(ARA)—One in two Americans is living with a chronic disease. Chronic diseases are persistent and recurring, and are typically either hereditary or the result of factors such as poor diet, obesity or lack of exercise.

Dr. Ian Smith, creator and founder of “The 50 Million Pound Challenge” and “The Makeover Mile” is a health and nutrition expert who is constantly encouraging Americans to be proactive when it comes to their health. “Unfortunately, many Americans postpone or even skip key health screenings due to fear, lack of awareness, or cost concerns,” says Smith. “However, it's important to know your risk so you can make the appropriate lifestyle modifications to change—or reverse—the course of chronic disease.”

DR. IAN SMITH

by Floyd J. Malveaux
For New Pittsburgh Courier

(NNPA)—More than 10 million children are sitting on the sidelines of kid-hood. Many have low expectations for everyday life. Their parents and caregivers—especially those in urban areas—watch as their children miss out on playing outside, struggle to get a good night sleep and fall behind at school. For these families, everyday routines are interrupted by doctor’s visits and trips to the E.R.

What is the culprit that slips into the lives of these families, that strips away the very makings of childhood, and leaves behind fear and anxiety in its wake?

WASHINGTON (AP)—There’s a new U.S. symbol for healthful eating: The Agriculture Department unveiled “My Plate” on June 2, abandoning the food pyramid that had guided many Americans but merely confused others.

The new guide is divided into four slightly different-sized quadrants, with fruits and vegetables taking up half the space and grains and protein making up the other half. The vegetables and grains portions are the largest of the four.

‘MY PLATE’ INTRODUCED—First lady Michelle Obama greets Surgeon General Regina Benjamin at the Agriculture Department in Washington, June 2, during an event to introduce the department’s “My Plate”—a simple circle divided into quadrants that contain fruits, vegetables, protein and grains—which will replace USDA’s food pyramid, which has been around in various forms since 1992. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)

Gone are the old pyramid’s references to sugars, fats or oils. What was once a category called “meat and beans” is now simply “proteins,” making way for seafood and vegetarian options like tofu. Next to the plate is a blue circle for dairy, which could be a glass of milk or a food such as cheese or yogurt.

by Dr. Kevin Fenton

Of all races, African-Americans have the highest rates of HIV infection in the nation. Blacks make up just 14 percent of the U.S. population, yet account for almost half of those living and dying with HIV and AIDS in this country.

Within the Black community, the face of HIV is young and old, male and female, straight and gay. It is Black women in their 30s and 40s for whom AIDS is now the third leading cause of death. It is the Black youth of our country, many of whom will become infected before their 30th birthday. It is Black gay and bisexual men, who continue to be especially hard hit by HIV, accounting for more than 40 percent of new infections among African-Americans overall.

BLOOD DRIVE—Clayton Academy Blood Drive was hosted by the Central Blood Bank to educate students and the community on the importance of donating blood to saving lives. Clayton Academy school nurse Jazmine Garrett talks to Shay Hale, an education specialist. (Photo by Gail Manker)