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@Decatur Public Library

202403 Endometriosis

March is Endometriosis Awareness Month

March is formally known as Endometriosis Awareness Month, but I also wanted to include gender bias in healthcare because it occurs far too often. For instance, 1 in 5 women report they feel their practitioner ignored their symptoms, especially when related to gynecological health. Moreover, “women especially those in child-bearing years—were excluded from clinical trials for many years. Researchers felt they could not adequately control women’s variable hormonal status.” This type of exclusion from research can have detrimental health impacts for a myriad of reasons. One is that researchers and providers do not know how the drugs they prescribe may interact with the additional hormones of women. It can also be dangerous because diagnosis can be delayed.

To get more specific, endometriosis impacts 1 in 10 women but can take up to 8-10 years to diagnose because healthcare providers misdiagnose or normalize the symptoms of a painful menstrual cycle. What I have mentioned today barely skims the surface. Not only is there gender bias, but also bias due to age, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, etc. The medical field has made strides and improvements, but there is more work to do in the coming years.

So what can be done?

  • Fight for yourself. If you feel you're not being heard, push back and seek out other medical opinions.
  • Talk with other individuals who have also gone through something similar.
  • Bring an ally with you to an appointment.
  • Ask why the provider is not pursuing additional tests.
  • Report obvious bias and discrimination.
  • Check out our display at DPL for more information on endometriosis and bias in medicine.
  • For more information, please visit: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/gender-bias-in-healthcare

Sources:

https://www.medicalnewstoday.c...

https://endometriosis.org/reso...

https://physicians.dukehealth....

Previous Topics

Child Abuse Awareness

Combating child abuse is everyone's responsibility. In 2021, 3.9 million reports were made to child protective services. Take time to educate yourself on the signs of abuse and neglect. Learn to listen with empathy and acknowledge feelings. Avoid expressing anger, asking too many questions, and making promises you can't keep.

Some risk factors, such as substance misuse and poverty, increase the likelihood of abuse, but it can happen at any socio-economic level. So, acknowledge how you can be part of the solution. This can include volunteering your time and offering concrete support in the midst of hardship. It can also look like donating to agencies that support children and families. Or you can become a child advocate, sign up for Safe Families, and spread the word on social media or with families and friends. Don't be afraid to have difficult and educational conversations because it is critical to awareness and prevention.

For more information, visit: https://www.childwelfare.gov/topics/preventing/preventionmonth/

Did you know that 1 in 5 people experience mental health each year? Mental illness affects more than 50 million people each year, and did you know that 60% of your health is determined by where you live? So what can you do to support your mental health and community?

  • First, take time to learn the facts, and Mental Health America is a great starting point: https://mhanational.org/surroundings/neighborhood-town.
  • You can spread the word about free mental health screenings online or in person.
  • Contact your elected officials and let them know why access and resources for mental health are essential.
  • Work toward secure and safe housing for all! Advocate for removing safety hazards in the home and community.
  • You can focus on your space. Keeping things tidy, sleep-friendly, well ventilated, and surrounding yourself with calming things.
  • Get outside! Just 10-15 minutes of natural light is proven to impact overall well-being positively.
  • Connect with the community. Support your local businesses to challenge gentrification, be a friendly neighbor, and identify safe places in your community (cafes, parks, places of worship, libraries, etc.).
  • Learn more about how your environment impacts your mind and what you can do at mhanational.org/may

This issue strikes a nerve for me. I lost a loved one to the horrible disease of Alzheimer's. No person or family should ever endure the pain and heartache this disease can cause. The sad reality is that 6.7 million people are living with Alzheimer's and Dementia; it is listed as the 6th leading cause of death in the United States. It kills more people than breast cancer and prostate cancer combined. This disease not only takes a toll on the individual but also on caregivers. I have experienced this firsthand, and it is an arduous journey. So, what can we do?

On a macro level, we can advocate and be the voice of many by urging Congress to increase research funding and contacting elected officials about the bipartisan Comprehensive Care for Alzheimer's Act. You can act by going to https://www.alz.org/get-involved-now/advocate. You can sign up for the Decatur Walk to End Alzheimer's. You can visit us at the library! We will have books available if you want to know more about Alzheimer's and Dementia.

You can also support yourself and encourage others by learning to love your brain! Growing evidence suggests that people can reduce the risk of cognitive decline by incorporating critical lifestyle practices. This includes healthy eating habits, physical and mental exercises, good sleep patterns, and community. For more tips on how to love your brain, go to https://www.alz.org/help-support/brain_health/10_ways_to_love_your_brain.

For more information please visit: https://www.alz.org/

Often Overdose Awareness is seen as a taboo topic and something we should not discuss, but is that benefiting anyone when an overdose is a leading cause of death for people ages 18 to 45 in America today? Recent increases have been largely driven by illicitly manufactured fentanyl and altered forms of fentanyl. Here are some important things to know:

1. We first need to create a space to allows those to grieve who have lost a loved one to an overdose without fear of stigmatization.
2. Everyone should educate themselves on the signs of overdose. It could save a life. A few to look out for are small "pinpoint" pupils, falling asleep, heading nodding, unconscious, cold skin, and discolored skin (lips/nails).
3. An opioid overdose can be reversed with Naloxone (Narcan). It is easy to use and small to carry, and anyone can use it without medical training or authorization. Naloxone won’t harm someone if they’re overdosing on drugs other than opioids, so it’s always best to use it if you think someone is overdosing. Please don't be a bystander. Take the time to learn so you can save a life.
4. Identify what community resources are available? Both Heritage and Crossings Healthcare have substance use programs.
Heritage provides free Naloxone and safe-use kits for the community.

Suicide is a serious public health concern. In 2021, 12.3 million people seriously thought about suicide, and 1.7 million attempted suicide. People who have experienced violence, including child abuse, bullying, or sexual violence, are at higher risk for suicide. Suicide prevention is everyone's business. You can be the one to help a friend, coworker, or loved one. Let's take time to look for the warning signs and how to get help.

Warning signs:

  • feeling like a burden
  • being isolated
  • extreme mood swings
  • increased substance use
  • talking or posting about wanting to die
  • looking for a way to access lethal weapons and making plans for suicide

How to get help:

  • Ask, keep them safe, and be there
  • Help them connect. Start with the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (call or text 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org)
  • Follow up

Find out how these actions can save a life by visiting www.BeThe1To.com.

Be sure to stop by the library and check out the display to learn more about how you can play a part in preventing suicide.

Ten million people suffer in silence yearly as an intimate partner in the US abuses them.

Myth: If a victim doesn’t leave, it must not be that bad, or they are okay with how they are being treated.

FACT: Leaving an abusive relationship is extremely difficult. On average, a victim will try to leave an abusive relationship at least eight times before they can leave successfully. Some of the things abusers do to make leaving hard can include creating financial dependence, using children as a coercion tool, making threats of violence or legal retaliation, or using the court system to keep control of a victim even after they leave.

So, what can you do?

  • Be an advocate and provide a safe space.
  • Volunteer at Dove Inc.
  • Take domestic violence prevention and education training through Dove Inc. Classes start in November.
  • You could attend the events put on by Dove Inc. throughout the month of October.
  • Most importantly, report if you see it. Help end the silence.

Myth: People who are homeless should get a job, and then they would not be homeless.

Fact: Many people who are homeless do have jobs, sometimes two or even three. As many as 40%-60% of people experiencing homelessness nationwide are employed. However, a paycheck does not necessarily solve homelessness or other challenges.

  • Many Americans are living on the edge, forced to choose between basic necessities like purchasing food, paying rent, or going to the doctor
  • 37.2 million Americans live below the poverty level.
  • 580,000 Americans are homeless on a typical night.
  • 44 million Americans are at risk of suffering from hunger.
  • 1 in 6 children in the U.S. live in poverty.

What can you do?

  • November 15th is an open house at Homeward Bound 788 E. Clay St.
  • Attend the Dine to Donate at Texas Roadhouse on November 16th
  • November 17th, attend the Walk the Walk by Dove Inc. Get a tour of the city through the eyes of those seeking services. While walking, you will learn about agencies and resources; we will each fill "care bags" to give back.

For information, please visit doveinc.org or Dove’s Facebook page


Click below for a poster listing the 30 rights on the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Universal Declarationof Human Rights

49.6 million people are estimated to be victims of human trafficking or to be living in modern-day slavery, including the 22 million in forced marriages. The remaining 27.6 million is made up of:

  • 19.9 million people in forced labor in private or state-run companies, or criminal exploitation
  • 1.4 million people experiencing domestic servitude in private homes
  • 6.3 million people in forced sexual exploitation (including 1.7 million children)
  • $245 billion made each year from human trafficking.
  • Women and girls make up 54% of all victims worldwide, and are 78% of victims of forced commercial sexual exploitation
  • Many U.S. businesses have human trafficking in their supply chains without even knowing it
  • Victims are told that police are corrupt, and that seeking help leads to being deported
  • It is important to mention that human trafficking and smuggling are very different.

Why don’t victims run away?

The relationship between human traffickers and their victims is complex. It is rare for the control to be based on physical confinement like locked doors or shackles. Instead, victims are more commonly exploited through manipulation, fear, dependency (including drugs), threats or debt bondage.

What can you do?

  1. Spot the signs of modern slavery and report it to federal law enforcement by calling 1-866-347-2423
  2. Advocate for your workplace to have a human trafficking awareness training
  3. Be a conscientious and informed consumer. Find out more about who may have picked your tomatoes or made your clothes at ResponsibleSourcingTool.org
  4. Meet with and/or write to your local, state, and federal elected officials to let them know you care about combating human trafficking and ask what they are doing to address it.
  5. A few places you can learn more from are the International Justice Movement, CNN Freedom Project and Hope for Justice.

Cancer is the second leading cause of death worldwide. We all most likely know someone who has been impacted by cancer. Did you know that 40% of all cancer-related deaths could be preventable? About 90% of all cancers are linked to environmental and lifestyle factors, while 10% are genetic. So what can you do?

  • Eliminate tobacco use! Smoking is associated with 17 different types of cancer development, not including lung cancer.
  • Eat a healthy diet and stay active. This can look like reducing alcohol consumption, fried foods, red meat, and walking outside.
  • Protect your skin from UV rays. Wear clothing that provides sun protection, avoid tanning beds, and use sunscreen that provides a physical barrier from the sun.
  • Stay up to date on doctor visits.
  • Be aware of hormonal influences on your body.
  • Limit exposure to pollutants, such as pest and weed control and fire retardants.

For more information, you can visit the library and check out our book display on cancer prevention or visit https://www.aacr.org/

Local Volunteer Opportunities arrow_forward

Looking for a way to contribute your time and talents to our community? Find a list of local agencies here.

Meet with our Community Resource Coordinator

Looking for a dependable source of information about and assistance with healthcare, housing, food and more? Set up a confidential appointment with the library Social Worker today! All assistance is free and available to the public.

Assistance and referrals for the following:

  • Food
  • Housing
  • Legal Assistance
  • Medicaid
  • Medicare Rx Assistance
  • SNAP (Food Stamps)
  • Veterans Benefits
  • Vision/Dental Needs

Make an appointment


Laundry and Shower Facilities arrow_forward

OASIS Day Center currently provides laundry and shower facilities by appointment only. Call 422-3940 Mon-Sun 7 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Decatur Warming Centers arrow_forward

A list of local Institutions in Macon County that act as warming centers.

Local Resources

Employment Resources

Find out all you need to know to find a job, including improving your computer skills.

Financial Resources

Find information about rent and utilities assistance as well as programs to help families get out of debt and poverty.

Food Resources

Find out when and where Decatur food pantries and soup kitchens are available.

Healthcare Resources

Medical resources in Decatur for hospitals, doctors, dental/vision, family health needs and department of health.

Housing

Housing Resources in Decatur for men, women, children and those needing transitional housing, emergency shelter or housing assitance.

Legal and Government Resources

Resources regarding legal services for low-income clients, legal assistance hotline, and local government information.

LGBTQIA+

Local resources for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community, all other sexual and gender minorities, their families and friends.

Mental Health Resources

Decatur has many resources and counseling services for those struggling with, or are family members of those battling substance abuse, domestic violence and sexual abuse.

Transportation

Information on public transportation throughout Decatur as well as ADA accessible rides and medical transportation providers.

Seniors Resources

Local information for senior citizens looking for housing possibilities and other daily resources.

Edits to Local Agency Information

Please refer to the link below year round so that your organization can update us on changes to service offerings at any time. Find it here:

Submit Agency Changes