Information, Education Can Combat High African American Death Rate
Information is an important weapon in the battle to increase
the life expectancy of African Americans, says Phyllis Clark, founder and president of the Healthy Heritage Wellness Conference (www.healthyheritagemovement.com). The conference is at California Baptist University, located at 8432 Magnolia, Riverside, from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m., Saturday, July 28.
Riverside, Calif. (PRWEB) July 22, 2007 -- Information is an important weapon in the battle to increase the life expectancy of African Americans, says Phyllis Clark, founder and president of the Healthy Heritage Wellness Conference (www.healthyheritagemovement.com). The conference is at California Baptist University, located at 8432 Magnolia, Riverside, from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m., Saturday, July 28.
The free Healthy Heritage Wellness Conference offers speakers, information booths and interactive sessions aimed at improving the overall health and well being of the African American community.
"The more African Americans know about our lifestyles, diets and bodies, the easier it is to fight diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure (hypertension), heart disease, HIV/AIDS and cancer," Clark said. "Changing your diet, exercising and going to the doctor regularly is cheaper than treating diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease which are costly and even life threatening."
According to a San Bernardino County Department of Health report, African Americans in San Bernardino County die 13 years younger than whites. Many African American lives are shortened by illness such as diabetes, high blood pressure (hypertension), heart disease, HIV/AIDS and cancer. The Healthy Heritage Wellness Conference features speakers who bring a wealth of knowledge from the medical, emotional health and financial worlds. The sessions include:
| | - "A Multidimensional Approach to African American Wellness Health," presented by Dr. Kimlin Tam Ashing-Giwa, director of City of Hope's Center of Community Alliance for Research & Education, is from 10:50 - 11:45 a.m. Ashing-Giwa is a nationally renowned psychologist who specializes in minority health issues. City of Hope is a Southern California research, educational and treatment institution dedicated to fighting cancer.
- "Life in Balance" presented by Robin Allen of De Ivy Management, is from 10:15 - 10:45 a.m. Allen speaks to organizations and groups that seek to enhance the lives of their members and employees by offering them programs on personal and professional development.
- "Emotional Wellness for the 21st Century" is from 1- 2 p.m. The sessions are presented by Keith Goshay, Lynn Denison, Crystal Ornelas and Jerome R. Scott Jr. of Life Enhancement Center, a drug and alcohol counseling facility in Riverside.
- "Alternatives to Hysterectomy," presented by Dr. Michael Tahery, is from 1-2 p.m. Tahery is an assistant professor in obstetrics and gynecology at UCLA.
- "Myeloma: What you need to know" is from 1-2 p.m. Velma Yep, a registered nurse and heath educator, is the presenter.
- "High Blood Pressure" is the focus of a presentation by Dr. Steven H. Barag, a family medicine and general practioner and founder of Aureus Medical Group, from 2:10 - 3:10 p.m.
- "Changing Environments for Healthy Eating and Bodies in Motion," by Diane Wayne, senior nutritionist, and Veronica Huff, health education assistant, with Riverside County Health Department, is from 2:10 - 3:10 p.m.
- "Why is Colorectal Cancer Affecting African-Americans Disproportionately?" is presented by Dr. Christian S. Jackson, assistant professor in the department of medicine at Loma Linda University Medical School, from 2:10 -3:10 p.m.
- "Stop the Silence: HIV/AIDS, Sex and Sexuality in the African-American Community," from 3:20-4:20 p.m., is presented by Manasseh Nwaigwe Jr., communicable disease specialist with Riverside County Department of Public Health. Nwaigwe is director/ founder of African Descent AIDS Mobilization (A.D.A.M's) Project.
- "A Healthy Baby Begins With You" is from 3:20 - 4:20 p.m. The session is presented by Dr. Astrid Mickens, owner of Totally Pampered Health Education Services, and Keith Goshay. Mickens is a certified health specialist and lactation educator. Totally Pampered Health Education Services provides health services and resources to pregnant women.
- "Empowered to Succeed and Prosper," presented by Trudy Finlayson, branch manager of Wisdom Financial Mortgage Services, is from 3:20 - 4:20 p.m.
|
There are also free screenings for HIV/AIDS, prostate cancer and blood sugar levels, Clark said. The free Healthy Heritage Wellness Conference is also organized by a committee, which includes staff members from Riverside County Public Health Department, the American Cancer Society, the Southern California Witness Project, a breast cancer awareness group, Inland Agency, and many volunteers.
Sponsors for this year's conference are First 5 San Bernardino, Abbott, Riverside Community Health Foundation, Novartis, Blood Bank of San Bernardino and Riverside Counties and Kaiser Permanente.
For more information or to attend the Healthy Heritage Wellness Conference call (951) 565-4431.
###
|
