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| January 2009 |
Vol. 2, Issue 1 |
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| Greetings! |
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This month we're celebrating the first birthday of WHOLE! With each issue our readership has grown, reaching sistahs throughout the US, Canada, and the Caribbean. Thank you for your support and spreading the word!
As we embark on our second year of service to you, we want to increase t  he value of each issue by providing the tools you need not only to be well informed, but to take action.
We're connecting more and more sistahs with three fundamental keys to improving health--quality nutrition, regular exercise, and routine health screenings. We call it WHOLE Body Living--small choices we make each day that can create big improvements in our health.
During this year, we want to work in partnership with you to generate powerful sistah self-care resources to help us sustain this WHOLEsome lifestyle. To that end, we're anxious to hear about what would be helpful for your journey to better health. Won't you take a few minutes and fill out the WHOLE survey? We'll use your responses to refine our editorial focus and expand our wellness network.
January marks a fresh start, with lots of options and choices you can make for better health. Let's make them together in the spirit of "each one, reach one!" Building a supportive, healing community is at the top of our "to do list" for this year. It's the centerpiece of sistah self-care, and a potent force for health equity. Sustaining health is a priority for self and community: this is what it means to be WHOLE.
Happy New Year! |
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Quick Links |
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Did you miss any issues of WHOLE in 2008? Don't worry! They're all waiting for you in our Archive. Have a look!
WHOLE is a publication of WeSpeakLoudly, a health education firm especially for African American women and girls. We've got lots of sistah-inspired health programs, publications, and a speaker's bureau. Visit WeSpeakLoudly for more information.
Copyright 2009 by Jacci Thompson-Dodd |
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We Can Beat Cervical Cancer! |
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January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month. Now before you flip past this article thinking that cervical cancer will never happen to you, here's a question. Did you know that African American women are diagnosed with cervical cancer at a rate 30% higher than white women, and are twice as likely to die from this insidious disease?
Behind these heart breaking statistics are Black women--our mothers, sisters, daughters, nieces, granddaughters, and yes, even YOU--whose lives have been or could be forever changed by cervical cancer.
The good news is that cervical cancer is 100% preventable. The not so good news is that too few sistahs are aware of their risk for cervical cancer and don't take the necessary steps to prevent it.
We wrestled with how best to inspire more sistahs to take the steps necessary to prevent cervical cancer. So we enlisted the help of Tamika Felder, a sistah cancer survivor and health activist, to tell her story. By taking a few steps in her shoes, we hope you will be inspired to step into your own and do what is necessary to beat cervical cancer.
I became a cancer survivor in May 2001 when I was diagnosed with advanced cervical  cancer.
One of the hardest things for me was learning that I wouldn't be able to bear my own children. I come from a large family on both sides, and I looked forward to the day of adding to that family. Being 25, diagnosed with cervical cancer and not being married--in a matter of weeks I had to say, kids, or save my life. Kids. Save my life. And I really did struggle. I think when your choice is taken away from you, it's really hard.
There was a time that I would go into the mall and if I saw pregnant women or women with their children, I would be so emotionally distraught that I would just have to leave. There was a time when I couldn't even hold my own nephew, because I would look at him and it would just make me feel like I'll never have this experience.
I think if I had that partner in my life to just say I love you regardless, you are still a complete woman even though you can't have kids, I think that it would make me feel a whole lot better. As far as relationships are concerned, I'm terrified of them. It's hindered me from going out. I meet people and there's a part of me that's like, okay, I'm going to go out, tell this person, and see how it works. Then I just always feel like disaster will come and so I don't. But I'm beginning to think, take that chance. Take it. And I'm going to be up front, even though my friends think I should wait. I think too many cancer patients feel ashamed of some of the physical things that cancer left with them, and I don't want to be ashamed of it.
Nobody talks about gynecological cancers because it deals with such an intimate area. It deals with sexuality. And you think something is wrong with it or it's naughty or you can't talk about it. Then when you have a sexual disorder or whatever because of cancer, it's like you can't talk about it because you couldn't already talk about sex. I think of my cervical cancer in hindsight now, there were little signs, but I let them go. And maybe if I would have listened to my body a little earlier, I would have caught some of those things.
I learned about HPV shortly after I was diagnosed with cervical cancer. My doctor wasn't really even talking to me as he flipped through my chart and said something like "oh you probably have HPV (types) 16 or 18." My first reaction was "What is that?" But at that point I didn't say anything--it was bad enough just knowing I had cancer.
As everything became clearer, I experienced a mix of emotions: shocked, angry, ashamed, devastated. But there was also this feeling that I needed to learn everything about this virus and tell other people, especially since I knew that HPV is something practically everyone gets. Through my research, I found out about the HPV test. Although it was too late for me, I was overjoyed to know it gives women accurate results about whether you have HPV unlike the Pap alone, which is all I got. I think the HPV test should be mandatory for all women over 30!
Before cancer, my life was really hustle and bustle. Never had time to really slow down and smell the roses. Never had time to take that vacation in Greece or wherever I wanted to go. Now, it's me time. I get all my work done and everything else, but I really take the time to live life to the fullest. When eventually I do leave this place, I want people to know that I lived my life exactly how I wanted to live it. And while I was here, I had a fabulous time.*
The facts about cervical cancer
Cervical cancer is one of the few cancers with a known source. It's caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV for short). Of the numerous types of HPV, there are two "high risk" strains that are known causes of cervical cancer if left untreated. HPV is transmitted by intimate skin-to-skin contact, and virtually every one gets it at some point. Most times our immune system can clear these HPV cells on its own. However, the "high risk" HPV cells can be in your body undetected for many years without symptoms. An important warning: The Pap test alone can't always find these "high risk" HPV cells. There are many women who get cervical cancer despite the fact that they had an annual Pap test.
What you can do
You must be proactive to ensure that if you have "high risk" HPV it will be detected early, and diligent about following through with whatever monitoring and treatment are indicated. Here are the specific action steps you can take:
- Call and make an appointment for your annual physical--and go! As a part of the exam, all women should begin receiving the Pap test three years after the first sexual encounter or by age 21--whichever comes first. Please ask your doctor for a Liquid Pap test at the time of your appointment. This is the most accurate type of Pap Test.
- If you are 30 years old or older, Request the newly-approved digene HPV Test along with your Pap. This HPV test is available to you now even if your practitioner is not offering it yet! That's why you've got to be assertive--Request the Test!tm
- If you are between 21 and 30 years old and have an inconclusive Pap, Request the digene HPV Test**
Here are some valuable resources
- Tamika's organization, Tamika & Friends, has created "The House Parties of fiVe (HPVs), a discussion circle kit on HPV and cervical cancer you can use to gather your sistahfriends for a fun and informative evening. Visit Tamika & Friends to learn more.
- WeSpeakLoudly has an in-depth article on HPV prevention especially for African American women and girls. Have a look at our website for your free copy of "Cervical Cancer is 100% Preventable!"
- For more information on the digene HPV Test, visit their website by clicking here.
- Don't despair if you do not have health insurance. Most states provide access to cervical cancer screening for women without insurance through the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP). Check out this CDC website or call 1-888-842-6355 to find no- or low-cost screenings.
Remember, cervical cancer is 100% preventable. But it's all up to you!
*Portions of this article were reprinted with permission from the Lance Armstrong Foundation
**We note that WeSpeakLoudly Executive Director is an unpaid member of the digene HPV Networking Group. |
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WHOLE Self-Care Principle #12: Relax |
Relax is to secure your core, to provide a safe and trusting internal atmosphere for your Loving Energy to flourish. From this core serenity flows, radiating outward to your  external environment. Relax also incorporates the idea of hearth and home--a nesting place where you can lay down your burdens and be at peace. Durable, dependable, and ever evolving, Relax is the place inside yourself and in your abode that fortifies your spirit, clears your mind, and energizes your body.
Life happens. And you will never get to a stage where you are without problems. However, you can most definitely live your life joyously, no matter what problems arise. To Relax is to be confident, knowing in the deepest part of your core that you have the internal resources to triumph over any new adversity.
Relax is about serenity: tranquility, stillness, and peace. These words might seem more fantasy than reality. But before you discount these notions, visualize yourself actually experiencing them. What would it look like for you to have serenity in your life? What would it take for you to be at peace?
This feeling is not something that someone else can give you. It must emerge from within. It is a knowing that you are WHOLE--self-contained and capable of providing for your comfort. It is a rebirth of sorts: you are crafting a new normal for yourself.
Relax is active, not passive. It allows you to boldly face each day knowing that you have the ability to transform any bad situation into a fertile learning ground for your growth. When you Relax, you allow yourself the space, the place, and the grace to do whatever must be done to be WHOLE. |
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Eating Well |
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At the start of each new year, many of us make a resolution to lose weight. With the best of intentions, we start on diets, trying our best to follow the regiment. All too often, the resolve dissipates and after several months we're back to our old habits. It's not surprising. Change is hard!
The old adage, "You are what you eat" is an indisputable truth. Yet our bustling lives often lead us to the easiest options: lots of fast food, take out, and prepared foods--in huge quantities. We often engage in mindless eating, too--a few chips here, a piece of candy there, wash it down with a soda and you've consumed hundreds of empty calories. Food can be comfort, pleasure, or reward. It's the centerpiece of every celebration and is an expression of love--both given and received. Sound familiar?
But none of these things speaks to the nutritional value of the foods we eat or the real role food plays in our lives. Food is fuel. Nothing can work properly without fuel, and the body is no different. That's why quality nutrition is a key principle of WHOLE Body Living. So each month we'll share what small steps you can take to achieve big, sustainable changes. And we're anxious to hear about and share your stories, tips and recipes, too! Feel free to send them to the WHOLE nutrition team.
Tip #1: Focus on Veggies
According to the American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR), beans, dark green leafy vegetables, garlic, tomatoes, berries, flaxseed, grapes, green tea, soy and whole grains all have documented healing and disease-prevention properties that must find their way into your diet in abundance.
WHOLE has adopted recommendations from AICR for the "New American Plate." It's a very livable eating regime that suggests veggies, fruits and whole grains become two-thirds of the food on your plate with the remaining one-third for meat, fish, poultry, or plant-based protein such as tofu. In essence you flip-the-script, making meat a condiment in your meal. Surprisingly, when you eat this way, you actually get to eat more food and lose weight while getting the more healthful variety of nutrients your body craves.
Winter Fresh: Broccolini
 Broccoli is in season now, and you'll see mountains of the deep green florettes in the grocery store. Broccoli is in the family of cruciferous veggies, which also includes cauliflower, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, bok choy and kale. It's a potent cancer-fighting food, especially powerful in fighting breast and uterine cancer. It's also a great source of folic acid, beta-carotene, lutein (an antioxidant that is especially good for the eyes) and vitamin K (which builds strong bones).
For a change, why not try Broccolini? It's the less well known younger sister of Broccoli. Also known as Baby Broccoli, Broccolini is milder on the palate and packs all the nutrients of its big sister. We've found a simple recipe that teams Broccolini with garlic, another powerful breast and uterine cancer fighter.
Ingredients:
2 bunches Broccolini
3 cloves garlic, finely minced
1/3 cup low-sodium vegetable or chicken stock
1 1/2 tbsp olive oil
1/4 tsp ginger, finely minced
Sea Salt and pepper to taste
Preparation:
- Wash and dry Broccolini thoroughly, then cut the stalks in half.
- In a large skillet or wok, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Toss in Broccolini and garlic, tossing vigorously until all pieces are well coated. Cook for two minutes. Do not let garlic brown, or it will get bitter.
- Add stock and ginger and cook for four minutes more until tender-crisp, stirring often. Place Broccolini in serving dish and dust lightly with sea salt and pepper. Enjoy!
To learn more about the New American Plate visit the AICR website. |
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We're off to a great start! Let's make 2009 the year when we breakthrough barriers, knock down obstacles, and soar! We'd love to help you every step of the way. If you haven't already, please take a moment and complete our WHOLE survey. It will only take a few minutes (just 10 questions) and it will help us make plans to better assist you.
Have a productive and fun month, and we'll see you back here for our February issue!
Yours in health, |
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Jacci Thompson-Dodd
WeSpeakLoudly
WHOLE is brought to you in part through the generous support from JuicePlus+
Photo credits: MW productions and Catherine Jones |
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