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  Published Date: 2020-07-26 

 We’re all desperate to be outside but as the cliché goes, too much of a good thing isn’t always good for us. Long days baking under the sun’s powerful rays can bring on blistering sunburns that can feel like your skin is on fire. And once UV rays seep into your skin for long enough to actually burn it, the more intense the sunburn. The more intense the sunburn, the longer it can take to heal — a bad sunburn can even linger for weeks. "Lack of preparation is one of the most common culprits,” explained Dr. Adnan Mir, dermatologist and Society for Pediatric Dermatology committee chair. “I treat wearing sunscreen and sun-protective clothing like any other good habit we teach children, like brushing your teeth, wearing a seatbelt, wearing a bike helmet and not smoking.” How long does a sunburn last? The amount of time a sunburn lasts depends on the severity of the burn, but a severe sunburn can last from 10 days to three weeks, said Dr. Samer Jaber, board certified dermatologist, assistant clinical professor of dermatology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City. 2 big sunscreen mistakes you're probably making “The most common reasons for sunburn are lack of or insufficient sun protection. This includes not applying enough sunscreen or not re-applying often enough,” explained Jaber. “Sunscreens are protective for up to two hours at most and generally require immediate re-application after exposure to water through swimming or sweating.” This is why Jaber says there’s “no such thing” as waterproof sunscreen. “Sunscreens labeled ‘water resistant’ will last up to 40 minutes on wet skin and those labeled ‘very water resistant’ will last up to 80 minutes on wet skin,” he said. But if you’re in the pool or on the beach all day, it can be easy to lose track of time and forget to reapply. Mir says another reason he sees people suffer from painful sunburns is they don’t apply sunscreen thoroughly. “Commonly burned areas are also the areas people tend to miss when applying sunscreen — the ears, nose, back of the hands, and top of the feet. This is especially seen in children, whose skin is thinner than adults and more sensitive to the sun,” he said. Trending stories,celebrity news and all the best of TODAY. This site is protected by recaptcha 7 ways to ease sunburn pain The best way to ease sunburn pain is to keep the burned skin as cool and moisturized as possible. “Anything that will cool the skin can help relieve sunburn symptoms,” said Mir. “This is why people tend to like to apply yogurt that has been in the fridge.” 1. Stay out of the sun. “The most important thing (to help heal sunburn) is to avoid any further sun exposure, explained Mir. “Avoid the sun between 10am and 2pm or stay in the shade,” he said. 2. Drink plenty of water. “A sunburn draws fluids from the rest of the body to the skin's surface,” said Jaber, making you more vulnerable to dehydration. 3. Apply an icepack. Wrap one in a towel and apply as often as you like. Just avoid directly applying ice to the skin as this can cause frostbite, said Mir. 4. Cover blisters in Vaseline. “Don’t pop, pick at, or drain blisters — allow them to heal naturally,” said Jaber. 5. Slather on unscented moisturizer. Keep a bottle in the fridge and apply every few hours to keep skin cool and moist, Mir noted. Aloe vera works wonders, too. 6. Avoid over-the-counter topical antibiotics. Though Neosporin may seem like a good idea, it can lead to a contact allergy, said Mir. Use topical hydrocortisone to bring down swelling and ease pain instead. 7. Pop a few non-steroidal anti-inflammatories. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, can help to reduce inflammation and pain by blocking the action of prostaglandins (molecules that cause pain), explained Mir. How can you tell when your burn is healed? “Your body will tell you when your skin has healed. The redness and pain resolves, and sometimes the skin starts to peel,” Mir said, adding an important tip: Whatever you do, don’t pick at peeling skin. “Peeling is part of the healing process, and actively peeling your skin may cause further damage.” Finally, if your skin blisters terribly, seek medical attention. “Widespread blistering sunburns can occasionally be as bad as a thermal burn, leaving the affected person prone to dehydration and infection,” Mir said. 

  Published Date: 2020-07-26 

 Cognitive tests are having a moment in the spotlight right now, as President Donald J. Trump frequently talks about his experience taking them. The tests can take a variety of forms and measure different skills depending on how they are administered. Keith Fargo, the director of scientific programs and outreach for the Alzheimer's Association, spoke with TODAY to provide more details about the exams. What do cognitive tests assess? "Brief cognitive assessments or tests are evaluation tools that health care professionals can use in the clinical setting to determine if an individual is experiencing cognitive decline or impairment," said Fargo, who is based in Chicago. Different forms of the test assess different things. Verbal and written assessments, which can be "administered easily" during an appointment, evaluate cognitive functions including "memory, visuospatial awareness and language skills," noted Fargo. Trending stories,celebrity news and all the best of TODAY. This site is protected by recaptcha "These short assessments are not used to make a diagnosis, but rather to determine, if more comprehensive testing/examination is needed," he said. The tests can also be simply verbal conversations asking a patient about cognitive concerns or input from family and friends about any concerns or issues. A doctor's observations of the patient can also be considered. NBC News White House correspondent Kristen Welker noted on TODAY that the test does not measure a person's intelligence or IQ. Who should take it? The Alzheimer’s Association recommends that "anyone who has concerns about their thinking or memory ask their doctor or health provider for a cognitive assessment." According to the association, cognitive tests are a "required component" of the Medicare annual wellness visit for any seniors over the age of 65 to establish a cognitive baseline so practitioners can compare responses from year to year. Assessments can also be conducted if family members report being concerned about a relative's mental state. Since age is a significant risk factor for Alzheimer’s, dementia and other illnesses, seniors are the most likely to need to take a cognitive test. “Early detection of cognitive impairment offers several important benefits," said Fargo. "It offers an opportunity to diagnose and potentially reverse treatable forms of cognitive decline. For cognitive conditions such as Alzheimer’s and other dementias, early detection and diagnosis enables access to symptomatic treatments, more time for critical care planning, better disease management, participation in clinical trials and an opportunity for diagnosed individuals to have a voice in their future care.” What is the test actually like? While the tests vary, all are around the same length, ranging from three to 15 minutes. "During an assessment, individuals may be asked to draw a clock and mark the hands at a specific time, memorize a short list of words and repeat them after a few minutes, or make easy calculations, such as counting backwards from 100 by seven," Fargo said. "The questions are usually not difficult for a person without cognitive decline, but are specially designed to be sensitive to changes in thinking and memory that may be early indicators of (mild cognitive impairment) or dementia." What happens if a test shows any concerns? Fargo said that if health care professionals do suspect a problem following a cognitive test, the next step is usually to conduct more comprehensive tests. In some cases, the patient may be referred to a specialist, who can make an accurate diagnosis. Some cases of cognitive decline, such as decline attributed to depression, sleep apnea, vitamin deficiencies and other medical conditions, can be treatable. Other conditions like mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease can be managed and symptoms can be treated once diagnosed. 

  Published Date: 2020-07-26 

 Finding a therapist can be hard, and I can admit that even as a therapist myself. For some, there are issues finding someone in your area, for others, it’s difficult to find someone who accepts your insurance or fits within your budget. But when it comes to members of certain communities, specifically the Black community, finding a therapist who looks like you can feel like a significantly harder challenge. Studies show that the psychology workforce is 85% white and only 2% Black. These numbers can be daunting and often deter Black people from seeking care due to the lack of Black providers. How does one navigate issues like racial trauma, which is mental and emotional distress related to experiencing racial discrimination, while seeking therapeutic services from someone who could possibly be perpetuating the systems of trauma in the first place? There is a lot of distrust in the mental health field from Black people toward white clinicians, and this distrust is deeply tied to white supremacy. It dates back to 1932 during the Tuskegee Syphilis Study that brought harm to 399 Black men. This study proves that Black life has always been seen as less than, unworthy and nugatory, both in and out the health industry, and continues today when we are faced with issues like Black women dying at a higher rate than any other race during or after childbirth. Or when Black women are often underdiagnosed and overlooked when it comes to having eating disorders, or the criminalization and lack of mental health care offered to people of color involved in the criminal justice system. Trending stories,celebrity news and all the best of TODAY. This site is protected by recaptcha There is already a lack of trust from Black people toward white clinicians, and often, Black folks feel they have to perform and present themselves as the model minority so that they are not viewed through the lens of racist stereotypes. Not only that, but the possibility of being misdiagnosed or having CPS called on you and having your children removed from your care is another concern that Black people have to reconcile with. When the care you seek for your mental well-being can actually result in more harm and damage to your psyche, it is no wonder why many Black people have a hard time seeking and asking for help from institutions or even privately owned mental health practices. After facing years of historical trauma, Black people are beginning to unlearn the negative and harmful stereotypes that often keep them out of the therapy room. Some of these views are that only white people deal with mental health issues, or that what happens in the family stays in the family, or even the belief that pastoral counseling is the only way to seek healing. As we learn to decolonize our minds and our mental health practices, Black people are seeking safe spaces to heal and it can be difficult when all you can find are white providers. If you can’t find a Black therapist, all hope isn’t loss. A culturally competent therapist might also be able to meet your needs, but before signing up, you may want to interview them and assess their level of skill when it comes to working with Black clients. Some questions to ask can be: What is your experience working with Black clients? What is your experience when it comes to treating x issues? What are your views on racism and white supremacy and their impact on someone's mental health? What is your treatment approach when it comes to tackling x issues? What professionals of color do you learn and gain insight from? Luckily, when there is a shortage, Black people find ways to bridge the gaps between service and care. Therapy for Black Girls, for example, is a Black therapist directory created by licensed psychologist Dr. Joy Harden Bradford. Black Female Therapists is another Black therapist directory. Both of these groups host a podcast and offer resources to the Black community. Other Black wellness hubs include Black Girl In Om, Ethel's Club, BEAM and Therapy for Black Men. Always remember that if the shoe doesn’t fit, don’t force it. If you feel like the therapist you're interviewing isn't a great match, there's no need to move forward with them. And if you've already signed up and realize a few sessions in that it’s not working, you can terminate therapy at any time. Black mental health matters. It always has, and it always will. 

  Published Date: 2020-07-26 

 As a mom, dietitian and Black woman living in the United States, I am acutely aware of the pervasive race-related bias in health care that places my children and me in harm’s way. Being Black while seeking out empathic, equitable and unbiased medical care takes attention — and intention. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that the maternal mortality rate in the U.S. for 2018 was 17.4 per 100,000 live births. Black women fare much worse: the rate skyrockets to 37.1 deaths per 100,000 live births. Breast cancer death rates are also 40% higher for Black women compared with their white counterparts. “Black women are dying four to five times the rate of anyone (else) in this country,” said Tracie Collins, the CEO and founder of the National Black Doulas Association (NBDA) based in Suwanee, Georgia. “The odds are stacked against us. The question is, where are you going to fall?” There are a number of reasons for these horrific outcomes. Black women have inadequate access to high-quality health care. They’re less likely to be routinely monitored and more likely to receive delayed diagnoses and treatment, as well as subpar care, according to researchers at organizations like the National Research Council. Simply put, racism in health care puts Black women’s lives at risk. There have been innumerable accounts where Black women, including celebrities, have cited racism and bias in health care. Articles have been written substantiating these experiences — and providers within the health care community have called this out as a public health crisis. Even as a young, well-educated Black woman, I am no exception to this. My first pregnancy took an unexpected turn. Midway through, I began experiencing significant pain and immediately went in for an appointment. I was told that the fibroid I had was decompensating and that it “might hurt,” then was sent home with pain medication. Within 24 hours, the pain transitioned to early labor. I was under the care of one of the most progressive and highly skilled obstetricians in New York City, yet my pregnancy ended with the death of my first child. Trending stories,celebrity news and all the best of TODAY. This site is protected by recaptcha My treatment and care weren’t intentionally biased, I believe I was just seen as a first-time Black mom who was strong. The stereotype and cultural construct of “the strong Black woman” has detrimental ramifications. Additionally, implicit bias (a type of prejudice in which racial stereotypes are formed without conscious intention) allowed my care provider to discount my pain. On some level, I too had internalized the bias in the air and thought I could manage. I’ve talked to a number of white friends who’ve had similar experiences with different outcomes. The major difference? When they reported pain during pregnancy, most were admitted for further observation — and not sent home. How can Black women get the OB/GYN care they need? The NBDA’s Collins strongly recommends that Black women become drivers of their own health care. This includes researching care providers and knowing how to ask questions and get evidence-based responses. It involves understanding how to demand further medical support when a treatment or intervention is necessary. Collins also suggests that all patients document interactions with medical staff and care providers. When looking for a new health care provider, Collins noted how important it is to understand your insurance coverage and whether (or to what extent) it’s accepted at the provider’s practice. “I would go even further to understand and know statistics within the facility and with providers,” she said. Mya Walker, a mom from Brooklyn, said she prefers to seek out Black women for her OB/GYN care. “I feel that I want someone that I can really talk to, and more importantly, have someone who I feel may be more predispositioned to care about me or even just relate to any issue I may talk about.” She said that in her previous interactions with white male doctors, they were quick to categorize her and offer a generic treatment. I’ve heard many of my Black women friends express this concern before. Black women are entitled to health care providers who will listen to them and assure them that their concerns are being heard — providers who will respond with care, compassion and evidence-based advice specific to their health needs and the needs of their family. “From a clinical perspective, the number one criterion for any medical provider is, do they listen? And are they hearing you?” said Juliette Blount, a nurse practitioner and health equity speaker based in New York City. And by listening, Blount added, “are they listening and nodding, but in their head, they have already decided what they will prescribe?” Or is the provider actively listening and truly hearing the patient. “If they are hearing,” said Blount, “they should be asking questions and seeking clarification based on the listening that they’re doing. You (the patient) should feel relieved versus frustrated at the end of the interaction.” How to make sure you’re really being heard Whether or not we’re really being heard by our health care providers is one of the common themes that comes up in our community time and again. Simone Toomer, a Brooklyn-based certified doula and mom of two children, stressed the importance of seeking out individualized care and questioning: “Are (you) being heard — and listened to? Are questions being answered and not brushed off? Is evidence-based care (being) given?” Toomer emphasized that providers should be referring Black women and their family members to specialists when needed. Patients also need to advocate for themselves, she said. “If, for whatever reason, you feel unheard or disrespected, especially in the Black community, we don’t have to make excuses for that treatment and can change OBs, midwives and pediatricians at any point.” When preparing to switch providers, Toomer said it’s important to request that copies of all medical records be forwarded to the new provider. Additionally, she noted that it may be challenging to change obstetricians after, say, 20 weeks of gestation, and the switch could result in increased out of pocket costs. I personally gravitate toward health care providers who listen and ask questions when I describe an ailment or express a concern about one of my children. I am most comfortable with providers who are partners in my care, rather than ones who blindly diagnose and prescribe. I look for practitioners who know their craft well and understand when to refer out — and who are thoughtful and practice with humility. For some, however, self-advocacy may be difficult, especially after repeated experiences of being marginalized. “I would encourage folks to harness their ego strengths and search (for providers) with the feeling that you are in charge of the course of your health,” said Nardia Brooks, a psychotherapist who serves mostly people of color in the Bed-Stuy neighborhood of Brooklyn. When choosing an OB/GYN or pediatrician, Brooks said, “I would encourage strong advocacy for (your)self and (the) unborn child. Read, get your facts straight, have questions ready, interview as many OB/GYNs as your insurance, time and body allow. It’s your body, your child, your course.” Taking the time and effort to find a provider that is in line with your values and one that you feel good about is well worth the effort.