New Haven Independent

Posted by: N'Zinga Shani | May 23, 2009 12:09 PM

Thanks to Ivy Alexander, Ph.D., APRN, for her time and coordinating work in presenting this program. Dr. Alexander is a member of OneWorld's Medical Advisory Council: health care providers who help us to present health literacy programs to the community. They are vital to what we do to promote health literacy in greater New Haven and throughout CT. For people living in Middlesex County we are pleased to annouce that you can now watch our programs "21st Century Conversations" at 10PM Mondays on Channel 15 in Middletown.

We are grateful to Dr. Deborah Desir and Dr. Karin Michels-Ashwood for their contributions and for the time commitment of all three to making our women's health month program on "Maintaining Health & Well Being As We Age" such a success. The 14 women who came to the studio were the biggest beneficiaries because they got additional information not in the video, and they got to meet each other and the doctors and ask questions they might not have wanted, or had time to ask on the air.

Many women who did not show up sent in over 30 questions. We appreciate the questions; they help us to present effective programs that meet the needs of a broader cross-section. We do want you, people in the community, to know that showing up in the studio is a major help to everyone involved. For those of us who do "the work" your presence and participation is like a salary to us. It says to us - you care about what we do and it has value to you. It is particularly rewarding to the professionals who work all day and come and devote 2-3 hours to us because it conveys the message that we -the community - value their efforts. That is important.

We thank the technical crew; these are people from the community who also devote their time and expertise to helping us to get the programs on the air; without their help, we could not broadcast live to the community.

Of course, we thank the NHI for its coverage; this is another vital service to our community. As a result of this Internet coverage we hear from people in many different states; we get additional and valuable information from people around the country; it is really helpful.

Summary: The doctors encouraged women to write down their questions before going for a doctors appointment. a. Leave a space between each question to write down the answers. Listen attentively. Get clarification.
b. Do not be intimidated by your providers; it is important that you understand the instructions you are given; this is particularly true about taking medications.

c. If you do not understand something said, ask them to explain it differently; do not leave without a clear understanding of the instructions or directions.

d. Visit our web site to get more detailed instructions and some great web addresses that inform you about aging well and remaining healthy.

e. Watch "21st Century Conversations" weekly on the community access Chan; on CTV we air Sundays at 6PM.
On most community access stations the programs can be seen several times each week at different hours.

f. By visiting our web site you can order a DVD copy of any program listed; watch each proram several times.

g. We are a 501(C)3 organization. The nominal fee for a DVD goes back into the various community services we provide such as our scholarship program for students, production and distribution costs (we distribute our programs to over 16 cable channels), and to maintaining our web site that provides valuable information on health, education and civic engagement; please visit us.

Posted by: Traci | May 24, 2009 12:36 PM

Maintaining Health & Well Being As We Age is a most appropriate title for an enlightened television program. There are many paid commercials and infomercial programs and articles telling us about make-up tips to make us look younger. It is great to see and read about a program that tells us how to maintain health from the inside out and that provides factual information (not commercial fads) about keeping healthy.

Thanks to OneWorld Progressive Institute, to these wonderful doctors and nurse practitioner, to the New Haven Independent that provides the coverage and to N'Zinga Shani, the engine behind OneWorld, for this type of intelligent program. This is the type of information that women need; particularly so as we mature in age and still have to work, raise children and often grandchildren. We need to know how to be at our best without being exploited by the ever expanding commercial beauty industry. Let us hear three CHEERS for OneWorld, Inc. By the way OneWorld, you have a fantastic web site.

Posted by: Aida Luz | May 24, 2009 9:12 PM

My heartfelt thanks to N'Zinga Shani and One World, INC. for this kind of programming. I had the opportunity to be in the audience for "Maintaining Health and Well Being as We Age". Obtaining first hand information from the three exemplary panelists was a real treat. The information shared is of great benefit to women of all ages today because the young girls, the teenagers and the young women will someday be the ones sitting in the audience asking similar questions and having similar dilemmas.
As a person who enjoys good health and believes that the body is meant to be healthy at all ages, I appreciated the messages shared by Dr. Alexander, Dr.Desir and Dr. Michels-Ashwood. All three panelists emphasized prevention over drugs.

Posted by: LB | May 24, 2009 10:37 PM

It is good to have this type of prevention education while we are still young enough to take corrective steps so that we age healthily and never develop arthritis, thinning bones or osteoporosis. The doctor is right; prevention is better than trying to cure something. The cures are sometimes as dangerous as the disease. Now that the FDA has forced drug manufacturers to disclose possible side effects of medications, it is sometimes frightening to hear all that are possible. One has to be really desparate to use these drugs. Even the bone medications can cause stomach problems; we are better off not having to use them; therefore, prevention is the best approach. This is a good article. Thank you for it.

Posted by: Rose | May 24, 2009 11:03 PM

Dr. Desir is absolutely correct; black women do get osteoporosis. This false assumption- held by some doctors- that we do not get osteoporosis is the reason we sometimes cannot get effective help because we are diagnosed too late. While some of us might not get as bent over as white women do, we still lose height, get very brittle bones, and suffer fractures. We need to learn about taking additional calcium, and vitamins D & C early so that our bones do not get thin. It is very good to have this program presented. It is also very commendable that OneWorld got a multicultural panel of nurse practitioner and physicians who are clearly well informed and real.

Melinda Tuhus has done an excellent job of bringing us the important details. I was able to look up that major study on HRT and also visit the OneWorld website where I found the acronym that Ivy Alexander provided. Thanks to the doctors for the word on doughnuts and white sugar, and the importance of just walking for a few blocks every day. An ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure; I definitely want to practice prevention. Thank you all for an excellent program.

Posted by: Laura Hall | May 25, 2009 8:16 PM

Thank you, Ms. Shani for another informative program. Although my healthcare provider was astute and knowledgeable enough to order a bone density test, I was skeptical about my need to have this done. I reluctantly admit that I believed that most African Americans did not suffer from osteoporosis and really didn't need to be overly concerned about it. These forums continue to provide valuable information to the community, helping to dispel myths and misinformation about healthcare.

Posted by: Esther | May 25, 2009 9:12 PM

Tips on Healthy Aging! I really like this title. Regardless of whether we are in our 30's or our 70's we are all aging; it is good to know how to maintain health and how to age successfully, so that we do not suffer all of the pangs of old age. Melinda Tuhus is a very good writer; I like reading her articles on health care issues. Of course, OneWorld Progressive Institute is simply one of the best community organizations around in terms of how they serve the broader community. I am pleased that my children and I get to watch the programs in our town; here it is also available on-demand; that really helps. We look forward to seeing this program. It is also very thoughtful of OneWorld to have such a multicultural panel of presenters.

I am certainly going to increase my calcium and vitamin D so that my bones will remain healthy and strong as I get older. Thanks also for the link to the hormone replacement article, and to the In-Shape acronym from Dr. Ivy Alexander. The OneWorld website has some really good information. Thanks to everyone involved here; this is very helpful information from free and reliable sources. Thanks NHI.
Esther

Posted by: Evan | May 26, 2009 1:05 AM

I think it is very nice that women are getting all this good information about aging; they tend to live longer than we do and we want them around healthy so that they can help to take care of us. I do think it is important that OneWorld Progressive Institute provide education programs that tell men how to age well and stay healthy.

While men might not have the bone problems, we do have a lot of heart, blood pressure and prostate problems. A few years ago I used to watch this program all the time on a Tuesday night; it was a really good program. That lady had the doctors on from St. Raphael talking about the prostate PSA test. The program has been taken off Tuesdays. Why would you do that? We need to see it at different times so that we can learn all of this good stuff. Us men want to be healthy and live longer. I hope that you OneWorld folks will do a program just for us men with all male doctors setting us straight. I like the Men's Center on the OneWorld website. Nice job

Posted by: Lisa Rao | May 26, 2009 1:39 PM

Many thanks to Ms. N'Zinga Shani and Drs. D. Desir, K. Michels-Ashwood, I. Alexander for providing an enlightening and valuable discussion Re: Women's Health and Aging. The information provided on a broad range of topics impacting women was extremely useful and timely. You dispelled some of the medical myths and offered health and wellness tips that we should be mindful of each day of our lives.

Posted by: Cynthia | May 26, 2009 4:21 PM

This is a wonderfully informative article; I wish that I lived in New Haven or Hamden, CT. Being able to go into a TV studio, meet with other women and ask questions of experts who are not trying to sell me products, or get me to subscribe to anything, but taking better care of myself, is something many of us would really like.
I am surprised that there were not many more people at this forum; unless of course, the studio could not hold anymore. This is such a great gift to the community and particularly to women who are often the most exploited.

I am glad that I was able to check out that HRT information and I also saw the In-Shape details. The OneWorld Progressive Institute website is great! I really like the Multicultural Center; there is good information there for everyone. The Teen Center is excellent, a lot of good information for young people. Thanks all.

Posted by: Evelyn Gard | May 27, 2009 10:57 AM

Thanks to N'Zinga Shani's tireless advocacy provides and informative show that is a wonderful resource to our community. We are grateful for the broad range of topics and health and wellness information. Thank you to her and to Drs. D. Desir, K. Michels-Ashwood, I. Alexander for this latest installment which clarified many of the misconceptions around this topic.

Posted by: M. Walker | May 27, 2009 4:01 PM

Tips for Healthy Aging! Thank you to OneWorld, N'Zinga Shani, these caring physicians and the New Haven Independent. We in greater New Haven are indeed fortunate because we have organizations such as OneWorld Progressive Institute, and we have giving professionals-- such as professor Ivy Alexander, Ph.D., and doctors Desir and Mickels-Ashwood -- who devote time and expertise telling us how to take better care of ourselves. We now just have to follow through; take this good and free advice and take care of ourselves. Thanks N'Zinga; thanks doctors, and thanks to the NHI.

Posted by: Nicholas | May 27, 2009 11:24 PM

Praises for the availability of and accessibility to the Internet and this very informative website.
I checked the OneWorld website and went to the Men's Resource Center; guys, if you haven't seen this, I strongly recommend it; there is good information and links to some really good resources. I also like the Teen Center. It is nice to find a teen center that is not filled with junk they are trying to sell to kids. I also enjoy the music that is there. Shows that these people at OneWorld are responsible folks.

I am now asking them to post some tips to healthy aging for the men. We want to keep ourselves in great shape for our women. I want to be around for a long time to take care of my wife. I know that I should keep the BP down by using less salt, and I need to exercise and cut down on fats. What else should I be doing? Ms. Shani and OneWorld, you are doing a great service. Thanks

Posted by: Lisette Bernier-McGowan | May 28, 2009 3:32 PM

Thanks to N'Zinga Shani for producing and hosting a "21st Century Conversation" program dedicated specifically to women's health and well-being. Thank you also to Melinda Tuhus and the New Haven Independent for another excellent coverage of yet another production of OneWorld Progressive Institute. In addition to her reporting of "21st Century Conversations", the comments posted by Ms. Tuhus' readers provide feedback and documentation of the critical need for continued quality public education on issues that impact the community.

As it is the case with timely themes that have important relevance to one particular group or another (in this case, mature women), a good "21st Century Conversation" takes off on its own spiral flight, bumping into and picking up new material and sub-topics that also warrant attention. This seems to happen naturally as a result of the fine interaction among an excellent panel of professionals, an audience that seeks information and greater understanding, and a facilitator who is capable of encouraging and orchestrating a reciprocal "give and take". From one program such as this one, emerges a new generation of potential topics and themes for subsequent and future programming, such as, but not limited to: jump-starting prevention at an early age, developing a healthy mind-set and lifestyle habits of prevention among teenagers, obesity in childhood and adolescence, depression and anxiety disorders, the interface between conventional medicine and alternative medicine, ....and, of course, "Men: Maintaining Health and Well-being". Thus, as it is evident by the comments of viewers, readers and web-site visitors, the work of Ms. Shani and OneWorld is never fully completed, since it responds to a dynamic force - namely, the feedback of the community.

The program, "Women: Maintaining Health and Well-being", benefited from the cumulative energy, experience and wisdom of panelists, facilitator and audience. The expertise of Dr. Ivy Alexander, Dr. Deborah Desir, and Dr. Michels-Ashwood, coupled with their enthusiastic, and friendly demeanor captured the attention of the audience from the moment of "hello". The emphasis and importance of preventive measures was the undisputed theme of the evening. A good rapport with doctors and health professionals ranked as an equally important component of prevention and health management. The paramount importance of being able to ask questions with the expectation of receiving sound and empathetic advice was emphatically and humorously stressed by Dr. Michels-Ashwood: "Ask questions. If your doctor doesn't listen to you, switch doctors".

The pendulum has not swung far enough to diminish the pernicious emphasis of modern medicine on the use of synthetic drugs and surgery for the management of disease - obviating, in the process, the underlying cause that produced the illness in the first place. Television networks, Internet and printed medical propaganda are full of ads for prescription drugs that calm the symptoms, do not restore health, but manage to silence the innate wisdom of the body. Understanding the importance of counteracting the effect of mainstream media, it is certainly promising and reassuring that an excellent expert team of professionals donates time to public television to hone in on the importance of considering prevention as a first and foremost priority. Congratulations and thank you for giving "prevention" its preeminent position!

Posted by: J. Figueroa | May 28, 2009 8:41 PM

Tips for Healthy Aging is wonderful; however, it is really important to learn how to maintain health and well-being at all times. I fully agree with a previous comment that says regardless of our present age, we need this kind of information; if we have it early we can maintain ourselves much better. Our biological age does not have to reflect our chronological age. Nutrition and exercise help greatly to prevent premature aging.

I commend the New Haven Independent; it is a pleasant experience to visit this site and read so much good information without having to fight through pop-ups and a barage of advertisements. I am also pleased to be able to read about programs such as "21st Century Conversations" that is dedicated to educating the community on important health issues. I commend the NH Independent for providing this coverage for the community.

Also, as the mother of teenagers, I commend OneWorld for their very informative website and in particular the Teen Center; it is a wonderful site for young people. I strongly suggest to other parents that they visit the Teen Center (in the Education Section of the site) with their pre-teens so that they can have discussions with them on some of these topics.

Some of us parents do not know how to start a conversation with our children about sexual issues; this is a great website to help us to start that conversation. There is also some information about financial matters and things as basic as how to buy the correct fitting bra. These are all thoughtful pieces of information and wonderful tools for parents with teens and pre-teens. I really found it helpful visiting this teen center.

Thanks to all of these doctors and to OneWorld; this is a great service to the community.

Posted by: Maureen | May 29, 2009 3:42 AM

Thank you for this fabulous article; a friend told me all about this program. The doctors were stressing the importance on writing down your questions and taking notes when you are talking to the doctor so as not to forget anything important. That is such good advice.

Sometimes when I go to the doctor I have to wait so long that by the time I see him, he is always running late and I cannot get my questions out fast enough; I end up not asking the most important ones. From now forward I am going to write them down. I also want to thank the doctors for talking about telling doctors what supplements we are taking. Usually when my doctor asks about other meds, I think only of prescription; my girlfriend said it is the same for her, but she saw this program and realize that the docs were talking about herbals too, and that they can conflict with meds.

I am really sorry I did not know about this program before it aired; now the station has taken it off the air during the week and only show it on Sundays; that is a damn shame. We see so much garbage all the time, but the good stuff is on once a week. A program such as this needs to be on the air at different times so that people can benefit. Some of us don't even have health insurance, so it is a real benefit to hear from professional who are giving us good information for free and directing us to other resources. Thanks to OneWorld.

Posted by: Carol A. Milo | May 29, 2009 4:11 PM

A great big "THANK YOU" to N'Zinga Shani for hosting such informative and intelligent programming for "21st Century Conversations."
I especially enjoyed and learned at lot from "Women: Maintaining Health and Well Being as we age." Although I am 63-years-old, I still have a lot to learn about aging healthy and successfully. My PCP made a lot of sense to me when he said "we must take care of ourselves today in order to be healthy for the next decade of our lives." Programs like these help to reinforce the importance of exercise, eating healthy snacks, and eating fruits and vegatable.

Posted by: Leon | May 30, 2009 11:58 AM

The type of information provided in this TV program, and reported on here by Ms. Tuhus, is the kind of information women and men need to be getting every day from their health care providers and from the media. Unfortunately, that is not the case. Quite often when we go to the doctors the visit is only focused on a specific problem rather than on maintaining health and wellness.

During a recent visit when my wife tried to talk to her provider about some of her concerns and asked questions about peri-menopause, she was told that she had to reschedule for a wellness visit in 6 months. The doctor did not have time to address her questions! On the TV program, I like the doctors' suggestions about writing down the questions we have before we go. That saves time for everyone. I would even go further and suggest that we submit them to the doctors before the visit so they know before what it is we want to talk about. While some doctors would not read it, others would. I am sure that many of the women doctors (such as those on this TV program) would read it.

This TV program, 21st Century Conversations, has been making valuable contributions to the community for a very long time. I am surprised and disappointed that it is not given more prominence on Citizens Television. It would be a real service to the community if "Citizens" TV recognize this and make the program more available.

Posted by: Shari | May 30, 2009 3:12 PM

Thanks to this web site and to OneWorld Progressive Institute, producers of 21st Century Conversations. This organization is clearly very committed to keeping the community informed. This is an important partnership between OneWorld and this wonderful online health journal. I do not believe there can be any more significant service to the broader community than to keep us informed about maintaining health and well being.

In looking at various internet mediums, this New Haven Independent seems to be one of the most responsible and comprehensive in the type of information it presents and the quality of those presentations. Thank you for standing out among the crowd by consistently providing us with good quality information. This article is excellent; it is nicely supplemented with the additional information posted by OneWorld and all of the other thoughtful comments from so many others.

Posted by: Waltrina Mullins | May 31, 2009 10:50 PM

We are blessed to have informative broadcast resources at our fingertips. Accolades to N'zinga and 21st Century Conversations for once again bringing a crucial issue to the forefront. This hot topic is particularly important because the reality is women of color are impacted by osteoporosis and arthritis. Obesity is another contributing factor.

I make this statement from a personal perspective: most of the women in my family age 50 and over through age 85 stay on top of their health--from undergoing routine physicals to GYN exams and bone density screenings. Despite this positive effort, when we get together, the first thing on our agenda is eating out or gorging ourselves with down-home cooking at sedentary events. Some of my aunts and cousins can barely walk up a set of stairs because they have too much weight on their bones and/or they haven't moved a muscle in ages. What has proven particularly startling for me is the number of female elders in my family who have literally shrunk in height over the years. My Godmother, for example, now 85, stands at 5 feet 3 ½ inches tall. She was 5' 10" tall during her younger years! Another loved one, my Aunt Gladys, age 80, has gotten shorter as well. She can take only a few steps before she has to immediately sit down to regain strength in her legs. We chuckle over the fact that I now tower over them whenever we see each other, but the reality is that each of these women has been impacted by arthritis and osteoporosis!

I am aware first hand that these age-related ailments know no color boundary! Because longevity runs in my family, and because I too want to enjoy a long life--one in which I can capably use all of my limbs, I exercise and work out at the gym on a routine basis. I too am striving adhere to healthier eating habits (i.e., eating leafy salads with balsamic vinegar and vitamin-rich veggies versus potato salad, home-made dinner rolls, and mac 'n' cheese). As was brought out in the 21st Century Conversations broadcast, engaging in open dialogue, truly assessing our health, working together to improve it, and ultimately acting on the knowledge we gain will help make the difference in our lives.

Posted by: Marion | June 1, 2009 12:48 AM

I was visiting relatives in West Haven this evening (Sunday). They were watching this program on the public access station where there were women doctors in the studio talking to a host and several women who were asking questions. It was a very interesting discussion so we all kept quiet and watched and listened. The doctors were absolutely wonderful; knowledgeable and funny.

I found it most distressing that there were no Black women among the audience members although the moderator is Black. The studio should have been filled with Blacks and Latinas because we are the ones who need this type of information the most. When Dr. Karin Michels talked about the seriousness of diabetes, I wanted to call up every 45+ AA and Latina I know and tell them to tune in. I applaud these people for doing this program. Dr. Michels is so right about the dangers of diabetes in our communities; she said she could talk about it for hours; it is that important; we need to talk more about this; providing this program is a valuable "gift" to our community. I want to offer this additional information about diabetes.

Type 2 Diabetes Risk Factors
Putting this type of information on public access is a great service. Diabetes is wreaking havoc in poor, innercity and minority populations. It is really bad and people do not realize how dangerous it is until it is too late. A person with some or all of the following listed health risk factors have a greater chance of developing type 2 diabetes:
A family history of diabetes. If a parent or sibling in your family has diabetes, your risk of developing type 2 diabetes increases.
Being over age 45. The chance of getting type 2 diabetes increases with age. This program that OneWorld did last week was for women 45 and over; this is good because we are the ones at greater risks.
Race or ethnic background. The risk of type 2 diabetes is greater in Hispanics, Blacks, Native Americans, Asians.
Metabolic syndrome or insulin resistance syndrome means our own muscle cells cannot take up glucose easily; that causes serious problems with diabetes.

Being overweight. If we are overweight, defined as a body mass index (BMI) greater than 25, we're at higher risk of type 2 diabetes.

Hypertension. High Blood Pressure increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Abnormal cholesterol levels. HDL ("good") cholesterol under 35 mg/dL (milligrams per deciliter) and/or a triglyceride level over 250 mg/dL increases our risk of type 2 diabetes.

The fact that people who have Comcast cable in this area can get this program and this type of good health care information for free is a VERY good thing. Please watch and learn from this type of public access program.

Posted by: Lavonne Beckford | June 1, 2009 1:25 PM

Tips for Healthy Aging is a perfect title for this informative TV program on maintaining health and well-being as we age. As someone who just reached an age milestone, I truly appreciate getting these tips and reading this article.

The follow-up postings are very helpful; the ones done by Ms. Shani and Marion are outstanding. I think Ms. Shani is a very committed community educator. When programs such as this are presented through the public access cable system, I do not mind that some of my dollars go to support public access television. Unfortunately, not enough of our public access dollars are being put to such good use. We can now see "21st Century Conversations" on our public access system; it is a remarkable program and far superior to 95 percent of what we normally see on our channels. Thankfully, we can see this outstanding program three times per week, so if we miss one airing there are two others and they are on different days at different times.

For anyone who has not yet seen "21st Century Conversations" with Ms. Shani and her outstanding guests, my family and I strongly recommend that you get this program on your public access channel. The programs on education are superb; we really enjoyed the one with the high school students titled Politics & the Economy. We are really looking forward to getting this new program on our station. People in New Haven are fortunate because not only do they get the program live they can also go to the studio and talk to the panel members; that is truly wonderful. Thanks to OneWorld and Ms. Shani; please keep these informative programs coming. I like to know that my public access dollars are being put to such good use. Please keep it up.

Posted by: Zarina | June 1, 2009 1:49 PM

This is a totally cool article. I am really young; I just graduated from high school and will be going off to college and into a career in nursing. I think it is very important that we get factual and reliable tips on healthy living when we are young, so that we know how to build a solid health foundation. I want to have strong healthy bones now and know how to maintain them so that when I reach 45 I won't have to worry about losing height or being bent over.

I don't think enough emphasis is placed on educating young people about things like BMI, calcium, etc. Everyone say, oh, you are young, you have years before you have to worry about these. I think that is the wrong thing to say. If we learn these things when we are young, we will never have to worry about them later.

Posted by: Bunny | June 2, 2009 11:10 AM

This was an informative article. Although I was aware of some of the things mentioned, there were alot of facts I learned through the article.

Posted by: M. Frazier | June 3, 2009 10:36 AM

This program is clearly a gift to the entire community. The panelists are to be commended for their contributions, and Ms Shani and OneWorld for their insights in seeing the need for such a program and doing what was necessary to make it available to the broader community. This is what we had hoped for when we supported the creation of public access TV. It was so that the community would have a voice and access to information not otherwise readily available. This organization, OneWorld Progressive Institute, epitomizes what public access is supposed to be. It is important that the community has maximum access to these programs.

Posted by: yolette Bryant | June 3, 2009 1:54 PM

It is truly wonderful that this community organization, OneWorld Progressive Institute, is able to get these physicians and nurse pratitioner to go to a public access TV studio in the community and engage citizens in this manner. Historically, the health and well-being of mature women have been largely ignored. More recently the issue of women's health has been an area of research interest. Kudos to N'Zinga Shani and this organization for their work in simply enlightening women and providing them with these types of educational opportunities.

This New Haven Independent is doing a wonderful job of covering interesting and positive community activities such as this one. It is also wonderful that a public access facility has the room to accommodate participants. I wish we could have seen the people from the community who participated as well as see video clips from the program. We encourage OneWorld to present more indepth education programs on the dangers of obesity particularly in minority communities. Children as well as adults are becoming morbidly obese and not enough is being done to change that.

Three cheers for APRN, Ivy Alexander and her IN-SHAPE Acronym; to Dr. Karin Michels-Ashwood for her emphasis on preventing diabetes, and Dr. Desir for her emphasis on healthy bones, moving more and making ourselves happy. I think it is great that these doctors talked about the importance of getting our questions answered by our physicians. I hope all those other doctors who are always too rushed to talk to patients are listening.

Posted by: susan feldman | June 4, 2009 11:51 AM

I am so pleased that NZinga is bringin culturally matched spakers to her programs as this udnerscores taht women with differetn orientations will relate to and learn from those of similar ethnicity. Our clients in the Village of POWEr are racially and ethnically divese and will relate to the educational promptings of those they can relate to. Thank you N Zinga for recognizing this and adding tothe helath and empowerment of our inner city communiteis who dramatically need this.

Posted by: Valerie | June 4, 2009 1:05 PM

I agree 100% with Susan Feldman that it is important to have ethnically diverse presenters on these programs; this is especially true when we are talking about cultural taste in terms of foods, lifestyle and practices and family history. It seems that OneWorld always strives to have culturally relevant information and presenters. Ms. Shani also demonstrates, through her choice of guests that there are competent experts in every cultural group; that is very important for our children to see. The best example I can recall is the program titled Women In Medicine; every group was represented. Parents should make sure that their daughters see that program.

Another excellent example comes with the programs on heart health. She did one with Dr. Lee (AA); then another with a black and a white female physicians, and yet another with white male & female cardiologists. If we pay attention, this little volunteer organization is making remarkable contributions to the entire community. Unfortunately, for those of us who live in the CTV franchise, if we miss the program on a Sunday at 6PM, we might not see it again for months.

People who have AT&T Uverse should know that they can get "21st Century Conversations" on UVerse on North Haven TV and also on Branford TV where the program airs several times each week. This program is more informative and helpful than most things we see on commercial TV. Tune in to see what it is about.

Posted by: Karen | June 5, 2009 12:03 PM

Regardless of our age today it is good to have reliable health information about how to take care of ourselves. The sooner we have this information and put it into practice the more healthy we will be throughout our lives. I applaud OneWorld for bringing in multicultural health providers to help us to achieve this goal. Many of us take herbal supplements without knowing if they are truly beneficial; we go on annecdotal evidence. I think it is helpful to learn how to evaluate these products so that in fact we use only the ones that are beneficial. Thanks to the doctors, Melinda Tuhus and the New Haven Independent, and to OneWorld Progressive Institute for their commitment to keeping us informed.

Posted by: Coleen | June 5, 2009 12:04 PM

Another excellent community education program filled with good information. Some time ago Ms. Shani had a program where she gave out health passports so that when we go to the doctor we can write down the results of blood pressure readings and other tests we might have. This is important so that we ourselves and each doctor we see can check to see if things are changing. I want to offer that as a suggestion especially for older people. Keep accurate records. I also commend Dr. Karin Michels-Ashwood for her emphasis on effectively managing diabetes; more people in the minority community need to pay closer attention to the long-term effects of diabetes. Thanks everyone for another beneficial program.

Posted by: Shirley Brown | June 6, 2009 11:52 AM

I was just browsing looking for some information about aging and osteoporosis when I came upon the OneWorld website. Then from that I got to this article. This is wonderful to be able to find this type of excellent information by a program done in a local public access TV studio. The OneWorld website is simply excellent; I also love the beautiful music on the site.

I like the comments and additional information posted by visitors and viewers. It is certainly good to know that there are public access studios being put to such good use and broadcasting programs such as this excellent community education program. It is a shame to see how money is being wasted on many of these public access stations that broadcast mainly preaching 24-7 and raunchy music videos. There is no middle ground. While preaching is good for many, it should not be the only thing we see. Public access was supposed to be the communities' voice on many different issues. Apart from saving souls (which is what the churches are for) these facilities should be used to edify the community.

Congratulations to Oneworld Progressive Institute, Inc., to N'Zinga Shani, and to Citizens Television for using public access so productively and wisely to benefit the broader CT community. You all deserve to be applauded. I hope that the CT Legislators are taking notice.

Posted by: ann Ruggiero | June 6, 2009 5:36 PM

What a wonderful presentation! A very enlightening program for all women. Prevention must start at an early age without program like this many women would not be aware of the risk factors they have. Thank you N'zinga!

Posted by: Violet Beckford | June 6, 2009 10:10 PM

It is wonderful that programs like this exist to inform and remind women of some of the things we can do to maintain health as we get on in age. We really should start doing these things early so that we do not develop some of the problems that go with aging. In seems that in countries where women drink a lot on natural cows milk (drawn from cows that eat natural feed), do a lot of walking and eat foods rich in potassium and calcium, they do not have as much problems with osteoporosis and cardiac prblems as we do in this country. As the doctors said, we need to eat well and keep moving to keep illnesses at bay. Thank you all for this program.

Posted by: Cynthia Cunningham | June 8, 2009 11:49 PM

This is a wonderful article, and I have enjoyed reading many of the comments especially those posted by the men. I do believe that too many of us allow our health to slide until things are really bad then we go into panic mode. It was nice to read what some of the younger people have to say about the importance of caring for ourselves while we are young. That cannot be stressed enough. We women need to know our family's medical history so that we can stay on top of those things we need to monitor on a regular basis. I also think this site should make it easier for us to find this article. How about making the link available to us for the 30 days.

I only found the article because someone told me about it. I do think it is wonderful that you provide Internet coverage for types of valuable health education programs; they are important. Thanks

Posted by: KB | June 11, 2009 9:50 AM

Props to Ms. Shani, OneWorld, and the NHI for this. Even as I think of my own family and loved ones, I wonder if they're getting this type of crucial information. We live in a society where profit comes before prevention. Thus, knowledge such as this is not disseminated sufficiently in advance of the need for serious medical treatment. Groups like OneWorld are counteracting that trend. And their informative reach goes beyond merely the medical industry, but into various matters important to the well being of the community. May it continue to do so!

Posted by: B. Foster, M.D. | June 12, 2009 8:50 PM

Whenever health care consumers and health care providers can come together to share information, get clarification and expand knowledge (on both sides) this is a very good thing. When it is done in an atmosphere of trust, mutual respect and a desire to improve one's health and well being, and help providers to better understand where there are gaps in the public health information system, that is exceptionally beneficial.

Significant credit must be given to this organization, OneWorld Progressive Institue, Inc., producers of this public access TV program called "21st Century Conversations" and to these physicians who are so committed to the community. It is truly rewarding to read about physicians who are simply giving back and helping in this generous way to improve the health of women. Of course, contrary to popular myths about the power of men, women are the real backbones of our community. If they are healthy and strong, the rest of the community are more likely to be healthy and strong.

Presenting public information programs such as this is a superb use of public access television. Sadly, there is far too little of this type of programing and far too much of the self-aggrandizement form. These local public access stations should be more like mini C-Spans in their respective communities. They could indeed make positive contributions throughtout each state. In places like Virginia this is exactly what they are doing.

CT is surely in need of consistent and thoughtful public health information particularly in New Haven, Bpt, Meriden, Hartford, Danbury and in all inner-city areas. Television is one of the more effective ways to educate local communities; therefore, these programs should be available various times of the day and night so as to reach the broadest audience possible. That would be a significant service to the communities most in need.

Posted by: Katurah Bryant | June 13, 2009 3:49 PM

I enjoyed the show as well as this article. As a health care provider I understand the importance of cultural competence in health care delivery. I commend Ms. Shani for continuing to bring to the community valuable information that will expand how we deliver health care. This is especially important as we look at the VERY REAL possibility of offering a nationalized health care delivery system. Thank you and keep the informative shows coming!

Posted by: Ena Williams | June 14, 2009 9:55 PM

Ms. Shani
You always deliver excellent programs and this one is no exception. It is so important that women in our community who may not have the opportunity to even go to the doctor have access to good quality information that can be used to guide them in making decisions about their health. I want to commend the medical professionals who gave up their time to be part of this wonderful program. OneWorld Progressive Institute and its 21st Century Conversations is extremely relevant for this time and beyond. I am glad that you and all of the OneWorld volunteers are so much a a part of this community.
keep up the good work N'Zinga and thank you.

Posted by: Gloria White | June 16, 2009 1:25 AM

As we learn more about the functions of the liver and the kidneys, we also better understand how we can do damage that does not show up for years. Often the damage done when we are young and our bodies are resillient remains sort of quiet until we become less resillient then that damage starts showing up. A friend of mine was diagnosed with lung cancer years after she stopped smoking.

I think it is very beneficial to have TV programs and public discussions such as this program; these reminders encourage us to stop and reflect on what we put in our mouths and how we care for our bodies in general. This 21st Century Conversations is truly an example of a public good. The OneWorld web site has a section about public good. While it needs to be filled in, OneWorld itself is a major public good in our community. Inviting young people to think and discuss how they feel about politics and the economy - is a very positive and wonderful way to engage our teens. I am looking forward to reading the winning essays from the students who got prizes. Thank you OneWorld for caring about all of us.

Posted by: Allen Oshana D.M.D. | June 16, 2009 8:36 PM

Another great program whose goal is aid us in facing lifes constant challenges. Many thanks to Ms. Shani for her tireless work. More communities need to have access to this public service. This program is a great benefit to all women in the community. Health prevention is where we all need to be directing our efforts. Thanks to Dr. Desir, Alexander and Michels-Ashwood for giving back to the community.

Posted by: Susan | June 18, 2009 9:51 AM

While I missed this program, I enjoyed reading Melinda Tuhus' informative article about this critical topic. I heartily applaud Ms. Shani and the featured health professionals for getting the word out about how women can best maintain their health and prevent problems as they age. I am grateful to live in a community where such "21st Century Conversations" take place for the benefits of all of us. In fact, in this email- and text-messaging-driven world, I thoroughly enjoy having the opportunity to watch fruitful, engaging and informative conversation on my public access channel. As a newcomer to the One World Progressive Institute's website, I just have to say that I love it all: one world, conversation, community engagement, education, rapport with teens ... all of it. Love it! Kudos to One World and Ms. Shani!

Posted by: Albert Townsend | June 18, 2009 12:44 PM

I agree 100% with Dr. Foster's assessment regarding this program called 21st Century Conversations. It is indeed refreshing to find a local public access program that is so intelligently done and presented to the community. What I do find surprising is that the studio was not packed to overflowing capacity. Judging by the writers comments it was not. That is most unfortunate. Programs such as this one is a gift to the community.

At a time when health care is so very expensive, so fragmented, and so inaccessible to many, I am surprised that a program with an established track record and three highly qualified practitioners are not simply crowded with people asking questions. That takes us to the crux of the problem with health care in America. We take it for granted until we need it and cannot get it. We do not value how important it is to have quality health care.
When we do not have it we complain, but do we really value it as an important part of our lives? Do we make an effort to learn how to care for ourselves as a way of maintaining health? This is what this organization is trying to do; teach us to value health literacy.

Salutations to these fine physicians who were in that public access studio answering questions and educating people, and educating themselves through the questions being asked. In checking the OneWorld web site one can see that this is an organization that is fully committed to the broader community and true to its motto-- it is lighting candles of information and health literacy. They truly are to be commended as are these doctors. Congratulations OneWorld; bravo to APRN Ivy Alexander, Deborah Desir, M.D., and Karin Michels-Ashwood; you three and the other doctors who devote their time to this organization are proof that doctors do make contributions to their communities.

Posted by: Veronica Airey-Wilson | June 18, 2009 5:03 PM

I am truly impressed with the quality of the information presented by Ms. Shanti and her guests. There are so many women in need of this advice. I intend to distribute this article to over two thousand women on my e-mail list. The education will be well worth it.

My goal is to work with Ms. Shanti, to make this programming availsble to the entire state of Connecticut.

Posted by: Barbara Jones | June 18, 2009 11:09 PM

I am delighted to see the comment posted by Councilwoman Airey-Wilson. I do hope that she will work with this remarkable organization, OneWorld, to make sure that this outstanding education program is available throughout the state of CT. At a time when good health care is inaccessible to so many, and people are losing their jobs left and right, it is particularly important that we learn how to maintain health and well being.

I only found out about this very informative program recently. This program should be on regular cable everywhere because it is outstanding. Whether they are teaching about diabetes, heart disease, prostate cancer or breast cancer, the guests are outstanding and the host is clearly very committed to informing the community. The fact that people from the community are invited to the studio to ask questions (we seldom get to do that when we visit our private doctors) makes this program very unique and of special benefit. Councilwoman Airey-Wilson, please help to get this program in the hands of people in the poor communities and in the libraries so that more people can benefit.

Posted by: Elaine White | June 20, 2009 12:37 AM

What did we do before the Internet became accessible to so many of us? I first wrote all, but quickly realized that it not true; it is not available to all. This is the reason why to those to whom it is available, we have no excuse. We can stay anywhere in the world where we have access to the Internet and learn important lessons half a world away. This is why it is so very important that more educators use the Internet to teach.

The information provided in this article is wonderful. I have learned as much from reading the comments posted by others as I have reading the article itself. Articles such as this are very important. I agree with the previous writer. Not only should these programs be available on the cable systems, I think they should be available in the libraries and on the Internet. Regardless of how many people can get to the television studio, it will never be enough to reach all those who need this information.

Kudos to these doctors, to the organization, OneWorld Progressive Institute, and to the volunteers who all work to make this available to people in Connecticut; this is indeed a remarkable service. I hope that those who have direct access realize how truly fortunate they are.

Posted by: Aldo Peixoto | June 21, 2009 12:23 AM

I would like to congratulate N'Zinga and OneWorld for putting together such relevant educational programs. As a physician, I fully appreciate the educational value, technical accuracy, and overall relevance of these programs. Thank you!

Posted by: Michael Campbell | June 21, 2009 9:41 PM

This is a very informative article especially since there is a dearth of information in the black community on preventitive health care. I am pleased to see that N'Zinga and Oneworld have stepped in to fill the void and hope that they will get the relevant support to continue educating our communities through programs like these. Keep up the good work.

Posted by: Ceilla Robinson | June 22, 2009 12:16 PM

Thank everyone responsible for this excellent article on maintaining health as we age. In the hustling around of everyday living it is easy to fall back on doing what is easy as opposed to doing what is best for each of us. Even in these days of enlightenment women still bear the larger burden for childrearing and household chores. Very often we forget to take care of ourselves first.

To all the grandmothers out there who think they are doing the best for the grandchildren they are raising by knocking themselves out, I say to you - take good care of yourself and teach the grandchildren to do for themselves. That is the best thing for everyone. If you get very sick or pass on while they are still young, it will not be good for them; you don't know where they will end up, or who they will end up with.

These doctors are right; we women need to learn to care for ourselves better than many of us do now. Television programs such as this one should be available to everyone; it should be in the parent/teachers program, in the community wellness program and everywhere. Thanks for the reminder; too many of us take our health for granted until it is too late. Thanks OneWorld.

Posted by: Cyrette Summerville | June 22, 2009 4:52 PM

I am pleased to see these many comments posted to this article; we all should be reading this type of information and putting these things into practice. Exercise is very important as we age. We do not have to join a gym, or buy expensive equipment. We do need to walk briskly for 30 mins at least four times per week. As women, we tend to gain weight around the middle as we reach into our 50's; therefore we need to move more. Ladies, while cleaning the house is exercise, it is not the same as taking 5lb weights in your hands and walking briskly. Be sure to stretch your limbs everyday and drink plenty of water. Instead of eating a donut as a snack, eat a piece of fruit; munch on fresh carrots; have a few unsalted nuts a few times each week; the nuts provide needed Omega 3. Let us be good to ourselves everyday.

I applaud OneWorld Progressive Institute people and these doctors for putting on this program, and the New Haven Independent for making the article available to all of us. We need constant reminders. I also like the good information available at the OneWorld web site; the Women's Resource Center is simply wonderful, and the music is very beautiful and pleasant. This entire OneWorld program is a beautiful gift to the entire community. Thanks to everyone involved with this.

Presenting this quality education program on the public access channels is an excellent use of the public access system. Programs of this caliber show that PEG programs do not have to be mindless and raunchy. There are also other PEG systems that broacast this 21st Century Conversations program several times each week. For those with AT&T UVerse, you can see this program by going to the drop-down menu at channel 99. Look for NHTV or BCTV and you will find 21st Century Conversations listed several times. Wherever you live, do not miss seeing this excellent program.

Posted by: Norris Haynes | June 22, 2009 9:48 PM

I continue to be tremendously impressed with the quality of programming that N'Zinga Shani produces. This program on maintaining health as we age was filled with rich valuable information for both men and women but particularly for women. The focus disaggregation of this information by race and ethnicity provided critically informative insights into illness prevention and health maintenance. I urge N'Zinga to please continue this excellent work on behalf of all the many citizens who value this important work.

Posted by: Monique Haynes | June 22, 2009 10:15 PM

As a young African American female, I am keenly aware of the increased risk among us for certain diseases. I have been reading of the increased incidence and devastating effects of diseases such as high blood pressure, heart disease, certain cancers and diabetes among African Americans and the need for us to live healthier lives by exercising more and following more healthy dietary practices. Ms. Shani's program on health and aging has reinforced for me the importance of taking my health seriously and starting from now, in my youth, to develop healthy lifestyle practices. The information that I gathered from this program will go a very long way in helping me adopt an approach to living that incorporates making more healthy life choices and spreading the word among my peers that we are not too young to be concerned about and involved in promoting healthy attitudes andbehaviors including eating healthy foods, maintaining appropriate weight and getting adequate exercise. As young people we often see ourselves as invulnerable and invincible and immune from diseases that we associate with growing old. We fail to realize that the seeds of many illnesses are sown in our youth and cultivated and nourished by poor health habits and practices over time as we grow and develop, resulting in devastating diseases that express themselves later in life. So it is incumbent on us as young people to take responsibility for our health as early as we can.

So, thank you Ms. Shani for producing such wonderful programming that is relevant and helpful to the youth who, after all, are the future leaders. policy makers and decision-makers in our communities. By postively impacting the youth you are positively shaping the future.

Thank You!!!

Monique

Posted by: Monica Haynes | June 22, 2009 10:29 PM

As a health care professional I would like to express my gratitude to Ms N'Zinga Shani for producing such informative and beneficial programs over the years. Specifically your program om health care and aging sruck and important chord. We see an explosion of preventable yet devastating illnesses amomg African Americans. This is troubling and challenging for us as a community and as a society. From a cost perspective it is a Formidable problem and from a quality of life and life extension perspective it is a challenge that we must face head on leaving no stone unturned.
It is important for me to mention that as a Dentist I am keenly aware of the connection between dental health and general health including such conditions as cancer, diabetes and high blood pressure different tupes of infections. The importance of good preventive dental health is often overlooked in conversations about health promotion. It is particularly important in the conversation about aging and health.

Ms Shani, you are doing a fabulous job with your educational and informative programming. The community needs your voice and the voices of your guests to continue to inform and enlighten us. Keep up the excellent work.

Posted by: H. Bryant | June 23, 2009 1:22 AM

I am glad to see that someone has posted a comment about the importance of dental health to general health. Many of us as we age worry about our hearts and high blood pressure, but we seem to forget about dental health. Many of the digestive problems we develop as we age are caused from poor dental health. Periodontal disease can severely affect cardiac health. Many doctors believe that the inflammation caused by periodontal disease increases plaque build up, which may contribute to swelling of the arteries.

Also, researchers have found that people with periodontal disease are almost twice as likely to suffer from coronary artery disease as those without periodontal disease. Periodontal disease can also exacerbate existing heart conditions. Patients at risk for infective endocarditis may require antibiotics prior to dental procedures.

I am sure that it is not easy to get these programs done, but I would strongly suggest to these good people at OneWorld that you present a program on dental health. I must also commend this organization, OneWorld Progressive Institute, Inc. for its tremendous commitment to educating the community. Clearly, there are many who do not appreciate the significance of this contribution; however, the benefits for even the few who appreciate it are so far-reaching that you must continue. The sum total of your efforts are incalcuable; this is truly a great service you are rendering. Thank you on behalf of all those who are benefitting from your work.

Posted by: N'Zinga Shani | June 23, 2009 1:58 AM

We are enormously greatful to Dr. Monica Haynes for focusing on the issue of dental health; it is an issue OneWorld plans to address in the fall of 2009. Much more information can be found at: www.perio.org/consumer about the connection between dental health and cardiac health. The Mouth-Body Connection informs us that periodontal disease, a chronic inflammatory disease, is linked to other serious health risks. By visiting this link readers can find more information and resources on: Inflammation,
Osteoporosis
Heart Disease and Stroke
Pregnancy Problems
Diabetes and on
Respiratory Diseases

Additional information can also be found at:
health.nih.gov/topic/DentalHealth, and at the:

ADHA - Dental Hygienists, Oral HealthADHA Institute for Oral Health ... The National Maternal and Child Oral Health Resource Center (OHRC) www.adha.org/ -

We encourage consumers to visit these federal web sites and learn all they can about dental health and its role in overall health and well being. We are truly grateful to all of the health care professionals who have contributed so generously to this article. Your participation has bouyed our spirits. We thank the NHI for making this possible.

Posted by: Onyi Offor | June 24, 2009 9:05 AM

This sounds like it was an excellent panel. I think it is so important for women of every age to be reminded of the benefits of exercise and healthy nutrition. Women have so many other responsibilities in the home and at work that we often put ourselves last. It is time that we begin to make ourselves and our health a priority. Thank you for enlightening us, N'Zinga. I look forward to seeing more from you.

Posted by: Rev. Davis | June 24, 2009 10:26 AM

May the good Lord continue to bless and inspire the people who run this organization, provide this type of helpful information, and provide this vitally important service to the community. At a time when there are so many stresses in our lives, learning how to care for ourselves and loved ones is one of the most important services we can render. Thank you all for this excellent information; this is God's work. Blessings to everyone.

Posted by: Wendy Battles | June 24, 2009 6:01 PM

Wow a fantastic article N'Zinga! Good for you for doing an amazing job of spreading the word and getting people inspired to take better care of their health! The panel sounds fantastic, I'm just sorry I missed it live.

It just goes to show the power each of us has to inspire ourselves and others.

Posted by: Courtney | June 25, 2009 1:50 AM

Exercise and bone health are equally important at all times; however, as the doctors say in this article these rae particularly important for us after the age of 50. Of course, as women we have higher incidents of osteoporosis due to menopause and lower estrogen levels. If we are lucky, we get some of this information from our primary care doctors; however, it is not stressed enough. Also, many poor women only go to the doctor when they are in crisis (very sick); the doctors then can only deal with the immediate health issues, so no general education takes place. This is why programs such as this is really very beneficial.

To have this program on the public access channel where it can be seen for an hour without commercial interruptions is of great benefit. Most PEG systems air programs such as this several times over. That is truly necessary for viewers to get the maximum benefit because even if we write things down (which I often do) we cannot get it all in any one sitting.

This osteoporosis is a serious business. When bone density is low, a simple fall can result in fractures of the hip, back or wrist. The good news is you can maintain--and even improve--bone density with impact loading exercise for your hips, spine and arms. Putting ankle weights on and carrying weights in the hands are great and easy ways to improve bone density.

Hats off to OneWorld and all the volunteers. A special thanks to Ms. Shani for her tireless efforts in educating the community. I wonder how many people realize what an incredible gift and commitment this is. Thanks to everyone who contribute to this remarkable effort.

Posted by: Yefim G. Kriger, Ph.D. | June 25, 2009 1:28 PM

This is a wonderful article with many informative comments from a broad cross-section of people. I think that good healthcare starts in the womb. Pregnant women should exercise and walk everyday in a clean and healthy environment. They should eat and drink a healthy and nutritious diet; this will give the children a good start in life. When we humans take in vitamin supplements we should know the source of our vitamins. There are many supplements on the market that do not contribute positively and are simply a waste of money.

Clean water, fresh air, natural Vitamin C, a healthy diet of nutrious foods, vigorous exercise and peace of mind are the best and most effective foundation for the human body at the beginning of life and throughout life. I congratulate N'Zinga Shani, OneWorld, and all those who have contributed to this program. This is the second best way to have a positive community conversation.

Posted by: Susan Shanley | June 25, 2009 2:55 PM

I would be interested in seeing a program on alternative medicine. It has been my experience that the medical profession is often limited and there are times when alternative methods can be helpful. I agree that we also should contribute to our own health in choosing healthful lifestyles.

Posted by: Kurt Roberts | June 26, 2009 11:43 AM

One world is doing a great job in addresing womens health. there is certainly more to come. N'Zinga Shani is doing fabulous and i did a program w her about transvaginal abdominal surgery. This is called Natural Orifice Surgery and we are able to remove a womens gallbladder or appendix with minimal postoperative pain. This type N'Zinga Shani does is so important in educating the public about these various issues.
Thanks for the great work!!!

Posted by: Dr. S. Chambers | June 26, 2009 8:53 PM

Here are a few additional resources for mature women who want to learn more about, and have access to additional reliable health education information for mature women/adults in general:
www.cdc.gov/Aging/info.htm
Women and stress
www.EverydayHealth.com

I applaud OneWorld Progressive Institute, Inc for its commitment to educating the community and engaging women in this enlightened conversation about maintaining health and well being. To the physicians who were in the television studio to answer questions and provide information-- this is going the extra mile; you are shining examples of caring physicians; it was pleasant to read what Ms. Shani had to say about all of you.

When public access is used in this productive way, it is admirable. As a cable subscriber, I am pleased to know that some of my funds are being used in ways that benefit the broader community. N'Zinga Shani and the New Haven Independent are to be commended for their work.

Posted by: Amber | June 28, 2009 1:38 PM

It is interesting to read this article and some of the comments. This information should not be directed at just older women; in fact, it should place more emphasis on younger women. We need to learn how to care for us when we are still young so that we don't age badly. Many of us when young are encouraged to eat a lot so that we can grow. It is totally alright in my family to be heavy when we are young; people laugh and say "it's good to have some meat on your bones." Nobody talk about what that meat on the bones is doing to the kidneys, heart, etc. We don't think about kidney problems in kids.

I hope that these people at OneWorld will do a program and have young men and women in the studio to talk with doctors about how to prevent getting fat when we are young, and how to stay away from all the flatbacks and tasty but unhealthy foods that we grow up eating. My aunts all eat pork skin and a ton of sausage. We are told, you are young you don't have to worry about it. Problem is we are aging every day; we don't stay young forever. We need to learn now not later.

Posted by: Deborah | June 30, 2009 4:37 AM

I agree with Amber 100 percent. We need to learn all of this and apply it when we are young so that we will remain healthy and vibrant well into advanced age. In some Asian countries women are very agile and strong into their 90's. We hear some of this information on regular TV, but they are often trying to sell us something. Having women come to the TV studio and be able to talk directly with the doctors and ask personal questions, and it is all free, it a very good thing for the community. Next time you are planning one of these forums, please have it announced on WYBC, and have the TV station do announcements a few weeks before.

Providing this kind of information is a great service to the community. Asking the ministers to announce it in church is also a good way to get people's attention. Again, thank you all for doing this. I also learn plenty from the other comments. It is all good.

Posted by: Gail | June 30, 2009 1:48 PM

There needs to be more programs such as this one; a key thing women need to learn about as we age is the efficacy of medications. We take things we do not need in the hope of getting results that are not possible. Yet we are afraid to take some things that can really help us. Overall, we need less medications and more awareness of how our body works and what we can do to keep it healthy and strong well into our advanced years.

Posted by: Vall | June 30, 2009 2:56 PM

I believe strongly in the holistic approach to health care. I agree with the guests on this show, vitamin D, exercise and plenty of protein and water are essential to women's health. While exercise is essential to good health, I don't believe the goal of being a size 2 or 4 is essential. Women of color typically have a different body structure than women of European and Asian decent. However, a woman's need for good health--a strong heart and bones--is universal.

Posted by: Linda Dickey-Saucier | June 30, 2009 4:18 PM

Get tested, get moving and exercise most days for thirty minutes

I have read and heard several myths about African American women and bone health. The truth of the matter is women of any culture cannot take their health for granted. African Americans can be predisposed to genetic damages that can increase the risk for certain environmental diseases such as type 2 diabetes. This is not to say that type 2 diabetes can't become a major health problem in white America. We must become keepers of our temple. It is our primary responsibility to evaluate how you fit and how you feel.

Good health is a delicate balance; if your feel or see a potential health problem, do something! The warning signs are usually there years before the crisis arrives.

My advices for healthy aging are proper screenings; check with your primary health care provider or Google recommended screenings for healthy aging. Get to know your local farmer to have access to an abundance seasonal fruits and vegetables. Exercising most days for 30 minutes and surrounding yourself with friends and advocates to help you navigate when you find yourself confronting problems associated with growing old.

Posted by: Tony Porter A CALL TO MEN | July 1, 2009 11:41 AM

Thank you N'Zinga for keeping us accountable with this informative article. While the work of A CALL TO MEN is primarily focused on addressing domestic and sexual violence there is a clear link with womens health care. As stated in the article health care concerns for women of color are not addressed at the same level as those of white women. When looking at domestic and sexual violence we find that women of color are violate at a much higher rate than white women. We believe the issue that needs to be addressed in the collective experience of women of color is rooted in a society that views them as less than in comparison to white women. It should also be noted that our society continues to veiw women collectively as less than in comparison to men. Until these issue are truly addressed in our society these alarming disparities will continue.

Posted by: Beayanka | July 2, 2009 12:25 PM

Traditionally women bear the larger portion of the emotional load for childrearing. In the workplace we often bear a larger burden for maintaining the office and seeing to it that everyone else is cared for. This leads to early burnout and higher stress levels; therefore, as we age we need a higher level of health maintenance to keep our equilibrium. I think programs such as "21st Century Conversations" are very helpful in reminding us to take care of ourselves and telling us some of the key things we need to do. Thanks to everyone involved in providing this essential service.

Posted by: Marilyn Council | July 2, 2009 1:34 PM

It is important that we keep and expand special program with this valuable information on health care. It is really awesome and truly needed. I give this program my full support and look forward to receiving more information about how to directly participate in more such programs in the future. This is absolutely awesome for our community. Thanks to everyone involved.

Posted by: Tawana Bourne | July 3, 2009 11:34 AM

Thank you for this extremely imperative information and awareness. All too often, women, especially mothers, neglect her personal health all the while attending to the needs of others and putting herself last on her priority list. Again, thank you for the awareness.

Posted by: Carla, LCSW | July 5, 2009 4:44 PM

I think this is one of the most effective ways to educate members of the community. I strongly suggest that for future programs the dates and times be published in various community mediums, so that those who need this kind of help most will have access to the programs. To the ministers of the dozens of churches, please support these efforts by announcing these programs in your churches; this would be a kind and Godly act.

Also, I suggest that 21st Century Conversations again start taking phone calls, so that those who cannot get to the studio will be able to call in and ask their questions. I imagine that it is time-consuming to put these programs together; however, even more people will be helped. This type of forum is enormously helpful in getting people to stop and think about maintaining their own health in ways that are not costly. With so many people not having health insurance, being proactive is critical.

More doctors should make themselves available for this type of community contributions. I truly commend N'Zinga Shani for her tireless efforts to keep the community informed and engaged in these critical issues.

Posted by: Loretta | July 5, 2009 4:49 PM

Imagine how many more people could be helped if more public access TV programs were used in this very positive way. Thanks to all the people involved in putting on this program, and thanks to everyone who has written and made contributions. I have learned many things from the comments, things that I can do to ensure better health on a daily basis. Thanks to OneWorld; your web site is absolutely fabulous. I like the education section a good deal and I really enjoyed watching the videos of the teachers talking about their classrooms experiences.

Posted by: Paula Weston | July 6, 2009 3:59 AM

This is an excellent article dedicated to women's health. I do want to say it should emphasize all women at any age. If women learn to take excellent care of their bodies when we are young, we will not experience some of the problems some of us do as we age. I recommend to parents that they encourage their children and specifically their daughters to eat sensibly at all times. This is particularly important for girls because of their monthly cycle; therefore replenishing nutrients daily is critical.

Girls should take extra B vitamins, calcium, Vitamin D3 and lots of green leafy vegetables. If we take these in foods and appropriate amounts of supplements as necessary, we will not develop osteoporosis, joint problems and iron deficiences as we age. This article is wonderfully engaging and informative. Thanks to the doctors for giving back to the community in this wonderfully engaging way.

Posted by: Concerned Citizen | July 9, 2009 1:02 AM

Gov. Jodi Rell has just vetoed the proposed SustiNet Health Plan which was supported overwhelming in the CT Legislature. However, as we know most Republicans voted against it. The Gov. with this poisonous veto is simply demonstrating that-- contrary to the impression she conveyed when she first took office-- she is at heart a partisan politician who cares more about maintaining a conservative philosophy than about doing what is right, sensible, humane and best for CT residents. Of course, we the people ensure that the Gov. and her family have the best in health care. We are the ones paying for it.

Sadly, over 800K of us do not have health care. This is why programs such as this one and other health literacy programs done by OneWorld Progressive Institute, Inc. (encouraging people to learn how to care for themselves)are more important than ever. More and more of us cannot afford to go to the doctor. Therefore, we must be vigilant about maintaining health and well-being at every stage of life. We need to learn all that we can and apply the knowledge to our daily lives.

Posted by: Gwendolyn | July 10, 2009 1:15 PM

We are now able to see this 21st Century TV program in the Middletown and Portland area; it is an excellent program and a great contribution to the community. Thanks to the Comcast PEG station. Very often we know of the things we should be doing or not doing, but then we also get into a rut and do the wrong things.

Another problem is different doctors tell us different things. I would have liked to be in this audience to ask these doctors and especially Dr. Desir a few questions. My most important question is -- What can we women do in our 30's and 40's to prevent our bones from getting thin? Next - the bone density drugs all have serious warnings. How do we know which ones will work best for each of us and which one has the least bad side effects?

For Dr. Ivy Alexander I ask - we are told to drink 8 glasses of water daily, but for many of us that is a problem because we cannot hold the water. How really important is it to drink all that water? What else can we do instead of the 8 glasses of water? Can you please put the answers on the OneWorld website on Patient Information. Thank you all for this type of beneficial program. Please announce on the PEG stations the next time you are planning to have a community forum.

Posted by: Ivy Alexander, Ph.D., ANP-BC | July 21, 2009 11:18 AM

Replies to Gwendolyn's inquiry of July 10, 2009
by Ivy M. Alexander, PhD, ANP-BC

We are told to drink 8 glasses of water daily, but for many of us that is a problem because we cannot hold the water. How really important is it to drink all that water?

Water is very important for proper function of several body systems such as the liver, kidneys, blood, skin, and more. The 8 glasses per day recommendation is based on a study that was done looking at water needs among men who were involved in a fair bit of physical activity. There is no comparable study done with women. The best we can suggest is to make sure you are getting plenty of water. Exactly how much is enough is hard to say, probably between 6 and 8 glasses of water daily is adequate. It is important to increase beyond the usual daily amount when it is hot and humid or you are ill as your body uses more water with sweating and also with breathing through your mouth instead of your nose.

What else can we do instead of the 8 glasses of water?

If you find plain water boring, you can squirt in a little lemon or lime juice. There are also several other beverages you can drink to increase fluid intake besides water. You can drink crystal light, seltzer water, or herbal tea (or iced herbal tea), for example. The idea is to avoid unneeded sugar and caffeine.

(Ivy Alexander is a member of the OneWorld, Inc. Medical Advisory Council. She is the Director of Adult, Family, Gerontological, and Women's Health Primary Care Specialty at the Yale Health Plan; she is the author of two speciality books on aspects of women's health: 100 Questions & Answers About Menopause, and 100 Questions & Answers About Osteoporosis and Osteopenia. Both books were written with Karla Knight, RN, MSN. These books provide comprehensive responses to some of the most commonly asked questions about osteoporosis and menopause. N'Zinga Shani, OneWorld Progressive Institute, Inc.)

Posted by: Dori Ahern | July 22, 2009 8:33 AM

Thanks to Nzinga as always for her tireless work. I am currently in ayurvedic medical school in India.
Ayuveda Is the ancient health science connectecd with yoga, spirit and becoming one with God. The anceinet rishis who cognized ayurveda in their deep meditation when in tune with the mind of God, developed the science after human beings had fallen from grace thru wrong action.
So, the ultimate aim of ayurveda is to return us to our natural state of immortaility and mastery over the body and death as Jesus demonstrated.
All disease is caused by some wrong action either in this lifetime or a previous one. So first we look to our daily actions and avoid harming others (this includes all beings, not just human beings), lying, stealing, sexual misuse, and make sure we are giving some service to others in our daily life, either physically or financially or both.
We look to the diet as the food we eat becomes our physical body as well as a portion of it becomes our mind. Yoga science advocates vegetarian diet because any food that we take into us that is the result of cruelty and (our whole food production system these days is based in exploitation and cruelty to animals) will have a subtle harmful effect on body and mind.
Ayurveda encompasses a complete pharmacology of herbal medicine. There is a lot of misinformation about the actions of herbs in the allopathic medical community.
Most herbs have no negative side effects at all. Some should not be taken IN EXCESS when certain conditons are present. The phytoestrogens in Black Cohosh are in a body-usable form. When pharmaceutical companies manufacture a medicine from a plant, they extract the "active ingredient" and amplify it many times. When the plant is taken whole, as nature (our creator God) designed it, it has subtle properties that prevent side effects. So all the warnings about this herb or that is due to ignorance of the actions of herbs and/or deliberate misinformation put out by questiontionable studies. This is to keep people on the pharmaceutical merry go round and prevent true self-suffiecient healing as modalites like ayurveda, chiropractic and many others provide. My advice would be to avoid all pharmaceutical preparations like the plague, unless the condition is life threatening and then research and find rememdies thru naturopathy, ayurveda and herbal medicine.
One very good medicine for joints and bones and female reproductive rejuvenation is Shatavari (sanskrit). It is an Indian cousin to our asparagus. It is availabel from herbal suppliers or grow asparagus yourself and eat the roots daily.

Namaste,
Dori Ahern

Posted by: G. Parks | July 24, 2009 2:00 AM

It is refreshing to see someone writing about the healing properties of herbs, and also to read Dr. Alexander's practical council. If we learn more about how our health and well being can be enhanced by the natural properties provided to us by the Universe, and if we make it a point of responsibility to watch programs such as 21st Century Conversations and engage in discussions such as is provided by this forum, we could save a great deal of time, suffering and money.

There are other more potent and less costly ways of maintaining bone health without serious side effects. All of us need to be a little more proactive and better engaged in programs and discussions such as this. So many people are complaining about not having access to health care, yet quite often when golden opportunities such as offered by this organization is available, few people make use of it. Imagine being able to go to a TV station in your community and spend hours with committed physicians who answer your questions and provide free information! This is a great gift. The studio should have been packed to capacity.

I raise my hat to OneWorld Progressive Institute, Inc. and to the New Haven Independent for its collaboration in this essential work. This is truly an outstanding service to the community. I encourage women in particular to make use of these opportunities to learn how to help ourselves and maintain good health and well being. We should not complain when we do not do our part.

I am certain that copies of the programs are available; if you missed the program order a copy and become better informed. Prevention is always better than finding a cure.

Posted by: Jocelyn Reed | July 24, 2009 11:24 AM

Maintaining health and well being; nothing is more important. This OneWorld web site is simply wonderful. This excellent article has a link through the web site; that is how I found this. Thanks to these wonderful doctors, OneWorld and this online journal. This is a great idea and a wonderful service. With the health care fight that is going on in our nations's capitol, and with the Republicans, the radical rightwing fringes and some in the media determined to sabotage health care reform, taking care of ourselves is critically important. Unless we join President Obama and fight for reform the future of health care services is very dark indeed.

I recommend the OneWorld web site to everyone. I also encourage people to get involved; learn more about how our bodies work; take better care of ourselves and write to your elected representatives; tell them you want health care reform to pass the congress in 2009.

Posted by: Lavonne Beckford | July 29, 2009 1:01 AM

Ten Tips for Healthy Aging from the National Institute on Aging.
As a result of having read this article from OneWorld's TV program on Maintaining Health & Well Being As We Age, I have been doing some research on this topic. I came across this article from the National Institutes of Aging. I am sharing it because it is full of good information.

*No known substance can extend life, but the chances of staying healthy and living a long time can be improved. Here are ten ways to help.

*Eat a balanced diet, including five helpings of fruits and vegetables a day.

*Exercise regularly (check with a doctor before starting an exercise program).

*Get regular health check-ups. (This makes access to health care really important)

*Don't smoke (it's never too late to quit).

*Practice safety habits at home to prevent falls and fractures. Always wear your seatbelt.

*Stay in contact with family and friends. Stay active through work, play, and community.

*Avoid overexposure to the sun and the cold.

*If you drink, moderation is the key. When you drink, let someone else drive.

*Keep personal and financial records in order to simplify budgeting and investing. Plan long-term housing and money needs.

*Keep a positive attitude toward life. Do things that make you happy.
I am adding the following for the benefit of everyone:
* Watch 21st Century Conversations regularly; discuss the program topics with family, friends and coworkers.

* Send suggested topics to the producers; let them hear your issues of concern and participate in community discussions and forums. Civic engagement is important.

*Engage your mind by reading a good book as often as you can. Share ideas with others.
*Browse the OneWorld web site to learn all kinds of great stuff. A visit to this site will provide links to all of the OneWorld community forums that were reported by the New Haven Independent.
*This is a wonderful forum for learning. I encourage others to post information they have found. Thanks NHI

Posted by: Carmen | August 16, 2009 1:54 AM

Hello OneWorld producers, hosts and all who have provided this great array of beneficial information. First, posting the link to this article on the website so that we can find it when we visit is a superb idea. Thank you for not closing this article and allowing us to read and post comments past the 30 days. Dr. Alexander's comments, those of G. Parks, Jocelyn Reed and Lavonne Beckford are all so very helpful.

I did not have the time to read all of the comments, but those that I read are outstanding
At a time when the entire country is in an uproar about health care it is more important than ever that mature women do everything in their power to learn effective ways to maintain health and well being. There should be an effective way to direct more people to this web site; it is truly a wonderful and informative website. Bravo to all!