Pneumonia: Chuck Brown's Condition, Explained
NYPD Making Changes To Stop And Frisk Policy
Lauren Williams
-
cancer awareness
How often should a woman get a mammogram? Which type of cancer is the number one cause of cancer deaths among African Americans? If you know the answers to these questions -- or want to find out what they are -- test your knowledge with BV's Cancer Awareness Quiz.
Knowing the facts could save your life of the lives of your loved ones.
How often should a woman get a mammogram? Which type of cancer is the number one cause of cancer deaths among African Americans? If you know the answers to these questions -- or want to find out what they are -- test your knowledge with BV's Cancer Awareness Quiz. Knowing the facts could save your life of the lives of your loved ones.
Cancer Awareness
Compared to white women, black women are more likely to die of cervical cancer at what rate?
- Three times the rate.
- Four times the rate.
- Twice the rate.
- They are not more likely to die of cervical cancer.
What is cervical cancer?
- A disease of the stomach.
- A disease of the reproductive tract.
- A disease of the esophagus.
- A disease of the heart.
Is cervical cancer easy to prevent and treat?
- Yes.
- No, this form of disease is notoriously difficult to treat.
- It depends on the person.
- It doesn't need to be treated.
At what age should women start getting screened for cervical cancer?
- 19
- 12
- 21
- 30
How many cervical cancer screening options are there for a woman aged 30-40?
- Countless.
- 2
- 10
- 3
Are black women or white women more likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer?
- Black women.
- White Women.
- They are equally likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer.
Is breast cancer something that only older women need to worry about?
- Yes
- No
What part do genetics play in developing breast cancer?
- One to five percent.
- 50 percent.
- 20-30 percent.
- Genetics play no part at all.
How often should a woman have a mammogram?
- Depending on age, every one to three years.
- Every five years.
- Never, unless she has a family history of the disease.
- Once a decade.
Learning to perform a breast self exam is also critical to catching breast cancer early, when it is easier to treat. How often should a woman give herself an exam?
- It's up to the woman.
- Every day in the shower.
- Once a year.
- Monthly.
How many men in the USA die each year of prostate cancer?
- Around 10,000.
- Less than 10,000.
- Around 30,000.
- Around 50,000.
Which one of these is the biggest risk factor associated with prostate cancer?
- Diet
- Environment
- Fitness
- Age
If you have a close relative who has prostate cancer you are ________ to get it?
- Not at any increased risk
- At a reduced risk because it only effects one male genetic stream per generation
- 2 ½ times someone with no family history
- Guaranteed to get it
Which one of these is the least common method of treatment for prostate cancer?
- Surgery
- Radiaton
- Chemotherapy
- Watchful waiting
Which of these is not a complication of prostate cancer treatment?
- Erectile dysfunction
- Incontinence
- Pain
- Depressions
- Hair loss
Do diet and physical fitness affect someone's risk of getting cancer?
- Not at all.
- Yes, a good diet will prevent all cancer.
- Obesity and a poor diet can increase your risk for some cancers.
- Studies have shown that people with a diet high in fat and cholesterol are less likely to get cancer.
Which of the following is a major factor in the disproportionately high death rate for many cancers in the black community?
- Socieconomic status
- Geography
- Biology
Which age group is experiencing a rise in colon cancer rates?
- 60-69 year olds
- 20-29 year olds
- 10-19 year olds
- 50-59 year olds
Does quitting smoking immediately eliminate your risk of getting lung cancer?
- Not at all.
- Yes
- It reduces but does not eliminate the risk.
How many people who get lung cancer are or once were cigarette smokers?
- 87 percent
- 99.9 percent
- 52 percent
- 34 percent
What is the leading cause of death among African Americans?
- Murder
- Stroke
- Cancer
- Heart disease
What is the leading cause of cancer death among African Americans?
- Lung cancer
- Prostate cancer
- Breast cancer
- Pancreatic cancer
Which type of cancer is not one of the most common among African Americans?
- Breast cancer
- Skin cancer
- Lung cancer
- Prostate cancer
- Colon cancer
True or False: Blacks don't get skin cancer.
- True
- False
Which of these factors contribute to a person's colon cancer risk?
- Age
- Family history
- Smoking
- Diet and excercise
- All of the above
As a marketing executive involved with the 50 Million Pound Challenge, a national weight-loss initiative, Pam El has spent the past few years traveling the country to help Americans who are struggling with obesity. Until a year and a half ago, El was one of the very same people she was trying to help. In fact, during her first year touring the country for the challenge, she gained 20 pounds. Her life changed when she saw herself -- at 5-foot-2 and 217 pounds -- on a promotional video."The moment for me was when I saw myself on one of the videos, standing there on the stage telling people to get healthy," she told Black Voices, "and I realized I looked like the poster child for obesity. From that point in my journey, a year and a half ago, I'm down from that 217 to 147."
El joined the 50 Million Pound Challenge in earnest, journaling her exercise and diet habits, getting a workout partner and finding inspiration in the stories of other challengers on the Web site. Fast-forward to today and El, along with 50 Million Pound Challenge founder Dr. Ian Smith, is celebrating a milestone -- more than 1 million people have signed up for the challenge at 50millionpounds.com.
Smith, who was inspired to create the challenge after working on the VH1 show 'Celebrity Fit Club,' told the Black Voices community -- like the million plus challengers on his Web site -- why it's important for people trying to lose weight.
Continue reading 1 Million Strong: 50 Million Pound Challenge Reaches Milestone
It's a hazard of social networking. All too often cheating girlfriends and boyfriends are caught red-handed by their suspicious significant others after some incriminating evidence appears on the Internet. But who has ever heard of being caught cheating on their diet on Twitter? Leave it to 'View' co-host Sherri Shepherd, who happily Tweeted Sunday about a decadent meal of fried calamari and fried catfish she had enjoyed the day before. It didn't occur to her that both her trainer and her nutritional coach are recipients of her Twitter updates.
"Ain't this a blip! I was planning on fibbing 2 my trainer & nutritional coach about what I ate this weekend," she Tweeted later, "but they follow me."
Today on 'The View,' Shepherd admitted that she had learned an important lesson: Don't put everything on the Internet!
Continue reading 'View' Host Tweets Diet Cheat... and Gets Caught!
Breast cancer, colon cancer, prostate cancer -- the list of cancers that disproportionately affect African Americans is long and scary. Skin cancer, usually associated with people with fair skin, is not on that list. In fact, many blacks believe that the pigmentation in their skin protects them from this particular form of the disease. It's true that dark skin provides some protection from UV rays and that blacks are less likely to get skin cancer than others, but it is dangerous -- and potentially deadly -- to assume that because you have dark skin you are immune.
"Pigmentation doesn't give you a free pass," Dr. Charles E. Crutchfield III, a dermatologist with African American skin cancer patients, told CNN recently. "It doesn't matter what color your skin is, everyone can get skin cancer."
Continue reading Think Blacks Don't Get Skin Cancer? Think Again
With all of the intense pressure in Hollywood to be thin, it's no wonder that many celebrities turn to fad diets, fasts and restrictive eating plans to keep their bodies red-carpet ready. Whether it's extreme, like the lemonade-only Master Cleanse Beyoncé did to lose 20 pounds quickly for her role in 'Dreamgirls,' or unorthodox, like the cookie diet Jennifer Hudson reportedly tried, celebrities are definitely trying their hardest to fit the mold.
Check out our gallery of the top ten fad diets and the celebrities who love them.
Check out our gallery of the top ten fad diets and the celebrities who love them.
The College Survival Guide
A Fridge
Regardless of whether you have a wonderful sized meal plan, your fridge may come in handy with leftovers or when you feel like stocking it with bottled drinks.
Computer
The convenience of a computer is essential when sending your kids off to college. Forget the hike to the computer lab across campus students need a computer in the comfort of their room. A printer comes in handy as well. Depending on whether your child plans to carry his laptop around campus, you might opt for a desk top since they're lighter on the pockets.
Snacks
You will surely survive with off of a meal plan but it doesn't hurt to stock up on snacks when you don't feel like leaving your dorm room. Bottled water, pop corn, cereal and Ramen noodles are all low budget snacks to stock up on. Just be weary of the freshman 15.
Things from home
Some college students suffer from homesickness the first year. It's best to surround yourself with things like photos of the family, pillows or even stuffed animals. Anything that reminds your child of home.
MP3 Player
With all the stress that comes from school and exams, sometimes it's nice to block out the chaos in your life and even your roommate with music. It's nearly impossible to find students walking to class who aren't jamming to tunes.
Budget
Students who enter college often come in at the ripening age of 18. A great time for credit cards. Parents beware, your child may end up ruining their credit at a young age
Alarm Clock
When you're in college you don't have the luxury of getting awaken by your parents. It's now your responsibility to get to class on time so alarm clocks are a must. But keep your roommate in mind. You shouldn't wake him up ever morning with a blow horn alarm.
Cleaning supplies
Now you don't necessarily need to bring in the rubber gloves, mop and gas mask but it doesn't hurt to bring along Clorox all purpose wipes for spills or dust. Vacuums and brooms come in handy too depending if you have a carpeted dorm.
Bedding
What most parents aren't aware of is that most college beds are twin sized but extra long and require special sheets. When shopping keep your eye open for sheets that clearly state 'extra long' or else your child may come up short.
Shower shoes
You really don't know what some people do in the shower these days. College showers are known to be creeping with germs so spare yourself the fungus and purchase flip flops for the shower. You'll thank us later!
Continue reading Celebrity Diet Secrets: How Do Halle, Kanye and Jennifer Hudson Battle the Bulge?
Sexually transmitted diseases range from the incurable, like HIV, to the pesky (think pubic lice). Being knowledgeable about STDs and their symptoms, treatments and effects is important, especially in the black community, where some STDs have reached epidemic proportions. African Americans are disproportionately affected by HIV, gonorrhea, HPV, chlamydia, genital herpes and syphilis -- to name a few. Thankfully, many of these STDs, with the exceptions of HIV and herpes -- are curable, but if they aren't treated early enough, they can lead to any number of complications, including infertility, cancer, blood and joint disease and even death. As National STD Awareness Month comes to an end, Black Voices put together a list of some of the most common STDs. Read, learn and be safe!
Want toned and defined "first lady" arms? Want to look like Regina King and Jada Pinkett Smith in sleeveless dresses? Healthy eating and a good workout regimen are key. Fitness expert and personal trainer Ozzie Jacobs told BV that work outs like traditional push ups and doing bicep curls, which work the front of the arm, and tricep extensions with dumbbells will really help tone your arms and build strength.Bicep Curls: "Begin by standing tall and bracing through your abdominals -- keep your abs strong so that you don't sway with the movement of the weight.," said Jacobs. "On an exhale, curl the dumbbells up so that knuckles are facing the ceiling then slowly release the dumbbells until you have a "slight bend" in your elbow joint, resist the urge to completely straighten your arms so your biceps can remain under tension for the entire exercise."
Tricep Extensions: Jacobs said to lay on your back with your knees bent and your feet on the floor. "Take a light set of dumbbells in your hands and hold your arms straight up toward the ceiling with wrists in line with shoulders and palms facing each other," she said. "On an inhale, bend the arms to a 90 degree angle while keeping the elbow pointed toward the ceiling and in line with the shoulder. On an exhale, straighten the arm, creating a straight line from the shoulder, elbow and hands."
She recommends doing 3 sets of 12 reps per work out.
Sean Elliott and Alonzo Mourning shared the basketball court on occasion during their overlapping NBA careers, but they have more than just a sport in common. After battling kidney disease for years, both men had to step away from their beloved sport to undergo kidney transplants. Now healthy, thriving and dedicated to promoting awareness of the disease, Elliott and Mourning shared their stories with Black Voices in honor of National Kidney Month and World Kidney Day. When Mourning was playing for the Miami Heat in 2000, he went to the doctor for a required physical after feeling lethargic. He had chalked it up to not eating right or being tired after participating in the Summer Olympics. In actuality, it was his kidney disease making its presence known. Just three years later, he found out that he needed to go on dialysis and undergo a kidney transplant.
"It was very, very tough to digest," he said, "I was totally in denial, and I felt that, like all the other injuries I had in my life, I could beat it."
The College Survival Guide
A Fridge
Regardless of whether you have a wonderful sized meal plan, your fridge may come in handy with leftovers or when you feel like stocking it with bottled drinks.
Computer
The convenience of a computer is essential when sending your kids off to college. Forget the hike to the computer lab across campus students need a computer in the comfort of their room. A printer comes in handy as well. Depending on whether your child plans to carry his laptop around campus, you might opt for a desk top since they're lighter on the pockets.
Snacks
You will surely survive with off of a meal plan but it doesn't hurt to stock up on snacks when you don't feel like leaving your dorm room. Bottled water, pop corn, cereal and Ramen noodles are all low budget snacks to stock up on. Just be weary of the freshman 15.
Things from home
Some college students suffer from homesickness the first year. It's best to surround yourself with things like photos of the family, pillows or even stuffed animals. Anything that reminds your child of home.
MP3 Player
With all the stress that comes from school and exams, sometimes it's nice to block out the chaos in your life and even your roommate with music. It's nearly impossible to find students walking to class who aren't jamming to tunes.
Budget
Students who enter college often come in at the ripening age of 18. A great time for credit cards. Parents beware, your child may end up ruining their credit at a young age
Alarm Clock
When you're in college you don't have the luxury of getting awaken by your parents. It's now your responsibility to get to class on time so alarm clocks are a must. But keep your roommate in mind. You shouldn't wake him up ever morning with a blow horn alarm.
Cleaning supplies
Now you don't necessarily need to bring in the rubber gloves, mop and gas mask but it doesn't hurt to bring along Clorox all purpose wipes for spills or dust. Vacuums and brooms come in handy too depending if you have a carpeted dorm.
Bedding
What most parents aren't aware of is that most college beds are twin sized but extra long and require special sheets. When shopping keep your eye open for sheets that clearly state 'extra long' or else your child may come up short.
Shower shoes
You really don't know what some people do in the shower these days. College showers are known to be creeping with germs so spare yourself the fungus and purchase flip flops for the shower. You'll thank us later!
Out of the approximately 14 million women in this country who have uterine fibroids, there are untold numbers who are suffering in silence with the most extreme symptoms of the benign tumors. Why? Because many of them think that getting a hysterectomy is their only option to stem the flooding, gushing periods, cramping and pelvic pain, Dr. John Lipman, an Atlanta-based radiologist, told Black Voices. Little do these women know that a hysterectomy is not their only option."Here's a procedure that not only treats the fibroid symptoms directly," he said, "it does it, and a woman keeps her uterus, which is tremendous."
Uterine fibroid embolization, or UFE, is an outpatient procedure performed by an interventional radiologist that cuts off the blood supply to the fibroids, causing them to shrink. It might be lesser known, said Lipman, but it's just as effective as a hysterectomy without the "baggage" that comes with major surgery.
The College Survival Guide
A Fridge
Regardless of whether you have a wonderful sized meal plan, your fridge may come in handy with leftovers or when you feel like stocking it with bottled drinks.
Computer
The convenience of a computer is essential when sending your kids off to college. Forget the hike to the computer lab across campus students need a computer in the comfort of their room. A printer comes in handy as well. Depending on whether your child plans to carry his laptop around campus, you might opt for a desk top since they're lighter on the pockets.
Snacks
You will surely survive with off of a meal plan but it doesn't hurt to stock up on snacks when you don't feel like leaving your dorm room. Bottled water, pop corn, cereal and Ramen noodles are all low budget snacks to stock up on. Just be weary of the freshman 15.
Things from home
Some college students suffer from homesickness the first year. It's best to surround yourself with things like photos of the family, pillows or even stuffed animals. Anything that reminds your child of home.
MP3 Player
With all the stress that comes from school and exams, sometimes it's nice to block out the chaos in your life and even your roommate with music. It's nearly impossible to find students walking to class who aren't jamming to tunes.
Budget
Students who enter college often come in at the ripening age of 18. A great time for credit cards. Parents beware, your child may end up ruining their credit at a young age
Alarm Clock
When you're in college you don't have the luxury of getting awaken by your parents. It's now your responsibility to get to class on time so alarm clocks are a must. But keep your roommate in mind. You shouldn't wake him up ever morning with a blow horn alarm.
Cleaning supplies
Now you don't necessarily need to bring in the rubber gloves, mop and gas mask but it doesn't hurt to bring along Clorox all purpose wipes for spills or dust. Vacuums and brooms come in handy too depending if you have a carpeted dorm.
Bedding
What most parents aren't aware of is that most college beds are twin sized but extra long and require special sheets. When shopping keep your eye open for sheets that clearly state 'extra long' or else your child may come up short.
Shower shoes
You really don't know what some people do in the shower these days. College showers are known to be creeping with germs so spare yourself the fungus and purchase flip flops for the shower. You'll thank us later!
Continue reading Options for Women Suffering From Fibroid Tumors
By Lauren Williams, BlackVoices.comOnce upon a time, cervical cancer was the leading cause of death among American women. Not anymore. As more and more women stick to their schedule of yearly pap tests, which detect cancer-causing HPV, cervical cancer rates in this country are on a steady decline. In addition to regular screenings, there's the HPV vaccine, sold as Gardasil in the U.S. It protects against the two strains of HPV that are responsible for 70 percent of cervical cancer diagnoses.
The decline in cervical cancer doesn't mean that it's not still a problem. Cervical cancer still affects 9,000 women a year, and African American women are afflicted at higher rates than any other segment of the population. Black women are twice as likely to die from cervical cancer than white women. As Cervical Cancer Awareness month comes to a close, it's important for all women to remain vigilant about being screened for HPV and to make a decision about the vaccine -- either for themselves, if eligible, or their children.
Continue reading Cervical Cancer Awareness: HPV And The Vaccine
Follow Us
Daily Drama
- MN Exclusive: Eric Benét Discusses New Album and Explains His Ode To “Redbone Girl”
- The Population Shift is Here: Minority Births Now Outnumber Whites
- RIP: Queen of Disco Donna Summer Loses Battle With Cancer at Age 63
- Not Cute: World’s ‘Most Beautiful Woman’ Shamed For Not Losing Baby Fat Quick Enough
- For All Your Technology Questions, There’s SheGeeks
Find a Message Board
Discover conversations on everyone from Barack to Beyonce. There are nearly 50 forums, so click on a category below and find the right one for you.