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Toledo
Chapter of Jack and Jill Hosts Free Women’s Health Seminar:
Strengthening Your Mind, Body and Spirit
Special to The Truth
Women’s health was the focus of a special event held on
March 7 at the UAW Local 14 Hall, 5411 Jackman Road. Two
Toledo physicians and a spiritual leader shared vital
information on how women can take a holistic approach to
their health at the “Strengthening Your Mind, Body and
Spirit” symposium sponsored by the Toledo Chapter of Jack
and Jill of America.
This free event featured three dynamic
speakers. Dr. Kettlie Daniels,
a Board Certified psychiatrist and a fellow of the
American Board of Psychiatry and
Neurology talked about why women are more likely to
develop depression and the kinds of treatments that are
available. Dr. Tanya Baldwin, M.D., a board certified family
practice physician focused her remarks on heart disease and
diabetes. And Marjorie Holt, Ph.D., pastor and motivational
speaker, delivered a powerful message about the importance
of spiritual well being.
“Women often take care of everyone else, their children,
their spouses and other family members but they often forget
to take care of themselves,” said Toledo Chapter President
Asha Barnes.” We felt it was important to provide an
environment where we could have a candid conversation about
the importance of taking care of ourselves.”
Each
speaker spent about 20 minutes sharing information and
taking questions from the audience. During her presentation
Dr. Daniels, who maintains a private practice in psychiatry
in Toledo, said that people often mistake sadness, grief or
even boredom for depression. People who are truly depressed
are not functional for a several weeks, she said.
Depression is a common disorder and the symptoms include
trouble sleeping, lack of interest in everything, not having
any energy, not being able to concentrate an increase or
decrease in appetite and suicidal thoughts.
Holt, the founder and pastor of
Bethesda Christian
Center, uplifted the occasion with a powerful message saying
the mind, body and spirit are all interconnected because
your whole self belongs to God. “Negative spirits can be as
powerful and impactful as positive spirits,” she said. “We
must ask ourselves, do I have the spirit of God inside of
me, to enable me to do my best.”
Dr. Baldwin, whose medical
practice serves mostly under and uninsured patients in East
Toledo, focused her remarks on two conditions that are
epidemics in this country and disproportionately affect
African Americans - heart disease and diabetes. Baldwin
expressed concern that diabetes has become a generational
curse with younger and younger children developing the
disease.
“It doesn’t happen overnight,
it’s a continuum,” she said. The disease takes hold over the
years because of poor eating habits, lack of exercise and a
predisposition because of family history. “The key is
catching it before it gets out of control,” she said.
The Toledo Chapter, of Jack and Jill has rendered 58 years
of service to the community. Jack and Jill of America, Inc.
is a family organization that provides cultural, social,
civic and recreational activities that stimulate and expand
the mind to enhance life.
With a membership base of over 9,500 families, it is the
oldest and largest African American family organization in
the United States. |
