2016 September/October

The Myths about Mental Illness

By Shavonda Bean  Extreme violence has become all too common in America. We are often inundated with news, graphic images and details of mass shootings, terrorism and the very personal and frequent violence that occurs in domestic situations.  In the process of making sense of tragedy, the question of mental illness is often introduced into the conversation.…
2016 September/October

Are You at Risk for Diabetes?

More than 29 million Americans have diabetes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. However, of those with the disease, the agency estimates that more than 8 million have not been diagnosed and are not being treated for the condition.…
2016 September/October

Making Sense of the Opioid Epidemic

By Dr. Dale Misiek Opioid use, abuse and addiction have taken over the news on a daily basis. An estimated 44 people die every day in the United States from overuse of opioids, from teens to senior citizens, in isolated rural towns and large cities alike – this epidemic doesn’t discriminate.…
2016 September/October

Organization Uses Hip-Hop to Make More Than Music

By Tonya Jameson Photo by Darian Hayes Graffiti writing, deejaying, B-boying and MCing are the four pillars of hip-hop, but a Charlotte group is adding another pillar – digital literacy. Charlotte-based Hip-Hop University uses hip-hop to bridge the socioeconomic gap strangling underserved communities.…