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Dr. Mike’s Ethnic Health Report
September 22, 2023

Posted Courtesy of Wright Enterprises Community Spotlight San Francisco ~ Dallas

From: Dr. Mike LeNoir, abthealth@gmail.com

September 22, 2023

This Week

  • Top of Mind - COVID-19 is Back
  • Exercise Must include Muscle Strengthening
  • It's Allergy Season
  • The Value of Olive Oil
  • Drug Overdose Deaths Reach Record High
  • Benefits of Avoiding Sugar
  • Andrea Breaux's Nutrition Corner: Your go-to Source for all Things Nutrition
  • COVID-19 Update

Top of Mind 

COVID 19 is back

I hope it won't last

Admissions are up

Not as bad as the past

A vaccine is here

But all that I ask

If you don't get the shot

At least use the mask

The CDC recommended that everyone, starting from six months old, should get the new FDA-approved COVID-19 vaccine. This new COVID-19 vaccine was designed to protect against the COVID-19 variants that are currently making people sick. The CDC is recommending the vaccine for everyone aged 6 months and older. 

Getting the vaccine doesn't necessarily prevent you from getting a COVID-19 infection, but rather helps protect against severe illness, hospitalization and death. It also reduces the chance of getting long COVID.This step brings us closer to making COVID-19 vaccines similar to the annual flu shot, targeting the main variants or strains. 

I know some of you missed out on the last round, but let's be real - COVID-19 infections are no laughing matter. Whether you choose the shot or not, wearing a mask at big gatherings of friends or even strangers makes sense. 

Stay Healthy,

Dr. Mike

If you find our Ethnic Health Reports informative and useful, please forward and share this email to your friends and family. #TogetherInThis 🙏

Exercise Must Include Muscle Strengthening

New study suggests that both vigorous exercise and muscle strengthening exercises, are important to maintain good health. I have always exercised, but I missed the boat, on lifting those weights until recently. To make a long story short, both exercise and working on those muscles are important and help you to live longer. Don’t forget good diet and weight control. And doing something is better than nothing.

It's Allergy Season

If you are wheezing or sneezing it's allergy season. It's worse on the East Coast because of Ragweed but we have weeds in California. Most of the symptoms are nasal but it can get to the lungs. Fortunately treatment is under your control by: avoiding other triggers like dust, animals or foods.. anti-inflammatory nasal sprays and non-sedating over the counter antihistamines.

The Value of Olive Oil

Liquid Gold. Studies show that olive oil improves various conditions such as obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease (CVD), neurodegenerative conditions, inflammation, endothelial function, lipid levels, antioxidant levels, and the gut microbiota. The unique composition of olive oil, notably its high concentrations of monounsaturated fats (MUFA), contributes to its numerous benefits.1 to 2 teaspoons a day in any form is all that it takes.

Drug Overdose Deaths Reach Record High

Drug overdose deaths reached another record level in the United States this spring, new data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows, as 2023 is on track to be another devastating year amid the drug epidemic.

More than 111,000 people died from a drug overdose in the 12-month period ending in April, according to the new estimates.



Narcan, the nasal spray that reverses opioid overdoses, is hitting store shelves this month for the first time as an over-the-counter medication — a milestone in the fight against the nation’s overdose crisis. Narcan is a nasal spray version of naloxone, the opioid antidote credited with saving countless lives during the nation’s overdose crisis.

Benefits of Avoiding Sugar

In a world where sweet temptations abound, it's essential to explore the often-overlooked advantages of avoiding sugar. While sugar can undoubtedly add an enjoyable touch to our meals and snacks, its excessive consumption has been linked to a host of health concerns. As researchers at the University of California, San Francisco, have pointed out, sugar can be as detrimental to our well-being as chain smoking or excessive drinking. Now, it's time to consider why breaking up with sugar could be one of the most significant health choices you make.

  • Aging in fast forward: The more sugar you consume, the faster you age. According to researchers at the University of California, San Francisco, sugar is as harmful as chain smoking or excessive drinking. Time to break up with sugar!
  • Heart Health: Want to increase your risk of heart disease? Just consume 17% or more of your calories from sugar. For those seeking a healthier heart, keep your sugar intake to a sweet 8% of your diet.
  • Lower Cancer Risk: Mice on a high-sugar diet had double the risk of developing breast cancer compared to those on a low-sugar diet. 
  • Healthier Teeth: Less sugar, fewer cavities. Time to give your dentist a sweet surprise!
  • Clearer, Youthful Skin: Sugar damages elastin, breaks down collagen, and leaves your skin feeling less supple and bouncy. 
  • Improved Mood: Sugar may give you a quick boost, but it can also leave you crashing down. Avoid the sugar rollercoaster and keep your mood elevated.
  • Enhanced Brain Power: Ditching added sugars can boost cognition and mental productivity. Say goodbye to sugar-induced brain fog and hello to sharp thinking! A study in Nutritional Neuroscience linked sugar consumption to negative changes in the brain's frontal cortex.

Andrea Breaux's Nutrition Corner: Your go-to Source for All Things Nutrition

Corny but Delicious: Elote Pasta Salads for Hot Days

You say you're a big fan of Elote; the delish street food from Mexico that takes corn on the cob to a whole new heavenly level. If you truly love a juicy ear of grilled corn, smeared with creamy mayo, lime, and garlic, then sprinkled with crumbled cheese and chili powder then you'll love these elote-inspired pasta salads that work especially well on a hot summer day.  

Breaux founded Healthy Healing Eats to promote food as medicine. Healing Eats guides you in making informed choices for a healthier life.

COVID Update - How to Get the COVID Shot If You Don't Have Insurance

The updated booster shots will soon be available to the public, but uninsured adults may need to pay around $110 to $130 for a single dose. People with insurance will not have to pay for these vaccines. Those under 18 can get the boosters for free. Uninsured adults can access the new boosters through the Bridge Access Program. Find providers offering no-cost COVID-19 vaccines through the program www.Vaccines.gov.

For more information, go to our website at www.aawellnessproject.org. or listen to our podcast at Blackdoctorsspeak.org on any podcast platform.

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About the Editor 

Dr. Michael LeNoir is just your neighborhood doc — a world-renowned allergist, a board-certified pediatrician, recognized expert on asthma in inner cities, and the President and Founder of AAWP. Serving the Bay Area since 1977, Dr. LeNoir has dedicated his career to helping African Americans navigate a healthcare system he saw first-hand that is fundamentally build on racial biases. Read More

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African American Wellness Project | Dr. Michael LeNoirOakland, CA 94609

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