By Matara Wright, MS
St. Hope Foundation

Although many of us may not be overseas, we are still fighting our own battle in health care here in the United States. Within the past few years, the U.S has seen increases in infection rates of many STDs and viruses including Hepatitis B (HBV). In 2007 alone, it was estimated that there were over 43,000 new HBV cases in the United States(1). This number did not reflect the number of individuals who had contracted the virus prior to that year. As you can see, the virus has invaded our borders and each of us needs to prepare for battle.

Hepatitis B is a virus that attacks the liver(2). The liver functions in the human body to remove harmful substances from our blood before it goes to the rest of the body. In addition to serving as a defense mechanism, it absorbs medications into the body so that they begin to take effect and also send proteins throughout the body. Without proper liver functioning, your medications would not work and various potentially deadly toxins would continue to float throughout your system. When the hepatitis B virus attacks your liver, you are at risk for decreased liver functioning or even complete liver failure.

Symptoms of hepatitis B include stomach pain, feeling tired, upset stomach, fevers, dark colored urine,
pain in the joints and clay colored bowels. It almost feels like the flu. The interesting thing about
Hepatitis B is that you could have the virus and not experience any symptoms until extensive damage
has occurred to your liver.

There are two types of Hepatitis B- Acute and Chronic(3). Acute HBV infection occurs when a person has the virus but it manages to clear own its own in a few weeks or months. Chronic HBV occurs when the body cannot fight off the virus on its own and must be treated using special medication. The younger you are the more likely it is for your Hepatitis B infection to be chronic.

Now you may be wondering, “How do I contract this virus and what can I do to protect myself?” HBV is contracted through via VSB: vaginal fluid, seminal fluid and blood. What this means is that hepatitis B can be contracted through unprotected sex (oral, anal, vaginal), razors, toothbrushes, syringes, open sores, piercings and tattoos(4). Hepatitis B cannot be contracted through saliva or casual contact. The best protection is to get the HBV vaccine. Vaccines and screenings are available at most health care centers including MyWellnessPlace which provides special rates. The vaccine is recommended for all children and teens under the age of 19, and anyone who may be exposed to the virus via personal lifestyle or profession. The vaccine will prepare your immune system to battle the virus in the event that you are exposed to it. In addition to being vaccinated, it is best to use condoms during sexual activity, use your own personal hygiene items and ensure that your piercing studio or tattoo parlor of choice are exercising proper sterilization techniques.

Hepatitis B is a virus that can cause liver damage and even death. However, you can protect yourself from this virus and prepare your body for battle. By getting vaccinated as well as having routine Hepatitis screenings, you can fully protect yourself and the body parts that help to protect your liver.

Get your Hepatitis B vaccinations today at MyWellnessPlace by calling 713.844.8035.

(1)CDC.gov, (2)WebMD.com, (3)WebMD.com, (4)CDC.gov

Congratulations to the staff and doctors of St. Hope Foundation. The organization was presented with the “Winner of Distinction 2013” award for nonprofit healthcare by the Better Business Bureau of Houston during their the 21st annual “Awards for Excellence” gala. Local TV news personality Dominique Sachse was on hand for the awards ceremony.

During the month of May St. Hope/MyWellness Place Health Centers are offering $15 Hepatitis C screenings at its’ Conroe, Bellaire and PlazaAmerica Mall locations. Make an appointment today!

“Mr. Reliable” is a wonderful title to describe our longstanding pharmacist. Ron Davis, a licensed pharmacist for more than 20 years, has been a key asset to the growth of SHF pharmacy. In addition to processing hundreds of medications daily for patients, Ron mentors numerous TSU pharmacy students. Ron strongly believes in keeping his lunch schedule, so please don’t wait until 12:30PM to pick up your filled prescriptions, or you may become “Ron’s lunch.”

During your next pharmacy visit, please help us salute Ron for his excellent work. Cheers to one of our best St. Hope pharmacist, Mr. Reliable – Ron!!!

Viral hepatitis is a silent epidemic in the United States and more than 3 million Americans are living with chronic hepatitis C. Every year, thousands of Americans die from liver cancer or chronic liver disease associated with viral hepatitis. Despite these statistics, viral hepatitis is not well known. In fact, as many as 75 percent people with chronic viral hepatitis do not know that they are infected. Without knowing if they are infected, these individuals cannot receive lifesaving care and treatment.

To decrease the burden of chronic viral hepatitis, CDC’s Division of Viral Hepatitis is developing a national education campaign called Know More Hepatitis. The campaign is aimed at increasing awareness about this hidden epidemic and encouraging people who may be chronically infected with Hepatitis C to get tested.

Testing Opportunities

St. Hope Foundation provides rapid Hepatits C screenings along with expert treatment for Hepatitis. SHF specialty pharmacies offers the latest medicines for the treatment of Hepatitis C.

By Dr. Ayana Cartwright, DDS
St. Hope Foundation

Do you want to create a captivating smile? Do you want a confidence boost? Maybe you are just tired of those coffee and smoking stains on your teeth. Well teeth whitening is the key! Teeth whitening can make your teeth look whiter and brighter. How bright depends on if you use an over-the-counter whitening kit or a Dentist-supervised treatment. The lifespan of whitened teeth is about 4-12 months, depending on the type of treatment used and the consumption of certain drinks and foods that stain your teeth. Whitening your teeth can enhance your look for special occasions such as weddings, special birthdays, or anniversaries.

Keep in mind that teeth whitening may not be for you depending on the healthiness of your teeth and gums. You should consult with your dentist before deciding on whitening your teeth. A Dentist can help determine the best type of whitening treatment for you. Remember to make a good candidate for teeth whitening, a thorough dental exam must be completed, tooth decay must be under control, and your gums must be healthy. So, choose teeth whitening for a brighter and more confident smile!

By: Deonna Marshall, Clinic Director
St. Hope Foundation, Houston, Texas

Earth Day Means What? I’m sure I would have asked this question in disbelief if someone told me at an early age that “Earth Day” was about environmental protection. As a young child my definition of Earth Day was far from “protecting the environment”.

For many years, my father would take my siblings and I to the Earth Day Celebration in downtown Baton Rouge, Louisiana. I thought we went because it was Earth’s Birthday…crazy right? But no, really, at that time I thought it was the day Earth was born. It was a day of celebration so it made perfect sense to me. I can remember all the friendly people we meet, the great tasting food we ate that never disappointed, and the great bands whose melodies filled the air as we dance and sung along to the zydeco, jazz, and blues music. However, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention my all-time favorite, the hands-on activities. I can recall doing activities such as creating examples of the Louisiana wetlands and using scraps to make art.

After many years of attending “Earth Day” I began to understand that the day was less about celebration and more about participation in making an impacting on our environment by taking responsibility through our actions to keep it safe.

As a result, I garnered a greater appreciation of my father for exposing me to things such as “Earth Day” even though I didn’t understand what it was or its purpose as a young child. Nonetheless, in my adulthood, I am proud to say that I have a full understanding of what “Earth Day” means. I gave up on the idea of it being Earth’s Birthday about a year ago…just kidding!

When I gained this sense of awareness about the meaning of Earth Day all the dots connected. I realized that the purpose of all those festivities were intended to provide me with understanding, motivation, and education to promote good habits within my life and in the lives of others to make Earth a good place to live.

Ah hah! So, for instance, when my dad would fuss at me to turn the lights off in my room when I wasn’t using them, it had absolutely nothing to do with running up his light bill. Well, I’m sure this was a part of the reason why he would gripe, but I also know he wanted me to understand the importance of conserving energy and not being wasteful because of the implications its had on the environment. Oh, and I cant forget when he would tell me “No” when I would ask him to drive me to a friend’s house. I’m positive it has nothing to do with the fact that driving across town used a lot of his gas. Ok, that did influence his decision, but I also know that the fumes that was released into the air everytime he turned on his car engine impacted the air quality you and I inhale everyday. So, I think you get my drift!

We all don’t have to be big environmentalist to protect our environment. It can be something as simple as recycling our soda cans, limit driving our cars, or using eco-friendly light bulbs. We all can make a commitment to do or change something in our lives to make the world a better place. Besides, it’s the small actions that truly make the big differences.

By Stanley T. Lewis MD, MPH, AAHIVS
Chief Medical Officer, St. Hope Foundation

Thought you were home free when they came out with that blue pill? Thought you were too old for VD? Don’t make that mistake. STDs don’t have an age limit. While youngsters are still the predominant group affected, older adults are not immune. A few grey hairs on top does not mean all clear down below. Condoms aren’t Kryptonite, but they do provide considerable protection. Unfortunately, condom use is lowest in Americans 45 and older.

And thus there’s no surprise that rates of sexually transmitted infections like chlamydia and gonorrhea have doubled for older adults in the last 10 years. The CDC reports that the rates of syphilis in the 45 to 64- year-olds have increased from 885 cases in 2000 to 2500 cases in 2010. Fifteen percent of new cases of HIV are in older Americans. And while there may be biological and sociological reasons for these statistics, the trend is disturbing and reveals an underlying need to get prevention messages to older adults.

As I get older, I am pleased to know that older does not mean intimacy is out. In fact, relationships can be even more satisfying as older people tend to have a better idea of who they are and are often better at communicating clearly what they want. But older doesn’t always mean wiser. Golden girls and OGs need to know that the rules of safer sex still apply. Viagra and its cousins have reenergized older adults, but getting the sexy back doesn’t mean bareback. No doubt the same advise they gave their children – be informed, be responsible, and be careful – is still good advice to heed throughout life.

By: David Klarberg, FNP-BC, AAHIVS

We face an epidemic of sexually transmitted infections/diseases (STIs/STDs) in urban and rural communities across the United States–transcending gender, sexual orientation, and class. A good method to combat this crisis is through regular screening for common infections in sexually active populations. The United States Preventive Health Task Force, a federal agency, sets the routine screening guidelines for persons of all genders, ages, and social backgrounds, and recommends screening for most major STIs at yearly intervals in sexually active populations.

The most common STIs include HIV, gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis, HSV (herpes virus), trichomoniasis, HPV (human papilloma virus), and hepatitis B. The range of potential harm to both the individual and community these infections can cause is immeasurable, but this is where we can have the most positive impact. Education, with a focus on actual risk each of these conditions presents, can improve public awareness on this issue. If we consider that screening for STIs can protect the overall health of our community, we have a potential to correct this issue in a lasting way.

Yearly screenings for STIs, and even preventive or post-exposure treatment, can drastically reduce the disease burden of these issues on our community. If an individual experiences any symptoms concerning urinary pain, genital rashes, lesions, abnormal discharge, or other illnesses that do not seem to self resolve, more frequent testing may be indicated. However, many diseases cannot be detected by symptoms alone, so simple blood and urine tests at your doctor’s office can serve as a better overall measure of sexual health status. Let’s all do our part—so get informed, get tested, and encourage your partners, friends, and family to do the same. We do not have to be victims of this crisis; we can be stronger as a community.

Call us today to schedule your confidential sexual health screening at 713.844.8035 (MyWellnessPlace). For more information, and to find out how you can get involved, please visit the Centers for Disease Control Website. (http://www.cdc.gov/std/)

By: Manuel Vasquez, ANP-BC, Nurse Practitioner and
Karina Martinez, LMSW, Medical Case Manager

1. CHOOSE A FAMILY APPROACH TOWARDS HEALTH
   Family support and encouragement are essentials for success in the Latino community.
2. CHOOSE TO EDUCATE ON HEALTHIER HABITS
   Share these wellness principles with the Latino community.
   a) EXERCISE REGULARLY – brisk walks, jogs, exercise several times a week
   b) DECREASE ALCOHOL AND DRUG CONSUMPTION – count the number of days you drink and how much
   c) GET ANNUAL CHECK UPS – don’t be afraid to see your doctor because your health is important
3. CHOOSE TO SERVE THE COMMUNITY – OUTREACH, EDUCATE, IMPROVE BASIC LIFE SKILLS FOR ADULTS, SENIOR CITIZENS AND CHILDREN.
   a) The Latino community may develop more concerns with the cost and complexity of the long term care systems available to the aging population, growing and demand for a long term, independence and the quality of life.
   b) Motivate the Latino community on increasing exercise which will offer a better quality of life. Encourage eating better and educating the younger community to use less alcohol and less drugs and see the doctor more often than once a year.
   c) For the outreach we can educate the community by offering support for a better quality of life through workshops or support groups.