By Dr. Robert J. Muhammad, Naprapath

Diabetes is the seventh leading cause of death in America affecting some 17 million people.  However, Diabetes affects Blacks at a more disproportionate rate than any other group. Notably Blacks have a 40 percent higher incidence of the disease with a 20 percent higher death rate for Black men and a 40 percent higher death rate for Black women than their White counter parts. Additionally, twenty five percent of Blacks between the ages of 65 and 74 have diabetes. According to the Center for Disease Control, the national number of cases has increased sixfold since 1958 from 1.6 million cases to 17 million in 1997. Reportedly, there are nearly one million new cases annually.

Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects every organ in the body. Diabetes does not allow the body to store or properly use glucose (sugar). Glucose builds up in the blood stream causing blood glucose levels to become too high. Glucose levels become elevated when the body is unable to produce or properly use insulin. Insulin is a hormone needed to change sugar, starches and other food eaten into energy.

There are 4 types of diabetes:

Type 1Diabetes:

The body’s ability to produce insulin is compromised and therefore a person with this type of diabetes must take daily injections of insulin. Type 1diabetes also develops in children; and is also known as insulin-dependent diabetes. Insulin dependent diabetes accounts for 10 percent of all diagnosed cases of diabetes. Studies have linked genetic and environmental factors with incidence of juvenile diabetes.

Type 2Diabetes:

This type of diabetes is also referred to as adult-onset or non-insulin dependent diabetes.  The body produces insulin; however, it is not enough to convert the glucose (sugar) into the energy that the body needs. Type 2 diabetes typically occurs in adults over 40 years of age. Other risk factors include obesity, physical inactivity, heredity, and ethnicity. Type 2 diabetes accounts for over 90 percent of all diagnosed cases of the disease.

Gestational Diabetes:

This occurs in an estimated 5 percent of all pregnancies. Though gestational diabetes goes away after pregnancy, studies show that 40 percent of those that develop gestational diabetes will later develop type 2diabetes. Heredity, obesity and ethnicity are said to increase the risk of developing gestational diabetes.

Reportedly infections, drug use, malnutrition and other factors account for an estimated 2 percent of all diagnosed cases of diabetes. In addition, the American Diabetes Association estimates that millions of Americans have diabetes, but have yet to be diagnosed. If one experiences any of the following symptoms, one should not hesitate to visit his/her doctor:

• Extreme hunger
• Excessive thirst
• Excessive urination
• Fatigue or weakness
• Blurred vision
• Weight loss
• Wounds that are slow to heal
• Numbness and tingling in the hands and feet

To date there is no known cure for diabetes; however, this disease can be controlled by life changing measures, which include weight loss, exercise, and healthy eating habits. In fact, to support this method of maintenance in How to Eat to Live Book Two, where the Honorable Elijah Muhammad states “Sugar diabetes can be controlled and cured if you only eat right. Stay off of sugar and starchy foods.”

Furthermore, if diabetes is left uncontrolled, the results are life threatening complications. Complications from diabetes may include kidney disease, heart disease, blindness, amputations, stroke, and impotence.  The American Diabetic Association recommends seeing an endocrinologist every six months if a person has this disease. Additionally, it is recommended that one sees an eye doctor annually and begins monitoring his/her blood sugar levels daily with a diabetes testing kit. 

To contact Dr. Robert J. Muhammad please call (773) 873-5000 or e-mail him at Docmuh@aol.com.

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Photo from www.manemajesty.com

Trichology – Where health and hair reach the “The Ultimate Balance.”

Trichologist Practitioner Marvelette Jackson boosts national awareness on how hair loss is connected to wellness. 

Chicago, IL – Think back to the last time you had a medical examination.  Did your health care provider conduct a hair and scalp analysis?  If not, then it was not a complete examination.  Fortunately, the medical field is continuously evolving, and now, there is a growing collaboration between medical doctors and Trichologists to make the analysis of the hair and scalp a part of a routine health exam.

According to Trichologist Marvelette Jackson, owner of Touch of Perfection Salon,  TrichoScience Clinic  and Institute of TrichoScience Education (ITSE),located in Chicago, “If you had a toothache, you’d make an appointment to see a dentist.  Dermatologists specialize in problems and diseases affecting the skin. When a person is suffering from health conditions that have reached the point of showing symptoms in their hair and on their scalp, such as baldness, hair breakage, dry or sudden hair loss, then, it is time for them to schedule an appointment with aTrichologist.  With early detection, most of these conditions are treatable.”

Many people are unfamiliar with the term, Trichology. Trichology is a para-medical branch of medicine that focuses on the study of hair and scalp disorders.  It involves an in-depth study of the functionality of chemistry and physics, as they relate to the anatomy and physiology of the health of hair.  Formal study in this particular field dates back to 1902.

In a recent interview on CBBN Business Journals, Ms. Jackson indicated that, “Hair loss has reached epidemic portions, worldwide.  No one is exempt -- men, women and children alike are displaying the effects of this dis’ease caused in part by lifestyle choices, genetics and poor styling choices.”

Long-time client, E. Ellis states that, “Trichologist Jackson is knowledgeable and informative about her craft. Her level of expertise surpasses what you would expect to receive from a hairstylist. She diagnosed and corrected several unforeseen conditions that I’d experienced over the years with my hair and scalp. I’m very satisfied with the results.”      

November 12-14, 2013, Ms. Jackson will be a featured speaker at the upcoming 2^nd International Conference and Exhibition on Cosmetology &Trichology hosted by OMICS Publishing Group.  OMICS publishes scientific journals and organizes events throughout the year to support the progress of research and developments in the scientific industry.  The theme for this year’s event is “To Share Novel approaches which enhances Beauty & Skin Care,” which includes topics, such as “Hair lost management and advances in Trichology.” 

Hair loss, breakage and other visible scalp conditions are indicators of your overall health and wellness.  Isn’t it great to know, that Trichologistshave only one mission and that is to “restore the “whole you” – from the inside out.”

For more information visit www.TopHairScience.com