KNOWLEDGE IS POWER!
The National Library of Medicine (NLM), one of the institutes of the National Institutes of Health, is the world’s largest medical library. NLM maintains and makes available a vast print collection and produces electronic information resources on a wide variety of topics. The Black Women’s Agenda, Inc. (BWA) and the National Library of Medicine are partnering to share valuable information about NLM’s resources with African-American women and their families.
Do you questions about a particular medical condition? Medline Plus, http://medlineplus.gov, is NLM’s consumer health information website, containing information on over a million topics on conditions, diseases and wellness, health videos, health check tools, drug information, patient handouts, lab test information, directories and other resources. Are you concerned about the impact of hazardous substances on your community? Hazardous Substance Data Bank (HSDB), http://toxnet.nlm.nih.gov, is a data file that focuses on the toxicology of potentially dangerous chemicals. It contains information on human exposure, industrial hygiene, emergency handling procedures, environmental fate, regulatory requirements, and related areas.
We hope you will think about the NLM’s resources when you have questions about health issues. Students interested in STEM-related career will also find additional information and inspiration exploring these websites.
Each month BWA will highlight one or more NLM websites and the wealth of data that they offer you and your family. You can look for this information on the “Living Your Best Life at Every Age” and “Inform & Inspire” pages of our website. The Black Women’s Agenda hopes that you will use this information in conversations with your physician and to make informed life choices and decisions.
OTHER NEWS
FEBRUARY IS AMERICAN HEART MONTH
This year, as our hearts fill with pride while we celebrate Black History Month, let us also remember to focus on our heart health. And not just on Valentines Day – the entire month of February is American Heart Month.
Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States and certain minority groups face a greater risk than others. Deaths from heart disease are higher in Black Americans than in White Americans and other ethnic groups, and heart disease develops at a younger age in African Americans.
But, heart disease can often be prevented when people know their risks, make healthy choices and manage their medical conditions. So this month, learn the signs and symptoms and the steps you can take to make a difference in your life and the lives of your loved ones at https://www.goredforwomen.org
January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month
According to The American Cancer Society, “Cervical cancer was once one of the most common causes of cancer death for American women. The cervical cancer death rate dropped significantly with the increased use of the Pap test for screening. But the death rate has not changed much over the last 15 years.” And several studies show that a disproportionate number of women that die each year from cervical cancer are Black women.
The American Cancer Society also stresses the importance of regular screening for the disease, emphasizing that, “Screening tests offer the best chance to have cervical cancer found early when successful treatment is likely.
I AM THE CHANGE FORUMS
The Black Women’s Agenda, Inc. is taking its “Living Your Best Life At Every Age: I Am The Change” town hall on the road! Introduced with support from AARP at its 41st Annual Symposium in September 2018, the forum encourages participants to consider where they are and want to be from a financial, educational and health perspective, and to be a catalyst for change for themselves, their families, and communities.
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