EVENTS/CALENDAR

Men’s Health Month

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June is Men’s Health Month, a national observance used to raise awareness about health care for men and focus on encouraging boys, men, and their families to practice and implement healthy living decisions, such as exercising and eating healthy. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, men in the United States, on average, die 5 years earlier than women and die at higher rates from the three leading causes of death, heart disease, cancer, and unintentional injuries. During Men’s Health Month, we encourage men to take control of their health, and for families to teach young boys healthy habits throughout childhood.

June Men's Health Month

World AIDS Vaccine Day

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World AIDS Vaccine Day

Since the first cases of AIDS were reported in 1981, hundreds of thousands of health professionals, scientists, volunteers, and community members have worked tirelessly to combat AIDS and find an AIDS vaccine. On World AIDS Vaccine Day, May 18th, not only do we give thanks to all those who have worked to fight this disease, but we also honor all the people who have succumbed to the disease. While recent advances for AIDS vaccines have moved the needle and got us closer to a cure, we are not there yet.

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The Race for an AIDS Vaccine

There have been many breakthroughs in AIDS treatments, and we are closer than ever to a vaccine, but there is still work to be done. The AIDS virus is unlike other viruses which makes developing a vaccine for it so difficult. Currently, researchers are working on different types of experimental vaccines in the hopes of finding a cure for this deadly disease.

Educating Communities

It is important to continue to educate communities on HIV and AIDS prevention. Educating under-served communities and minority populations is important to preventing HIV. Using proper protection and not sharing needles are just two things you can do to protect yourself against contracting HIV. Donating to the research for an AIDS vaccine also helps in the effort to quickly find a vaccine for the disease.

How to Celebrate World AIDS Vaccine Day

The best way you can celebrate World AIDS Vaccine Day is to not only get the word out to others but also thank those in the health industry who have worked to combat the disease. Post to your personal social media pages announcing this national awareness day and make sure you tag us at https://www.facebook.com/WestOaklandHealth. Donate on World AIDS Vaccine Day. You can make a donation here. The more awareness people can raise about finding a cure for AIDS, the faster we can find a cure.

For more information on World AIDS Vaccine Day check out this link.

West Oakland Health Council Celebrates Cinco de Mayo

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Cinco de Mayo, or the fifth of May, is a holiday that celebrates the date of the Mexican army’s May 5, 1862 victory over France at the Battle of Puebla during the Franco-Mexican War. The day, which falls on Wednesday, May 5 in 2021, is also known as Battle of Puebla Day. While it is a relatively minor holiday in Mexico, in the United States, Cinco de Mayo has evolved into a commemoration of Mexican culture and heritage, particularly in areas with large Mexican-American populations.

Cinco de Mayo is not Mexican Independence Day, a popular misconception. Instead, it commemorates a single battle. In 1861, Benito Juárez—a lawyer and member of the Indigenous Zapotec tribe—was elected president of Mexico. The country was in financial ruin after years of internal strife, and the new president was forced to default on debt payments to European governments.

In response, France, Britain, and Spain sent naval forces to Veracruz, Mexico, demanding repayment. Britain and Spain negotiated with Mexico and withdrew their forces.

France, however, ruled by Napoleon III, used the opportunity to carve an empire out of Mexican territory. Late in 1861, a well-armed French fleet stormed Veracruz, landing a large force of troops and driving President Juárez and his government into retreat.

Health Disparity in Black Communities

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Community Clinic Helps Close Disparity

father-and-daughter-wearing-masks
he health disparity in black communities is hard to ignore. Luckily, that has been changing thanks to West Oakland Health’s 50 years of efforts.

With the spread of the novel COVID-19 virus, healthcare disparity between races became impossible to ignore. The numbers for the African American community were staggering. Unfortunately, the coronavirus is not the only illness that hits non-white communities harder. Diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease are all diseases that affect the black community at disproportionate rates. Access to proper healthcare is critical for prevention, early intervention, and proper treatment. Luckily, West Oakland Health has been providing quality healthcare to the local community for over 50 years that has been closing the health disparity.

Disparity in Numbers

According to the CDC, African Americans are more likely than the non-Hispanic white population to die at an early age. Across the board, they are more likely to suffer from Diabetes, Hypertension, and heart disease. The CDC cites that socioeconomic circumstances might account for the disparity. Having less access to proper healthcare, housing, and nutrition are all factors that lead to more health problems. However, these factors do not explain the gap in its entirety.  

Studies released by the National Institute of Health in 2005 indicate that African Americans received lower-quality care besides less access. The study’s findings provided concrete proof that the black communities received subpar healthcare even when insurance status, income, age, and severity of conditions were comparable to their white counterparts.

Community Clinic, you can count on.

Understanding the challenges local communities face, four African American mothers formed the West Oakland Health Council. Today the WOH is proud to offer quality care to all races throughout the local communities. Among the many services offered, WOH provides screening and treatment for diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease. Without treatment, all of these diseases can lead to serious complications and death, but with proper treatment, patients can enjoy a happy and healthy life. For more information or questions, contact us today.

This day in Black History–February 22nd

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Julius Irving

On this day in 1950, legendary basketball player Julius “Dr J” Erving was born.

Julius Winfield Erving II (born February 22, 1950), commonly known by the nickname Dr. J.Widely known as Dr. J, Julius Erving, an NBA legend who changed the game with his own unique playing style consisting of spins and swirls in the air, was born in Roosevelt, New York, on Feb. 22, 1950.

Erving attended the University of Massachusetts and entered the American Basketball Association in 1971 as a player for the Virginia Squires. After two seasons, he went on to play for the New York Nets until 1976 when he was picked up by the Philadelphia 76ers.

The team soon began to flourish with Erving’s presence and the team took the NBA championship in 1983. Dr. J was also an 11 time NBA all-star and a two-time NBA All-Star Game MVP in 1977 and 1983. In 1987, Erving retired from the NBA and was considered one of the greatest dunkers of all time. He has scored 30,000 points in his professional career.

In 1993, Erving was elected to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. Since retiring he has worked as a sports analyst for NBC and pursued business opportunities within the league such as holding an executive position with the Orlando Magic.

Jazzy Jeff and Fresh Prince

On this day February 22nd in 1989, DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince won the first rap Grammy for their single “Parents Just Don’t Understand.”

“Parents Just Don’t Understand” is the second single from DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince‘s second studio album, He’s the DJ, I’m the Rapper. The song won a Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance at the 1989 Grammy Awards, one of the two songs to do so before the award was discontinued in 1991. It peaked at number 12 on the Billboard Hot 100. [1] The song was released as a single in spring 1988, referenced several times in the television show The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air and was ranked number 96 on VH1’s 100 Greatest Songs of Hip Hop. The music video was featured in the 2003 film Malibu’s Most Wanted.

Healthy Soul Food For Black History Month

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It’s Black History Month, the perfect time to cook some healthy soul food. Take a look at these three great recipes.

February is Black History Month; the perfect time to cook healthy soul food. You can sit back and relax with your family and friends. These cuisines do not have to be rich when consumed. We learn new customs and ways of enjoying great meals, and pass on knowledge of food to our loved ones. Take a look at some of these awesome recipes to enjoy:

Chicken & Cornmeal Dumplings

Don’t worry, you won’t be a dumpling forever. This type of Chicken and Dumplings is hearty with a generous amount of vegetables, such as carrots, celery, and corn. You would eat 5 grams of fiber per serving. If you are avoiding high calories and amounts of sodium, this comforting soul food is the meal for you. It is inexpensive per ingredient to create and the taste is even more priceless. 

Maple Whipped Yams

With this meal, you will be head over heels. Maple Whipped Yams is a wonderful sweet treat. This is healthy soul food at its finest, as you can blend the mixture to whipped consistency. Olive oil is a nice touch for heart health. The cost is minimal with only a few ingredients. Overall, this meal is about 220 calories and 2 grams of protein. It is also low in sugar–10 grams sounds great to us! With this meal, you will be head over heels. 

Green Bean Casserole

Be lean, string bean! A home-style casserole like this one is not complete without fresh thyme, plum tomatoes, and sliced mushrooms. You will be pleased to know that you will fill your body with about 170 calories. A healthful Southern staple needs all the veggies for you to be happy and energized. Plus, making a light and homemade sauce that reduces the sodium is definitely worth it.

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