Here’s to Your Health

Brought to you by Community Partner Compact, www.compact2020.com 

You’ve probably heard about fentanyl in the news. Let’s explore what fentanyl is and how it relates to fake pills.

Fentanyl is a deadly synthetic opioid that is being pressed into fake pills or cut into heroin, cocaine, and other street drugs to drive addiction. Fentanyl is 50 times more potent than heroin. Cartels are making fentanyl and pressing it into fake pills. Fake pills are made to look like OxyContin©, Xanax©, Adderall©, and other pharmaceuticals. These fake pills contain no legitimate medicine. Fentanyl is also made in a rainbow of colors, so it looks like candy. 

What makes fentanyl deadly. DEA lab testing reveals that six out of every ten fake pills with fentanyl contain a potentially lethal dose. It only takes a very small dose of fentanyl- 2 milligrams – to be lethal, such as the amount found on the tip of a pencil. Fentanyl use can cause confusion, drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, changes in pupil size, cold and clammy skin, coma, and respiratory failure leading to death. 

Parents and Caregivers. It’s important to be aware that the drug landscape is dramatically different from when you grew up, or even from just a few years ago. Drug traffickers are using social media to advertise drugs and conduct sales. If you have a smartphone and a social media account, then a drug trafficker can find you. This also means they are finding your kids who have social media accounts. All parents and caregivers need to be educated on current drug threats to be able to have informed talks with their children. Here are six tips:

1. Encourage open and honest communication

2. Explain what fentanyl is and why it is so dangerous

3. Stress not to take any pills that were not prescribed to you from a doctor

4. No pill purchased on social media is safe

5. Make sure they know fentanyl has been found in most illegal drugs

6. Create an “exit plan” to help your child know what to do if they’re pressured to take a pill or use drugs

Compact 2020 is here to help you educate your child about fentanyl and fake pills. For more information, visit our Facebook page @Compact2020 or call 205-605-1824. To read other articles like this one, visit www.BirminghamChristian.com/COMPACT. †

Did you know COMPACT offers free prevention, intervention, and education for Shelby County students and parents on difficult topics and issues like substance misuse, truancy, behavioral issues, and more? Click to fill out a referral form.

Healthy Living

The start of a new year is a powerful moment for reflection and setting intentions. It’s a time to assess what worked, what didn’t, and how we can realign our focus moving forward. 2025 is the perfect time to set intentions, create a vision board, or reflect through journaling about the year ahead. However, the key to success lies in setting simple, achievable goals that are both realistic and aligned with our values. One focus that we as certified personal trainers at Pure Fitness try to instill in our clients are simple healthy hacks that we can achieve daily. Here are our top three.

1. Hydrate First Thing

Start your day by drinking a glass of water and add in electrolytes. It helps kickstart your metabolism, boosts energy, and rehydrates your body after a night of sleep. Water makes up about 60% of the human body and is crucial for almost every bodily function.

2. Move Your Body Regularly

Simple activities like walking, stretching, or taking the stairs can increase your daily movement. Strength training is incredibly important as we age, primarily because it helps combat the natural loss of muscle mass that occurs over time. Lifting weights helps maintain or even build muscle mass, which in turn improves metabolism, supports joint health, and boosts bone density—crucial factors in preventing osteoporosis and other illnesses.

3. Prioritize Sleep

Good sleep is non-negotiable for health. Aim for 7-9 hours per night. A consistent bedtime routine and a cool, dark room can improve sleep quality. Sleep plays a critical role in exercise recovery, performance, and overall daily function. When we sleep, our bodies repair muscles, tissues, and cells that are broken down during exercise.

By implementing even just a few of these simple hacks, you can begin to feel stronger, happier, and more energized. The key is consistency and making small changes that work for your lifestyle.

-Erin Holtz and Caroline Galiano 

Certified Personal Trainers, Pure Fitness Vestavia Hills

205-420-1054

www.Purefitnessllc.com

Healthy Living

At VIPcare, patients receive specialized care built just for them. With two locations in the Birmingham area located in Center Point and 5 Points West, the VIPcare team specializes in primary care for Medicare Advantage members. Comprehensive in-house services include routine physicals and checkups, care coordination, lab work and diagnostics, diabetes management, wellness and nutrition, depression and anxiety, osteoporosis and arthritis, chronic disease management, and more. Robyn Stiff, MD, Board Certified Family Medicine, serves patients at the VIPcare Center Point location. She explains that VIPcare started in Florida with the goal of providing geriatric care and now has locations across six states. “We’ve seen that there’s a bigger need with our baby boomers being in that age group,” says Dr. Stiff. 

VIPcare is a senior-focused primary care that goes above and beyond. Patients enjoy more time with the doctor every appointment as well as same-day appointments and urgent walk-ins. Dr. Stiff shares that they put a strong emphasis on preventative care. “The biggest thing is to go see your doctor more often for preventative measures. Let’s catch it before it’s a problem,” she says, adding, “I think the biggest monitor is to see your doctor routinely to prevent the unnecessary. So, we focus on healthy patients to prevent sick patients.” Urgent care is also available at VIPcare. “We want to be your number one option. Of course, there are special cases where if you need to go to the E.R., please go to the E.R., but a lot of our patients get surprised when they find out we could manage this in the office.” 

Dr. Stiff grew up in Birmingham and at a young age had a passion for caring for others- even her Barbie dolls. “It started from childhood where I always just said, ‘I want to be a doctor.’” Her faith impacts the way she practices medicine and engages with her patients. “I like to say I grew up in a faith-built household,” Dr. Stiff shares, adding that she says a silent prayer before she walks into an exam room to meet with a patient and sometimes prays with her patient if they allow it. “I give them a prayer because I do feel like God is medicine. And if anything, He’s the first medicine. The other stuff is supplementary, but He comes first.” 

Meet Dr. Stiff at VIPcare’s Center Point location or Dr. Sounick Haldar at the 5 Points West location to receive specialized care. To learn more, visit www.getvipcare.com or call the Center Point location at 659-209-5918 or the 5 Points West location at 659-221-7661. Dr. Stiff is also available to serve as a speaker on preventative medicine, especially for the “seasoned” community. To schedule, call 205-445-9904 and ask for office manager, Monique Herrod.

Watch the video below to learn more about Dr. Stiff and VIPcare. †

 

Healthy Living 

Brought to you by: Community Partner COMPACT, www.compact2020.com

What is mental health? Mental health refers to a wide variety of mental health conditions or disorders that affect your mood, thinking and behavior. Some examples of mental illness include depression, anxiety disorders and addictive behaviors. Many people have mental health concerns from time to time, but a mental health concern becomes a mental illness when ongoing signs and symptoms cause frequent stress and affect your ability to function. When it comes to teenagers, the National Alliance on Mental Illness states that one in five children ages 13-18 have or will have a mental health condition. 70% of youth in the Juvenile Justice System have a mental illness. 90% of those who died by suicide- which is the third leading cause of death in youth ages 10-24- had an underlying mental illness. 

Signs and symptoms of mental illness. These can vary depending on the disorder, circumstances, and other factors. Mental illness symptoms can affect emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. Signs and symptoms include feeling sad, reduced ability to concentrate, excessive fears or worries, extreme feeling of guilt, and extreme mood changes. Symptoms can also include withdrawal from friends and activities, significant tiredness, low energy, detachment from reality, inability to cope with daily problems, major changes in eating habits and more.

Stigma around mental health issues. Some people suffer in silence because they fear the label that may be put on them. Unfortunately, this can be reality. We believe stigma stems from a lack of education and awareness. Poor mental health is not a visible illness, so people sometimes dismiss it. We shouldn’t be judgmental when a person with mental illness is reluctant to get help, has low self-esteem or acts out through bad behavior. These are all harmful effects directly associated with the stigma around mental health. Let’s do better. Learn about mental illness and stop putting labels on those in need of help. 

As a parent, what can you do? If your loved one is showing symptoms of a mental health disorder, sit them down and have an open and honest conversation with them about your concerns and refer them to a professional. We may not be able to make them go to a professional, but we can be there for them to give them the support they need. Reach out to your health insurance provider, primary care doctor or local mental health authority such as Central Alabama Wellness. Don’t be ashamed to ask for help. You are not alone. We are here to help you at Compact. For more information on this topic, visit us on Facebook @Compact or call 205-605-1824. Visit www.BirminghamChristian.com/COMPACT to read other articles like this one. †

Did you know COMPACT offers free prevention, intervention, and education for Shelby County students and parents on difficult topics and issues like substance misuse, truancy, behavioral issues, and more? Click to fill out a referral form.

Healthy Living

Brought to you by: Community Partner Compact, compact2020.com

Did you know? Approximately 20% of teens will experience depression before they become adults. 14% of teens have experienced depression in the last 12 months and of those affected by depression, 80% have never received help. 

Causes of Teen Depression. Depression is defined as a common and serious medical illness that negatively affects how you feel, the way you think, and how you act. Teenage depression can be caused by several things including bullying, relationship problems, academic problems, and poor self-esteem. Signs of depression include a change in appetite, prolonged anger or frustration, withdrawal from activities, and increased thoughts or reference to death or suicide. 

Risks & Signs of Teen Suicide. The risk for teen suicide varies with age, gender, and cultural and social influences. Some factors include one or more mental or substance abuse problems, impulsive behaviors, undesirable life events such as being bullied, or a recent loss such as the death of a parent. Another risk is a family history of mental or substance abuse problems or suicide. Many of the warning signs of suicide are the same for depression. Warning signs include stating “I want to kill myself,” or “I won’t be a problem much longer” as well as giving away important belongings or expressing strange thoughts. 

Ways to Alleviate Teen Depression & Prevent Suicide. Take time to listen to your teenager’s concerns. Remember that just because it’s not a big deal to you doesn’t mean it’s not a concern to them. When disciplining your teen, replace shame and punishment with positive reinforcement for good behavior. By listening to your teen instead of telling them what to do; you may discover the root of the problem. Make sure your child knows you care and will always be there to discuss their problems. Teen depression tends to come and go in episodes. Once a teenager has a bout of depression, they are likely to get depressed again at some point. The consequence of letting teen depression go untreated can lead to extreme and serious consequences that could be deadly. 

Together, we can make sure our teens have the proper tools and ability to beat depression. If your teen is exhibiting signs of depression, call our Parent Talk line at 205-605-1827. If your teen is exhibiting signs of self-harm, call the Crisis Call Center at 1-800-273-8255. Learn more at www.compact2020.com. To read other articles like this one, click here. †

Did you know COMPACT offers free prevention, intervention, and education for Shelby County students and parents on difficult topics and issues like substance misuse, truancy, behavioral issues, and more? Click to fill out a referral form.

Healthy Living

Brought to you by: Community Partner COMPACT, compact2020.com

Parents, if you found marijuana in your child’s room, would you be able to identify it? Let’s discuss its characteristics. Marijuana refers to the dried leaves, flowers, stems, or seeds of a cannabis sativa plant. The words marijuana and cannabis are often used interchangeably. Throughout the years, the level of THC in marijuana has continually gone up. The levels of THC in the marijuana throughout the 1970s-1990s was about 13%. However, the THC levels of today’s marijuana can be as high as 99%.

How is marijuana ingested into the body? People who use marijuana may roll loose marijuana leaves into a cigarette- called a joint. Others may smoke it in a pipe or water pipe. It’s often mixed into foods called edibles. Another popular method on the rise is vaping THC. Researchers have found that the use of marijuana and other drugs usually peaks in the late teens and early twenties. Therefore, marijuana use among our teens remains a natural concern for parents and is the focus of research- specifically on its impact on brain development which continues through a person’s early twenties.

What are the effects marijuana has on the body? THC is structurally similar to chemicals produced naturally by the body called endocannabinoids which play a role in normal brain development function. Because of the endocannabinoid system, marijuana can have multiple effects not just on the brain but on the entire body. Some of these effects are short-term and last only as long as marijuana is in the body. Some of these effects are attention and memory problems that can hinder the learning process, poor coordination and motor skills, anxiety, paranoia and even psychosis. However, if there is continued use over a longer period of time, it can cause long-term problems that can last a lifetime. Examples include risk of chronic cough or bronchitis, recurring episodes of severe nausea and vomiting, and risk of addiction. Marijuana is harmful to the brain and the body. The best way to know how marijuana will affect your body is to not use it at all because it only takes one time to become addicted. Visit us on Facebook @Compact2020 and on our website www.compact2020.com for more strategies aimed at reducing substance misuse and promoting mental wellness. You can also call us on our parent talk line, 205-605-1827. To read other articles like this one, visit www.BirminghamChristian.com/COMPACT. †

Did you know COMPACT offers free prevention, intervention, and education for Shelby County students and parents on difficult topics and issues like substance misuse, truancy, behavioral issues, and more? Click to fill out a referral form.

Healthy Living

Brought to you by: Community Partner Compact, www.compact2020.com

What is vaping? Also referred to as e-cigs, e-hookahs, ends, or juulings, vapes or e-cigarettes are devices that operate by heating a liquid solution to a high enough temperature so that it produces an aerosol that is inhaled. When e-cigarettes first began entering the market around 2007, some devices were designed to resemble regular cigarettes while others looked like cigars, pipes, pens, and even USB flash drives. More recently, e-cigarettes with sleek and high-tech designs with easy rechargeable batteries have entered the market. The most popular- the JUUL- emerged in 2015 and quickly established itself as a leading e-cigarette product comprising nearly three-quarters of the e-cigarette marketplace by 2019. 

Now, let’s look at what’s in a vape. E-cigarettes contain nicotine, which is a highly addictive chemical that is particularly risky to teens and young adults. According to the FDA and the 2019 National Youth Tobacco survey results, more than five million United States middle school and high school students are current e-cigarette users. The U.S. Surgeon General classified nicotine as addictive as cocaine or heroin. Teenagers whose brains are still developing have a heightened risk of getting hooked on nicotine. Early research has shown that nicotine addiction may result in lifelong problems with concentrating. There are other chemicals in e-cigarettes that you may not realize including glycol, formaldehyde, acetone, lead, and nickel. 

Should I be concerned for my teen? Vaping related injuries started to rise in the summer of 2019. In September of 2019, the CDC reported six deaths and 380 cases of lung- related issues from vaping. By February of 2020, there had been 68 deaths. That is a 1,000% increase since 2019. According to a new study led by researchers at Stanford University, vaping is linked to a substantially increased risk of COVID-19 among teenagers and young adults. Among the participants who were tested for COVID-19, those who used e-cigarettes were five times more likely to be diagnosed with COVID-19 than non-users. 

How can I get help for my loved one? Kids today are exposed to so much more than they were 10, 20, or 30 years ago. Our kids are stressed and anxious and some turn to nicotine and alcohol to help them cope with those stressors. If you’ve discovered that your child is addicted to vaping or nicotine, remember you are not alone. Compact is here for you. Visit our Facebook page for video resources, visit our website www.compact2020.com or call our parent talk line, 205-605-1827. To read other articles like this one, visit www.BirminghamChristian.com/COMPACT. †

Did you know COMPACT offers free prevention, intervention, and education for Shelby County students and parents on difficult topics and issues like substance misuse, truancy, behavioral issues, and more? Click to fill out a referral form.

Special Feature

As disabilities gain more awareness and recognition, inclusivity and acceptance of diversity have become more commonly practiced. However, Special Connections not only strives to continue to practice inclusivity but also to implement a Biblical perspective and understanding of disabilities. “We want to meet the needs of the families that have children with special needs and show them Christ’s love,” says Special Connections Director Michael Johnson. Special Connections ministers to those with special needs by sharing the Gospel and guiding them to discover the blessing of their limitations and how they can be used to glorify the Lord. Johnson explains that the ministry provides participants’ families with encouragement and counseling on sup- porting their loved ones in developing a Biblical view of themselves beyond their disabilities. He emphasizes the importance of “person-first language” (e.g., a person with Autism) but says, “The only label we should be using [for everyone] is believer or non-believer.”

The Special Connections ministry will host a 100% free Special Needs Re- source Fair where families can connect with over 63 confirmed agencies to date that provide services to those touched by special needs on August 22, 2024 from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. Over the past few years, Special Connections served 150 family groups in approximately two hours through outreach programs, evan- gelism, and bringing unbelievers to Christ. “We host this fair under the Bibli- cal model of ‘making disciples of all nations,’” says Johnson. Resource guides will be translated into various languages including English, Spanish, Japanese, and Korean. In addition, an ASL interpreter will be on site. Space is limited for in-person attendance, but all the fair resources will be available digitally to registered families. Visit www.briarwood.org/ministries/special-connections to learn more and register.

-Madi Mansour

Healthy Living 

Birmingham native Mary Morgan Brown, MD is returning to the Magic City to join the St. Vincent’s based Henderson & Walton Women’s Center (HWWC) team beginning July 1. “I was actually born at St. Vincent’s and my mom was a patient at HWWC, so this feels full circle for me,” Dr. Brown says. 

Dr. Brown attended The University of Alabama for her undergraduate degree and then headed to the University of South Alabama for medical school. She then journeyed to the University of Oklahoma to complete her residency and that is where she met her husband, Jake. “We then moved to Phoenix, Ariz. for two years where I was in private practice,” she explains. When Dr. Brown began searching for jobs in Birmingham, she shared that HWWC was high on her list. “When I interviewed, I was very impressed by all the support from the other physicians. Even though it is a large group, I could feel that everyone truly cared for each other and was there to support each other,” Dr. Brown says. 

Dr. Brown’s favorite part of being an OB/GYN is “helping people improve their lives. Whether it is having a baby, starting treatment to improve their quality of life, having a hysterectomy, or just becoming more educated about their body, I love being a part of it,” she says adding that she loves to build relationships with her patients. “Especially being a gynecologist, a lot of women share personal things with us that they don’t with other people, and that’s special.” 

Dr. Brown’s faith impacts her career as a physician and how she interacts with patients. “My faith reminds me that my patients and I are only human. There are many things that are out of our control. Some days are hard as a physician, and I have to remember that I can only do my best, and God will do the rest,” Dr. Brown says. She will be serving patients at both the St. Vincent’s Birmingham and Cullman HWWC offices. 

To learn more about HWWC and to schedule your appointment, visit www.hwwc.net. 

-Melissa Armstrong