but some we can avoid or minimize by 1) not smoking to minimize the chances of lung disease; 2) eating healthier, less sugary foods less likely to cause diabetes, heart disease and obesity; and 3) avoiding unsafe sex that could lead to HIV or AIDS. Not coincidentally, Kaiser Health News reports: “Blacks and Alaska Natives have higher rates of...diabetes compared to Whites … nonelderly adult Alaska Natives are nearly twice as likely as Whites are to report having had a heart attack or heart disease. Black, Hispanic, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians Other Pacific Islanders nonelderly adults and Black and Hispanic children also are more likely to be obese compared to Whites. Compared to Whites, Blacks have an over eight times higher HIV diagnosis rate and a nearly ten times higher AIDS diagnosis rate, and the HIV and AIDS diagnosis rates for Hispanics are more than three times the rates for Whites.” If you’re a person of color of any age, but especially if you suffer from a life-threatening disease, you can use the coronavirus as motivation to discuss your end-oflife care wishes with your family members. Start having these family conversations, complete an advance care directive detailing your wishes for end-of-life care if you cannot speak for yourself and appoint a healthcare proxy to ensure your healthcare providers know what you want and don’t want. I’m well aware that these conversations are difficult because my dad died without discussing his end-of-life care wishes with our family. When he could not speak for himself, we had no idea about his preferences and healthcare priorities. As a result, this lack of information caused needless suffering for him, and family infighting, guilt and heartbreak, because we never talked about it. Thankfully, there are online tools and resources available to help guide these conversations
and to complete an advance care directive documenting the details of your preferred end-of-life care treatments. For example, CompassionAndChoices.org, provides FREE end-of-life care fact sheets and planning tools to help you navigate your care options, including a COVID-19 specific planning guide. Take it from someone who knows first-hand experience, taking action now will reduce the stress of caregiving for your loved ones and the chances that you or they will needlessly suffer in
death, whether it is in the near or distant future. Brandi Alexander is the National Director of Constituency for Compassion & Choices, the nation’s oldest and largest nonprofit
organization dedicated to improving and expanding healthcare options for the end of life. This OP-ED was originally published by Inglewood Today and is published here with permission
What Are Your Advance Healthcare Plans? Compassion & Choices is committed to helping people navigate their end-of-life options and make informed healthcare decisions. Having a plan in place gives everyone peace of mind. Visit CompassionAndChoices.org/planning for all of our FREE end-of-life planing tools and start having conversations about your end-of-life care today.
MAY 2020 HEALTH WELLNESS & NUTRITION SUPPLEMENT / www.washingtoninformer.com
Summer (Nutrition) Standouts By Elaine Magee, MPH, RD Safeway Wellness Services Corporate Dietitian Summer is a time to rediscover your love for water sports, travelling and fruit! The produce section is never more colorful than in the middle of summer. The fruits that standout nutritionally generally follow these three color palates; purple/blue, red, and yellow/orange. The plant compounds that give these fruits their color, tend to also contribute antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. Three summer standouts, one in every color, are mango, watermelon and blueberries. Read more about what makes each of these summer fruits special and check out the easy recipes below.
EAT MORE MANGO
One of the most popular fruits
in the world is one of the most nutrient-packed. Mangos are one of our yellow/orange superfruits because they are packed with compounds (including polyphenols and flavonoids) that may offer antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer activity in the body. Mangos also add over 20 vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A and C, many of which have been linked to possible improvements in heart and immune health and brain function. One-half cup mango adds so much flavor and color to your dish plus 50% of the Daily Value for vitamin C and about 18% for vitamin A, with only 50 calories and 12 grams of carbs.
WATERMELON BRINGS MORE THAN WATER
Chilled watermelon is the ultimate refresher on a hot day! Red
fruits tend to have certain plant compounds that come with the color red, many of which may have antioxidant and immune boosting activity. When you enjoy a bowl or a slice of watermelon you are getting many of these antioxidant compounds (like lycopene) plus several key vitamins including vitamins B6, A and C. A 90-calorie, 2-cup serving of watermelon is both filling and hydrating, thanks to it being made up over 90% water and being a great source of the electrolyte potassium. Enjoy watermelon on its own or in a fruit salad, blend it up for a slush, smoothie or beverage.
ries may help with heart health, cancer prevention, and bone and brain health. Blueberries have a lot going for them nutritionally but much of their health benefits can be tied to the antioxidant plant compound that gives blueberries their blue color—anthocyanin. Several berry researchers have recently suggested
eating 4-5 servings of berries each week, although the protective effects of berries on humans is still being studied. Blueberries can be stirred into yogurt, oatmeal, or cereal, featured in smoothies or shakes, folded into muffins or pancake batter, or sprinkled over salads or waffles! WI
GET A BOOST WITH BLUEBERRIES
These little powerhouse ber-
Organic from the Source
Delicious food, purely grown. That’s our promise. EXCLUSIVELY AT
www.washingtoninformer.com / MAY 2020 HEALTH WELLNESS & NUTRITION SUPPLEMENT
HS-8
REAL REAL FOOD FROM FROM NATURAL INGREDIENTS NO ANTIBIOTICS EVER
EXCLUSIVELY AT H-9 HS-9
MAY 2020 HEALTH WELLNESS & NUTRITION SUPPLEMENT / www.washingtoninformer.com
Recent & Recommended Books on Nursing, Black Nurses, and Midwifery By Lee Ross WI Staff Writer
Jump-Starting a Career in Nursing
Jeri Freedman This indispensable volume explores the range of jobs and settings in which one can work in the nursing field with two years or less of training, including certified nursing assistant, licensed practical nurse, licensed visiting nurse, registered nurse, clinical nurse, cardiac care nurse, labor and delivery nurse, neonatal nurse, and pediatric nurse, among others. It examines each job’s activities, academic needs, and certification and licensing requirements. Illuminating sidebars describe actual aspects of a nurse’s work, such as that of a pediatric nurse and that of an army nurse. Practical tips for the job search, writing a resume, and interviewing are also presented.
The Ultimate Career Guide for Nurses: Practical Advice for Thriving at Every Stage of Your Career
CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19)
Uninsured and Worried About Coronavirus (COVID-19)? DC Health Link Can Help with Private Health Insurance or Medicaid
ENROLLMENT IS NOW! Visit DCHealthLink.com • Easy online enrollment - No need to call • No documentation or paperwork • No deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance for diagnosis, testing and COVID-19 treatment
Donna Wilk Cardillo No matter where you are in your career, The Ultimate Career Guide for Nurses will help you get the most out of your career and love what you do. Donna Cardillo takes you step by step through career advancement and both career and personal development. Written in her customary down-to-earth and humorous style, this book will help you get the most out of your current position; identify transferable skills; discover and develop your own unique talents and skill set; write a winning resume and interview like a pro; build professional support systems and explore career options.
Caring for Equality: A History of African American Health and Healthcare
David McBride African Americans today continue to suffer disproportionately from heart disease, diabetes, and other health problems. In Caring for Equality David McBride chronicles the struggle by African Americans and their white allies to improve poor black health conditions as well as inadequate medical care—caused by slavery, racism, and discrimination—since the arrival of African slaves in America. Black American health progress resulted from the steady influence of what David McBride calls the health equality ideal: the principle that health of black Americans could and should be equal to that of whites and other Americans. Including a timeline, selected primary sources, and an extensive bibliographic essay, McBride’s book provides a superb starting point for students and readers who want to explore in greater depth this important and understudied topic in African American history.
Delivered by Midwives: African American Midwifery in the Twentieth-century South
Jenny M. Luke Using evidence from nursing, medical, and public health journals of the era; primary sources from state and county departments of health; and personal accounts from varied practitioners, Delivered by Midwives: African American Midwifery in the Twentieth-Century South provides a new perspective on the childbirth experience of African American women and their maternity care providers. Author Jenny M. Luke moves beyond the usual racial dichotomies to expose a more complex shift in childbirth culture, revealing the changing expectations and agency of African American women in their rejection of a two-tier maternity care system and their demands to be part of an inclusive, desegregated society. WI
www.washingtoninformer.com / MAY 2020 HEALTH WELLNESS & NUTRITION SUPPLEMENT
HS-10
COVID-19 and Black People
Dr. Oliver Brooks President National Medical Association It is oft stated in the Black community: “when the country gets a cold, we get pneumonia.” The genesis of this saying is unclear but the inference is not, nor is it inaccurate. Black people suffer more from adverse medical conditions, with poorer outcomes. COVID-19, the disease process caused by infection from the pandemic virus SARS-CoV-2 has demonstrated its accuracy. Let us take a broad look at COVID-19, before we take a close look at the disparate effect on the African-American community. We are facing the greatest healthcare threat that most of us have ever seen. This is not hyperbole. Our patients and community only need us to give them the real message without shouting. When an NMA physician speaks, the community listens; such is the role of the Black physician in the Black community. We respect that and accept that authority. The messages regarding COVID-19 need to come from us, and other trusted sources. Do note that though, with great authority comes great responsibility. Here is an analogy that gives a visible face to this invisible biological adversary: a wildfire. None of us have experienced anything that parallels what we are living through with this virus, however many areas of the country that have experienced the devastation of a wildfire; all understand the grave threat with wildfires. There are five parallels that frame well what we are facing: COVID-19 is burning through the nation. The frontline, this time
H-11 HS-11
the healthcare workers instead of the firemen are at the highest threat; COVID-19 will not be extinguished by our efforts; it will only be contained. The response from the greater community will be what limits the overall scale of human tragedy; in a wildfire escaping, in this pandemic, sheltering in place; The catastrophe will end: in a fire, when there is no more flame; with COVID-19, when there are no more (or minimal) cases; When we look back there will be a trail of destruction; in a wildfire, a ravaged landscape with fatalities; with COVID-19 a ravaged economy with fatalities. And last; In the end, after a wildfire, the forest recovers, people rebuild. With COVID-19, the economy will recover, people will rebuild our lives. There is life after disaster. We are a resilient people. Our sole purpose as health care providers and citizens is to mitigate the damage from COVID-19, and heal the scars that will inevitably be present after this ends. Now let us explore the disparate effect on the African-American community: overall in the US we are 35% of those hospitalized and dying, but 13% of the population; 2.7 times more likely to have an adverse outcome. Why? We are 50% more likely to have diabetes, 40% more likely to have high blood pressure, and 30% more likely to be obese. The incidence of COPD (lung disease) in our women is 34% higher than in White women. These are all CDC-identified risk factors for worse outcomes. Bottom line, if we acquire the virus, bad things are more likely to happen. That’s pass number one. Let us layer on that more baggage: It is now known that the social determinants of health (SDoH) play as important a role in a person’s health as genetics or medical treatment. There are, broadly six SDoH categories: economic stability, physical environment, education, food, community and social content and
health care systems. Blacks are adversely affected in these arenas. For example, with poorer housing we cannot generally socially isolate when we have 6 people in a 2 bedroom apartment. Searching for healthy food, or using the bus to get to work (if you have a job and going to work), puts one at higher risk of acquiring the infection. I will separate one out
the above noted SDoHs: economic stability, (or lack thereof). Quoting from the Brookings Institute, “at $171,000, the net worth of a typical White family is nearly ten times greater than that of a Black family in 2016.” The Black- White WEALTH gap leads to a Black HEALTH gap that reflects a society that has not and does not afford equality of opportunity to all its citizens.
Lastly there’s the ugly truth of 400 years of racism. Studies show that even when you remove income, insurance coverage, and education as factors, Blacks STILL have worse outcomes. Race in and of itself is an independent factor that affects our health. So here we are. Where does all of this leave us? With pneumonia. WI
Now Accepting Applications! Children Ages 6 Weeks to 4 Years for Fall Programs Martha’s Table is committed to providing the highest possible quality education for our children.
We offer: Our nationally accredited early childhood education program: - The Commons (Southeast D.C.): Full-day programming for children 6 weeks to 4 years of age. - The Maycroft (Northwest D.C.): Full-day programming for children 6 weeks to 3 years of age. Teachers focus on whole-child development to ensure children are on track and ready to learn in kindergarten and beyond!
APPLY TODAY! Our education program has an open, non-discriminatory enrollment policy. For information about enrollment in our early childhood education program, visit marthastable.org/education-programs.
MAY 2020 HEALTH WELLNESS & NUTRITION SUPPLEMENT / www.washingtoninformer.com
By the Numbers: Nursing in 2020 By Lee Ross WI Staff Writer Nursing is the nation’s largest healthcare profession, with more than 3.8 million registered nurses (RNs) nationwide. Of all licensed RNs, 84.5 percent are employed in nursing. The federal government projects that more than 200,000 new registered nurse positions will be created each year from 2016-2026. Here are a few additional facts, by the numbers, about the nursing profession and its importance. According to the State of The World’s Nursing 2020 Report:
NURSING REPRESENTS THE LARGEST OCCUPATION IN THE HEALTH CARE SECTOR, ACCOUNTING FOR 59 PERCENT OF HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONALS.
Based on data from 86 countries, one nurse out of eight (13 percent) was born or trained in a country other than the one in which they currently practice.
Over 80 percent of the world’s nurses are found in countries that account for half of the world’s population. The global shortage of nurses, estimated to be 6.6 million in
THERE ARE 27.9 MILLION NURSES IN THE WORKFORCE, OF WHICH 19.3 MILLION ARE CLASSIFIED AS PROFESSIONAL NURSES. To address the nursing shortage across the globe by 2030 the total number of nursing graduates should be increased by 8 percent. Countries should be prepared to employ, but also retain the graduates. If the trends work as per the projections, then there will be 36 million nurses across the globe by 2030.
2016, had decreased slightly to 5.9 million nurses in 2018.
Giant’s in-store nutritionists are available online! - Schedule a personalized consultation via Skype or Zoom - View and sign up for an online class (under Events tab) - Schedule a webinar for your club or group
Visit giantfood.com/nutrition for all services or contact us directly at nutrition@giantfood.com
FEMALES ACCOUNT FOR
Countries affected by shortages will need to increase funding to educate and employ at least 5.9 million additional nurses.
ABOUT 90 PERCENT OF THE NURSING WORKFORCE, BUT THEY ARE UNDERREPRESENTED IN LEADERSHIP POSITIONS.
38 percent of nurses are below the age of 35, while 17 percent are 55 and above.
ONE OUT OF SIX OF THE WORLD’S NURSES ARE
Join us Monday–Friday for Nutrition at Noon,
a daily web series on Zoom!
Our new 15-minute sessions cover all kinds of nutrition topics and some have interactive sessions for kids! Questions are welcome—all you need to bring is your curiosity.
Learn something new with our nutritionists Monday–Friday! https://zoom.us/j/900290928
EXPECTED TO RETIRE IN THE NEXT 10 YEARS; THIS PERCENTAGE IS SUBSTANTIALLY HIGHER IN THE REGION OF THE AMERICAS (24 PERCENT), POSING A FURTHER REPLENISHMENT CHALLENGE.
4.7 million new nurses will have to be educated and employed over the next decade just to maintain the status quo.
www.washingtoninformer.com / MAY 2020 HEALTH WELLNESS & NUTRITION SUPPLEMENT
HS-12
Why Holistic Wellness Approaches Are Critical to Closing Minority Health Disparity Gap During COVID-19 By Tonya Kinlow Health disparities among our ethnic minority groups are widening during Coronavirus. Chronic diseases are 50% to 200% more prevalent in our communities due to a lack of access to healthy foods and medical services leaving us vulnerable to higher rates of contraction. Crowded living conditions turn our homes during the time of this crisis into Petri dishes. What can be done? Innovative holistic wellness approaches are proven to have meaningful and long-lasting positive impacts on health. The prescription drug epidemic has become addictive and only band-aids the symptoms. A holistic wellness approach is the most effective modern healthcare system that will restore wellbeing and longevity. Remarkable wellbeing is achieved through mind, body, and spiritual alignment transforming lives from stress and anxiety to one of health, purpose, and inner peace. There are seven ancient universal principles taught by masters for thousands of years to reach this healthy alignment. The good news is that these ancient wisdoms and universal laws have been translated into relatable terms and everyday practices we can now do at home. The most efficient practice to achieve remarkable wellness is through daily meditation. Meditation is a spiritual, not religious, practice that accesses you inner wisdom, and is scientifically proven to block stress hormones and reduce inflammation in the body. This is scientific evidence of the mind, body, and spirit connection. Executive Leaders, spiritualists and athletes alike have been using meditation techniques for centuries. In modern terms, think Steve Jobs, Arianna Huffington, Coach Phil Jackson and Mahatma Gandhi--all leaders and devout meditators. Yet the amazing benefits of meditation are just now entering the mainstream awareness. Knowledge of this spiritual technology has protected the powerful, and widened the disparity in minority communities’ heath & wellness. It is time that our disenfranchised communi-
H-13 HS-13
ties now know what “they” know. Meditation along with other higher consciousness techniques like Mindful Eating, Affirmations, and Renewal (rest) practices, when put together in a specific formula have transformational powers that creates alchemy, awakening inner wisdom, mind-body connection, and vitality. Healthy choices, clarity, connection and remarkable wellness are the result. It is time to close the health disparity in our communities with higher consciousness in our daily practices to improve wellbeing. The ingredients to this holistic recipe are simple and accessible: Meditation, Exercise, Mindful Eating, Self-Care, Daily Affirmations & Journaling, Kindness & Gratitude, and Rest & Renewal. However, practicing the precise formula is the actual game changer. TKI Remarkable Wellness (TKI) is an emerging leader in holistic wellness coaching, a wellness community, and the resource helping minorities practice the seven areas of intention and ultimately achieve remarkable wellness. Tonya Kinlow, TKI’s founder and a nationally sought after Wellness Transformation Coach, says, “It is time for each of us, especially our leaders, to insist that holistic wellness education and practices be incorporated into our communities and organizations to close the disparities in minority health outcomes.” Kinlow continues to leverage her network, having worked in Corporate America for more than 25 years, starting the conversation on TKI’s approach to ethnic minority holistic wellness. TKI offers transformational holistic wellness training for groups and individuals to achieve remarkable wellness. Learn more about wellness coaching, guided meditations, the wisdom of the seven intentions, curated corporate workshops, virtual at-home retreats, and webinars. To schedule your informational transformation 1:1 session with Tonya Kinlow, contact us: tk@remarkablewellness. us. Sources: “The 10 Days, A Wellness Retreat for Personal Transforma-
tion at Home” https://www. a m a z o n . c o m / 1 0 - D a y s - We l l ness-Personal-Transformation/ dp/0999449435/ref=tmm_ pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1587172652&sr=8-1 The Center For Disease Control https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/hus/contents2018.htm?search=,Black_or_ African_American For more information visit www. RemarkableWellness.us Contact: Desiree@remarkablewellness.us
Hello Beautiful! ARE YOU READY TO THRIVE?
“When the student is ready the teacher will appear. When the student is truly ready... The teacher will Disappear.” - Tao Te Ching
What you seek is seeking you. A life of warmth and gratitude and a safe space to break out of a stressful situation. There is an answer to achieve the inner peace you desire. It is within your grasp and closer than you think. If these words resonate with you, contact Tonya.Kinlow@RemarkableWellness.us and receive an e-book of daily affirmations. From there your journey begins…
https://remarkablewellness.us/health-coaching-services/
MAY 2020 HEALTH WELLNESS & NUTRITION SUPPLEMENT / www.washingtoninformer.com
We are Here for YOU During Coronavirus (COVID-19) and Beyond By Whitman-Walker Health At Whitman-Walker, we want to help keep everyone in the community healthy. Our team is working day and night to meet the growing need of COVID-19 testing and care. If you have questions about resources and services at Whitman-Walker during COVID-19, we are just one call away. Call our COVID-19 hotline at 202-797-4439. Get the most up-to-date information on coronavirus from DC Health at coronavirus.dc.gov and from the CDC at cdc.gov/coronavirus. Experiencing symptoms related to COVID-19? Our health centers at Max Robinson Center, 2301 Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenue, SE, and near Logan Circle,
at 1525 14th Street, NW, are providing COVID-19 testing to folks who are experiencing symptoms. You do not need to be a patient with Whitman-Walker to access COVID-19 testing. However, we will need to register you as a patient to proceed with testing. Need to get tested for COVID-19? Call us first. It is important that you call Whitman-Walker at 202-745-7000 and share information about your symptoms before visiting any of our locations for COVID-19 testing. Calling ahead allows our
team to evaluate your symptoms and to plan for the safest testing experience to keep you and our care providers as healthy as possible. If you have to walk-in and cannot call ahead of time, we will not turn you away, but we may ask you to come back later when an appointment is available. What changes has Whitman-Walker made during COVID-19? At Whitman-Walker, we have transitioned our in-person care services to telehealth – providing care to people in their homes through video and
audio communication. We are only conducting emergency dental visits. Our Whitman-Walker health centers at 1525 14th Street, NW and Max Robinson Center at 2301 Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenue, SE remain open for COVID-19 testing with reduced hours. Our pharmacies at 1525 14th Street, NW and at 2303 Martin Luther King, Jr. SE are open with reduced hours and they are offering free delivery for prescriptions. We have closed the lobbies at both pharmacy locations to help keep you and our team healthy. If delivery is not an option for you, call our team directly at 866-724-1805.
GET CONNECTED TO WHITMANWALKER TELEHEALTH SERVICES: • Emergency PEP Services – 202-797-4439 • PrEP Clinic – 202-939-7690 • Newly Diagnosed with HIV – 202-797-4437 • Entering HIV Care for the First Time – 202-797-4437 • GMHW Sexual Health Clinic – 202-745-6175 • Medical Care – 202-745-7000 • Behavioral Health (Therapy & Psychiatry) – 202-939-7623 • Legal Services – 202-939-7630 • Research – 202-207-2510 • Public Benefits and Insurance Navigation – 202-745-6151 • Care Navigation – 202-745-7000 • Gender Affirming Care Navigation – 202-797-4457 • Youth Care Navigation – 202-207-2360 • Peer Support – 202-939-7646 • Nutrition – 202-745-7000 All other Whitman-Walker locations including Whit-
man-Walker Youth Services at 651 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE; Whitman-Walker at LIZ at 1377 R Street, NW, Suite 200; and The Corner at Whitman-Walker at 1701 14th Street, NW are closed until further notice. Visit whitman-walker.org/covidserviceupdates for the latest information on our services. Stay healthy and connect to resources. If you have questions about resources, call our team at 202-797-4439. You can also follow @whitmanwalker on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for updates on weekly Instagram Lives with our Whitman-Walker community health team. Keep up with Whitman-Walker Youth Services and updates on weekly Instagram Lives by following @ realtalkdc on Facebook and Twitter, and at @realtalkdc_ on Instagram. Consider the following list of resources to help keep yourself, your loved ones and the community healthy! We appreciate your help in this work. Here are a few additional resources to support you and your loved ones in these efforts!
RESOURCES • Local Resources in the DC, Maryland and Virginia Region: bit.ly/dccovid19resourceswwh • Sex and COVID-19: bit.ly/ wwsexandcovid19 • COVID-19 Resources for Gender Expansive Communities: bit.ly/tgnccovidresources • COVID-19 Resources App Download: https://covidresources.glideapp.io/ • Manage Your Cough at Home: whitman-walker.org/careforcoughs • About the Coronavirus: whitman-walker.org/coronavirus • Prevent the Spread of Germs: whitman-walker.org/preventgerms • Germ Prevention Graphics English, Spanish, Amharic: bit.ly/ coronaviruspreventionwwh WI
www.washingtoninformer.com / MAY 2020 HEALTH WELLNESS & NUTRITION SUPPLEMENT
HS-14
Public COVID-19 Testing TESTING HOURS Monday - Wednesday, Friday 9:00 AM - 12:30 PM 1:30 PM - 4:30 PM Max Robinson Center
Thursday 9:00 AM - 12:30 PM
2301 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave. SE | 202.745.7000
Whitman-Walker’s Max Robinson Center is only open for COVID-19 testing. Call 202.745.7000 for a phone evaluation and to schedule an appointment. If you are experiencing symptoms related to COVID-19, walk-in COVID-19 testing is available. After you walk-in, you may be scheduled for an appointment later in the day. **You do not need to be a current patient of the clinic. Please bring your ID and insurance card (if you have it) and we will register you. www.whitman-walker.org |
H-15 HS-15
@whitmanwalker
MAY 2020 HEALTH WELLNESS & NUTRITION SUPPLEMENT / www.washingtoninformer.com
National Black Nurses Association, Leading the Charge WI Staff Report During the late 1960s and early 1970s, the climate for Blacks throughout urban America was one of coming together to express pride in their identity, to demand equality, to fight against racism and discrimination and to seek power locally and nationally. During this era, feelings of hope, optimism, and a commitment to improving the quality of life for Blacks were evident across the nation. While the issue of civil rights had been on the agenda of several civil rights organizations, such as the NAACP and the National Urban League, for many years, the events of the late 60s and early 70s crystallized the issue for most Black Americans. The Civil Rights Movement was the primary impetus that moved Black people from all professions and all walks of life to action. Black nurses were no exception. The National Black Nurses Association was organized in 1971 under the leadership of Dr. Lauranne Sams, former Dean and Professor of Nursing, School of Nursing, Tuskegee University, Tuskegee, Al-
abama – and continues to serve a vital role in the personal development and professional trajectory of Black nurses across the nation. The National Black Nurses Association hosted its 32nd Annual National Black Nurses Day on Capitol Hill in February addressing a gamut of concerns including gun violence and its health consequences, mental health and depression, and climate change and environmental justice. More than 300 nurses and nursing students participated and championed the theme, “Addressing the Social Determinants of Health: NBNA’s Call to Action.” “NBNA Day on Capitol Hill provides tools and offers experiences on how to best advocate for the profession of nursing and the communities where our members live and work,” Dr. Sheldon Fields, Chair, NBNA Health Policy Committee said. “Nurses are on the front lines of health care. Nurses are change agents, advocating for the profession and for their patients. We can help with practical public policy decisions to improve the health status in our communities.” WI
About NBNA:
NBNA is a non-profit organization incorporated on September 2, 1972 in the state of Ohio. NBNA represents approximately 200,000 African American nurses from the USA, Canada, Eastern Caribbean and Africa, with 115 chartered chapters nationwide. NBNA mission is to provide a forum for collective action by African American nurses to represent and provide a forum for black nurses to advocate for and implement strategies to ensure access to the highest quality of healthcare for persons of color. NBNA is committed to excellence in education and conducts continuing education programs for nurses and allied health professionals throughout the year. The association provides annual scholarships for students. NBNA collaborates with private and public agencies/organizations that share common concerns for improving the health status of all people, particularly African Americans and other minority consumers. NBNA publishes its Newsletter four times a year: Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter; and a Journal of NBNA twice a year: Spring/Summer and Fall/Winter. NBNA convenes an Annual National Institute and Conference. The National Black Nurses Association hosts an Annual Institute and Conference in the summer of each year. NBNA’s Annual Institute and Conference features the most prominent speakers in nursing and health care.
5 The founding member of the NBNA, (Seated): Phyllis Jenkins, Lauranne Sams, Betty Smith Williams and Ethelrine Shaw. (Standing): Gloria Rookard, Betty Jo Davidson, Mary Harper, Doris Wilson, Mattiedna K. Johnson, Phyllis Davis, Mattie Watkins, and Florrie Jefferson.
Nurses, Nurses, Everywhere! A Quick Look at Some Careers in Nursing By Lee Ross WI Staff Writer Registered Nurse (RN) Education Requirement: Associates Degree or Bachelor of Science Degree Relevant Certifications: State Nursing License RNs treat patients and provides advice and emotional support to them and their families. Some educate patients, as well as the public, about medical conditions. There are many nursing specialties available, including critical care, addiction, oncology, neonatology, geriatrics, and pediatrics. There were approximately 3 million registered nurses working in the U.S. in 2016. Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) Education Requirement: Master’s Degree (MSN), Registered Nurse License (RN) and One Year in Acute Care Setting Relevant Certifications: CRNA Certification A Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) is a highly trained nurse that specializes in assisting with anesthesia during surgeries. There are nearly 54,000 certified registered
nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) in the United States working in every health care setting, in both rural and urban areas, in every state. CRNAs are the sole anesthesia providers in nearly all rural hospitals and are the main provider of anesthesia for members of the U.S. Armed Forces. CRNAs make up some of the highest-paid nurse specialties in the medical field due to the high demand of these nurses in surgical settings and detailed training they receive. Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) Education Requirement: Master’s Degree and sometimes a Doctorate Degree Relevant Certifications: N/A A Clinical Nurse Specialist is an advanced practice nurse who can provide expert advice related to specific conditions or treatment pathways. They provide direct patient care by working with other nurses and staff to improve the quality of care a patient receives. They often serve in leadership roles and may educate and advise other nursing staff. Critical Care Nurse Education Requirement: Associates Degree or Bachelor of Science Degree, Registered Nursing License (RN)
Relevant Certifications: Certification in Advanced Cardiac Life Support Critical Care Nurses are similar to Registered Nurses, especially in education level, and are also known as ICU nurses. They treat patients who are acutely ill and unstable requiring more frequent nursing assessments and the utilization of life sustaining technology and drugs. Critical care nurses are specifically trained for emergency situations and address serious wounds and monitoring of life-support systems in stressful scenarios. Geriatric Nursing Education Requirement: Associates Degree or Bachelor of Science Degree, and Registered Nurse License (RN) Relevant Certifications: Certification in Geriatric Nursing As the U.S. population ages, geriatric nurses are in high demand. A geriatric nurse specializes in the treatment of older patients, focusing on care for injuries, ailments, and chronic conditions to maintain their quality of life. Geriatric nurses help design and explain these healthcare regimens to patients and their families. They often function as “case managers,” linking families with community resources to help them care for elderly members.
www.washingtoninformer.com / MAY 2020 HEALTH WELLNESS & NUTRITION SUPPLEMENT
HS-16
Mental Health for the “New Normal”: Innovation and Technology in the Time of COVID-19 By Alicia Sellitti, LGSW, Therapist and Michelle R. Cook, PhD, LICSW Chief Executive Officer Psychiatric Center Chartered & Life Stride, INC Over the past two months, COVID-19 has changed the world in ways that we could never have imagined. Here in Washington DC, the number of cases continues to grow, hitting the African American community the hardest and particularly those residents in the poorest areas of the city. As the death toll increases, so too does the toll on mental health: one could argue that grief, fear, and depression present risk that is just as dangerous as the disease itself. Though social distancing is imperative to saving lives, it also presents an obstacle to getting the help that people so desperately need. So it is incumbent upon the mental health community to innovate new ways of delivering services for those who need it the most. At Life Stride, we provide mental health services to DC residents at particular risk, with most age 50 and above residing in Wards 5, 7
and 8, where most cases of COVID have occurred. Fear of getting sick, coupled with isolation and the loss of loved ones, can exacerbate pre-existing mental health conditions, so we knew that we had to find a way to continue meeting client needs. In response, Life Stride harnessed new technology and tools to ensure the safety of our community. Using HIPAA-compliant virtual platforms, we have been able to provide case management, therapy and medication management without a gap in services. Despite an initial learning curve for both staff and some clients, it was quickly embraced as the nextbest-thing to seeing each other in person. In addition, Life Stride developed a virtual day program for our clients with more severe mental health challenges. Life Stride’s day program helps these clients learn essential skills and coping mechanisms to help them live an independent life. For many who attend, this is also the only the opportunity for socialization that they have. Realizing the importance of continuing services we took the day program online, designing a new mode of implementation. Using
Zoom, instructors now conduct classes virtually with an adapted curriculum suited to the platform. On the other end, clients in our group homes participate in discussion and activities with the help of residential staff, keeping them engaged and stimulated and interacting with others. Realizing the importance of reaching the wider community of DC and beyond, we also began holding free Zoom mental health groups and classes. Open to the public, these groups cover various topics including depression, anxiety, crisis management, and mindfulness. As we continue to navigate this changing world, the mental health community will need to continue to adapt, adopting new technologies and approaches for the “new normal.” But we are confident that we, along with our fellow agencies and clinicians, will be able to rise to the challenge.
nity Service Provider committed to individual empowerment and recovery. We believe in the strength of our consumers to achieve their goals by making the decisions that are right for them, that all people— of every race, culture, religion, and
gender—have the right to dignity and respect, and that they deserve the highest-quality mental health services we can provide. For more information visit www. life-stride.com or call 202-6352320. WI
ABOUT LIFE STRIDE
Life Stride, Inc. has served the mental health needs of the DC community for over 25 years. Life Stride is a DC Department of Behavioral Health-certified Commu-
Serving the mental health needs of the DC community for over 25 years We believe in the strength of our consumers to achieve their goals by making the decisions that are right for them. • Psychiatric Treatment • Counseling • Group Therapy • Case Management • Housing Support
• Rehabilitation Day Program • Adult Day Program • Substance Abuse • Supported Employment
For more information visit www.life-stride.com or call 202-635-2320.
H-17 HS-17
MAY 2020 HEALTH WELLNESS & NUTRITION SUPPLEMENT / www.washingtoninformer.com
Relax, Replenish & Renew: Helping Nurses Find Time to Self-Care By Lee Ross WI Staff Writer As the first line of care when at one’s most vulnerable, nurses are challenged with maintaining the highest professional standards, while providing the type of bedside manner often reserved for family. Considered one of the most emotionally-taxing professions globally, nurses rarely find time to decompress, replenish, or restore themselves mentally, emotionally, or physically. Stress within the nursing profession has been regarded as an occupational hazard since the mid-1950s and was first assessed in 1960 when Isabel Menzies identified four sources of anxiety among nurses: patient care, decision-making, taking responsibility, and change. The nurse’s role has long been regarded as stress-filled based upon the physical labor, human suffering, work hours, staffing, and interpersonal relationships that are central to the work nurses do. Coupled with advanced technologies and innovations, many are expected to do more, quicker, and with zero-error. “As healthcare’s brightest guiding lights, we celebrate the work of nurses throughout the ages and advocate for their profession and their safety on the job,” said Jennifer Sheets, Interim HealthCare Inc. president and CEO. Interim HealthCare Inc. is the nation’s leading franchise network of home care, senior care, home health and hospice and healthcare staffing services. “When patients look into the eyes of a nurse, they often seek comfort, a spark of hope. It is in those exchanges, the hands held, and the tears shed, that bring them back to their jobs every day. As a nurse, I know what it is like to have these moments, and they are my motivation to do the best for the healthcare industry to this very day.” But maintaining the brightness of those guiding lights often goes undone. Nursing organizations, including the American Nurses Association (ANA) believe nurses need the benefit of self-directed care for themselves that helps replenish their fortitude mentally, physically, emotionally, spiritually, and professionally. Here are a few of those tips: Take Advantage of Renewal Rooms. Many health facilities are equipped with renewal rooms that
offer stress release to nurses and physicians while on duty. According to a study published in the Journal for the American Medical Association (JAMA), hospitals with less stressful working environments for nurses provided better patient care at lower costs. Patients had better outcomes from their surgeries in hospitals that treated their nurses well and had above-average staffing levels. Many of these rooms are outfitted with inspirational books, yoga mats and indoor waterfalls or sand gardens. Take Moments to Meditate. The Mayo Clinic acknowledges the use of autogenic relaxation techniques as a quick way to relax in place. Autogenic means something that comes from within you. In this relaxation technique, you use both visual imagery and body awareness to reduce stress. You repeat words or suggestions in your mind that may help you relax and reduce muscle tension. For example, you may imagine a peaceful setting and then focus on controlled, relaxing breathing, slowing your heart rate, or feeling different physical sensations, such as relaxing each arm or leg one by one. Keep Moving. Movement, according to the American Holistic Nurses Association, is an antidote for the impact of stress on cells. When planned exercise is not plausible, taking brief moments to move is simultaneously healing and energizing; walk outside during breaks or mealtime, climb the stairs, or park and walk. Yoga can stimulate the thymus gland producing and moving white blood cells. Movement improves lymphatic drainage, gut health, and micro-circulation through the organs and extremities. A 10-minute yoga or stretching practice opens joints, releases synovial fluid, and improves awareness; any movement that feels good, is good! Many websites have free short stretch or yoga sequences for your break time. Be the Nurse’s Caregiver. Family and co-workers can help to destress nurses by showing some much-needed gratitude for the work they do. Since nurses are always on their feet, consider giving them gifts that pamper their feet like on-site pedicures after shifts or pedicure kits to take home. Similarly, most have “knotted” shoulders from stress, so on-site massage chairs at work, or family shoulder
kneading services are always great! Make Time for Prayer. Spiritually and emotionally, nurses can become overwhelmed by managing life and death decisions, as well as calming the fears and pain of others. While others look to them for immediate comfort, spiritually, they need support as well. Work with the hospital chaplain or your own house of worship for payers and scriptures to support your daily duties. Maintain the Basics. Notre Dame of Maryland University advises balancing self-care activities with basic care. Understand the difference between basic health maintenance, like staying hydrated and getting enough sleep, and specific self-care activities, like indulging in bubble baths and attending book club gatherings. Care for Your Emotional Health. This one is sometimes hard to manage because emotions can be stirred unexpectedly and unpredictably. Try to maintain an even emotional keel. Share special moments—like birthdays, anniversaries, or good news—with patients, families, and coworkers, and let every-
one know that they are appreciated and doing an excellent job. Fuel Your Body. Workers of highstress jobs often work through scheduled lunch breaks while managing the care of patients. This can lead to snacking on quick or processed foods throughout shifts or skipping meals completely. When your body is not
fueled with healthy foods, it encourages feelings of anxiety, sluggishness, or light-headedness. Try packing meals the day before that will last the entire shift. If unable to break for a meal, eat small, healthy snacks consisting of fruits, vegetables and whole grains. WI
4 Yoga and the use of renewal rooms in health facilities aid nurses in alleviating stress. / Courtesy photo 6 The health of nurses often goes overlooked despite their being essential to the health of the nation. / Courtesy photo
www.washingtoninformer.com / MAY 2020 HEALTH WELLNESS & NUTRITION SUPPLEMENT
HS-18
Providing Food Access and Community Supports in Response to COVID-19
Providing Food Access and Community Supports in Response to COVID-19
Martha’s Table is distributing groceries at no cost at 20 sites throughout D.C., including locations in Southeast, Northwest, and our Mckenna’s Wagon food truck.
Martha’s Table is distributing groceries at no cost at 20 sites throughout D.C., including locations in Southeast, Northwest, and our Mckenna’s Wagon food truck.
H-19 HS-19
MAY 2020 HEALTH WELLNESS & NUTRITION SUPPLEMENT / www.washingtoninformer.com
4/21/06
Safeway version
Your
Vaccination • HPV • Meningitis
Destination
• Flu • Pneumonia • Tetanus • Hepatitis • Shingles • MMR, and more!*
Walk-ins welcome at our pharmacy!
*Available vaccinations vary by location and are subject to state law restrictions.
Pharmacy at your fingertips
Refill, track, & manage prescriptions all in one easy place!
Download our pharmacy app today! www.washingtoninformer.com / MAY 2020 HEALTH WELLNESS & NUTRITION SUPPLEMENT
HS-20