PHYSICAL AND MENTAL HEALTH

The Physical & Mental Health committee is excited about the 2007-2008 Sorority year! We look forward to seeing our returning members and welcoming new members to our hard working and fun committee!

October - Healthy Lung Month

According to the American Lung Association, African-Americans are at a much higher risk of developing lung cancer than other racial or ethnic groups, and they have the highest percentage of asthma when compared too there racial or ethnic groups. It is important that we are aware of this disparity so we can in form our family and friend store ally think about their next breath. However, the good news is that it is possible to maintain healthy lungs by exercising and eliminating detrimental habits such as smoking . If you have asthma, please consult your healthcare providers be fo restarting any exercising program.

Current research indicates that more than half of all new HIV/AIDS infections occur among young people ages 15-24. In the United States, AIDS related illnesses are ranked as the sixth leading casue of death amonth this young population. Trend analysis indicates that this deadly disease infects more African-American and Hispanic youth than other racial and ethnic groups. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), reports from 30 states indicates that African-American youth represent at least 50% of all new HIV infections. Even more unnerving is the fact that HIV infections are the leading cause of death amongh African-American women. Sixty-nine percent of all new HIV infections occur among teenage and adult African-American women.

Healthy Tip of the Month
Indoor and outdoor air pollution may also damage your lungs. You may want to cover your nose and mouth while doing chores around the house to avoid breathing in dust and mold .

Thought for the Day
As reported by the National Health Museum, “Each day you breathe about 25 ,000 times, and by the time you' re 70 years old, you' ll have taken at least 600 million breaths. "

Save the Date
On December 19th, a Holiday Celebration from 6-8pm at Kenwood Healthcare Center, located at 6125 S. Kenwood Avenue.

Taking Charge of Our Breast Health Campaign
Have you had your mammogram exam for 2007? If you have not, we urge you to contact your primary physician immediately to schedule your exam. Since our breath health campaign ends December 31st, please report your mammogram exam status to Dorothy or Sylvia (co-chairs).