Health Education Resources

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Category: Health Education Resources

National Diabetes Awareness Month is observed every November in the United States, focusing on raising awareness about diabetes, promoting prevention, and supporting people living with the condition. It highlights key health actions such as managing blood glucose, blood pressure, and cholesterol, and encourages communities to participate in education and advocacy efforts. Diabetes affects about 38 million Americans, including adults and youth. The purpose is to bring national attention to diabetes, its risks, prevention strategies, and the importance of early management.

People living with diabetes can be at risk for nerve and foot problems, which is why good blood sugar management and foot care are important. Diabetes can cause nerve damage or neuropathy in the legs and feet. The result can be numbness, tingling, and pain. Loss of feeling in feet can cause cuts and sores from a pebble in your shoe or a blister on your foot to become infected.

If you’ve been diagnosed with diabetic neuropathy in your feet, your healthcare provider may prescribe medications to relieve nerve pain and encourage giving extra care and attention to your feet to keep them healthy. These are a few caring reminders:

1. Get your feet checked at every health care visit. Also, visit your foot doctor every year (more often if you have nerve damage) for a complete exam, which will include checking for feeling and blood flow in your feet.
2. Check your feet every day for cuts, redness, swelling, sores, blisters, corns, calluses, or any other change to the skin or nails. Use a mirror if you can’t see the bottom of your feet or ask a family member to help.
3. Wash your feet every day in warm (not hot) water. Don’t soak your feet. Dry your feet completely and apply lotion to the top and bottom—but not between your toes, which could lead to infection.
4. Keep the blood flowing. Put your feet up when you’re sitting and wiggle your toes for a few minutes throughout the day.
5. Choose feet-friendly activities like walking, riding a bike, or swimming. Check with your doctor about which activities are best for you and any you should avoid.

Most people can prevent serious foot complications. Regular care at home and going to all doctor’s appointments are the best way to prevent foot problems.

Are you interested in learning more self-care routines to live healthy with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes? Register for the Alameda County Public Health – Nutrition Services, Healthy Living with Diabetes Zoom Class. This program is free and provides a workbook, giveaways, and measures your Hemoglobin A1c, Blood Pressure, and Weight at the first and last week of class. Register here or call 510-383-5185.

 Adapted from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, May 2024.

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Category: Health Education Resources

A Call to Each of Us

As we come to the close of Domestic Violence Month, we are reminded that we need to look out for one another if we suspect anyone is in any form of abusive relationship. Domestic violence can take many forms, including physical harm, constant verbal put-downs, isolation from loved ones, withholding financial resources, or digital tracking.

If you are experiencing abuse: Please know that you are not alone, you are loved, and we believe you. You do not have to suffer in silence.

We cannot assume that someone else will step in. Each of us is called to be alert, compassionate, and ready to walk with those who are hurting.

“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves… defend the rights of the poor and needy.” (Proverbs 31:8-9)

This means we are called to:

• Notice – Pay attention. A smile on Sunday morning does not always equal peace at home.
• Listen without judgement – Be quick to hear and slow to speak. Sometimes the greatest gift is presence, not advice. Believe their story and point them to trained individuals for help.
• Affirm truth – God does not condone control, intimidation, or abuse. His design for our relationships is to experience Christ’s love, not fear.

• Avoid offering dangerous advice: Don’t pressure someone to stay in a dangerous situation.

• Offer hope – Remind the hurting that Christ redeems, restores, and gives a new identity as His beloved child.

• Connect them to professionals: The safest step is to connect individuals with trained advocates who can help them create a safety plan.

Safe Resources for Help

If you or someone you know needs support, confidential and professional help is available

Alameda County 24‑Hour Crisis Hotlines

• A Safe Place: 510‑536‑7233 
• Building Futures with Women & Children: 1‑866‑292‑9688 
• Crisis Support Services of the East Bay: 1‑800‑309‑2131 
• Ruby’s Place: 888‑339‑7233 
• Tri‑Valley Haven: 1‑800‑884‑8119 
• National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1‑800‑799‑7233

Emergency Shelters & Support Programs

• A Safe Place: Shelter and survivor support services. 
• Tri‑Valley Haven: Shelter and sexual assault services. 
• Restorative Pathways: Shelter for survivors of domestic violence, trafficking, and homelessness. 
• Building Futures: Housing and support for survivors. 

Legal & Advocacy Services

• Bay Area Legal Aid: Free legal services for domestic violence survivors
• Alameda County District Attorney’s Office – Victim/Witness Assistance Program: Crisis intervention, court support, and compensation assistance. Contact: 510‑267‑8872 / 510‑267‑8857. 
• Comprehensive Support: Alameda County Family Justice Center (ACFJC) Phone:510‑267‑8800
• Provides coordinated services including counseling, legal help, advocacy, and safety planning.

Counseling & Mental Health Services

• ACCESS Mental Health Referrals: 1‑800‑491‑9099 
• Alameda Family Services: 510‑629‑6300 
• Family Paths: 510‑893‑9230

Let us commit to being a church that stands "With Survivors, Always"—offering unconditional grace, prayer, and protection to those who need it most.

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Category: Health Education Resources

Domestic Violence Awareness Month is observed every October in the United States, officially declared by Congress in 1989, and serves to raise awareness, support survivors, and promote action against domestic violence. It aims to educate communities, honor victims, and encourage collective action to end domestic violence.

In October, though purple and pink observances both promote health and can include celebrating survivors, congregations often speak more publicly about breast cancer and promote its prevention at a much higher rate than Domestic Violence (DV) or Intimate Partner Violence (IPV). Did you know that the popular saying associated with breast cancer awareness – “Early detection saves lives” – is also true about DV and IPV?

Here are some alarming statistics:

• 40% of Black women will experience DV across their lifetimes, compared to 30% of white women.
• Black women are 3 times more likely to die because of IPV than white women.
• Worldwide, more than 5 women or girls are killed every hour by an intimate partner or family member.
• In the US, every day, 3 women are killed by an intimate partner.

According to The Black Women’s Health Imperative, DV is the number one health issue facing Black Women. We all know that Black women are the backbone of The Black Church.  

If you suspect that someone is in an abusive relationship – physically, psychologically, emotionally, financially, or technologically:

1. Create a safe space for a private conversation.
2. Begin by saying something like, “You don’t seem like yourself lately…”
3. Listen without interrupting.
4. Assure the person that s/he is not to blame and has no reason to be ashamed.
5. Do not judge or suggest a course of action.
6. Assure the person that s/he is not alone.
7. Give him/her time and space to feel comfortable opening up to you.
8. Encourage the abused person to contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline by calling (800) 799-7233 or texting BEGIN to 88788.

Support Resources: These services offer crisis intervention, safety planning, and referrals.

• Black Women’s Health Imperative: Our Story - Black Women's Health Imperative
• National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1‑800‑799‑SAFE (7233). org
• StrongHearts Native Helpline: 1‑844‑762‑8483. org

Videos (optional viewing as they may trigger strong emotional response)

• https://youtu.be/E3AiPO4Kzpk?si=w6fdPCWQSXe6BpXT
• https://youtu.be/Iybol21Cn1A?si=cxGuKBEG5bl9y5AQ

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Category: Health Education Resources

Breast cancer touches every family in some way. Black women face breast cancer at similar rates to white women, yet they die from it at higher rates, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Knowing your family history and your personal risk factors gives you the power to catch concerns early and act with confidence.

Most early-stage breast cancers show up first on a screening mammogram, before any symptoms appear. Breast cancer can also announce itself through physical changes, so pay attention to your body and visit a health care provider when you notice anything different in your breast or underarm area.

This week, take one step toward your health. Read through the resources below, start a conversation with a family member about your health history, and schedule that screening you've been putting off.

Understanding Your Risk

Family history and personal risk factors shape your path forward. Start here:

• Know your family history - gather your family's health story
• Know your normal - learn the signs your body might show
• Know your risk - explore the factors that affect you most
• Genetics and breast cancer - understand inherited risk and genetic testing

Screening Basics

Early detection saves lives. These guides walk you through the process:

• When to get screened - follow current screening recommendations
• What to expect at your mammogram - prepare for your appointment with confidence
• Follow-up test guidance - most follow-up calls lead to good news

Getting High-Quality Care

Strong communication with your care team builds trust and better outcomes:

• Talk with your doctor - ask the right questions at every visit
• The truth about clinical trials - learn why representation in research matters
• Become an Advocate in Science - bring the patient voice to breast cancer research
• Advocate for affordable health care - help build lasting change for everyone

Resources

• Susan G. Komen Breast Care Helpline: 1-877-GO-KOMEN • This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
• Black Women: Know Your Breast Cancer Risk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v_3tiLN04O4
• SCI Breast Cancer and African Americans Conference | Stanford Cancer Institute https://med.stanford.edu/cancer/about/events/community-events/BCAA_2026.html
• https://youtu.be/Aov2rRmpxcs?si=93Pv1YW38VDq5Gim
• https://youtu.be/_8N18fho9UU?si=nrUyI4dU5YyHjsqs
• Susan G. Komen Breast Care Helpline: 1-877 GO KOMEN, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

This information is for education and does not replace individualized medical advice. Talk with your health care provider about the screening and care plan that is right for you.