BLOG: Examining CLASP’s Health and Wellness in Diverse Communities event
As part of Black History Month, one of the events that took place on campus was CLASP’s “Health and Wellness in Diverse Communities.” The event sought to discuss the title topic with perspectives from areas in nursing, exercise science and mental health.
The discussion was certainly informative, providing very insightful information about health and its connection to community.
The discussion opened up with the topic of heart attacks and how they affect individuals differently based on gender. Karen Alexander, program director and assistant professor of nursing, revealed the startling fact that while more men have heart attacks, more women die from them.
Alexander said many women will tell family or friends that they are feeling fatigued and then go to the hospital, only to be told they simply have indigestion. Sadly, the women then die later that night, with the doctors not realizing they had a heart attack. Alexander went on to say how we should all encourage female friends to get annual checkups and never hesitate to tell if they think they are having a heart attack.
The second speaker of the event, Juliana Dean spoke on social capital, which she defined as activities a person engages in and how they perceive what they are engaged in.
Dean said that UHCL is located in one of the healthiest areas in Houston, and spoke on how where a person lives does indeed determine one’s health. Houston, she revealed, is one of the most food-insecure cities in the United States.
Admittedly the discussions made it feel like it should have just been titled “Health and Wellness and Community” because the aspect of diversity did not feel explored enough. The discussion of diversity did not come until the last third of the event, in which Counseling Services intern Kevin Isserman spoke on mental health.
Isserman said how many who identify as LGBTQ+ do not seek mental health services because of finances and social stigmas. He also said how those who are LGBTQ+, especially black and other non-white LGBTQ+ individuals, are prone to higher suicide rates compared to other demographics.
He also said exercise is three times more effective than antidepressants when it comes to coping with mental health. Isserman even said religion can help not just because of the spiritual aspect, but the community aspect because religion offers social support and can be a safe haven for those who may feel alone.
This event was overall one that was very good of the school to put on, as it addressed important and vital issues that are absolutely important to our health. It highlighted just how much community plays a role in our health and how our social life does indeed play a role in our health.
Seeing it as an opportunity to ask questions related to health, the three speakers confirmed that meditation (specifically mindfulness meditation) is very beneficial for one’s mental health. Events like this even help further fulfill the overall message of the speakers because it informed and engaged the community about health matters.
Health and community are certainly two things that share a symbiotic relationship for each other’s success. As 2020 goes on, it seems the university is off to a good start in addressing the importance of taking care of one’s health in this higher education environment and its surrounding area.
