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September is Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) Awareness Month: Active with AFib, Real AFib Stories from Everyday Champions

(NewsUSA) – By 2030, an estimated 12.1 million Americans will experience a common heart condition called atrial fibrillation (AFib), sometimes felt as an irregular or fluttering heartbeat. (CDC) Even the most active individuals from bodybuilders to Olympians and nationally-ranked athletes can experience AFib. AFib can worsen if not promptly treated, but working with your physician […]
The post September is Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) Awareness Month: Active with AFib, Real AFib Stories from Everyday Champions first appeared on BlackPressUSA.

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(NewsUSA) – By 2030, an estimated 12.1 million Americans will experience a common heart condition called atrial fibrillation (AFib), sometimes felt as an irregular or fluttering heartbeat. (CDC) Even the most active individuals from bodybuilders to Olympians and nationally-ranked athletes can experience AFib. AFib can worsen if not promptly treated, but working with your physician to correctly diagnose and treat it can help you get back to active living.

Candice golf

For Candice Donahoe, a former NCAA Division I tennis player, avid golfer, and runner, her critical AFib warning sign was when she collapsed during a half-marathon and was initially diagnosed with dehydration. After being evaluated by her electrophysiologist – a doctor who specializes in the heart’s electrical system – she was diagnosed with AFib and atrial flutter and treated with cardiac ablation, a procedure using heat or cold to create tiny scars in the heart to restore a regular heartbeat. To monitor her heart continuously, Candice’s doctor recommended the Medtronic Reveal LINQ™ Insertable Cardiac Monitor (ICM), a small heart monitor placed under the skin on the chest to better understand her AFib episodes and what could be triggering them. From there, her care team was able to pinpoint that she was experiencing AFib during physical activity in the heat. Candice has now found new ways to exercise while managing her AFib.

Tim

After overcoming many addictions and turning his life around, Tim Berry, a competitive bodybuilder suffered a heart attack and later was diagnosed with AFib. His heart rate would spike tremendously during exercise, and he noticed a physical strain and mental strain that made day-to-day life very challenging. After his AFib diagnosis, his doctors identified him as a good candidate for a minimally invasive procedure with the Arctic Front™ Cryoballoon, instead of having to take daily medication. A week after the procedure, he was back in the gym and noticed an improvement. For Tim, treating AFib early with cardiac ablation led to the best possible outcome.

“It’s important to recognize that AFib doesn’t have a standard manifestation and can present completely differently based on the individual. If you or someone close to you suspects they might have AFib, it’s important to talk to your doctor to ensure a better understanding of your symptoms and provide guidance to move forward towards diagnosis and treatment,” said Dr. Khaldoun Tarakji, vice president and chief medical officer of the Cardiac Ablation Solutions operating unit at Medtronic.

Navigating AFib Early 

Detecting & Diagnosing

While AFib can look different from person to person, common symptoms include: 

  • Heart sensations, sometimes called palpitations, which may include irregular, thumping, or pounding heartbeats
  • A feeling that the heart is racing
  • Chest discomfort or pain
  • Fainting or lightheadedness
  • Fatigue, shortness of breath, or weakness

Detecting AFib can be challenging. The following tests and devices can help determine if you have AFib and give insights into your condition:

  • Electrocardiogram (ECG)
  • Stress test
  • Longer-term monitoring devices such as the LINQ™ family of insertable cardiac monitors

Targeted Treatment

Once diagnosed with AFib, treatment options include: 

  • Medication, known as antiarrhythmic drugs, is one form of treatment to prevent and treat irregular heart rhythms.
  • Minimally invasive ablation procedure is another form of treatment, including a Medtronic FDA-approved option known as a Cryoablation.

To learn more about atrial fibrillation and find a specialist near you, visit: Medtronic.com/AFmonth

Always talk to your doctor about risks, diagnosis, and treatment information.

Possible risks associated with the implant of the LINQ™ Family ICMs include, but are not limited to, infection at the surgical site, device migration, erosion of the device through the skin and/or sensitivity to the device material. For important safety information, see: https://www.medtronic.com/us-en/patients/treatments-therapies/insertable-heart-monitors/getting-monitor/important-safety-information.html.

Risks associated with the Artic Front™ Cryoballoon may include bleeding and bruising where the catheter was inserted, cough, shortness of breath, infection, temporary or permanent stroke, severe complications leading to hospitalization or potentially death.

The post September is Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) Awareness Month: Active with AFib, Real AFib Stories from Everyday Champions appeared first on Chicago Defender.

The post September is Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) Awareness Month: Active with AFib, Real AFib Stories from Everyday Champions first appeared on BlackPressUSA.

Chicago Defender Staff

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OP-ED: The Illusion of Allyship. White Women, Your Yard Signs Mean Nothing to Me

NNPA NEWSWIRE – “The blue bracelets are something White women are wearing so others can see that they didn’t vote for Trump,” says Liberal Lisa from Oklahoma on X. Chile, bye. These bracelets are hollow symbols, empty gestures that mean nothing to me. An accessory to claim distance from Trump’s legacy is superficial comfort, while the choice to not stand with us in the voting booth is far more profound.

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Political yard signs can symbolize intentions and allegiance. But this year, they’ve also symbolized betrayal. During this general election, Black women were led to believe that more White women would stand with us. Exit polls, however, told a different story. Despite overwhelming displays of support, more White women still chose to vote for the convicted felon, reality TV star, and rapist. White women answered the call but left us hanging at the polls.

A Familiar Disappointment

I live in DeKalb County, Georgia, and the abundance of Harris-Walz yard signs could’ve fooled me. But I’ve seen this before, back when Stacey Abrams ran for governor. White women showed up, put up signs, attended rallies, knocked on doors, and phone-banked. Yet, when it came time to vote, they let us down—not once but twice. I’ve been here for over 15 years, and if there’s one thing I know, it’s that political signs are symbols without weight.

In every election, I’ve talked with White women. Most aren’t the primary earners in their families and vote along party lines, aligning with the preferences of their fathers and husbands. These conversations reveal a reluctance to break from tradition, even when their votes affect women and certainly when their votes impact the lives of people who look like me.

The Illusion of Solidarity—Symbols Are Not Enough

On social media, I’m seeing White women posting pictures of blue bracelets to “prove” they didn’t vote for Trump. “The blue bracelets are something White women are wearing so others can see that they didn’t vote for Trump,” says Liberal Lisa from Oklahoma on X. Chile, bye. These bracelets are hollow symbols, empty gestures that mean nothing to me. An accessory to claim distance from Trump’s legacy is superficial comfort, while the choice to not stand with us in the voting booth is far more profound.

I’ve seen Black Lives Matter signs and black squares posted on Instagram to “prove” support for Black people, but we now know that was a lie, too. Will those same people who claimed Black lives mattered now take down their Harris-Walz signs and show their true selves?

Navigating these truths is a daily struggle for me—professionally and socially. White women often misuse their privilege, supporting us only when it’s convenient. Seeing overqualified Black women sabotaged or abandoned by White women at critical moments is a constant emotional challenge. It’s exhausting to live with this reality, especially when solidarity seems like something they pick up and discard at will.

One clever campaign ad from Harris-Walz that spoke directly to White women. “Your Vote, Your Choice” emphasized that their vote was private—independent of their household situation. Another was from Olivia Howell Dreizen, the “Vote Without Fear” campaign, which empowered women to consider the greater impact of their choices. But it seems many still couldn’t choose the roadmap to freedom—even when it was handed to them.

A Call for Action Beyond Words

White women, I want to believe you care, but actions speak louder than yard signs, bracelets, or Instagram posts. Show up in our communities, advocate in your workplaces, and stand up to dismantle the structures that uphold white supremacy. Only through real action will we know where you stand.

If you choose not to act, we see you—and we know exactly where you stand. Good luck these next four years.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of BlackPressUSA.com or the National Newspaper Publishers Association.

 

 

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Supernova Parenting Conference Empowers Over 100 Parents with Resources for Neurodivergence and Mental Health

The inaugural Supernova Parenting Conference was co-hosted by Natasha Nelson, known as Supernova Momma, and Yolanda Walker, founder of Parenting Decolonized. It brought together over 100 parents, caregivers, and educators dedicated to fostering understanding and support for neurodivergent children and mental health challenges. The conference provided invaluable resources, expert insights, and a collaborative space for […]

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The inaugural Supernova Parenting Conference was co-hosted by Natasha Nelson, known as Supernova Momma, and Yolanda Walker, founder of Parenting Decolonized. It brought together over 100 parents, caregivers, and educators dedicated to fostering understanding and support for neurodivergent children and mental health challenges. The conference provided invaluable resources, expert insights, and a collaborative space for connection, marking a significant step toward creating a more inclusive parenting community.

The event featured a variety of workshops, panel discussions, and keynote speeches from leading experts in neurodiversity and mental health. Attendees left with practical tools and strategies to enhance their parenting journeys, emphasizing the importance of understanding and supporting the unique needs of neurodivergent children.

“While the conference was a tremendous success, we believe that our work doesn’t end here,” said Natasha Nelson. “It’s crucial to continue providing ongoing support and resources for parents as they navigate this important journey. We want to ensure families can access the tools they need long after the conference.”

To extend the momentum generated at the conference, Natasha and Yolanda are excited to announce the launch of the Supernova Parenting Community. This membership-based initiative aims to offer a safe and supportive environment for parents and caregivers to continue their growth as conscious parents.

Membership is available for as little as $5 a month via Patreon, making it accessible for all families seeking support.

“We know that parenting can be a challenging journey, especially when navigating neurodivergence and mental health issues,” Yolanda Walker added. “Our goal is to build a community where parents feel seen, heard, and supported. We hope you’ll join us in this vital work.”

For more information about the Supernova Parenting Community and to sign up for membership, please visit supernovaparenting.org

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Election Night on The Yard at Howard University

Election Night on The Yard at Howard University

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