Honoring Black History in Healthcare: The Innovations of Dr. Charles Richard Drew

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NOAH is proud to share and honor Black History Month with articles of just a few of the important, impactful, and life-saving stories of Black history and healthcare in America. One of our primary goals at NOAH is ensure quality healthcare for every member of our community. To do that, we will look at where we have been, what we have accomplished, and how we will collectively achieve these goals.

The Innovations of Dr. Charles Richard Drew

Dr. Charles Richard Drew, an African American surgeon born in 1904, is known as the “Father of Blood Banking” for his significant contributions to the process of blood plasma preservation.

Dr. Drew attended medical school at McGill University in Montreal, Canada and became interested in blood transfusion during his residency work in fluid resuscitation for shock. Later, he was awarded a Rockefeller fellowship at Columbia University where he wrote his thesis “Banked Blood: A Study in Blood Preservation” for his Doctorate in Medical Science. His research led to an appointment as the Medical Director of the Blood for Britain Project (BFB) during World War II, a program in which he implemented a uniform procedure for collecting and processing blood and plasma, successfully collecting over 14,000 blood donations.

Shortly after completing his work with the BFB, he was appointed assistant director of a national blood banking program in the US, sponsored by the American Red Cross where he developed one of his greatest innovations, mobile blood donation units. His work paved the way for the development of modern blood storage and transfusions.

Dr. Drew faced several racial barriers throughout his life, including being denied training and research opportunities. Most ironically, he was unable to donate blood to the very programs he helped establish at the American Red Cross due to their policies preventing Black people from donating blood. The policy was later modified but still required blood donations from Black and White people to be stored separately.  

In response to the policies of the American Red Cross, he resigned from his position and began teaching at Howard University as the Head of the Department of Surgery while also serving as the Chief of Surgery at Freedmen’s Hospital. His mission was to train young African American surgeons to the highest standards. He was the first Black person to be appointed an examiner for the American Board of Surgery. Additionally, he continued to campaign against the exclusion of Black physicians from local and national medical organizations, including the American Medical Association.

Dr. Drew died tragically in a car accident at the age of 46. In his short lifetime, he broke through many racial barriers and made significant contributions to the fields of science and medicine.

Read our other Black History Month snapshots:

Understanding the Tuskegee Study

The Lasting Impact of Henrietta Lacks

Enslaved Women and Modern Gynecology

Honoring Black History Month: Dr. Charles Richard Drew

Honoring Black History Month: Dr. Daniel Hale Williams

Honoring Black History Month: Dr. Kizzmekia Corbett

Honoring Black History Month: Dr. Alexa Irene Canady

Honoring Black History Month: Dr. James Durham

Honoring Black History Month: Dr. Rebecca Lee Crumpler

Honoring Black History Month: Dr. Louis T. Wright

Understanding Thyroid Disease

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The thyroid is a very important organ that – frankly – doesn’t get the attention it deserves, until something goes wrong, like getting diagnosed with thyroid disease. Here at NOAH, we want to turn our focus here for Thyroid Awareness Month.

What is the thyroid?

The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped organ in the front of your neck that wraps around your trachea (throat or windpipe). Its job is to create and release important substances to help your body function. In the case of the thyroid, its job is to release hormones that control your metabolism.

Why is the thyroid important?

The thyroid has an important job to do – regulating your metabolism. Your metabolism is how your body turns food into energy. When your thyroid is working correctly, you don’t think about it. It adjusts the amount of hormones it releases to meet what your body needs. Then, the thyroid creates more hormones and continues the process. Pretty nice.

But like with many things, we don’t notice or appreciate it when it works correctly. However, when the thyroid has trouble doing its job, the results can be serious.

What happens when the thyroid doesn’t work correctly?

Thyroid disease can be caused by two different types of problems with the thyroid: making too much hormones or making too little.

  • Hyperthyroidism is when your thyroid makes too much of the hormones needed to regulate your metabolism. Then, your body uses the hormones too quickly. It can cause people to feel anxious, lose weight too quickly, have trouble sleeping, and make your heart beat faster.
  • Hypothyroidism is when your thyroid doesn’t make enough of the hormones needed to regulate your metabolism. With too little hormone, you can also feel overly tired, gain weight, experience forgetfulness, and feel discomfort with cold temperatures.

Both are serious medical conditions and should be diagnosed and treated by your medical provider.

How do you get thyroid disease?

The risks for thyroid disease are broad and it effects around 20 million Americans. It can be genetic and passed down from family members, but other risk factors include having another medical condition. It’s worth noting that while anyone can have thyroid disease, women are five times more likely to be diagnosed than men, and people age 60 and older are also at a higher risk.

Are there diagnoses and treatments?

Because the signs and symptoms for thyroid disease can look like other illnesses, it is important to talk with your doctor if you have any new symptoms. Your medical provider will do physical exams and most likely blood tests to confirm a thyroid condition.

Treatments will depend on what type of thyroid disease you have and how serious it is. Most patients are prescribed medications.

Many people live healthy, normal lives with thyroid disease, but this thyroid awareness month it is important to learn all about it for yourself and for others. Working with your medical provider and integrated care team at NOAH will make it easier to navigate this or any other health concern or diagnosis.

How Important is Healthy Skin?

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Did you know your skin is the largest organ in your body? Your skin protects you, tells you a lot about your overall health, and it grows and changes with you throughout your life. Our skin has a big job to do, which is why keeping skin healthy is so important.

Here are some useful tips to keep your skin healthy at every age.

Pay Attention to Dry Skin

Dry skin can be the result of environmental factors, or it can be because of what is happening inside our bodies. Either way, pay attention to it and hydrate your skin. Drinking a lot of water – 8 glasses – throughout the day, is one of the best things you can do for your skin (and other parts of your body!).

Dry skin can also become a problem if not treated with itching, flaking, even bleeding from dry skin. Many of us in Arizona have to deal with “hard water”, or water heavy in calcium and magnesium. This can make it harder for soap to wash off your skin, so spend a few extra seconds rinsing your hands, face, and body. Moisturize with ointments, creams or lotions after showers, baths, and handwashing, but make sure they don’t contain alcohol which can have the opposite effect.

Baby’s Skin Can Have Different Needs

Babies are a wonder, and so is their skin! Baby acne, birthmarks, diaper rash, hives, eczema, and others are common in babies, but they are things all new parents and caregivers should be familiar with. The American Academy of Dermatology Association has detailed information about these conditions and many more. If you ever have questions about your baby’s skin, talk to your NOAH provider.

Protect Your Skin from the Sun

The great news is that sunscreen is both the easiest and best way to protect your skin from harmful ultraviolet rays. Try for SPF 30 and wear it all year on whatever part of you isn’t protected by clothing – think hands, arms, face. Sun can cause skin aging and increase certain types of skin cancer.

Everyone deals with some types of skin troubles during their life. Whether it is acne, blackheads, rashes, or dry skin, it is helpful to know how to protect your skin and when it’s time to call your provider. If you have any questions, make an appointment with your provider.

Recognizing the Impact of Antibiotics

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By Cody Randel

Antibiotics save and improve countless lives every day. However, antibiotic resistance is something we need to understand and face together. November 18 – 24 is Antibiotic Awareness Week in the U.S. and World Antimicrobial Awareness Week on a global scale. Antimicrobial resistance of any kind can impact everyone.

Antibiotics are part of the antimicrobial family, which also includes antivirals, antifungals, and antiparasitics. These medicines kill infections and diseases. Without them, humans will have a much more difficult time fighting and surviving diseases. Fortunately, the World Health Organization (WHO) saw this growing problem and has made it a priority. Because diseases become more difficult to treat as antibiotic resistance increases, it will make all antimicrobials less effective.

WHO’s Five Goals to Tackle Antimicrobial Resistance

  • Raise awareness 
  • Increase monitoring and research
  • Reduce infections
  • Maximize the use of antimicrobial medications 
  • Sustainable investment in new medicines, diagnostic tools, vaccines, and other interventions

We rely on antibiotics to help us recover from what may seem like minor illnesses today. But these illnesses could become life-threatening if antibiotic resistance increases.

Preventing Antibiotic Resistance

Antibiotic resistance is increasing in all parts of the world. Changing this is a big job that requires all of us to do our part. Here are six ways you can help:

  • Only use antibiotics prescribed to you by a certified health professional.
  • Never demand antibiotics from your health worker. If you need them, they will prescribe them.
  • Always follow directions for taking medications.
  • Never share any prescriptions.
  • Prevent illnesses by washing your hands and staying away from people who are sick.
  • Get vaccinated and stay up to date on seasonal vaccines like flu.

If you have questions about medications you are taking, or about vaccines you may need, talk to your healthcare provider. If you don’t have a primary care provider, request an appointment with one of our providers.

Get Some Relief During TMJ Awareness Month

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Millions of people in the United States are living with TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint) disorder and have no idea that it is the source of their pain and discomfort. TMJ disorder, or TMD, is pain in the jaw and surrounding tissues. Symptoms and issues from TMD can range from mild or occasional discomfort, to more severe pain and disruptions to daily life.

It’s estimated by the TMJ Association that around 35 million people in the United States are affected by this disorder. That’s around 12% of the population and most of these people are women.

Why TMJ Disorder matters

Symptoms can range from things like headaches and migraines, neck and shoulder pain, jaw pain or stiffness to other symptoms like dizziness, and even ear pain or ringing. Finding the cause – and a solution – to these symptoms can make a big difference in your life. If left untreated, TMD can cause damage to your teeth, joint, muscles, and tissues, so you want to talk to your healthcare provider about it.

What are the causes

  • Injury or trauma to your jaw or face
  • Arthritis
  • Unaligned bite
  • Stress
  • Genetics
  • Hormones

Treating TMJ Disorder

Most jaw and facial muscle pain is temporary and will go away on its own. If it doesn’t go away in a few weeks, visit your dentist or primary care doctor to rule out any other causes. A few things you can do on your own include:

  • Eat soft foods
  • Reduce stress or talk with someone about your stress
  • Use ice or heat on the jaw or muscles
  • Avoid chewing gum and wide yawns
  • Don’t hold the phone with your shoulder
  • Sleep on your side with a pillow supporting your neck

TMJ disorder is something many people live with. And for some people, the symptoms will come and go. If you are someone who has lasting symptoms, talk to one or our healthcare providers.

10 Essential Rules for Emotional Health

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Maintaining emotional wellness is crucial year-round. Here are some key principles to help you create and sustain emotional health:

  1. Take Care of Yourself: Prioritize relaxation, exercise, a balanced diet, and spend time with people and activities you enjoy.
  2. Focus on Positives: Choose to see the positives in life experiences rather than the negatives. Most challenges offer opportunities for personal growth and understanding. Accept difficulties and take necessary actions to overcome them.
  3. Let Go of the Past: If you can’t change or control it, let it go. Don’t waste energy on things that don’t benefit you. Forgive yourself and others.
  4. Be Respectful and Responsible: Show respect and take responsibility for your actions.
  5. Acknowledge Success: Take credit for your achievements and accomplishments.
  6. Build Close Relationships: Develop one or two close relationships where you can be honest about your feelings.
  7. Speak Positively: Talk positively about yourself and others.
  8. Remove Yourself from Harmful Situations: Step away temporarily from situations that are out of control or harmful.
  9. Accept Change: Understand that life involves choices and constant change. Embrace change and make necessary personal adjustments.
  10. Plan for the Future: Develop long-term goals and work on them step by step, whether day by day or minute by minute.

We know these principles aren’t always easy to follow, but they can significantly enhance your emotional well-being and overall quality of life.

Treating Yourself to a Good Night’s Sleep by Dr. Xiao Kristin Liang, MD Family Medicine Resident, PGY2

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What better way to jumpstart your day than with a solid, restful night’s sleep? In today’s fast-paced, high-tech world, there is still no substitute for a good old-fashioned snooze, which comes with numerous health benefits. These include improved mood, alertness, work or school performance, and even heart health.

Here are some ways to get the most bang for your buck while you catch those z’s! Also known as “sleep hygiene:”

  • Avoid caffeinated beverages such as coffee and tea in the afternoon.
  • Have a regular sleep schedule and stick to it, e.g. bedtime at 10 pm and alarm clock set for 6 am.
  • Sleep in a cool, dark, and quiet room.
  • If you are unable to fall asleep after 20 minutes, get out of bed and do something relaxing (see activities below) so that your body does not associate the bed with wakefulness.
  • Do something relaxing before bed such as drinking a warm beverage, reading a book, or meditating.
  • Avoid screen time before sleeping, as the blue light from phones and computers stimulates wakefulness.
  • Avoid drinking too much alcohol as it can disrupt your body’s sleep cycle.
  • Regular exercise, ideally in the morning or early afternoon, also improves quality of sleep.

Are you doing all of these things but still having trouble with falling or staying asleep? If so, you may have a sleep disorder. Our doctors at NOAH are happy to work with you to achieve your best sleep, health and wellness. Feel free to call us for an appointment at 480-882-4545.

Winter Skin Care Tips

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It’s that time of year again when uncomfortable dryness takes over the skin of the face, hands and feet. For some, the problem is worse than just a general tight, dry feeling. Skin can get so dry that it results in flaking, cracking, burning, and even eczema can occur which is when the skin becomes inflamed.

Here are some expert tips to tell the difference between dry and dehydrated skin and solutions to get your skin back to feeling its best.

Is Your Skin Dry, Dehydrated, or Both?

Dry Skin

  • Smaller pore sizes
  • Feels dry all over the face, scalp and body


Dehydrated Skin

  • Lacks water
  • Affects any skin type
  • May feel oily and dry at the same time


Both Dry and Dehydrated Skin

  • Itchy
  • Tight feeling
  • Flaky
  • Dull looking
  • Sensitive
  • Products may sting/burn
  • Rough texture
  • Fine lines may appear larger or darker

Healthy Tips for Your Skin


Moisturize

Find an ointment moisturizer that is oil-based rather than water-based as the oil will create a layer on top of the skin to protect it and help retain more moisture than a cream or lotion.


Don’t Forget Your Hands

The skin on your hands is thinner than skin on most other parts of the body and has fewer oil glands so your hands may be the first to show signs of winter. Wear gloves when it’s cold and dry outside to prevent skin irritation. Also, be sure to keep your hands moist and prevent itching and cracking by applying an ointment throughout the day. It’s a good idea to also moisturize at night by applying a thick layer of ointment on your hands before going to bed. Even better, sleep with loose cotton gloves or even socks on your hands after moisturizing for extra hydration and to keep ointment from getting on your sheets.

Use a Humidifier

Most people think about using a humidifier when someone is sick. Humidifiers are also excellent tools to add moisture back into the air (and into your skin) in the dry winter months. Try using one daily.

Hydrate

Not only is water good for your overall health, it helps your skin stay hydrated. Drink at least 8-12 glasses of water every day. You may want to increase your water intake if you consume a lot of caffeinated beverages like coffee, tea, cola, or energy drinks which can act as a diuretic.

Grease Those Feet

Daily exfoliation of (or gently scrubbing) your feet is important all year long. Exfoliation removes the dead skin cells so your lotion will sink in faster and repair the skin deeper. You should also be moisturizing your feet daily. During the winter months, swap out your usual moisturizer for a petroleum-based lotion instead. Try applying your petroleum-based moisturizer or event plain petroleum jelly to your feet before bed and cover with a pair of loose fitting socks. Your feet will feel amazing in the morning!

If you find that these tips just aren’t doing the trick and your symptoms are worsening, schedule an appointment to rule out other skin conditions and talk about other options you can try to heal your skin.

National MA Week 2019

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This week our NOAH Care Team celebrated all that our medical assistants do for our patients and their families. Check out these cool pics of our MA’s smiling with their team members and help us wish all #MedicalAssistants a happy #MARWeek! For an appt., call 480-882-4545.

Mental Health in Teenagers by Dr. Debbie Bauer, Pediatrician

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Adolescence is a very difficult time for everybody, kids and parents alike. Teenagers are going through all kinds of changes such as: physical, emotional, intellectual and social. It can be hard to keep up with the way their feeling and finding ways to communicate with them. It’s a big challenge to try and not feel overwhelmed during these transitions. It’s very normal for a teen to feel moody, sad, or anxious, but when these feelings take over their life and start to affect how they think and act, it can become a serious problem. Mental health issues are much more common than you may think, about 1 out of every 5 adolescents has had a serious mental health disorder at some point in their life.

What parents need to know:

  • A mental health issue isn’t anybody’s fault. Just like with any other health complication, this is not a choice, it’s an actual problem with how the brain functions. The reason these issues develop is incredibly complicated and involves both genetic and environmental factors.
  • Mental health problems are common and treatable. There are many people and resources that are available to help your teenager. From pediatricians, to school guidance counselors, to mental health professionals – we’re all here to help. The sooner a concern is raised, the more time we have to address the issue, and get your teen the assistance they need. If you have any doubts, reach out!
  • It’s important to stay involved. Try to build a trusting relationship between yourself and your teenager. They should feel comfortable sharing information with you without fear of always being punished for bad choices. It can be helpful to share decisions that you have made or lessons you have learned from the past. Remember, they are still learning.

Signs of mental illness to look out for:

  • Loss of interest in past favorite activities
  • Sudden personality shifts that seem out of character
  • A sudden and/or dramatic change in grades
  • Isolation from friends and family
  • Big changes in sleep habits (more or less sleep then usual)
  • Dramatic changes in eating habits
  • Anything else that you think is concerning about their behavior

If you have any concerns about your teen’s mental health, talk to them. From there, you can schedule an appointment with their pediatrician. At NOAH, we address all aspects of your child’s health including their initial medical assessment. Other services that are available to you and your child include counseling and nutrition.

For more information, please visit:

www.healthychildren.org