“Some of us will not see pain as a gift; some will always accuse God of being unfair for allowing it. But, the fact is, pain and suffering are here among us, and we need to respond in some way. The response Jesus gave was to bear the burdens of those He touched. To live in the world as His body, His emotional incarnation, we must follow His example.”
            Philip Yancey, *Where Is God When It Hurts?*, p.325

By Dr. Tracy Scott

  “Dr. Scott, I am in pain. I was diagnosed with cervical cancer two years ago and I was told that I needed surgery.  I was too afraid to go through the surgery and last month, my doctors told me that the cancer had spread to my stomach.  I am here today because I have pain, no place to live and I am depressed.  I was staying with a family, but they kicked me out. My two children refuse to take me in and they want nothing to do with me; because they blame me for the sexual abuse my husband committed against our daughter.  My husband is the father of our daughter’s child and the kids blame me.  Can you help me?”   

The challenge of overcoming adversity can be a journey of pain, revelation, discovery and healing.  Each time I am confronted with my own challenges or with another’s journey through adversity, there’s at least one important concept I try to remember and that is that God has a purpose for my life.  I trust that as you come to understand this concept that it will help you stay strong during your time of growing through plagues and pain.  For II Corinthians 1:3-4 states “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.”   

Understand that God has a purpose for your life:  

In the midst of suffering through injustices such as Katrina, Jena 6 or the coerced abuse of child rape molestation, it may be easy to understand why many people question whether God has a purpose for their lives; and if so what?    

Solomon like so many of us spent a period of his life seeking its meaning.  He struggled with basing the purpose of life on material things and pleasure. “Whatever my eyes desired I did not keep from them.  I did not withhold my heart from any pleasure, for my heart rejoiced in all my labor; and this was my reward from all my labor.” Ecclesiastes 2:10  

You may recall a time, in which you were feeling down, maybe you had over spent your checking or saving account, or maybe a bill was due and you did not have enough money to pay it.  For others, maybe it was a racist employment environment, or a disagreement with your spouse, mate or child.  No matter what the situation, you felt discouraged.  In order to feel better or to move through adversity, you went shopping, fishing or ate your favorite meal.  For many people (churched and un-churched) moving through adversity means having an affair, whether emotional or sexual.  Some times people turn to alcohol, drugs, sports or they become workaholics.  In many cases, people in positions of authority, when they become stressed due to the afflictions of life, cope with adversity by abusing the weak, the vulnerable or those in subordinate positions (people of Color are often the victims of this type of abuse).  All of these behaviors directed at coping with adversity bring immediate pleasure and gratification. 

And like Solomon, you may have access and the opportunity to experience these instantaneous enjoyments.   They can make you feel better; sort of take the edge off.  But you find out that it does not last.  You recognize that you have exalted yourself and that you have become a slave to your immediate zestful appetite and the maladjustment of coping with adversity; but you did not get the fulfillment that you sought.  The bills did not get paid and you still need to work on your relationship with your spouse.  

As you experience some momentary short-term success of dealing with life’s plagues, by turning to the titillations of society, you continue to realize that the challenges keep coming and coming.  They don’t stop.  You understand that all the ways in which you have tried to relieve the pressures of adversity were not genuinely successful.  You can point to some small victories, but over and over again, no matter what you do, no matter what you try, nothing brings long-term satisfaction.  

It is at this point that many people began to accept the fact that they cannot control their lives and they conceive that there is no help.  Hence, over time, as they continue to live and undergo the obstacles of life, they view their outcome as unchangeable and accept that they are helpless, no matter what they do.  They believe that it’s futile to keep trying and that there is no hope.  It is during this inclination that causes stress and leads to despair and depression.  It starts in the mind; pessimistic thoughts and ends with ultimately questioning the purpose of life and giving up. 

Solomon was forewarned by his father David, but probably did not internalize David’s message.  Solomon tried to live life apart for God and eventually suffered these thoughts.  In the end, he finally realized the he could only turn to one master.  And in that Master (God) contained all the answers. “Whatever one is, he has been named already, for it is known that he is man; and he cannot contend with Him who is mightier than he.” Ecclesiastes 6:10  

The bible seems clear that God has at least three purposes for our lives:

1. To teach us to trust Him and to learn how to love and worship Him. I Peter 1:7
2. To teach us to depend always on His grace and goodness. Knowing Christ as Lord and Savior is needed, but it is the living the Christ life that ultimately is what depending on Him is all about. II Corinthians 12
3. To teach us to follow Him. Matthew 16:24-25 states “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.  For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it”.

  The answer is yes, God does have a plan and purpose for each of us. He also loves all of mankind despite the fact that He allows plagues and adversity in our lives.   I also pray for each and every one of you that these words will be a source of encouragement to help you carry your burdens and hold fast to the Lord until you are strong enough to intercede for someone else.  Remember, it is God’s mercy and grace that holds you close, so don’t let go!    

If you would like us to speak to your church group, ministry or organization concerning “Growing through adversity & plagues” or other topics, please contact us at 630-329-7504 or visit us on the web at www.healthylivingseminars.org.

By Dr. Tracy Scott

For the past 20+ years, I have been providing Christian counseling to broken homes, individuals, relationships and marriages. Every week, I am confronted with sad stories of marriages ending in divorce or marriages that the wives are victims of domestic violence. The purpose of this article is to share what I have learned about elements of a successful marriage. I truly believe that most teaching concerning marriage is helpful but inadequate and falls short of teaching what is necessary to have a successful marriage. In this spirit, I offer two recommendations that are crucial to having a successful marriage with which no committed Christian would find fault.

Christ-Centered Definition of Success
Ask most people to define success and undoubtly you will hear living the American Dream incapsulated within their definition. Primarily due to the pressures of lustful desires created by our soicety, for most people, having lots of money, things, a big house or houses and no bills equals success (American Dream). Many believe that with hard work, reliability, and inventiveness that their chase of the American Dream can be realized and thus they will have success.

But for most marriages that define success based on these ingrediants, their spouses end up married to their job instead of their mate. This tends to be the case despite their willingless to work hard, despite their talents, skills and education. Their pursuit of the American Dream often ends up a nightmare. For minority marriages, this is especially true when despite attending the right school and obtaining the right grades, in large part due to racism and oppression, living the American Dream seems more of a fantasy than a reality.

Many times in relationships that define success as living the American Dream end up with one spouse so much in love with work, that they are insensitive, unromatic, non-communicative but married to a lonely, vunerable romantic spouse who has severe doubts about his/her worth as a human being.

One of the major reasons that many marriages end in divorce is the cost, toll, pressure, and stress associated with chasing the American Dream. By defining success (marriage or personal), either the chase or the accomplishment of this goal leads to catostropic stress and unhappiness. Many couples who end up in crisis, counseling or divorce court describe a marriage of depression, decreased self-esteem, bitterness, anger, health challenges and decompensation in sexual intimacy.

In other words, defining success and chasing the American Dream encourages you to focus more on making your wallet and house fatter than understanding and meeting the needs of your spouse.
Remember, when your marriage is blessed, you have much for which to be thankful. But chasing and living the American Dream has its dangers. By defining success in this way, you can encourage changes for the worse in one’s behavior and values.

Isaiah tried to appeal to the wealthy people of ancient Israel to what was happening as a result of chasing the American Dream (5:8-10). They were accumulating houses, working long hours, focused on money and had no bills to pay, but the cost was lost of relationships, family and ethical integrity. Defining success as living American Dream can and often will dull even the most spiritually sensitive marriage. See Matt. 13:22; 1Cor. 10:12-13 and 1Pet. 1:13; 5:8.  Above all things, rejoice in every moment that God has given you together. A bowl of soup with someone you love is better than steak with someone you hate. Proverbs 15:17

Renewing Your Mind

I am convinced that every problem we have in marriage, begins as a problems with our thoughts and mind. Romans 12:22 states, “Don’t be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind”. Paul spoke these words almost 2000 years ago to a people who struggled in every way to stuff like, Sex in the City, The L Word, Soap Operas, Get Rich Schemes, Misguided Teaching and the Tabloids. The Roman people were exposed to a self-centered, God-forsaking pattern of marital living that in no way would allow a marriage to flourish. Remember, where your thoughts go, what you watch and listen to, your marriage will tag along.

Paul was trying to tell the people that if they wanted to change things, get out of this hell hole and add some ump to their marriage, the answer is clear, crystal. There is only one way to do it… by renewing your mind.

Everyday, I talk to people who have trouble with their mind. It’s no secret that God gave you emotions, thoughts and a mind so that you can enjoy His beauty all the more. It’s like whip cream on hot apple pie. Having emotions of joy and love allows you to see what it feels like to be happy in life. In other words, it helps you to understand Him better.

But because of sin, we also can have negative emotions, and thoughts. These negative emotions and thoughts will bring on heartache and despair often before you are about to get your self into deep marital trouble. For example, you were waiting for your husband to come home with the car so that you could go to the hair dresser. The longer he takes, the longer you wait, and thus the more your negative thoughts and emotions take over. Some marriages describe this as hating. These are the warning signs that you’re about to go postal. But God has equipped you so that you have small eruptions before you go ballistic. And if you are smart and wise, you will learn how to keep these small eruptions from becoming firestorms. Remember, where your emotions go, your marriage will follow. It starts with your thought life.

In closing, I ask “Have you broken your promise with God in your marriage? It’s not too late! God stands ready and waiting to hear from you. Only He has the power to restore marriages, when the willing parties are ready to receive Christ into their lives and hearts and souls. When Christ is the center of your home, your true love, devotion and obedience to Him, your family bond will be sealed forever. We need to take responsibility for the promises we made to God right now! People, chasing the American Dream of prosperous living has no solutions, only God has the answer!

Remember:
• Don’t nag, plead, scold, complain or accuse your spouse.
Saying “Give me this, give me that” is not the way to get anymore attention.

• Timing
Select a time to talk to your spouse when he/she is more responsive. Not the first 60 minutes when they arrive home.

• Setting
If, possible, go somewhere over night, for a weekend or for a burger. Go some place where you can be alone. The further away you are from the source of your contention, the better.

• Manner
It’s important to converse with your spouse without using personal attacks. Know your triggers and what buttons not to push with your spouse. Do not have a conversation if the stress level is high. You must learn how to prepare to talk.

God’s blessing upon each of your marriages and within your families as you learn to honor your special “troth” with God and your lifetime mate!!!

By Dr. Tracy Scott

A 23-year-old young woman was found dead in a car in Reidesville, NC.
Also found with her was the following form of Psalm 23:
“King Heroin is my shepherd. I shall always want. He maketh me to lie down in the gutters.
“He leadeth me beside the troubled waters. He destroyeth my soul.
“He leadeth me in the paths of wickedness.
“Yea, I shall walk through the valley of poverty and will fear no evil, for thou, Heroin, are with me.
“Thy Needle and Capsule comfort me. Thou strippest the table of groceries in the presence of my family. Thou robbest my head of reason.
“My cup of sorrow runneth over. Surely heroin addiction shall stalk me all the days of my life and I will dwell in the House of the Damned forever.”  Ft. Wayne News-Sentinel

Defining the Problem:

Over the past 40 years, drug use has worked over-time to gain a grip on our society.  What was once a past-time for those singing the blues or recovering from an illness, has now become an addiction, destroying the lives of individuals, families and communities.  The numbers of those abusing and dependent on substances are mind blowing.  For instances, 40 percent to 50 percent of men have temporary alcohol induced problems.  10 percent to 20 percent of men and 3 percent to 10 percent of women develop pervasive and persistent alcohol related problems.  The usual alcoholic has a job, family and only about 5 percent live on Skid Row.  

During 1993, the National Household Survey on Drug Abuse revealed that 4.5 million persons in the United States used cocaine.  About 1.3 million people stated that they self administered cocaine on a frequent monthly basis.  

A report by The Drug and Alcohol Information System (2002) indicated that “Although non-Hispanic Blacks made up 12 percent of the U.S. population in 1999, this group represented 23 percent of admissions to publicly funded substance abuse treatment facilities in the 1999 Treatment Episode Data Set (TEDS). TEDS reported 366,000 Black admissions to publicly funded substance abuse treatment facilities.  In 1999, alcohol and cocaine were the leading primary substances among Blacks entering treatment. These two substances accounted for almost two thirds of all Black admissions.

Abuse of alcohol was the leading substance problem among Black male admissions (35 percent), followed by cocaine (28 percent). Among Black female admitted to a treatment facility, however, cocaine abuse was the leading substance problem (40 percent), followed by alcohol (27 percent).

Marijuana abuse was the third leading substance problem among Black male admissions, accounting for 19 percent. Among Black female admissions, however, opiates (primarily heroin) were the third leading substance, accounting for 18 percent”.   And according to the recent report by the federal government in 2003, an estimated 19.5 million Americans were active illicit drug users and 16.1 million were heavy drinkers.
Another survey released by the University of Colorado shows that the problem of drug use is not just outside the church. The study involved nearly 14,000 junior-high and high-school youth. It compared churched young people with unchurched young people and found very little difference.

Additionally, 88 percent of the unchurched young people reported drinking beer compared with 80 percent of churched young people. When asked how many had tried marijuana, 47 percent of the unchurched young people had done so compared with 38 percent of the churched youth. For amphetamines and barbiturates, 28 percent of the unchurched youth had tried them as well as 22 percent of the churched young people. And for cocaine use, the percentage was 14 percent for unchurched and 11 percent for churched youth (Anderson, 2007).

Today, 1 in 10 babies born in the United States are addicted to drugs and over 30 percent of child abuse cases involve a parent using illegal drugs.

Some Reasons Why Do People Use Drugs?

    Cope with Cultural Pain:
The historical impact of racism and discrimination are very real in our society.  Recently, famed talk show host, Don Imus was released from his syndicated television and radio programs after using derogatory, racial and sexist comments directed at the Rutgers Women Basketball Team.  While it seems that many Americans were outraged by his comments, we must not forget that while Mr. Imus’ comments were blatant, there are more settle, yet equally powerful forms of racism and racist gestures that are largely unchallenged every day in Corporate America, healthcare and academic institutions.

African-Americans are challenged daily with Metamorphic Schizophrenic Thoughts of wanting to trust, but not sure if they can, often re-living the pain elitism, racism and sexism they experience daily in society.  The synergistic effect of pain (catastrophic stress) is one of the major reasons African-Americans use drugs.  Often, African-Americans use of drugs is an attempt to mediate the shame, pain and anger felt from racism and oppression.  

Additional Reasons:
sadness
poor self esteem
social alienation
dare for excitement
alleviation of stress
self medicating (prescription drugs)

Myths about African-American Users:

All African-Americans with drug problems are poor and struggling

Every African-American house with drugs is a crack house

Distinguishing between abuse and dependency:

Abuse/Misuse
Drug abuse is the use of illicit drugs, or the abuse of prescription or over-the-counter drugs. The abuse of legal or legitimate drugs (prescription or over-the-counter) can be done by using the drugs in a manner that is inconsistent or unrelated to acceptable medical practice.

On the other hand, misuse suggests more of a quantitative challenge or use in amounts other than directed and or for purposes other than intended rather than a qualitative difference.  But make no mistake, if you are misusing drugs then you are also abusing.  Misuse is abuse!  

Dependency
Drug dependence (addiction) is compulsive use of a substance despite negative consequences which can be severe.  Usually an addict becomes dependent in one of two ways (Physical, Psychological) or both.

Physical dependence on a substance (needing a drug to function) is not necessary or sufficient to define addiction. There are some substances that don’t cause addiction but do cause physical dependence (for example, some blood pressure medications) and substances that cause addiction but not classic physical dependence (cocaine withdrawal, for example, doesn’t have symptoms like vomiting and chills; it is mainly characterized by depression).

Psychological dependence is inherent in the notion of an individual’s reliance on a drug to produce an altered state o consciousness.  For individuals psychologically dependent, even when they recognize that the use of a substance is excessive, they are unable to control their use and often involved themselves in activities (even illegal) attempting to obtain the drug.  (Wadler, 1989)

It’s important to remember that factors related to abuse and dependency are very complicated and involves aspects of biological science such as tolerance, neurotransmitters (limbic system) and pharmacokinetics, which this article does not address.

What does the Bible say about drug use?

Many church leaders believe in statements such as;
“Drug abuse finds its origin in the sinful rebellion of human beings. Instead of finding fulfillment in Jesus Christ and honoring Him, people often turn to drugs to “help fill the void.” Instead of submitting to the God of the Bible, many succumb to a “god” of their own choosing. And ultimately, rather than finding the true freedom offered in Christ, some are ensnared in the slavery of drug abuse. The world encourages this abuse through the glorification of leisure, fun, and having a good time.”

With perhaps good intentions but injudicious information, many church leaders and denominations often blame the alcoholic or drug user for his or her abuse, largely believing that because they choose to take the drink, then therefore they are to blame.    This reasoning seems simplistic at best, and ignorant at worse, and it encourages churches and other places of worship to not involve them in the treatment, thereby kicking drug abusers to the curve.

Battering the poor, the confused, the disadvantaged and the oppressed seems to be thematic in today’s society.  But there’s no intrinsic worth in beating up on the weak. Without a doubt, taking responsibility for ones behavior is an obligation, but remember responsibility is a two-way street.  God calls us to be concerned about those in need. (Luke 4:18)  

Clearly, it’s not a secret that sin is most definitely an instigator in becoming an alcoholic or drug abuser, but by the time an abuser becomes an addict, voluntary choice is no longer within his/her control.  “Addiction is more of a result of former sinful choices than of present ones”. (Minirth, 1988)

While the Bible has many things to say about abuse: Ahasuerus (Esth. 1:10); Lot (Gen. 19:32-33); Peter (1 Pet. 4:3-4); Paul (Rom. 14:19-21) just to name a few, it crucial to remember that Galatians 6:2 encourages us to “carry one another’s burden”.  Maybe if more church leaders understood the complicated not naïve information about substance abuse, and followed Galatians 6:2, they would be less likely to reprimand abusers to the outside of the church fellowship.

Help for the Addict:

If you have a loved one addicted

Addicts can not get well without treatment and treatment must involve physical, mental/psychological and spiritual.  Remember, Man is a three-part being and what affects one part, affects them all.  Therefore each of these areas must be addressed.

Addicts and their families must identify the problems as an addiction.  Usually intervention by those close to the addict is important (crucial) to get him or her to admit the need for treatment and to seek it.

Detoxification is necessary and should be done when possible in a hospital environment.  Two major challenges with obtaining treatment in a hospital environment, you must have insurance and the treatment is provided on a voluntary bases.  Without insurance, treatment can take place, but usually in community service centers or agencies.

Rehabilitation/Counseling (after hospitalization) is best done in a clinical setting.  Long-term follow up is essential to help prevent relapse and to help maintain and reinforce new patterns of sober living while also working with the family to help decrease there suspected tolerated behaviors.

If you are a pastor, church or minister leader

Preach on the subject of substance abuse and encourage others to do the same
Learn how to counsel those who are abusing substances
Invite organizations like Healthy Living Seminars to discuss what actions are needed to address issues related to substance abuse.  For information about our workshops and seminars, you can contact us by visiting our web site at www.healthylivingseminars.org.

By Dr. Tracy Scott

Chronic Illness:

Every night I work in the Emergency Room as a clinician, I am saddened by the number of people with chronic illness.  Many people are shocked to find that their condition had become worse, while others seek help to relieve the pain of a known condition.  Regardless of why they are present in the Emergency Room, I often find myself asking, ‘How has their condition encouraged them to focus on the meaning of life and the priorities they have set?’

According to the Chronic Illness Alliance Association, a chronic illness is “…An illness that is permanent or lasts a long time. It may get slowly worse over time. It may lead to death, or it may finally go away. It may cause permanent changes to the body. It will certainly affect the person’s quality of life.”  Almost half of all Americans (or over 130 million people) have been diagnosed and or live with a chronic condition. However, due to the advances in medical treatment, emotional and spiritual support, by year 2030, it is estimated that more than 170 million people will suffer from a chronic illness. Many of these people will be living with multiple conditions.  

Make Time for God:

The Bible talks about praying without ceasing.  If we continue to think of every moment of our life as unceasing conversation with God, we can always be in prayer.  You can pray anywhere at anytime, whether you are at the doctor’s office, on your back on the way to surgery or lying at home in pain.  Realizing that you need not be in church or at a worship service to pray can be both enlightening and refreshing.  Remember, Matthew 11:28 states,” Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”  Coming to the Lord will increase your faith, at the same time as you rest, your body becomes physically stronger, your mind becomes less confused and more importantly, your spirit is nourished.

Find a Spiritual Friend:

Find at least three people, preferably same sex, who can offer support as you share the issues of daily life of living with chronic pain.  By building a relationship with at least three people you will be privy to opportunities to benefit from other perspectives and a better chance of receiving support when one person may not be available.  Also due to the intimate nature of these relationships, spending time with same sex individuals helps to minimize the opportunities of developing compromising relationships that could lead to an extra-marital affair.  Set time aside to share some of your joys, pains and fears.  It’s important to feel comfortable with spiritual friends while sharing what’s on your heart and mind.  Having a spiritual friend can encourage you to share your thoughts with others, while drawing you closer to God.  Remember, your discussions and time together with spiritual friends need not focus primarily on grieving or complaining about your pain.     Rather, your discussions should focus on ways to strengthen you while growing closer to God.

Make Time for Yourself:

It’s easy to forget to make time for yourself when you have a chronic illness, experiencing pain or moving from one doctor appointment to another.  The truth of the matter is that living with a chronic illness can encourage depression, guilt and feelings of hopelessness mainly because the loss of one’s self and the imperfections of our health care system.  Making time for yourself is really about learning to set priorities.  Learning to make time for yourself is a crucial step in seeking freedom from the bondage of chronic illness even when a cure may not be possible.
Some people who live with chronic illness may feel guilty about making time for themselves and feel selfish about focusing on one’s self.  But again remember, some of the greatest tragedies of living with chronic illness are isolation and separation, loneliness and separation from God.  By not making time for yourself, resting and rejuvenating, you will only enhance those feelings and therefore, you will encourage a more problematic healing process.

By Dr. Tracy Scott

WHAT IS DIABETES

        Most people are unaware that diabetes is not a new disease.  Some scientists feel that diabetes has been around since the beginning of man.  An argument for this could be made since a physician named Hesy-Ra first mentioned records of diabetes as early as 1552 B.C.  Written on Egyptian papyrus during the 3rd dynasty, he described diabetes as a problem of frequent urination.  

Today, diabetes is considered a major health problem affecting more than 17 million Americans (6%) of the United States population.  While this is a staggering number, more alarming is that over 5 million have diabetes and are unaware.  Recently, Type 2 diabetes has been called the “epidemic of the millennium” with a 35% increase over the past 10 years.  The number of people with diabetes has continued to climb over the past decade.  In fact, diabetes is the sixth leading cause of death.

        Diabetes is a serious disease that affects your body’s ability to utilize its energy source to function.  Let’s break it down so that you can understand what takes place in your body and how diabetes is developed.

        Glucose (sugar) is the energy source your body requires to function.  Your heart, brain and other organs need glucose to work efficiently.  The body needs glucose to respond to emotional challenges and glucose provides the energy to think, reason, plan and execute.  Without glucose, your body would be ineffective to process your thoughts and the major organs in your body would die.

        As you eat food, your body separates the glucose so it can be transferred to the vital organs that are in need of this energy.  This process is done with the help of insulin.  Insulin is a hormone that is produced in the pancreas.  Its major function is to regulate the amount of glucose in the blood by assisting the transfer of glucose to the vital organs that are in need of the energy source.  When the pancreas fails to produce insulin, even though there is adequate glucose in the blood for the organs, it cannot reach them.  This is often referred to as “starving in the midst of plenty.”

There are two types of diabetes – Type 1 and Type 2.  

Type 1 Diabetes
There are times when the pancreas stops producing insulin.  When this occurs, an excessive amount of glucose builds up in the blood stream and energy for the vital organs is lost.  This condition is called insulin depended or Type 1 diabetes.

Type 2 Diabetes
        Type 2 diabetes occurs when the pancreas continues to produce insulin, but the amount of insulin in insufficient to transport enough glucose to the vital organs.  In some cases, the body does not respond to the insulin that is produced.  In either situation, the amount of glucose in the body is escalated, leading to diabetes.  This type of diabetes is often referred to as non-insulin depended.  But if left untreated,
people with Type 2 diabetes can develop insulin dependent diabetes or Type 1 diabetes.

AFRICAN-AMERICANS AND DIABETES

Diabetes in African-Americans has become a major health problem.  As previously stated, about 6% or 17 million of the general population in the United States have diabetes.  This number doubles for African-Americans.  It is estimated that 3 million or 12% of adult African-Americans have diabetes, and in most cases as much as one third are unaware of it.  On average, about 10% of African-Americans with diabetes have Type 1, while the vast majority of diabetic African-Americans (90%) has Type 2.  Diabetes related death rates are 29% higher for African-Americans in comparison to Caucasian Americans.

WHY IS DIABETES INCREASING IN THE AFRICAN-AMERICAN COMMUNITY?

        The significant increase in the rate of diabetes in the African-American community is a multifactor and a complicated issue.  There are many reasons why diabetes is growing out of control in the African American community.  Historically, the relationship between African-Americans and healthcare has been strained.  Because of inhuman treatment from the healthcare system, which resulted in misdiagnosis and poor healthcare attention, African-Americans are more cautious about seeing a doctor or relying on the healthcare system for information and care.  Often, this translates in African-Americans being less aware of health challenges; poor preventive care history and typically arrive for health assistance in crisis.  As a result, this may help to explain why death rates from major illnesses such as diabetes, for African-Americans are usually much higher than that of Caucasian Americans.

        In addition, information about diabetes and most major diseases are not presented to the “grass roots” level of the African-American community.  Therefore, the people who need information the most are not receiving it.  One well-noted attempt to address this concern is the American Diabetes Association Reach One Teach One: African American program.  This program along with African-American churches encourages pastors from across the country to share the message of prevention through the Diabetes Sunday initiative.  During a brief (5 minute) segment, pastors are asked to provide diabetes information to the members of the congregation and to specifically share information about the magnitude of this disease.

        Diabetes Sunday is an excellent strategy to reach out into the core of the African-American community.  However, an approach that would encourage greater synergy between African-Americans, diseases and the healthcare community would be for pastors to integrate the issues of diseases, illness, and preventative measures from the pulpit.  Contained in the scriptures are many messages that discuss the relationship between poor health and behavior (Judges 3:17-22; Proverbs 28:7; 1Samuel 4:18; Matthew 11:19).

Another issue related to the increase of diabetes in the African-American community is poor diet and nutrition.  Many African-Americans cook traditional meals of the most savory and delicious dishes in the world.  While foods such as Fried Corn Pone, Sweet Potato Cornbread, Creamed Baked Chicken, Drop Dumplings, Fried Cabbage and Southern Fried Hominy are all delightful dishes, these dishes, in large amounts, are not the healthiest.  These foods contain high fat content, which can lead to weight gain and diabetes.   It is weight gain, not necessarily obesity that is a precursor for diabetes.  African-Americans should be guarded about their nutrition and diet, since factors such as genetics and weight gain help increase their chances of developing diabetes.

        Over the past few years, more attention has been given to the role of stress and diabetes.  Despite treatment, stress may make stabilizing glucose levels difficult.  Also, many people who have high stress levels are less likely to remember to take their medication, exercise, or pay attention to their health.  Since African-Americans experience high levels of stress, they are more at risk for complications associated with diabetes.

RISK OF DIABETES

FAMILY HISTORY OF DIABETES
OVERWEIGHT
INCREASED THIRST
FREQUENT UNRINATION
WEIGHT LOSS
LACK OF ENERGY
BLURRED VISION

If you have any of these symptoms, it is crucial that you speak to your doctor immediately.  There is no cure for Type 1 diabetes, but in most cases, you can prevent Type 2 diabetes. One of the best ways to overcome diabetes is early diagnosis and successful treatment.

WHAT YOU CAN DO TO PREVENT DIABETES

PROPER DIET AND NUTRITION
Eat a well-balanced diet.  If you desire to eat traditional foods that are high in fats, eat in moderation (small portions).

STRESS
Because stress is such a part of life, it’s important that you find ways to manage it effectively.  Develop a strong support system to help you problem solve or just to have someone to talk things through.  Seek professional help, if you find that your stress level is too difficult to balance.

EXERCISE
One of the best ways to decrease weight or to prevent increase in weight is to exercise.  If you have been living a sedentary lifestyle (couch potato) start out with a complete physical and then, ease into the exercise routine.  Noticing that weight decrease will be a great incentive to work harder while staying fit.

MEDICATIONS
Recently, the Federal Drug Administration announced that certain medications used to treat major psychiatric illnesses such as Schizophrenia and Bipolar disease may also contribute to the development of Type 2 diabetes.  While many of these medications have been beneficial in relieving disturbing symptoms, it is suspected that they may also be a major contributor for the increase of diabetes in the African-American community.  If you are taking medication for any reason, it is important that you speak with your doctor about the medication and its relationship to diabetes.

RESOURCES

AMERICAN DIABETES ASSOCIATION
1-800-DIABETES

Welcome to WordPress.com. This is your first post. Edit or delete it and start blogging!