Wednesday, July 29, 2015

5 Tips to Beat the Heat and Stay Cool in the Summer


Pro.Petfinder.com
1.)  STAY HYDRATED:
      Drink plenty of fluids (especially water) before, during, and after any activity.
2.)  KEEP COOL:
      If you do not have Air Condition, head to the nearest mall, senior center,  
       library or place of worship to stay cool during the hottest parts of the day.
 3.) KNOW WHAT ACTIVITIES ARE SAFE:
      Curtail physical activity during extremely hot weather.
 4.) KNOW WHEN TO GO BACK INSIDE:
     Do not exercise when you have a fever (>99° F). Stop any activity if you
      have muscle cramping, pain, swelling, inability to catch your breath, or
      become fatigued.
5.) WEAR CLOTHING THAT BREATHES:
      Wear loose fitting, lightweight clothing. Apply sunscreen and wear sunglasses,
       a brim hat or carry an umbrella when outdoors.
 
      An Extra Tip:  Check on your loved ones especially SENIORS and PETS


                                                      All the best, Dr. Anderson
Source:  George E. Taffet, MD

Sunday, July 26, 2015

Hoping for better Diversity & Inclusion at University of Delaware

The University of Delaware article in the News Journal sites the ongoing struggle to recruit
and retain African-American students.  As an Alumni and one of the 5% who graduated with two degrees from the university, this journey was not easy.  There were many instances where students would stay to me "the only reason why you are here is because of Affirmative Action."   Never was there a mention that I was a good student who worked hard and earned a spot on the Women's Track & Field team.  And by the way, I  did not take a college Athletic Scholarship.  Let's be clear, the university does have a problem with recruiting, retaining and graduating African-American students for Decades!  In my opinion, the institution and the culture of the university needs to change from the Top-Down.  This will require former alumnae like myself, students and the community to engage in Town Hall meetings starting with the Interim President and the top administration.  One easy solution is to increase Faculty Diversity & Inclusion towards tenure track in the various colleges. 
     As African-Americans, there is always struggle for Diversity Inclusion in the Workplace, procurement of sickle cell research grants and contracts for small business owners in the health care sector.  The real question becomes whether your colleagues will ever Gain the same Respect for your work or even Value your Opinion as someone of another race or ethnic background?   One thing for sure, I received top-notched education from a very prestigious
university and graduated with a 3.0 GPA.
Former Track & UD Alumnae Dad-Phil Anderson & Me - Nina Anderson
The News Journal  July 26, 2015
 

The Entrpreneurial Spirit for Backyard Fresh Local Produce

     A neighbor down the road from my home has a little produce stand  from her
garden every year.  There's a list of prices and on an honor system, there is a box to put in money
and the choice is yours.  Take your pick from tomatoes, cucumbers, squash, flowers, onions and more.   I love the entrepreneurial spirit of the neighbors but buying fresh and local produce means buying high quality nutrient dense food.  Could more neighbors even in urban neighborhoods (City of Wilmington) start their own Backyard Produce stands?  According to Down to Earth-Organic & Natural, fresher produce means better and more nutritious because fruits and vegetables lose their optimal nutritional value as soon as they are picked (2015). When picked, vitamins such as C, E, A, and some B vitamins begin to deteriorate and thus decrease their nutritional value.


        One thing for sure, on this busy road, many people stop by and pick up a few
fresh vegetables on the way to their final destinations. 

All the best, Dr. Anderson

Henrietta Johnson Medical Center's 5K Walk/Run - Aug. 8th

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Monday, July 20, 2015

Sickle Cell Awareness at a Juevenile Detention Center

Took a 'Selfie'.  I attended a Juvenile Detention Center last week at Ferris School & Grace Cottage for a Health Fair.  Surprisingly, the Students were very receptive to learn about sickle cell & offered to Volunteer at the Sickle Cell 5K Run September 5th Race. 
All in a Good Days of Work.
All the Best, Dr. Nina

Thursday, July 2, 2015

Can anyone tell me the best way to grow Cilantro?

Taking a Crack at Gardening again,

      Studies show that Gardening can improve your overall health, save money, and help you get happy.  This is my 3rd year of Gardening and my tomato plants, cucumber and peppers are starting to ripen.  This year, I also planted a row of fresh herbs:  cilantro, chives, parsley, oregano and etc.  However, I can not seem to be able to grow Cilantro.  I followed instructions on You Tube by trimming the flowering stems and even received some tips from a lady at the Farmer's Market recently.  But to no avail.  My grandmother's family were farmers up until the early 1990s and my mother had a garden out back almost every summer.  Unfortunately, I do not have a 'Green Thumb' for taking care of my inside nor some of my outside plants.

Dr. Nina's Garden
                    Can anyone tell me the best way to grow Cilantro?

                                           All the best,  Dr. Nina

Personalized Healthcare: Veterinary Medicine gets it Right

      My dogs, Theo & Junior get excellent Vet care.  The veterinarian office is accessible and just right down the street from my home.  The office is just 1/4 mile straight drive or walk down the road and the office is located on a huge plot of land that has a barn.  The practice was started by a veterinarian who built a small shed out the back of his house and grew the practice.  The original owner has since passed away but two of his children run the practice now and are veterinarians.  The practice offers preventative care visits, sick visits and sometimes even friendly curbside consults.  In all my years of accessing medical care, receiving an e-mail from my dog's doctor reminding me of his appointment tickled me.  I also wonder what would my care be like if the office was just within 1/4 mile walking distance from my home.   Recently, I received an e-mail reminder that Theo was due for a shot (vaccines) and a check-up! 

Dear Nina,

Our records indicate that Theo is due for the following:
7/7/15        Lepto Vaccine
Please call to schedule an appointment

.
Sincerely, The Staff at Red Lion Veterinary


**by the way, I scheduled a Saturday morning appointment**
Junior & Theo

Perhaps, the U.S. Healthcare system could take some tips from Veterinary Medicine.  What would I like in a primary care practice & provider:  accessible, within walking distance from my home, a healthcare provider to offer house calls on all of his/her patients and friendly reminders when check-ups are due.  Most importantly, the opportunity to develop a personal relationship with my healthcare provider without feeling rushed at the appointment.  My phenomenal family practice doctor recently retired after 32 years from practice, her name was Dr. Wollman. 
You will truly be missed! 

All the best, Dr. Nina