BNz wants to send a big ありがとう or (thanks) to Florida Coastal Law School student, Adrienne Bryant and the DuBois CDC Freedom Fighter, Ms. Bettie Edwards Murchinson for sharing their beauitful bean footage on the W.E.B. DuBois CDC health and education fair.

In spite of the West Nile virus outbreak and ongoing AIDS epidemic, surprisingly, Americans are overall healthy. How healthy, are Americans, pretty healthy according, to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

The HHS says that the overall health of Americans has improved dramatically over the last 50 years despite the outbreak of West Nile and the AIDS epidemic.

Even though Americans seem to be more heath concise, most Americans don’t understand what health is. In 1948, in its constitution, the World Health Organization (WHO) defined health as “a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity”.

In more recent years, this statement has been modified to include the ability to lead a “socially and economically productive life.”

Even though the majority of Americans are more health concise some fall prey to preventable illnesses. The major causes of death include cancer, heart disease, stroke, lung disease and injury.

Americans should never use tobacco or smoke because, tobacco is one of the most dangerous things you could ever do. One out of every 6 deaths in the United States can be blamed on smoking. More preventable illnesses are caused by tobacco than by anything else.

As we touch on the issue of smoking, we must discuss the use and abuse of alcohol. Too much alcohol can damage the liver contributing to some cancers, such as throat and liver cancer. Alcohol also contributes to deaths involving car wrecks, murders and suicides.

To eliminate or minimize issues concerning alcohol national studies suggest that men should drink no more than 2 drinks a day and women should have no more than 1 drink a day. One drink can be measured as a can of beer or simply 12 ounces, or 4-ounces of wine or a jigger of liquor which is equal to 1 ounce.

By, no means do we promote the usage of alcohol in any way, but if ADULTS (21 yrs. and over) chose to drink alcohol please be weary of these important pointers.

Although obesity is an individual clinical condition, it is increasingly viewed as a serious and growing public health problem: excessive body weight has been shown to predispose to various diseases, particularly cardiovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus type 2, sleep apnea and osteoarthritis.

One’s eating habits are the primary cause of obesity and heart disease. Studies have proven that heart disease and some cancers, stroke, diabetes and damage to your arteries are linked to what you eat. Fiber, fruits and vegetables can help reduce your risk of some cancers.

Researchers suggest foods high in calcium and vitamin-D help to build strong bones. In order make the most of one’s health, Americans should eat 2 to 4 servings of fruits and 3 to 5 servings of vegetables a day, intake 6 to 11 servings of bread, cereal, rice and pasta a day drink, 2 to 3 servings of low-fat or fat-free milk, yogurt and cheese a day, eat 2 to 3 servings of meat, poultry, fish, dry beans, egg whites or nuts a day and consume lots of fiber (found in whole-grain breads and cereals, fruits and vegetables.)

What Americans shouldn’t eat is foods saturated in fat. Saturated fats include animal fats, hydrogenated vegetable fats and tropical fats (coconut and palm oil). High-fat diet increases your risk of heart disease, breast and colon cancer, and gallbladder disease. Individuals should try to stay away from sodium.

Sodium, found in table salt and some foods, increases blood pressure in some people, but not all. Individuals should try to avoid cooking with salt, and preparing foods that are high in sodium while adding salt sparingly, if at all, when you’re eating.

You should try to eat daily, fruits, vegetables, grains, dairy and proteins.

Fruits

1 medium piece of fresh fruit
1/2 cup chopped or canned fruit
3/4 cup fruit juice
1/4 cup dried fruit

Vegetables

1 cup raw, leafy vegetables
1/2 cup other vegetables, cooked or raw
3/4 cup vegetable juice

Grains

1 slice of bread or a small roll
1/2 bagel or English muffin
1 oz. cold cereal
1/2 cup cooked cereal, rice or pasta
3 or 4 small or 2 large crackers

Dairy

1 cup milk or yogurt
1 1/2 oz. natural cheese
2 oz. processed cheese

Proteins

2 to 3 oz. cooked lean meat, poultry or fish
1/2 cup cooked dried beans
1 egg white
2 tablespoons peanut butter

Exercise can help prevent heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, osteoporosis, depression and, possibly, colon cancer, stroke and back injury. Remember if your cholesterol level is high keeping your level down by eating right, such as by reducing how much fat you eat, and by exercising.

How do Americans with high blood pressure control it? Americans can, lose weight, exercise, eat less sodium, drink less alcohol, don’t smoke and take medication if doctor prescribed. You’ll also feel better and keep your weight under control if you exercise regularly. Try to exercise for 30 to 60 minutes, 4 to 6 times a week, but any amount is better than nothing.

Women should examine their breasts every month beginning at about age 20, to help catch the early signs of breast cancer, being breast cancer is the second most common cause of death for women. Women should talk to their doctor about the proper procedure to check their breasts, along with random check-ups from your doctor every 1 to 2 years beginning at the age of 40. After age 50, you should have a mammogram every 1 to 2 years.

Women should get regular pap smears when they start having sex or by age 18. Pap smears are done to detect cervix caner. You’ll need them at least once a year at initially, until you’ve had at least 3 normal Pap tests. After this, you should have them at least every 3 years. Adults over the age of 50 should ask their doctor about being checked for colorectal cancer and men over age 50 should discuss with their doctor the risks and benefits of being screened for prostate cancer. Americans should have yearly health screenings and physicals.

Be sure to talk to your family doctors about your risk factors and what tests and exams are right for you.

“What? Know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.”

I Corinthians 6:19-20