Author: phameuscampaign

Advancement-oriented Encouragement Health(y) Hopeful Mission-fulfillment Positive Promotion Understanding (Insight & Wisdom)

Overcoming Life’s Challenges with a Positive and Healthy Attitude | Encouragement from James 1: 2-4

By phameuscampaign on
Photo by Eric Sanman on Pexels.com

Life is a journey filled with twists, turns, and unexpected hurdles. As we traverse our own path, we encounter challenges that test our resilience, adaptability, and determination. These enduring challenges shape our character, help define our purpose, and propel us toward growth and development. Additionally, working through troubling circumstances helps to strengthen us emotionally, especially perhaps to endure greater responsibilities for the advancement of God’s kingdom. “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything” (New International Version Bible, 2024, James. 1: 2-4).

Very interesting encouragement from the epistle of James. What if James is suggesting within the sacred text that as we endeavor to work through adverse circumstances negatively impacting us, we should keep a positive and healthy posture when dealing with these issues or problems? Perhaps this seems like a tall order to endure trials and keep a positive and healthy attitude, kind of like climbing a tall mountain.

First we must choose to climb the mountain (decide to address the hardship). Next, we prepare to climb the mountain (Prepping mindset to climb, trusting Him as the source of our strength). Then we climb (working to overcome the problem, building our faith and confidence with each step we take). Finally, we reach the mountain peak (at the top, we have a new sense of ourselves and our faith through this accomplishment).

Although navigating the steep terrain of a mountain can be daunting, reaching the peak can strengthen our sense of purpose, relationships, health, productivity, etc. No matter the mountain(s) (i.e., hardship, obstacle, problem, barrier, etc.) we are facing in our lives, with a view from the mountaintop, we can look back and reflect on the journey up the mountain – allowing for learning and new strength to be applied to the next climb. We become a more complete version of ourselves to be more useful in fulfilling our kingdom purpose. Still, in the climb, we must remain positive and healthy, emotionally. In this way, we endure.

We work to maintain a positive and healthy emotional well-being as we face any struggle. This means managing emotions well and having a sense of meaning, purpose, and supportive relationships (CDC, n.d.). Managing our emotions well, especially when experiencing hardships, includes:

  • Identifying, processing, and expressing emotions in healthy ways.
  • Knowing how to deal with uncertainty, stress, and change.
  • Being able to work through disagreements.
  • Looking for solutions to problems in useful ways.
  • Asking others for help and support.

Efforts to be remain positive and healthy during stressful and tough times may not be easy. That is why it is important to keep your sight towards the peak (look up) and keep moving in a forward (advancing) direction. Continue to climb, working ourselves out of any valley (low place, low feeling). For more encouragement, we hope you will connect with us in the comments area of this blogpost or on Facebook. Also, we encourage connecting with a good church that positively and healthfully nurtures spiritual and emotional well-being.

References
Centers for Disease Control & Prevention. (n.d.). About Emotional Well-Being. https://www.cdc.gov/emotional-well-being/about/index.html

New International Version. (2024). YouVersion. https://www.bible.com/bible/111/PHP.4.13

New International Version. (2024). YouVersion. https://www.bible.com/bible/111/JAS.1.NIV

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Advocacy Encouragement Health(y) Hopeful Positive Prevention Profiles

Nicole Eggert’s brave battle and raising breast cancer awareness

By phameuscampaign on

By PHAME-US Campaign

In December of 2023, Nicole Eggert shared publicly that she had been diagnosed with breast cancer. The 52 year old actress and mother of two, popularly known for her roles in popular television shows such as “Baywatch” and “Charles in Charge,” shocked her fans when she revealed her breast cancer diagnosis. By sharing her personal journey, she has become an advocate for breast cancer awareness, shedding light on the challenges that individuals facing this disease encounter.

Nicole Eggert’s decision to share her breast cancer diagnosis with the public is a commendable act that goes beyond personal vulnerability. By doing so, she has actively contributed to the ongoing conversation about breast cancer awareness. Awareness campaigns play a crucial role in encouraging early detection, emphasizing the importance of regular screenings, and dispelling myths surrounding the disease. Eggert’s openness encourages others to prioritize their health and seek medical attention when needed.

In 2024, the American Cancer Society (ACS) (n.d.) estimates about 310,720 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in women. Eggert’s openness about her breast cancer diagnosis not only raises awareness but also encourages a much-needed dialogue about the emotional and physical toll of the disease. The ACS (n.d.) reports that a cancer diagnosis can affect the emotional health of patients, families, and caregivers and is associated with feelings of anxiety, distress, and depression. By sharing the ups and downs of her treatment, she helps break down the stigma associated with cancer, fostering a supportive environment for those facing similar challenges. This dialogue is essential in creating a more empathetic society that understands the complexities of the cancer journey.

To reduce risk of breast cancer, the ACS recommends:

Have you used been screened for breast cancer? Is breast cancer on your health radar? What are your experiences in breast cancer prevention? We encourage the sharing of valuable information and experiences here in the comments section or here on Facebook.

References

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Encouragement Family (PHAMILY) For the parents Hopeful PHAITH (Faith) Understanding (Insight & Wisdom)

Can God feel my pain?

By phameuscampaign on

By Mr. James Harris

Photo by Helena Lopes on Pexels.com

One night we had to take our youngest son to the ER because he was complaining of stomach pains. He was only 3 years old so describing the depth of the pain, he could not do, all he could say was, “Mommy Daddy it hurt, and pointed to his stomach.”

We took him and began to examine him. The nurse said she needed to take some blood to see if it was something they needed to treat. I will never forget what happened next as the nurse pulled out the needle to draw blood from his little arm. Wanda said to me “I cannot watch this” and left the room. There I stood having to hold him down to allow them to take his blood. I will never forget the look in his eyes, as the tears began to fall. He could not understand how his father could allow someone to hurt him like that.

We think that our Heavenly Father has no feelings or understanding of the pain in our hearts or the things that we have to bear in our daily lives. I am not sure where that lie came from but it is a big lie from the pit of hell. Jesus sets the record straight in Matt. 6:26 (NIV) about how the Father cares for us.

“Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?”

I love my sons but God loves them and you and I much more than we have the capacity to totally understand. Jesus, the son of God became the son of man, so we the sons of men could become sons of God. Our Father wanted His Family back.

Blessings, James Harris

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Advancement-oriented Encouragement Health(y) Hopeful PHAITH (Faith) Positive Profiles Promotion

Nick Cannon Stands Up Against Lupus

By phameuscampaign on

Ashley Peoples | UAB Community Health and Human Services Intern

Photo: Instagram/nickcannon

Nick Cannon is known for many of his attributes with his long-standing career, in the areas of as acting, rapping, and his show “Wild N’ Out“. However, like many people he has been battling lupus since 2012. Lupus is a chronic auto-immune disease that causes the body to attack itself. Mr. Cannon was first hospitalized for lupus in 2012. He was experiencing kidney failure which is a known symptom.

On Christmas day 2016, Mr. Cannon was hospitalized again for a lupus flare up as stated by CNN. During his time in the hospital, he experienced many emotions and relied strongly on his faith. It is important to understand that Lupus is an auto immune disease that can cause a flare up randomly. Nick Cannon’s strength of pushing through and choosing to fight every day is admirable.  As stated by Mr. Cannon “I’m sitting here getting stronger like ‘Iron Man’” (Melas 2016). I believe his story can help people that are experiencing lupus or undergoing test to figure out if it is cause for their current health issues. Celebrities like Mr. Cannon are brave for sharing their personal health issues with the world.

References

Melas, C. (2016, December 28). Nick Cannon Gives Health Update after spending Christmas in the hospital. CNN. https://www.cnn.com/2016/12/28/entertainment/nick-cannon-lupus-hospital/index.html

McLaughlin, K. (2012, March 10). Nick Cannon on the fight for his life. CNN. https://www.cnn.com/2012/03/09/showbiz/nick-cannon-on-the-fight-for-his-life/index.html

Nick Cannon, lupus warrior. Lupus Foundation of America. (n.d.). https://www.lupus.org/personal-stories/nick-cannon-lupus-warrior

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Advocacy Protection

Women of color, celebrity, and risks during pregnancy

By phameuscampaign on

By Ashley Peoples | UAB Community Health & Human Services Intern

Photo by Kei Scampa on Pexels.com

On May 2, 2023, Tori Bowie was found dead at her home in Florida following a welfare check performed by local authorities. In June 2023, medical officials said that the world class athlete suffered possible complications that included eclampsia. Eclampsia is a health condition associated with high blood pressure when a woman is pregnant that can lead to seizures, coma, or death (CDC, 2023). Eclampsia may be preceded by preeclampsia. Preeclampsia is a disorder of pregnancy indicated by the beginning of high blood pressure and often a substantial amount of protein in the urine (CDC, 2023)

Beyoncé is a well known artist, actor, singer, and song writer. During her pregnancy with her twins, Rumi and Sir Carter, she had a Caesarean section. Mrs. Carter was placed on bed rest, according to The Washington Post. Mrs. Carter was diagnosed with toxemia per the Washington Post as well. Toxemia is when the blood has poison in it, also referred to as preeclampsia.

According to the NIH (National institute of Medicine) African American women in the United States have higher risk of preeclampsia. The prevalence of preeclampsia has risen significantly within the past 20 years among African American women (Karrar & Hong), 2023). Consistent readings of blood pressure measures of higher than “140 over 90” may indicate that a pregnant woman has preeclampsia. Specifically, 140 is the top number measures systolic blood pressure and the bottom number, 90, measures diastolic blood pressure. To learn more about blood pressure readings, visit the American Heart Association

Mrs. Carter stated “My health and my babies’ health were in danger, so I had an emergency C-section” per an interview in the Washington Post. Mrs. Carter is lending her voice by telling her story, raising awareness of circumstances experienced by African American women regarding pregnancy. Her interview and actions are in alignment with public and community health efforts to raise awareness and support to address preeclampsia and eclampsia. For more information regarding these conditions and other pregnancy resources, please visit the March of Dimes, Preeclampsia Foundation, and campaigns by the CDC.

Are you or someone you know currently pregnant? What concerns do you have during your pregnancy? What recommendations do you have for expectant mothers? As Mrs. Carter stated “I was in survival mode and did not grasp it all until months later. Today I have a connection to any parent who has been through such an experience” (WP, 2021). Connect with others and let’s share our experiences in support of one another. Share in the comments section below and/or visit us on Facebook here.

References:

WP Company. (2021, October 25). Beyoncé, Serena Williams open up about
potentially fatal childbirths, a problem especially for black mothers. The
Washington Post. https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/morning-mix/wp/2018/08/07/beyonce-serena-williams-open-up-about-potentially-fatal-childbirths-a-problem-especially-for-black-mothers/

Karrar SA, Hong PL. Preeclampsia. [Updated 2023 Feb 13]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK570611/

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Advocacy Encouragement Health(y) Hopeful Positive Prevention Promotion

The City of Birmingham 2nd Annual Mental Health Day

By phameuscampaign on

By The PHAME-US Campaign

Join the PHAME-US.com and Wilkinson Wellness Lab team at this community event sponsored by Nuture, LLC, the City of Birmingham, AL and Birmingham City Schools. The event is free and open to the public.

Nurture of Alabama believes Birmingham can thrive, especially if communities address the mental health crisis experienced in our neighborhoods. Through the event Friday, May 19th, Nurture’s goals are to: 1) remove the stigma of mental health support, 2) improve mental health services accessibility, and 3) provide community education on mental health & wellness.

The event will have chair massages, a licensed professional counselor providing depression screenings, speakers,  free resources, giveaways, local food trucks,  yoga sessions, line dancing, blood pressure checks and more. So come out, have a good time, and let’s engage in mental wellness!

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Health(y) Positive Promotion

Stand up more and improve your health!

By phameuscampaign on

By Dr. Larrell L. Wilkinson | PHAME-US Campaign

What’s up? Are you? Yes, we are starting the post with a little humor in hopes that you will STAND UP! A study from a group of scientists at the University of Pittsburgh showed that on average, a person burned 8 more calories standing versus sitting at work (Creasy, Rogers, Byard, Kowalsky, & Jakicic, 2016). This may not sound like a lot, but if standing half the time during an 8 hour workday, after one week a person will have burned (used) 160 calories, about the standard serving size of Oreo cookies or Lay’s Classic Potato Chips. Again, this may not sound like a lot, but every little bit helps, Right?

Calories are how we measure energy and describes the energy we get from eating food and drinking. Calories don’t measure weight or length. Instead, we burn (use) calories when we exercise, walk, and perform regular movements throughout the day. Another way to burn calories is to simply, STAND. Also, there are other benefits to standing more during the day! Experts from the the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) (Chosewood & Franklin, 2012) found that using sit-stand workstations did the following:

  • Standing more while at work decreases the amount of time spent in sedentary work
  • Standing more helps relieve pressure on the lower back, buttocks and legs, and may help reduce compression of the spine arising from long periods of sitting
  • Standing more may improve energy levels
  • Standing more frequently may improve cognition
  • Standing may increase circulation and lead to better blood flow to the brain and other organs
  • Standing more burns more calories than sitting
  • Standing more may assist with energy balance and aid in weight management
  • Standing more may improve bone density over time
  • Standing more may promote better sleep

So what about you? Are you standing more? Are you willing to TAKE A STAND and STAND UP? How will you stand more during the day? I can hear Ludacris’s song playing in my head…”When I Move, You Move.” So just LIKE THAT, let’s stand up and move together. Share your story about standing or the different ways you move here in the comments section and/or share with us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

References
Chosewood, L.C. & Franklin, C.C. (2012, December 5). NIOSH takes a stand. NIOSH Science Blog. https://blogs.cdc.gov/niosh-science-blog/2012/12/05/sit-stand/.

Creasy, S. A., Rogers, R. J., Byard, T. D., Kowalsky, R. J., & Jakicic, J. M. (2016). Energy Expenditure During Acute Periods of Sitting, Standing, and Walking. Journal of physical activity & health, 13(6), 573–578. https://doi.org/10.1123/jpah.2015-0419

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Advancement-oriented Advocacy Encouragement Family (PHAMILY) Hopeful Positive Solidarity (Commonality, Humanity) Understanding (Insight & Wisdom) Wholeness

City of Birmingham and Birmingham City Schools working to improve child reading ability

By phameuscampaign on

By Angela Wilson | UAB Community Health & Human Services Intern

Photo by RODNAE Productions on Pexels.com

Page pals is a reading initiative created in a partnership between the City of Birmingham and Birmingham City Schools (BCS) with the purpose of improving student’s reading ability, specifically third graders. This initiative is in response to the Alabama Literacy Act, a law that when fully implemented, will prevent a third grade student who is not reading on grade level from moving up to the fourth grade, essentially being “held back” in third grade. Although parents and students will have the ability to go through a remediation process to improve student reading ability, the law is of great concern as only 56% of 3rd grade students in Birmingham City Schools are effectively achieving grade level reading as measured by the 2021 State of Alabama Comprehensive Assessment Program (ACAP).

The City of Birmingham is supporting BCS on-going efforts to improve student reading ability by asking members from the local community, non-profit groups, and corporations to volunteer some of their time to read with the BCS students. Reading to children improves their opportunity to hear others read outside of their normal classroom setting. These efforts have proven to be very beneficial to the students and may boost their interest and proficiency in reading.

Are you interested in volunteering? Page Pals volunteers go into one of the BCS elementary schools during the students’ library times, spending about thirty minutes of reading time with the students. Volunteers may choose from a list of schools, dates, and times that work best with their schedule. During their selected time, volunteers will read a book to the students that follows a curriculum created by BCS to help them build the background knowledge in science and social studies and to better prepare them for their standardized testing that occurs in April. Volunteers are encouraged to engage with the students by asking them questions periodically, reiterating comprehension and understanding about the book being read, and help grow their love for reading; thereby making a strong connection impact so that they perform better on their Alabama Comprehensive Assessment.

Our local children need our help to ensure their future remains bright, so let’s help to light their path to a brighter future. Sign up to become a Page Pal volunteer. It is easy and free! Simply visit https://www.signupgenius.com/go/springpagepals#/ and select your school choice, date and time. Now you’re all set!  If you ‘d like more information about the Page Pals program, you can follow this link at https://www.bhamyouthfirst.org/page-pals/.

Acknowledgement: PHAME-US.com would like to thank you to Mr. Marquise Hollingsworth for your time in support of this blogpost.

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Positive Prevention Promotion

Ashwagandha: A Natural Way to Fight Depression or Anxiety

By phameuscampaign on

By Jaelyn Copeland | UAB Community Health and Human Services Intern

Depression and Anxiety are fairly common mental health issues among individuals across the world. According to the CDC, depression occurs when a sad mood lasts for a long time, and interferes with normal, everyday functioning (CDC, 2022). Symptoms of Depression include:

  • Feeling sad or anxious often or all the time
  • Not wanting to do activities that used to be fun
  • Feeling irritable‚ easily frustrated‚ or restless
  • Having trouble falling asleep or staying asleep
  • Waking up too early or sleeping too much
  • Eating more or less than usual or having no appetite
  • Experiencing aches, pains, headaches, or stomach problems that do not improve with treatment
  • Having trouble concentrating, remembering details, or making decisions
  • Feeling tired‚ even after sleeping well
  • Feeling guilty, worthless, or helpless
  • Thinking about suicide or hurting yourself

Fortunately there are existing supplements that can help treat symptoms of depression, stress and anxiety. Ashwagandha is part of an evergreen plant that grows in both Asia and Africa. The plant is known to have health benefits when ingested as teas, powders, tinctures and supplements, or in raw form (Chandrasekhar et al., 2012). Ashwagandha is a classic example of a adaptogen, a plant or mushroom used for a variety of stress-related ailments such as anxiety, sleeplessness, aging and well-being. Ashwagandha also aids the body’s ability to withstand both physical and mental stress (Kumar et al., 2021).

Here are 7 benefits of using Ashwaganda:

  • Relieves stress and anxiety 
  • Lowers blood sugar and fat
  • Increases muscular strength 
  • Improves sexual function in women
  • Boosts fertility and testosterone levels in men
  • Sharpens focus and memory 
  • Supports heart health

Ashwagandha is usually consumed by using supplement capsules or in tablet, powder, tincture and tea form (Forbes, 2023). For more creativity, you can add the raw form of Ashwagandha into nut butters, granola, smoothies and overnight oats with low exposure to high heat. Have you tried Ashwagandha? What has been your experience? Feel free to leave a comment and join us on Facebook.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022, September 14). Mental health conditions: Depression and anxiety. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved February 6, 2023, from https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/campaign/tips/diseases/depression-anxiety.html

Forbes Magazine. (2023, February 1). 7 science-backed health benefits of ashwagandha. Forbes. Retrieved February 6, 2023, from https://www.forbes.com/health/body/ashwagandha-benefits/

Kumar S, Bouic PJ, Rosenkranz B. Investigation of CYP2B6, 3A4 and ß-esterase interactions of Withania somnifera (L.) dunal in human liver microsomes and HepG2 cells. J Ethnopharmacol. 2021;270:113766.

Chandrasekhar, K., Kapoor, J., & Anishetty, S. (2012). A prospective, randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled study of safety and efficacy of a high-concentration full-spectrum extract of ashwagandha root in reducing stress and anxiety in adults. Indian journal of psychological medicine, 34(3), 255–262. https://doi.org/10.4103/0253-7176.106022.

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Uncategorized

Understand the Risks, Avoid Incarceration, & Change the Negative Narrative for Men of Color

By phameuscampaign on

By PHAME-US.COM

Photo by Ron Lach on Pexels.com

In many metropolitan areas across the country, if you watch the local news, you will often see stories painting a very negative storyline of men of color. It is almost as the local news vans and their local stations do not miss an opportunity to show the adverse challenges within urban communities or communities inhabited by people of color. This trend is very concerning, as representations of crime in the media shape public opinion, particularly through the frequency in which crime is reported and the characterizations of criminal participants and victims (Bjornstrom, Kaufman, Peterson, & Slater, 2010). Similarly, previous studies suggests that when overrepresented in the media as perpetuators, racial and gender stereotypes may be reinforced within society and raise public hostility toward groups like men of color (Dixon, Azocar, & Casas, 2003; Dixon & Linz, 2000).

Unfortunately, older research from 1997 does suggest the lifetime risk of African-American men going to state or federal prison from birth is 28.5%.  A special report from the Bureau of Justice Statistics (1997) estimated 1 of every 20 persons (5%) can be expected to serve time in prison during their lifetime. The lifetime chances of a person going to prison are higher for men (9%) than for women (1%) and higher for blacks (16%) and Hispanics (9%) than for whites (2%) (Bonczar & Beck, 1997).  Thusly, at the time of the report, if incarceration rates were to stay the same, newborn black males in this country have a greater than a 1 in 4 chance of going to prison during their lifetimes, while Hispanic males have a 1 in 6 chance, and white males have a 1 in 23 chance of serving time (Bonczar & Beck, 1997).  WE CAN CHANGE THE NEGATIVE NARRATIVE!

If men of color are being targeted by the criminal justice system, that is even more reason to be intentional about avoid criminal circumstances…even when we are enticed by others who we know. Let’s be clear, in many communities, being a man of color within the United States of America means there is a need to act with extraordinary caution and sensitivity in these manners. Collectively, we must work to avoid committing felonies, the most serious of crimes such as intent to commit heinous crimes, causing grievous injury, or destroying property. We must put down the guns and reduce incarceration due to drugs. Although less serious, misdemeanor crimes are punishable by jail time of one year or less per misdemeanor, a fine, or alternative sentencing like probation, rehabilitation, or community service. Infractions and violations are minor offenses like jaywalking and motor vehicle offenses that result in a simple traffic ticket. Still, any of these offenses can be more serious trouble for men of color.

Proverbial wisdom suggests men of color, all persons really, should refrain from criminal activity…PERIOD. Among many reasons, one rationale to avoid criminal activity is because ultimately criminal actions will lead to state or federal prison…or worse. So, let’s focus our efforts on living with honor and integrity. Work to be honest in words and deeds and advocate for the less fortunate. And let’s vote to support those who experiencing targeting by the criminal justice system, while helping us all to KEEP OUT of jail and prison.

Readers, offer your comments here. What do you believe is the risk for young men, specifically men of color, for going to jail or prison? What are ways young men can avoid committing criminal offenses? Specifically, what young men (& women) do to prevent criminal activity when it may be all around them (i.e., in their homes, neighborhoods, family, friends)? Leave encouraging comments here.

References
Bjornstrom, E. E., Kaufman, R. L., Peterson, R. D., & Slater, M. D. (2010). RACE AND ETHNIC REPRESENTATIONS OF LAWBREAKERS AND VICTIMS IN CRIME NEWS: A NATIONAL STUDY OF TELEVISION COVERAGE. Social problems, 57(2), 269–293. https://doi.org/10.1525/sp.2010.57.2.269

Bonczar, T.P. & Beck, A.J. (1997). Lifetime Likelihood of Going to State or Federal Prison. Bureau of Justice Statistics. U.S. Department of Justice.

Dixon Travis L., Azocar Christina L., Casas Michael. The Portrayal of Race and Crime on Television Network News. Journal of Broadcasting & Electronic Media. 2003; 47:498–523.

Dixon Travis L., Linz Daniel. Race and the Misrepresentation of Victimization on Local Television News. Communication Research. 2000a; 27:547–573.

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