Health

Central Florida Black Nurses Association of Orlando Celebrates 40 Years of Service to the Community

     “In the summer of 1982, three nurses – Bernice Edwards, Susie Forehand, and Mercerdese Clark along with approximately 60 other nurses – met with the intent of organizing a Black Professional Nurses group as no such group existed in Orlando. Following two interest meetings, the group organized as Black Nurses Association with Mercerdese Clark serving as the chapter’s first president,” says Bernice Edwards. […]

Health

The dangers of the “invisible killer”

     Carbon monoxide is an odorless, tasteless and colorless gas, often dubbed the “silent” or “invisible killer.” reason.  When a powerful storm or hurricane cuts the power off in your home, a few Floridians die from CO gas, because we make mistakes using portable generators and emergency cooking and heating devices. […]

Health

COVID Ending ‘In Sight,’ Says WHO Chief

     “We are not there yet, but the end is in sight,” he said at a news briefing in Geneva comparing the effort to that made by a marathon runner nearing the finishing line, The Associated Press reported. “Now is the time to run harder and make sure we cross the line and reap all the rewards of our hard work.” […]

Health

One in Three African American Blood Donors is a Match for People with Sickle Cell

As Sickle Cell Awareness Month is underway this September, the American Red Cross is teaming up with organizations in the Black community to rally blood donors who are Black to support patients with sickle cell disease. Sickle cell disease is the most common inherited blood disorder in the U.S., mostly affecting patients of African descent who may require frequent blood transfusions throughout their lifetime. Seasonal changes can trigger pain crises for those battling sickle cell disease — possibly increasing the need for lifesaving blood transfusions. […]

Health

Oklahoma Is Prosecuting Pregnant Women for Using Medical Marijuana

In Alabama, pregnant women have been prosecuted after filling prescriptions for medications from their doctors. Officials in Arizona placed one mother on a career-limiting child abuse registry after the birth of her son in 2019, claiming she had neglected her unborn child by using marijuana with a medical license. That case was overturned earlier this year, with the appeals court finding that medical marijuana was similar to any medicine used under physician’s care. […]