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Dr. V Speaks on Black Women's Health

Dr. Yael Varnado-Rhodes (a.k.a. "Dr. V"), Physician, Researcher & Radio Commentator

Despite her young age, Dr. Yael Varnado-Rhodes (a.k.a "Dr. V") has cultivated the respect of both her peers and the public, with her special blend of passion-driven clinical knowledge and compassion. She is an anesthesiologist at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City and a researcher. Her full schedule also includes running her popular go-to website www.askdoctorv.com as well as frequent guest radio appearances on health topics for "Keeping it Real" with Reverend Al Sharpton, KISS FM, Hot 97 and The Tom Joyner Morning Show. It's no secret that African-Americans succumb, more than other ethnic groups, to a number of illnesses - due to a lack of preventative care and skyrocketing obesity rates. As Dr. V tells it, "Our health is too precious for us to be uninformed." With this motto in mind, she has committed to providing medical education to the masses, via Q&A, feature story and video content on her website and outreach such as participating in COCOACHiC’s TeenCHiC community service program of beauty, wellness and confidence, in order to bridge the gap between the races in terms of healthy living.

COCOACHiC asked and Dr. V answered with a generous amount of advice on some of today’s top health concerns.

Overcoming Obesity

CHiC: Black women are blessed with favorable body image compared to women of many other backgrounds.  However, many of us are overweight.  What simple tips to get healthy do you recommend?

Dr. V: Each year, obesity causes more than 300,000 deaths. Statistically, 80% of Black women are overweight and Black women have the highest rate of obesity compared to all other ethnicities. If you are overweight or obese, losing 5 - 10% of your body weight can translate into many health benefits.

• Uncover what truly is holding you back from achieving your goals
• Identify your own personal barriers to weight loss
• Explore your current lifestyle habits and evaluate what needs changing
• Learn from your past about what motivates you
• Keep a food journal, record your feelings why you eat particular foods at certain times to get an idea of your particular behaviors (cravings)
• Set mini-goals to avoid being overwhelmed by the large ones (weekly goals)
• Get a support system to support your weight loss efforts, or a partner in weight loss
• Give yourself a break – realize you will have pitfalls and be optimistic
• Don’t lose weight “instantly” – to keep weight off it is important that weight loss be a slow gradual process of 1 - 2 lbs per week
• Maintain good nutrition – avoid food rewards, be mindful of cravings (gum), don’t eat unnecessary stuff, avoid the extras i.e. butter and syrup on pancakes

Handling High Blood Pressure & Cholesterol

CHiC: Are African-American women more likely to have issues with high blood pressure and high cholesterol?

Dr. V:More than 30% of African-American women in the United States have high blood pressure known as hypertension (HTN). The prevalence of high blood pressure in African Americans is among the highest in the world. Blacks have earlier onset, higher prevalence and more severe high blood pressure than any other population.

HTN is a silent killer. Symptoms of high blood pressure may not occur well after many years of having elevated blood pressure, but by that time HTN may have caused major complications such as heart attacks, stroke, and kidney failure. This explains in part why heart disease is the leading cause of death for black women in the U.S.

ChiC: How often should a young woman have her cholesterol and blood pressure checked?

Dr. V: Childhood obesity and diabetes have become national health crises. It is important to begin regular cholesterol and blood pressure screenings as early as possible, as screening tests identify disease when it is cheaper and easier to treat, you show little or no symptoms of the illness, and are more likely to enjoy a full recovery.

ChiC: What are healthy ranges for both cholesterol and blood pressure?

Dr. V: It is best to speak with your doctor about what numbers are best for you. An additional excellent resource is www.GoRedForWomen.com.

ChiC: What are some tips to address high cholesterol and blood pressure?

Dr. V: Lifestyle Modifications are the first line of treatment to manage high blood pressure. Weight reduction of 10% of your body weight can decrease your blood pressure and your risk for many illnesses like diabetes and heart disease.

Maximizing Exercise

CHiC: How much (or little) exercise does a women need, to see results? Does as little as 20 minutes of exercise, three times a week really do anything?

Dr. V: It only takes a few minutes a day to become more physically active. To condition your heart and lungs, and lose weight regular exercise does not have to take more than about 30- 60 minutes, 3-4 times a week. If you don't have 30 minutes in your schedule for an exercise break, break it up and try two 15-minute periods. Be realistic with yourself in order to keep up a program. It's also important to exercise at a comfortable pace. When jogging or walking briskly you should be able to keep up a conversation comfortably. If you do not feel normal again within 10 minutes of stopping exercise, you are pushing yourself too hard. If you miss a few workouts you may need to resume exercising at a lower level than before. Don’t worry about the sessions you missed, but get back on track and focus on the progress you are making towards your health and exercise goal. Remember slow and steady wins the race!

HPV Vaccination

CHiC: The HPV vaccine receives a lot of press: Who should/can get it?

Dr. V: In June 2006, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) voted to recommend the first vaccine developed to prevent against cervical cancer, genital warts, and other diseases caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). The new HPV vaccine Gardasil protects against four HPV subtypes, which together account for 70% of cervical cancer and 90% of genital warts. The Advisory Committee on Immunizations Practices, a national group of experts that advises the CDC on vaccine issues, recommended the vaccine for girls and women between the ages of 11and 26 who have never received or not yet completed the vaccine series. The reason the vaccine is recommended to such young girls is because it is ideal that girls take the vaccine before they become sexually active. The vaccine is most effective in girls and women who have not yet acquired any of the four types of HPV that are covered by the vaccine. Data is not yet known if the vaccine is effective in boys or men. It is possible that vaccination in boys and men will prevent HPV infections in them, and subsequently in girls and women. Studies are being done now to find out if the vaccine works to prevent HPV infection and disease in men.

CHiC: What are the risks associated with the HPV vaccine?

Dr. V: The HPV vaccine was tested on 11,000 girls and women all over the world. As of May 2007, adverse reactions totaled 1,637 reported from the Vaccine Event Reporting System (VAERS). Most reported reactions to the vaccine are minor and include pain, swelling, redness, fever, and itching at the site. The most common reaction is soreness at the injection site. However, it is important to note that for every reported event, no cause and effect relationship is established meaning it could be coincidental or caused by the vaccine. Time and further testing will bring side effects to light. Also, it should be noted that there is no infectious material in the vaccine; therefore you will not catch HPV from this vaccine.

Multivitamins – Must or Maybe

CHiC: Are multivitamins really as effective as they claim?

Dr. V: Let’s talk about the truth behind multivitamins. Vitamins assist the enzymes in your body that generate energy from the foods that you eat. Your body makes all the vitamins it needs except eight, which are called “essential vitamins”, and we must acquire those from the foods we eat. If you are eating a balanced diet you should be obtaining all the vitamins necessary to prevent deficiency and illness. Still, studies continue to show that taking a daily multivitamin has health benefits. So, if you want to take a multivitamin that will supply you with additional defense against chronic deficiency and illness, look for a once-a-day supplement that contains: Folic acid, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12, Vitamin D and Vitamin E. If you are healthy and active, a simple once-a-day multivitamin from your local grocery store or pharmacy will suffice. Keep in mind, there are side effects from taking too many vitamins. Don’t overdo it. Follow the directions for usage.

Get Your Health in Check

CHiC: How often should a woman have a check up?

Dr. V: Often, women only go to the doctor for gynecologic or obstetric care. We neglect the other parts of our body until they begin to tell us something is wrong. By that time it can be too late. The best way to stay healthy is to prevent disease before it starts! Screening tests, taking preventative medicines, and practicing healthy behaviors will help ensure that you live a healthier happier life. You should have a full check up with your healthcare provider starting at the age of 18 and then every five years or so provided that there are no medical problems. If you have any medical reason to be seen more frequently, follow your doctor’s recommendation for the frequency of follow-up visits.

General tips to improve your health:

• Get physically active
• Eat a healthy balanced diet
• Keep a healthy weight
• Drink alcohol in moderation, less than 2 drinks per day
• Don’t smoke and if you already do then quit!

Dr. V is available to answer your health questions at www.askdoctorv.com.

By Sacha Phillip

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