What African Americans Should Know About Diabetes.

Click Link Below For Further Information:

http://www.washingtoninformer.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=6689:what-blacks-need-to-know-about-diabetes-&catid=44:health&Itemid=138

Diet High in Vegetables and Fruit Associated with Less Weight Gain in African-American Women

(Nutrition Horizon) 5/23/2011 --- Investigators from the Slone Epidemiology Center at Boston University have reported that African American women who consumed a diet high in vegetables and fruit gained less weight over a 14-year period than those who consumed a diet high in red meat and fried foods. This is the first prospective study to show that a healthier diet is associated with less weight gain in African American women, a population with a high prevalence of obesity. The study results, published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, were based on data from the Black Women’s Health Study (BWHS), a large follow-up study of 59,000 African American women from across the U.S. conducted since 1995.

The study asked participants about their diet at the beginning of the study in 1995, and again six years later in 2001. Two major dietary patterns were identified: 1) a “vegetables/fruit” pattern high in vegetables, fruit, legumes, fish and whole grains; and 2) a “meat/fried foods” pattern high in red meat, processed meat, french fries and fried chicken.

The researchers found that women who consumed a diet high in vegetables and fruit gained less weight over 14 years than women whose diets were low in these foods. Women who consumed a diet high in meat and fried foods gained more weight than women with low intake of these foods. These associations were strongest for women whose dietary patterns did not change during the study period. The associations also were stronger among women younger than 35 years, who gained the most weight (29 pounds during the 14-year study period, on average).

According to the lead author and researcher Dr. Deborah Boggs, people tend to eat a consistent amount of food rather than a consistent number of calories. “A diet high in red meat and fried foods can lead to consuming too many calories because these foods contain more calories than the same amount of vegetables and fruit,” she explained.

The authors concluded that the findings suggest that replacing red meat and fried foods with vegetables and fruit could help to lower obesity rates.

Funding for this study was provided by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases and the National Cancer Institute.

-blackwomenshealth.org

Sebelius Annouces that HHS will collect LGBT data

In response to the report published by the Institute of Medicine, HHS Secretary K. Sebelius announced that the HHS will collect LGBT data. This data will work towards LGBT persons gaining better access to care by providing a broad brush stroke of our health disparities and needs. The data collected will be given to physicians to improve their treatment methods and focus when encountering an LGBT person at their practice. Finding out more information is key to changing medical and public health practices.

Groundbreaking Essence Magazine Article

Essence magazine’s March 2011 issue (on newsstands now) breaks new ground by publishing a four-page article in which a Black, active duty, female servicemember details her life as a lesbian living under the discriminatory and now—thankfully—repealed Don’t Ask Don’t Tell (DADT) policy. Take a moment and pick up your copy today!

Today is International Women's Day!

Tuesday, May 8, 2011 marks the 100-year anniversary of International Women's Day - a global day celebrating the economic, political and social achievements of women past, present and future. For more information about International Women's Day visit the website.

Welcome to the relaunch of S.H.E. Circle's "Talk Circle."

Whenever we come together as women – especially as African American women – there is magic and power!

Based on the principle of Ujima – “collective work and responsibility to build and maintain our community together”– S.H.E. Circle harnesses the power of this sisterhood to empower, energize, and engage African women in a personal journey to healthy living.

As the first national health education program focused on African American women who partner with women, the local S.H.E. Circles provide a safe space where African American lesbian and bisexual women can learn about health issues, ask questions, share information, connect with resources, and provide support to each other.

Let S.H.E. Circle be a starting point for you to rediscover yourself. Learn more about your body, mind and spirit - and let us begin a journey toward wellness, wholeness and health - together. Stay tuned for more information on health topics, ongoing and upcoming S.H.E. Circles, and more.