The Health In Harlem Podcast

Black Maternal Health

“Black Women in our country are facing a Maternal Health Crisis.” This statement could have been a headline across any newspaper in the country (hopefully this is not news to anyone as Black women have been suffering for decades), however these are the words of Vice president Kamala Harris. On Tuesday April 13, the White House issued its first-ever presidential proclamation marking Black Maternal Health Week, bringing awareness to the decades-long problem of Black women having a significantly higher number of pregnancy-related complications including a 3 times higher rate of death in Black women compared to White women. Joined by obstetrics and gynecology experts Dr. Marvelle Maloney and Dr. Praise Augustus, we discussed the health challenges faced by black mothers in the United States, the significance of systemic racism and oppression its role in the disparities of pregnancy-related deaths and poor outcomes. Finally, we discuss tips and strategies that Black women can employ to increase their chances of having complication-free pregnancies and births. Please check out the resources below to learn more and as we always ask, whatever you learn on this show, please share it with anyone that will listen!
 
The White House: A Proclamation on Black Maternal Health Week, 2021
https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2021/04/13/a-proclamation-on-black-maternal-health-week-2021/
 
Black Mamas Matter Alliance
https://blackmamasmatter.org/bmhw/
 
National Partnership for Women & Families
https://www.nationalpartnership.org/our-work/health/reports/black-womens-maternal-health.html
 
Centers for Disease Control and prevention: Working Together to Reduce Black Maternal Mortality
https://www.cdc.gov/healthequity/features/maternal-mortality/index.html
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   

COVID Vaccine Update# 5

6 cases of cerebral venous sinus thrombosis out of 6.6 million Johnson & Johnson vaccines administered! Don't let fear speak for the numbers here as suffering the aforementioned complication is like getting tickets to a post-Covid Hamilton on Broadway special performance. It's too early to say whether the vaccines caused those blood clots and even if the vaccine is deemed the cause, this would be a very rare complication. Based on the data we have, you would be much more likely to suffer blood clots (deep vein thromboses, pulmonary emboli, strokes) from a symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection (aka COVID-19) than the vaccine.
With more than 20% of the United States population vaccinated and the vaccine rollout accelerating across the country, some experts predict the country could reach herd immunity by the Summer. However, despite the fact that vaccine hesitancy has decreased as a whole and more and more people are lining up to get the jab, there are some groups that are particularly challenging to reach. Misinformation and its bigger badder cousin, disinformation (intentionally false and misguided information) is mainly responsible for this and in this episode we discuss that and much more.  Check out the resources below for more information and please be sure to share this information with anyone that will listen! Enjoy and be safe!
Food and Drug Administration Statement: Joint CDC and FDA Statement on Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine
https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/joint-cdc-and-fda-statement-johnson-johnson-covid-19-vaccine
 
The New York Times: COVID-19 Live Updates: U.S. Calls for Pause on Johnson & Johnson Vaccine, Complicating Rollout
https://www.nytimes.com/live/2021/04/13/world/johnson-vaccine-blood-clots
 
Centers for Disease Control COVID Data Tracker
https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#vaccinations
 
Business Insider: Misinformation vs. disinformation: what to know about each form of false information and how to spot them online
https://www.businessinsider.com/misinformation-vs-disinformation
 
 

Colorectal Cancer Awareness with Dr. Finyinfolu Balogun and Dr. Onyinye Balogun

While colon cancer is among the most preventable and treatable cancers and there has been a sustained increase in the number of young, previously healthy people being diagnosed with this disease. In this episode of Health In Harlem we turned to the experts, Dr. Fiyinfolu Balogun and Dr. Onyinye Balogun and Nicole Basabe of the Partnership Community Outreach, Research and Education (PCORE, a partnership between the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and the City College of New York) to discuss the latest trends and developments regarding colon cancer, risk factors for the disease and the importance of screening and early detection in order to prevent colorectal cancer and to optimize the outcomes of those diagnosed with the disease. Please check out the following links for more information. Enjoy, and please be safe!!!!!
 
Colon Cancer Coalition- Get The Facts About Colon Cancer
https://coloncancercoalition.org/get-educated/what-you-need-to-know/colon-cancer-facts/
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention- What Should I know About Screening
https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/colorectal/basic_info/screening/index.htm
Cleveland Clinic- How to Improve Your Digestive Tract Naturally
https://health.clevelandclinic.org/how-to-improve-your-digestive-track-naturally/
National Cancer Institute- Why is Colorectal Cancer Rising Rapidly Among Young Adults?
https://www.cancer.gov/news-events/cancer-currents-blog/2020/colorectal-cancer-rising-younger-adults
 
 

Oral Health and Your Healthy Lifestyle

I think we all at one point thought that the extent of poor dental health was an unsightly smile, but more and more, researchers are finding real links to oral health and our overall health and  well-being. We sat down with Dr. Latoya Joseph, owner of Sebastian Dental Spa Oral Health and Wellness Center and her husband, Dental Student Steve Joseph to talk about oral health how impacts the rest of our body. We also discuss the best practices as far as oral care and hygiene, right down to the type of toothbrush and the hardness of the bristles. Ladies and gentlemen, when it comes to optimal oral health, we've got you all covered with this show. Please check out the resources below and be sure to hit us up on Facebook, Instagram, Podbean, Tumblr, etc! Smile, and have a great day!
 
University of Utah Health- Best Way to Brush Your Teeth (Modified Bass Technique
https://healthcare.utah.edu/healthfeed/postings/2014/09/090814_cvvisual-brush-teeth.php#:~:text=The%20most%20commonly%20recommended%20method,the%20edge%20of%20your%20tooth
 
Mayo Clinic- Oral Health: A Window to Your Overall Health
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/dental/art-20047475
 
Consumer Reports- Should You Use an Electric Toothbrush or a Manual?
https://www.consumerreports.org/toothbrushes/electric-toothbrush-or-manual/
 
 
 
 
 

COVID Vaccine Update 4

With the February 27, 2021 Emergency Use Authorization of the Janssen Biotech Inc. (a Jannsen Pharmaceutical Company of Johnson & Johnson) Covid-19 Vaccine and President Biden talking about the possibility of getting "together in your backyard or in your neighborhood and have a cookout and a barbecue (to) celebrate Independence Day", there are many reasons to be optimistic these days. However, the reality is that SARS-CoV-2 is still amongst us and we now have to contend with new variants of the virus that threaten all the hopes and dreams we all have when it comes to getting back to "normal life". With that said, it is vital that we continue to practice social distancing, mask-wearing, good hand-hygiene and to refrain from gathering in large groups so that we can finally get the upper hand over this virus. In this episode, we discuss not only the vaccine, but the new variants of the virus and why social distancing and other non-pharmaceutical interventions are still so important at this juncture in the pandemic. Please check out the resources below for more information and we sincerely hope that you learn from our program and that you share this information with anyone that will listen. 
The New York Times: WHO Grants Emergency Authorization to the Johnson & Johnson Vaccine, a Boost for Global Vaccination Efforts
https://www.nytimes.com/2021/03/12/world/who-jj-vaccine.html
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: How to Protect Yourself and Others
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/prevention.html
HUB✳️ (Johns Hopkins Magazine): What You Need to Know About the CDC's COVID-19 Guidance for Fully Vaccinated Individuals
https://hub.jhu.edu/2021/03/10/cdc-covid-19-vaccination-guidance/

Put Your Heart Into It: Cardiovascular Disease Awareness and Prevention

Long before COVID-19, Cardiovascular disease reigned supreme as the number one cause of death worldwide (this is still the case). This pandemic has killed millions on a global scale year-after-year (18.6 million in 2019 alone), but headlines detailing the devastation are few and far between. This week, the Health In Harlem team sat down to discuss different types of heart disease and its relation to other vascular diseases and the risk factors that lead to their development. Finally, we shift to the empowering part of our program and talk about the things you can do to significantly lower your risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Please folks be safe and keep your bodies' moving as that alone can help reduce your risk for heart disease.  Please check out the links below to learn more.  
American Heart Association: American Heart Month
https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/education-and-awareness/heart-month
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Heart Disease: It can Happen at Any Age
https://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/any_age.htm
MedLine Plus: How to Prevent Heart Disease
https://medlineplus.gov/howtopreventheartdisease.html
 

Beyond Growing Pains: Pediatric Depression and Suicide in the COVID-19 Era

Aside from rising death rates and significant economic effects, the COVID-19 pandemic is profoundly impacting the mental health of children worldwide. The social isolation and loneliness that arises from COVID-19 containment measures coupled with the uncertainty surrounding many aspects of the COVID-19 crisis have led to large increases in the prevalence of anxiety, mood disorders, and suicide in children and adolescents. In this episode we sat down with Dr. Sarah Ann Anderson-Burnett, MD PhD, Addiction Neuroscientist, Health Equity Educator and Advocate, and Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine Fellow at the Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons to discuss the challenges children are facing and how to recognize the signs and symptoms of depression, anxiety, and suicide. Please check out the resources below for more information and please hit us up with your feedback, questions, comments, or concerns!
 
Psychiatric Times: New Findings About Children's Mental Health During COVID-19
https://www.psychiatrictimes.com/view/new-findings-children-mental-health-covid-19
 
Healthy Children.Org: Mental Health During COVID-19: Signs Your Child May Need More Support 
https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/COVID-19/Pages/Signs-your-Teen-May-Need-More-Support.aspx
 
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Coping With Stress
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/managing-stress-anxiety.html
 

COVID-19 Vaccine Update 3: Vaccine Mistrust and Hesitancy in Minority Communities

With the COVID-19 vaccine distribution broadening (including people 65 years and older, essential workers, and people with certain comorbid illnesses), more and more racial and ethnic minorities are eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Unfortunately, as of February 4 only 49% of blacks planned to get vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2, (the virus that causes COVID-19), with only 19% agreeing to the vaccine right away and 31% expressing plans to wait to see what happens to other people before getting vaccinated. 31% of black adults says that will not get the vaccine and another 12% are unsure. While the number are somewhat higher for Latinx people, the numbers of people willing to get the COVID-19 vaccine is lower than that of whites.  Dr. Dial Hewlett, Medical Director-Division of Disease Control, and Deputy to the Commissioner of Health at Westchester County Department of Health and Dr. Adam Aponte, Chief Medical Officer at the East Harlem Council for Human Serivces and the Boriken Neighborhood Neighborhood Health Center joined the Health In Harlem Team to discuss the issues surrounding mistrust of the COVID-19 vaccines in minority communities and why it is imperative that the people in these communities consider getting vaccinated. Please check out the links below for more information and don't be afraid to share what you learn form this program. 
 
Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer Website: Everything I've heard About: Testing and vaccines
https://www.manhattanbp.nyc.gov/testing-and-vaccines/
New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene: COVID-19 Vaccines
https://www1.nyc.gov/site/doh/covid/covid-19-vaccines.page
New York City COVID-19 Vaccine Finder
https://vaccinefinder.nyc.gov/
 
 

Cervical Cancer Awareness with Dr. Sharan Abdul-Rahman

January was Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, and though it is now January, we could not pass up the opportunity to talk about this wholly preventable cancer. In this episode, we sat down with Dr. Sharan Abdul-Rahman, an OB/GYN and the Founder of the The Black Woman's Health Directory, a directory that lists black male and female healthcare providers including physicians, therapists, and even midwives. Dr. Abdul-Rahman breaks everything down, from the reasoning behind and the need for the Pap smear to the importance of considering vaccination against Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) in order to prevent development of cervical cancer.  Ladies enjoy gentlemen, enjoy the program and please share this information with anyone that will listen because this is truly life saving information!
The Black Woman's Health Directory
https://www.theblackwomanshealthdirectory.com/
National Foundation for Infectious Diseases: Cervical Cancer Awareness Month
https://www.nfid.org/tag/cervical-cancer-awareness-month/#:~:text=January%20is%20Cervical%20Cancer%20Awareness%20Month%2C%20a%20great%20time%20to,women%20in%20the%20United%20States.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/dcpc/resources/features/cervicalcancer/index.htm
 
 
 
   

Ignorance Is Blindness: Glaucoma Awareness with Dr. Neha Shaik

More than 3 million people in the United States have glaucoma and according to the National Eye Institute that number will balloon to more than 4.2 million people by 2030. In African Americans it is the second-leading cause of blindness. Perhaps even more distressing is the fact that many people with this disease have little to no symptoms until it's too late; when their vision is severely compromised and there is no chance of recovering what was lost. With that said, we hope that you learn from this episode as we sit down with Dr. Neha Shaik, Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology at the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai. Please enjoy this EYE OPENING (I know, we're so corny sometimes) talk so that this disease doesn't sneak up on you. Check out the following resources for more information:
Glaucoma Research Foundation
https://www.glaucoma.org/news/glaucoma-awareness-month.php
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
https://www.cdc.gov/visionhealth/resources/features/glaucoma-awareness.html
National Eye Institute
https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/eye-conditions-and-diseases/glaucoma