Category: Health(y)

NeNe Leakes and many other families experience challenges with fentanyl in the United States

By Angela Wilson | UAB Community Health & Human Services Intern

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

Linnethia Monique Johnson, also known as NeNe Leakes is a reality television personality, actress, author, author, and fashion designer.  NeNe has amassed over $14 million in her career. Still, like many Americans, Leakes still has experienced the harsh circumstances of drug use within her family. Bryson Bryant, Leakes oldest son was arrested on felony drug possession charges on July 3, 2023, in Gwinnett County, Georgia.  Police found the 33-year-old in possession of fentanyl. Initially, Leakes was quiet about her son’s arrest, but a few days ago, she broke her silence about the incident on a television podcast. 

Leakes did not make excuses for her son and insisted that he needed rehabilitation and counseling. She also admitted that her son has an addiction problem that he has been struggling with for years, and although he has been to rehabilitation, he has relapsed several times. During the interview, she confessed that she has other family members who struggle with drug addiction too.

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), almost 22% of people over the age of 12 used illicit drugs, including marijuana, and 9.2 million people over the age of 12 misused opioids.  Also, The Center for Disease Control and Prevention revealed that in 2021, over 106,500 people in the United States died from drug overdoses.  Even more alarming, people as young as 15 were included in these overdoses because of an increased use of fentanyl. These statistics prompted the Government Accountability Office to classify the illegal use of drugs as a high risk and emergent issue.  Currently, the White House has laid out a strategic plan that includes a multi-disciplinary approach to combat illegal drug use.  The main intervention efforts focus on untreated addiction and drug trafficking and directs federal agencies to make help available for people in need, save lives, and aggressively go after drug traffickers.

Drug use and addiction impacts us all because when people are addicted to drugs, there is usually an increase in crime, criminal justice costs, and burdens on social services.  Individuals who are addicted to drugs also experience a decrease in work performance, deteriorating relationships, and unpaid health care bills.

So, whether you are the son of a famous television personality like Ne-Ne Leakes, or not, it is imperative that you get help if you or someone you know is addicted to drugs. There are several options available including using FDA approved medications, facilitation therapy, outpatient counseling, and inpatient rehabilitation.  Drug addiction is a battle that we cannot afford to lose! For more on seeking help for substance abuse, please call 1-800-662-4357 and visit, https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline.

References

Gramlich, J. (2017). Pew Research Center. Nearly Half of Americans Have a Family Member Or Close Friend Who’s Been Addictged To Drugs. https://www.pewresearch.org.

John Hopkins Medicine. (2022). New Research and Insights into Substance Use Disorder. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org.

Center for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022). U.S. Overdose Deaths in 2021 Increased Half as Much as in 2020. https://www.cdc.gov.

Light of the World, LLC. – Birmingham business aiming to bring light to mental health issues.

Amanda Benko | UAB Community Health and Human Services Intern

Photo by cottonbro studio on Pexels.com

Last weekend I had the pleasure of meeting with Mr. Xavien Tate, Chief Executive Officer for a local business called “Light of the World.” At his launch party, Mr. Tate was kind enough to inform us of the many services offered by his group. Everything from travel therapy, financial therapy, peer coaching, life coaching (individual and group setting), and much more. Mr. Tate says his inspiration comes from the Bible; “Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16

What impressed me most was that he offers cleaning therapy. Not many people realize that there is a correlation between mental health and cleanliness in the home. Often when mental health issues take over, the home can become overwhelmingly daunting and thus only worsen. Mr. Tate recognizes an issue and a need for these matters. Check out the live video on Wilkinson’s Wellness Lab for an interview with Mr. Tate and his staff. Please check out this local business, and help be the light of the world.

To learn more or seek assistance, please check out lwicorp.org or follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LWICORPLLC or visit: https://www.lwicorp.org/

Nick Cannon Stands Up Against Lupus

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

Beach safety and awareness after the loss of former NFL Quarterback Ryan Mallett

By Amanda Benko | UAB Community Health & Human Services Intern

Photo: Courtesy of County Website: coab.us

The gulf coast has seen at least 11 drowning deaths in the last month. The death of former Houston Texans quarterback, Ryan Mallett, is bringing new attention to these tragedies. Bay County Sheriff Tommy Ford states on Facebook, “I am beyond frustrated at the situation that we have with tragic and unnecessary deaths in the Gulf.” He goes on to say that he has witnessed lifeguards, firefighters, and deputies all risking their lives to save strangers. He remarks on two different events where fathers drown (on Father’s Day), trying to save their kids from the Gulf of Mexico rip currents. Ford goes on to mention that they have been using the double red flags but do not have the resources to sight everyone who enters the water. Over 113 people died in 2021 due to rip currents.  

The beach flags are an example of strategies to reduce cases of drownings. When rip currents are present, lifesaving techniques increase public confidence, preventing drowning (Locknick, 2020). The hazards on the beach include marine life and various hazardous conditions. The red flag is a significant beach flag indicating that entering the water is discouraged for the public since dangerous currents or high surf is present. Other beach flags include the red over the red flag (or double-red), yellow, and purple flag. The double red flag indicates that the public should not enter the water; the beach is closed. Beachgoers need to exercise caution and abide by the warnings that flags signify. The ocean has an unpredictable nature and many potential dangers.

Ryan Mallett had recently accepted a job as a head coach in White Hall, Arkansas. His example for young athletes will be greatly missed and the community was deeply saddened by his loss. His death is a tragic reminder for us to take the beach warnings provided by the warning flags seriously. Many of us are not current or former elite athletes and his death reminds us of the strength of the ocean current. Please be safe and educate yourself and your family on beach warning flags, beach etiquette, and beach safety. For these and more tips, please visit the American Red Cross and the United States Lifesaving Association.

References:

Field Jr, G. (2023). Water Safety Education in Michigan: Teachers as Navigators Towards Water Safety for Children and Youth (Doctoral dissertation, Michigan State University).

Fisher, M. (2023, June 28). Ryan Mallett’s Death: New Details Emerge; Sheriff “Frustrated” About “Deadliest Beach.” Fan Nation. https://www.si.com/nfl/texans/news/ryan-mallett-death-new-details-emerge-sheriff-deadly-beach-obit-houston-texans-tom-brady-rip-gulf

Locknick, S. (2020). Correspondence of Beach User Perception, Lifesaving Strategies and Rip Currents at Brackley Beach and Cavendish Beach Prince Edward Island (Doctoral dissertation, University of Windsor (Canada)).

Pete Davidson – It’s OK when you are not OK

Angela Wilson | UAB Community Health & Human Services Intern

Photo: Saturday Night Live @NBCSNL on Instagram

Pete Davidson is a comedian, actor, and writer.  He made us laugh for many years while performing outrageous skits on the late-night series, Saturday Night Live, but America’s funny man has checked into a rehabilitation facility, and it is no laughing matter (Drillinger, 2023) . Davidson has always been transparent about his diagnosis of post traumatic stress disorder, (PTSD) and borderline personality disorder. Sometimes we think that entertainers are exempt from mental health issues, but Davidson is the epitome of that not being the case.  Pete Davidson is one of millions of Americans who suffer from mental health disorders, partially brought on by the death of his father in the September 11, 2001 attacks.

Like Pete, many Americans need therapy to help protect their mental health, and according to Cindy Sharp, a local Clinical Social Worker/ Therapist, who specializes in trauma, anxiety, and depression, there has been a spike in people seeking mental health services. Worry, grief, self-doubt, anxiety, losing loved ones, and divorce are things that we all go through at some point in our lives. However, due to the stigma attached to mental health, we often do not seek out the help that we need. People end up suffering in silence as they struggle with day-to-day living. Most of us will go to a doctor when our physical body is in pain, but when our mental state is hurting, we do not put forth the same energy. We need to normalize and destigmatize taking care of our mental health.

Mrs. Sharp’s practice focuses on a holistic approach to therapy.  She feels passionate about providing an environment where people with mental health issues can feel safe and supported so they can embrace positivity and begin the journey to heal.  She is just one of many therapists who can help you explore your troubling issues. 

If you are struggling with your emotions, thoughts, or behaviors and feel that your mental health is at risk, please seek help! It is OK so say you are not OK.  Pete Davidson realized he was not ok and took the necessary steps to get help. How many others are willing to do the same?

References

Drillinger, M. (2023). Pete Davidson Checks Into Rehab for PTSD, Other Mental Health Issues. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com

Gun Safety: Protecting Children from Firearms

By Jessica Feagin | UAB Community Health & Human Services Intern

Photo by Karolina Grabowska on Pexels.com

Many incidences have occurred where young children accidentally shoot themselves with a gun, even in their homes. It breaks my heart how kids are being put in these situations that could have easily been prevented. It is our job as adults to protect our youth. Children are impulsive and naturally curious. Therefore, they explore and pick up things that may spark an interest. Even if you warn your children about the dangers of guns, they still may want to explore the gun. You must teach your children that guns are very dangerous, not to touch the gun, to move far away from the gun, and immediately tell an adult if they see one.

There were at least 2,802 unintentional shootings by children 17 years old and younger, resulting in 1,083 deaths and 1,815 nonfatal injuries between 2015 and 2022 in the United States (“Guns in the home: Keeping kids safe,” n.d.). At least 895 preschoolers and toddlers found a gun and unintentionally shot themselves.

If you have a gun in the home, it is essential that there is a safe space provided in the house. Our responsibility is to ensure the gun is stored correctly and inaccessible to all children. Project ChildSafe Program provides some safety precautions for gun storage (“Parents & gun owners,” 2022):

  • Store unloaded guns in a locked safe, cabinet, storage case, or vault. The location of the storage unit should be inaccessible to children.
  • Gun parts should be stored securely in separate locations if the gun is disassembled.
  • Separate from guns, ammunition should be stored in a locked location.
  • Whenever you remove the gun from storage, double-check it to ensure it is unloaded.

Project Child Safe Program provides free Project Child Safe Safety Kits through their enforcement partners, including a cable-style gun lock and safety instructions. Use this link, Get a Safety Kit – Project ChildSafe, to request a Project ChildSafe firearm safety kit in your state.

Unintentional shootings of children are a devastating occurrence and can be prevented with safety precautions in the home and teaching our children about the dangers of guns. Most importantly, never leave a child alone in the house where a gun is kept. Let’s protect our children from guns.

References:

Guns in the home: Keeping kids safe. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/at-home/Pages/Handguns-in-the-Home.aspx

Parents & gun owners. (2022, October 25). Retrieved from https://projectchildsafe.org/parents-and-gun-owners/

Taraji P. Henson Brings Awareness to Mental Health

By Terrie Johnson | UAB Community Health & Human Services Student

Photo by Mizuno K on Pexels.com

Recent attention has been brought to the fact that there is an aspect of adolescent mental health that is often ignored. According to Taraji P. Henson, who serves as a self-appointed ambassador for juvenile mental health, African American youth often experience race-based educational bias (People, 2021). This is closely connected to the fact that these young people commonly receive harsher punishments from school administrators for disciplinary measures. When this occurs, it not only amplifies the school to prison pipeline, but it also makes African American youth feel they are unworthy of empathy, compassion, and/or leniency (People, 2021).  

As a result of this continuing trend, Henson feels African American youth develop anxiety, depression, and a desire to practice social isolation. To prevent adding to reduced mental health in this population, it is encouraged that educational institutions not criminalize actions beyond the measures given to the peers. To assist with this, Henson launched the Unspoken Curriculum. This is a mental health education initiative that addresses persistent psychological risks faced by young black students in the education system (People, 2021). The 6-week program seeks to identity, define, and increase understanding of the existence of race-based educational bias (ABC News, 2021).

With celebrities like Taraji P. Henson joining the fight to save African American youth, average individuals should also feel empowered to evoke. Citizens can rally parents to reach out to school administrators and superintendents through letters and emails to ensure these children are shown kindness, grace, and consideration (ABC News, 2021). They can also enroll youth in the Unspoken Curriculum or similar mental health education programs. This can increase their ability to deal with external and internal stressors in an acceptable and healthy fashion. Overall, the goal is for the nation to join the prevention of criminalizing African American youth in educational institutions (ABC News, 2021). What are your thoughts on ways schools can assist with good mental health for young African American students?

References

ABC News. (2021). Taraji P. Henson talks campaign to address mental health risks for Black

students. ABC News. https://abcnews.go.com/GMA/Culture/video/taraji-henson-talks-

campaign-address-mental-health-risks-77823025

Calhoun, Amanda. (2021). The Intersection of Black Youth Mental Health and Racism

Medpage Today. https://www.medpagetoday.com/opinion/theactivistpsychiatrist/95422

People Magazine. (2021). Taraji P. Henson launches campaign to help black students fight mental health struggles. PEOPLE. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-cPJitRAM78

Women of color, celebrity, and risks during pregnancy

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/

John Mulaney’s Battle with Addiction – Turning Darkness into Laughs

Amanda Benko | UAB School of Education Intern – Community Health & Human Services

John Mulaney is a popular stand-up comedian who has famously used his difficult past experiences as the subject of much of his routine, which includes a new relationship, birth of his son, and most notably addiction to cocaine, alcohol, and prescription medications. Most fans are aware of Mulaney’s past issues with drugs and alcohol, shedding light on his sober life and turbulent relationship with narcotics. When you watch Mulaney’s comedy, you’ll see a courageous man whose comedy is rooted in his personal experience.

Drug-related deaths accounted for over 109,000 US deaths in 2021 according to the NIH. Statistics include the fact that just in the last year, over 9.2 million people over the age of 12 admitted to using opioids (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), 2023). Drug abuse and addiction are anything but funny. If you are like me and have lost friends and loved ones to the disease of addiction, you certainly understand there is nothing comical about it. This is an epidemic the White House has attempted to tackle, along with the medical community, law makers, and countless civilians. Mulaney makes jokes about how absurd he behaved on drugs, not about addiction itself.

He publicly thanks those who were there and those who have had a hand in his intervention and recovery. As most addicts know, recovery is a journey; and Mulaney is still here making us laugh because his friends cared enough to step in (with help of professionals). Watching his show, the part of his act that stood
out most were the words of Mulaney’s friend, actress Natasha Lyonne. When he tells this story, he is not going for a punchline, he is getting vulnerable about how bad things were. Though not a direct quote, the message stuck with me. Lyonne: Johnny, You gotta go to rehab honey. Your life is in shambles, your career is in shambles. I know you think going to rehab would be embarrassing, but the way you’re living right now is embarrassing. Once you’re out, you can chain-smoke around the streets of New York like you’re the g*d-damn Bob Fosse of your generation. We can walk around dreaming big dreams, like we’re high as a kite; but instead, you’ll be alive, and we’ll be sober together. Mulaney credits Lyonne’s words for being the final straw helping him commit to rehab. His friends saved his life, and because of them, he is still here entertaining us all. As a fan, I am grateful.

If you want to hear more, check out “Baby J” on Netflix, where Mulaney gives his personal account.

If you or someone you know is battling addiction, please call 888.844.9121 for help, or reach out to Narcotic Anonymous at 818.773.9999 or visit na.org.

References: 

Carcieri, R., & Johnston, C. (2022, March 21). John Mulaney’s “from scratch” successfully tackles heavy issues with Grace. The Brown Daily Herald. https://www.browndailyherald.com/article/2022/03/john-mulaneys-from-scratch-successfully-tackles-heavy-issues-with-grace

Grebenyuk, Y. (2023, May 4). Everything John Mulaney has said about drug addiction, recovery. Us Weekly. https://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-news/pictures/everything-john-mulaney-has-said-about-drug-addiction-recovery/

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). (2023, January 4). Samhsa announces National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) results detailing mental illness and substance use levels in 2021. HHS.gov. https://www.hhs.gov/about/news/2023/01/04/samhsa-announces-national-survey-drug-use-health-results-detailing-mental-illness-substance-use-levels-2021.html

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2023, March 31). Drug overdose death rates. National Institutes of Health. https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/trends-statistics/overdose-death-rates

The United States Government. (2022, April 21). Fact sheet: White House releases 2022 National Drug Control Strategy that outlines comprehensive path forward to address addiction and the overdose epidemic. The White House. https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2022/04/21/fact-sheet-white-house-releases-2022-national-drug-control-strategy-that-outlines-comprehensive-path-forward-to-address-addiction-and-the-overdose-epidemic/

Remembering CJ Harris – Alabama Native and American Idol – The Importance of Heart Health

Amanda Benko | UAB Community Health & Human Services Intern

PHOTO: @CJHarrisMusic / INSTAGRAM

The unexpected passing of CJ Harris, a talented Jasper, Alabama native who gained recognition through his appearance on season 13 of American Idol, is truly tragic. Fans and the music industry have felt mourning after its departure. At only 31 years old, Harris’ death serves as a reminder to prioritize heart health regardless of age.

Harris, recognized for his sincere character and compelling stage aura, made a memorable impact on the show and his fans’ hearts. Even though he was young, his performances highlighted great musical maturity and brought happiness to countless people (11Alive, 2023). CJ Harris, who died on 01/15/2023, went under a medical emergency with family confirming that he had a heart attack that led to his death.

The Importance of Heart Health at Any Age

CJ Harris’s heart condition led to his death since it was asymptomatic and late recognized. Preventing complications and saving lives can be achieved by detecting and addressing heart issues early despite individuals’ age. A healthy heart reduces the chances for complications, which can be achieved by regular medical check-ups, blood pressure screenings, and cholesterol level assessments that can identify potential risks, allowing for timely intervention and lifestyle modifications in all stages of life (World Health Organization, 2021). In addition, awareness about heart-healthy practices from an early stage can imbue lifelong customs that foster well-being.

Enhancing Long and Healthy Life

Heart health should never be underestimated, regardless of one’s age – and the untimely death of Harris serves as a poignant reminder. A healthy heart enhances long and healthy life for people by reducing the risks of cardiovascular diseases in all stages of life. Globally, heart disease remains the primary reason for mortality, affecting individuals from various walks of life. Reducing the risk of cardiovascular complications later in life requires prioritizing heart health regardless of an individual’s age (World Health Organization, 2021). Evidence consistently reveals the interconnection between heart health and overall well-being. Reflecting on Harris’s death, he had a long life to live, only his heart health was not considered (due to his young age), leading to his death at 31. It is essential for individuals to have healthy hearts of all ages.

Reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases and enjoying a healthier, more fulfilling life is possible for individuals by taking proactive measures and making informed lifestyle choices. Both individuals and society must promote heart health through education, awareness campaigns, and accessible healthcare services. A good and prosperous life depends on having a healthy heart. Have you talked to your doctor about heart health?

References

C.J. Harris, former “American Idol” contestant, dies at 31. (2023a). Retrieved June 21, 2023, from 11Alive.com website: https://www.11alive.com/article/news/nation-world/cj-harris-dies-at-31/507-7e872522-cc82-4919-8b09-d4a7fcbb9428

World Health Organization. (2021). Cardiovascular Diseases (CVDs). Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/cardiovascular-diseases-(vcds)