For 2006, the membership mandated the following two (2) programs:
- The first is the Wellness Program.
Chapters are asked to pick one of the four suggested wellness programs listed below and conduct an activity that addresses that particular issue.
- Infant Mortality
- Youth and/or Adolescent Health and Development
- Economic Literacy
- Wellness Programs: nutrition, exercise, health prevention and health education
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In addressing Infant Mortality, it is our goal, in partnership with area hospitals and/or prenatal clinics, to educate women on:- the importance of prenatal care in their 1st trimester
- those factors which affect Infant Mortality, like smoking, substance abuse, and poor nutrition
- SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome)
via workshops presented throughout the community and Q&A sessions on local radio and TV programs.
In addressing Youth and/or Adolescent Health and Development, it is our goal, in partnership with local fire departments, to offer free car seat examinations to ensure they are installed properly; in partnership with local recreation departments, to provide workshops on day camp with arts & crafts; and to sponsor a smoke-free Kids Day. For older children (ages 9-18), we offer Financial Literacy Education sessions, sponsored by Banking on our Future, to direct our children down the right economic path. And for their reward? The NHBW co-sponsored Youth Night - a fun-filled, encouraging and uplifting evening for all.
In addressing Economic Literacy, it is our goal, through seminars, to empower women to invest, purchase a home, start their own business and/or to engage in financial planning.
In addressing Wellness, we have coordinated several events to promote this vital way of life:- InfoShare Q&A's around the community during Breast Cancer Awareness Month (October)
- our Annual Healthy Women's Fair
- our Monthly Women & Wellness Luncheons
- our continued sponsorship of Women's Health Awareness Day
...just to name a few.
- The second is the Power To End Stroke Program.
 | Did you know that African-Americans are almost twice as likely to have a stroke as Whites, and about 100,000 African-Americans will suffer from one this year? According to the American Stroke Association, African-Americans are affected disproportionately by strokes and need to know their risks and to pay special attention to risk factors, which are controllable.
Thats why the National Hook-Up of Black Women, Inc. has teamed up with the American Stroke Association to launch the Power to End Stroke (PTES) Campaign throughout each chapters home state. The PTES Campaign is an aggressive education and awareness initiative to reach African-Americans, who are at a greater risk for stroke than any other ethnic group.
Stroke is the third leading cause of death among all Americans, but due to their higher incidence of elevated blood pressure and diabetes, African-Americans are at an increased risk for stroke. Many African-Americans do not recognize that they are the racial/ethnic group at the highest risk for stroke. If you believe that knowledge is power, then we have the power to help close the gap by becoming Stroke Ambassadors and hosting educational events throughout this program year.
Our goal is to reach over 1,000,000 African-Americans with the messages of controlling risk factors and knowing stroke warning signs. |
What is a stroke? A stroke results from a sudden interruption of blood supply to the brain or when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures, leaking blood into the spaces surrounding the brain cells. Brain cells die when they no longer receive oxygen and nutrients from the blood or when they are damaged by sudden bleeding into or around the brain. Timely treatment can save brain tissue and decrease brain damage. Remember, Time is Tissue. The medical community has adopted the new term "Brain Attack" to remind the public and health professionals of the emergent nature of strokes. The important thing to remember is that the sooner you or your loved one gets treatment for a stroke, the better the outcome. That is why an educational campaign like this one can have such a major impact. Research has shown that less than three (3) percent of stroke victims are treated with the appropriate medications within the three-hour window.
Do you know the warning signs of a stroke?
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A stroke is a medical emergency. Symptoms of a stroke may be sudden, so it is vital to Know the warning signs of stroke and to teach them to others:
- Weakness or numbness on one side of the body, face or both
- Loss of vision on one or both sides
- Difficulty speaking or understanding speech
- Loss of balance
- Severe headache with no other known cause
Every second counts.
As PTES partners, we are encouraging African-Americans to take the "American Stroke Association pledge". The goal of the pledge is not just to create survivors, but 'thrivers,' by helping African-Americans do their part to make healthy choices for themselves and their families. Each chapter, under the direction of its appointed Stroke Ambassador, will conduct program(s) to educate their communities about stroke prevention and the warning signs of stroke.
Chapter Stroke Ambassadors:
Illinois (Joilet & Chicago)
.Debra Davis
Nashville, Tenn
..Tosha Taylor
New Jersey
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.........Pat Kaelim
Phoenix, AZ
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..Mary Lee Hyatt
Philadelphia, PA
Laura Dawson
Washington, DC
.Rhonda Chatmon
Chapters will spread the message through various means throughout this program year via television and radio ads, local health fairs, and at community events. Our goal is to equip one million people with the warning signs of stroke and the message:
We have the Power to End Stroke.
Collectively, via our National Programs agenda, we are in a position to save at least one infant, to educate thousands about the warning signs of stroke, to ensure our youth have access to nurturing relations with adults and positive relationships with their peers, and to assist low-to-moderate income women in becoming financially literate.
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