Category: Profiles

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

By purpose88 on August 5, 2023August 12, 2023

By Angela Wilson | UAB Community Health & Human Services Intern

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.

Posted in: addiction, arrest, Drug Abuse, drug possession, fentanyl, Health, Mental Health, NeNe Leakes, social

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

Nick Cannon Stands Up Against Lupus

By phameuscampaign on July 27, 2023September 14, 2023

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

Posted in: Actor, Faith, Health, kidneydisease, Lupus, NickCannon, Positive, Rapper

Prevention Profiles Protection Understanding (Insight & Wisdom)

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

By abenko2016 on July 17, 2023July 17, 2023

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)).

Posted in: Beach, Beach Safety, DrowningDeaths, Gulf of Mexico, GulfCoast, Lifesaving, Ocean, Physical Health, RipCurrents, Ryan Mallett, RyanMallett, Swim, Swimming, Water

Advocacy Positive Profiles Solidarity (Commonality, Humanity) Understanding (Insight & Wisdom)

The History Behind Carrie A. Tuggle Elementary School

By purpose88 on July 1, 2023July 1, 2023

Angela Wilson | Intern UAB School of Education | CHHS

Photo: Instagram | #carrieatuggleelementaryschool

The History Behind Tuggle Elementary School

Tuggle Elementary School is located in Birmingham, Alabama and has approximately 472 students from Pre-Kindergarten to fifth grade. Although it has been affiliated with The Birmingham City School System since 1926, many natives of Birmingham are oblivious to the remarkable history embedded in its name.

Tuggle Elementary School is named after Carrie A. Tuggle, a fierce innovator whose trailblazing efforts are still visible today. She was born in 1858 in Eufaula, Alabama and subsequently married John Tuggle and had four children. The couple eventually moved to Birmingham in search of better job opportunities.

Mrs. Tuggle excelled in education, social work, and religion, and found her calling when she began working with delinquent boys as a welfare officer. After speaking on behalf of boys as young as ten years old, she was inspired to provide housing accommodations for orphaned black children. She initially took them into her home, until she was able to open a single-building school in September 1903. Named The Tuggle Institute this facility allowed black, destitute orphans and juveniles to receive an education. She also used her courtroom experience to help create The Jefferson County Juvenile and Domestic Court.

The Tuggle Institute garnered praise from the citizens of Birmingham and was noted for its substantial contributions to the advancement of black people. Some outstanding alumni who credit Mrs. Tuggle for her influence include Dr. A. G. Gaston, John T. Wheatley, and Erskine Hawkins, to name a few. The Tuggle Institute became affiliated with the Birmingham City Public Schools in 1926. In 1936, The Board of Education named it the Carrie A. Tuggle Elementary School.

Carrie A. Tuggle died in November 1954 and is buried on the school’s ground. There is memorial plaque with these words inscribed: “Carrie A. Tuggle, a scholar, educator, and servant of mankind.” To learn more about Mrs. Tuggle and Carrie A. Tuggle Elementary School, check out https://alafricanamerican.com/beyond-the-book-honoree-archives/beyond-the-book-carrie-tuggle/

References:

Alabama Women’s Hall of Fame. Carrie A. Tuggle. http://www.awhf.org.

Beyond the book – Carrie A. Tuggle – Alabama African American history. Alabama African American History – sponsored by AT&T. (2022, January 14). https://alafricanamerican.com/beyond-the-book-honoree-archives/beyond-the-book-carrie-tuggle/

Posted in: #BirminghamSchools, #BlackHistory, #blackwoman

Advancement-oriented Especially for the Ladies Health(y) Mission-fulfillment Profiles Promotion

A Gallon a Day, Helps Beyoncé to SLAY!

By abenko2016 on May 27, 2023September 14, 2023

Amanda Benko | Intern UAB School of Education – CHHS

Image Source: Getty / Kevin Winter/BET

Staying Hydrated – Why is it important to drink enough H20

Beyoncé says, “I try to take care of myself, drinking at least a gallon of water with lemon a day” (Cut, 2016). Did you know that water makes up most of your body weight and involves several vital functions, including removing waste from the body, regulating your body temperature, and helping with brain function? It is essential to note that water plays an important part in our body’s functioning. According to the CDC, getting enough water daily is necessary for your health. Drinking water daily can help you stay hydrated (CDC, 2022). It can also help regulate body temperature, help keep our joints lubricated, prevent infections, deliver nutrients to cells, and ensure that organs function properly. Being well-hydrated can help you improve the quality of your sleep, mood, and cognition. According to experts, one should drink approximately 11 cups of water daily for an average woman and around 16 cups for men. Water plays a vital role in various body functions, such as the digestion of food, absorption, circulation, and excretion (Aschwanden, 2021). Research has shown that drinking plenty of water helps transport nutrients, oxygen, and hormones across the body.

Drinking plenty of water also helps in the hydration of cells and tissues. Our bodies are composed mainly of water. Every cell, tissue, and organ depends on water for proper functioning. Proper hydration can help you maintain the balance of fluids within the body, enabling you to maintain optimal energy levels, enhance concentration, and improve one’s overall productivity. Studies also reiterate that drinking plenty of water is good for skin health. It can help keep your skin hydrated and moisturized, reducing the risk of dryness, wrinkles, and disorders affecting the skin. This helps promote a healthy complexion, possibly contributing to a more youthful experience.

In conclusion, water is essential to almost every part of your body. Drinking the recommended daily amount of water will help you maintain your current state of health and improve your overall health. If you are exercising or living in hotter regions, it is essential to increase your water intake to avoid dehydration. What steps do you find helpful to keep hydrated?

References:

Aschwanden, C. (2021, September 17). How much water do you actually need?. The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2021/09/17/well/live/how-much-water-should-I-drink.html

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022, June 6). Water and healthier drinks. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/healthy_eating/water-and-healthier-drinks.html

Cut, T. (2016, January 14). 33 celebrities on drinking water. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/thecut/2016/01/12/33-celebrities-on-drinking-water/?sh=22035d557d3d

Stay hydrated for Healthier Living. (2014). Nursing Standard, 28(47), 13–13. https://doi.org/10.7748/ns.28.47.13.s12

Posted in: artist, beyonce, concert, drink, energy, Exercise, Health, hydration, moisture, music, performance, tour, Water

Beauty Especially for the Ladies Family (PHAMILY) For young boys For young girls Profiles Wholeness

A Note of Love to My Wife Khalia: Thank You Sweetheart

By Larrell Wilkinson on January 16, 2021January 16, 2021

My dearest Khalia,

Thank you for your love.

Thank you for being patient with me. Sometimes my ways are not your ways and your ways are not mine, but you choose to love me through the tension.

Thank you for being kind to me. I realize there are times I am unpleasant to be around, but you choose to love me with your gentleness.

Thank you for being generous with me. I realize there are times between us that inspire resentment, but you choose to pursue goodwill in our relationship.

Thank you for diminishing my faults, remaining down-to-earth, and being civil and polite. I realize there are times I come off rude or high-and-mighty, but you choose to not be irritable with me and forgive my wrongs.

Thank you for being fair with me. I realize there are times where your sacrifice or compromise is not celebrated, but you choose to exercise truth in a respectful manner.

Thank you for not giving up on me, not losing faith in me, remaining hopeful with me, and enduring life’s circumstances with me! Thank you for being a loving wife to me!

Your Husband,

Larrell L. Wilkinson

Posted in: Love, Marriage, Thank You, Wife

Family (PHAMILY) Hopeful Profiles

Fatherhood: Black Men are Challenging Negative “Daddy” Stereotypes

By Larrell Wilkinson on June 24, 2020June 24, 2020

Watching TV, the other morning, I came across an interview of leaders of “The Dad Gang.” According to their website, thedadgang.com, the mission of the Dad Gang initiative is partly to “shatter myths and celebrate black fatherhood everyday.” Started by Sean Williams in November 2016, The Dad Gang started as an Instagram page focused exclusively on reflecting positive images of active black dads. In learning more about this organization, I am reminded a little about what active dads do. Deuteronomy 11:19-21 (NLT) instructs leaders of their households (men) to “Teach them (decrees from God) to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up. Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates, so that as long as the sky remains above the earth, you and your children may flourish in the land the Lord swore to give your ancestors.”

Active dads are leaders of their children. Active dads are ministers to their children. Active dads are protectors of their children. Active dads are providers to their children. Active dads are teachers to their children. Active dads have fun with their children. Active dads are involved with their children. Active dads train their children (in the way they should go) [Proverbs 22:6]. Active dads develop the character and talent of their children. Active dads serve their children. Active dads love their children. I appreciate the men of The Dad Gang Initiative and encourage US to work to promote a positive and healthier fatherhood for all to see and witness. Let’s do it, together!

Posted in: Black, Faith, Family, Men

Profiles Wholeness

A Call for Solidarity, Working against Racism & COVID-19

By Larrell Wilkinson on April 9, 2020April 9, 2020

By Larrell L. Wilkinson

On April 8, 2020, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus called for greater unity in efforts to combat COVID-19. Since taking office in May 2017, the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Director-General outlined five priorities for the WHO: universal health coverage; health emergencies; women’s, children’s and adolescents’ health; health impacts of climate and environmental change; and a transformed WHO. Dr. Tedros previous experiences included serving as Ethiopia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs from 2012–2016 and Ethiopia’s Minister of Health from 2005–2012. Dr. Tedros holds a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Community Health from the University of Nottingham and a Master of Science (MSc) in Immunology of Infectious Diseases from the University of London.

Earlier today, Dr. Tedros remarked about the first 100 days of the WHO’s efforts to address COVID-19.

In his remarks on April 8, 2020 regarding WHO’s effort against COVID-19, the Director-General focused at least some of his comments on racism and unity. “I can tell you personal attacks that have been going on for more than two, three months. Abuses, or racist comments, giving me names, black or Negro. I’m proud of being black, proud of being Negro,” exclaimed Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus related to comments and threats made against him in the wake of this pandemic and questions regarding WHO’s response. He also called for solidarity in efforts to address COVID-19, stating “My message to political parties: do not politicize the virus. If you care for your people, work across party lines and ideologies.”

A lot has been learned since the reception of the first reported case of pneumonia from an unknown cause was officially received at the WHO on December 31, 2019. This case was first detected in Wuhan, China and received from the WHO Country Office in China. As more has been learned and efforts have been made, public health officials and leaders around the world have continually refined their initial and subsequent efforts to address COVID-19. The WHO is no different in their process of “learning as they address, refining towards progress.”

All of us have a role in this fight (COVID-19) that threatens our health, our humanity. Let’s work to not add to the unfortunate circumstances by exploiting differences among us. Instead, let’s build on our common humanity, show the love of Jesus Christ, and work towards solutions together.

Posted in: COVID-19, Health, Racism, Solidarity

Profiles

The Wish of One Young Woman for a Better Birmingham

By Larrell Wilkinson on January 6, 2019November 29, 2019

During the first week of the year 2019, I had an opportunity to speak to a young African American woman (I am not sharing her name to protect her privacy) while waiting to pick up my vehicle at an auto mechanic establishment in downtown Birmingham. I asked her the following question, “If you had a magic wand that would grant you one wish to make Birmingham better, what would your wish be?” I continued, “no matter how you feel about the metropolitan area now, whether you believe it is good, bad, or great currently, the city can always be better. So what would your wish be?” Below is a summary of what she said.