Indianapolis Recorder, Indianapolis, Marion County, 18 June 1999 — Page 29

FRIDAY, JUNE 18,1999 ■ PAGE C9

■Prostate cancer- Sneaky disease affects African-American males

! „ .

By DEBORAH BANKS

Staff Writer

Ion and rectum cancer.

The Indiana State Department of Health in conjunction with Indiana Black Expo Inc., July IS -18, aims to reach out and educate Black men about prostate cancer, along with other illnesses that affect pri-

.wiwii in ui%. %/.%*. mils in,., imvii%ij> manly Black and minority com-

j been diagnosed with prostate can- munities.

; jer, the most prevalent cancer “African-American men has the Ismong men age SO and older. Black highest rate of prostate cancer in Hpien are at a higher risk of contract- the world with a 40 percent higher &ng the disease, and chances in- incidence that white men,” said grease with age. But, too often Af- Dr. Virginia A. Caine, Marion

ij; What does Sidney Poitier have ;}n common with several of our > local African-American males? u Poitier is one of thousands of [3nen in the U.S. who has already

iJican-American males are not as faring about their health, especially when it comes to cancer - particu-

lar, prostate cancer.

* According to the American Cancer Society, about 180,000 men in the United States will be diagnosed Vvith the disease this year, and about 37,000 will die of the disease. Although several studies have been conducted to establish why, medical specialists can not pinpoint an exact cause, some studies suggest dietary fat may be a factor. Prostate cancer, which spreads within the pelvis and to the bones, is the third most fatal cancer among Black men, after lung cancer, co-

County Health Director. “If prostate cancer is detected early, a medical therapy may extend the survival rate past five years or completely cure the cancer if it has not

spread.”

Based on a 100,000 population, prostate cancer affected 75.5 percent Black men, compared to 19.2 in white men last year in Marion County, according to Dr. Caine. “... nearly four times higher incidence rate than white men,” she said. “And the rate of deaths has also increased in the last five years.” In another local effort to spread the word about prostate cancer, a joint project among the American

Five locations for prostate cancer screenings: June 30 & July 7 One Memorial Square, Suite 50 Greenfield, Ind. July 8 1201 Hadley Rd. Mooresville, Ind. Indianapolis locations July 1 & 8 1346 E. County Line Rd. July 7 ft 15 North Cancer Center 7229 Clearvista Dr. July 8 ft 15 1400 Ritter Dr., Suite 481 Cancer Society, the Little Red Door Agency and WFYI, will air Prostate Cancer: A Journey of Hope. This special local program from 9 -10 p.m. on June 24, follows eight men and their doctors through their personal battles with the illness. It will feature a panel of medical professionals, cancer survivors and

other community leaders. So how does one contracts the

disease, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS), the prostate gland, part of the male's reproductive system, surrounds the male urethra (the tube from the bladder to the opening in the penis) as it emerges at the neck of the bladder. The prostate gland secretes fluid which carries and nourishes sperm during ejaculation. Because of the location of the prostate gland, enlargement or inflammation from any cause can constrict the urethra and cause problems with urination, which could lead to an infection known as prostatitis or pros-

tate cancer.

Because prostate cancer does not rapidly grow like other cancers, it may go untreated in males who are over the age of 75, unless the enlarged prostate is causing urinary problems. So, the ACS, who states early detection is the key, recommends males 50 and over have an annual prostate specific antigen blood test. And, those age 40 and over should .have a digital rectal exam during regular

check-ups. (

Warning signals for prostate cancer: • Weak or interrupted urine flow • Inability to urinate or difficulty starting or stopping the flow • Need to urinate frequently, espe-

cially at night

• Blood in the urine t — 1 , * • Continual pain in the lower back, f tifS pelvis or upper thigh J

• Pain or burning while urinating

toilet

training

How can I take care of

myself?

• Have regular medical checkups,

including digital rectal examina- Being a parent is a tough job. tions. By listening and responding to • Always take advantage of any the words of children, you can cancer screening programs avail- have a powerful impact. Prevent able to you. Child Abuse, Indiana believes • See your doctor if you start hav- that we all want to use the best ing urinary' symptoms, including a me ans possible to rear and slow start to urination or a weak nurture children. With a few urine stream. skills and tips, all of us can build • Maintain good general health, stronger family relationships. Eat a balanced diet and get ad- When children are about 24 equate exercise and rest. months old, they may be ready to

begin toilet training. Look for

For further information about signs like waking up from naps cancer, call the American Cancer dry and showing that they don’t Society (800) ACS-2345. like wet diapers.

Queen for a day

pictured are models and escorts who recently participated in C.M.E. Enterprise for Full Ifigured Men and Women fashion regalia and brunch, titled “Cinderella’s Ball” at the Iomega Center. Wanda Toliner was crowned “Queen of Ball.” \Black women unite to share life

SEDONA, Ariz. - More than 100 African heritage women will travel this summer from South Africa to Southern California to celebrate the longest running, most consistently attended Black women’s gathering in the kyThe 10th Annual Women of Color as Warriors of Light Retreat, will convene August 12 ,> 15, on the red rocks and sacred land of the iyortex. Ill The gathering was initiated in 1998, when 'Carmen Freeman dreamed of gathering a diverse group of Sisters, creating an environment ;where each one’s light could be “pumped up” ;gmd sending them back to their various comIpiunities to infect others. That vision became lifeality in 1990, when a powerful alliance of : Women consisting of Rachel Bagby, Ann CooI per, Gayle Hamlett, Malaika Pettigrew, Patricia ISanders-Hall, Michele Simpson, and Wyoma ‘joined Carma and charged with “moving in jmystery, alert to possibility,” founded Women ;pf Color as Warriors of Light. “ The first retreat took place in Aspen, Colo., ; Where special guest Susan Taylor-executive Ifeditor of Essence Magazine, spoke to about 78

women from across the nation. This year’s special guest will be Cleo Parker Robinson, founder, executive artistic director and choreographer of Cleo Parker Robinson Dance in Denver, Colo. A native of Denver, Ms. Robinson holds degrees in dance education and psychology, and taught college level dance at the age of 15. Other scheduled presenters at this year’s event include Novuyo Masakhane, Afro-Hai-tian and West African dancer/choreographer and co-founder of the Moyo Nguvu Cultural Arts Center in Denver, Colo., and Adrienne Cruz, visual artist and educator, whose quilt “Dunumba” (African Rhythm) is pictured in the February 1999 Smithsonian Magazine. A variety of healing venues, including rebirthing, yoga, massage, drumming, singing and shopping in the abundant African marketplace, will energize and empower the first, fourth and tenth time participant. For more information about Women of Color as Warriors of Light, or if you would like to make reservations for this year’s event, call (888) WOL-4123 or visit them at their website at www.wolretreat.

Nursing sorority holds annual scholarship show

Members of Chi Eta Phi Sorority, Inc. recently held its 15th annual fund raiser,^ FI ip Side,” a talent extravaganza that featured health care professionals. Among the participants were Dr. Dion Chavis, plastic surgeon; Dr. Eric Yancy, pediatrician; Dr. Louise Goggans, dietician, Dorel Borel and Vickie Barlow, registered nurses, appearing as the “Pointed Sisters.” Dr. Keith Woodard, anesthesiologist, Rosemarie Gore-Bigsby performed with the Ebony Strings featuring Dr. Lyn Bowers, Timothy Bratton, Mabel Lewis and Barbara Oyewo,

RN. The talented dance group, “Kenyatta,” comprised of Venassa Owens, Ava Taylor and Carmela Carter danced the night away. The event, held at the Madame Walker Theatre Center for the sole purpose of supporting the chapter’s scholarship program, was successful. Seven student nurses received scholarships totaling $7,500. Since the inception of “Flip Side,” approximately $60,000 have been awarded in scholarship and book awards to minority nursing students.

Students receiving scholarships were: (left to right) DeAnna Martin, Ball State; Angela Scott, Marian College; Twana Smith, Indiana University; Dr. Janie Canty-MItchell, scholarship chairperson, Judy Loyal and Helen Jones, Marian College; Donielle Jones and Chauna Holder, both of Indiana University.

f)elta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. deals with national issues

;Members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, >|ndianapolls Alumnae Chapter, met with the f ftfonorable Julia Carson, recently In Washington D.C. [Pictured are (left to right) Anita Wood Qaittard, Jamyce Curtis Banka*

Julia Can jpQmberty

I

-if - •• :: Iffiifti

Political awareness and involvement. Active participation. Get results. Those were the main themes for the 10th Anniversary of Delta Days in the Nation’s Capital sponsored by Delta Signia Theta

Sorority, Inc.

Anita Wood Gaillard, president; Jamyce Curtis Banks, president-elect, and Kimberly Hall, social action co-chair, delegates horn the Indianapolis Alumnae Chapter, attended the meetings recently in Washing-

.V-

ton, D.C.

The three days were packed full with information and action items for the local chapters. Some topics qf discussion included Welfare-to-Work Legislation and the Implications for African-American Women, Census 2000, and Mandatory Minimum Sentencing. A highlight of the meeting was a personal visit with the Honorable Julia Carson, 10th District congresswoman.

• Avoid using age alone as a way to decide if your child is ready. All children grow at different rates, physically and emotionally. • Never nag, punish, or shame your child about toilet training. If it becomes a struggle, back off for a while and let the child decide when it is time. • Put a small “potty-chair” next to the toilet and let the child get used to it by sitting on it with clothes on. • Let your child sit on a “potty-chair” for as long as they want. Never force a child to sit for long periods of time. • Ask grandparents, daycare staff and baby-sitters to use the same ideas you use. • Suggest a ‘practice’ run to " the “potty-chair” after naps or 20 minutes after a meal. For more information about this or other parenting concerns, call the Prevent Child Abuse, Indiana Care Line at (800) CHILDREN (244-5373), Monday - Saturday from 8:30 a.m. - 8:30 p.m. OUR TOWN Free cancer screenings The American Cancer Society ’ s “Screenings for Life” program hopes to reach hundreds of central Indiana Hoosiers with the critical message that early detection saves lives. Todetermineyoureligibilityfor the “Screenings for Life” program and to find out where the examinations are being conducted, call the American Cancer Society at (800) ACS-2345. The phone line is answered 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Summer camp Forest Manor Multi-Service Center is currently accepting applications for their summer arts camp at its office, 5603 E. 38th St. The Indianapolis Art Center will provide some of Indy’s respected and skilled artists to teach youth numerous art disciplines. The summer camp will also offer recreation activities such as swimming, bowling, roller-skat-ing and field trips. See TOWN, Page CIO

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