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EASYTOMAKE MEALS: SHEETPAN DINNERS PAGE 45 PET HEALTH: THE CONVENIENCE OF TELEMEDICINE PAGE 28 BLACK MANAGING MENOPAUSE PAGE 14 COVID19 LIVES UPDATE PAGE 6 MATTER Kareem Abdul-Jabbar pens a first-person piece on systemic racism in the health care system and beyond. Alongside his son Amir, an orthopedic surgeon, they both work to make the world

a better place. PAGE 29 WMD0121_TOC.nofolio.indd 1 “IT’S AS IF THE BLACK THE IF AS “IT’S KAREEM ABDUL
JABBAR TO ALL THE SAME OBSTACLES.” THEN WAKE UP THE NEXT DAY PROVE IT EXISTS, SEE GAINS, AND EVERY DAY WE FIGHT RACISM, GROUNDHOG DAY COMMUNITY IS TRAPPED IN WEBMD MAGAZINE IN WHICH Contents JANFEBMAR 2021 NBA legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Abdul-Jabbar Kareem legend NBA health care system inequalities system care health pens a passionate piece about about piece apassionate pens How structural racism keeps keeps racism structural How medical school out of reach of out school medical THE BLACK DOCTORS? BLACK THE SOCIAL JUSTICE SOCIAL BLACK LIVES MATTER LIVES BLACK getting the help it needs it help the getting Top barriers that bar the bar that Top barriers Black community from from community Black MENTAL HEALTH MENTAL WHERE ARE ALL ALL ARE WHERE FEATURES WEBMD.COM 40 29 35 12/11/20 3:07 PM 1

PHOTOGRAPHY: JOHN RUSSO WMD0121_TOC.nofolio.indd 2 15 14 13 12 LIVING 12 in seniors seniors in health brain boosts exerciseCardiovascular FITNESS the body the of areas other and heart your affect can estrogen of alack How WOMEN’S HEALTH disease disease prevention for visits doctor annual schedule age, you As MEN’S HEALTH overall health overall improves life in purpose of asense Having WELL BEING WEBMD MAGAZINE 21 21 18 17 16 BEAUTY 18 17 with prime products prime with acne teen Take down PICKS EXPERT winter skin care tips care skin winter top reveal Experts BEAUTY SMARTS dimethicone? about know you do What CARE SKIN aging aging skin for practices Best Q&A DERM Contents 28 28 27 26 25 BABY 24 23 22 FAMILY 24 these warning signs warning these with depression Spot HEALTH TEEN caregiving and play and caregiving through relationships better build Dads PARENTING Virtual visits with the vet the with visits Virtual PETS stressful times stressful in cope kids helps Detailed storytelling HEALTH KIDS’ parenting skills lack who dads new for hope There’s PARENTING development brain alters time screen suggests study A recent you get more sleep more get you help to tips Expert PREGNANCY 26 49 49 48 45 YOU FOR GOOD 44 FOOD 48 for the family the for dinners sheet-pan Prepare veggie-packed 3 WAYS worldy—curry powders worldy—curry Five ‘lavorful—and 101 FOOD with these tips these with guacamole great Make ABETTER BUILD colorful, crunchy, carrots ‘iber-rich crunchy, colorful, for crazy Go ON THE COVER PHOTOGRAPHY BY: JOHN RUSSO 45 JANFEBMAR 2021 54 54 53 MY 52 PERSPECTIVE 51 50 CHECKUP 55 55 5 3 IN ISSUE EVERY 55

to as you age you as to attention pay to issues Health DOCTOR Q&A Four risk factors for heart disease heart for factors risk Four What is aradiologist? is What WHO WHO’S Tips to cope with menopause with cope to Tips HIGHLIGHTS HEALTH COVID-19 and more and COVID-19 for vaccines on research New THE LATEST self-image, and meditation and self-image, movement, Matter Lives Black the with involvement her discusses Palmer Keke Actor 10 TAKE pressure, and more more and pressure, blood high depression, on research and News UPFRONT FROM THE WEBMD TEAM WEBMD THE FROM WEBMD.COM 48 12/11/20 3:07 PM 2

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SENIOR HEALTH Gracefully Age HELP US LIVE BETTER, TOO. A FEW HEALTHY PRACTICES COULD WE’RE LIVING LONGER THAN EVER. TIMELY TOPICS TIMELY hearing loss. in olderadultswith declinemental odds of age-related aid reduces the getting ahearing Proportion by which at WebMD.com. as WeAgeat OurBodies quiz the for Search

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30% 24% death among heart attack attack among heart death compared withthose owning adogcanlower and stroke survivors who live alone. the chanceofanearly Proportion by which NEWS YOU CAN USE CAN YOU NEWS 78.7 78.7 Americans in2018, aslight Average life expectancy of increase over theprevious year. YEARS WEBMD.COM

5 Upfront magazinefeedback@ CORONAVIRUS UPDATE 89% Executive Editor Editor Executive adults who say face covering the spread of Proportion of webmd.com DOWNEY LAURA J. LAURA to prevent they use a COVID-19. SOURCE: CDC

and thenhijacksyourcells,where thevirusmakescopiesofitself. world needsto see. — African for school medical to Americans andwhy it’s hard for thisgroup of individualsto getprofessional helpfor issues. health theirmental door the shuts racism institutional racism andshares whatwe candoto joininthisvaliant effort. with his son Amir, an orthopedic surgeon, he’s working to ”ight systemic Along beyond. and system care health the in encounter people Black legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar writes a ”irst-person piece on the inequalities elections ever. Anxiety ishighandpeopleare outfor crying help. controversialmost the of one votes in our presidential cast to polls the to worldwidepandemic,raw we witnessed footage takeracialof injustices throughout place U.S.,the weand ran for technology and wherever you areresearch, atinyour journey. health trends, latest the you bringing to committed am I enthusiast, wellness and I’m excited to start the new year with you as the executive editor of Score BigWith SocialJustice IN THE NEWS continuing tomakecopiesofitselfandspreading throughoutthe so thattheviruscan’tgetin.Thesecouldprevent thevirusfrom body. Theresearchers haverecommended thatthedrugs gointo clinical trialstotestthemaspossibletreatments forCOVID-19. inflammatory andanti-cancermedications,canlockthecells SARS-CoV-2, thevirusthatcausesCOVID-19, entersthebody There’s nocure forityet.Butinlabexperiments, researchers Let’s useourvoices to upagainstsocialinjusticeandcometogether stand tothe bright be light the ways the detail issue Justice Social our in features poignant Other NBA and star cover our justice, social for advocate longtime a As a of middle the lifein to adapt to how learn quickly Weto whirlwind. had a havebeen fewmonths past The found thatsevenalready-approved drugs,includinganti- STOP THE VIRUS SOURCE: Cell WebMD Magazine releases a hormone called cortisol to hormone a releases When you’re under stress, body your researchers suggest that a baseline baseline a researchers suggest that numerous chronic diseases. Excess may be. But too much cortisol from people who need extra attention admission to the hospital were the severe cases of COVID-19. Among ultimately die from the illness. The help you ight whatever the threat enter the hospital with COVID-19. 403 people hospitalized with the chronic long-term stress can be new coronavirus, those with the the new coronavirus, those with cortisol cortisol test may help identify harmful. High cortisol levels are and preventive careand when they cortisol cortisol may also lead to more connected to risk factors for SOURCE: quickest to deteriorate and highest highest cortisol levels on CORTISOL CONTROL The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology ! As a seasoned journalist WEBMD.COM 6

GETTY IMAGES; PHOTOGRAPHY: AKINS GRAPHICS; MAKEUP: NISHA CARRUTH LAGANA FOR A GLAMOUR AFFAIR; STYLING: MISAYO HOUSE BIRTHSTONE COLLECTION STUDS IN GARNET Upfront CORONAVIRUS UPDATE prevent this deadly immune response. The thisdeadlyimmuneresponse.The prevent people whohave COVID-19 thechildhood In casesof COVID-19, severe theimmune a more effective, targeted defense against against defense targeted a moreeffective, the virus and causes severe inflammation the virusandcausessevere protected against disease-inducedsepsis. against protected sepsis. New research suggests thatsepsis. New giving researchsuggests breathing difficulties, organfailure,and breathing difficulties, COVID-19, butitmay themost prevent against. Inagainst. thevaccine labexperiments, vaccine teachesimmunecellstomount life-threatening bloodpoisoningcalled measles/mumps/rubella vaccine could throughout thebody. canleadto This system unleashesanall-outattacksystem on The vaccine does not protect against against vaccine doesnotprotect The viruses—not onlythoseitvaccinates “very con ident” they can protect TARGETED Number of Americans who are dangerous consequences ofit DEFENSE themselves from COVID-19. 1 IN 4 1 IN SOURCE: Gallup Poll SOURCE: mBio .

pressure than their peers. more likely to develop high blood with discrimination were 50% the most lifetime experience interviews, those who reported condition. In questionnaires and years, half of them developed the blood pressure. Over the next 13 At the beginning, none had high the ages of 21 and 85 for 13 years. 1,845 African Americans between risk for it. Researchers followed of discrimination that increases suggests that it might be a lifetime than other groups. New research prevalent among African Americans High blood pressure is more SOURCE: schizophrenia and other mental health conditions. babies in women who use it while they’re pregnant, and development of in multiple sclerosis. But, it may also raise risk for car crashes, low birthweight induced nausea and vomiting, and muscle stiffness cannabis can ease chronic pain, chemo- real deal: Some evidence suggests 500 Hash Bash attendees. Here’s the it does, according to a survey of more bene its and fewer risks than Marijuana users think the plant has HYPERTENSION DUE TO DISCRIMINATION BLACK PEOPLE ARE MORE APT TO DEVELOP HIGH REGARD American American Journal of Health Promotion ertension higher lifetime risk of heart disease.Ifyou’vehadababy riskofheart higher lifetime preterm, talk to your doctor aboutyourindividualrisk. talktoyourdoctor preterm, Women 37weeksfacea whodeliverbabiesbefore PRETERM PROBLEM

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GETTY IMAGES GETTY IMAGES Artiicial Artiicial Intelligence (AI) might provide an alternative. Researchers trained But, tests that measure it can be invasive, risky, and time-consuming. Reduced blood low is a common symptom of many heart conditions. SHOW THE FLOW SOURCE: and stroke. means to prevent heart attack become a low-risk, noninvasive they are aware of it, AI could reduced blood low, when Since doctors can often treat risk for heart attack and stroke. signs of poor blood low and people and accurately identiied scans from more than 1,000 low. The computers reviewed scans for signs of low blood computers to analyze heart Circulation

of a study of500full-timeteachers.of astudy weretheresultsthoughts aboutyourjob.Those to work-related anxiety, stress, andnegative makes youlessproneyour personallife.This that yourworkintrudesin feel you’ll that emails after business hours—reducethechance notifications ofworkoff smartphone turning work-lifeboundaries—forexample,Clear KEEP WORK AT WORK Journal of Organiational ehaior Organiational of Journal Upfront WEBMD.COM 8 Upfront

HAPPY HUSBAND OR WIFE, HEALTHY LIFE Satisfied spouses have healthier partners who stay sharper over time. Researchers tracked 4,457 retired couples for up to 8 years. At the start of the study, they asked the retirees about their level of optimism. Then they tested the couples’ thinking skills every 2 years. Over time, people with more optimistic partners maintained better brain function and were less likely to develop dementia. Optimistic partners, the researchers say, may be more likely to encourage healthy behaviors, like exercise and eating right, that could stave off dementia.

SOURCE: Journal of Personality

STOP THE SPREAD OF A PLUS FOR SADNESS PARKINSON’S Children of mothers Tiny electrodes implanted in the with long-term brain early in Parkinson’s slowed the depression have progress of the disease and eliminated a higher risk for the need for multiple medications in behavioral and a small study that followed 30 people developmental with Parkinson’s for five years. Deep- problems. The brain stimulation, as the procedure is called, sends electrical pulses to the longer a mother’s region of the brain affected by disease. depression, the worse those consequences for In the study, people received either her children, says a study of 892 moms and Parkinson’s drugs alone or brain their 978 children. Getting help for depression stimulation along with drugs. Those as early as possible, the researchers say, not who received both were 15 times only helps mom but also improves the outlook less likely to see worsening of their for little ones. tremor over the five-year period.

Pediatric and Perinatal Eideiolog Neurolog

PRICEY PILLS As the cost of drugs for neurological conditions rises, the odds that people continue to take those drugs go down. New research shows that for each $50 increase in monthly out-of-pocket drug costs, the chances that people reill their medications for Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and peripheral neuropathy drop by 9% to 12%.

SOURCE: Neurology IMAGES GETTY

9 WEBMD.COM Upfront SOURCE: concernsthat thegenes.alleviated patients mightreject hosts. This months—the entireduration offollow-up—anddidn’t their hurt powersfor9 genespatients, maintainedtheirnew therevised cells tohelpthemfightcancer. intothreesick Onceinjected ways? In researchers editedgenes inimmune anexperiment, wreakhavoc? gothey backtotheirdisease-prone Willthey mightdoinsidethebodylongterm.Willclear what they these genes holdpotentialtoimprovehumanhealth,it’s not genes—to removediseasesoraddillness-fightingpowers.While way toedit arevolutionary offersscientists CRISPR technology GENETIC REWRITE NEARLY 50% between single-gene mutations and risk for corresponding diseases. cancers, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s, they found that genetics explain around you, and numerous other factors contribute, too. Of course, Your DNA is not your destiny. Researchers drilled down on the link about 5% to 10% of your risk. Your metabolism, lifestyle, the world there are a few exceptions. Genes account for up to 50% of your For most of the common diseases they studied, including many Bummed out about your mail-order DNA test results? Hear this: Science risk for Crohn’s, celiac disease, and macular degeneration. THE SKINNY ON GENES SOURCE: PLOS One PLOS more likely toalreadybeparentsbyage 23. andwere educational achievements, financial troubleandfewer grade—about 10days peryear—were lesslikely tovote,hadmore whoregularlymissedschool througheighth through age 23.Those young adults.Researchersfollowed648peoplefromkindergarten consequencesas missschoolmayKids whooften sufferunexpected DIFFICULTIES LATER IN LIFE POOR ATTENDANCE EQUALS Journal of of Journal Youth and Adolescence Proportion of adults who will be obese by 2030 in the U.S., according to estimates.

SOURCE: New England Journal of Medicine of Journal England New

of nearly20,000older the finding of a study the findingofastudy for men—couldhelp drinking habitsand you hangontoyour eight drinksaweek adults for10years. brain performance brain performance TO THINK Light tomoderate for womenand15 you age. was That thinking skillsas drinking—up to that tracked the DRINK WEBMD.COM JAMA 10

GETTY IMAGES Upfront

MISSED CONNECTIONS It’s not clear why some children develop anxiety and depression. But connections in the brain might play a role. Researchers took brain MRIs of 94 7-year-olds. Those who had stronger connections between the prefrontal cortex and a region of the brain associated with mood were less likely to develop depression and anxiety over the next 4 years. The researchers discovered brain connections that could help predict development of attention problems as well.

SOURCE: JAMA Psychiatry STD FINAL WISHES RISE A POLST (physician orders for life-sustaining treatments) is a document for people who have serious, life-limiting About 20 million new cases of sexually chronic conditions. It outlines how much care you would transmitted diseases like at the end of life if you are unable to speak for yourself. occur in the U.S. A recent analysis of the medical records of deceased every year. Half are people who had these documents showed that many may in young people have received life-prolonging treatments that they ages 15 to 24. didn’t want. People who have a POLST, the researchers SOURCE: CDC suggest, should have open discussions with their families to help ensure their end-of-life wishes are honored.

SOURCE: JAMA 1 IN 5 Number of U.S. adults who wear a fitness tracker or use an app to track physical activity.

SOURCE: Gallup

COST OF CARE In the last year, 1 in 4 Americans say they or a family member has put off medical care for a serious condition because of the cost.

GETTY IMAGES GETTY SOURCE: Gallup

11 WEBMD.COM WMD0121_Living.indd 19

GETTY IMAGES Those who always thatThose seethesilverlininghave come withit. andalltheharmful effects lessstress, a sense of purposehadbetter physical and mental healthscoresthanthose whodidn’t. differencemay from apositiveoutlook. The stem inTheJournalwell-being. Astudy ofClinicalPsychiatry asked 1,042peopleaboutmeaning intheirlives.People had they whobelieved yourgolf swingorsitintheOval Office,having yourgoal istoperfect into adulthood.Whether asenseofpurposemightimproveyouroverall SOME OF US HAVE KNOWN WHAT WE WANT FROM LIFE SINCE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL,

WELLBEING HEALTHY HABITS Purposeful Life Purposeful THE SEARCH FOR MEANING IN LIFE COULD YIELD HEALTH REWARDS Living while others struggle to find their purpose well tofindtheirpurposewell while othersstruggle STEPHANIE WATSON MEANINGFUL CHANGE WEBMD.COM 12/11/20 10:26 AM 12 WMD0121_Living.indd 20

MEN'S HEALTH QUESTIONS FOR YOUR DOCTOR Living to everyone. Skype orZoom. Exercise isavailable that offers remotely classes via videos onYouTube, orjoinagym Inside, indexercise climbthestairs, Q You Age as Up Check my home? in shapeeven ifI’m con inedto REVIEWED BY REVIEWED BY THE YEARS BEYOND YOUR HEALTH RISKS AS YOU REACH RETIREMENT AGE AND MOVE INTO KEEP TABS ON YOUR PHYSICAL AND MENTAL WELL BEING, AND KNOW in New York City, withannualtripstoyourdoctor. recommendsyoustart Horovitz,health. Len MD, Hill at aninternalmedicinespecialist Lenox Hospital you needtodo—andhowdoit—toavoid diseaseorsignificant damage to your TO LIVE A LONG AND HEALTHY LIFE, WhatcanIdotogetandstay Matt McMillen Matt “I like toseeolderguysonceayear,” Horovitz says. at WebMD.com. Tests EveryManNeedsat EssentialScreening slideshow the for Search Michael W. Smith, MD, WebMD Chief Medical Editor Medical Chief WebMD MD, W. Smith, Michael

interrupting your breathing. sleep apnea,which troubles sleepby during theday, toyour talk doctor about says you snore andyou don’t feel rested sleep every night.Ifyour bedpartner You needseven toeighthours of good Q about sleep? it helpstohave aplan,toknowwhat ShouldIbeconcerned can inspire each other. involved,partner andyou both team effort. Getyour spouse or but itcanhelptomake ita There’s nopilltostay motivated, Q maintain healthymaintain habits? How doIstay inspired to the television.” haven’t thoughtoutaplanfind themselvesinfrontof youretire,” after can practice hesays. “Most menwho away fromyourjob,outsideofcareer, whichyou and emotionally. His advice:“Have best acreative life ormaintaininganerection. achieving ifyouhaveshy abouttalking toyourdoctor trouble Don’t be atherosclerosis, orhardeningofthearteries. like highbloodpressure and diseaseriskfactors heart only makes that moredifficult. It alsomay beasignof not dysfunction inthebedroom.Erectile perform disease, Horovitz says. allofwhichincreasethechance ofheart hypertension, obesity, youfromdiabetes, regularly willhelpprotect and Eating rightandworkingout lack ofexercise. longtimeadjusting lifestyle habits, like poornutrition Forto carefortheirhearts. many ofthem,that means ordersforyou. on thetype yourdoctor oftest 75 forcoloncancer. tested shouldget How depends often lung scaneachyear. theages Also,menbetween of50and alowdoseCT 15yearsto get smoking withinthepast heavyages 55to80whoarecurrent smokers orwhoquit CDCadvisesmen cancers alsoshouldconcernthem.The the topicat age 40. degree relative withearlyprostate cancershouldraise at ageto theirdoctor 45.Men withmorethanonefirst- agebrother hadprostate cancerbefore 65should talk risk, AfricanAmericanmenandwhosefather or at age 50.Becauseoftheirheightened this discussion recommendsthatAmerican CancerSociety youhave youwanttobescreened,”whether Horovitz says. The hand, prostate cancercanbedeadly. It’s complicated. incontinence, impotence,andanxiety. Ontheother physical andemotionalharm,suchasurinary andtreatmentScreening, testing, may causeunnecessary healthy livesdespiteitspresence. that menliveperfectly growssoslowly diseaseoften remain debatable. The is 66.Butthebenefits ofscreeningforprostate cancer prostate cancer,diagnosis of age forwhichthe average Finally, Horovitz says, mentally prepareforretirement And, ofcourse,hewantsmentoremainable In additiontocancer, Horovitz counselsoldermen Horovitz remindshismalepatients that often other “Have about withyourdoctor athoroughdiscussion bringtohim: concernsthey One ofthebiggest reach easily. irst 5pounds,thatyou can reasonable goals,like losing your overweight orobese. Setsmall, (BMI) below 25. Above that,you’re You want your bodymassindex Q need tolose? How muchweight doI WEBMD.COM 12/11/20 10:26 AM 13

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WOMEN'S HEALTH Health Through the Years the Through Health Living REVIEWED BY REVIEWED BY PREVENTION ARE KEY TO MAINTAINING WELLNESS HEALTH HAS SOME OLDER GETTING DOWNSIDES, AWARENESS BUT AND have a family history of osteoporosis, take ofosteoporosis, steroid have afamilyhistory screenedasearlytheir50s—especiallyifthey get at age that 65,butMinkin patients suggests often Official guidelinesadvisegetting abonedensity scan exercise to healthy,keep yourheart Minkin says. sure regular andget to eat awell-balanceddiet medication Meanwhile, oradditionaltesting. be ifyourequire todetermine withyourdoctor factors a smoker. allyourrisk Besuretoregularlyreview andbeing disease,asdoesdiabetes cardiovascular annually.should betested many youneedtobetested; olderadults often how yourdoctor andtriglycerides.cholesterol Ask should tocheckyour order regularbloodtests careprovider health,yourprimary on your heart declines at menopause,Minkin says. To keep tabs Butthat estrogen changes events. after cardiovascular to suffer attacks, heart strokes, andotherserious Younger womenarelesslikely thantheirmalepeers vulnerable to these four areas of medical concern. vulnerable tothesefourareasofmedicalconcern. Specifically, Minkin says that womenbecomemore sciencesat Yalereproductive SchoolofMedicine. gynecology, ofobstetrics, in thedepartment and says Mary Jane Minkin, MD, aclinicalprofessor ofyourlife, yourhealthfortherest can impact intheearly50s),andthat shift usually occurs hormone take anosediveat menopause(which ofthis tiedtolackofestrogen. Levels are directly MAY CROP UP IN THEIR 60S, 70S, AND BEYOND FOR WOMEN, SEVERAL HEALTH ISSUES THAT OSTEOPOROSIS CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE Barbara Brody Brody Barbara High bloodpressurealsoputsyouat riskfor Brunilda Nazario, MD, WebMD Senior Medical Editor Medical Senior WebMD MD, Nazario, Brunilda

weight-bearing exercise part ofyourroutine. part weight-bearing exercise supplement), andtomake strength-training and olderpeopleneeda from food),vitaminD(most make sureyou’re getting adequate calcium(ideally day. Ifyourbonedensity islow, it’s to important very cigarettes, orhave morethanonealcoholicdrinkper thin, smoke medication arevery (such asforasthma), and treatments are available. up; althoughthey’re common,they’re notnormal Minkin says. Ifyouhave any oftheseissues,speak if youdon’t noticesymptomsuntilyearslater, related totheloss ofestrogen at menopauseeven (UTIs). infections may tract These be urinary bladderincontinence, andfrequent discomfort, Many vaginal dryness/ olderwomendevelop 10years. once every or acolonoscopy;thelatter bedonejust canoften testing stool-based youshouldget about whether age 45or50throughage 75. Talk toyourdoctor Minkin says. You at shouldbescreenedstarting cancer. forcervical this test thatuntil age age, womencanstop 65;after most You shouldalsoplantocontinue withPap smears annually orbiennially, at untiltheirmid-70s. least senior womenshouldbegetting mammograms Mostgiven theirage andpersonalriskfactors. ascreeningschedulethat makes determine sense to older womenshouldworkwiththeirdoctors age cancergoes 50,so riskofbreast upafter The UROGENITAL CONDITIONS CANCER Meanwhile, don’t cancer, aboutcolorectal forget every two years. might advisegettingtested 65. Asyou age, your doctor welldensity test before age from gettingabaselinebone factors, you may bene it Depending onyour risk Q care provider. risk factors withyour health should review your personal until thesameage, butyou colonoscopy every 10years) screening (such asa and regular coloncancer or two untiltheirmid-70s mammograms every year Most women should have Q EKG,test, orothertests. see aspecialistfor astress symptoms, you may needto you’re highriskorare having and bloodpressure, butif can checkyour cholesterol Your care primary provider Q cancer screenings? cardiologist? DOCTOR ASK YOUR Do I need a bone scan? Do Ineedabonescan? AmIuptodateon ShouldIseea Needs Tests EveryWoman Essential Screening slideshow the for Search at WebMD.com. WebMD.com. at WEBMD.COM 12/11/20 10:26 AM 14

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FITNESS Senior Fitness Savvy A NEW STUDY SUGGESTS EXERCISE SLOWS AGEŠRELATED CHANGES IN YOUR BRAIN. WE ASK EXPERTS FOR TIPS ON HOW TO WORK OUT SAFELY.

BY Kara Mayer Robinson REVIEWED BY Michael W. Smith, MD, CPT, WebMD Chief Medical Editor SET YOURSELF UP FOR SUCCESS

GET OFF ON THE RIGHT FOOT WITH THESE BONUS TIPS FROM CERTIFIED STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING SPECIALIST THANU JEY.

CHOOSE 1. GOOD SHOES “Look for an athletic shoe with extra grip and lexibility,” Jey says. Arch support and an elevated, STAYING ACTIVE HELPS YOU LIVE A LONGER, DO use good form. cushioned heel are also HEALTHIER LIFE. Did you know it may also boost Focus on form and technique, especially when you important. your brain health? start a new activity. “The key to avoiding overuse A recent study in Mayo Clinic Proceedings injuries is to ensure proper form,” Rue says. CONSIDER suggests cardiovascular exercise like walking, 2. THE ELEMENTS jogging, and biking increases your gray matter DON’T overdo it. Be aware of your and brain volume, which studies show can slow Go slow and easy at first. If you’re walking or surroundings so you cognitive changes associated with aging. biking, start with a short distance or time. If you’re don’t trip or fall. Dress appropriately for the This comes as no surprise to John-Paul H. Rue, MD, using weights or resistance, use light weights temperature. If it’s too an orthopedic and sports medicine specialist at or low resistance. “Once your body gets used to hot, exercise indoors. Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore. “It supports it, gradually build up the intensity or distance,” what many doctors and sports trainers have long Rue says. STAY HYDRATED stated,” he says. “In addition to the obvious benefits, 3. Don’t wait until like stronger muscles and healthier heart and DO stretch. you’re thirsty. Drink a lung function, there’s now growing evidence of Take a few minutes before and after your workout glass of water before your improved cognitive function.” to stretch, Rue says. Stretching keeps you flexible workout, keep drinking We asked Rue and Thanu Jey, CSCS, a certified and wards off injuries. Try stretches for your upper during your workout, and drink up after you’re done. strength and conditioning specialist and director body, lower body, neck, and back. Check out an of Yorkville Sports Medicine Clinic in Toronto, online yoga class. how to exercise safely as you age. REST UP DON’T forget balance exercises. 4. Rest helps you perform better and DO choose wisely. As you age, falls are more common. Improving recover faster. If you didn’t Pick activities that are easy on your joints, Jey says. your balance lowers your risk. Try tai chi or yoga. get a good night’s sleep, Good choices are brisk walking, biking, swimming, Practice standing on one foot. Try walking heel-to- cut back on intensity or dancing, and water aerobics. Avoid jumping, toe. “Start stability and balance training early so it skip your workout until which puts added impact on your ankle, knee, and becomes part of your daily routine,” Jey says. tomorrow. hip joints, and increases your risk of falling. DO listen to your body. DON’T start without your doctor’s OK. If you have a cold, the flu, or another illness, hold “Check with your doctor before you start any new off on exercise until you feel better. If something Search for the exercise routine,” Rue says. Your doctor will check hurts, stop. See your doctor if you have shortness slideshow The Truth About Exercise your heart and lungs and make sure your new of breath, dizziness, chest pain or pressure, trouble and Aging at

routine is a good fit. balancing, or nausea. WebMD.com. IMAGES GETTY

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CURIOUS ABOUT WHAT GIVES SKIN THAT SILKY, SMOOTH FEEL after you apply some of your favorite makeup and skin-care products? Chances are, it’s dimethicone. This silicone-based ingredient is used in a variety of cosmetics—such as primers, creams, lotions, and ointments—that contain emollients to help seal in hydration on the face and body. “It basically keeps your skin from evaporating moisture, protects it from irritants and potentially even [from] other foreign debris microscopically getting into the skin,” says Seemal Desai, MD, a dermatologist in Plano, TX. Consider dimethicone a breathable skin barrier that fills in the blanks, but doesn’t block the benefits. It treats dry skin, and delivers moisture without the greasiness. The Seal the Deal best part? It’s noncomedogenic. Find this wonder, which

SKIN CARE LOCK IN MOISTURE WITH DIMETHICONE. THIS SECRET keeps skin soft and supple without clogging pores, in

GETTY IMAGES GETTY INGREDIENT HYDRATES, SOFTENS, AND PROTECTS SKIN. oil-free products. KARLA BORDERS POPE

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Search for the article Teen Acne: When Should You See a Doctor? Let’s Clear Things Up at WebMD.com. WITH SO MANY TEEN ACNE PRODUCTS TO CHOOSE FROM, HOW DO YOU KNOW WHAT’S BEST? LOOK FOR INGREDIENTS BACKED BY SCIENTIFIC STUDIES, SAYS SUCHISMITA TIA PAUL, MD, EXPERT PICKS EXPERT A DERMATOLOGIST IN SANTA ANA, CA. HERE ARE HER CLEAR WINNERS.

BY Kara Mayer Robinson REVIEWED BY Karyn Grossman, MD, WebMD Medical Reviewer

1. MULTITASKER 4. FACIAL FAVE Differin Gel Adapalene Gel 0.1% Glytone Mild Gel Cleanser, $33 Acne Treatment, $26 “This cleanser contains glycolic acid, “This topical retinoid increases cell turnover and an alpha-hydroxy acid that gently works great not only for clogged pores and mild exfoliates skin, unclogs pores, and acne, but also for any dark spots that remain.” helps with hyperpigmentation.”

2. WONDER WATER 5. THE ALLCLEAR Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Clean & Clear Advantage with Hyaluronic Acid for Dry Skin, $22 Acne Spot Treatment, $11 “This oil-free moisturizer is noncomedogenic, “This spot treatment has 2% salicylic acid, so it doesn’t clog pores, and delivers instant a beta-hydroxy acid that penetrates your hydration from hyaluronic acid. It’s a great skin at a deeper level. It helps treat acne by choice if your skin feels dry from your topical exfoliating skin and unclogging pores.” retinoid or benzoyl peroxide.”

3. IT’S A WASH PanOxyl Acne Foaming Wash Benzoyl Peroxide 10% Maximum Strength, $12 “Benzoyl peroxide helps with acne because it has antimicrobial and anti-inlammatory effects. But use THE OPINIONS EXPRESSED IN THIS it carefully—benzoyl peroxide SECTION ARE OF THE EXPERTS AND ARE NOT THE OPINIONS OF WEBMD. WEBMD can bleach your towels DOES NOT ENDORSE ANY SPECIFIC and clothes.” PRODUCT, SERVICE, OR TREATMENT. PHOTOGRAPHY: ARIANNA TETTAMANZI ARIANNA PHOTOGRAPHY:

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BEAUTY SMARTS Beauty Care Tips Skin Winter REVIEWED BY REVIEWED BY FOR A HEALTHY, SOFT, AND PROTECTED COMPLEXION TOP DERMATOLOGISTS SHARE THEIR PERSONAL SECRETS Liesa Goins Goins Liesa Mohiba K. Tareen, MD, WebMD Medical Reviewer Medical Tareen, WebMD MD, K. Mohiba transitioning their skincarefromfalltowinter. dry, cracked, itchy, flaky, rashy.” even andsometimes crank uptheheater andshowertemperature, whichcanleave ourskin the fallandwinterasairbecomes chilly, the humidity drops,andwe NaversenLaurel Geraghty, MD, adermatologist inMedford, OR.“In and glowingbecausetheweather isoneoftheskin’s saboteurs. biggest relyonessential trickstokeep theirskinclear,change, theexperts calm, at amagicshow.is like seeingbehindthecurtain Andastheseasons GETTING A PEEK INSIDE A DERMATOLOGIST’S MEDICINE CABINET We for asked their insider secrets topdermatologists toreveal “Mother Nature throwsourskinsomany curveballs,” says Blog HealthySkin the for Search at WebMD.com. at WEBMD.COM 12/11/20 12:55 PM 18

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GETTY IMAGES “Whenever I’m stressed orbored, Ipickat theskinaround my nailbeds.” oxide andtitaniumdioxide toshieldfrom He physical prefers sunscreenslike zinc day. withat SPF30every moisturizer least isn’t Hugh important. wearsafacial dropped doesn’t meanthat sunprotection wintermonths. during dry whentheskinisstressed which isimportant avoid ingredientsthat cancauseirritation, Vanicream, andCeraVe Cetaphil, tendto Hehe explains. says optionsmade by dermatitis [askinrash],”causing contact typically blandonesthat have alowriskof skin calm.“My favorite are moisturizers moist,”when theskinisstill hesays. bathing isrightafter to applymoisturizer an ointment,buttimingiskey. time best “The moisturizer, whichmay beathicker creamor why headvisesswitchingtoamoreeffective affect many otherskinconditions.” is This yourskinis,whichcaninturn, ormoist dry inDenver.Dermatology canaffect how “This the University of ofColorado Department ofmedicaleducation at and co-director Jeremyexplains Hugh, MD, dermatologist temperature andhumidity places, inmost the transition fromfalltowinterimpacts The THE MAGIC OF MOISTURIZER DIRTY SECRET DIRTY And just becausethetemperaturesAnd just have Hugh onformulasthat keep focuses and retinols above2%. and retinols above0.05%, [prescription-only Retin-A] 10%, benzoylperoxide above5%,tretinoin withalpha-hydroxy acidsabove products inflammation andirritation. She avoids skin barrierandniacinamidetotreat and glycerin that helpmaintaina healthy for ingredientslike ceramides,dimethicone, ($11) intoherroutine. like SeshaSkinTherapy’s CalmingMask hydration; andincorporates soothingmasks creamatmoisturizing nightforadded witha topsherretinoid a moisturizer; applying Serum($115)before Acid Boosting SheusesPCASKINHyaluronicChicago. in andDermatology Surgery Cosmetic founder, ofChicago andmedicaldirector Carolyn I.Jacob, MD, dermatologist, andusecalmingagents,”moisturize, says it iscoldanddry, begentle, andinstead when astringents, scrubs,andexfoliants “My general istoavoid strategy harsh Sunscreen SPF50+($16). formula like BlueLizardSensitiveMineral outside, hesays he’ll applyahigherSPFin ultraviolet rays. Whenhe’s going tobe HAVE HEALTHY HABITS When shoppingforskincare,Jacob looks to outsidegerms.” compromisedbecomes or ripthem,thenailunit them back,bite them, at push your cuticles, lipids in.Whenyou pick hydration, water, and good thingssuch as and keepsand viruses) (think bacteria, fungi, keeps outthe bad things thecuticle, called nails, skinaround your“The SAFETY SEAL —Chris G. Adigun, MD, Adigun, G. —Chris Solved NailProblems quiz the for Search at WebMD.com. at dermatologist and nail specialist, Dermatology & Laser Center of Chapel Hill, NC Hill, Chapel of Center &Laser Dermatology specialist, nail and dermatologist possibility.” disigurement isareal years. Andpermanent months—or even treatment take can betreated,can infectionsthese Although many of or bacteria like staph. like andwarts herpes infected withviruses be the nailareacan “Worst-case scenario, NAIL FAIL skin careforwinterskin?“Rather than us redandirritated.” an especiallyfragileskinbarrierandleave candisrupt toners inthewinterwhenthey says. “ButIespeciallydon’t recommend forskinhealth,Geraghty them necessary don’trecommend toners—Ijust consider as what youputonyourskin.“Inever natural barrier,” moisture sheexplains. theskinofits strip and cleanserscanactually inthewinterbecausemany soaps important “Using amildcleanserbecomesespecially Balm AP+Moisturizer For Skin($20). Dry heavier Roche-Posay creamslike La Lipikar she swapsherlightweight lotionswith shewearsmorelayers As inherwardrobe, a richer, calmingmoisturizer,” Geraghty says. know I’m going toneedcompensate with dropping,I thetemperatures“When start daily, andsleep8hoursanight.” exercise aswellotherbenefits), moisture richinomega-3s(for maintain adiet ofmy bedroom aswelltherest house, theskinforJacob.beyond “Ihumidify my GO GENTLE Her advice for finding soothing, effective Her adviceforfindingsoothing,effective What youavoid asimportant canbejust But keeping goes ahealthy complexion habit iscrucial.” that may bedrivingthepicking addressing any related anxiety beenough ofcan areminder. But just paintingthenailsSometimes helpful reminder notto pick. suffer as a serve themost can aroundbandages thenailsthat RESTORE Balm.Wrapping Healing lipid-rich balmlike Doctor Rogers hand washafter each witha morning, evening, andideally “Moisturize nailsandcuticles HANDS OFF WEBMD.COM 12/11/20 12:55 PM 19 WMD0121_Beauty.indd 32 TIPS FOR REMOVING EYE MAKEUP. EYE REMOVING FOR TIPS a flaky, redrash.” pushing itandendingupwithirritation or a long-termgame,” shesays. “It’s notworth serums orhyaluronic acid.“Rejuvenation is week andtradeglycolic acidswithvitaminC creamtotwo orthreetimesa her retinoid less often,” She’ll explains. Geraghty reduce using potentiallyirritating ingredientsalittle wool coat, that meansit’s timeformetostart colder months.“IfI’mreachingforadownor during products some ofyourmorepowerful are good options. gentle, hydrating, calming,andmoisturizing label.” says Geraghty labeled that products likely onaproduct tolookforkeywords squinting at I’mmore theingredientslist, a bitmoreinthewinter. Iusuallyhave a “Ihave tobabymy Brookline, MA. skin Papri Sarkar, MD, dermatologist in forced-air heating, andwind,” says environment, which iscompoundedbyadry dermatitis, eczemaandeyelid “I have dry DO A DOUBLE CLEANSE Beauty THE SCOOP GO EASY ON THE EYES EASY THE GO ON LAUREL NAVERSEN GERAGHTY, MD GERAGHTY, NAVERSEN LAUREL You mightalsohave totake abreakfrom , A DERMATOLOGIST IN MEDFORD, OR, SHARES THESE THESE SHARES OR, MEDFORD, IN , ADERMATOLOGIST may dothejob. remover—she says your gentleall-purposeface wash sensitive orgentle. Butyou may notneedaseparate Geraghty lookingfor advises formulas thatsay they are totheeyeWhen itcomes area, thegentlerbetter. mascara, eliminatingtheneedtoscrubarea. so itcanbreak down long-wearing makeup and remover andholditagainst theeye for afew seconds delicate skin.Heradviceistosoakacotton padwith says. You want toavoid rubbingandtuggingthe around theeyes, that’s probably toolong,” Geraghty “If you’re spendingmore than30secondscleaning HANDS OFF HANDS LOOK AT LABEL LOOK THE without irritation. grab andarethe micelles oilanddirt easilywipedaway water offers aneffective option.Geraghty explains that towipingawayWhen itcomes eye makeup, micellar skin healthy.” orbreakouts.cause irritation Cleansingwillkeep your bacteria, skin-care products, andany makeup thatcan the endofday it’s agoodideatoremove oil, dirt, makeup before goingtobed,” Geraghty says. “At “At thevery least,wash your face andremove alleye WATER WORKS SLEEP SMART prevent dry skinfromstarting.” dry prevent and humidity drops,change yourregimento to theskinbarrier. Whenthetemperature it signalsthat there’s alreadybeendamage treating it,” sheadds.“Onceskinlooksdry, she explains. that’sprecious moisture inmy skin,” left the keep andprotect my skinbarrierintact CeraVe Healing helps Ointment($12).“This hydrationthat prevents fromescapinglike withafaceoiloranointment the moisture she layers onahydrating tonerandsealsin damp, whileherskinisstill residue. Then with agentle cleansertorinseaway the ($28) that won’t Andfollows causedryness. Caudalie Make-Up Oil RemovingCleansing withanoilcleanserlike protocol. Shestarts day, Sarkarlikes tofollowadouble-cleanse makeup buildupfromthe andany product dry, scalymess.” my prevent skinfromturningintoared, to steps routinebutIaddextra minimalist “Preventing dry skin is much easier than skinismucheasierthan “Preventing dry To offwater-resistant lift effectively at WebMD.com. Remove EyeMakeup at HowtoGently video the for Search ENDORSE ANY SPECIFIC PRODUCT, SERVICE, OR TREATMENT. AND ARE NOT THE OPINIONS OF WEBMD. WEBMD DOES NOT THE OPINIONS EXPRESSED IN THIS SECTION ARE OF THE EXPERTS TOP PICKS FROM EXPERTS. FROM TOP PICKS THESE TRY HANDWASHING, FREQUENT AND WEATHER WINTER WITH HAPPEN THAT CAN CHAFING AND CRACKING, CHAPPING, TO WANT YOU AVOIDIF THE AISLE DO KEEP ON HAND at WebMD.com. Skin Hazardsat Winter slideshow the for Search reduce inlammation.” cortisone in Dr. Dan’s helps longer and the 1% hydro- product in place so it lasts beeswax] helps seal the The waxy formula [think for severely chapped lips. is to use products marketed cracked hands and cuticles “One trick for very dry, ($7) DR. DAN’S CORTIBALM ($7) REPAIR HANDCREAM EUCERIN ADVANCED dermatologist, ChapelHill,NC MD, Adigun, G. 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12/11/20 12:55 PM 20

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GETTY IMAGES DERM Q&A how tohelpyourskinlookandfeelitsbest. commonchanges and explains in Covington, LA, andAesthetics a dermatologist at SoineDermatology precancerous orcancerousgrowths.ErikSoine,MD, It may lookthinner, take longer toheal,ordevelop you may noticewrinkles,age spots,anddryness. Q Q Q You’re Skin In The I doaboutit? herbal remedythat may possiblyhelp. supplement containingvitaminC,asano-downside recommend citrusbioflavonoid, anover-the-counter some people.Avoiding trauma isano-brainer. Ialso healthfor forheart like aspirin,whicharenecessary thinning skin.It may alsoberelated tobloodthinners andagingthat leadsto ofsunexposure culmination likehelps yourskinexfoliate, AmLactin. Ifit’s Cetaphil. that moisturizer also reallyflaking, try with good over-the-countercreamslike CeraVe or replace themoisture infections, itching, oreven from menopauseorage. To flaking, dryness, prevent inhormones islikely areduction the mainculprit be fromsundamage, but environment, anddiet, SOINE SOINE SOINE BY BY YOUR SKIN CHANGES OVER TIME. WE ASK A DERMATOLOGIST ABOUT COMMON CONCERNS AND BEST PRACTICES. WANTTO HEALTHYYOUR LOOK FEEL HELP AND SKIN AS YOU OLDER? GET Why ismy anditchy, skindry andwhat can What can I do about age spots andskintags?What Idoaboutagespots can Why more doIbruise easily? Robinson Mayer Kara You themwithsunscreen canprevent Age-related bruising,orsolarpurpura, isa decreaseswithage. It Oilproduction may REVIEWED BY REVIEWED As you age, youage, As Mohiba K. Tareen, MD, WebMD Medical Reviewer Medical Tareen, WebMD MD, K. Mohiba of scarringorinfection. always beremovedbyaprofessionaltoavoid therisk canhelp.Skintagsshould prescription retinoids, by yourdoctor, and like over-the-counterretinols appearance. High-quality recommended products todiminishtheir andbroadbandlight,orBBL, IPL, recommend procedureslike intensepulselight,or and sunavoidance. Ifyoualreadyhave them,we Q Q to catch skinissues early. feelsit necessary,more ifyourdoctor isimportant by aboard-certified dermatologist onceayear, or yourskinchecked cancers aremorecommon.Getting themoretimewe’ve spentinthesun,soskin we get butingeneral, aresomeexceptions, There theolder and have little resultstoshowforit. knowwhathave todowith, thanthey moreproducts spentway wantto, morethanthey know it,they’ve they Before tactics. of over-the-countermarketing and bemoreeffective. Iseepatients fallintothetrap dermatologist. Professional helpcansave youmoney therightones.Talkto get toaboard-certified butit’s step, antioxidants canbethenext important at night.Products with orretinoid and aretinol SOINE SOINE How isagelinked toskincancer? WhatIdofor can wrinkles? Most skin cancers are related to sun exposure. Most skincancersarerelated tosunexposure. Try ahigh-quality sunscreeninthemorning 3. 4. 1. 2. approach. if you needagentler every two to three nights retinol every night, or or over-the-counter a prescription retinoid turizer every day. Apply and usesunscreen. sun-protective clothing, 10 a.m.and3p.m., wear Avoid thesunbetween tected funinthesun. from alifetime of unpro- Most problems come in life. using asunscreen later evenissues, ifyou start developing sun-related lowers your chanceof SPF of 30orhigher. It trum sunscreen withan Look for abroad-spec- overall health. helpful for skincare and and plenty of water are nuts,bles, andlegumes, like fresh fruits, vegeta- diet richinantioxidants, YOUR SKIN. YOU CAN SAFEGUARD SUGGESTS WAYS AFEW MD,ERIK SOINE, DERMATOLOGIST 4 TIPS 4 at WebMD.com. on Skinat The EffectsofAging article the for Search FROM THE SUN SUN THE FROM PR Apply arichmois- LU RIGHT RIGHT SUNSCREEN CH A healthy, clean EA OTECT YOURSELF OTECT YOURSELF BE UP UP BE T WELL T WELL OOSE THE THE OOSE Beauty WEBMD.COM 12/11/20 12:55 PM 21 HEALTHY TOGETHER Family SMARTER LIVING

RESEARCHERS ASKED EXPECTANT DADS to interact with a newborn-sized doll as if it were their new baby. They Up Your Game rated the fathers-to-be on their parenting skills. Did they hold the baby properly? Speak warmly? Show affection? FOR SOME DADS, PARENTING JUST COMES NATURALLY: THE WAY Some months later, the new fathers met a different PARENTING YOU HOLD YOUR BABY, LOOK INTO THE CHILD’S EYES AND SMILE, researcher, who observed them playing with their own SHOW AFFECTION AND CONCERN. BUT DADS WHO LACK THE babies. Those who had done best with the dolls also had INSTINCT CAN STILL LEARN. the most skill with real babies. But, the researchers say, parenting isn’t intuitive for everyone. New parents can learn and get better at giving their baby all the love and Search for the Parenting and Children’s Health Newsletter at WebMD.com.

GETTY IMAGES GETTY warmth the child needs. SONYA COLLINS

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PREGNANCY Bumpy Slumber Bumpy sleep disorder. gasping forair.” areallsignsofapotential These “Another bigredflagforsleepapneaiswakingup if you’resnoringfrequentlyorloudly,” O’Briensays. tobeaware important ifyou’resnoring,especially that happeninuptoone-thirdofpregnancies.“It’s apnea breathing—disturbances like snoringandsleep with thebaby, delivery.” andpreterm possiblegrowthproblemsgestational diabetes, night have ahigherriskforhighbloodpressure, Michigan. “Women whosleeplessthan6hoursa at theUniversity andGynecology of Obstetrics of Division ofSleepMedicine andtheDepartment O’Brien,PhD,Louise associate professorinthe outcomes, it’s outcomestothebabyaswell,” says outcomes,andit’ssleep affects maternal notjust decade, we’ve learnedsomuchabouthowpoor when you’reslumberingfortwo. “Overthe last nightandyourlegstwitch andcramp? the bladder announcesitspresenceat allhoursof buthowcanyousleepwhenyour well-rested, baby.of yournew You wanttoentermotherhood Countless sleeplessnightsattending totheneeds REVIEWED BY REVIEWED BY OR YOUR THIRD, WHETHER YOU’RE IN YOUR FIRST TRIMESTER WHY PREGNANCY MAKES IT SO HARD TO GET THE REST YOU NEED Family If your apnea is severe, your doctor may yourdoctor If yourapneaissevere, A majorcauseoftheseissuesissleep-disordered moreso Sleep isalways buteven important Stephanie Watson Stephanie Nivin C.S. Todd, WebMD Medical Reviewer Medical Todd, WebMD C.S. Nivin youknowwhat’s coming: therapy instead. mindfulness meditation, andcognitivebehavioral like yoga, practices asleep. O’Briensuggests insomnia, whichistroublefallingasleeporstaying will have onthebaby.” because wedon’t medications knowwhat effects legs syndrome]unlessit’s reallyunbearable, bath, orgetting regularexercise,” O’Briensays. andmassagingthelegs,takingawarm stretching you awake. advicewetendtogiveincludes “The legs that’s intenseenoughtokeep sometimes uncontrollable twitchy, crawly feelinginyour legssyndrome—an pregnant womenisrestless rollingontoyourbackwhileyousleep. help prevent baby,” O’Briensays. Placeapillowbehindyouto thereislessbloodgoingback, andtherefore tothe squishedifyou’relyingonyour placenta—can get oxygen—and taketo get bloodtothe eventually vessels that runfromyourlowerbodytoheart intoyourthirdtrimester.once youget “Blood be enoughtosolvetheproblem. sleep. For mild apnea,sleepingonyoursidemay tokeep themopenwhileyou air intoyourairways recommend aCPAP machine, which gently blows Doctors alsodon’tDoctors recommenddrugstotreat “Try tostay away frommedications [forrestless Another problemthat plaguesuptoathirdof Speaking ofsleepingpositions,yoursideisbest 3. 4. 1. 2. nightly sleep. don’t steal time from your it early in the day so you than 30 minutes—and do least least 7 or 8 hours of rest. morning to give yourself at up at the same time each time every night and get a book. listen to music, or read bed. Take a warm bath, down time an hour before in another room. quiet. Leave electronics Keep it calm, cool, and DURING PREGNANCY. YOU GET MORE SLEEP OFFERS TIPS TO HELP LOUISE O’BRIEN, P 4 4 TIPS at WebMD.com. at Comfort TipsforSleeping article the for Search Go to bed at the same ADOPT A ROUTINE AROUTINE ADOPT Have some wind- CHILL OUT OUT CHILL BEDROOM YOUR OPTIMIZE Keep it short—less TAKE ANAP WEBMD.COM h D, 12/11/20 10:29 AM

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GETTY IMAGES BABY letting showsrununinterrupted. of,and tousetheminsmall,strategic bursts say, of 15minutesinstead urges ofababysitter, parentstothinkofscreensasalearningtoolinstead cognitive neuroscienceat NicklausChildren’s Hospital inMiami. Butshe no screentimeistheanswer,” says ReshmaNaidoo, PhD, of director littletemptation tousescreensoccupy ones.“Iamnot convinced that responsibilities andchildcareat homeintheCOVID-19 era,giventhe why thismightoccur. didnotexplore study who watched less. The brain related tolanguage, skillsthantoddlers self-regulation, andliteracy inareasofthe an houraday development onscreensshowedlessrobust of children3to5yearsoldandfoundthat thosewhospentmorethan toddler’s Asmall2019 looked braindevelops. study at MRIbrainimages no morethananhouraday quality ofviewing contentalongsideparents. 18 monthsand5years,theguidelinesstate, toddlersshould belimitedto (although itgivesthegreenlighttovideochats withlovedones).Between Pediatrics recommendsthat babiesbescreen-freeuntil18months ofage for babiesandtoddlers.GuidancefromtheAmericanAcademy of MOST PARENTS KNOW THE DRILL: Show Time? REVIEWED BY REVIEWED BY THIS SCREEN–HEAVY WORLD? RECENT STUDY SUGGESTS, HOW SHOULD PARENTS NAVIGATE IF SCREEN TIME ALTERS TODDLER BRAIN DEVELOPMENT, AS A Screen time is best when “used as interactive time, where there's time, wherethere's when “usedasinteractive Screen timeisbest But that’s work tojuggle forparentstrying complicated news Too mightaltertheway muchtimepeeringat phones or tablets a O’Donnell Erin at WebMD.com. at Much IsTooMuch? Toddlers andTV:How article the for Search Hansa Bhargava, MD, WebMD Senior Medical Editor Medical Senior WebMD MD, Bhargava, Hansa Unlimited screentimeisano-go 3. 1. 2. activities. activities. followed by nonscreen 15-minute increments limits screen time to periodic you cycle through, which making a daily schedule that home too. She recommends home with their toddler at parents trying to work from Naidoo is sympathetic to this program?’” is my child getting out of “I’d like parents to ask, ‘What the content the child views. and thoughtfulness about recommends moderation— screens. Instead, Naidoo for exposing your child to toddler over. next activity, to win your big enthusiasm for the Naidoo says, and show Offer a 5-minute warning, your child’s favorite scene. down in the middle of spot, so you’re not powering Agree on a good stopping frustrating for toddlers. after screen time can be WITH LITTLE ONES. NAVIGATING SCREEN TIME OFFERS THIS ADVICE FOR RESHMA NAIDOO, P NEUROPSYCHOLOGIST EXPERIENCE AS A PARENT, PATIENTS AND HER OWN BASED ON HER WORK WITH 3 3 TIPS Don’t beat yourself up GE Transitioning away BE YOUR DAYYOUR SC T RID OF THE GUILT THE OF T RID STRATEGIC HEDULE h D, D, back. Programs can’t dothat yet.” the peopleon screenanswer or thetoddlersays aword,and says. babymakes anoise, “The emotional componenttoit,” she there's arelationship andan “Although it'stwo dimensional, sointeractive. because they’re callsareidealscreentime Those relatives inthepandemic. toddlerswithfar-awayconnect are usingregularvideocallsto is seeingonthescreen. once. Talk aboutwhat yourchild of showingthewholehourat on letters andnumbers,instead individual segmentsthat focus gives themtheoptionofplaying parents visitPBSkids.org,which that numbers. Shesuggests toddlers learntheirletters and Sesame Street, whichcanhelp teach.” Naidoo isalsoafanof members, itbecomesatoolto you identify allthefamily and dancewiththechild, song. Ifyou'redoingthesong and contagious“BabyShark” infectious ofthevery “Think a lotofengagement,” shesays. Naidoo alsolikes that families Family WEBMD.COM 12/11/20 10:29 AM 24 WMD0121_Family.indd 38

PARENTING 4 TIPS 1. Family both care and play. at the beginning through an your child will form in to Work and Play and Work REVIEWED BY REVIEWED BY TO GIVE THEM WHAT THEY NEED IN ANY GIVEN MOMENT. PLAY AND CAREGIVING WILL HAVE A LIFELONG IMPACT. BE READY THE RELATIONSHIPS YOU BUILD WITH YOUR CHILDREN THROUGH d dev Matt McMillen Matt Yo ST ear elop those bonds right ur ART RIGHT AWAY RIGHT ART ly ch re lationship with ildhoo Hansa Bhargava, MD, WebMD Senior Medical Editor Medical Senior WebMD MD, Bhargava, Hansa d,

so infancy begin 2. child the priority. you can in order to make your limit multitasking as much as focus. Put down your phone and with your child, make that your When you spend time BE PRESENT PRESENT 3. enhance your relationship. with them. That will help build and and show them you enjoy being than the quantity. Make eye contact together means more to your child The quality of your time MA KE IT COUNT COUNT IT KE even more.”even behavior that ledtothat. It willmake youwanttobeafather willmake“That moreinthekindof youwanttoengage even fromyou,that’scomfort incredibly rewarding,” Brown says. get ifthey upset, go toyouwhenthey’re be nearyou,ifthey as well. form relationships withotherpeople.” themselves inamorepositivelight,butitalsohelpsthem or feelthreatened,” Brownsays. helpsthechildsee “That father stressed isgoing tobethereforthem whenthey’re confident withothersandtheworldat large. be moresociable,have morefriendships,andfeel relationships likely willbethroughouttheirlives.They’ll you puttheirneedsaheadofyourown—thebetter their Andtheearlieryoubegintodothis—themore support. components ofrelationships, andemotional suchastrust what’s time.” neededat aparticular theirparentingbehavioradjust andtheirinvolvement to relationships withtheirchildrenaremenwhoableto secure strong, likelyScience, “butthemenmost todevelop Georgia’s ofHuman andFamily Department Development can,” says professorin theUniversity Brown,anassistant of on workdays andplay ondays off. means, accordingtoBrown’s research,prioritizingcaregiving put yourchild’s needsaheadofwhat youmay want.That father-child thestrongest bondrequiresthatdeveloping you into theday’s outfit. and toguideyoursquirmingtoddler’s little armsandlegs time,make ityourjobtochange thatunstructured diaper duties. Onworkdays, whenbusyschedulesallowlittle children bondwiththeirfathers. or simplyroughhousingonthelivingroomfloor, helps kind ofactivity, it’s whether makingapuzzle,playing sports, and there’s tohorsearound.In moreopportunity that fact, your days offfromwork,whenyour timehaslessstructure feeding, andputting worksoutgreat childrentobed.That on more mundanetasksofchildcare,suchaschangingdiapers, PLAY OFTEN COMES MORE NATURALLY “If you’re a father of a young child and that child wants to “If you’reafather ofayoungchildandthat childwantsto And, Brownsays, youbenefit whenyourchild benefits, that willcometoknowandunderstand their “They Doing sowillhelpmodelforyourchildtheessential “I encourage fathers toplay withtheirkidsasmuchthey L.Brown,PhD, psychologist Geoffrey hasfound, As But don’t chooseplay ofcaregiving totheexclusion at WebMD.com. Health Newsletterat ParentingandChildren’s the for Search 4. tumble romp in the backyard. or a diaper change or rough-and- needs. That may mean a bottle prompt, and appropriate to their respond in ways that are warm, Learn your child’s cues and PA Y ATTENTION to dads than the todadsthanthe WEBMD.COM 12/11/20 10:29 AM 25

GETTY IMAGES Family

Storytime THE WAY YOU TELL STORIES WITH YOUR CHILDREN COULD GIVE THEM THE SKILLS THEY NEED TO GET THROUGH HARD TIMES

KIDS’ HEALTH KIDS’ Search for the slideshow Kids Stressed Out? How to BY Sonya Collins REVIEWED BY Arefa Cassoobhoy, MD, MPH, WebMD Senior Medical Editor Get Relief at WebMD.com.

IN TIMES OF GREAT STRESS, STORIES KEEP CHILDREN AFLOAT. previous two years better than others. “Family stories—those about family history or about things you’ve Tales about negative emotions can teach kids to understand shared together—make us closer, help us understand how the world and regulate those feelings. When you tell a story that includes, for works, and help us cope,” says Robyn Fivush, PhD, director of the example, your child throwing a tantrum, you can ask, “What made Family Narratives Lab at Emory University in Atlanta. you so angry?” Fivush and her colleagues listened to 40 sets of parents recount “Children need to learn the language of talking about their two stories for their children—one positive and one negative—about emotions,” Fivush says. experiences the whole family had shared. The anecdotes, for example, Parents can use these narratives to talk about better responses might be about “the time we went to Disney World” and “the time to big emotions as well. “You might ask the child, ‘What could dad’s wallet was stolen.” The researchers then analyzed the parents’ storytelling styles. you do instead? Could you take some deep breaths next time?’” Two years later, the parents and children completed questionnaires Fivush suggests. about the children’s self-esteem and well-being. Children in families Retellings of shared, positive experiences play an important role, that told more detailed, coherent, and emotionally expressive stories too. “They keep us bonded to the people we love,” Fivush explains. had more self-esteem and social skills, higher quality friendships, and “They remind your children that you loved them in the past, you love less anxiety and stress. These children had also coped with life over the them now, and you’ll love them in the future.”

4 TIPS

PSYCHOLOGIST ROBYN FIVUSH, PhD, OFFERS THESE TIPS FOR TELLING THE KINDS OF STORIES THAT HELP CHILDREN DEVELOP COPING SKILLS.

USE DETAILS INCLUDE EVERYONE ASK WHY KEEP IT GOING 1. Tell stories that paint a 2. Describe the feelings 3. Don’t leave your child hanging with her 4. Ask open-ended picture. “You were wearing of all the players in the story, emotions. It’s not, “I’ve never seen you so angry. questions that encourage

your red rain boots.” especially the parents. The End.” Ask why she was so angry. discussion. IMAGES GETTY

26 WEBMD.COM

WMD0121_Family.indd 40 12/11/20 10:29 AM WMD0121_Family.indd 42

TEEN HEALTH Family playing sports, for instance—might also be depressed. alsobedepressed. playing forinstance—might sports, or aninstrument usedtolove—practicing they social groupismuchmorereasontobealarmed. intheirusual ofinterest Lack normal, sheexplains. ofthetime that'sto hangoutwithyoumost fairly to dothingswiththeirfamily,” don'twant soifthey involving peers. “Teensactivities don'twant often One majorwarningsign,Nosal says, isavoidance of Red Flags two weeks. inbehaviorshifts andattitude that morethan last key, istokeep sheexplains, alookout forsignificant treatment centersforteensandyoungadults.The Healthcare,of Newport ofmentalhealth anetwork says BarbaraNosal, PhD, LMFT, clinicalofficer chief onedge, ofthepandemichasentire country stress moodiness, theauthorswarned. clinicaldepressionandtypicalbetween teenage spot depressionmighthave troubledistinguishing thosewhofeltconfidentintheirabilitymore, even to would,someweren'tsosure.What's they believed Mott Hospital Children's foundthat parents most year. Would youknowifyourteenwasamongthem? have at oneepisodeofmajordepressioneach least ABOUT 13% OF 12 TO 17YEAROLDS IN THE U.S. Spotting Depression BY PARENTS, WOULD YOU KNOW IF YOUR TEEN IS DEPRESSED AND NEEDS HELP? A teen who is no longer motivated to do activities A teenwhoisnolonger motivated todoactivities harder now, itoutmightbeeven Sorting asthe While arecentpollfromMichigan Medicine C.S. Barbara Brody Brody Barbara REVIEWED BY REVIEWED Hansa Bhargava, MD, WebMD Senior Medical Editor Medical Senior WebMD MD, Bhargava, Hansa talking to a therapist is an option. isanoption. talking toatherapist you what includingaskingif wouldhelp themost, Instead, Nosal recommendsaskinghimorhertotell to fixtheunderlyingproblemordismissfeelings. talk,’” shesuggests. youwantto you,andI'mreadywhenever support say,to sharemuch,just ‘Iloveyou,I'mhereto nottointerrupt.“Ifyourteenisn'twilling trying right away.” along theselines.“Teens may notopenuptoparents that youmighthave tohave aseriesofconversations I'm wonderingwhat that's about,’” shesays, noting intrusive. Just say, 'I'vebeennoticingthischange and about thechanges that you'venoticed.“Don'tbetoo time totalkone-on-oneandthengently inquiring them.Nosalgoal istosupport advisesfindingaquiet her aboutitinagentle way that makes itclearyour If youthinkyourteenmightbedepressed,askhimor Next Steps withdepression. might similarlybestruggling allthetime angry depressed. Ateenwhoseemsvery should considerthepossibility mightbe that they seems tohave nodesiretoengage inanything, you throughoutthedaybut ifyourchildisexhausted and Teens tendtostay can, uplate andsleepinwhenthey fatigue isanothercommonsymptom. Overwhelming If your teen admits to feeling depressed, don't try If yourteenadmitstofeelingdepressed,don'ttry Nosal morethantalking,and alsoadviseslistening will be required. some professional help says. In many cases, the bright side, Nosal you told them to look on of depression because Someone won't snap out feeling inside,” she says. also about what you're circumstances, but it's be a result of external says. “Depression can of such anguish, Nosal for would be complaining who has been well-provided understand why a minor Parents often don't clinically depressed. majority do not become sad on occasion, but the Many teens are moody and DEPRESSED. BEING OF OUT THEM MY LIFE! AGREAT HAVE THEY DEPRESSED; BE MY DEPRESSED. MY BARBARA NOSAL, P MISCONCEPTIONS, SAYS FOR THESE COMMON PARENTS, DON’T FALL 3 MYTHS TH: I CAN TALK ICAN TH: CAN'T CHILD MY TH: ARE TEENS ALL TH: at WebMD.com. at and TipsforParents Depression: Symptoms Teen article the for Search WEBMD.COM h D. 12/11/20 10:29 AM 27

GETTY IMAGES Family

PETS Digital Diagnosis VETERINARIANS ARE TURNING TO VIRTUAL APPOINTMENTS TO TREAT FOURLEGGED PATIENTS

BY Jodi Helmer REVIEWED BY Will Draper, DVM, WebMD Medical Reviewer

Search for the blog Telehealth for Your Pet? What a Vet Wants You to Know at WebMD.com.

DOES YOUR DOG NEED A REFILL ON HIS FLEA Virtual visits are ideal for nonurgent AND TICK MEDICATION? Think your cat might issues like medication refills, post-operation be packing on a few extra pounds? Skip a trip to follow-ups, or questions about diet or training. the vet and request a virtual appointment. Video calls allow your veterinarians to watch a A growing number of veterinarians are pet limping, see a skin lesion, or assess a suture practicing telemedicine. The virtual visits can site without the added stress of loading your range from instant messaging to live video pet into the car and driving to the vet clinic. conferences, according to Lori M. Teller, DVM, While it can be convenient, Teller cautions clinical associate professor of telehealth at that telemedicine is not a replacement for Texas A&M University. regular vet visits, especially when it comes to Demand spiked during the global health serious injuries or illnesses, but it can provide pandemic. Almost 40% of veterinary clinics much-needed peace of mind when your pet started scheduling virtual appointments as a result of COVID-19, according to a survey exhibits worrying symptoms. conducted by Independent Vets. “When we notice a symptom in our pets, “Veterinary telemedicine has been slow to we immediately turn to Dr. Google,” Teller take off, but COVID-19 hit and vets realized says. “It’s hard to judge if you’re getting good it could help in patient care,” Teller says. “It information from the internet, but if you know doesn’t replace going to see your vet, but it you can go online and communicate with is a huge benefit to augment what happens your veterinarian … you’re more likely to get between regular visits.” appropriate information specific to your pet.”

4 QUESTIONS FOR YOUR VET

Q Do you offer Q When are Q How can I prepare? Q What cannot telemedicine? appointments You might need to be treated via Not all veterinarians offer the available? download software for a telemedicine? service. If you want a vet who Unlike traditional secure video conference or Teller notes that pets accommodates virtual visits, appointments that can be know how to use a platform that are bleeding, you may have to schedule an scheduled during clinic like Zoom in advance of struggling to breathe, oice visit irst. “Some states hours, Teller notes that the appointment. Keeping or have been injured require that you establish most veterinarians are only your pet nearby so the require immediate a veterinary-client-patient available for telemedicine vet can “examine” them care. Skip the video relationship with an in-oice appointments during on-screen is also a good conference and head

GETTY IMAGES GETTY exam,” Teller says. speciic windows of time. idea, Teller says. straight to the clinic.

28 WEBMD.COM

WMD0121_Family.indd 43 12/11/20 10:29 AM MATTER. LIVES BLACK K C A L B

PHOTOGRAPHY: JOHN RUSSO OUR LIVES ARE AT RISK. THE HEALTH CARE SYSTEMAND EVERYDAY INDIVIDUALS HAVE TO DO A BETTER JOB TO PROTECT US.

BY KAREEM ABDULJABBAR

REVIEWED BY HANSA BHARGAVA, MD, WEBMD SENIOR MEDICAL EDITOR

y life is at risk. Not just because I’m 73 with the usual annoying aches and pains that accompany age, but because I’m tall and I’m Black. At 7 feet, 2 inches, I’m statistically more prone to blood clots, lower back and hip problems, higher risk of cancer, especially prostate cancer, atrial fibrillation (a heart rhythm Mdisorder), and a shorter life span in general. Being Black means I’m more likely to suffer from diabetes, heart problems, obesity, cancer, and a shorter life in general. Yup, tall people and Black people have shorter life expectancies. So far, in keeping with these statistical risks, I’ve had prostate cancer, leukemia, and heart bypass surgery.

30 WEBMD.COM I’ve been fortunate because my celebrity Association for the Advancement of Colored symbol of their status in America as has brought me enough financial security to People (NAACP), the American Civil Liberties negligible and disposable. Unruly children receive excellent medical attention. No one Union (ACLU), National Urban League, to be punished for their impertinence, wants an NBA legend dying on their watch. Southern Christian Leadership Conference regardless of how justified their outcry. Imagine the Yelp reviews. I’m also lucky that (SCLC), and others. People who may not However, the more insidious and damaging one of my sons is an orthopedic surgeon be familiar with the wonderful work of threat to the health, lives, and economic and another is a hospital administrator. those organizations at least know about well-being of Black Americans is a health Dad gets to nag them for medical advice Black Lives Matter (BLM), which is less care system that ignores the fact that, whenever he wants. But while I’m grateful a traditional organization and more a though they are most in need of medical for my advantages, I’m acutely aware that movement of loosely affiliated activists across services, they actually receive the lowest many others in the Black community do the country united by the credo that is their level. As Dayna Bowen Matthew, author of not have the same options and that it is my name. The backlash in which white people Just Medicine: A Cure for Racial Inequality responsibility to join with those fighting to proclaimed All Lives Matter clearly had no in American Health Care, states in a change that. understanding of the issue. Blacks weren’t Brookings Institution article: “What we Because Black lives are at risk. Serious risk. saying that Black lives mattered more, they politely call a ‘health disparity’ is killing Not just from the diabetes, heart problems, were emphasizing that, the way the system people of color daily. It is causing people of obesity, and cancer that we as a group are works now, Black Lives Matter … Less. color to live sicker and die quicker, because prone to, but from a wide spectrum of BLM started organizing in 2013 to of the color of their skin.” health threats built into the foundation of protest police violence. But by 2020, after The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted American society as solidly as steel girders a series of police killings of unarmed Blacks just how malignant the system is. The virus holding up a bridge. Most people know this that culminated with the suffocation of has hit the African American community at is true, though some will deny it because George Floyd, BLM had grown into the a much higher and more devastating rate they fear removing those rusty girders will largest protest movement in the history than it has the white community. At the same cause the whole bridge to collapse. The truth of the United States. Between May 24 and time, they receive a lower standard of care. is that those girders are already malignant August 22, there were more than 10,600 The death rate for Blacks is 3.6 times higher with rust and will eventually collapse if we demonstrations. An estimated 15 million to than for whites. But in predominantly Black don’t address the underlying rot of systemic 26 million people in the U.S. participated counties, the infection rate is three times racism. San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge in protests following Floyd’s death. A higher and the death rate is six times higher has 200 ironworkers, electricians, and June 2020 Pew Research Center poll than in predominantly white counties. painters who daily maintain the bridge’s showed that, although the majority of Other marginalized people of color are also integrity. If we want America to maintain American public opinion was negative suffering: nationally, hospitalization rates its cultural integrity, we need to fix its toward Black Lives Matter in 2018, a majority are five times higher for Native Americans structural flaws—and we need to do so on now supported them. Seems like progress. and African Americans and four times a daily basis. But police brutality is merely the most higher for Latinx. A Centers for Disease There are a lot of groups addressing dramatic and violent attack on the lives of Control and Prevention (CDC) report these rusty fissures, including the National African Americans. It’s a TV camera-ready released August 14, 2020, concluded that PHOTOGRAPHY: CLEVELAND SUMMIT PRIVATE COLLECTION OF KAREEM ABDULJABBAR; CAMP SKYHOOK ICONOMY, LLC.; ICONOMY, SKYHOOK CAMP ABDULJABBAR; KAREEM OF COLLECTION PRIVATE SUMMIT CLEVELAND PHOTOGRAPHY: PRESIDENTIAL MEDAL OF FREEDOM CEREMONY COURTESY OF THE WHITE HOUSE WHITE THE OF COURTESY CEREMONY FREEDOM OF MEDAL PRESIDENTIAL

31 WEBMD.COM LEFT IN 1967, ABDUL-JABBAR (FRONT ROW, FAR RIGHT) JOINED OTHER TOP ATHLETES AT THE CLEVELAND SUMMIT TO SHOW SUPPORT FOR MUHAMMAD ALI’S CONSCIENTIOUS OBJECTION TO SERVE IN THE VIETNAM WAR

CENTER ABDUL-JABBAR GIVES FREE BOOKS TO CHILDREN AT CAMP SKYHOOK, A PROGRAM HE STARTED IN 2009

ABOVE RIGHT (L TO R) FORMER FIRST LADY MICHELLE OBAMA, ABDUL-JABBAR, AND FORMER PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA

BELOW IN 2016, ABDUL-JABBAR RECEIVED THE PRESIDENTIAL MEDAL OF FREEDOM, THE NATION’S HIGHEST CIVILIAN HONOR, FROM PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA

32 WEBMD.COM in 79 hot spot counties in the U.S. that had information about race, 96.2% showed racial disparity in COVID-19 cases. Why are Blacks in general more vulnerable to relentless pandemics? One reason is underlying health conditions. But that can be misleading, because the causes of some of those conditions are the poverty created by systemic “Education, racism that results in subpar education compared with whites. Having lesser education, and less financial resources, means less opportunity to compete for higher education, which means less opportunity for better paying jobs. Even the criminal those who manage to claw their way through these substantial obstacles and enter the job market with higher degrees face hiring discrimination based on justice system, race. The Harvard Business Review stated that an examination of 21 studies concluded that, due to racial stereotyping and unconscious biases, “hiring discrimination against Blacks hasn’t declined in 25 years.” The result is that the health African Americans are not only twice as likely to be unemployed, but even when employed they earn almost 25% less. To counter this, Black job applicants have taken to “whitening” their names and omitting ethnic information in care industry, order to get job interviews. Sadly, this has been effective. In a study published by Harvard Business School, 25% of Blacks using a whitened name on an application received a callback, compared to 10% who didn’t. the job market, Another health factor caused by poverty is obesity. African Americans have the highest rate of obesity in the U.S., which contributes heavily to why Blacks low-income are more prone to high blood pressure, strokes, diabetes, and heart disease. All of which figures into why Blacks have the highest death rates of any racial and ethnic group in America. Some of this can be attributed to genetics, but the housing—these larger cause is reduced access to healthy foods because grocery store chains are less prevalent in poorer neighborhoods, so they have to pay more money for lower quality foods. “National and regional supermarkets are typically are all rungs full-service, with an extensive variety and assortment of food at competitive prices. Some even have pharmacies or minute clinics,” explained Anne Palmer, director of the Food Communities and Public Health program at the Johns in a ladder that Hopkins Center for a Livable Future, to CNN Business. “By bypassing Black or low-income communities, they exacerbated the problem of easy access to healthy food.” Fast foods are a cheap source of food, but a steady diet plays havoc must be solid with one’s health, especially in terms of obesity. The problem with pulling any single thread—COVID-19, health risks, enough to lift job opportunities—is that each thread is a single strand in a giant quilt that smothers the Black community. One thread leads to another, to another, to another—each forming an interlinking pattern that seems impenetrable and everyone up.” unassailable. A police officer crushing the windpipe of an unarmed Black man is related to not valuing Blacks, which is related to stereotypes about Blacks, which is related to how they are portrayed (or not portrayed) in media, which –Kareem is related to not having educational opportunities, which is related to … and on and on. Abdul-Jabbar It’s hard to feel valuable to a society that doesn’t value your health or life. And yet, one of the reasons Blacks are contracting and dying from COVID-19 at higher rates is because they work at what the government has defined as essential jobs more than any other ethnic group: 37.7% Black versus 26.9% white. In health care and social assistance industries, the rate is even higher. So, they’re ABDUL-JABBAR WAS A FORCE TO BE both essential, yet disposable, like protective gloves. The mistake is to think we RECKONED WITH. AS A MEMBER OF THE can fix any one aspect of racism without fixing the others. That’s like having LOS ANGELES LAKERS, HE SHOWED OFF four flat tires and only fixing one. Education, the criminal justice system, the HIS SKYHOOK TO JAMES EDWARDS OF THE health care industry, the job market, low-income housing—these are all rungs PHOENIX SUNS AT THIS GAME IN 1988 in a ladder that must be solid enough to lift everyone up. Ending racism, like the

33 WEBMD.COM PHOTOGRAPHY: ANDREW D. BERNSTEIN NBAE VIA GETTY IMAGES they are tothrive. they if happen. Blackliveshave ofAmericansociety aspect tomatter inevery trueequity can’t areat theendoflineforservices, and aslongthey future of equity with for physical Black Americans starts and mental health, desires. That’s behavior. howAmericawillescapethisself-destructive The by becomingselfless, caringmoreaboutothers’needsthanhisgreedy day In toallthesameobstacles. themovie,BillMurray escapedthecycle day wefight seegains,andthenwake racism, upthenext proveitexists, as iftheBlackcommunity Dayinwhichevery istrapped inGroundhog making, thesadtruthis,Icouldhave written 50yearsago. It’s thisarticle children whomightwanttoseekacareerinscienceormedicine. provides moreeffective care.He asarolemodelforBlack alsoserves toseekitand,accordingthestudy, bereluctant who mightotherwise white doctor. aBlackdoctor, As Amirprovidesmedicaltreatment forthose received more effective as opposed to a had a Black doctor care when they intheHarvardResearch study Business Review theprogressionofdisease. ArecentNationalstudy BureauofEconomic for syphilis,onlytofind sothegovernment weren’t couldsecretly outthey Tuskegee werebeingtreated ExperimentinwhichBlackmenweretoldthey issue withthe medical profession datinga reasonable trust back to the 4.5 yearslessthanwhitemen.Part ofthereasonisthat Blackpeoplehave ofany demographic group,livinganaverage lifeexpectancy the lowest of in aneffort tohelptheBlackcommunity. He that Blackmenhave knew driving my disease. mutation onthegenetic leukemia, precisionmedicinewasusedtofocus of genes, environment, andlifestyle. WhenIwasdiagnosedin 2008 with approach totreatment that carebasedonanindividual’s targets profile go that willhelpthem.UCLA’s to Precision Health program isanew community canbeeffectively have addressedifpeopleknowthey aplace asithadsavedjust healthchallenges that mine.The areendemictoour receiving themedicalandhealthinformation that couldsave theirlives, I wantedtoreachouttheBlackcommunity were tomake sure they forall. public behavior andjustice inliberty believes that itactually provesthroughlegislation and spotlight hasdimmed,butuntilthecountry monthsuntilthepublicrelations few forthenext maintenance. Andnotjust to financially organizations fighting supporting racism—that’s our daily racist speech,policenotprofiling basedonrace, companiescommitting social media banning hate politicians posts, and celebrities condemning that’s kneeling during the ournational daily maintenance. Athletes anthem, regardless ofthemother’s income.More Blackteachers,jurors,anddoctors— thanwhite, underthe care of Blackdoctors moreoften Black babiessurvive that are diverse, and that juries are more thorough and fair when they have dobetterBlack students inschoolwhenthey Blackteacher, one at least Gate Bridge,Golden requiresdailymaintenance.Studieshave shownthat But even withallofthepositiveeffortsBut even my sonandothersmightbe It’s alsowhy I’m soproudofmy sonAmir, whochosetobecomeasurgeon It’s oneofthereasonsIchosetobecomeUCLAHealth Ambassador. showedthat Blackmen WEBMD.COM 34 WMD0121_FEA1.indd 50 12/11/20 12:54 PM WMD0121_FEA1.indd 51

GETTY IMAGES T which we’re finally beginningto addmorevoicestocallout ingeneral.society We’re spaceandtimein at awonderful has been embedded into our educational but also system, decadelong commitmenttotheir education. from applyingtomedicalschool andmakingthenearly force at AfricanAmericanstudents handthat hasprevented much.”budged very aretoday,and wherethey seethat wehaven’t really you’ll Medical youlookat theinitialnumbers “When Association. bytheAAMCandNationalsays conducted ofastudy 30years,” byabout1.2%overthelast it onlygrew Acosta applicant poolofAfricanAmericansgoing tomedicalschool, tangible andviablecareeroption. tosee medicine as a Black students and prepare underserved by creating a pipeline of programs that specifically encourage inclusion officer, says thepathway starts tobecomingadoctor change, David MD, Acosta, theAAMC’s diversity chief and American Medical Association’s (AMA).To seeasubstantial ofAmericanMedicalAssociation Colleges (AAMC)andthe “Diversity In Medicine: Fact andFigures2019” fromthe with 46.8%ofwhiteapplicants,accordingtothereport only 8.4% oftheU.S. medicalschoolapplicantpoolcompared medicine. BlackorAfricanAmericanapplicantsconstituted going students not properly able into to support the field of education are emphasisthat adecadeago, gainedsteam they to theSTEM(science,technology, engineering,andmath) Since schoolsintheBlackcommunity playing arestill catch-up CREATING PROGRAMS IN MEDICINE FOR BLACK STUDENTS to the forefront: WherearealltheBlackdoctors? to theforefront: withintheBlackcommunity,ever-present wasbrought others. In ofitall,anissue,whichhasbeen themidst livesarenotequitabletoa clearreminderthat certain ofthiscountry’svarious levels It healthcaresystem. was global pandemicmagnified deepinequitieswithin the lackofdiversity invarious whilethe industries, racism abouttheinstitutional anddeeper discussions ledtoevendemonstrations aboutpolicemisconduct who understand their unique cultural norms and nuances “It really comes down to structural racism—a“It racism reallycomesdowntostructural that thedata, admitsthereisone mighty past Acosta Looking “We foundthat whenyoulookat thegrowthof uproar in America and beyond. Protests anduproar inAmericaandbeyond. movement throughout2020causedquitean justicesocial LivesMatter Black the of rise he African Americans who want to be treated by those are limited in those choices. BY WENDY L. WILSON WILSON L. WENDY REVIEWED BY REVIEWED just wanted to understand what wantedtounderstand thatjust feltlike because itwas Gods,” says that wasn’ttrue,butI the34-year-old.“Iknew people,like walking felt like important most thesewerethe someone walkinto a hospital with theirwhite coat on.It just seemingly unattainable destiny? begintofulfillschool orhave todoso,even thesupport this who doesn’t knowthefirst thingaboutapplyingtomedical to go tomedicalschool.ButhowdoesayoungBlackman, andpushedhimtocreate apathway withinLedet something spark ignited know was buried. This passion hedidn’t even his proficiency a fornumbersand formulas.It unearthed aprofessornoticed after andchemistry work tobiology Navy He switchedmajorsfromsocial eventually Reserve. a home, andspending weekends duty on active in the awife,smallchild,remodeling hisstudies, was juggling guardas ata security Baton Rouge hospital. Ledet General at SouthernUniversity andA&M College, whilealsoworking takingclasses home,hestarted hereturned turned 18.After only way wastojointheU.S. outofpoverty Navy oncehe when hewasyounger. his LA, Charles, GrowingupinLake PhD,Russell imagineacareerinmedicine Ledet, couldnever DEFYING THE ODDS “It’s like ifyoudon’t seeit,thenitcan’t happen.” says. Acosta forBlackmedicalstudents, roadblocks that exist models ormentorsthat have that,” achieved aresomeofthe medicine becauseit’s kindofunreachable,andthelackrole fromfamilyandfriendstopursue them, thelackofsupport of that hasaboutBlackmales,thelowexpectations society creating theirownpath withminimal mentors. themselvesmentally,to support financially, andemotionally, today,students especiallythoseunder30yearsold,have had all the way Most and beyond. into residency Black medical itself andcanmanifest at kindergarten thatsystem starts that feedsitsway educational construct intoadysfunctional numbers aredownright“atrocious” andthereasonisaracist make upabout254ofthat says enteringclass.Acosta these 154 medicalschoolsintheUnited States. Blackmenonly thedominate majoritymodel toprotect group,” says. Acosta havethey many excluded and that students self-preservation racism andhowthose subtlemanifestations ofstructural “I don’t knowwhy, butIwasalways awestruck seeing “Public perceptions,stereotypes, andbiasedimages Every year, areadmitted about21,000students into

HANSA BHARGAVA, MD, WEBMD SENIOR MEDICAL EDITOR MEDICAL SENIOR WEBMD MD, BHARGAVA, HANSA Here’s a look into why. WEBMD.COM 12/11/20 12:54 PM 36 It really comes down to STRUCTURAL RACISM— a racism that has been embedded into our educational system, but also society in general.

—David Acosta, MD

something I never dreamed that I would ever be able to do.” In 2011, while working overnight at the hospital, he met a white surgery resident who needed help getting to the operating room from the emergency room, a route rarely taken by surgeons. As they were walking, Ledet hesitantly asked the man if he was actually a “surgeon” and if it would be possible for him to follow the practitioner around one day. This doctor gave Ledet the opportunity to shadow him during rounds and in surgery. Finding an ally to open that door was a game changer for Ledet. But even with some support, he still had to consider the costs associated with going THE 15 WHITE COATS REPRESENT BLACK EXCELLENCE AND ACCOMPLISHMENT AS THEY STAND IN FRONT OF THE SLAVE QUARTERS AT THE WHITNEY PLANTATION IN EDGARD, LA to medical school. It was during this time Ledet was offered a $41,000 a year stipend to obtain a PhD at NYU Grossman School of Medicine. He jumped on this Association of Black Women Physicians is just one group coming to the opportunity because it provided a way for him to take rescue. The organization was established in 1982 on the ideals of service, care of his family and then some. After finishing his PhD with mentorships, scholarships, and patient education. in molecular oncology in 2018, he is now in his third year They are definitely doing something right. The number of Black medical of medical school on a full-ride scholarship at Tulane students studying to be doctors are increasingly Black women. According to University School of Medicine in New Orleans while also a report from the AAMC, the number of Black women who enrolled in U.S. completing his MBA, which he is paying for with student medical schools for the 2018-2019 academic year was 936 compared with loans. He plans to go into a triple board residency, which 604 Black males who enrolled. In this same school year, however, 5,338 white will have him practicing pediatrics, general psychiatry, women and 5,442 white males enrolled. There is clearly more work to be done. and child adolescent psychiatry. The next phase of the President Sylvia Gates Carlisle, MD, MBA, ended her tenure in December dream is to eventually open a mental health facility 2020, but is proud of what the Association of Black Women Physicians is in New Orleans to increase accessibility of services to doing to increase the number of Black doctors in the country. people of color in the city. “We have a sister-to-sister mentorship program where every other month, we have premed, medical students, and residents get together with practicing GETTING SUPPORT physicians around coaching activities like prepping for interviews. Some of While Ledet’s story is exceptional, everyone isn’t it is just creating a safe place where people can say their truth,” Gates Carlisle afforded this same path. Many Black students have says. “And, we have a scholarship program and we’re very proud that we’ve limited knowledge about what it takes to become a been able to raise three-quarters of a million dollars over our history. By physician—the tests, the time, the money—and not definition, Black women physicians, there’s not a whole lot of us and so we’re every college or university is equipped with faculty very proud that we’ve helped some of our past scholarship recipients become to properly advise them on how to get started. The practicing physicians.”

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WMD0121_FEA1.indd 52 12/11/20 12:54 PM Level the Playing Field A number of programs and efforts are underway with a mission to expose students in underserved communities to several possibilities within the health care profession. These programs can start with K-12 and continue into post- collegiate experiences. Here are four organizations that are creating the next generation of racially inclusive doctors, scientists, and public health of icials.

THE SKYHOOK FOUNDATION Started by NBA Hall of Famer Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, the Skyhook Foundation supports educational STEM opportunities to underserved children by enabling interactive, multisensory, and outdoor elements into the learning process. As of February 2020, less than a third of California students met or exceeded the new state science tests. Financially supported by the Skyhook Foundation and operated by the Los Angeles Uni ied School District (LAUSD), Camp Skyhook takes racially diverse groups of fourth and ifth graders from the Los Angeles area into the Angeles National Forest for nearly a week for a blended learning experience to cultivate a love for science and the outdoors. Due to COVID-19, Camp Skyhook has been closed since March 2020 and does not anticipate opening until late 2021. Therefore, Skyhook Eco Vans, a new concept was created. The vans are operated by LAUSD and donated by the Skyhook Foundation. The premise is simple, if children can’t go to camp, then camp goes to them … wherever they are. The new Skyhook Eco Vans takes these activities to local communities where children are allowed to gather in COVID- safe environments in a move meant to lessen the educational divide magni ied by the COVID-19 pandemic. For more information, visit skyhookfoundation.org.

CDC MUSEUM DISEASE DETECTIVE CAMP The coronavirus pandemic forced the CDC Museum Disease Detective Camp (DDC) staff to expand its normally in-person weeklong summer program into a new virtual and online experience. Junior and senior high school students who were accepted into the free program (with speci ic recruitment to students of Title 1 schools in the Atlanta area) learned how to manage public health emergencies from any of the 120 CDC employee volunteers through lab sessions and mock press conferences. The online session allowed for even more students from diverse populations to take advantage of all that the program has to offer including what it’s like to work at the CDC. Check cdc.gov/museum/camp/detective for information on the 2021 in-person camp and online summer course application.

THE FINANCIAL BARRIERS MAYO CLINIC CARES ARIZONA PROGRAM The cost of applying to medical school can Exploring careers in health care just got a little easier for high school students be an expensive and heavy burden to anyone in diverse, underserved areas because of the Mayo Clinic Career Advancement, who is also leaving undergraduate school Research and Education Summer (CARES) program. This 5-week, intensive under a mountain of debt. According to the study introduces students to careers in the health care industry through AAMC’s 2019 “Medical Student Education: mentorship and instruction at the two Mayo Clinic campuses in Arizona by Debt, Costs, and Loan Repayment Fact clinicians, researchers, and educators from around the country. For more Card,” the average educational debt for those information, visit https://college.mayo.edu/academics/diversity-and-inclusion/ who are already carrying debt into medical programs/mayo-clinic-cares/ school is nearly $202,000. It can take a physician anywhere between 3 and 17 years THE INSTITUTE FOR DIVERSITY AND HEALTH EQUITY to pay off those loans with interest. SUMMER AND FALL ENRICHMENT PROGRAM INTERNSHIPS Besides the cost of school itself, students For more than 25 years, the American Hospital Association’s Institute for also need to consider the charges associated Diversity and Health Equity (IFDHE) has been dedicated to advancing diversity with the application process. This includes within the management and board-level ranks of hospitals and health care systems to meet the needs of a more diverse society. The Institute’s Summer the application fee, which is approximately and Fall Enrichment Programs provide onsite, paid opportunities to diverse, $170 per school and the registration fee for current, and recent graduate students who are pursuing career paths in the Medical College Admission Test, which health care administration or a related ield. Both the 10-week summer and is $320. Factor in additional travel and 18- to 20-week fall programs are led by experienced professionals who provide accommodation expenses if you actually mentorship, leadership support, and career advice. For more information on

PHOTOGRAPHY: COURTESY OF THE 15 WHITE COATS WHITE 15 THE OF COURTESY PHOTOGRAPHY: want to visit the school before deciding to both programs, email [email protected] or call (312) 422-2690.

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WMD0121_FEA1.indd 53 12/11/20 12:54 PM WMD0121_FEA1.indd 54 medical 15 professionals. White Coats It of The was the birth attention to the underrepresentation of Americans African as to take a series of photosthat went viral and brought more the lives of enslaved people. While there, the group decided It’sLA. primarily on the only museum in the state to focus to visittheslave Plantation at inEdgard, theWhitney quarters other 14 at Blackstudents Tulane University SchoolofMedicine similar challenges toattending inviting medicalschoolafter the In wasinspiredtohelpotherscopewith December2019, Ledet GIVING BACK asheis. who aren’t asfortunate lot andit’s useshisplatform those toassist oneofthereasons Ledet fromenteringmedicinealtogether.students Money a determines additionalfinancial repaired. These someBlack barrierscandeter admittance untilanapplicant’s canbeclearedor credit history inschool.In arestill they somecases,schools may defer even paying areencouragedschool students off tostart schoolingwhile recommend scholarships,grants, loans,medical andlow-interest choosetoapply.number ofschoolstowhichthey attend. remembertomultiplythisbywhatever Studentsmust RIGHT: CENTER: LEFT: And whiletherearefinancial programs assistance that can fewer health problems that limit MORE BLACK DOCTORS DR. RUSSELL LEDET SPEAKS AT A BLACK LIVES MATTER PROTEST AT TULANE UNIVERSITY ON JUNE 7, 2020 ALONGSIDE LEE HAMM, MD, L. LEDET TALKS RACE RELATIONS AND HEALTH DISPARITIES WITH THE CROWD, WHICH INCLUDES HIS CHILDREN more Black lives saved, and WITH ABOUT 1,000 PEOPLE IN ATTENDANCE, LEDET IMPLORES THE NEW MEDICALORLEANS TO COMMUNITY THEHEAR CRY OF ITS BLACK CITIZENS economic opportunity. —Michael Bloomberg will mean kids need to think, ‘I can be a doctor just like just mykids needtothink, ‘Icanbeadoctor friendoverthere.’” like just Icanbeadoctor.’friends canbea doctor AndtheBlack coat,” whitekidsneedtothink,‘Ohyeah,my Black says. “The Ledet thatunderstanding itispossible foryoutobeBlackanddonawhite into what ishopedtobeabetter future. patient care.Nonetheless, thisfundingandwhat itallowsisapeek programs, and medicalschools,residency withinmost say exist still doesn’t fixgift that Blackdoctors theproblemsofmicroaggressions immense oftheirbankaccount.This instead ontheirstudies focus toensureminimalloansandallowthem receive enoughmoney theplayingleveling field. Now, at will students theseinstitutions in astatement. It’s thefirst just ofmany step hehopeswillgo toward health problemsthat limiteconomicopportunity,” Bloombergsaid Medical College inNashville. University College ofMedicine inWashington, DC,andMeharry UniversityDrew ofMedicine Angeles, Howard andScienceinLos schools: Morehouse SchoolofMedicine R. inAtlanta,Charles attending4 yearsforstudents Black medical fourhistorically Philanthropies announceda$100milliondonation overthenext presidential candidate Michael Bloombergthroughhis opponent. In September2020,formerNew York City mayor and racism canonlybesurmountedbyanequallyformidable making significant inroads, but one might argue that systemic and 15WhiteCoats aredoingtheirpart Physicians andThe moniker is‘ResilienceIs In OurDNA®’.” for peopletotake, butthereisaresilienceandthat iswhy our It’smake existed. surethat thoseBlackbodiesnever ahardthing thatthese Black bodies in front of asystem was putin place to aregoing tolearnfromlooking atthey thisphoto.You tosee get intopeople medical get school. People are going to learn from it, Now, fromthephototohelpotherBlack weget weusethemoney inthatCoats. momentthat “Iknew thiswasgoing tobe abigdeal. white coat,” 15White presidentandmanager ofThe says Ledet, thatsystems wereputinplacetomake dona surethat wenever illustrate totheworldhowfarourpeoplehave comeinspiteof and mentorshipprogram. leaders inthemedicalfield anongoing byestablishing scholarship a nonprofit with a mission of inspiring future (the15whitecoats.org), “Kids onbothsidesofthe coin needtohave abetter “More willmeanmoreBlacklivessaved, Blackdoctors andfewer Grassroots organizations like ofBlackWomen theAssociation “I cameup withtheidea togo and wearourwhite coats and WEBMD.COM 12/11/20 12:54 PM 39

PHOTOGRAPHY: COURTESY OF TULANE UNIVERSITY in Mental Health The Black Community Black Community Black

ILLUSTRATION: EVA VÁSQUEZ that prevent this demographic prevent that Experts reveal some of some reveal Experts fromgetting the G are as complex as they are harmful. areharmful. asthey are ascomplex mental healthhave created barrierstocarethat misconceptionsabout longstanding believe across the country professional help.Experts arealsolessopentoseekingself-harm, they guilt,sadness, and worthlessness, thoughts of a conditionmarked feelingsof bypersistent disorder andmajordepressivedisorder,anxiety serious mentalhealthissueslike generalized this population is20%morelikely toexperience embarrassment fortheBlackcommunity. While illness haslongbeencloaked inshameand and confidence notionofmental building.The relief onanxiety whereshefocuses practice, this scenarioplay outinherownMedia, PA, hadtosay frustrationthey andexpress aboutit?” life change, tohearwhat why wouldyourefuse withamajor you that yourdaughter isstruggling time. It madenosense tome.Ifsomeoneistelling and my mom arrived and was pissed the whole “Mysocial worker (LCSW). toattend dadrefused of depression,” says Shabazz,alicensedclinical signs a familysessionbecauseIwasexhibiting counselor. “Sheasked my parentstocomeinfor sheseethecampus for thetrack team,suggested disconnected. outsider. and herdejected left experience The thousand kids,thethen15-year-oldwasabullied belonging. Now intoaschoolofcouple thrust she made friends quickly and had a sense of Now that she’s atherapist, Shabazzsees A nurse,notingherdemeanorduringaphysical in 2000 was the most trying. In trying. thepast, in 2000wasthemost themove toDelaware childhood. Though moved many times throughout her family,rowing upinamilitary AishaShabazz BY BY ERICKA SÓUTER SÓUTER ERICKA REVIEWED BY REVIEWED help it needs BRUNILDA NAZARIO, MD, WEBMD SENIOR MEDICAL EDITOR MEDICAL SENIOR WEBMD MD, NAZARIO, BRUNILDA one solution: God. “Some just tell me,it’s just “Some noteven God. solution: one depressive disorder, friendsandfamilyoffered influence. it’s nosurprisethat religionhasatremendous in 10BlackAmericans identifying asChristian, 8 copingstrategy.religion astheirprimary With to go totherapy orcounseling,preferring Still, many in the Black community are reluctant breakdown. severe transition rather away thanjust tomanage a inpreparationup yourskillset forahuge life basis.It’s onaconsistent feel alsoatooltobuild or pressuresthat areaffecting theway they medication tohelpthemcopewithstressors and use talktherapy or acombination oftalktherapy Moreexplains. commonly, however, patients typically portrayed as someone in crisis, she media,amentalhealthpatient isin thenews University inWashington,and DC.OnTVshows of thebehavioral healthprogram at Howard a childandadolescentpsychologist anddirector Tyish is,suggests health actually PhD, Hall Brown, generations willhave theillness.” family hasaformofthisillnessorthat future in Texas. assumed that“It theentire is often a mentalillness,” says afamilyphysician Aseh, community whenonepersoninyourfamilyhas looksand from get your peers, friends, and at 22.“Iknowwhat itislike tohearwhispers her brotherwasdiagnosedwithschizophrenia MD,Omerine Aseh, 12yearsoldwhen wasjust PRAY THE PROBLEM AWAY AVOIDING THE ‘CRAZY’ LABEL the barriers When Jasmin Pierre was diagnosed with major ofwhat reasonisamisunderstanding mental The at WebMD.com. Stigma ofMentalIllnessat CopingWiththe article the for Search

WEBMD.COM 41 “It’s all about normalizing the conversation and showing people with mental health disorders that they are not alone. There is help and they are never alone.” —Jasmin Pierre real, you’re not depressed,” she shares. “You just need to pray, Recent studies show that Black women have a greater chance of just go to church.” It’s the proposed remedy for a myriad of mental pregnancy-related deaths. Their death rates are three to four times health disorders. Some ministers may even tell parents that a child’s higher than other races regardless of income or education level. attention deficit hyperactivity disorder will go away by making them Statistics like this highlight how profound the inequalities truly go to church more or that anxiety is a result of a weak connection are. In this sense, Watford says, the medical field has been a with the Lord. longstanding place of oppression and trauma. “This just reinforces that idea that if I’m dealing with this, then “One of the things I always like to point out about all those my faith must not be strong enough, not that I have a mental health incidences is that they were condoned by the government,” offers condition,” says Houston-based Vaughn O’Neal, LCSW. While this Isaiah Pickens, PhD, assistant director of the service systems is still a pervasive problem, more churches across the country have program at the UCLA-Duke National Center for Child Traumatic begun to partner with clinicians to talk to congregations about how Stress. “And what I mean by that is either the government didn’t spirituality and mental health support can actually go hand in hand. prosecute the people who perpetrated these offenses early on while they were happening, or they didn’t protect the victims of these MISTRUST OF THE SYSTEM offenses. That creates what we call a breach of the social contract, Another hurdle therapists confront is a deeply ingrained wariness which is the belief that the institutions who are supposed to protect of the medical field, according to Lateefah Watford, MD, chief of me will actually protect me.” behavioral health services at Kaiser Permanente in Atlanta. Historical In Black communities, that breach continues with stop-and-frisk atrocities like those of antebellum surgeon James Marion Sims, who policies, racial profiling, and police shootings of unarmed Black pioneered gynecological procedures by practicing on enslaved Black people. In late August 2020, a video surfaced of police placing a women without anesthesia, and the notorious Tuskegee Experiment, in “spit hood” over the head of a handcuffed 41-year-old Black which the U.S. Public Health Service kept syphilis treatment from man in the midst of a mental health crisis. He died a week Black male patients in Alabama, understandably breed mistrust. later from what the medical examiner’s officer described as “complications of asphyxia in the setting of physical restraint.” It demonstrated a startling HOW TO FIND A It’s not just about access to services, but access to high- reality: Someone in distress may quality treatment. Keep in mind, free doesn’t necessarily be treated like a criminal when THERAPIST THAT’S equal good and neither does paying top dollar. Here are they need help the most. The RIGHT FOR YOU some tips for helping you find the right mental health solution boils down to training, clinician for your needs from Aisha Shabazz, LCSW. asserts Pickens, who launched iOpening Enterprises, which 1. When you are trying to figure out if a therapist will be a good fit, go on their website to see if the information creates professional development programs that teach schools, they are presenting feels authentic to you. “There are a lot of folks out there who are phoning it in. They police departments, and other don’t really mean what they say or practice what they preach. See if what they are putting out there in organizations about how trauma the world is something that resonates.” and mental health impact people. 2. During a consultation with a therapist, ask: How are you going to help me in session? LACK OF CLINICIANS OF COLOR What are we going to do now that I’ve shared why I’m coming to therapy? If you like It’s critical to find a culturally what you hear, move forward. competent counselor. For 3. You don’t have to stick with a therapist if you feel like they are not right for you. some, that means finding a Black therapist. While a Black If they are not meeting your needs, it’s OK to make that change. “There a lot of provider may be preferred, it’s people who give up after having an uncomfortable experience with a therapist. not always the most practical Just because one therapist isn’t a good fit, doesn’t mean there isn’t one out option since only 4% of social there that will be.” workers and 2% of psychiatrists and psychologists are Black. A

42 WEBMD.COM STRESSED OUT? THESE STRATEGIES CAN HELP Clinical psychologist Isaiah Pickens, PhD, shares self-care tips for living through the shared racial background also does not are factors. Fortunately, there are COVID-19 pandemic and an unprecedented always guarantee a shared experience. low-cost avenues for help. The first period of social unrest. It’s about a certain comfort level, a step is to reach out to your insurance shared experience that makes sharing company or Medicaid provider to 1. Create parameters around what you are easier, says O’Neal, the Houston social find out exactly what coverage is consuming in the news and on social media. worker who specializes in treating available. Most plans offer a certain Constant exposure to unsettling headlines can Black men. “It can be refreshing on number of sessions. Next, explore both sides,” he admits. “People have a groups like OpenPathCollective.org be upsetting. sigh of relief because they can let their that have partnerships with thera- 2. Practice deep breathing and other self-soothing hair down and just be themselves. I’ve pists who provide psychotherapy techniques like yoga or meditation. Try to take noticed that we both end up relaxing sessions between $30 and $60. a nap with an eye mask on. to a certain extent, and dropping a InclusiveTherapists.com also offers little Ebonics into the conversation, connections to teletherapy at reduced 3. Connection is important. Bonding with others you know, that sort of thing.” fees and low-cost and not-for-profit activates the stress-reducing hormone oxytocin. services. Even if you can’t hang out in person, do video TEENS AND THERAPY The most important thing clinicians chats and phone calls with the people you love. It’s important to remember kids also and patients alike are doing is carry around emotional trauma. normalizing the conversation about 4. Right now, many people are feeling powerless Historically, Black teenagers have mental illness. Celebrity testimonials are and that’s a huge stressor. Focus on what you had lower suicide rates than whites, especially impactful. Taraji P. Henson can control and create coping strategies. For but a 2019 study found a dramatic openly discussed her struggles with example, if you run into a lot of traffic in the rise in self-harm attempts by Black depression. [For more details, check teens, especially among boys. While out our May 2020 issue with her on morning, leave a bit earlier. If that’s not possible, the researchers did not explain why, the cover.] Jay-Z talked about going to play music that calms you during the drive. experts theorize that teens’ exposure to therapy. Serena Williams shared her For more resources on Black mental health, constant images of racial violence and battle with postpartum depression. visit NAMI.org, the National Alliance on Mental Illness. racial and economic disparities have Hearing this from admired public an impact. It creates a heightened figures greatly reduces the stigma, but sense of anxiety and worry. On the so does the empathy and action of positive side, however, “Younger people everyday people. Because of her own are more open to therapy because experience, Pierre developed the app they are more open to sharing all the The Safe Place to bring awareness, aspects to their lives,” Shabazz says. education, and acceptance to the topic of “Social media has its faults, but it mental health. Online support systems does allow people to expose aspects like TherapyforBlackGirls.com and of their personality that they wouldn’t SteveFund.org offer group therapy, otherwise. And the older generations community resources, and articles don’t have a model for that. Therapy on how to cope with racism, police is more of an intimate way of sharing brutality, economic disparities, and more avenues of your identity without violence. These resources teach the it being so out in the open and public Black community that therapy can for the whole world to see.” help reinforce the aspects of our lives that are working well, but also be a INROADS TO ERADICATING THE STIGMA tool to help people rebuild after a crisis Ensuring access to care is critical. or a setback. “We have come a long way, While Black young adults have higher but we still have a lot more work to do,” rates of mental health issues, they are Pierre adds. “It’s all about normalizing less likely than whites to receive the conversation and showing people services. Clinicians note that less with mental health disorders that they access to adequate health care and are not alone. There is help and they

ILLUSTRATION: EVA VÁSQUEZ EVA ILLUSTRATION: the financial burden of treatment are never alone.”

43 WEBMD.COM GETTY IMAGES

GOOD FOR YOU Roots Rainbow IN AN ARRAY OF BRIGHT HUES. YOURSELF WITH THIS VEGETABLE, AVAILABLE NOT JUST ORANGE EITHER. REACQUAINT CARROTS AREN’T JUST FOR KIDS. AND THEY’RE DELICIOUS BITES DELICIOUS

Food and pepper. until tender,slice androast withalittle oliveoil, salt, serving themandblendwithbrothspicestomake steam soup;or disease. Enjoycarrotsraw, as avehicleforyourfavorite dips; heart through foodssuchascarrotsmay against alsoprotect healthy.skin, andimmunesystem Consumingbeta-carotene converted by the body whichkeeps youreyes, into vitaminA, a provitamin a topsource ofbeta-carotene, also is variety orange impressive 14% ofanadult’s dailyvalue offiber The percup. 53caloriesandan contain just chips andreachforcarrots.They PREFER YOUR SNACKS WITH CRUNCH? SET ASIDE THE BAG OF ERIN O’DONNELL MEALS MADE EASY MADE MEALS Appealing Ways toMakeVeggiesMore slideshow the for Search at WebMD.com. at WEBMD.COM

44 Food

Search for the slideshow Advanced Meal Prep Tips and Tricks at WebMD.com.

3 WAYS Sheet-Pan Dinners GET A HEALTHY MEAL ON THE TABLE IN UNDER AN HOUR WITH THESE SIMPLE, VEGGIE PACKED ENTRÉES. BONUS? NO SIDE DISHES REQUIRED AND NO MASSIVE CLEANUP INVOLVED!

BY Erin O’Donnell RECIPES BY Kathleen Zelman, MPH, RD, LD

THE MIX BONEIN CHICKEN BREASTS, OLIVE OIL, GARLIC POWDER, WHOLE GRAIN MUSTARD, DIJON MUSTARD, BALSAMIC VINEGAR, HONEY, BUTTERNUT SQUASH, BRUSSELS SPROUTS, ROSEMARY FAMILY FAVORITE Honey Mustard Chicken and Vegetables A heavy-duty 18- by 13-inch sheet pan works best with these recipes. We like lining the pan with parchment paper or foil to prevent sticking and make cleanup easy. The bone-in chicken breasts make the meal juicier and more •lavorful than boneless breasts.

45 WEBMD.COM VEGETARIAN DELIGHT Roasted Vegetable Medley This delectable vegetarian meal can be made vegan by leaving out the feta cheese. To add variety to the way you serve this meal, present the veggies and chickpeas on a bed of cooked grains, or wrap the roasted vegetable medley in a tortilla with avocado slices.

MAKE IT Preheat oven to 425ºF. Line 2 sheet pans with parchment paper or foil, and place them in oven as it heats. In a small bowl, combine ½ tsp each of coriander, cumin, turmeric, and garlic powder with a pinch of salt. In a large bowl, toss together 1 can rinsed, drained chickpeas and 2 diced potatoes with 1 tsp spice mixture and 1 tsp olive oil. Place mixture on one sheet pan and roast for 25 to 30 minutes until potatoes are golden brown. In the same bowl, combine 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved, with 1 red pepper, yellow pepper, red onion, and zucchini, THE MIX all cut into strips. Toss with remaining CORIANDER, CUMIN, spice mixture and 1 tbsp olive oil. Place TURMERIC, GARLIC POWDER, on second heated sheet pan. Roast LOWSODIUM CHICKPEAS, vegetables for 15 to 20 minutes until tender and golden brown. POTATOES, OLIVE OIL, CHERRY Gently combine vegetables with chickpeas mixture in a serving dish. TOMATOES, SWEET RED PEPPER, Garnish with crumbled feta, chopped cilantro, and lime wedges. SWEET YELLOW PEPPER, RED SERVES 4 ONION, ZUCCHINI, CILANTRO, FETA CHEESE, LIME PER SERVING ABOUT 2 CUPS) 374 calories, 14 g protein, 47 g carbohydrate, 17 g fat (5 g saturated fat),

PHOTOGRAPHY: ARIANNA TETTAMANZI ARIANNA PHOTOGRAPHY: 27 mg cholesterol, 5 g iber, 14 g sugar, 487 mg sodium. Calories from fat: 40%

MAKE IT Preheat oven to 425ºF. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper or foil, and place in oven as it heats. Season 4 chicken breasts with a drizzle of olive oil, and a sprinkle of garlic powder, sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper. In a small bowl, whisk together 1 tbsp each of whole grain and Dijon mustards and balsamic vinegar, and 2 tbsp honey. Brush on chicken. In a medium bowl, combine 1 butternut squash (peeled, deseeded, and cut into 1-inch cubes) and 2 cups halved Brussels sprouts with 2 tsp olive oil. Remove pan from oven. Place chicken, painted side up, on one end, and vegetables on the other. Sprinkle vegetables with a little salt and pepper. Return to oven. After 20 minutes, sprinkle vegetables with 1 ½ tsp chopped rosemary, and then flip them. Roast 10 to 20 more minutes, until an instant-read thermometer inserted in the thickest part of the chicken reads 165ºF. For additional browning, broil 3 to 5 minutes more. Garnish with more rosemary. SERVES 4

PER SERVING 1 CHICKEN BREAST WITH ABOUT 1 CUP VEGETABLES 370 calories, 35 g protein, 22 g carbohydrate, 12 g fat (2 g saturated fat), 89 g cholesterol, 5 g iber, 12 g sugar, 408 mg sodium. Calories from fat: 29%

46 WEBMD.COM Food

THE MIX SWEET POTATOES, OLIVE OIL, BROCCOLI, HONEY, CHILI POWDER, GARLIC POWDER, PAPRIKA, CAYENNE PEPPER, TILAPIA FILLETS, LEMON

THE FISH DISH Spicy-Sweet Tilapia With Sweet Potatoes and Broccoli This healthy tilapia and veggie meal gets its kicky lavor from chili powder and cayenne pepper. Cut the vegetables in similar sizes to ensure even cooking. MAKE IT Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper or foil, and place in oven as it heats. In a large bowl, toss 4 peeled, cubed sweet potatoes with 2 tsp olive oil and a dash of salt and pepper. Place sweet potatoes on heated tray and roast for 15 minutes. In the same bowl, toss 1 head of broccoli, chopped into bite-size pieces, with 2 tsp olive oil and a dash of salt and pepper. Set aside. In a small bowl, combine 2 tsp honey, 1 tbsp olive oil, and 1 tsp each of chili powder, garlic powder, and paprika with ⅛ tsp cayenne pepper, and a dash of salt. Rub 4 6-oz tilapia fillets with spice mixture. After 15 minutes, flip sweet potatoes and move to one side of sheet pan. Add tilapia and broccoli; return to oven for 20 to 25 minutes until fish flakes and vegetables are tender. Serve with lemon wedges. SERVES 4

PER SERVING 1 FILLET AND ABOUT 1 CUP VEGETABLES 378 calories, 48 g protein, 33 g carbohydrate, 12 g fat (2 g saturated fat),

96 g cholesterol, 5 g iber, 9 g sugar, 328 mg sodium. Calories from fat: 25% TETTAMANZI ARIANNA PHOTOGRAPHY:

47 WEBMD.COM Food

SOUTH AFRICAN CURRY “This blend is flavored with Portuguese piri-piri peppers, chili powder, cumin, cloves, cardamom, Crazy for Curry fennel seeds, and more. A frequent main ingredient is FOOD 101 FOOD PICK UP THESE POWDERS TO ADD A WORLDLY—AND lamb.” Often served in a FLAVORFUL—TOUCH TO ANY HOMEMADE MEAL bowl made of a hollowed out loaf of bread. BY Matt McMillen REVIEWED BY Hansa Bhargava, MD, WebMD Senior Medical Editor

ORIGINATING IN INDIA, PERHAPS AS MANY AS 4,000 YEARS AGO, curry delivers complex flavors, frequently concentrated in powders of blended spices. Many are premade and you can buy them online. You can also make your own. Such spice blends form the base of a curry. But curry means more than just a powder, says Christina Arokiasamy, cooking teacher and author of The Malaysian Kitchen. “It’s a technique of stewing or braising meat or vegetables to slowly infuse flavors,” Arokiasamy says. Here, she walks us through some of her favorite styles to demonstrate curry’s reach and variety.

Search for the slideshow Spices and Herbs to Pump Up the Flavor at WebMD.com. VINDALOO CURRY “From India, with Portuguese influences, this has a vinegary tang and some heat. MALAYSIAN CURRY Chicken often takes center “Fragrant with onion, stage, flavored with garlic, ginger, turmeric, star onion, tomatoes, and spices anise, and a host of other like cinnamon, cloves, and spices, this curry blend cardamom, and a generous works well with potatoes, hit of freshly ground tofu, eggplant, or black pepper.” beef, finished with coconut milk.”

BURMESE CURRY “Loaded with shallots, with color and flavor THAI CURRY also coming from “Distinguished by turmeric, garlic, and galangal, lemongrass, tamarind, pair and makrut lime this simple curry with leaves, Thai curries eggplant, butternut blend these fresh squash, mushrooms, aromatics with dry and chicken.” spices like cumin and coriander and garlic, ginger and shallots, and different colored chili peppers.” PHOTOGRAPHY: ARIANNA TETTAMANZI ARIANNA PHOTOGRAPHY:

48 WEBMD.COM Food

BUILD A BETTER Go for the Guac DEEPLY SATISFYING, EASY TO MAKE, AND OPEN TO YOUR OWN INTERPRETATION, SEE WHY THIS DELICIOUS DIP IS A FAN FAVORITE

BY Matt McMillen REVIEWED BY Hansa Bhargava, MD, WebMD Senior Medical Editor

“ONE OF THE THINGS TO LOVE ABOUT GUACAMOLE IS THAT IT IS SO MULTIPURPOSE,” says Pati Jinich, host of Pati’s Mexican Table, now in its ninth season on PBS, and author of the cookbook of the same name. “Eat it on its own, with chips, as a filling for tacos, or a spread on a sandwich. Insane versatility!” Here’s how Jinich likes to make it—and how she likes to mix it up. Fair warning: Avocados pack a lot of calories, so go easy when you sit down to eat your guacamole.

MAKE IT • Use what you have. Just grab a dinner and skin to release it cleanly. You can fork for mashing and a bowl large dice the avocado before you remove enough to mix your ingredients. the flesh if you like.

• Pick the right avocados. Buy Mexican • Don’t make ahead. Guacamole tastes avocados for the best texture. Choose best when fresh. dark-skinned avocados that give slightly to a gentle squeeze. Don’t need it for a • Prepare with a goal. If you’ll serve few days? A harder, greener avocado it with chips, keep your guacamole will ripen at home over several days, chunky. It’s better smooth if you use which will make it easier to mash when it as a sandwich spread. ready. Put it in a paper bag to speed up the process. Or refrigerate your • Skip the tomatoes. They often make already ripe avocado to keep it fresh guacamole too watery. for up to a week. • Add acid and a little salt. Squeeze in • Open them up. Slice from top to some lime juice for a nice tart taste— bottom on both sides and gently twist and to help preserve your guacamole’s to separate. If a soft squeeze doesn’t color. Salt brings out all of the flavor. release the pit, tap it with a sharp knife so the blade sticks in it, then twist • Vary it. For a smoky flavor, char some and pull out. peppers (jalapeños and/or serranos) Search for the slideshow Health and onions, along with some garlic, Benefits of Avocados at WebMD.com. • Remove the flesh. Dunk a tablespoon in a skillet or under the broiler. Or top

in water and slide it between the flesh with bacon bits, chorizo, or crab meat. IMAGES GETTY

Search for the quiz The Truth BREADS About Bread at WebMD.com.

SUPERMARKETS HAVE GOTTEN A WHOLE LOT BETTER AT OFFERING WHOLE¢GRAIN BREADS. HERE ARE FIVE LOAVES THAT FIT A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE, CHOSEN BY REGISTERED DIETITIAN CAROLYN O’NEIL, MS, OF THEHAPPYHEALTHYKITCHEN.COM.

ARNOLD SARA LEE ARTESANO DAVE’S KILLER BREAD OROWEAT PEPPERIDGE FARM 100% WHOLE WHEAT GOLDEN WHEAT 21 WHOLE GRAINS WHOLE GRAINS WHOLE GRAIN 15 GRAIN There’s whole-wheat lour, This thick-cut bakery-style AND SEEDS DOUBLE FIBER With 130 calories and whole wheat, and cultured soft bread with only Each 110-calorie organic Looking for iber in a 3 grams of iber per slice, whole wheat in each 100 calories per slice has slice boasts an impressive medium-textured bread? this soft-textured whole- 110-calorie slice, along just 3 grams of sugar 5 grams of iber, and the Try this. The extra iber— wheat bread bursts with with 3 grams of iber and with 4 grams of protein. seeds contribute healthy 4 grams per 80-calorie slice— nutritious grains, and 4 grams of protein, A delicious foundation omega-3 fats and a chewy comes from wheat bran and laxseed meal boosts its and a texture that rivals for sandwiches loaded crunch. Great for toast or cellulose, a plant-sourced supply of healthy fats. white bread. with veggies, which upping the nutrition of a ingredient. Ideal with rich nut add dietary iber. grilled cheese. butters or mashed avocado.

THE OPINIONS EXPRESSED IN THIS SECTION ARE OF THE EXPERTS AND ARE NOT THE OPINIONS OF WEBMD; WEBMD DOES NOT ENDORSE ANY SPECIFIC PRODUCT, SERVICE, OR TREATMENT.

49 WEBMD.COM GETTY IMAGES For years, they’ve looked for a way to prevent all future strains strains future For looked foraway all toprevent years,they’ve yeartoward offflu that shotevery season’s strains ofthevirus. in aclinicaltrial.Currently, reformulate the must scientists FDA-approved.some arenotyet for othermedicalconditionsemploy lesscommonapproaches; the realvirusenterbodylater. Otherpotentialvaccines then rememberhowtocreate thoseantibodiesshould cells it.“Memory” antibodiesagainst anddevelops threat it entersthebody, recognizes the theimmunesystem involves aweakened orinactivated formofthevirus.When aswithmany traditional othervaccines, most method, The ONE OF SEVERAL APPROACHES TO TRIGGER IMMUNITY. THE COVID19 VACCINES NOW IN DEVELOPMENT USE A new flu vaccine candidate recently showed strong results fluA new vaccine candidate results recentlyshowedstrong More Protect YourselfAgainstTetanusand AdultVaccines: slideshow the for Search EXPLORE HEALTH EXPLORE at WebMD.com. at Checkup is notinthenear future. animals thanitdoes humansandsofar, avaccine forhumans However, theherpesvirusbehaves quitedifferently in thevaccine istotest inpeople. step next and mice.The inguineapigs herpesinfection worked welltoprevent of Pennsylvania recentlyannouncedthat theircandidate in various Researchersat stages oftesting. theUniversity protein that issimilar acrossmany types offlu. tofight the flu, shotpromptstheimmunesystem thisnew a aspecific antibodiesagainst the bodytodevelop strain of tothevirus.Rather thantrigger exposure flu symptoms after vaccine greatly reducedvolunteers’chancesofdeveloping with asingleuniversalshot.In therecenttrial,new Several experimental vaccines for oral and genital herpes are are vaccines fororal experimental Several andgenital herpes

THE LATEST Viruses Shot at a Taking ARE IN THE WORKS. DISEASES FOR WHICH VACCINES OF DOZENS OF OTHER INFECTIOUS PROGRESS. COVID 19 JOINS A LIST MORE THAN 90 OPTIONS ARE IN VACCINE FOR COVID 19. CURRENTLY, WORLD ARE RACING TO DEVELOP A AND UNIVERSITIES ACROSS THE RESEARCH TEAMS IN COMPANIES SONYA COLLINS TAKE ACTION WEBMD.COM 50 Checkup DOCTOR Q&A Age Matters Matters Age WebMD Senior Medical Editor Medical Senior WebMD REVIEWED BY REVIEWED BY WATCH FOR THESE HEALTH ISSUES AS YOU GET OLDER December 2020issue.] piece onTop ShotsinourOctober/November/ [For more onthis,seetheHealth Smarts is why vaccinations arereallyimportant. issue. help diagnosethememory orgeriatricneurologist, psychiatrist can care providercandothat. Ageriatrician, anevaluation, andusuallyaprimary get firstmedications. The wouldbeto step like your important, something forget oryou you repeat orstories, questions infamiliarplaces, lost toget you start don’t comeback, are gone andthey asyouage. are expected able tomultitaskaseasily—thosethings there,oryou’re youget eventually not you torememberaperson’s namebut you have pain. eye black spotinthe middleofyourvision,or vision iscloudy, youseewavy lines ora ifyour doctor checked outbyyour eye Get TV orconversations, talktoyourdoctor. depression. Ifyouhave troublehearingthe isolation and independent andprevent your sightandhearingcanhelpyoustay decline. Maintainingloss, andfunctional can increaseyourriskforfalls,memory vision andhearingproblemsbecausethey on your to-do list. on yourto-dolist. healthchecks that youputtheseimportant University, Duke at recommends medicine Little, DO, associategeriatric of professor head off age-related problems,Milta Oyola lossandsuch asmemory weight gain. To healthconsiderations brings avariety ofnew Q Q Q has started toslip?has started so important? so LITTLE LITTLE LITTLE ALONG WITH CONVEYING WISDOM, Am Iat higherriskfor infections now? What are thesigns that my memory Why are checks visionandhearing What’s notnormaliswhenthenames Stephanie Watson Stephanie

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age age world ofdifference. of apelvicphysical therapist canmake a and othertypes withthehelp ofexercises are good treatments. Doingbiofeedback have don’t. There todealwithit,when they older adultsthinkit’s normalandthey just that’sof thosesubjects alittle taboo.Many avoid andwhat foodstoincreaseinyourdiet. tolearnwhatnutritional specialist foodsto build upmuscleandbone,workwitha dangerous. You to needtoincreaseexercise toloseweight,becausethat canbe trying calorieswhen my patients cut nottojust andmobility.the lossoffunction Itell and adults. It canleadtoosteoarthritis should take avitaminDsupplement. you whether askyourdoctor sun exposure, from thesun.Ifyou’re notgetting enough waymuscle health,andthebest itis toget fractures. falls,youcanprevent can prevent becauseifyou training isalsoimportant, Strength training helpsrebuildboth.Balance olderandyou’recells get notasactive. Q Q Q prevent fractures? LITTLE LITTLE LITTLE LITTLE What aboutincontinence? What Idotocontrol can weight gain? How Istrengthen can my and bones Vitamin D is also important for bone and forboneand Disalsoimportant Vitamin

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GETTY IMAGES Checkup Four to Know Search for the slideshow How Heart Disease THESE RISK FACTORS FOR HEART DISEASE MIGHT SURPRISE YOU Affects Your Body at WebMD.com. MY PERSPECTIVE MY

MOST OF US KNOW THAT HIGH BLOOD and decrease the protective effects of molecules pressure, diabetes, obesity, physical inactivity, called antioxidants. Rheumatoid arthritis and increased age are risk factors for heart also may decrease HDL cholesterol, the good disease. In recent years, we have learned cholesterol that can protect our hearts. about other health conditions that can also put you at increased risk. MIGRAINE WITH AURA Headaches are common, but not all headaches GASTROESOPHAGEAL REFLUX DISEASE increase your chance of heart disease. A BY John Whyte, MD, MPH, GERD specific type of headache—called migraine WebMD Chief Medical Oficer Reflux typically causes heartburn, nausea, and with aura—might affect your heart. People a feeling of acid coming back up your throat. who suffer from migraine with aura usually These symptoms sometimes can be mistaken have some type of sensory disturbances before for heart disease. GERD, itself, might increase the headache occurs. This can include flashes your chances of a heart attack. How exactly of light, blind spots in your visual field, blurry BY THE NUMBERS is unclear, but GERD is now considered a vision, even sensitivity to light. You might also disease that often results from chronic get nauseous and dizzy. This type of headache Proportion inflammation. This inflammation produces puts you at greater chance of a heart attack, of U.S. adults substances, called cytokines, which can cause especially for women. It may cause spasms or who have plaque buildup in the heart. Changes in diet, brief narrowing of blood vessels, and it might 23% arthritis. elevating head of bed, as well as weight loss increase the chance of your blood clotting. can help treat GERD. Many experts now Patients often use a lot of nonsteroidal recommend short-term use of proton-pump anti-inflammatory drugs that can also inhibitors for most patients. increase the chance of a heart attack. 647,000 RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS ASTHMA People with rheumatoid arthritis typically If you have asthma and trouble breathing, Number of deaths from heart disease have joint swelling, stiffness, and pain. They you also might be affecting your heart. When every year. often have fatigue and sometimes low blood you don’t manage your asthma well, you counts. They also may face a 50% higher risk could be doubling your risk of heart disease. for heart disease, including heart attacks and For example, if you have asthma and develop heart failure. Some of the increased risk chest pain, you might confuse a heart attack may be due to physical inactivity due to the for an asthma flare, so it is important to $320 BILLION pain. Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory know the symptoms of heart disease. It’s Annual health care costs and lost disease that causes damage to our blood vessels. also important to manage your asthma, productivity caused by heart disease. It can increase damage-causing free radicals avoiding triggers. PROVIDED WHYTE JOHN IMAGE DR. PHOTOGRAPHY: IMAGES; Y GETT

52 WEBMD.COM Checkup Picture-Perfect Care RADIOLOGISTS USE HIGHTECH IMAGING TOOLS TO DIAGNOSE DISEASE WHO'S WHO WHO'S BY Jodi Helmer REVIEWED BY Brunilda Nazario, MD, WebMD Senior Medical Editor

ANYTIME YOU RECEIVE AN XRAY, obstructive pulmonary disorder, and ultrasound, mammogram, CT scan, heart disease. or MRI, a radiologist works behind the scenes to interpret the results and SPECIALIZED ATTENTION provide a diagnosis. Radiologists work in hospitals, private Radiologists are medical doctors practices, or telemedicine clinics and who receive at least 13 years of rigorous often see patients of all ages. Some education in their specialty. These highly radiologists choose to narrow their areas trained diagnosticians rely on minimally of specialization, focusing on specific invasive medical imaging technologies areas of radiology such as radiation to detect disease and disorders in all oncology and pediatric radiology. areas of the body, including the organs, Diagnostic radiologists can further nervous system, stomach and intestines, specialize in areas such as pain medicine, heart and lungs, and spine. hospice medicine, or neuroradiology.

SCREENINGS SAVE LIVES THE FUTURE OF MEDICINE Radiologists can use these imaging The advent of teleradiology, which uses tools—which make detailed pictures of video conferencing and digital transfer a part of your body—to provide accurate of imaging scans, allows radiologists to diagnoses for both acute and chronic interpret images and provide diagnoses conditions. You might receive a single from afar. A 2019 study published in consult for a broken bone or require the Journal of the American College of ongoing screening and monitoring for Radiology found that 22% of radiology cancer or other diseases. Screenings practices relied on teleradiology for at can be essential in the early detection least three-quarters of their imaging of diseases such as cancer, chronic interpretations.

BY THE NUMBERS Search for the article What Is a Radiologist? at WebMD.com. Number of active diagnostic radiologists 27,719 in the U.S.

Proportion of diagnostic 25% radiologists who are women.

Proportion of radiologists who believe teleradiology helps provide coverage for patients 89% in underserved areas.

Proportion of radiologists who are age 55 and up.

GETTY IMAGES GETTY 51% 53 WEBMD.COM Checkup 10 TIPS TO COPE

SLEEP COOL 1. If hot lashes trouble your sleep, try turning down the temperature at night.

REDUCE STRESS 2. Try deep breathing and other relaxation techniques to improve your mood.

IDENTIFY 3. TRIGGERS Avoid things that may cause hot lashes, possibly spicy food and caffeine.

GET MOVING 4. Walk or do other weight-bearing exercise to keep your bones strong.

PROTECT 5. YOUR TICKER Menopause ups your risk of heart disease, so eat heart-healthy foods.

LAYER UP Search for the article Talking With 6. Dress in layers Your Doctor About Menopause so you can remove at WebMD.com. some clothing during Menopause a hot lash. WAYS TO EASE SYMPTOMS AND DISCOMFORT HANG OUT 7. Maintain BY Matt McMillen friendships or make new ones, because socializing REVIEWED BY Arefa Cassoobhoy, MD, MPH, WedMD Senior Medical Editor boosts brain health.

HEALTH HIGHLIGHTS HEALTH FLEX YOUR EXPERT The drop in estrogen that As the estrogen levels in the Menopause can present myriad 8. MUSCLES TIPS comes with menopause often vagina decrease, there can quality of life and health Kegel exercises and leads to vaginal atrophy, be loss of lubrication and issues. But there’s plenty you other treatments causing dryness, burning, elasticity in the vagina. can do to feel your best, like can reduce urinary painful sex, and urinary Couples should find a limiting alcohol and caffeine incontinence. symptoms including urinary lubricant that they like. and eating a whole-food, tract infections. If over-the- They should use it from start largely plant-based diet. For STAY SAFE counter vaginal lubricants and to finish with intercourse. very disruptive symptoms, 9. After menopause moisturizers don’t work, you Regular intercourse can like severe hot flashes, night you can’t get pregnant, have options. Ask your doctor help with maintaining sweats, or marked mood but practice safe sex to about low-dose vaginal estrogen, the elasticity and stretch swings, talk to your doctor. prevent disease. the most effective treatment for of the vagina. MITCHELL KRAMER, MD, moderate to severe atrophy. JENNIFER WU, MD, chairman, Department of GET DARA SHALOM, MD, OB/GYN, Lenox Hill Hospital, Obstetrics and Gynecology, 10. COMFORTABLE associate chief of Urogynecology, NYC Huntington Hospital, Sex doesn’t need to be Northwell Health, Great Neck, NY Long Island, NY painful; get treatment

for vaginal dryness. IMAGES GETTY

54 WEBMD.COM TEN QUESTIONS Take 10 REAL LIFE

YOUR NEW MOVIE, ALICE, IS ABOUT helping us move forward past the 1. A WOMAN WHO ESCAPES SERVITUDE things that we no longer want to IN 1800S GEORGIA, ONLY TO DISCOVER see in this world. THAT IT’S 1973. ALTHOUGH PRODUCTION HAS BEEN PUSHED BACK, WHAT APPEALED YOU’VE DEALT WITH ANXIETY AND TO YOU ABOUT THE ROLE? 6. DEPRESSION FOR MANY YEARS. Though we’re tackling things such as WHAT HAS HELPED YOU THROUGH IT? slavery and oppression and racism in Sometimes it can get hard when you’re America, we also see a leading character in your head all the time. I stopped who is not victimized—who becomes judging myself for the anxiety and empowered in spite of slavery. … I really depression, and I started to own it. I loved to see the strength Alice had. do yoga at least once a week, practice

HOW DID YOU GET INTO THE meditation, journaling, as well as 2. MINDSET OF A WOMAN WHO acceptance. IS ENSLAVED? HOW HAS MEDITATION HELPED Obviously, I have no idea what that 7. YOU STAY CENTERED? feels like, but I do know what it’s It slows me down when I am consistent like to feel small, to not be heard, with the practice. It puts me in a place to feel lonely, or have a sense of where I’m more of the observer. That’s hopelessness. I do know those feelings helped me a lot. and those emotions. HOW DO YOU STAY IN SHAPE? WHY DID YOU FEEL THE CALLING I work out at least two to three 3. TO GET INVOLVED WITH THE 8. BLACK LIVES MATTER MOVEMENT? times a week, even if it’s just me on the In the same way that I was inspired by floor of my room [working against] Brandy or Aaliyah or Queen Latifah my own body weight. It doesn’t always or Angela Bassett, somebody could be mean going to the gym. looking at me like that. So, I took that IN YOUR 2017 BOOK, I DON’T on very early as a responsibility … to 9. BELONG TO YOU, YOU WROTE THAT care about what’s going on in the world YOU’VE FELT PRESSURE ABOUT YOUR around me. SELFIMAGE. HOW DO YOU FEEL TODAY? I was really trying to dig deep into THE FIGHT FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE myself to get to the point where I didn’t 4. HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR A LONG TIME. HOW DO YOU THINK IT’S DIFFERENT care what other people were thinking RIGHT NOW? Keke Palmer all the time. That made me freer to be In a lot of ways, it’s become trendy. Actor/author/singer, 27 myself. Where I am right now, I feel That’s not good, but at the same time it New York City very comfortable. I feel like I’m owning is good, because if we have to make it who I am unapologetically, and that popular to care about each other’s lives feels good. and we have to make it trendy to not “IT’S ALL ABOUT WHO HAS INFLUENCED THE WAY want Black people to be killed for no 10. YOU CARE FOR YOUR HEALTH? reason … let’s make it trendy. EMPOWERING … MY My mentor, [actor] Asha Kamali. WHAT DO YOU HOPE TO ACHIEVE GENERATION, AND Working with her as a kid really 5. THROUGH YOUR ACTIVISM? inspired me because I would always see Through my work, and the things HELPING US MOVE FORWARD her taking good care of herself. My I do outside of my work, whether mom was also encouraging, whenever it be working with The Embrace PAST THE THINGS THAT I got new habits, like when I wanted Girls Foundation or Saving Our to start eating better. I ate on a strict Daughters’ Cinderellas project, it’s WE NO LONGER WANT TO schedule and didn’t eat late at night. all about empowering young women I took out juice and pop as well as pork and young men, my generation, and SEE IN THIS WORLD.” and beef. STEPHANIE WATSON MURRAY LAWRENCE PHOTOGRAPHY:

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