CLV Podcast

Celebrating Health, the Arts, and Smoke-Free Living with PRIDE in Las Vegas

Will Rucker and Ciara Owens celebrate June's vibrant health and cultural observances with insightful discussions on "A Healthier Tomorrow." Guest Mekale Holmes shares her experiences in tobacco prevention and the impactful "Because We Matter" initiative. Zarina Washington introduces the Nevada Creative Arts Collective, highlighting improv's role in stress management and resilience. The episode highlights the community's role in promoting smoke-free environments, exploring alternative therapies, and supporting diverse cultural celebrations, providing valuable resources and fostering unity through shared health goals.

 

About the Guests:

Mekale Holmes: MekaleHolmes is a dedicated public health professional at the Southern Nevada Health District, where she works in the Office of Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. With over six years of experience in the Tobacco Control Program, Mekalecoordinates the "Because We Matter" initiative, which aims to address smoking within the community, particularly focusing on tobacco-related health disparities affecting African Americans.

Zarina Washington: Zarina Washington is the creative director and executive director of the Nevada Creative Arts Collective. Her organization leverages the power of the arts to build resilience, utilizing methods such as improvisational arts to facilitate personal growth and community engagement. Zarina's passion for community service is evident in her work, which seeks to create a cultural shift towards healthier lifestyles through artistic expression.

Episode Summary:

Join hosts Will Rucker and Ciara Owens for an engaging episode of "A Healthier Tomorrow," where they usher in June with a celebration of diversity, health awareness, and community engagement. This month marks a plethora of vital observances including Pride Month, Men's Health Month, Juneteenth, and National Safety Month. The show kicks off by highlighting various health and wellness initiatives aimed at fostering a smoke and vape-free lifestyle, especially within African American communities in Las Vegas.

Throughout the episode, MekaleHolmes Floyd, from the Southern Nevada Health District, shares insightful information about the dangers of tobacco use, particularly focusing on the pressing issue of vaping among youth. The show extensively discusses the impact of tobacco on health, the importance of quitting, and the resources available to assist in quitting nicotine addiction. The session progresses to introduce Zarina Washington, who delves into the workings of the Nevada Creative Arts Collective. She emphasizes the therapeutic benefits of arts as a tool to build resilience and cope with life's stressors, offering a creative avenue for personal and communal transformation.

Key Takeaways:

  • Tobacco and Health Risks: Tobacco use, including vaping, presents significant health risks, contributing to diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and lung cancer.
  • Community-Centric Approach: Smoking is highlighted as a community-wide issue rather than just an individual problem, necessitating collective action to create smoke-free environments.
  • Role of Arts in Healing: Improv and other arts are effective tools for fostering resilience, providing individuals with innovative methods to manage stress and enhance their well-being.
  • Resources for Smoking Cessation: Numerous free resources are available to assist individuals in quitting smoking, including local initiatives like "Because We Matter."
  • Cultural Shift through Arts: The Nevada Creative Arts Collective is working to implement arts as a means to build community resilience and promote healthier lifestyles.

Notable Quotes:

  1. "No amount of smoke is safe, not in any amount, not in any form." ā€“ Mekale Holmes
  2. "The arts can be a healing balmā€¦ that's life." - Zarina Washington
  3. "Life is chaotic, but you can be resilient and keep moving forward." - Zarina Washington

Resources:

The insights in this episode equip listeners with valuable information on tobacco control, community health promotion, and the transformative power of the arts. Tune into the full episode of "A Healthier Tomorrow" to deep dive into these essential topics, and stay connected for more enlightening discussions.