December 12, 2013

Finding Creative Hooks for Broadening Participation

In Expanding Underrepresented Minority Participation: America’s Science and Technology Talent at the Crossroads from the National Academy of Sciences, leading scholars and researchers discuss the problems and potential fixes (and offers recommendations) associated with the underrepresentation of minority participation in STEM.  As the title suggests, the US is experiencing multiple crossroads relative to research, education, workforce development, inclusion, global leadership and competitiveness.  This challenge offers the field the opportunity to access and nurture the talents of all demographic sources. Diversity and inclusion of underrepresented minorities can play a critical role to broaden participation, yet creative hooks to engage the underrepresented talent pool warrants discussion.

While musical hooks capture the attention of the listener using often short riffs or passages that appeals to the ear, consider the potential to use such hooks to attract, retain and graduate underrepresented groups in STEM fields.   To understand the hooks, culture and context must be respected and offer alternative mental models of who engages in STEM and how to attract underrepresented groups.  This #BigBeacon Twitter chat will discuss these issues and opportunities as noted in the Big Beacon Mantifesto’s quote: “The status quo will not go easily, but go it must”.

Share

December 12, 2013

The Key to Getting Tested.. HIV/Aids Awareness

I never knew that I had an interest in HIV/AIDS awareness and informing my community until my friend, Julian, and I went to get tested. If I could briefly remind and reminisce on that moment, we went to get tested on a Friday afternoon, most of the time campus is pretty deserted on Fridays, as it was on this day. We went into the room where the testing was being provided, and I could literally count on one and a half hands how many people I saw coming to get tested. Though I was still caught up in my own nerves, I was saddened and actually amazed that that room was not overflowing of people. To this day, I am still unable to fully understand why it wasn’t full of people. From that day, I decided that it is my goal to encourage people to get tested and to care about their sexual health.

I decided to go with one of my close friends here on campus but it’s absolutely nothing wrong with taking someone you don’t know that well; your suitemate, a co-worker, or even a study buddy.  Take who makes you feel comfortable and if that’s someone you just know in passing, do it. It isn’t so much about whom you take with you but actually going and having that moral support. In my opinion, taking someone with you to go get tested alleviates the stress that comes with the whole situation. You have someone with you that shares some of the exact same feelings, from excited to scared and from nervous to even anxious.  It’s ok to be scared momentarily together but in the end you’ll be aware of your status together.

Going with someone helps combat the stigma behind going to get tested for HIV and other STDs. You’re showing yourself and your testing buddy that it’s perfectly fine and normal to get tested.  Go get tested. Break the walls of this stigma with a testing buddy.

Share

December 05, 2013

The Road to the Red Pump

This month makes six months that I’ve been onboard the myHealthImpact team. Thus far, it has been a very enjoyable experience and it truly feels like a family.  MyHealthImpact will be attending the Red Pump Project. This project raises awareness regarding HIV/AIDS and its impact on females.  Red Pump’s mission is to “promote HIV prevention through education, and open dialogue about the issues that surround sexual and reproductive health”.

While the color red is associated with energy, confidence, action and vitality, this aligns with The Red Pumps concept of empowerment for women. On the road to Red Pump, the myHealthImpact team will document our journey and experiences. With the mixture of personalities that are currently on the team, I know that we are bound to have a memorable time. Our team will be actively involved in the Red Pump event, so be on the look out for our videos, tweets, pics and blogs. Though this event is geared around women, the HIV/AIDS epidemic has affected both genders tremendously. As a male. I do believe that I will be able to benefit from attending this event on behalf of myHealthImpact. Increasing your knowledge base is always a positive aspect to one’s role in developing as an individual.

Spreading the information to others not only help those who don’t know but can potentially save lives. Preparation for this event ties into this month’s focus, which is HIV Awareness and World AIDS Day (December 1). The spreading of diseases can be prevented, and more events can be hosted to inform the community of the disease. This event is going to be amazing, and I’m looking forward to it. Be on the lookout for the video footage and other information pertaining to myHealthImpact’s involvement with the Red Pump Project.

Share

November 25, 2013

Black Community

Just listen to these lyrics… These songs not only disrespect women and even men, they put the African American community to shame. Some of the lyrics in these songs refer to women as “property” and “treating women like dogs”. I don’t understand how people can stand to listen to these lyrics. After a while, what you listen to will eventually get down inside of you and it becomes a part of you.  People can’t expect others to respect them when they willingly jam in the car to music such as this. Yea, the beat may be “attractive” but are people really listening to the words that these artists are saying. It’s totally unacceptable.

This month, the focus is Sexual Health for myHealthImpact. Though these songs degrade both men and women, they also have sexual references as well. It’s important that each person takes responsibility for their health, body and the decision of having sex at a certain age. Songs such as those listed above make it seem as if having sex early is cool, but there are consequences for every action. Being knowledgeable about sex and its repercussions is very important for your health. Take some time and learn about the topic before you immediately enter into something that you have no idea about. This could save your life. Think about it.

Share

November 17, 2013

Spotify Playlists - Empowerment Edition pt2

This week my musical selection came from songs that are always on repeat when I listen to my ipod. Whether I’m going through things or feeling happy, these are the songs that make my spirit happy and motivate me to succeed. From Rihanna to Adele, I love my selected artists for their unique musical style and artistry. I started my playlist off with Fly by Nicki Minaj:

  “I am not a girl that can ever be defined
I am not fly, I am levitation
I represent an entire generation
I hear the criticism loud and clear
That is how I know that the time is near
So we become alive in a time of fear”

Every time I hear those lines I feel invincible. I think what Nicki Minaj is trying to say, is that no matter what people say about you, you can’t let their words define you. In addition to that, she represents an entire generation of women—women who are independent and strong. And those women can be role models to young girls. And when set yourself apart from those, that sometimes you will here the criticism loud and clear, but that’s when you need to continue to climb and be the best you can be.

“I wanna leave my footprints on the sands of time
Know there was something that, meant something that I left behind
When I leave this world, I'll leave no regrets
Leave something to remember, so they won't forget”

This song inspires me to want to leave a legacy behind. No matter how big, or how small that legacy is. This song empowers women to want to make sure what they did in life speaks volumes. In the song, Beyonce vulnerably reviews her past, wanting to leave an impact on the world before her life comes to an end. I think this song inspires women to think critically about the impact they can have on the world and even after life, your legacy still moves on.

“Find light in the beautiful sea
I choose to be happy
You and I, you and I
We’re like diamonds in the sky”

Every time I hear Diamonds by Rihanna I smile. This song speaks to my soul. The overall energy I feel from this song is positive and happy. This song makes me think about how life can be, when you just live in a state of happiness. I believe this song depicts Rihanna in a positive light. Rihanna is saying that a woman can be vulnerable and in love, and that their love can shine like diamonds in the sky. Can when you are in love, the feeling makes you feel alive.

“We could have had it all
(You're gonna wish you never had met me)
Rolling in the deep
(Tears are gonna fall, rolling in the deep)
You had my heart inside of your hand
(You're gonna wish you never had met me)
But you played it, You played it, You played it”

This song represents all women at some point and time in their life. Sometimes when you are in love, you never see the wrong a man can do. In this song, Adele has realizing that in her relationship that could have had it all and been happy, but the guy wanted to play games. I think this is a positive song for women, because shed light to that sometimes we are afraid to see the truth about our relationships and when you finally do, the message is SO clear!

Many of the songs from my playlist depict woman as strong, independent, smart, beautiful and fearless. But can you say the same about society? I wanted my playlist to depict woman in a positive light and show society that like men, I woman can be strong and independent, yet, beautiful and vulnerable to love too.

Share

November 10, 2013

Spotify Playlists - Empowerment Edition

This week my musical selection is (well what I think) is all over the place and subject to change from day to day. From Katy Perry to K. Michelle, Destiny’s Child then back to Tori Kelly whom of which I adore. I love each artist for different reasons; the melody, the artist’s voice and singing ability but do we really ever take the time to listen to the lyrics? Honestly, I don’t give me a catchy chorus and hook and you’ve got me.  I took the time this week to really listen and to see what these songs are saying to its listeners.  I’ll start with Roar by Katy Perry:

  “I’ve got the eye of the tiger, a fighter. Dancing through the fire ‘cause I’m a champion and you’re going to hear me roar”

This is the first time in a long time that I’ve heard a song that shows how strong we as females are. Stating that we are strong enough to conquer all goals and fears and in doing so being fierce in the process. Hear us roar.

“Cause when I find a man, He’s gon’ love me. I’m gonna cater, serve ya…give you what you deserve”

This song by K. Michelle, I like it but when I sat back and listened to the lyrics, she basically states what she’s going to do for this perfect man. Well what about him treating you like the Queen that you are? What does this say about what women accept? Well to me it says that we settle just for someone saying that they loves us. I hope you aren’t questioning if that’s enough. On the other hand, I don’t think it’s anything wrong with catering to your man as long as it’s a reciprocated action.

“I’m like an eagle set free and I’m finally looking out for me”

To me this song says that we as females put up with a lot whether these things are from a man, job stresses, home matters or just from simply being a woman. Just as the Katy Perry song, which is notorious for Destiny’s Child, they provided a song that empowers and tells ladies that when you let go of whatever it is, freedom is on the other side. This song paints the picture of a weak woman going through and it only making her free, empowered, and stronger in the end.

“but I’d love to have a soul mate and God will give him to me someday and I know I’ll be worth the wait”

I love this song but as I listen and relate it back to the image that music portrays woman in, I think that it portrays us always as single but yet strong and hopeful that that one that meant to be will come along one day. This song talks of her being single how she’s hopefully waiting on this person but in the meantime she’s joyful in knowing that she’s an independent woman that doesn’t want to just be an investment to any man.

Share

November 03, 2013

Did You Know…

Did you know that in-home HIV testing was possible and readily available to the public, inexpensively? Well it is, with OraQuick. I’ve noticed (upon my own personal observation) many people are ashamed and just don’t want to be seen getting tested. OraQuick completely solves that issue.

OraQuick is an in-home testing mechanism testing for HIV-1 and HIV-2. Being that it’s in-home, you don’t have to worry about confidentiality or anonymity being broken. The only person/people you’d have to worry about knowing your results are you, yourself…and well just you.

A couple of facts via www.oraquick.com concerning OraQuick:

• OraQuick is the first FDA-approved oral swab in-home test
• This is based on the same HIV test that healthcare professionals have used since 2004
• You get results in 20 minutes
• Being that this is an oral test, no blood is involved. You just swipe you gums
• Your test kit includes: step-by-step directions, an oral swab test stick and tube with solution, information booklets on HIV and testing, and package insert containing information about the test

You can purchase your OraQuick kit on its website as well as at some of your local health supply stores such as Rite Aid, CVS, Walgreens and even Wal-Mart as well as Kroger. Purchasing via the OraQuick website, it’s $39.99 (not including shipping and handling). Purchasing at Rite Aid would run you about $29.99.

I stress the importance of getting tested because it’s important and at that readily available. I feel as though it’s no excuse to have not been tested especially if you haven’t ever or your test results are invalid. College organizations are offering FREE testing, many clinics are offering FREE testing, and if you don’t want to do either, you can do so right in your own home for a fee that’s incomparable to knowing your status.

Share

October 21, 2013

Health Literacy?

Health Literacy is defined as the degree to which individuals have the capacity to obtain, process, and understand basic health information and services needed to make appropriate health decisions. It requires a complex group of reading, listening, analytical, and decision-making skills, and the ability to apply these skills to health situations. For example, it includes the ability to understand instructions on prescription drug bottles, appointment slips, medical education brochures, doctor's directions and consent forms, and the ability to negotiate complex health care systems. When patients are faced with complex information and treatment decisions, there are specific tasks that should be carried out to ensure that one is getting the best treatment possible. Those tasks include:

• Evaluating information for credibility and quality
• Analyzing relative risks and benefits
• Calculating dosages
• Interpreting test results
• Locating health information.

In order to accomplish these tasks, individuals may need to be:

• Visually literate
• Computer literate
• Information literate
• Numerically or computationally literate
• Oral language skills are important as well.

In addition to that, it is important for patients to articulate their health concerns and describe their symptoms accurately. They need to ask pertinent questions, and they need to understand spoken medical advice or treatment directions. In an age of shared responsibility between physician and patient for health care, patients need strong decision-making skills.

Next time you visit your local physician, make sure you are practicing and carrying out these tasks. It is important for patients to receive the best care possible, as well as, know how to make accurate decisions when it comes to healthcare.

Follow us on Tumblr tumblr.myhealthimpactnetwork.org
Follow us on Twitter @myhealthimpact

Share

October 21, 2013

Breast Cancer: Study Results, Causes, and Health Literacy

When thinking about breast cancer, many people automatically shift their focus to women. In particular, women within the African American community. Studies have shown that breast cancer is more common in white women than African American women. In all actuality, men are also susceptible to breast cancer. Just like women, men do have breast tissue, which has the possibility of developing breast cancer.

I was pretty surprised when I learned of this news. From my research, the exact cause of breast cancer is not known. Even though there is no exact cause, the risk of getting breast cancer increases with age. Factors such as family history and alcohol usage also increase the possibility of getting breast cancer. For males, the most cases for breast cancer have been detected between ages 60- 70. Overall, a male’s risk of obtaining breast cancer is only 1%. Though this percentage is fairly low, this doesn’t completely eliminate the possibility for men.

In terms of health literacy, everyone needs to be knowledgeable about breast cancer. Having this knowledge base can help improve the quality of life by recognizing the signs early and seeking treatment if necessary. Knowing that breast cancer is 100 times more likely in women than men, this encourages me to consistently check on the women in my life. It is my duty to ensure that they are going to get mammograms and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Just knowing about breast cancer isn’t enough. Being proactive in your efforts can help save lives.

Follow us on Tumblr tumblr.myhealthimpactnetwork.org
Follow us on Twitter @myhealthimpact

Share

October 21, 2013

Telehealth & the Regulation of Mobile Applications

Could you imagine coming into the doctor’s office and getting a routine checkup with your doctor in another state? How could that be? Well with the rise in popularity with Telehealth this may possibly be a more common practice. Telehealth is the delivery of health related services and information via telecommunication technology.  I’ve seen in one case a 5 foot or so mobile cart that could roll across offices with a screen on it. The Doctor was displayed on the screen and was able to communicate with the patient and other personnel in the room. It was amazing; the cart also contained an HD camera where the doctor cans accurately diagnosis the patient as if they were there. Not to mention all of this was in real time so the communication seems more natural.

This could also be applied to patients that are bedridden.  Being able to see, talk, and hear your doctors from the comforts of your home that would allow patients to know that they are accurately being diagnosed. This also isn’t limited to just communication. Medical equipment can also be configured to send patient information to hospitals servers where their other personal information is stored. So imagine getting an accurate checkup from your doctor from your mobile device; pretty cool huh.

The Regulation of Mobile Applications

As consumers of technology we are all familiar with mobile applications or apps. Apps can range from entertainment all the way to media production. One area that may need more attention in this day and age is mobile medical applications. These apps are designed to provide assistant or even results to certain medical problems. Now this raises a few questions: “Are these apps begin regulated? Are they safe to use? Are they even worth trying? “

The FDA stated on Sept. 23, 2013 that they will not actively regulate low risk medical apps. They stated that apps that aren’t heavily regulated through the FDA are considered “Low risk”. Essentially if an app “transforms a mobile device into a medical device already regulated by the FDA” or can be used “as an accessory to a medical device already regulated by the FDA,” the FDA says that app will be subject to regulation.

But how many medical apps are there? Well in 2010 MobiHealthNews reported an estimate of 5,800 medical apps was available through smartphones. By June 2012 that number has risen to 40,000. Almost at the end of 2013, there’s no telling how many medical specific apps are available to us to use. Regulation is inevitable and safety will always be considered, especially when it comes to patients attempting to treat themselves.

Then there’s the side of the consumer. I personally never used an app that treated a health problem nor have I attempted to look for an app to treat a health problem. We may have the technology, but at the same time we can’t rely too much on it. Medical apps are a great step for the future, but “with great power comes great responsibility.” With more guidance and regulations, medical apps may become a standard of living.

Follow us on Tumblr tumblr.myhealthimpactnetwork.org
Follow us on Twitter @myhealthimpact

Sources

Profitable-practice.softwareadvice.com. N.p., 8 June 2013. Web. 1 Oct. 2013.
     <http://profitable-practice.softwareadvice.com/
     medical-apps-to-regulate-or-not-to-regulate-0713/>.

"Global Life Sciences: US-FDA Update." Sidley.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 1 Oct. 2013.
     <http://www.sidley.com/
     FDA-Says-it-will-not-Actively-Regulate-Low-Risk-Mobile-Medical-Apps-10-01-2013/>.

Share