News - Dr. Greg Hall

The Unique Vitamin Needs of African Americans over age 50

Posted on March 19, 2023 by Dr Greg Hall

Because of the increased number of diseases in African Americans over age 50, there are a number of critical vitamin and mineral deficiencies that may be contributing to the increased disease and the premature deaths that we see.

As we age, our bodies need more attention, as well as compensation for, in some cases, the many years of neglect. Data shows that the older generation, those over age 50, didn’t exercise as much as the younger generations and currently still fall short with much less activity. The older generation was also much less likely to take vitamin and mineral supplements when they were younger. This means any deficiencies we see have been present for many years.

If You Have High Blood Pressure, You Need More Vitamin D and More

Three out of four Black Americans at age 55 have high blood pressure. High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is associated with vitamin D deficiency, magnesium deficiency, and potassium shortages. Untreated high blood pressure leads to heart disease, stroke, heart attack, and kidney failure leading to dialysis. All of which are HIGHEST among African Americans.

As we age, any vitamin or mineral deficiencies we have become more critical. Because older African Americans tend to live in urban areas, they get much less sun. This effect, coupled with lactose intolerance (not tolerating milk), makes vitamin D deficiency a fact of life. A majority of Black Americans have vitamin D deficiency, and the lack of vitamin D is even more important in African Americans over 50.

GNetX Sequence Multivitamins for Over 50

Four of five Black Americans have insufficient vitamin D levels and low vitamin D is associated with:

Heart disease
Dementia
Diabetes
Breast cancer
Prostate cancer
Depression
Erection problems
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
increased infections including COVID -19 pneumonia

Vitamin D deficiency is also associated with a higher risk for depression and schizophrenia.

African Americans Need More Zinc

Zinc deficiency has been linked to poor immune function (fighting infections), including the increased rate of HIV, COVID-19, the common cold, and more. Older individuals tend to eat diets less fortified with zinc and are more likely to get an infection that results in hospitalization and/or death.

Zinc also improves the health of your skin and is critical in a number of essential bodily processes.

Up All Night Urinating?

For older African American men, zinc deficiency is linked to prostate enlargement and prostate cancer. Many of my Black male patients report getting up multiple times a night in order to urinate. This is most likely related to an enlarged prostate blocking the complete emptying of your urinary bladder. Since you cannot fully empty your bladder, and your body is continuing to make urine, you have to wake up multiple times a night in order to not to feel full. Not having enough zinc has been linked to prostate enlargement and prostate cancer. These prostate problems occur more in Black men.

But don’t go crazy because too much zinc can cause trouble too! You need just the right amount to help and not too much to hurt.

Black Men Should Avoid Calcium

Calcium is an important mineral for strong bones, but for older African American men, it could increase their risk for prostate cancer. Yes, several studies have confirmed this link between calcium and prostate cancer and Black men have the HIGHEST risk for this cancer as well as the highest death rate. Another study from the University of North Texas showed that while Blacks consume less calcium overall than Whites, those that did take added calcium (alone or in a multivitamin) had a four-times increased risk for death from prostate cancer. Does your current multivitamin have any calcium in it? Read the label.

Beware of Interactions with Your Current Medications

Older African Americans are also more likely to take prescribed medications, so being aware of interactions is very important. Anything can react and interact with your prescribed medications, so it is always important to confirm the safety of a supplement with your physician. NEVER stop your medicine in the hope that a supplement is going to be better . . . that is almost never the case. Simply inform your doctor of what you are taking (bring the bottle with you) and confirm that it is safe.

Important Points:

If you are Black and live in or near the city, you likely have vitamin D deficiency. That deficiency puts you are greater risk for a host of health problems. African Americans need 2000 IU of vitamin D daily just to maintain a normal vitamin D.
Zinc is an essential mineral and helps a number of health problems and bodily functions. Too many older African Americans don’t get enough zinc in their diet.
Calcium intake is related to increased prostate cancer, so older Black men should actively avoid calcium supplements as well as regular milk and dairy consumption.
Never stop a physician-prescribed medication and start a supplement in the hope that it will work better or is safer . . . that is usually not true. Always consult your primary care doctor before making any changes like this!! And if you don’t have a primary care doctor, please find one.

Colon Cancer in African Americans

Posted on December 27, 2022 by Dr Greg Hall

Colon Cancer in African Americans

Colon cancer has been called “the disease no one has to die from,” but African Americans continue to have the highest occurrence and the highest death rate compared to other racial/ethnic groups. Studies show that a Black man is 24 percent more likely to get colon cancer than a white man and 47% more likely to die from it.

Chadwick Boseman died from colon cancer at age 43

Colon cancer also occurs at a younger age in African Americans. The passing of Chadwick Boseman, the portrayer of the Marvel superhero Black Panther, at the age of 43 came as a surprise and shock to many, but not those in the health arena. We see young Black men and women getting diagnosed with colon cancer too often. And the stigma of having “cancer” keeps many quiet about their diagnosis.

Pele, who many say was the greatest soccer star, just passed from complications of colon cancer as well. His passing at 82, is still a great loss to his family and the world.

Reports have confirmed that Chadwick Boseman fought colon cancer for some years before his death but kept the diagnosis private for personal reasons. As a child, my grandmother had cancer yet survived into old age. As a young physician, I asked what type of cancer she had, and she looked at me with disbelief; how dare I ask such a personal question? For many in the Black community, even discussing cancer or its prevention is taboo.

Early Detection is Critical

If colon cancer is caught early, the prognosis is excellent, with over nine out of ten patients surviving five years. With many cancers, surviving five years is almost equivalent to a cure. But once it has spread to other organs and tissues, that survival rate plummets to only one out of four living five years.

African American men and women continue to be diagnosed at more advanced stages of colon cancer than other Americans. Even when adjustments are made for socioeconomic status, African Americans still have significantly lower screening.

Some of the reasons for low screening is an aversion to the methods we use to screen patients. I have had some patients look as if I insulted them by suggesting they get their stool sample tested.

“That part of my body is for OUT ONLY!”

In a study that included interviews with Black men ages 45-75 in Minnesota, Ohio, and Utah, researchers repeatedly heard concerns that colonoscopy, which involves the placement of a flexible tube inside the rectum, was associated with “gay sex” or was not masculine. “The stigma is because of the body part they’re examining,” researchers reported.

As an African American man who has had a colonoscopy, it is neither as invasive nor uncomfortable as the legend suggests. In fact, I have no memory of my colonoscopy thanks to anesthesia, and felt absolutely nothing but relief that my screening was successfully completed. I’ll die from something, but it won’t be colon cancer.

While I disagree with this dysfunctional and culturally-based viewpoint, I can also respect it as their unique perspective and find a way around it.

What about “Cologuard?”

With Cologuard, a person has a complete bowel movement into the container, seals it, and mails it in for testing. It only uses the “OUT” function of the rectum and shouldn’t offend anyone with those reservations. Researchers have looked at “multitarget stool DNA testing” (Cologuard is the trade name) performance in African Americans and found it to be “comparable to white patients.”

The Cologuard people then examine the genetic material (DNA) in the human stool and report the result back as “negative” (which of course is good in medicine . . . and don’t ask me why now), or “positive” and you will now need a full colonoscopy to find out if there is a true problem.

Colon Cancer in African Americans colonoscopy — Colonoscopy looks at your entire colon.

A colonoscopy is an outpatient procedure where a specialist looks at the entire length of the colon and rectum with a flexible scope, the width of a finger, with a light and camera at the end. They can see any pre-cancerous growths and remove them in real time. If your colonoscopy is normal, you won’t need another one for 10 years.

There are over 16 million colonoscopies done every year in the US with a very low complication rate. Colonoscopies would clearly be preferred over emergency bowel surgery which is the outcome if screening is avoided and cancer is present.

When should screening begin?

Your primary care provider should begin talking to you about colon cancer screening at age 45. If you have family members with a history of colon cancer, or an inflammatory bowel disorder like Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, it should be even earlier than age 45. People who have had radiation to the stomach or pelvic area are also at risk for colon cancer.

Many people still wonder why cancer screening is needed? Many say: “I feel fine and I will call you once I have a problem.” The answer is simple, the earlier a cancer is found, the less of a problem it causes. Small cancers usually do not cause symptoms.

Some others feel that any cancer found means a death sentence . . . and that is not true. Early and small cancers of the lung, breast, colon, and others can simply be removed. With modern medicine, early cancers are much more easily treated. Large and late-detected cancers are more likely to give you symptoms, have spread to other organs, and more often result in death.

What About My Diet?

Immigration studies strongly support a major role for environmental factors (urban living, diet, etc.) as the root cause of increased colon cancer in the United States. People migrating from regions with a low prevalence of colon cancer, like Africa, to countries with a high prevalence, like the US, acquire the higher colon cancer prevalence of their new country within twenty years or less.

African Americans have 13 times the risk of colon cancer compared to native Africans.

Our high red meat consumption (beef, pork, and lamb) coupled with an elevated animal fat diet (chicken skin, hot dogs, lunch meat, butter, gravies, sauces) drives up the risk. That combined with decreased fiber consumption makes up the majority of the difference.

Vitamin D has numerous health effects, including strengthening bone, fighting infections, lower diabetes risk, and better blood pressure control, but African Americans have much more vitamin D deficiencies. Higher levels of vitamin D are also associated with a lower risk of colon cancer.

We Need to Get Over It!

Culturally, some African Americans have a defeatist attitude regarding good health. “I’ve struggled so much in my life; if I die, I die.” But this attitude unnecessarily leads to more struggle, suffering, and premature death. Breaking the cycle of seeing more African Americans die unnecessarily due to dysfunctional thinking is ALL of our responsibility. We cannot sit back and continue to watch while other communities take full advantage of what modern medicine affords.

Yes, the Tuskegee study happened. Yes, bias and poor communication still exist in physicians today. But we as African Americans need to rise and move past these injustices. We shouldn’t avoid modern medicine; we should embrace it. If someone experiments on us, we can sue them. If a doctor acts dismissive toward us, find another doctor. It’s that simple. “Don’t throw the baby out with the bath water.”

Ignoring medical advances only preserves the health disparities we so dislike.

Cancer Screening is Key

Get screened for colon cancer, breast cancer, lung cancer, and prostate cancer as suggested by your primary care provider. Let’s leave our dysfunctional biases behind.

About the Author
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About Dr Greg Hall

Greg Hall, MD is a physician, author, speaker, inventor, professor, and public health professional, specializing in urban health and the clinical care of African Americans. Dr. Hall’s extensive research in the care of African Americans lead to the development of GNetX Sequence Multivitamins a supplement developed to support African American needs. Most recently, Dr. Hall established the National Institute for African American Health, which is a nonprofit designed to promote health-related education, support students interested in a career in medicine, and serve as an advocate for African American patients. You can keep in touch with Dr. Hall by tuning into his Better Black Health Podcast where he covers Black American health topics.

The Unique Vitamin Needs of African Americans over age 50 - March 19, 2023
Colon Cancer in African Americans - December 27, 2022
Elevated “CK” or Creatine Kinase Level? In African Americans, This May NOT be a Problem - October 28, 2022
African Americans Need to Walk More! More Daily Steps Tied to Better Overall Health - September 12, 2022
Low Potassium and African Americans - February 5, 2022
Vitamin D Deficiency is Associated with Stroke Risk in African Americans - November 27, 2021
Multivitamins May Help African Americans Avoid Alzheimer’s Dementia - November 27, 2021
Better Black Health Podcast - July 29, 2021
Continued Smoking After Cancer Raises Recurrence Risk - July 29, 2021
Do Sound Machines for Sleep Help? - May 15, 2021

Elevated “CK” or Creatine Kinase Level? In African Americans, This May NOT be a Problem

Posted on October 28, 2022 by Dr Greg Hall

Creatine kinase (CK) is a chemical/enzyme that exists in human muscle cells, heart cells, and also small amounts can be found in brain cells. Body cells can release creatine kinase (CK) into your bloodstream when they’re damaged or related to normal cell recycling. Many Black men have been told by their doctors they have a substantially “elevated CK level.” Most are perplexed by the high readings and unfortunately, many medical providers are at a loss when asked to explain the problem.

What many medical providers don’t know is African Americans tend to have significantly higher baseline CK levels. Essentially, Black Americans can have dramatically higher CK blood levels with Black men having the highest levels.

Research Confirmed: Higher CK in Blacks

A large study done at Vanderbilt University revealed consistently higher CK levels in African Americans with substantially even higher levels in Black men. Because CK is generally released from the muscle, many believed that the increased muscle mass seen in African American men explained the difference, but after further analysis, the muscle mass explanation didn’t explain the significant difference.

Normally when you see elevated creatine kinase (CK) levels in the blood, it can be associated with strenuous exercise, excessive alcohol use, some medications, toxins/poisons, and particularly after a heart attack. CK levels are frequently drawn on patients when they go to the emergency department with chest pain presumed to be heart-related. An elevated CK level in these situations can suggest heart muscle damage that can lead to a heart attack.

Some have seen the CK level be elevated in people taking statin medications. Others find that the elevated CK levels were associated with undiagnosed rheumatologic disorders (called idiopathic inflammatory myopathy).

Higher CK Normal Range in Black Men & Women

The important message is the significantly higher “normal range” for both African American men and women. The table below from research at the University of Pittsburg suggests these different parameters. Essentially, if an African American man has no muscle aches and pains and a normal physical exam, their CK level can be as high as 1200 IU/L, which is twice as high as a White man.

Higher CK in Blacks — Moghadam-Kia S, Oddis CV, Aggarwal R. Approach to asymptomatic creatine kinase elevation. Cleve Clin J Med. 2016 Jan;83(1):37-42

In all humans, the creatinine kinase (CK) levels decrease with age and this decrease is likely related to loss of muscle mass consistent with aging.

The graph below shows the dramatically different range and distribution of CK levels by race/ethnicity with Black men and women being substantially higher than all other groups.

The authors reported the following:

“The most notable factor that contributed to higher CK levels was Black race. Previous studies suggested that racial differences in CK may not be due to differences in height, weight, or body mass, but did not evaluate other body composition measures. This study evaluating BMI, waist circumference, and arm circumference, provides additional evidence that racial differences are not explained by differences in muscle mass. Higher CK levels among black individuals might instead be due to differential production or clearance of CK.”
George, Michael D. MD^a,*; McGill, Neilia-Kay MD^a; Baker, Joshua F. MD, MSCE^a,b,c. Creatine kinase in the U.S. population: Impact of demographics, comorbidities, and body composition on the normal range. Medicine: August 2016 – Volume 95 – Issue 33 – p e4344 doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000004344

High Creatine Kinase in Blacks

Essentially the authors suggest a fundamental difference in either the production of creatinine kinase or its destruction in African Americans . . . and the difference is significant!

The differences in creatinine kinase levels in African Americans have been known for over 40 years, but adjustments in the “normal range” used by laboratories have not been implemented. When these so called lab “abnormalities” are seen, medical providers begin a range of investigations as well as suggest interventions to patients that imply that something is wrong or abnormal when in reality they simply seeing a normal variant.

Appropriate knowledge of these important differences in the care of African Americans can lead to improved care and much less worry on the part of the patient and provider.

African Americans Need to Walk More! More Daily Steps Tied to Better Overall Health

Posted on September 12, 2022 by Dr Greg Hall

Regular exercise has always been associated with better health. Still, with newer smartphones, watches, and “wearables,” we can now measure more accurately how much walking and exercise we get in a day. Unfortunately, we in the Black community do not get near enough exercise or even simple walking.

A study done at Rutgers University showed that the percentage of Blacks achieving physical activity guidelines was low and continued to decrease further with age. The highest amount of exercise was seen in the youngest in our community and started to decrease steadily from age 15 to age 65 and beyond.

Single Black Men Exercise the Most

Black men of all ages exercised significantly more than Black women. The researchers attributed this difference in gender to several factors, including neighborhood safety, child-rearing responsibilities, concerns about personal appearance, and other cultural dynamics.

Black men that were “never married” exercised more than “married men.” In contrast, women who were “married/living with a partner” exercised more than “never married” and “no longer married” women. Go figure that out!

Employment is Good for Your Health

Unsurprisingly, “employed” people were more physically active across all demographics. Arising in the morning with a purpose and the activities inherent in being employed is good for your health. Walking is a big part of being employed with steps being counted associated with parking, job duties, breaks, socialization, and more while at work.

Education & Money is Good for Your Health

Also not surprising was the data that showed higher education and income are associated with more exercise and better health.

Increasing Your Daily Steps is a Great Start!

A study published this week showed that getting 9800 steps in a day was associated with a dramatically lower risk for dementia and getting as low as 3800 steps still showed a 25% reduction in risk. Most smartphones have a “steps counter” that is free and already measuring your steps (whether you know it or not). Take a look and see where you stand (or step).

Let’s Get Started!

It’s time to start benefiting from health research and incorporating more exercise in the form of walking into our daily routine. Married men need to get off of the couch and represent! Black women of all ages and social engagement need to know that their mental and physical health depends on their activity level . . . and there should be no excuses.

Low Potassium and African Americans

Posted on February 5, 2022 by Dr Greg Hall

Potassium doesn’t get enough credit as a very beneficial nutrient to good health and potassium deficiency (low potassium) has been directly related to high blood pressure, heart problems, diabetes, muscle weakness, fatigue and much more.

Multiple studies have confirmed that African Americans are much more likely to lack potassium and low potassium can be linked to higher blood pressures, diabetes and a number of other health problems that impact the Black community.

As much as high sodium (“salt”) can be a problem, low potassium can also be a problem . . . a big problem. Potassium is an essential mineral that has many functions in your body. For example, it is central to muscle contraction, it maintains healthy nerve function, and regulates water balance in your body. With all of those essential functions, it is a wonder that so many people, including African Americans are low in potassium.

Curiously, low potassium has also been linked as a diabetes risk in African Americans. A large study at John Hopkins found that African Americans with lower potassium levels had a higher risk for diabetes. The author said “”we now know lower serum potassium is an independent risk factor for diabetes and that African-Americans have, on average, lower potassium levels than whites.”

Previous studies have also found that lower potassium was directly linked to higher blood sugar levels. The higher the blood sugar, the higher the risk for diabetes . . . and high blood pressure. Yet another study found that taking a potassium supplement directly lowered the blood pressure of Black patients. Lowering your blood pressure reduces your risk of heart disease and stroke.

The CDC says that increasing your potassium intake can reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke by lowering blood pressure. Conversely, consuming too little potassium (and too much sodium) can increase your risk of heart disease and stroke.

Foods that are rich in potassium include beans, leafy green vegetables (greens, spinach, etc.), potatoes, sweet potatoes, yams, squash, beets, broccoli, and bananas.

It is important to note that salt-substitutes are generally swapping potassium for sodium so using them in moderation can also be a benefit.

Always check with your doctor before changing your potassium intake because people with kidney problems, heart problems, or take certain medications may make things worse if their body has trouble processing the increased potassium. People on dialysis or have poor kidney function, for example, have to be vigilant about not getting too much potassium (as well as protein and sodium), and are frequent prescribed a low potassium diet.

GNetX Sequence Multivitamins for African Americans were formulated to replace science-confirmed vitamin and mineral deficiencies seen in our community . . . AND has added POTASSIUM.

Vitamin D Deficiency is Associated with Stroke Risk in African Americans

Posted on November 27, 2021 by Dr Greg Hall

Recent studies have found a correlation between vitamin D deficiency and stroke risk as well as stroke severity. A study just published found that people with the highest vitamin D levels had fewer strokes and if they had a stroke, it was less severe. People with low vitamin D levels had more strokes with more severe symptoms.

As you know, we get most of our vitamin D from the sun, but urban living, colder/cloudy weather, and lactose intolerance (so we can’t drink “Vitamin D Milk”) have all resulted in wide-spread African American vitamin D deficiency.

African Americans Have Low Vitamin D Levels

Four of five African Americans have low levels of vitamin D, and we also have the highest rates of heart attack, stroke, and circulation problems. Risk factors for low vitamin D levels include older age, darker complexion, obesity, and limited sun exposure.

Studies have shown that hemorrhagic stroke patients (those strokes caused by a bleed rather than a blood clot) often suffer from low vitamin D levels. Another study suggested that putting stroke victims on vitamin D helped their recovery somewhat.

Biologically, vitamin D reduces total cholesterol and fat in blood as well as improves inflammation which helps your blood vessels stay healthy.

A Direct Effect Has Not Been Shown

To be clear, there has yet to be a study that showed taking a vitamin D supplement led to fewer strokes. These research studies are only able to find correlations and from these associations, they “suppose” that raising your vitamin D level will lead to better health. Some researchers believe that poor health leads to low vitamin D levels and that is the reason sicker people have low vitamin D.

Vitamin D levels have been positively associated with improved cardiovascular health, especially with reduction of stroke risk. Until the controversy is settled, everyone agrees that leaving a low vitamin D alone is not a reasonable option.

Vitamin D is best increased through natural means . . . sun exposure, a healthy diet, etc. Foods high in vitamin D include salmon, herring/sardines, cod liver oil, tuna, mushrooms, and fortified beverages (milk, orange juice, and cereal).

Good Vitamin D Levels Help in COVID Patients

Another study looked at COVID patients and vitamin D deficiency and found COVD illness directly related to vitamin D level. COVID-19 is greatly associated with increased stroke and heart attacks so having a normal vitamin D level was somewhat protective against severe COVID disease. Obviously the absolute best way to avoid COVID-19 is through getting an approved vaccination.

GNetX Sequence Multivitamins for African Americans have a science-based formula to best replace deficiencies in the Black community. Go to SequenceMultivitamins.com for more information on the multivitamin that is best for you.

Multivitamins May Help African Americans Avoid Alzheimer’s Dementia

Posted on November 27, 2021 by Dr Greg Hall

A new study is showing benefit from taking a multivitamin once a day in slowing the progression of dementia in older individuals. It has long been known that vitamin D deficiency is directly linked to Alzheimer’s Dementia and African Americans have the highest rate of vitamin D deficiency as well as Alzheimer’s Disease and some have called it a “silent epidemic.”

Research suggests that Alzheimer’s disease may be two to three times higher in older African Americans when compared to Whites. Studies also show that the disease progresses much more slowly in African Americans and people with it live significantly longer. These curious facts lead doctors to think that the cause for the mental decline may be different.

Alzheimer’s occurs in African Americans at a comparatively younger age and robs too many older adults of their independence, dignity, and resources. It has been linked to hypertension (high blood pressure), depression, diabetes, smoking, and some genetic factors. In fact, the risk for Alzheimer’s Disease is 44 percent higher if you have a close relative with dementia.

There are also studies that show a higher consumption of fruits and vegetables, taking cholesterol-lowering medicine, and high social engagement may help ward off dementia. A Mayo Clinic article addresses the connection between vitamin deficiency and dementia and given the widespread deficiencies we see in the Black community, there is certainly no harm in taking the right amount of vitamin D.

The article also outlines that the National Institutes of Health recommends adults age 70 and younger need 600 international units (IU) of vitamin D daily, and adults over age 70 need 800 IU daily. These recommendations are too low for African Americans who need much higher doses to achieve normal vitamin D levels.

GNetX Sequence Multivitamins for African Americans contains a much higher amount of vitamin D more closely aligned with what the Black community needs. Sequence also replaces deficiencies in vitamin C, potassium, magnesium and zinc that are widespread in the Black community. Go to SequenceMultivitamins.com or purchase the multivitamin for men over 50 at Amazon or the women over 50 on Amazon here.

Better Black Health Podcast

Posted on July 29, 2021 by Dr Greg Hall

People continue to ask me about health issues and why Black Americans’ health is inferior to every other racial or ethnic group. My podcast Better Black Health covers many of these important topics. The environmental dynamics of being Black drives up our blood pressure, increases our risk for cancer, and make us struggle with our weight and diabetes. The Better Black Health podcast is on Apple, and also on Spreaker and Spotify to allow easy access to this vital information.

This great episode interviews a Black plastic surgeon about all things related to looking your best.

Why do African Americans have a greater cancer risk with smoking . . . and why do so many smoke menthol cigarettes? There is a potential genetic reason behind this huge disparity. And stopping smoking was much harder when there was a household partner or family member who still smoked.

What is the secret sauce for health disparities? How can we finally make a difference?

Why do Blacks distrust healthcare providers (doctors, NPs, etc.) at such a high rate? How does our history with medical providers drive this dysfunctional relationship?In future episodes we will look at diabetes, obesity, STD’s, bias, and whole lot more as it relates to African American health and ways to Better Black Health. This podcast is proudly sponsored by GNetX Sequence Multivitamins.

Check out our podcast HERE

Continued Smoking After Cancer Raises Recurrence Risk

Posted on July 29, 2021 by Dr Greg Hall

African American cancer survivors should make a deliberate effort to stop smoking because cancer recurrence or return was much higher in cancer patients who continued to smoke. In this study done at Wayne State in Detroit, Black patients were more likely to continue to smoke after being diagnosed with cancer and were more likely to continue if their partner continued to smoke.

A longer smoking history and living with a smoker increased the odds of continued smoking after cancer diagnosis. Over all, lung cancer survivors were most likely to quit after diagnosis.

These findings are similar to other ethnic populations and highlight that continued smoking after a cancer diagnosis is both common and highly risky. Stopping smoking must remain a primary priority to patients diagnosed with cancer because by continuing smoking, their risk for the cancer returning and spreading is much higher.

Health care providers like doctors and nurse practitioners should emphasize the importance of both the patient and other house members (wife, husband, adult children, etc.) stopping smoking because their success rates are linked.

80 percent of African Americans smoke menthol cigarettes compared to 30 percent of White Americans. Why is that? Some believe we were targeted by marketers. Remember the Kool Jazz Festival? Menthol cigarette companies spent so much on advertising in Black magazines, they were financially dependent to remain silent on the frequency of those advertisements.

Take a listen to my podcast on menthol cigarettes and why they may be the worst type of cigarette.

And here is another episode taking about how cigarettes may be contaminated by pesticides and may be why smoking raises your risk for diabetes.

Do Sound Machines for Sleep Help?

Posted on May 15, 2021 by Dr Greg Hall

There is definitely a science to sleep and why sounds can both improve or interrupt a good night’s sleep. The internet is filled with people who report greatly improved sleep with sound producing devices, long-playing internet videos, and other media. The sound of ocean waves, constant rain, or even a partners’ breathing has been reported to promote a more restful sleep. Curiously, when sleep experts at the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine recently pulled together research in the field, they found “the quality of evidence for continuous noise improving sleep was very low.” Their disclaimer added that more research is needed in higher numbers to either fully discredit or completely support the use of “noise” as a clinically beneficial sleep aid.

What are the potential benefits?

There are components of sleep that improve or detract from its quality. By minimizing the onset, and the interruptions in sleep, it is presumed that the duration of the restorative components (REM sleep and non-REM) will improve. Deep sleep, which is the most restorative and a component of non-REM sleep, shortens with age and its reduction has been liked to poor health including obesity, diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, and more. By improving overall sleep duration by reducing interruptions and decreasing the time it takes to go to sleep, it is hoped that a better quality of life ensues.

What type of noise is best to listen to on a sound machine? White noise, pink noise, or any other types.

There is a science behind the various noises and why they may help sleep. White noise is a balanced frequency of sounds that has a higher overall pitch. Because higher pitched sounds are more easily heard by the human ear, a balance of sounds with give an overall higher pitch. Pink noise is proportionately decreased as the pitches increase in an effort to better “balance” what is actually heard. Pink noise therefore has a lower, and some say, more soothing, tone. To takes this concept even further (and more soothing), Brown noise (Brownian noise) decreased the frequency even lower than pink noise. There is no scientifically reported evidence that one noise is better than the others . . . just personal preference.

How does the experience of listening to a sound machine differ from sleeping in silence?

The difference between silence and consistent invariable noise is not as great as some would think. The issues with sleeping in silence is the potential interruptions by sound. The “noises” I have described work to potentially drown out the sound variabilities in life. True silence has no interruptions and is consistent. These various noises work to make urban (or even rural) existence less variable in sound and thus more conducive to uninterrupted sleep.