<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss version="2.0" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/" xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" xmlns:sy="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/syndication/" xmlns:slash="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/slash/" > <channel> <title>Georgia Commission on Women</title> <atom:link href="https://www.gacommissiononwomen.org/feed/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" /> <link>https://www.gacommissiononwomen.org/</link> <description></description> <lastBuildDate>Tue, 05 Jul 2022 22:52:54 +0000</lastBuildDate> <language>en-US</language> <sy:updatePeriod> hourly </sy:updatePeriod> <sy:updateFrequency> 1 </sy:updateFrequency> <generator>https://wordpress.org/?v=6.6.1</generator> <image> <url>https://www.gacommissiononwomen.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/favicon-96x96-1.png</url> <title>Georgia Commission on Women</title> <link>https://www.gacommissiononwomen.org/</link> <width>32</width> <height>32</height> </image> <item> <title>NEW!!! Chronic Fatigue Syndrome – An Invisible Illness</title> <link>https://www.gacommissiononwomen.org/chronic-fatigue-syndrome-an-invisible-illness/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[gacomwomen]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Tue, 05 Jul 2022 22:49:16 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category> <category><![CDATA[blog]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.gacommissiononwomen.org/?p=1671</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.gacommissiononwomen.org/chronic-fatigue-syndrome-an-invisible-illness/">NEW!!! Chronic Fatigue Syndrome – An Invisible Illness</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.gacommissiononwomen.org">Georgia Commission on Women</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="et-l et-l--post"> <div class="et_builder_inner_content et_pb_gutters3"> <div class="et_pb_section et_pb_section_0 et_section_regular et_section_transparent" > <div class="et_pb_row et_pb_row_0 et_pb_gutters3"> <div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_4_4 et_pb_column_0 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et-last-child"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_0 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><p class="p1">Myalgic encephalomyelitis, more commonly referred to as chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a complex long-term illness characterized by extreme tiredness that is not relieved with sleep or rest.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>It is a common condition with over 200,000 cases yearly in the United States, and it affects a disproportionate number of women, in fact, four women are affected for every one man. CFS can be diagnosed at any age, but it is predominantly in young to middle age adults. The cause of this disorder is unknown, and there is no single test to confirm a diagnosis which can be problematic for those who suffer. Symptoms can vary, but they may include: fatigue, problems with memory or concentration, sore throat, headache, enlarged lymph nodes in armpits or neck, muscle or joint pain, extreme exhaustion after physical or mental exercises, dizziness, or sleep that is not refreshing.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p> <p class="p1">CFS can look similar to other disorders. CFS, fibromyalgia, and lupus are very similar symptomatically, so it is important to rule out any other illness and get a true diagnosis.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Your doctor will check for any thyroid disorders, anemia, or even diabetes. All of these can cause fatigue. They will also check for any sleep disorders such as sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome, or insomnia. It is important to rule out any mental health disorders as well since depression and anxiety can cause problems with concentration, fatigue, and difficulty sleeping. Once other illnesses have been ruled out, diagnostic criteria for CFS is evaluated, and that is defined as fatigue that is so severe that it interferes with activities of daily living, is new in onset, is not relieved by rest, and is worsened by physical, mental, or emotional exertion. In addition, one of the following complaints must be present: (1) difficulty with memory or focus or (2) dizziness that is worse when changing position.</p> <p class="p1">The cause of CFS in unknown, but some people are diagnosed with the disorder after a viral infection. In fact, some clinical studies have shown a link between the Epstein-Barr virus and human Herpes 6 virus, but the results are not conclusive. Some patients have abnormal blood hormone levels produced by glands of the pituitary, adrenals, and hypothalamus. Other patients report a physical or emotional trauma before the onset of symptoms. These are all theoretical triggers for CFS, but further research is needed to determine the connection between these ailments and CFS. Ongoing clinical studies are trying to identify a specific cause or a potential biomarker that would predispose someone to this enigmatic disease.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p> <p class="p1">Symptomatic treatment is necessary as there is no cure for CFS. Antidepressants may be prescribed for depression and anxiety, and they sometimes help with mild pain and sleeplessness as well.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>If dizzy episodes are a problem, medicines to regulate blood pressure may be prescribed. Over the counter pain relievers are beneficial in many circumstances, but if they are not helpful, prescription medicines such as Lyrica or Gabapentin may be needed, which are used to treat nerve pain and chronic pain.</p> <p class="p1">Alternative therapies can also be helpful. Acupuncture and massage can help to relieve pain and relax muscles. Deep breathing, meditation, yoga, or tai chi can assist with relieving pain, anxiety, and depression while boosting your energy. Physical therapy can be helpful to maintain flexibility and muscle strength while increasing stamina. In addition, supplements can be valuable to boost your immunity, energy, and mental clarity. Daily vitamins and probiotics combined with a healthy plant based diet is a plus for health and immunity. Some studies have shown that NADH (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, a form of Vitamin B3), magnesium, and Omega 3 fatty acids can increase energy levels and boost mental clarity and focus. Of course, talking with a therapist is always beneficial to relieve stress and anxiety. Unfortunately, dealing with any chronic illness is a daily burden that can take a toll on mental health as well as physical health. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p> <p class="p1">It is important to determine what treatment options work best for you and your lifestyle and this may involve some trial and error. Regardless of what treatment options work best for you, it is important to maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle to remain physically healthy and emotionally positive while dealing with this challenging chronic illness.</p> <p class="p2"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p> <p class="p1">Cheryl Moates RN, MSN</p></div> </div> </div> </div><div class="et_pb_row et_pb_row_1 et_pb_gutters3"> <div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_4_4 et_pb_column_1 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et-last-child"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_1 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><p class="p1"><span class="s1"><a href="https://www.webmd.com/chronic-fatigue-syndrome/alternative-meds-chronic-fatigue">https://www.webmd.com/chronic-fatigue-syndrome/alternative-meds-chronic-fatigue</a></span></p> <p class="p1"><span class="s1"><a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/chronic-fatigue-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20360490">https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/chronic-fatigue-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20360490</a></span></p></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.gacommissiononwomen.org/chronic-fatigue-syndrome-an-invisible-illness/">NEW!!! Chronic Fatigue Syndrome – An Invisible Illness</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.gacommissiononwomen.org">Georgia Commission on Women</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>What’s the deal with at-home COVID-19 tests?</title> <link>https://www.gacommissiononwomen.org/whats-the-deal-with-at-home-covid-19-tests/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[gacomwomen]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Fri, 04 Feb 2022 20:24:08 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category> <category><![CDATA[blog]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.gacommissiononwomen.org/?p=1632</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.gacommissiononwomen.org/whats-the-deal-with-at-home-covid-19-tests/">What’s the deal with at-home COVID-19 tests?</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.gacommissiononwomen.org">Georgia Commission on Women</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="et-l et-l--post"> <div class="et_builder_inner_content et_pb_gutters3"> <div class="et_pb_section et_pb_section_1 et_section_regular et_section_transparent" > <div class="et_pb_row et_pb_row_2 et_pb_gutters3"> <div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_1_3 et_pb_column_2 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_image et_pb_image_0"> <span class="et_pb_image_wrap "><img fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" width="468" height="704" src="https://www.gacommissiononwomen.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Supriya-Mannepalli_-photo.png" alt="" title="Supriya Mannepalli_ photo" srcset="https://www.gacommissiononwomen.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Supriya-Mannepalli_-photo.png 468w, https://www.gacommissiononwomen.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Supriya-Mannepalli_-photo-199x300.png 199w" sizes="(max-width: 468px) 100vw, 468px" class="wp-image-1634" /></span> </div><div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_2 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><p class="p1" style="text-align: center;"><span class="s1" style="color: #000000;"><strong>Supriya Mannepalli, MD</strong></span></p></div> </div><div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_3 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><p class="p1" style="text-align: center;">Medical Director of Infectious Disease Medicine, Northeast Georgia Medical Center</p></div> </div><div class="et_pb_button_module_wrapper et_pb_button_0_wrapper et_pb_button_alignment_center et_pb_module "> <a class="et_pb_button et_pb_button_0 et_pb_bg_layout_dark" href="https://doctors.nghs.com/provider/Supriya+Mannepalli/1535578?unified=Mannepalli&sort=relevance%252Cnetworks&tt=d653805a-aad5-4bf9-ad06-3b80335eb448&ut=5b821293-e61a-4b4d-96a6-f8d9400ba64d&timestamp=2021-11-04T13%253A57%253A04.425Z">View Profile</a> </div> </div><div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_2_3 et_pb_column_3 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et-last-child"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_4 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><p class="p1">The advancements we’ve seen in treatments and testing for COVID-19 have been remarkable, and as healthcare workers, we are so thankful these advancements have come along. Improved access to COVID-19 testing using rapid antigen and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests, vaccines, monoclonal antibody treatments and antiviral pills for COVID-19 have all given us reason to believe there is an end to this pandemic in sight.</p> <p class="p1">When it comes to rapid COVID-19 antigen tests, though, it’s important to know how to interpret them – especially the ones for at-home use. These tests have been hard to find on shelves in stores but buying online has made it increasingly easier. And now, the United States government is offering every household in the U.S. four <a href="https://special.usps.com/testkits"><span class="s1">free, rapid, at-home COVID-19 tests</span></a> that will be mailed directly to you by the United States Postal Service.</p> <p class="p1">The bottom line is that at-home tests aren’t perfect, though. False positives – meaning the test is positive, but you don’t actually have COVID-19 infection – can occur, particularly in asymptomatic individuals. More worrisome than a false positive test, though, is a false negative – meaning the test is negative, but you do in fact have COVID-19 infection.</p> <p class="p1">It’s best and easiest understood using a couple of examples.</p> <p class="p1"><b>When to trust an at-home COVID-19 test</b></p> <p class="p2">Suppose you have signs and symptoms of COVID-19 infection during a period when there is a lot of COVID-19 virus circulating in the community, and your rapid antigen test at home is positive. In that case, it will help you know to immediately isolate yourself from other household members.</p> <p class="p2">You should immediately contact your health care provider to discuss the positive rapid antigen test results and further guidance regarding treatment and isolation.</p> <p class="p2">Your provider may still recommend a PCR test to confirm the positive rapid antigen test result and to rule out a false-positive result, especially when a low COVID-19 virus is circulating in the community.</p></div> </div> </div> </div><div class="et_pb_row et_pb_row_3 et_pb_gutters3"> <div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_4_4 et_pb_column_4 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et-last-child"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_5 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><p class="p1"><b>When to get a PCR test to back up your rapid results</b></p> <p class="p2">If you’re showing signs and symptoms of COVID-19 and you take a rapid COVID-19 antigen test at home, but your rapid antigen test result is negative, you should continue to isolate and follow up with a COVID-19 PCR test to confirm.</p> <p class="p2">PCR tests are the most reliable form of testing for COVID-19, and as discussed above, we wouldn’t want you to get a false negative or false positive. Early in COVID-19 illness, PCR tests can detect the virus particles that rapid antigen tests cannot.</p> <p class="p2">Getting tested early and diagnosing COVID-19 infection early helps start treatment earlier in those at a higher risk of severe disease. Antiviral treatment for COVID-19 should be started within five days of symptom onset. While monoclonal antibody treatment can be given within ten days of symptom onset, it is still recommended to get them within the first week of symptom onset as much as possible.</p></div> </div> </div> </div><div class="et_pb_row et_pb_row_4 et_pb_gutters3"> <div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_4_4 et_pb_column_5 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et-last-child"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_6 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><ol> <li> <p class="p1">Even with these advancements, vaccination is still our best weapon to fight COVID-19. By doing your part and getting your vaccine and booster shot, we hope you’ll be able to avoid the virus or not experience serious symptoms should you get it.</p> <p class="p2"><span class="s1">Please <a href="http://www.nghs.com/covid-19/vaccine-updates"><span class="s2">find a vaccine near you</span></a> or <a href="https://www.nghs.com/2021/09/28/covid-19-booster-shots-and-third-doses-what-you-need-to-know/"><span class="s2">learn about booster shots and third doses</span></a> or <a href="https://hipaa.jotform.com/213014962949158"><span class="s2">see if you’re eligible for either one</span></a>.</span></p> </li> </ol></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.gacommissiononwomen.org/whats-the-deal-with-at-home-covid-19-tests/">What’s the deal with at-home COVID-19 tests?</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.gacommissiononwomen.org">Georgia Commission on Women</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>Alzheimer’s Disease – A Women’s Issue</title> <link>https://www.gacommissiononwomen.org/alzheimer-disease-a-womens-issue/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[gacomwomen]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Tue, 05 Oct 2021 16:36:56 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category> <category><![CDATA[blog]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.gacommissiononwomen.org/?p=1601</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.gacommissiononwomen.org/alzheimer-disease-a-womens-issue/">Alzheimer’s Disease – A Women’s Issue</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.gacommissiononwomen.org">Georgia Commission on Women</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="et-l et-l--post"> <div class="et_builder_inner_content et_pb_gutters3"> <div class="et_pb_section et_pb_section_2 et_section_regular et_section_transparent" > <div class="et_pb_row et_pb_row_5 et_pb_gutters3"> <div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_4_4 et_pb_column_6 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et-last-child"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_7 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><p>Alzheimer’s is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States according to the Centers for Disease Control. Interestingly, it is the only cause of death in the top ten causes of death that medical doctors cannot cure, prevent, or delay progression. Nationally, six million people have Alzheimer’s and 2/3 of people over age 65 with the disease are women.</p> <p>That’s distressing news, but unfortunately, it gets worse. In Georgia, Alzheimer’s is the fifth leading cause of death, up from the national average. In the peach state, 155,000 people over 65 have Alzheimer’s, and that number is expected to increase to 190,000 by 2025. Here’s another sobering statistic, from the years 2000 to 2017, the deaths from Alzheimer’s increased 145% across the nation, but in Georgia, the deaths multiplied to 248%. That’s significant. Reasons are unclear, but Georgia does have a large number of baby boomers which would account for some of the numbers. Understandably, people with this condition need constant monitoring, and there are over 500,000 family caregivers in Georgia alone. Approximately 2/3 of those caretakers are women. Therefore, it is safe to say that Alzheimer’s is definitely a women’s issue. </p> <p>Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia, involving parts of the brain that control thought, memory, language, and the ability to carry out activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, and eating. Despite the ongoing research, scientists are still uncertain as to the causes of Alzheimer’s other than advancing age. Studies have identified certain predisposing factors such as family history, diet, education level and environment.</p> <p>Health disparities related to race and ethnicity can be found throughout the healthcare system, and Alzheimer’s is no exception. African-Americans and Hispanics have a higher incidence of Alzheimer’s and other dementias. This is in part due to the fact that Blacks and Hispanics have a higher incidence of high blood pressure and Type 2 Diabetes as compared to their white counterparts. Also, socioeconomic factors influence diet and lifestyle, which we know are key contributors to many of the health disparities related to chronic conditions.</p> <p>Why are women more at risk than men? Research is not conclusive, but scientists now know that men’s and women’s brains are different and that affects our immunity in different ways. They have also identified a protein called tau that is abundant and necessary for normal brain function, but in Alzheimer’s it begins to shorten and it becomes tangled in knots within the nerve cells of the brain which increases the inflammation in the brain.</p> <p>Dr. Dean Sherzai and Dr. Ayesha Sherzai, who make up the scientific duo Team Sherzai, are neurologists who have dedicated their careers to understanding the brain and keeping it active for a lifetime. They have performed years of research related to healthy brain function and how to prevent Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. This committed couple has developed programs and published a cookbook, The 30-Day Alzheimer’s Solution, to educate and empower others to make dietary and lifestyle changes that will lead to active and more productive lives. By eating a fresh plant based diet, developing an exercise routine, finding ways to manage stress, and allowing time for restorative sleep you will enhance your brain’s function and take healthy to the next level.</p></div> </div> </div> </div><div class="et_pb_row et_pb_row_6 et_pb_gutters3"> <div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_4_4 et_pb_column_7 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et-last-child"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_8 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><p><span style="color: #ff9900;"><strong>Team Sherzai recommends the following ten things to incorporate into your lifestyle to maintain a healthy brain for a lifetime:</strong></span></p></div> </div> </div> </div><div class="et_pb_row et_pb_row_7 et_pb_gutters3"> <div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_1_2 et_pb_column_8 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_9 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><ol> <li>Follow the MIND diet. This is a Mediterranean style diet that is a whole plant diet. Eat a variety of vegetables and fruits, but decrease the amount of meat and dairy. Preliminary studies with the MIND diet have shown a decrease risk for Alzheimer’s.</li> <li>Build cross brain connections. Meditation or grounding techniques, such as recitation or abdominal breathing, will help to redirect the brain and focus the mind on pleasant memories or sensations.</li> <li>Switch up your routine. Don’t follow the same route to work every day. Learn something new, maybe a new hobby or exercise routine.</li> <li>Take brisk walks. This decreases the inflammatory hormone, cortisol, and it encourages the growth of new blood vessels.</li> <li>Use these three exercise strategies: Thirty minutes of aerobic exercise, include some strength training for your muscles, and do this consistently for 5 days a week. Random acts of exercise don’t count.</li> </ol></div> </div> </div><div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_1_2 et_pb_column_9 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et-last-child"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_10 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><ol start="6"> <li>Replace bad stress with good stress. Seriously and with intention, look at your life and release those things that are no longer needed or not relevant to the life you want to live.</li> <li>Eat foods your brain loves. Leafy greens, blueberries, turmeric, and coffee are great starters.</li> <li>SLEEP! Lack of sleep is destructive to your brain. Aim for 7-9 hours per night.</li> <li>Establish healthy routines. Arbitrary healthy acts are not beneficial. Once your healthy routines are hard wired, they will occur naturally.</li> <li>Use SMART goals. The acronym stands for Specific, Measureable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time Sensitive</li> </ol></div> </div> </div> </div><div class="et_pb_row et_pb_row_8 et_pb_gutters3"> <div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_1_3 et_pb_column_10 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_11 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><p>Written Buy: Cheryl Moates RN, MSN</p></div> </div> </div><div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_1_3 et_pb_column_11 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_12 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><p>Content Links:</p> <p><a href=" https://teamsherzai.com/">teamsherzai.com</a><br /><a href="https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/mind-diet#TOC_TITLE_HDR_2">www.healthline.com</a><br /><a href="https://www.cdc.gov/aging/aginginfo/alzheimers.htm">www.cdc.gov</a><br /><a href="https://www.alz.org/getmedia/7a3bb724-211f-475c-ae80-edec374c1093/georgia-alzheimers-facts-figures">www.alz.org</a><br /><a href="http://www.essentialguthealth.com/">essentialguthealth.com</a></p></div> </div> </div><div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_1_3 et_pb_column_12 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et-last-child et_pb_column_empty"> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.gacommissiononwomen.org/alzheimer-disease-a-womens-issue/">Alzheimer’s Disease – A Women’s Issue</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.gacommissiononwomen.org">Georgia Commission on Women</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>Lunch and Learn</title> <link>https://www.gacommissiononwomen.org/lunch-and-learn/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[gacomwomen]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Tue, 28 Sep 2021 16:57:39 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Commissioners on the Go]]></category> <category><![CDATA[blog]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.gacommissiononwomen.org/?p=1589</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.gacommissiononwomen.org/lunch-and-learn/">Lunch and Learn</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.gacommissiononwomen.org">Georgia Commission on Women</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="et-l et-l--post"> <div class="et_builder_inner_content et_pb_gutters3"> <div class="et_pb_section et_pb_section_3 et_section_regular et_section_transparent" > <div class="et_pb_row et_pb_row_9 et_pb_gutters3"> <div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_3_5 et_pb_column_13 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_13 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><p>On August 25, 2021, the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council (CJCC) Statewide Human Trafficking Task Force Work Group 1, which is chaired by the Georgia Commission on Women, held the first in a series of Conversations With An Expert, an online program for victim services providers and anti-human trafficking advocates. The program examined the methods online predators, including traffickers, are using to entice and recruit children online. Special Agent April Griffith of the GBI discussed the various websites and apps that are being used most frequently by online predators to access children as well as the differences between enticement and recruitment and how enticement can sometimes lead to recruitment. She also presented case studies for a real-world perspective on what these cases look like and how they are being worked by law enforcement.</p> <p>The next Conversation With An Expert will be in November and will cover familial trafficking– trafficking by family members–and what that looks like in Georgia. Watch our social media accounts for more information.</p></div> </div> </div><div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_2_5 et_pb_column_14 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et-last-child"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_video et_pb_video_0"> <div class="et_pb_video_box"><iframe title="Conversations with an Expert - The Current Trends in Enticement and Recruitment of Children Online" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/OZE-gyUcO7U?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.gacommissiononwomen.org/lunch-and-learn/">Lunch and Learn</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.gacommissiononwomen.org">Georgia Commission on Women</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>Street Grace Strategic Planning Retreat</title> <link>https://www.gacommissiononwomen.org/street-grace-strategic-planning-retreat/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[gacomwomen]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Wed, 21 Jul 2021 02:53:24 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Commissioners on the Go]]></category> <category><![CDATA[blog]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.gacommissiononwomen.org/?p=1563</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.gacommissiononwomen.org/street-grace-strategic-planning-retreat/">Street Grace Strategic Planning Retreat</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.gacommissiononwomen.org">Georgia Commission on Women</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="et-l et-l--post"> <div class="et_builder_inner_content et_pb_gutters3"> <div class="et_pb_section et_pb_section_4 et_section_regular et_section_transparent" > <div class="et_pb_row et_pb_row_10 et_pb_gutters3"> <div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_3_5 et_pb_column_15 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_14 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><p><span>Commissioner Julianna McConnell, the Vice Chair of the GCW, joined Street Grace staff, board members and other SG partners in a 2 day staff and strategic planning retreat in Atlanta on July 15 – 16, 2021. Commissioner McConnell has served as the government relations consultant for SG since it was founded in 2009 and has worked throughout that time to advocate to pass stronger laws to end the sexual exploitation of Georgia’s children. </span></p> <p><span>Street Grace was founded in 2009 with the mission to eradicate the Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC) utilizing evidence-based demand reduction strategies. All of our Initiatives rest on, at least one of our four pillars – – and employ innovative technology, experienced policy and legislative experts, and strategic programs that increase awareness, educate, and enable action against this horrific threat to the well-being of our children and our community. Guided by our Survivor Advisory Board, we ensure that all of our efforts are survivor-informed and developed through the lens of “lived experience”. </span></p> <p><span>Street Grace’s purpose is to intervene before any child can be victimized by predatory practices. Over the past decade, Street Grace has expanded our presence significantly, and we actively continue to find the most effective and efficient way to eradicate the commercial sexual exploitation of our youth.</span></p> <p><span>Over the last two years Street Grace has expanded its impact by opening offices in Texas and Tennessee, while expanding its work in Georgia though many programs including the Street Grace Justice Project, Survivor Mentor Program, and direct services for child trafficking survivors. </span></p></div> </div> </div><div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_2_5 et_pb_column_16 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et-last-child"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_image et_pb_image_1"> <span class="et_pb_image_wrap "><img decoding="async" width="1920" height="2560" src="https://www.gacommissiononwomen.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/street_grace-scaled.jpeg" alt="" title="street_grace" srcset="https://www.gacommissiononwomen.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/street_grace-scaled.jpeg 1920w, https://www.gacommissiononwomen.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/street_grace-225x300.jpeg 225w, https://www.gacommissiononwomen.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/street_grace-768x1024.jpeg 768w, https://www.gacommissiononwomen.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/street_grace-1152x1536.jpeg 1152w, https://www.gacommissiononwomen.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/street_grace-1536x2048.jpeg 1536w, https://www.gacommissiononwomen.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/street_grace-1080x1440.jpeg 1080w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" class="wp-image-1564" /></span> </div><div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_15 et_pb_text_align_center et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><p>(Pictured from left to right) Jai Daggett (Executive Director of Texas SG), Julianna McConnell (Vice Chair, Georgia Commission on Women), Ryan Dunlap (Executive Director Tennessee SG), Camilla Zolfaghari (Executive Director Georgia SG)</p></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.gacommissiononwomen.org/street-grace-strategic-planning-retreat/">Street Grace Strategic Planning Retreat</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.gacommissiononwomen.org">Georgia Commission on Women</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>Kemp appoints Colvin to fill vacancy on Georgia Supreme Court</title> <link>https://www.gacommissiononwomen.org/kemp-appoints-colvin-to-fill-vacancy-on-georgia-supreme-court/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[gacomwomen]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Tue, 20 Jul 2021 22:36:32 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category> <category><![CDATA[blog]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.gacommissiononwomen.org/?p=1560</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.gacommissiononwomen.org/kemp-appoints-colvin-to-fill-vacancy-on-georgia-supreme-court/">Kemp appoints Colvin to fill vacancy on Georgia Supreme Court</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.gacommissiononwomen.org">Georgia Commission on Women</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="et-l et-l--post"> <div class="et_builder_inner_content et_pb_gutters3"> <div class="et_pb_section et_pb_section_5 et_section_regular et_section_transparent" > <div class="et_pb_row et_pb_row_11 et_pb_gutters3"> <div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_4_4 et_pb_column_17 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et-last-child"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_image et_pb_image_2"> <span class="et_pb_image_wrap "><img decoding="async" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.gacommissiononwomen.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Colvin_photo.jpeg" alt="" title="Colvin_photo" srcset="https://www.gacommissiononwomen.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Colvin_photo.jpeg 640w, https://www.gacommissiononwomen.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Colvin_photo-300x169.jpeg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px" class="wp-image-1561" /></span> </div><div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_16 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><p>Five years ago, then-Bibb County judge Verda Colvin gave an impassioned lecture in her courtroom to at-risk youth, telling them to “stop acting like trash.” The speech quickly made Colvin an internet sensation because it was captured on video and went viral. On Tuesday, Gov. Brian Kemp appointed Colvin to fill a vacancy on Georgia’s highest court. She will replace Harold Melton, who recently resigned from the state Supreme Court to enter private practice.<br /> “It is an honor to appoint such an experienced and accomplished justice to our state’s Supreme Court,” Kemp said. “With Justice Colvin on the bench, Georgia’s highest court is gaining an immensely talented and principled judge who will help guide it in the years to come.”</p> <p>Colvin, an Atlanta native, is a former state and federal prosecutor who once sat on the Superior Court bench in Macon. In March 2020, Kemp appointed her to the Georgia Court of Appeals, making her the first Black woman put on that court by a Republican governor. Colvin is also a member of the investigative panel for the state’s judicial watchdog agency.</p> <p>“The Supreme Court congratulates and welcomes Judge Colvin,” said Chief Justice David Nahmias. “Given her background and experience, including many years as a Court of Appeals and trial court judge, we are confident that she is eminently qualified to serve on the state’s highest court.”</p></div> </div><div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_17 et_pb_text_align_center et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><p>By <u>Bill Rankin</u> – The Atlanta Journal-Constitution<u>Greg Bluestein</u> – The Atlanta Journal-Constitution</p></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.gacommissiononwomen.org/kemp-appoints-colvin-to-fill-vacancy-on-georgia-supreme-court/">Kemp appoints Colvin to fill vacancy on Georgia Supreme Court</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.gacommissiononwomen.org">Georgia Commission on Women</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>The LPCA Convention and Regional Conference</title> <link>https://www.gacommissiononwomen.org/the-lpca-convention-and-regional-conference/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[gacomwomen]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Thu, 01 Jul 2021 02:51:18 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Commissioners on the Go]]></category> <category><![CDATA[blog]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.gacommissiononwomen.org/?p=1550</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.gacommissiononwomen.org/the-lpca-convention-and-regional-conference/">The LPCA Convention and Regional Conference</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.gacommissiononwomen.org">Georgia Commission on Women</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="et-l et-l--post"> <div class="et_builder_inner_content et_pb_gutters3"> <div class="et_pb_section et_pb_section_6 et_section_regular et_section_transparent" > <div class="et_pb_row et_pb_row_12 et_pb_gutters3"> <div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_4_4 et_pb_column_18 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et-last-child"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_image et_pb_image_3"> <span class="et_pb_image_wrap "><img decoding="async" width="936" height="519" src="https://www.gacommissiononwomen.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/LCPA_image-e1625107151696.png" alt="" title="LCPA_image" srcset="https://www.gacommissiononwomen.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/LCPA_image-e1625107151696.png 936w, https://www.gacommissiononwomen.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/LCPA_image-e1625107151696-300x166.png 300w, https://www.gacommissiononwomen.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/LCPA_image-e1625107151696-768x426.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 936px) 100vw, 936px" class="wp-image-1551" /></span> </div><div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_18 et_pb_text_align_center et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><p>Dr. Michelle Nelson, UAPRN State President & Georgia Commission on Women Commissioner (left) Julianna McConnell, Vice Chair, Georgia Commission on Women</p></div> </div><div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_19 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><p>The LPCA Convention and Regional Conference is the longest-running professional development and networking event for Licensed Professional Counselors, Students, and mental health professionals in Georgia. The Georgia Commission on Women was a sponsor of the 33rd LCPA Annual Convention and Regional Conference. Our very own Dr. Michelle Nelson was the keynote speaker.</p></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.gacommissiononwomen.org/the-lpca-convention-and-regional-conference/">The LPCA Convention and Regional Conference</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.gacommissiononwomen.org">Georgia Commission on Women</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>Microbiome – Your Best Friend</title> <link>https://www.gacommissiononwomen.org/microbiome-your-best-friend/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[gacomwomen]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Thu, 01 Jul 2021 02:08:58 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category> <category><![CDATA[blog]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.gacommissiononwomen.org/?p=1548</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.gacommissiononwomen.org/microbiome-your-best-friend/">Microbiome – Your Best Friend</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.gacommissiononwomen.org">Georgia Commission on Women</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="et-l et-l--post"> <div class="et_builder_inner_content et_pb_gutters3"> <p><div class="et_pb_section et_pb_section_7 et_section_regular et_section_transparent" > <div class="et_pb_row et_pb_row_13 et_pb_gutters3"> <div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_4_4 et_pb_column_19 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et-last-child"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_20 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Microbiome. It is the new catch phrase, the talk of the town. Some people refer to it as gut bugs, but that is not entirely correct because it’s not just gut bugs, it is an entire community of microscopic organisms that live on and in our body, protecting us from numerous bacteria, viruses, and diseases. There are microbes throughout our body and in all organs of our body, but the majority are all throughout the intestines, the bulk of which is in the colon or large intestine. Hence, the term gut bugs. Let us look at what this colony of flora does for us. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">First, there are numerous bacteria that live on the skin. This is our first barrier of defense against germs. Healthy intact skin protects us against a host of bacteria, viruses, and diseases. That is why it’s important to not use antibacterial skin cleansers to </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">excess</span><span style="font-weight: 400;">. You are killing good bacteria and decreasing your immunity. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Considering that most microbes live in our intestines, it is easy to guess their primary function. Digestion. Our gut bugs are the first line of defense against foreign substances that enter our GI tract. The gut bugs kill any invaders, but they also help regulate the digestive process as the food moves throughout each digestive organ. In addition, our microbiome maintains an intact gut lining. Why is this important? When the gut lining is not intact, these foreign invaders, in the form of bacteria, virus, or food particles, enter the blood stream. This is commonly referred to as “leaky gut”. This syndrome causes your immune system to react. What is the immune system’s response to harmful invaders? Inflammation. A constant stream of foreign substances from our GI tract creates a constant source of inflammation, which is a normal response initially, but is very destructive over the long term. It leads to food allergies and sensitivities, and they create a multitude of symptoms including fatigue, headaches, brain fog, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain, and reflux. These are annoying symptoms, without a doubt, but when severe, they can be life changing. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">All this information about fighting off invaders gives us a clue to another important function of the microbiome. Immunity. Seventy percent of our immune cells reside in the intestines. When we ingest pathogens, the microbes tell the immune cells to target and kill the invaders. If the microbiome is not healthy and robust, it is unable to fight bacteria and disease. In fact, it can become hyperactive and view harmless bacteria, even our own cells, as foreign invaders and send an inflammatory immune response that is linked to autoimmune disease, such as multiple sclerosis, heart disease, diabetes, and thyroid disorders. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">What is another important role of the microbiome that has recently been discovered? Mental health. Our microbiome communicates with our brain. The gut bacteria act as messengers to send information to our brain. They also help with the manufacture of serotonin – the feel-good hormone. I like to think of serotonin as the rock star of hormones. It coordinates the process of eating and digestion in our gut, communicates with our brain and other nervous system cells, stabilizes our mood and gives us a sense of well-being and happiness, and it helps us sleep peacefully through the night. Clinical studies are showing a definite link between the microbiome, production of serotonin and the incidence of depression and anxiety. Depression and anxiety are the number one mental health disorder in the US today. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Now that we understand the critical importance of a healthy and robust microbiome, what can we do to support this essential organ? Diet. You are what you eat is not just a trite cliché. If we want to be physically healthy, mentally balanced, and resistant to germs and diseases, a nutritious diet </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">is basic. Our gut bugs like fruits and vegetables, lots of them. In particular, cruciferous veggies such as broccoli, cauliflower, kale, collard greens, Brussels sprouts, and Bok choy, to name a few. Almonds and olive oil and fruits have antioxidants, which means they protect against cell damage and boost our immune system. Also important are fermented foods such as sauerkraut, miso, kombucha, kefir, and kimchi. Herbs are especially good for boosting digestive health, some of which are ginger, peppermint, fennel, and turmeric. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">I hope this information encourages you to make healing dietary changes in your life. Your gut bugs will be eternally grateful! </span></p></div> </div> </div> </div> </div><div class="et_pb_section et_pb_section_8 et_section_regular et_section_transparent" > <div class="et_pb_row et_pb_row_14 et_pb_gutters3"> <div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_1_2 et_pb_column_20 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_21 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><p class="p2">By <span style="font-weight: 400;">Cheryl Moates RN, MSN </span></p></div> </div> </div><div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_1_2 et_pb_column_21 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et-last-child"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_22 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><p class="p1">Resource Recommendation:</p> <p><a href="https://asm.org/Articles/2020/February/Of-Microbes-and-Mental-Health-Eating-for-Mental-We" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="font-weight: 400;">https://asm.org/Articles/2020/February/Of-Microbes-and-Mental-Health-Eating-for-Mental-We</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> </span></p> <p><a href="https://microbiologysociety.org/why-microbiology-matters/what-is-microbiology/microbes-and%20the-human-body/immune-system.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="font-weight: 400;">https://microbiologysociety.org/why-microbiology-matters/what-is-microbiology/microbes-and the-human-body/immune-system.html</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><a href="https://gutbliss.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://gutbliss.com</a> </span></p> <p><a href="https://essentialguthealth.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://essentialguthealth.com</a></p> <p class="p1"><a href="www.nof.org"></a></p></div> </div> </div> </div> </div></p> </div> </div> <p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.gacommissiononwomen.org/microbiome-your-best-friend/">Microbiome – Your Best Friend</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.gacommissiononwomen.org">Georgia Commission on Women</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>Serving on the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council</title> <link>https://www.gacommissiononwomen.org/serving-on-the-cjcc/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[gacomwomen]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Wed, 23 Jun 2021 22:43:19 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Commissioners on the Go]]></category> <category><![CDATA[blog]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.gacommissiononwomen.org/?p=1534</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.gacommissiononwomen.org/serving-on-the-cjcc/">Serving on the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.gacommissiononwomen.org">Georgia Commission on Women</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="et-l et-l--post"> <div class="et_builder_inner_content et_pb_gutters3"> <div class="et_pb_section et_pb_section_9 et_section_regular et_section_transparent" > <div class="et_pb_row et_pb_row_15 et_pb_gutters3"> <div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_4_4 et_pb_column_22 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et-last-child"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_image et_pb_image_4"> <span class="et_pb_image_wrap "><img decoding="async" width="1299" height="746" src="https://www.gacommissiononwomen.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/CJCC_image-e1624488860410.jpg" alt="" title="CJCC_image" srcset="https://www.gacommissiononwomen.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/CJCC_image-e1624488860410.jpg 1299w, https://www.gacommissiononwomen.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/CJCC_image-e1624488860410-300x172.jpg 300w, https://www.gacommissiononwomen.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/CJCC_image-e1624488860410-1024x588.jpg 1024w, https://www.gacommissiononwomen.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/CJCC_image-e1624488860410-768x441.jpg 768w, https://www.gacommissiononwomen.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/CJCC_image-e1624488860410-1080x620.jpg 1080w" sizes="(max-width: 1299px) 100vw, 1299px" class="wp-image-1536" /></span> </div><div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_23 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><p>The Georgia Commission on Women serves on the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council’s Statewide Human Trafficking Task Force. </p> <p>June 3, 2021, Commissioner Karla Jacobs joined Dr. Angie Boy of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta’s Stephanie V. Blank Center to provide training on child sex trafficking prevention for hotels in Columbus, Georgia. The training covers basic human trafficking information, Georgia law, signs of sex trafficking most often seen in a hotel setting, and procedures to follow if sex trafficking is suspected. </p> <p>Because hotels are often used by traffickers as meeting locations, hotel staff are on the front lines of fighting sex trafficking in our state and are vital partners in detecting trafficking activity and alerting law enforcement. </p> <p>The Columbus training was a Train the Trainer event sponsored by Micah’s Promise to equip local advocates in presenting the training to local hotels. The Statewide Task Force has presented these sessions all over Georgia and continues to provide them to interested communities.</p></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.gacommissiononwomen.org/serving-on-the-cjcc/">Serving on the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.gacommissiononwomen.org">Georgia Commission on Women</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>May is National Osteoporosis Prevention Month!!</title> <link>https://www.gacommissiononwomen.org/may-is-national-osteoporosis-prevention-month-2/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[gacomwomen]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Wed, 12 May 2021 17:54:05 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category> <category><![CDATA[blog]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.gacommissiononwomen.org/?p=1429</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.gacommissiononwomen.org/may-is-national-osteoporosis-prevention-month-2/">May is National Osteoporosis Prevention Month!!</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.gacommissiononwomen.org">Georgia Commission on Women</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="et-l et-l--post"> <div class="et_builder_inner_content et_pb_gutters3"> <p><div class="et_pb_section et_pb_section_10 et_section_regular et_section_transparent" > <div class="et_pb_row et_pb_row_16 et_pb_gutters3"> <div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_4_4 et_pb_column_23 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et-last-child"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_24 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><p>I have been doing osteoporosis screening and education for many years. Once again it is the month to focus on prevention of osteoporosis. As I began to write this article, I began to review the statements produced by the national organizations focused on this disabling disease. Unfortunately, the statistics have not improved, but the incidence has increased.</p></div> </div> </div> </div><div class="et_pb_row et_pb_row_17 et_pb_gutters3"> <div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_4_4 et_pb_column_24 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et-last-child"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_25 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><p class="p1"> <p class="p2"><strong>For example, The National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF) states the following:<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></strong></p></div> </div><div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_26 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><ul class="ul1"> <li>Millions of Americans – 54 million to be exact – have low bone density or osteoporosis. In fact, about one in two women and up to one in four men over the age of 50 will break a bone due to osteoporosis.</li> </ul></div> </div> </div> </div><div class="et_pb_row et_pb_row_18 et_pb_gutters3"> <div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_2_5 et_pb_column_25 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_27 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><ul> <li><i>A woman’s risk of breaking a hip due to osteoporosis is equal to her risk of breast, ovarian and uterine cancer combined. And a man age 50 or older is more likely to break a bone due to osteoporosis than he is to get prostate cancer. </i></li> </ul></div> </div> </div><div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_3_5 et_pb_column_26 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et-last-child"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_image et_pb_image_5"> <span class="et_pb_image_wrap "><img decoding="async" width="400" height="175" src="https://www.gacommissiononwomen.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Osteo-Blog.jpg" alt="" title="Osteo Blog" srcset="https://www.gacommissiononwomen.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Osteo-Blog.jpg 400w, https://www.gacommissiononwomen.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Osteo-Blog-300x131.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px" class="wp-image-1431" /></span> </div> </div> </div><div class="et_pb_row et_pb_row_19 et_pb_gutters3"> <div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_4_4 et_pb_column_27 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et-last-child"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_28 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><ul> <li class="p1">The unfortunate fact about osteoporosis is there are no warning signs or symptoms. Unless one is proactive and gets recommended screening, a fracture (broken bone) may announce the presence of this disease.</li> <li class="p1">Osteoporosis is basically a disease of imbalance. Bone is constantly changing. When the new bone making cells don’t keep up with those breaking down old bone, the skeleton is at risk. A fracture happens when you lose too much bone, make too little bone or both.</li> <li class="p1">As a result, your bones become fragile and may break from a minor fall or, in serious cases, even from sneezing or bumping into furniture.</li> <li class="p1">The good news is that early detection of low bone mass can signal a need for action that can prevent future pain and disability.</li> <li class="p1">Eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly can help slow or stop the loss of bone mass and help prevent fractures.</li> <li class="p1">Now, there are also a variety of medications that can slow bone loss or actually re-build bone.</li> <li class="p1">So…..What to do? I recommend getting informed, make lifestyle adjustments as indicated, get screened, seek treatment as needed and prevent falls. Credible resources on line are listed at the end of this article. Look them up and take action!</li> </ul></div> </div> </div> </div> </div><div class="et_pb_section et_pb_section_11 et_pb_with_background et_section_regular et_section_transparent" > <div class="et_pb_with_border et_pb_row et_pb_row_20 et_pb_gutters3"> <div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_1_3 et_pb_column_28 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_29 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><p>Things To Do</p></div> </div> </div><div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_2_3 et_pb_column_29 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et-last-child"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_30 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><p>NOF recommends the following three steps for bone health:</p></div> </div> </div> </div><div class="et_pb_row et_pb_row_21 et_pb_gutters3"> <div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_1_3 et_pb_column_30 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_blurb et_pb_blurb_0 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_blurb_position_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_blurb_content"> <div class="et_pb_main_blurb_image"><span class="et_pb_image_wrap et_pb_only_image_mode_wrap"><img decoding="async" width="94" height="94" src="https://www.gacommissiononwomen.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/number1.png" alt="" class="et-waypoint et_pb_animation_top et_pb_animation_top_tablet et_pb_animation_top_phone wp-image-1432" /></span></div> <div class="et_pb_blurb_container"> <div class="et_pb_blurb_description"><p>Aim to get the recommended daily amount of calcium you need from food first and supplement only as needed to make up for any shortfall. There is no benefit to taking more calcium than the recommended daily amount and too much may be harmful. Vitamin D may not be present at adequate levels in food, so you may need to take a supplement to get the recommended amount of vitamin D.</p></div> </div> </div> </div> </div><div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_1_3 et_pb_column_31 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_blurb et_pb_blurb_1 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_blurb_position_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_blurb_content"> <div class="et_pb_main_blurb_image"><span class="et_pb_image_wrap et_pb_only_image_mode_wrap"><img decoding="async" width="94" height="94" src="https://www.gacommissiononwomen.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/number3.png" alt="" class="et-waypoint et_pb_animation_top et_pb_animation_top_tablet et_pb_animation_top_phone wp-image-1434" /></span></div> <div class="et_pb_blurb_container"> <div class="et_pb_blurb_description"><p class="p2">Maintain an overall healthy lifestyle by eating plenty of fruits and vegetables, exercising and not smoking or drinking too much alcohol.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p></div> </div> </div> </div> </div><div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_1_3 et_pb_column_32 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et-last-child"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_blurb et_pb_blurb_2 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_blurb_position_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_blurb_content"> <div class="et_pb_main_blurb_image"><span class="et_pb_image_wrap et_pb_only_image_mode_wrap"><img decoding="async" width="94" height="94" src="https://www.gacommissiononwomen.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/number2.png" alt="" class="et-waypoint et_pb_animation_top et_pb_animation_top_tablet et_pb_animation_top_phone wp-image-1433" /></span></div> <div class="et_pb_blurb_container"> <div class="et_pb_blurb_description"><p class="p2">If you are diagnosed with osteoporosis, work with your healthcare provider to determine an appropriate treatment plan. This may include medication, as well as counseling on consuming a bone healthy diet rich in both calcium and vitamin D that includes the amounts recommended above, and exercise regimen. Follow your plan and consult with your healthcare provider before making any changes to your treatment.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div><div class="et_pb_section et_pb_section_12 et_section_regular et_section_transparent" > <div class="et_pb_row et_pb_row_22 et_pb_gutters3"> <div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_1_2 et_pb_column_33 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_31 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><p class="p2">By Sharon Baker BSN, MN, CWHNP<span class="Apple-converted-space"><br /></span>WIN President & Founder<span class="Apple-converted-space"><br /></span>Member of the Georgia Commission on Women<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p></div> </div> </div><div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_1_2 et_pb_column_34 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et-last-child"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_32 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><p class="p1">Resource Recommendation: The National Osteoporosis Foundation <a href="www.nof.org">www.nof.org</a></p></div> </div> </div> </div> </div></p> </div> </div> <p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.gacommissiononwomen.org/may-is-national-osteoporosis-prevention-month-2/">May is National Osteoporosis Prevention Month!!</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.gacommissiononwomen.org">Georgia Commission on Women</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>Women’s History Month: Before Rosa Parks There Was Claudette Colvin</title> <link>https://www.gacommissiononwomen.org/womens-history-month-before-rosa-parks-there-was-claudette-colvin/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[gacomwomen]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Wed, 24 Mar 2021 18:29:20 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.gacommissiononwomen.org/?p=1350</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>Claudette Colvin was 15 in 1955. She may have been young, but she knew her constitutional rights, and on March 2 that year, she stood up for her rights on a bus in Montgomery, Alabama when she refused to give her seat to a white woman at the bus driver’s command. Two white officers dragged […]</p> <p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.gacommissiononwomen.org/womens-history-month-before-rosa-parks-there-was-claudette-colvin/">Women’s History Month: Before Rosa Parks There Was Claudette Colvin</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.gacommissiononwomen.org">Georgia Commission on Women</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="et-l et-l--post"> <div class="et_builder_inner_content et_pb_gutters3"> <figure id="attachment_1351" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-1351" style="width: 307px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><img decoding="async" class=" wp-image-1351" src="https://www.gacommissiononwomen.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Montgomery-Bus-National-Archives-300x239.jpg" alt="" width="307" height="244" srcset="https://www.gacommissiononwomen.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Montgomery-Bus-National-Archives-300x239.jpg 300w, https://www.gacommissiononwomen.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Montgomery-Bus-National-Archives.jpg 720w" sizes="(max-width: 307px) 100vw, 307px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-1351" class="wp-caption-text">Source: National Archives</figcaption></figure> <p><a href="https://www.npr.org/2009/03/15/101719889/before-rosa-parks-there-was-claudette-colvin">Claudette Colvin</a> was 15 in 1955. She may have been young, but she knew her constitutional rights, and on March 2 that year, she stood up for her rights on a bus in Montgomery, Alabama when she refused to give her seat to a white woman at the bus driver’s command. Two white officers dragged her off the bus, handcuffed her in the back of a police car, and threw her in jail. Her mother and her pastor bailed her out, and her father, fearful of violence from the white community, sat up all night guarding his family with his shotgun.</p> <p>Colvin took her stand nine months before Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat on the same bus system. She was riding home from high school where she and her classmates had recently been studying Harriet Tubman and Sojourner Truth for Black History Month. They talked about current events and Jim Crow laws and the injustice they lived with daily. Colvin later said, “We couldn’t try on clothes. You had to take a brown paper bag and draw a diagram of your foot … and take it to the store. Can you imagine all of that in my mind? My head was just too full of black history, you know, the oppression that we went through. It felt like Sojourner Truth was on one side pushing me down, and Harriet Tubman was on the other side of me pushing me down. I couldn’t get up.”</p> <p>In early 1956, Colvin joined Aurelia Browder, Susie McDonald, and Mary Louise Smith as plaintiffs in the landmark case, <em>Browder v. Gayle</em>, which overturned bus segregation laws in Alabama. A three-judge panel ruled in their favor that June, and in November the U.S. Supreme Court upheld that decision.</p> <p>By fighting for her constitutional rights through the federal court system, Colvin struck a blow to the segregationist laws of mid-century Alabama and ushered in a freer and fairer world. She was thought too young and emotional to be the face of the movement, which is why Rosa Parks was elevated to that role, but her courage inspired others to fight against injustice as the civil rights movement grew.</p> <p>Colvin lived most of her adult life in New York City where then-New York Governor Mario Cuomo awarded her the MLK Jr. Medal of Freedom in 1990. She recently moved back to Birmingham, Alabama to live near family. March 2 is now known as <a href="https://www.biography.com/news/claudette-colvin-rosa-parks-bus-boycott">Claudette Colvin Day</a> in Montgomery.</p> <p> </p> <p><em>Karla Jacobs is a commissioner on the Georgia Commission on Women.</em></p> </div> </div> <p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.gacommissiononwomen.org/womens-history-month-before-rosa-parks-there-was-claudette-colvin/">Women’s History Month: Before Rosa Parks There Was Claudette Colvin</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.gacommissiononwomen.org">Georgia Commission on Women</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>Lucille Bridges: Hero of School Desegregation</title> <link>https://www.gacommissiononwomen.org/lucille-bridges-hero-of-school-desegregation/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[gacomwomen]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Wed, 24 Feb 2021 15:50:15 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.gacommissiononwomen.org/?p=1337</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>Lucille Commadore was born in Tylertown, Miss., on Aug. 12, 1934. Her parents, Curtis and Amy Commadore, were sharecroppers, and her mother worked as a housekeeper. Lucille stopped attending school after the eighth grade so she could help them in the fields. In 1953, Lucille married Abon Bridges, a mechanic. She gave birth to Ruby […]</p> <p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.gacommissiononwomen.org/lucille-bridges-hero-of-school-desegregation/">Lucille Bridges: Hero of School Desegregation</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.gacommissiononwomen.org">Georgia Commission on Women</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="et-l et-l--post"> <div class="et_builder_inner_content et_pb_gutters3"> <figure id="attachment_1114" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-1114" style="width: 515px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><img decoding="async" class=" wp-image-1114" src="https://www.gacommissiononwomen.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Lucille_Bridges_110331-F-OX767-036-300x214.jpg" alt="" width="515" height="367" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-1114" class="wp-caption-text">(U.S. Air Force photo by David Terry/Released)</figcaption></figure> <p>Lucille Commadore was born in Tylertown, Miss., on Aug. 12, 1934. Her parents, Curtis and Amy Commadore, were sharecroppers, and her mother worked as a housekeeper. Lucille stopped attending school after the eighth grade so she could help them in the fields.</p> <p>In 1953, Lucille married Abon Bridges, a mechanic. She gave birth to Ruby in Tylertown, Mississippi, in 1954 — the same year as the landmark <em>Brown vs. the Board of Education of Topeka, Kansas</em> decision that ended racial segregation in schools. In 1956, the family relocated from Mississippi to New Orleans to give their children a chance at a better education.</p> <p>Ruby’s father, Abon, was initially reluctant to send his daughter to the all-white William Frantz Elementary School as a first-grader in 1960 at the request of the NAACP, but his wife insisted. According to the National Women’s History Museum, Lucille wanted her daughter to have the education she never had. She walked her daughter to school every day with the U.S. Marshalls past chanting and taunting white protesters. Her daughter went on to become an icon of the Civil Rights Movement, memorialized in Norman Rockwell’s famous painting, <em>The Problem We All Live With,</em> which depicts a tiny Ruby in a white dress carrying her notebooks and a ruler surrounded by much taller U.S. Marshals.</p> <p>Lucille Bridges, died on November 10, 2020 at the age of 86. Ruby Bridges credited her parents as the forces behind her history-making achievement.</p> <p> </p> <p><em>Johnessa Smith, AWS, CSM, CSPO, PM is the Program Administrator for the Georgia Commission on Women.</em></p> </div> </div> <p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.gacommissiononwomen.org/lucille-bridges-hero-of-school-desegregation/">Lucille Bridges: Hero of School Desegregation</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.gacommissiononwomen.org">Georgia Commission on Women</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> </item> </channel> </rss>