Today’s blog post comes from Orvel Douglas a Nutrition and Diet specialist at Body Sculpt of New York. Mr Douglas is a Certified Nutrition and Diet Specialist and has worked as an independent nutrition consultant for various organisations and companies. He has provided nutrition counselling and workshops for the following organizations: Medgar Evers College Empowering Youth to Excel and Succeed Project (“EYES”); United Federation of Teachers; DC 37 and 1199 SEIU.  Mr. Douglas is currently providing nutrition workshops for the Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services(OASAS) for their Access to Recovery Program (ATR) in Brooklyn, New York and is also the Lead Nutritionist for Body Sculpt of New York’s Six Weeks to Fitness programs.

What I have noticed in the last 20 years is that we are getting sicker and sicker. Some of the diseases that are prevalent amongst the older generation are showing up in teenagers. One thing I can say is that we are eating way too much processed and junk food.

Many studies are showing that animal proteins are causing many preventable diseases. What I have found is that when a person removes all animal protein from their diet many ailments tend to disappear.

I have seen people’s type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and arthritis disappear, just to name a few.

One of the leading doctors in this field is Dr Colin Campbell. Dr Campbell is an American biochemist who specializes in the effect of nutrition on long-term health. He is the Jacob Gould Schurman Professor Emeritus of Nutritional Biochemistry at Cornell University.

Campbell has become known for his advocacy of low-fat, whole foods, vegan (plant-based) diet. He is the author of over 300 research papers on the subject, and two books, Whole (2013), and The China Study (2005), which became one of America’s best-selling books about nutrition.^[1] Campbell featured in the 2011 American documentary, Forks Over Knives.

Campbell was one of the lead scientists in the 1980s of the China–Oxford–Cornell study on diet and disease, set up in 1983 by Cornell University, the University of Oxford, and the Chinese Academy of Preventive Medicine to explore the relationship between nutrition and cancer, heart and metabolic diseases. The study was described by The New York Times as “the Grand Prix of epidemiology.”^[2]

There is a group of doctors in an organization called the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine and what they are doing is putting a new focus on health and compassion. The Physicians Committee combines the clout and expertise of more than 12,000 physicians with the dedicated actions of 150,000 members across the United States and around the world.

They are changing the way they treat diseases such as diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, cancer and arthritis. They are putting prevention over pills.

We at Body Sculpt have been promoting a low fat, plant-based diet and what we have seen are some of our participants are no longer on medication through this small change.

My advice to anyone who is reading this and is suffering from ailments I would strongly suggest that you do some research and try a plant-based diet. The only thing you have to lose is your ailments.

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The Lake Foundation would like to thank Orvel Douglas for his guest blog post. If you have any questions for Orvel please leave them in the comments section below and for more information about Body Sculpt’s Six Weeks to Fitness program click here

Happy New Year all! We wish you a happy, healthy and successful year ahead and thank you for all your support in 2014.

The Lake Foundation is still a fairly new charity having started in July 2013. Through all your support and encouragement we have been very productive and have made significant progress in working towards our mission of improving the health and wellbeing of the black community.

We are delighted to share our achievements for 2014 with you. Over the past year we have:

• Launched our African Caribbean Cancer Support Group which meets monthly at Mind In Croydon.

• Developed our hereditary cancer booklet which aims to raise awareness of inherited cancers, the importance of knowing your family’s medical history, what to do if you have a strong family history of cancer and what preventative options are available for people at a high risk of developing cancer because it runs in their family.

• Launched our fibroids survey that aimed to explore the needs of women with fibroids and published the findings

• Established our Fibroids Ask the Expert to provide women with questions or concerns about fibroids with access to experts in the field that can provide them with accurate reliable information

• Started our cycling group which reconvenes in April/May of this year

• Delivered a range of health awareness presentations to the  community

• Consulted with Breast Cancer Care on their new PROWESS service

  “I can honestly say that having your input into PROWESS has been great and a massive benefit to me and the project, so I’m looking forward to working with you again in the New Year.”

• Obtained funding from Prostate Cancer UK as part of their engagement and empowerment pilot

• Secured office space

• Appeared on TV and radio.

• Launched our weekly blog enabling us to discuss health issues of concern to the black community

• Carried out our first annual aerobathon

We had a really enjoyable and productive year and look forward to 2015.

We get a lot of questions from women about what they can do to prevent fibroids. This week’s blog post follows our recent post on exercise and fibroids prevention. Today, we’ll look at diet.

Fibroids are non-cancerous tumours that develop in or around a woman’s womb. They can cause a number of symptoms including pelvic (tummy) pain, infertility, heavy and/or painful periods, back pain, anaemia, constipation, frequent urination and pain during sexual intercourse.

The exact cause of fibroids is unknown but research does suggest that they are caused by a combination of genetic, lifestyle and hormonal factors.  Those most at risk of developing fibroids are black women, those who are overweight, women of childbearing age (particularly women who are 25-45 years old), those with a family history and women who haven’t given birth.

Diet and Risk Reduction

When trying to understand what we can do to reduce our risk of developing fibroids diet is an interesting and important factor.  As obesity is a major risk factor then logically if we adopt a healthy lifestyle and lose weight then we can reduce our risk of developing this condition. But, are there particular foods that contribute to fibroids development and are there foods that are protective? Let’s take a look at what the research tells us about this.

Red Meat 

When it comes to foods that increase a woman’s risk of developing fibroids, research suggests that red meat plays a major role. One research study has shown that frequent consumption of beef and other red meat increases a woman’s risk of developing fibroids by 70%. This finding is similar to a study conducted in India which found that women who consume red meat are three times more likely to develop fibroids compared to vegetarian women or women who are mostly fish eaters.  This is in stark contrast to a recent study that found no association between meat consumption and fibroids, although in this study researchers looked at all meat and didn’t look specifically at red meat.

Fruit and Vegetables 

The Black Women’s Health Study conducted in the US explored the impact of fruits and vegetables on a woman’s risk of developing fibroids. In this study, 22,583 black women were monitored from 1997 to 2009 and their food intake monitored.

This study found that overall fruit and vegetable intake was associated with a reduction in risk and the strongest reduction in risk was associated with a high intake of citrus fruit.  Additionally, they found that vitamin A from animal products (liver and dairy) was linked to a reduction in risk too.

These findings were similar to that of a small Chinese study which explored the association of fibroids with diet, physical activity and stress.   This study took place between 2009 and 2011 and researchers found that fruits and vegetables significantly reduced risk of developing fibroids with women consuming the most fruits and vegetables (eating fruit and vegetables more than three days a week) being 60% less likely to develop fibroids.

Finally, a study conducted in 2009 found that a high intake of green vegetables reduced the risk of developing fibroids by 50%  and fruit consumption reduced risk by 20%.

Vitamin D 

In 2013, one of the first studies looking at whether vitamin D is linked to fibroids was conducted and this study found that women with sufficient levels of vitamin D were 32% less likely to develop fibroids than women who are vitamin D deficient. Furthermore, another study published in 2013 found that women with fibroids had significantly lower levels of vitamin D compared to women not affected.  These studies suggest that vitamin D is protective.

Conclusions

It is clear that diet is very important in the development of fibroids. By adopting a healthy diet we can reduce our risk and women should pay attention to their fruit and vegetable consumption, reducing their red meat intake and making sure they have enough vitamin D.

It’s important to note that surveys conducted in the US have found that African Americans consume fewer fruits and vegetables than their white counterparts, it is important that we change our lifestyles and work on increasing our fruit and vegetable intake, our health depends on it.

We were delighted to be featured in this week’s Six Weeks to Fitness podcast where we were interviewed by the Vincent Ferguson, the president of Body Sculpt of New York, a not-for-profit health and fitness organisation.

In this 30 minute podcast, we discuss the work of  The Lake Foundation and our plans for the future.

You can listen to our interview below.

Fibroids are benign tumours that develop from the smooth muscle cells of the womb. They are the most common tumour amongst women with an estimated 30 – 40% of women between the ages of 25-45 expected to develop them.

Research has shown that fibroids are more common in black women with an estimated 55-80% of black women affected. In addition, black women are known to develop fibroids at a younger age, are more likely to develop larger and multiple fibroids, and tend to develop more severe symptoms.  The reason for this is unknown but it is thought to be a combination of genetic, environmental and lifestyle factors.

Through our interactions with black women, we have anecdotally found that whilst fibroids are very common there seems to be a lack of information and support for women who are affected.  To explore this issue further we conducted a survey that aimed to explore the needs of women with fibroids, determine if there is a need to develop information and support and if so,  the survey aimed to inform our development of a fibroids information and support programme.

The survey explored four areas:

• The level of knowledge of fibroids prior to diagnosis
• Treatment and diagnosis
• The effect of fibroids and its treatment on quality of life
• The availability of support and information

The key findings from  our survey were:

Awareness of fibroids prior to diagnosis

• There was a general low level of awareness of fibroids amongst participants prior to their diagnosis
• There was a good level of awareness of some of the main symptoms of fibroids but a low level of awareness of other symptoms
• Participants were aware that ethnicity was a risk factor for fibroids but less aware of other risk factors

Pathway to Diagnosis

• The majority of participants delayed seeing their GP for six months or more after first noticing symptoms
• After visiting their GP, most women received a confirmed diagnosis within 4 weeks but over a quarter stated it took 12 months or more to receive a confirmed diagnosis

Treatment

• Despite 79% of participants having a discussion with their GP about treatment, 63% stated they didn’t feel they had enough information to make an informed decision about their treatment
• The majority of participants (42%) had surgery to treat their fibroids
• A quarter of respondents were very happy with their follow-up and aftercare whilst 33% stated that they were not at all satisfied.

The Effect of Fibroids and its Treatment on Quality of Life

• Participants reported that fibroids and its treatment significantly affected their quality of life, affecting them not just physically, but emotionally
• Many participants did not feel they had enough support  to assist them in managing or overcoming the  emotional, physical  and medical impact of fibroids

The Availability of Information and Support

• The biggest gaps in the availability of support were in information and peer support with a small gap in emotional support

Conclusions from the Survey and Next Steps

The survey suggests that a significant number of women with fibroids do not have access to the support and information that they require. The Lake Foundation will focus its efforts on addressing the gaps in the availability of information and support by developing a relevant support system for women, particularly black women, with fibroids.

We have started this process with the launch of our ‘Fibroids Ask the Expert’ in October. This resource provides women with the opportunity to obtain accurate reliable information from experts in the field. In 2015 we will begin to develop a range of publications and explore a support programme for women with fibroids.

On Saturday, we were back on the set of ABN TV’s Family time to film a four-part series on belly fat, healthy eating and exercise. This was a follow-up to our recent appearance on Family Time in the summer.

We joined the host of the show, Nana Akousa Boateng, as well as Lillian Lartey, founder of I Want My Body Back, Eunice Adu-Appiah, a Health Promotion professional and Evelyn  Asante a behavioural specialist.

Over the course of the four episodes we recorded yesterday, we covered belly fat, its link to various health conditions and strategies for tackling belly fat through fitness, nutrition and a reduction in stress levels.  And, we also discussed belly fat, young people and body image.

We had a great time on the set of Family Time and would like to say a big thank you to ABN TV, Nana Boateng and the film crew for inviting us to take part in this series and for their very warm welcome.

Family Time’s series on belly fat will air in early 2015 so please tune in to ABN TV, Sky channel 290 or visit ABN TV’s website for more information.

On Saturday we attended Genesis, an inspirational networking event organised by Bespoke Hairstyles and Almocado which brought together black business owners and professionals for a night of sharing, positivity and empowerment, with the theme being Our Voice Matters.

This was a networking event like no other with everyone genuinely wanting to connect with like-minded people, no hidden agendas, just a willingness to ensure that we begin to create a forum for black businesses, professionals, students and charities to come together.

The evening began with mingling, snacks and the opportunity to view the products on sale by the vendors Almocado and House of Afrika.

Once we’d settled in, the main event began with a lovely introduction from Bespoke Hairstyles and Almocado who spoke about the rationale behind the event, how their businesses started and their passion for bringing all their clients together, clients who are multitalented and would benefit from being connected to each other.

Then it was over to us. Everyone in the room had the opportunity to be heard from invited guests and vendors to the caterers and cameraman. This was a night of inclusion.

We were all given a few minutes to introduce ourselves, put forward one word that encapsulates what success means to us (the most popular word that people  put forward was ‘happiness’ followed by ‘freedom’) and then show the group our happy pose – that thing that we do when we are happy with ourselves (it was great fun seeing all the poses).

We heard from lawyers, IT consultants, social workers, artists, bloggers, vloggers, financial analysts, raw food chefs, architects and many, many more. It was very motivating to hear everyone’s story and surprising to learn that so many people are juggling 9-5 jobs and their own businesses; it was a truly multitalented room of people.

This was a very enjoyable event and we’d like to say a big thank you to Bespoke Hairstyles and Almocado for organising this event and  inviting us to attend, we were truly honoured to be there and look forward to their next event.

We’ve just finished reading ‘Eyo’ by Abidemi Sanusi, a Nigerian author we had the pleasure of meeting at the African Literary Evening.

Eyo is an excellent, but a heart-breaking book that highlights, very vividly, the issue of child trafficking and sex slavery.

The book tells the story of 10-year old Eyo who is born into abject poverty in Nigeria where she lives with her parents and two siblings in the slums on the swampy marshes of the Lagos Lagoon.

Eyo is trafficked to the UK with her uncle to escape life in the slums with promises of receiving an education and bettering her life. Unfortunately, this is not to be as she finds herself trapped with a cruel family as a domestic servant and then sold into sexual slavery.

Because of the subject matter, this book is hard to read but at the same time you just can’t put it down. The story unfolds in a very interesting and captivating way and gives a disturbing insight into this horrible industry.

What struck me about this book was that it really demonstrates the consequence of not addressing the inequalities that exist in the world. At the root of this issue of child trafficking and sex slavery seems to be poverty.

Poverty means that families desperate to break free of the poverty cycle become vulnerable and easily tricked and exploited by those in the industry and become trapped in a world that can be impossible to escape from.

Another thing that struck me from the book was inaction. There were several points in the book where people noticed that something wasn’t quite right with Eyo and could have intervened and saved her but fear of offending or jeopardising their own peaceful life crippled them, leaving poor Eyo to endure the horrors for much longer than she should have done.

Another painful issue in the book was that some of the abuse Eyo suffered was at the hands of family members as well as women who themselves have children.

Even though this book was fiction it tells of the reality that many young people face and something desperately needs to be done about it. At the end of the book, we are encouraged to take action and support organisations like Stop the Traffik and Africans Unite Against Child Abuse. Please do visit the websites of these organisations to find out more about what can be done to help.

This was an excellent book that raises awareness of an important issue and was shortlisted for the 2010 Commonwealth Writers’ Prize.

“….outstanding commentary on the conditions that make life in home countries unbearable, the casual cruelties meted out on strangers as they travel, and the indifference that sustains it all’ – Judging panel on Eyo, Commonwealth Writers’ Prize 2010

This book is definitely worth reading and can be purchased on Amazon