An athlete’s skills are often associated with their physical attributes. How fast they can run, how high they can jump, and how much weight they can lift are the usual measuring sticks for assessing their effectiveness on the field or court. However, what often gets undersold is the importance of an athlete’s mental health because their state of mind is crucial in their decisions on the field.

Sports psychologists are appointed to help athletes improve their performance. However, there are several negative stigmas surrounding therapy. One is that if a person seeks help, something is “wrong” with them, or they are “weak.” This is particularly true with athletes because they are often perceived as once-in-a-generation prototypes with superhuman capabilities.

However, Dr. Smith says that is not the case at all. He notes that when it comes to the struggles that lead athletes to seek therapy, they are no different from the average Joe.

“I don’t care who you are. Every person has anxiety. Every person has self-doubt. It doesn’t have to be something traumatic that happened in childhood. You know, everybody has a family member that may die. You know, everybody has a person that may go through some difficult situations. You know, every person wants to have things that will make them better,” he said.

“It’s always good to have a coach to sharpen the saw. Give you ideas that you never thought about. Or help refine the ideas that you did employ and maybe are going well and can be better, or maybe have gotten a little dull over the years. You need a little insight to be a little better.”

However, whether you are an athlete or an average Joe, the goal of therapy remains the same: achieving rehabilitation. The main indicator that therapy is working for a person is their performance, whether in the field of play or life.

“It’s different for everybody, but when you start looking at it, the proof is how a person performs. How they are before and after the performance, how they actually perform, and how they feel,” Dr. Smith added.

“So, depending on what area the individual is having certain issues in, sometimes people have anxiety before a big match. And so if we work together and they say, hey, you know what, my anxiety is still there, but it’s, you know, it’s at a healthy point, I’m using it to be able to propel me to go further. It’s not paralyzing me. It’s propelling me.

That’s a good sign when you have that self-report back. When you see performance, whether it’s a team or an individual, where you see a team doing everything from a camaraderie standpoint that you look for to help them have dividends on the court, that’s a great thing.”

Whether you are an athlete or an accountant, life throws curveballs at you. And as people, we all have to face that turbulence. Therapy is an effective vehicle to help us navigate life’s trials. However, Dr. Smith says the key to having the most effective outcome is to seek help before trouble arises.

“If you already have an established relationship, talking to someone in critical times is easier than trying to find somebody, as most people do, even within the general population. Most people treat psychology, you know, kind of as a spare tire. They don’t use it until something happens, and then they want to see someone,” Dr. Smith added.

“I always like to tell people, let’s be proactive about our mental health. If you’re doing good, that person can serve as a performance coach and help you improve in every area of your life.”

The post How a Sports Psychologist Can Help You Win in Life   appeared first on Black Health Matters.

Following his passing, the NBA released a statement calling Mutombo “larger than life.”

“Dikembe Mutombo was simply larger than life. On the court, he was one of the greatest shot blockers and defensive players in the history of the NBA. Off the floor, he poured his heart and soul into helping others,” NBA Commissioner Adam Silver wrote.

Mutombo was born in the Democratic Republic of Congo. He was a bit of a late bloomer. Dikembe didn’t pick up a basketball until he was 17 years old. But it didn’t take much time for his potential to be realized. Not long after he started playing, Mutombo was recruited to play college basketball for Division One powerhouse Georgetown University under Hall of Fame coach John Thompson.

He was named Big East Player of the Year twice at Georgetown in 1990 and 1991 before the Denver Nuggets selected him fourth overall in the 1991 NBA Draft.

In 1196 career NBA games, Mutombo nearly averaged a double-double with 9.8 points and 10.3 rebounds per game.

Mutombo is widely regarded as one of the greatest centers of all time and has the resume to support that claim. Mutombo was named an NBA All-Star eight times, selected to the All-NBA team three times, and the NBA All-Defensive team six times. He is also one of three players to win the NBA’s Defensive Player of the Year award four times (Ben Wallace, Rudy Gobert).

Despite already having a Hall of Fame career on the court, Mutombo’s second act was perhaps even more significant. Following his retirement after his last season with the Houston Rockets in 2009, he went all-in with his Dikembe Mutombo Foundation, doing humanitarian to improve the quality of life in his hometown of the Congo.

Mutombo then extended his reach even further. Through his participation in the NBA’s Basketball Without Borders program, he traveled to several parts of Africa, teaching residents basketball and helping improve the infrastructure.

His work earned him several awards, including the NBA’s J. Walter Kennedy Global Citizenship Award and the President’s Service Award, the nation’s highest honor for volunteer service. Following Mutombo’s passing, multitudes of tributes poured in from friends, colleagues, and others Dikembe had touched throughout his life.

“No matter what you know about him as a basketball player, he was an even better human being. One of the most beautiful, beautiful human beings I’ve ever known,” ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith said on Monday’s episode of First Take.

“Dikembe was beloved by the entire NBA community, and his tireless humanitarian efforts left an indelible mark on our league,” Houston Rockets’ owner Tillman Fertitta said.

May Dikembe Mutombo rest in peace.

 

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The post NBA Star Dikembe Mutombo Dead at 58 After Brain Cancer Battle appeared first on Black Health Matters.

Fred Newhouse’s Road to the Olympics

In 1976, while working at Exxon and simultaneously competing in track and field, Fred won Olympic Gold and Silver Medals at the Montreal Olympic Games. He has been involved in track and field in some capacity for his entire life and currently serves on the Meet Management Teams for national and international competitions.

Newhouse has earned a lot of success in the sport, but it was not easy by any means. Even just making it to the Olympics was a process. He tried out for three Olympic teams in 1960, 1968, and 1972 before he was ultimately selected in 1976. Newhouse says that going through the adversity of making it to the Olympics is all part of the process. But it was his drive that helped him persevere.

The Olympic Preparation Process

“Unfortunately, like in any other sport, some days are better than others. And our system is designed around one day for track and field for each event,” he said. “And you know well in advance what that day will be, and you prepare. So it doesn’t matter what you do all the other days. What you do on the day of the Olympic trials matters. So it’s all about you.”

The Olympics’ preparation process differs from that of other sporting events. Most sports operate seasonally, with a scheduled offseason for the athletes to recoup. But the training for the Olympics is nonstop. Newhouse says that for him and many other Olympic athletes, the preparation for the event begins as early as high school.

“Preparation takes years and years and years for most athletes. And it starts, for most, me included, in high school, if not before. That’s when they first realize that they have the potential to be an Olympic athlete. And that is where it begins—and it’s every day for years,” Newhouse said.

“After that, a competition is staged where the 16 best runners in the country are invited to try out for the Olympic team. Of those, 16 will make it to the finals. There are three rounds of competition: prelims, quarterfinals, the semifinals, and the finals. And then the top three are who go on to represent the country at the Olympic Games.”

Putting His Olympic Experience to Use

Fred could have taken his experience as an Olympic gold medalist, rode off into the sunset, and retired. However, he knew he had so much knowledge to offer in the sport and wanted to share that with other athletes.

He used that experience to found the Northwest Flyers Youth Track Club in Houston, where he coached until 1996.

Fred already had previous experience as a track coach. While earning his MBA at the University of Washington, he was the track team’s graduate assistant and coached sprinters, jumpers, and quarter-milers.

However, the catalyst for his founding the Northwest Flyers was when his daughters noted unfair treatment at the initial club they joined. Then, Newhouse and his wife decided to bet on themselves.

“My daughter says, ‘We don’t like this coach because he doesn’t even put the best girls on the relay team in the track club,” Newhouse said. “And my wife looked at me and said, ‘Why don’t we have a track club?’ ‘So we know there’s no bias in the process.”

Newhouse’s club has employed as many as 100 athletes simultaneously. Simply put, the Flyers gave him purpose.

“It was just the joy of my life. To provide an atmosphere where these kids could grow and enjoy each other. We tried to, again, continue to expose them to different things,” he said. “And we always did. And that gave them exposure to other parts of the country. We traveled to a lot of different universities. They got to see things that they only saw on television. And we figured out a way to do it.”

The Life Lessons He Wants Them to Remember

As a former Olympian, Newhouse possesses a rare knowledge of what it takes to be successful in track and field competition. He instilled some of those same principles into his Northwest Flyers athletes.

“We “encourage our athletes to recognize their assets and liabilities and manage them all appropriately. And you know them when you see them and know what to do. Do them humbly, with courtesy and respect for others, because you have to do them,” he said. “The sooner you start learning how to manage them, the better. Because later in life, when it takes a much larger effort, you’ll do better at it.”

Newhouse’s coaching goes beyond just telling athletes what to do. It is also about teaching them what not to do. He wanted to prepare athletes in his club to avoid making the same mistakes he did on his come-up, mainly how to avoid distractions.

“The main problem I see as an athlete’s biggest battle is all the distractions vying for their attention during that process. They have to be ready to manage additional things on top of their competition,” he” said. “The most difficult part is staying focused on the why. Why are you doing this? Because you’ve got so many distracting things around you.”

Measuring His Successes

Not every athlete will make it to the Olympic Trials. However, Newhouse says that even the athletes from his club who don’t have Olympic careers are successful in other areas of life, such as graduating from college or starting a business. That was his vision when he started the club, which remains a success today.

“We’ve got something extraordinary going on, and we’re going to continue because we know we’re making a difference in people’s lives. We know we are,” he added.

“We’re not bragging about it. We’re happily doing it. Right. And while it started as a selfish thing with our children, it also made a difference in their lives. Because they developed friendships, relationships that have lasted for 40 years.”

The post Fred Newhouse: Instilling the Olympian Champion Spirit into Future Generations appeared first on Black Health Matters.

What is Pickleball?

Pickleball is a sport where two or four players use a paddle to hit a plastic ball over a 34-inch-high net. The ball remains in play until one side cannot return it or commits a rule infraction.

The sport began to see an uptick in popularity in 2021. Not too long after the height of the COVID-19 Pandemic. Major League Pickleball (MLP) advertises itself as “the standard-bearer for the fastest-growing sport in the United States.” The league consists of 24 teams — 12 in its “Premier Level” and 12 others in its “Challenger Level.” It is similar can to England’s soccer system within the Premier League.

What is the Difference Between Pickleball, Badminton, and Tennis?

Although the sport combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong and features a paddle and a ball, it is not the same.

Pickleball differs from tennis and badminton in several ways. For starters, the court on which it is played is smaller than in the other two sports. The net is also lower than in tennis, which makes a big difference in gameplay.

In addition, pickleball uses a different type of ball and paddle. Regarding gameplay, Pickleball is generally slower-paced than tennis and requires less running. The game also emphasizes accuracy and strategy compared to tennis, which values power and speed.

What Level of Skill Do I Need to Play Pickleball?

One of the best things about pickleball is that you don’t have to be astronomically physically gifted to play the sport. It is a sport that people of all ages and abilities can play. Pickleball utilizes smaller courts and has a reduced pace compared to tennis. Because of this, the sport is easier for beginners to take on. Once novices reach an advanced level, they can level up with more complex strategies and techniques.

Do I Need to be at a Certain Level of Fitness to Play Pickleball?

You do not need to be at a peak fitness level to play Pickleball. If you work out at the gym often, you are in good enough shape to play the sport. Pickleball is a low-impact sport. It is much less strenuous on your joints and muscles than higher-impact activities like running. It also provides a full-body workout that can help improve your cardiovascular health, strength, and endurance.

What Equipment Do I Need to Play Pickleball?

Another benefit to playing pickleball is that you don’t need extensive equipment to get started—a complete contrast from other sports such as hockey and football. The gist of what is needed is a court, net, paddle, and ball.

Even better is that the equipment is pretty reasonably priced. Most paddles are about $50 on the cheap end. However, you can pay up to $250.00 for a higher-quality paddle. And you can get a pack of balls for around $30.00 or less.

Franklin Activator Wooden Pickleball Paddle Set $34.99 Dick Sporting Goods

Pickleball nets tend to be on the more expensive side. A good quality net starts at around $300. But it is much more feasible for you to find a court to play on. Websites such as the USA Pickleball website allow you to look up multiple locations to play based on your geographical location.

Now that you know everything you need about the sport, the only thing left to do is start!

The post Yes, Black Folks Play Pickleball! Here’s Why It’s a Great Workout appeared first on Black Health Matters.

The National Institute of Health (NIH) notes that even if the organs that remove waste and extra fluid from our bodies stop functioning for a short time, it can result in life-threatening complications. But when 85-90% of the kidney function is gone, it is categorized as kidney failure.

After being diagnosed, Alana’s priorities shifted. “I had to make a lot of changes,” she said. “A lot of doctor appointments, going to a specialist, going to see a nephrologist. I also had to go on a no-sodium diet.”

Alana also needed a transplant. Thankfully, her brother was a match and became her donor. “There were signs of rejection after the first transplant. Doctors thought there was an infection, so they cut the initial incision and put antibiotics on the infected area. It took about a full month before I felt like my regular self again,” she says.

The Second Time Around

But the kidney she received from her brother began to fail after ten years. She needed another transplant. Although Alana had a second donor lined up, it didn’t work out. While she awaited another donor, Alana was on dialysis.

Reggie, her husband, remembers feeling helpless as he watched the toll it took on her. “I could not help my wife physically. I helped around the house because she was very fatigued and had lost weight rapidly. I tried to support her overall, around the house, and keep her spirits up.”

But Reggie wanted to do more. He was tested and found out he was a match for his wife. However, he was initially rejected because he was overweight. So, Reggie had to make significant changes in his life—notably his diet. “I had to lose weight to qualify as a donor. I gave up the pizza, burgers, and junk food,” he said. “Looking at the end goal was enough motivation. I lost 18 pounds. And for the most part, have kept off the weight.”

After Reggie lost the weight, doctors deemed him a fit donor for Alana. But he was undergoing a major procedure, so he didn’t take it lightly. Luckily, Reggie had a resource to turn to: his brother-in-law, who shared his experience with the transplant process. “Having someone to talk to during the process made things much easier,” he said. Reggie believes getting that insight helped make the process more seamless.

The Transplant Recovery

Alana says that the transplant recovery process was challenging. She was tender and sore for about two weeks after her procedure. “My recovery was painful, but previous complications were a factor,” she explains.

But even though the recovery process may have been challenging, Reggie says that seeing Alana resume a normal life makes it all worth it. “My expectations were exceeded once we both healed,” Reggie said. “My wife got her energy back, and her quality of life improved tremendously. She regained her freedom. She always had a zest for life.”

Why We Should Consider Becoming Living Donors

“Donating a kidney is an honor. Just having the ability to make someone’s life better,” Reggie said. “My life was not affected at all. It has been almost seven years, and I have had no health issues or mental regrets. I encourage people to donate because you can change someone’s life.”

Alana agrees. “What’s better than saving someone else’s life and giving them hope? Some people feel hopeless, and you can change that. That is especially important in the African-American community, which has the highest percentage of kidney disease.”

Preparing To Donate or Receive a Kidney

Finding a compatible donor can be a complex process, compounded by several factors ranging from insurance, communication issues with HCPs, and cultural and societal barriers. Black patients on the kidney transplant list used to wait three to five years. However, recent changes in policies on transplant equity have altered the median time for a kidney transplant in our community to 1.7 years.

Alana suggests that potential donors and recipients conduct their due diligence. “Educate yourself, find resources in your neighborhood, and understand what it takes to get to the transplant table and what life will be like afterward,” she explains. “And for recipients: make sure you are transplant-ready when the time comes and be fully prepared to receive and take care of your kidney.”

Alana says she understands the feeling of hopelessness many waiting for a transplant may feel. But the key to survival is finding something to hang onto. “In the blink of an eye, your life can change,” she said. “When you lose hope, your body can pick up on that. When you give up hope, your body can receive that message, so stay positive.”

Resources That Can Help

The Kidney Transplant Connectors program is a Sanofi-sponsored patient educational event that brings kidney donors and transplant recipients together to share their personal experiences and facts about transplants to inspire potential donors and recipients. Another great resource is the Kidney Learning Center.

Sanofi is a proud supporter of National Kidney Month and is raising awareness and empowering patients with kidney disease.

The post When Kidney Transplants Become a Family Affair appeared first on Black Health Matters.

Many Black men don’t think being obese is a big deal. For them, it is not a fatal health condition like cancer or heart disease. But that is not true. Dr. Chika Anekwe, an obesity medicine physician at Massachusetts General Hospital, says research has found 195 diseases influenced by excess weight. While Black women have a higher obesity rate at nearly 55%, more than one-third of Black men, 36.9%, are also challenged by obesity.

 Browner’s experience was a wake-up call. His condition was so severe the hospital would not release him for another three months.

During that time, he was forced to change his diet. “It was hospital food, so no salt, protein and vegetables, sugar-free applesauce. When I was first admitted to the hospital, I couldn’t wait to get out and eat some real food. But after spending so much time in that hospital bed, I’ll do whatever I can to never go back.”

Browner admits he doesn’t always adhere to his diet but has made profound lifestyle changes that have stuck.” I eat a lot more fruit and vegetables, go to the gym three times a week, and drink a lot more water. I never want to go through that again.”

Taking a Proactive Approach

While Browner’s health scare forced some changes, other Black men have seen the warning signs and decided to be proactive. Robert Thompson, 47, was motivated to make a change when, during his annual checkup, he noticed the scale was getting too close to 300 pounds. “While I cut off soda and sweets, the main factor was exercise. I started by going on long walks, which turned into working out with weights and runs. Just moving around more helped out a lot with my weight. I ended up going down to 220 pounds,” Thompson said.

“It’s the little changes that can help and you will see that they start to add up. What you eat matters too. You don’t have to cut out anything but you do have to consume less of it and add more beneficial calories,” Thompson explained.

The Impact of Pandemic Pounds

COVID-19 caused an uptick in obesity, especially in the black community. Rafael Mendez, 52, saw a rapid weight gain in just a few short months in 2020. “I work in an office, so  I wasn’t physically active every day before the shut-down,” he said. “But being in the house and having 24-hour access to my kitchen did a number on me. It started with just light snacking during the day, and before I knew it, I ate a bowl of cereal every hour during the workday.” In three months, he gained 15 pounds.

Since Mendez couldn’t get to a gym, he needed to get innovative about exercise. “I started out taking walks on my lunch break, and eventually, I was able to turn walking into jogging. Then, I researched exercises I could do in my home or backyard. I also had to break the habit of eating all day. I found healthier snacks like rice cakes and pita chips. It took me a little while, but I was able to lose the weight I gained.”

Beware of Belly Fat

Brothers must also be aware of the dangers of excess fat around the abdominal area. We often consider it excess padding, limited to subcutaneous fat just below the skin. However, the fat that lies deeper in the abdomen can be more problematic. Visceral fat can surround their internal organs. The Mayo Clinic says it can contribute to the following conditions:

• High blood pressure.
• An unhealthy amount of fat in the blood.
• Sleep apnea.
• Heart disease.
• High blood sugar and diabetes.
• Certain cancers.
• Stroke.
• Fatty liver.

Making a Mindset Shift

So, how can we get our men to take obesity seriously? Florida A&M Nutrition professor Dr. Jenelle Robinson believes we must first change our thinking about eating healthier foods. “You need to get away from the word, ‘I’m on a diet’ and say, ‘this is my dietary lifestyle,'” said Robinson.  “My dietary lifestyle is x, y, or z, and I live that way.”

Six Steps That Help Lead to a Healthier Lifestyle

Consult with your HCP About the Risks.

Not only should you consult with your physician, but you should consult with them about an action plan that is tailored to you specifically. A Journal of General Internal Medicine study found that some African Americans reported that it was only after they developed a condition such as diabetes or heart disease and their physician discussed the connection to their weight that they finally understood what their health risks were.

Talk With Your Village or Circle

Like many issues with black men, our obesity/ health is often an issue that we keep to ourselves. But people in our communities often deal with the same things as us. Having an open forum with each other can be mutually beneficial. What questions are you asking your doctor? What are some methods people around you are using to manage their weight?

Hire a Dietician or Nutritionist

Being healthy is not a one-size-fits-all type of deal. Everything needs to be personalized to your needs. One person may need to eat more fruits and vegetables, while another may need to incorporate more protein into their diet. Having a nutritionist tailor a diet that is right for you can help you reach your goals more quickly.

Work With a Personal Trainer

When it comes to weight loss, a healthy diet and exercise regimen go hand in hand. And just like dieting, exercise is not one size fits all. For example, if you have problems with your feet, running on the treadmill might not be ideal. Or if you have issues with your back, you may want to ease off doing heavy weightlifting. That’s why hiring a personal trainer is a great idea. Not only can they give you a personalized exercise regimen to help you reach your goals, but they can also give you tips on what foods you should be consuming for your body type and your nutritionist.

Team Up With An Accountability Partner

Goals are always more challenging to reach alone. So consider linking up with an accountability partner or perhaps a group of accountability partners. The journey to a healthier lifestyle had as much to do with your mental and physical health. Having an accountability partner gives you an outlet to express yourself. Share the challenges you are going through that have worked well and not so well. Sharing these things can help everyone reach their goals faster.

Set Realistic Goals

You didn’t gain the weight overnight, so you should not expect to lose the weight overnight. There is no microwave solution for weight loss, and if there is one out there, chances are it will not be sustainable over a long period. By setting unrealistic goals, you risk getting discouraged when you don’t reach them. Set attainable goals and crush them. Rome was not built in a day. Slow and steady wins the race. So pace yourself. You’ve got this!

Supported by an educational grant from Novo Nordisk Inc. 

The post Black Men & Obesity: It’s Time Our Brothers Take Their Weight Seriously appeared first on Black Health Matters.

What is a Long Cold / Long Flu?

A common cold usually lasts seven to ten days. But a recent study by Queen Mary University of London found that long cold/flu can last up to four weeks. And though long colds and COVID are completely separate entities, both illnesses can severely impact a person’s quality of life. Long colds are defined as experiencing long-term symptoms after an acute respiratory infection that tests negative for COVID-19, such as a common cold, ear infection, or pharyngitis (sore throat).

As for Long COVID, The World Health Organization (WHO) defines it as “the continuation or development of new symptoms three months after the initial SARS-CoV-2 infection, with these symptoms lasting for at least two months with no other explanation.

Long Cold / Flu Symptoms versus COVID Symptoms

We might think the symptoms may be similar or even identical because long cold/ flu and long COVID are both infections that attack the respiratory system. But that is not the case. The symptoms of the two viruses are vastly different.

Long Cold Symptoms

These symptoms can happen up to four weeks after contracting an acute respiratory infection.

• Diarrhea
• Stomach Pain
• Coughing

Long COVID Symptoms

• Difficulty thinking or concentrating (sometimes referred to as “brain fog”)
• Headache
• Sleep problems
• Dizziness when you stand up (lightheadedness)
• Pins-and-needles feelings
• Change in smell or taste
• Depression or anxiety

But a study from the NIH reports that Black patients are also more likely to have the following Long COVID symptoms up to six months after a mild or moderate case of the virus:

• Chest pain
• Joint pain
• Anemia
• Blood clots in the lungs

If you suspect that you have Long COVID, getting an accurate diagnosis can be difficult. Be persistent until you receive proper care.

More About the Research

The severity of a person’s symptoms of a long cold or flu is directly tied to the severity of the previously contracted acute respiratory illness.

The study by Queen Mary University also researched the different impacts of long COVID versus other acute respiratory infections. The study included 10,171 participants. One thousand three hundred eleven had SARS-CoV-2 infection, and 472 had non-COVID-19 acute respiratory infections (ARI). The findings concluded that participants with SARS-CoV-2 infection had increased odds of problems with taste/smell and lightheadedness or dizziness compared to non-COVID-19 ARIs. In the most severe groups (representing 22% of participants for both SARS-CoV-2 and non-COVID-19 ARI), SARS-CoV-2 infection proved to have a higher probability of problems with taste and smell, hair loss, unusual sweating, unusual racing of the heart, and more memory problems than non-COVID-19 ARI. SARS-CoV-2 and non-COVID-19 ARIs are associated with a wide range of symptoms more than 4 weeks after the acute infection. And both infections can affect a person’s quality of life. The severity of a person’s symptoms of a long cold or flu is directly tied to the severity of the previously contracted acute respiratory illness.

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