CONTINUED- Called to Medicine..... Called to Community An Intimate Chat with Dr. Jelisa Timmons
Foods and lifestyle absolutely contribute to diabetes and high cholesterol! One big thing contributing, especially to diabetes – sugary drinks. Sweet drinks are a fast track to blood sugar issues and diabetes. Yes, that includes the sweet teas and 100 % fruit juices. They drive up sugars really high and really fast. Cutting back or even cutting them out can go a long way. Even diet drinks! Some think they may be a fast track to diabetes. Now, I love me an occasional Coke Zero, but that has to be an occasional indulgence, not a regular drink in your day.
DZ – What are some annual screenings and vaccinations women should schedule for wellness?
JT – We talked about your cervical cancer screening, which starts at 21. Mammograms starting at age 40. This is every 1-2 years, but I do recommend annual screening for my patients. This is especially important because among us, we have higher rates of breast cancer. If you have a family history of breast cancer, make sure you are getting your screenings annually! Colon cancer screenings start at age 45 for most people. This can be done through a colonoscopy or a stool test. Talk to your doctor to find out what is most appropriate for you. If you have a family history of colon cancer, make sure you tell your doctor as that is sometimes a reason to start your screenings early.
Get your blood pressure and labs checked yearly. Make sure you ask about your cholesterol and bloods sugars being included in your labs. This will be more often if you have certain conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes.
Some women will need lung cancer screening if you smoke. If you do smoke, stopping is one of the best things you can do for your heart to reduce the risk of heart attack and your brain to reduce the risk of stroke, in addition to reducing your cancer risk.
HPV vaccine. I am a huge proponent for this as this prevents cervical cancer. It is most effective if given before any sexual exposure, so it is important to vaccinate early( earliest age being 9-12). The vaccine is recommended through the age of 26 but is now approved through the age of 45. Between the ages of 27-45, talk to your doctor to determine if it is appropriate for you. A lot of the mission work that I do focuses on women’ s health and cervical cancer screening. Many women around the world die prematurely from cervical cancer and we are privileged to have access to a vaccine that prevents it. Get your annual flu shot. Remember it doesn’ t keep you from getting the flu, but it can reduce how bad your symptoms can get and reduces the risk of dying from the flu.
DZ – Do black women experience new cases of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases at a higher rate than that of our counterparts in the same age groups? Is there an increase in new cases among seniors over 60?
JT – Yes. Black women are diagnosed at rates 10x higher than white women and make up about 50 % of all new cases of HIV.
2020-2023, the 65 + group had the highest rise in STI rates at 24 %. This included HIV, syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia. The rage was about 16 % in 55-64. It is attributed to increased sexual activity later in life and lower condom use likely due to low pregnancy concern. Healthcare providers tend to have less conversations around it as well. Make sure at all ages you are getting regular STI screenings and practicing safe sex.
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