His family confirmed via an announcement, which read in part:

“Our father was a servant leader—not only to our family, but to the oppressed, the voiceless, and the overlooked around the world,” said the Jackson family. We shared him with the world, and in return, the world became a part of our extended family. His unwavering belief in justice, equality, and love uplifted millions, and we ask you to honor his memory by continuing the fight for the values he lived by.”

 

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A Son of the South

He was born Jesse Louis Burns in Greenville, South Carolina, on October 8, 1941, to Helen Burns, 16, and Noah Louis Robinson, a married man who lived next door. His mother married Charles Jackson, and he was eventually adopted. He didn’t live with any of his parents and was reared by his grandmother in a shotgun shack, according to the New York Times.

Jackson earned a football scholarship to the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, but only stayed a year because of the racism he had to endure. He transferred to North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University (NC A&T), a historically Black institution in Greensboro, a year after the historic Woolworth’s lunch counter protest in 1960. He was a leader in his fraternity and the student body president. While there, he met and married a fellow student, Jacqueline Lavania Brown.

Becoming a Civil Rights Leader and a Minister

While still a student at NC A&T, Jackson led a protest of hundreds of students through downtown Greensboro. He was arrested the following day, and many believe that was the beginning of his activism. After graduating, he shifted his interest from law to ministry and enrolled at the Chicago Theological Seminary.

But witnessing the beating of protesters in Selma, Alabama, on television in March 1965, spurred him into action. He enlisted students and faculty to join in on a trip to Alabama. There, he met Dr. King and offered to work with the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC).

By age 24, he was the youngest member of the SCLC and was leading the Chicago chapter of Operation Breadbasket. “The program favored negotiation with business leaders, but when employers refused or backed out of hiring agreements, hundreds of participating ministers headed for their pulpits, according to a Chicago Public Library blog on the program. This led to several “Don’t Buy” (short for “Don’t Buy Where You Can’t Work”) picketing campaigns outside of supermarkets.” Reverend Jackson withdrew from seminary six months before completing his degree to devote his efforts to Dr. King and the Civil Rights Movement (he was later ordained). Reverend Jackson was among those present at the Lorraine Hotel in Memphis when Dr. King was assassinated in April 1968.

He Ran for President Twice

In the 1970s, Reverend Jackson became more widely known as a gifted orator. With his signature call-and-response, “I am Somebody!” He formed the PUSH Coalition, focused on improving economic conditions in the Black community. In 1984, after his first unsuccessful bid for the Democratic presidential nomination, he created the National Rainbow Coalition to fight for equal rights for all. He used his mission as a rallying cry for his speech at the 1988 Democratic convention, where he came in second. His “Keep Hope Alive”  speech called for social justice and unity. The two organizations merged in 1996 to become the Rainbow PUSH Coalition.

Jackson Continued to Fight for Civil Rights into His Later Years

Reverend Jackson’s life and career weren’t without controversy, including the revelation that he fathered a child with one of his staffers. However, he continued to fight for equality and justice well into his later years, even after he announced his health diagnosis of Parkinson’s in November 2017. He was arrested four years later during protests in our nation’s capital against voting restrictions that Republicans pushed. He officially retired from his role at the Rainbow PUSH Coalition in 2023.

A Larger-Than-Life Legacy

Reverend Jackson has left an indelible mark on this nation that we will not forget. In 2000, President Bill Clinton awarded him the Presidential Medal of Freedom. He is survived by his wife, Jacqueline; their children, Santita, Jesse Jr., Jonathan, Yusef, and Jacqueline; his daughter, Ashley Jackson; and his grandchildren. Our condolences go out to his family.

The post Reverend Jesse Jackson, a Civil Rights Legend, Has Passed Away appeared first on Black Health Matters.

What is Congestive Heart Failure?

According to the Mayo Clinic, heart failure, also known as congestive heart failure, occurs when the heart muscle doesn’t pump blood as well as it should. When this happens, blood often backs up and fluid can build up in the lungs, causing shortness of breath. If you have CHF, your heart can’t supply enough blood to meet your body’s needs.

When asked about his initial symptoms, Reid said, “Maybe over the last year or so, I started to feel more fatigued than before. And then when you feel that shortness of breath, sleeping a lot, more than normal…I think you just chalk it up to getting older, the road is harsh, doing the old kick step.”

In July 2025, the Class Act actor’s symptoms worsened, which led him to the emergency room at Cedars-Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles. where he received the shocking diagnosis. Other symptoms can include:

• Shortness of breath with activity or when lying down.
• Fatigue and weakness.
• Swelling in the legs, ankles, and feet.
• Rapid or irregular heartbeat.
• Reduced ability to exercise.
• Wheezing.
• A cough that doesn’t go away or a cough that brings up white or pink mucus with spots of blood.
• Swelling of the belly area.
• Very rapid weight gain from fluid buildup.
• Nausea and lack of appetite.
• Difficulty concentrating or decreased alertness.
• Chest pain if heart failure is caused by a heart attack.

The American Heart Association reports that having at least one of the following risk factors may increase the risk of developing the condition. They include coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, thyroid problems, metabolic syndrome, and getting older.

The Initial Treatment Prescribed for Reid Didn’t Work

Treatment for congestive heart failure often involves lifestyle changes and medications. Initially, Reid was given medication to treat his condition. When he returned for a three-week follow-up with his cardiologist, Dr. Erika Jones, she was immediately concerned. “He came in very swollen again, and that is a little unusual in somebody who’s been started on treatment, for the swelling to come back that quickly,” she told “GMA.”

Although he was scheduled to go out of town for a gig, Reid cancelled to undergo further testing. The results confirmed that his heart was failing and his condition was also impacting other organs. Dr. Jones urged him to return to Cedars-Sinai’s emergency room, where he was placed in the ICU.

A Heart Transplant Was His Only Option

The rapper learned his condition was quite serious, and he was placed on a transplant waiting list. Cardiothoracic surgeon, Dr. Laura Dichiacchio, told GMA the waiting list was crucial because Reid was in a life-or-death situation. He received a transplant nine days later.

Reid said he plans to cherish his second chance at life, saying, “This thing is … a beautiful life. It’s great. And, you know, I wanna be around for it.”

He also wants to encourage people of color to put their health first, a message that applies to his brothers in hip-hop, who often leave us too early. The American Heart Association says Black adults account for 50% of heart failure hospitalizations among US adults under 50.

Resources

Mayo Clinic: Heart Failure

American Heart Association: Causes  and Risks For Heart Failure

The post Kid ‘n Play‘s Christopher Reid Reveals He Had a Heart Transplant appeared first on Black Health Matters.

“To us, she was more than a historical figure. She was the heart of our family, wise, resilient, and grounded in faith,” the Claudette Colvin Foundation said in a statement announcing her death. “We will remember her laughter, her sharp wit, and her unwavering belief in justice and human dignity.”

Colvin’s Act of Resistance

On March 2, 1955, Colvin boarded a bus in Montgomery. Black passengers needed to ride in the back. However, there was a section called “No man’s land,” where bus drivers could demand that any Black passenger relinquish their seat, and the entire row, if a white rider wanted to sit there. On that day, four Black riders were asked to move; two changed sections immediately. Colvin and another passenger remained seated. When the driver called the police, the teen was the only one still refusing to move.

Colvin didn’t choose this action lightly. At the time, she was an honors student at Booker T. Washington High School. Colvin had just completed studying Black History and learning about injustices in the South. She was also active in her school’s NAACP Youth Council, and had been considering ways to protest.

“I felt as though Harriet Tubman was pushing me down on one shoulder and Sojourner Truth was pushing me down on the other,” she said. “So, therefore, history had me glued to the seat. That was the reason I could not move.”

When the police arrived, they removed her forcibly, dragging her backward off the bus as she screamed. She feared being attacked or worse by the officers. “I didn’t know if they were crazy, if they were going to take me to a Klan meeting,” she told The Guardian in 2000. “I started protecting my crotch. I was afraid they might rape me.”

The teen was charged with violating segregation laws, disturbing the peace, and assaulting an officer. She was found guilty of the assault charge, made a ward of the state, and received indefinite probation. Peers and some in the community shunned her.

Why She Didn’t Become the Face of the Montgomery Bus Boycott

Many aren’t familiar with Colvin’s actions because Rosa Parks was chosen to be the face of the Montgomery Bus Boycott. Although the NAACP and other civil rights leaders knew about her bold act of protest, they waited until Rosa Parks, nine months later, objected by giving up her seat in the same act of resistance before moving forward with any action.

Some speculate that colorism and class were involved; leaders believed getting the middle class on board with the boycott would be easier with Parks. There was also misinformation surrounding Colvin being pregnant, which occurred months after the incident.

“My mother told me to be quiet about what I did,” Ms. Colvin recalled. “She told me: ‘Let Rosa be the one. “White people aren’t going to bother Rosa, her skin is lighter than yours, and they like her,” she told the New York Times.

Colvin Was a Key Figure in a Landmark Case

While she wasn’t chosen as the face of the boycott, her attorney, Fred D. Gray, included Colvin as one of the four defendants—along with Aurelia Browder, Susie McDonald, and Mary Louise Smith—in a 1956 federal lawsuit, Browder v. Gayle. The lawsuit was against the City of Montgomery, the state of Alabama, centered on unfair treatment on the city buses. After winning the case, it was escalated to the Supreme Court, which affirmed the ruling. The case was instrumental in striking down bus segregation.

Her participation in the lawsuit and her act of defiance on the city bus led to her being labeled a troublemaker by both whites and Blacks. By the end of the decade, Colvin had relocated from Montgomery to the Bronx, New York. She worked as an aide in a Manhattan nursing home for 35 years.

In 2010, the street where she grew up was renamed Claudette Colvin Drive, and a mural depicting the teen and elder Colvin was added eight years later.

Why the Story is Not Widely Known

It would be decades before Colvin shared her story. She continued to follow her mother’s advice. She continued to heed her mother’s advice and worried that drawing attention to herself would cost her her job. “I wasn’t going to take that chance,” she said.

We will never forget Claudette Colvin for her strength, bravery, and act of defiance. Our condolences go out to her loved ones.

The post Claudette Colvin, An Unsung Catalyst of the Civil Rights Movement Has Died appeared first on Black Health Matters.

 

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A Family Member Inspired Lavallade’s Dance Aspiration

She was born Carmen Paula de Lavallade on March 6, 1931, in Los Angeles. Her family, originally from New Orleans, had migrated West in the 1920s. Her father, Leo, was a bricklayer and a postal worker. Her mom, Grace Grenot de Lavallade, passed away when the dancer was a teen.

Her cousin, Janet Collins, who broke glass ceilings to become the first prima ballerina at the Metropolitan Opera House in the 1950s, fueled Ms. de Lavallade’s interest in dance and served as her mentor. The aspiring dancer was dedicated to learning and took three buses to get to her classes in Hollywood.

It paid off: at the age of 16, she received a scholarship to study with modern dance master and Dance Theater of Los Angeles founder Lester Horton. She brought her high school buddy, Alvin Ailey, to class.

Ms. Lavallade performed as a lead dancer with Horton from 1949 until 1954, when she joined Alvin Ailey’s company. According to the New York Times, Lavallade said, “At Mr. HHorton’sschool, she soaked up his multidisciplinary approach, taking classes in ballet, modern and African dance forms, as well as acting, music and painting.”

Ms Lavallade’s Broadway Debut Led to Love

Her exquisite dance prowess caught the attention of influential people. Lena Horne helped introduce Ms. Lavallade to film roles in Hollywood. She acted opposite Harry Belafonte in Odds Against Tomorrow. A role in Otto Preminger’s Carmen Jones led to her being cast in the Broadway production of Truman Capote’s House of Flowers. It debuted in December 1954 with stars including Pearl Bailey, Diahann Carroll, and Alvin Ailey. During production, she met co-star Geoffrey Holder, and the two married in 1955, remaining an artistic power couple until he died in 2014. The two choreographed her signature solo, “Come Sunday.”

Her Career Spanned Six Decades

The prolific actor, dancer, and choreographer led her talent to several companies, including Donald McKayle, the American Ballet Theater, the Dance Theatre of Harlem, and the Metropolitan Opera. She joined the Yale School of Drama as a choreographer and performer-in-residence in the 1970s, before becoming a professor at the Yale Repertory Theater. She continued to dance throughout the decades, giving her final performance at 88.

 

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Ms. de Lavallade and her work garnered numerous awards, including the Black History Month Lifetime Achievement Award, the Bessie Award, and the Rosie Award. She received the 2017 Kennedy Center Honors. Her legacy will continue to inspire creatives for decades to come.

Our sincere condolences go out to her family, including her son, Leo, and her sister, Yvonne de Lavallade Davis.

The post Carmen de Lavallade, A Legendary Dance Icon, Has Passed Away appeared first on Black Health Matters.

A Beloved Son of Washington, D.C.

While Smallwood was born in Atlanta, he was raised by his mother, Mabel, and his stepfather, the Reverend Chester Lee “CL Smallwood, in the nation’s capital. Reverend Smallwood was the pastor of the Union Temple Baptist Church in the Southeast section of the district.

His connection to music began when he was five, playing the piano by ear. By seven, he began formal lessons and joined his first gospel group as a preteen. After graduating from McKinley Technical High School, Smallwood went to Howard University. There, he became a founding member of Howard University’s Gospel Choir and a member of the Celestial Singers before graduating cum laude.

His Debut Album Spent 87 Weeks on the Billboard Charts

Inspired by the Edwin Hawkins Singers, the composer and arranger formed The Richard Smallwood Singers in 1977. They were signed to Onyx Records, a division of Benson Records, in 1982. The group’s self-titled debut album topped Billboard Spiritual Albums sales charts for months. Two years later, the group was up for their first Grammy for Psalms.

In 1987, one of Smallwood’s most beloved songs, “Center of My Joy,” was released on the album “Textures.” The song made the composer a crossover sensation. In the 1990s, he formed Richard Smallwood and Vision, which featured a larger choir. Throughout the 90s and early 2000s, the group released four albums and several well-known hits. They include “I’ll Trust You, “Angels,” and “Total Praise.”

Whitney Houston sang a version of Smallwood’s  “I Love the Lord” in the film The Preacher’s Wife, and Destiny’s Child released a live version of “Total Praise” in 2001.

Total Praise was a very personal song for the artist because it was a reflection of the composer’s battle with depression.

The Washington Post reported “Total Praise,” released in 1996 with his gospel group Vision, was inspired by his experience caring for his mother, who had dementia, and for a family friend who had cancer. Mr. Smallwood said he had decided “to write a pity-party song,” but found himself praising God instead, crafting lyrics that reasserted his faith in a moment of despair.”

Grammy Nominations, Dove and Stellar Awards

In total, the contemporary gospel maestro received eight Grammy nominations. He received the James Cleveland Lifetime Achievement Award at the Stellar Awards. And his most recent Dove nomination was this year as a co-writer; Ricky Dillard’s “When I Think” was inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 2006.

Smallwood didn’t perform or record as much in recent years because he also had mild dementia and several other health ailments.

The post Gospel Music Maestro Richard Smallwood Has Died appeared first on Black Health Matters.

From the Big Easy to the Bay Area

Born in Detroit on December 22, 1921, Betty Charbonnet lived there briefly with her parents, Dorson Louis Charbonnet and Lottie Breaux Allen, before they moved back to their hometown, New Orleans. The family moved to the West Bay Area in 1927, after losing their home during the Great Flood.

She married Mel Reid shortly after graduating from Crestmont High School. During World War II, she worked as a file clerk in the segregated Union Hall of Boilermakers’, A-36.

In 1945, Reid Soskin opened one of the first Black-owned record shops in California, Reid’s Records in Berkeley. A mother of four, she actively fundraised for the Black Panther Party. She was also active in politics, becoming a delegate for George McGovern in his Presidential bid against Richard Nixon.

After her first marriage ended in divorce, she married a UC Berkeley psychology professor, William Soskin, and they also divorced.

Her Activism Led to A Career in Politics

Before she was a park ranger, Reid Soskin led a life of service to her community. Following the health decline of her first husband, Reid Soskin took over the management of Reid’s Records in the late 1970s. However, because of the drug problems plaguing the area surrounding the store, she made noise at City Hall for them to clean the neighborhood. That led to jobs as a legislative aide, a Berkeley council member, and a field representative for two members of the State Assembly.

From Park Advocate to Park Ranger

In the early 2000s, Reid Soskin first became involved with the National Park Service when she attended meetings between Richmond, California, and the agency as they planned the Rosie the Riveter/WWII Homefront National Historical Park. At 84, she began uncovering the untold stories of African Americans and earned a temporary position with the NPS. In 2007, when she was 86, her position became permanent. Reid Soskin’s role included leading public programs and sharing personal remembrances at the park visitor center.

Despite sustaining injuries during a burglary attack and a stroke, Reid Soskin continued in her role until 2022, when she retired. As the oldest active Park Ranger, Reid Soskin took her responsibility seriously. She even wore it when off-duty as an opportunity to inspire others.

“When I’m on the streets or on an escalator or elevator, I am making every little girl of color aware of a career choice she may not have known she had,” Ms. Soskin said in a 2015 interview with the Department of the Interior. “The pride is evident in their eyes.”

A Mother, Grandmother, and Great Grandmother

Over the years, Reid Soskin received many honors. She was named California Woman of the Year in 1995, the Sierra Club’s Trailblazer Award in 2016, and one of Glamour’s Women of the Year in 2018. In 2021, Juan Crespi Middle School was renamed after the Bay Area icon following student lobbying for a name change.

Reid Soskin is survived by her son, three daughters, five grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. Our condolences go out to the family.

The post Betty Reid Soskin, the Oldest National Park Service Ranger Has Died appeared first on Black Health Matters.

 

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Jones Reflected on the Past Year

Those who watch TODAY know that Jones returned from a leave that started about a year ago. Holding back tears, she said, “A year ago at this time was tough for me. I decided I should step back and be with my husband. And we were in a fight.”

Jones’ husband, Uche Ojeh, passed away after a battle with brain cancer last May. But with optimism, she said no one could write this script. She fondly recalled the encouragement from the church elders from her home church in Wichita, Kansas, when she tried to sing a solo, “Let the Lord use you,” and feels she can hear them now.

When the mom of three talked more about finding joy in this moment, she wanted us to know how it struck her emotionally.

“It feels divine. It feels like Uche’s up there with God, and he’s Mr. Competitive. Alright, let’s go make this happen for Sheinelle.’

Jenna & Sheinelle Will Make Debut January 12th

Since Hoda Kotb’s departure, there have been more than 60 cohosts rotating with Bush Hager in hopes of snagging that coveted slot. But the pairing with Jones is an ideal choice.

“What people may not know is that Sheinelle and I have this long, beautiful history together,” Bush Hager noted. The two journalists have known each other for a decade. And were often the substitute cohosts for Kathy Lee & Hoda.

Their connection extends beyond the studio, with the two enjoying lunches together and taking their daughters on playdates and outings.

Hoda Imparts Her Wisdom to Sheinelle

Jones’ TODAY family is overjoyed about her new role. And it should come as no surprise that Kotb would be among them. She called Jones the night before the official announcement and offered her some profound words, taking a couple of minutes away from her daughter Clara’s dance recital.

Jones recalls her advice, “Let’s remember this moment. You’re going to talk about how this was a moment that changed your career. And it was the best decision for you and your kids.” Kotb told her that working with Bush Hager will be better than she could imagine.

A Position With A Higher Purpose

As Jones prepares to assume her new role, she sees it as a blessing with a higher purpose and feels a sense of responsibility. “We can bring joy, hope, and comfort,” she said. “Just as healing as it is and fun for me, I hope we can bring the same thing to audiences at home.”

The post Sheinelle Jones Shows Us What Fighting for Joy Looks Like appeared first on Black Health Matters.

What Are the Symptoms of SAD?

According to the Cleveland Clinic, the symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder are:

• Sadness, feeling depressed most of the day, almost every day.
• Anxiety.
• Carbohydrate cravings and weight gain.
• Extreme fatigue and lack of energy.
• Feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness.
• Trouble concentrating.
• Feeling irritated or agitated.
• Limbs (arms and legs) that feel heavy.
• Loss of interest in usually pleasurable activities, including withdrawing from social activities.
• Sleep problems (usually oversleeping).

Who Experiences SAD?

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, SAD develops in young adulthood, and it is more often seen in females than males. Those living in the Northern parts of the United States are more likely to feel the impact of shorter daylight hours, such as in Alaska and New England, than in states like Texas or Florida. In addition, if you have been previously diagnosed with depression or bipolar II disorder, you may be susceptible to SAD symptoms.

If you think you may have this disorder, see your health-care provider, who will ask about your history of symptoms and may perform blood tests to rule out disorders with similar symptoms to SAD.

Top Ten Cities Where SAD Hits Hardest

For the past four years, Thriveworks has analyzed Google search trends and weather trends to predict when SAD may peak. In 2025, it was the third week of November. In addition, they have identified the ten markets where SAD hits the hardest:

1. Idaho Falls, ID
2. Harrisonburg, VA
3. Springfield, MA
4. Salt Lake City, UT
5. Syracuse, NY
6. Missoula, MT
7. Ottumwa, IA
8. Bowling Green, KY
9. Binghamton, NY
10. Utica, NY

The Best Treatments for SAD

To effectively treat SAD, you may need a combination of the following treatments.

• Light therapy
• Cognitive behavioral therapy
• Antidepressant medication
• Spending time outdoors
• Vitamin D supplements

“Treatment is the same as with other types of depression,” says Nicole Nicome, M.D., of Atlanta, except for light therapy. Antidepressant medication can be effective, as well as talk therapy, exercise, getting enough sleep, and maintaining a healthy diet. Light therapy is a special treatment for SAD that uses a 10,000 lux light source that mimics sunlight. Most practitioners instruct patients to sit in front of a light for 30 minutes a day to simulate sunlight. If light therapy is going to work, it usually does so in three to four weeks.

In addition,  Katie Hanselman, a board-certified psychiatric nurse at Thriveworks, suggests these additional actions that can help you manage symptoms:

• Wake up at the same time every day—yes, even weekends. Your circadian rhythm controls serotonin production, and inconsistent wake times disrupt this system. A stable wake time naturally regulates your sleep-wake cycle within two to three weeks, even if your bedtime varies. Rising at the same time every day can naturally stabilize a variable bedtime.
• Move your body in ways that feel good. Whether it’s a YouTube yoga class, a walk with the dogs, joining a fitness class, or taking the stairs, it all counts. Physical activity supports mood regulation, but the key is consistency over intensity.
• Connect with people daily, even in small ways. Seasonal depression often comes with the urge to isolate, which can worsen symptoms. Daily social contact—whether it’s dinner with family, helping a neighbor, or simply a text to friends—helps counter the loneliness-depression cycle.
• Limit alcohol and other substances. While it can be tempting to think that a drink or two will ease your distress, substance use typically worsens existing depression symptoms. If you use substances regularly, check with a professional before stopping on your own to make sure you have the support you need.

As with any depressive disorder, if your thoughts turn to hurting yourself or anyone else, get help immediately.

Resources

John Hopkins: What is Seasonal Affective Disorder?

Cleveland Clinic

National Institute of Mental Health

ThriveWorks:Seasonal Affective Disorder

The post Seasonal Affective Disorder is More Than the Winter Blues appeared first on Black Health Matters.

Dyson joined Tamar Braxton and others for a panel called Breaking the Silence, presented by ViiV Healthcare, earlier this year to raise awareness of the HIV epidemic, the taboos and stigmas around prevention, and the importance of mental health.

Taboo & Stigma in Communities of Color

Dr. Dyson believes the other reason that we don’t hear as much about HIV is because of the communities that are impacted. “Communities of color, in particular, struggle with talking about sexuality, sex, and sexual health in positive ways,” she said.

“A third thing would be stigma, not just around the HIV diagnosis itself, and just in general, like it’s a barrier. I often tell people, HIV is not actually what’s going to cause someone you know to lose life; it’s actually going to be the stigma,” Dr Dyson continues.

“Because you have this stigma that prevents you from seeking care. Sometimes there’s a stigma that prevents you from seeking prevention options.”

Forty Years of HIV Advancements

There is fear for many surrounding HIV because they can recall the early years of the disease when those diagnosed had short life spans. But things have changed. “We’ve come to a place now, 40 years later, where we have good antiretroviral therapy, so people who are living with HIV can thrive and do well on antiretroviral therapy, on their medications, and as long as they’re on medicine and achieving undetectable viral loads,” Dr. Dyson said.

Bianca Ordoñez said, “Part of it is the stories we hear about people with HIV.” “In news stories, we usually see the trauma, the fear, the shame, the moment of that diagnosis, how it destroyed a person’s life. And while that can be true, and while that can be part of the story, it’s not the full story,” she explained.

For example, I’m in a sero discordant relationship, which means that I’m HIV positive and my husband is HIV negative,”  Ordoñez said. “Together, we have a beautiful, healthy, HIV negative baby girl. So when telling the story of people living with HIV, I would really rather you guys include HIV as a comma instead of a period.”

Why Tamar Braxton is So Vocal About HIV and HIV Prevention

We know that a lot of what Tamar Braxton does is unplanned, and that was the case with her viral Snapchat video. She told the crowd at NABJ.

“I had no idea that going on my Snapchat, figuring out if someone I was dating was 100,000 other people. It just so happened to go viral, helping this sister feel less alone. To help her understand that her purpose is for a purpose.”

But she also mentioned the media’s obsession with clickbait. “We like stories that are going to get traction. But the truth is, a journalist’s job is to bring the news and what is not news about HIV and HIV prevention. So I’m here to help normalize these conversations and make people less uncomfortable about them,” she said

“Why not speak about something important to our community, and that is important to me now, and I mean, I’m going to show up here every time, and so this is a normalized conversation. Having uncomfortable conversations doesn’t make you different; it makes you strong and powerful.”

The singer mentioned data Dr. Dyson shared: at the end of 2023, only 11% of Black folks who could benefit from HIV prevention had received it, whereas 70% of their white counterparts received it. “That’s news. That’s important information to share in the community.”

Mental Health Must Be Included in the HIV Conversation

Yolo Akili Robinson from The Black Emotional Mental Health Collective shared some of the ways they teach in the community. “We have what we call healing circles. So while we think it’s very important to have individual care, you sometimes need to sit in a one-on-one situation. What we do is create collective spaces led by wellness practitioners, therapists, psychiatrists, and other professionals with different healing modalities,” he said.

“And we say, bring your mama, your cousin, your uncle, all them, because we’re going to learn about grief. We’re going to learn about trauma. We’re going to learn about HIV stigma together, as opposed to in these individualized scenarios. We’re going to learn how to process and reframe our emotions together,” Robinson said.

Communities need to be able to move through the uneducation and grief and feel safe.

Caption opening image: Our incredible panelists captured after an inspiring discussion (from left to right): Justin Carter (moderator), Bianca Ordoñez, Tamar Braxton, Yolo Akili Robinson, and Dr. Alftan Dyson. Photo courtesy of ViiV Healthcare.

The post Yes, HIV is Still an Epidemic in 2025 appeared first on Black Health Matters.

Glover Had a Very Bad Headache

The five-time Grammy Award winner told the audience, “I had a really bad pain in my head in Louisiana, but I did the show anyway.”  He waited until the next 2024 tour stop to get checked out,” he said.

“I couldn’t really see well, so when we went to Houston, I went to the hospital, and the doctor was like, ‘You had a stroke.”

“And the first thing I thought was like, ‘Oh, here I am still copying Jamie Foxx,’” he joked, referring to Foxx’s stroke in 2023. “That’s really like the second thing. The first thing was like, ‘I’m letting everybody down.’ I know it’s not true.

Between Atlanta, Mr. & Mrs. Smith, Bando Stone & The New World, was there much rest? It looks as if he was creating with every fiber of his being. Black men need to take going to the doctor seriously.

Symptoms of a Stroke

According to the American Stroke Association, Glover didn’t have the most common symptoms of a stroke, which are:

• Face Drooping
• Arm Weakness
• Speech Difficultly
• (all equal) Time to Call 911

But the Community star did complain of some of these symptoms.

• Numbness (face, arms, legs, or one side of the body)
• Confusion
• Trouble Seeing
• Trouble Walking
• Severe Headache

If you experience any of these symptoms, call 911.

The Actor and Musician Also Discovered He Had a Hole in His Heart

The artist, who retired the Childish Gambino alter ego last year, said doctors also discovered he had a hole in his heart at the same time he got his stroke diagnosis.

According to the Mayo Clinic, a patent foramen ovale, the clinical term for a hole in the heart, occurs in about 1 in 4 people. And like Glover, most people don’t realize they have it until it is discovered during a test for another health issue.

Glover had two surgeries to treat the issues.

A Second Chance

Last year, Glover decided that he would be retiring his alter ego, Childish Gambino. “It really was just like, ‘Oh, it’s done.’ It’s not fulfilling,” Glover admitted. “And I just felt like I didn’t need to build in this way anymore.” But this past year has given the artist a chance to reflect.

When he took the stage at Dodger Stadium, he performed as Childish Gambino once again. “Everybody has two lives, and the second life starts when you realize you have one,” he told his fans in Los Angeles. “You should be living your life how you want. It can only get better.”

Childish Gambino reveals that he had a stroke and a hole was found in his heart and is why he had to stop his tour pic.twitter.com/YxeQYBWDBA

— Dat (@DatDaDatty) November 23, 2025

Find out how hypertension can put you at risk for a stroke.

Resources

American Stroke Association Stroke Symptoms and Warning Signs

Mayo Clinic Patent foramen ovale

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Sanchez’s Symptoms Seemed to Come Out of the Blue

“I would wake up with these huge migraines. I was peeing bubbles. But because I’m a man, I thought, maybe I’m working too much,” he said. His then-girlfriend told him he didn’t look right; he was swollen. “I went to my boy’s house, and I showed him my legs; my calves were just big. He said, We’ve got to the hospital now.” Sanchez said. “We went to Mount Sinai, and there I was diagnosed with FSGS. I didn’t know what it was.”

He was sent to another hospital, where he didn’t get the information or the care he needed. “During the first visit, I was there for a minute, and the doctor said, Yeah, this is what’s going to happen. Boom, boom, take this, take this medication, and I’ll call you next week,” Sanchez recalled. “And I left feeling like, Wait a minute. What was happening to me?”

The APOL1 genotype is present in 75% of Black patients with FSGS. According to Scientific Reports, “Approximately 20% of patients may eventually progress to end-stage renal disease (ESRD) due to its complex etiology, unclear pathogenesis, and insensitivity to glucocorticoid therapy.”

Through his organization, Sanchez aims to bring better access and equity to the kidney transplant process.

What Are the Treatment Options for FSGS?

The Mayo Clinic reports that there are a few approaches you and your nephrologist may choose to treat your FSGS.

Medications may include:

• An angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor or an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB). These can lower blood pressure and reduce protein in the urine.
• Medicines to lower cholesterol levels. People with FSGS often have high cholesterol.
• Medicines to help the body get rid of salt and water, which are known as diuretics. These can improve blood pressure and swelling.
• Medicines to lower the body’s immune response. For primary FSGS, these medicines may stop the immune system from damaging the kidneys. These medicines include corticosteroids. They can have serious side effects, so they’re used with caution.

Lifestyle changes you need to keep in mind:

• Don’t use medicines that can damage your kidneys. These include some pain relievers such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). NSAIDS you can get without a prescription include ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) and naproxen sodium (Aleve).
• Eat a healthy diet. To protect your kidneys and lower your blood pressure, limit salt and protein.
• Don’t smoke. If you need help quitting, talk with a member of your healthcare team.
• Stay at a healthy weight. Lose weight if you’re overweight.
• Be active on most days. Being active is good for your health. Ask your healthcare team what types of exercise and how much exercise you can do.

According to LowerProteinuria.com, there are also some gaps in the treatment landscape.

• Treatments such as corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, SGLT2is, ACEis, and ARBs often yield limited response, with few patients achieving complete remission of proteinuria (<0.3 g/d) and most remaining at high risk of kidney failure progression.
• Corticosteroids and immunosuppressants are associated with a high side effect burden that significantly impacts the quality of life for patients.

Why Treating Genetic FSGS May Be Different

An article in the journal Kidney Research and Clinical Practice states that “Genetic FSGS may be less responsive to immunosuppressive therapy, and clinicians should consider discontinuing immunosuppression to protect patients from the potential side effects of such therapy if no clinical benefit is demonstrated after receiving positive gene test results.”

The good news is that genetic testing that identifies specific biomarkers may help in developing more targeted therapies in the future. “In recent years, the spread of next-generation sequencing, updates in biological techniques, and improvements in treatment have changed our understanding of FSGS.”

FSGS Clinical Trials

There are promising therapies on the horizon for FSGS; however, none have received FDA approval. If you are interested in exploring clinical trials, NephCure has revamped its Clinical Trial page and added a featured tool called Am I a Match? It is designed specifically so that those with RKD can easily find trials. Check out the American Kidney Fund and the National Kidney Foundation for additional resources..

The post What You Should Know About Treating FSGS appeared first on Black Health Matters.

Sinners Broke Records and Changed Minds

Predictions were mixed about how well Ryan Coogler’s horror film set in 1932 in Clarksdale, Mississippi, would perform at the box office before its premiere. Warner Bros., the studio that released it, low-balled some of the other predictions, estimating the movie would make $35-40M total, according to Variety. The opening weekend was estimated closer to $48M and it has grossed more than $279M and upwards of $367M worldwide according to BoxOfficeMojo.com.

In a letter to fans, Coogler wrote of another successful collaboration with Michael B. Jordan (who played dual roles):

“Eternal gratitude. My heart is bursting with it. I want to thank each and every one of you who bought a ticket to see Sinners,” read the letter. “Who decided to drive to see the film in different formats. Who bought popcorn and a drink, booked a sitter and carpooled, and stood in the lobby afterward and talked and made a friend. Who changed their work schedules. Who saw the film in groups.”

The movie was recently back in IMAX theaters for special showings around Halloween.

Coogler and Jordan Present the Awards

Coogler told the audience that the movie Sinners is powered by women and the story doesn’t move forward without them. “They are truth-tellers, and perhaps more importantly, they are the beating heart of the story,” the director said.

Mosaku, who previously starred in Lovecraft Country, has been lauded as the UK’s best-kept secret by Jordan. “As [Mosaku] once said, the scariest part of this movie is the feeling that no matter how far you’ve gone, you still might be exactly where you started,” Jordan said in his remarks. “Wunmi, thank you for your gentle wisdom, your love, your support. Tonight, we honor you − and always.”

Coogler thanked Lawson for her artistry, “for us, you were never too much. You were always enough.”

Lawson Talks About the Power of Sisterhood

Jayme Lawson tried her best not to cry too hard, saying, “her momma’s gonna be pissed.” But in their shared acceptance speech, the actress said,  “Mike and Ryan for trusting us with this story and these characters. We love and cherish you both, and we know that we are only up here because of you two.”

“Sinners is a cultural phenomenon because it very remarkably introduced to the world to an authentic communal melting pot. And at its core, it breathed life into some bad women,” she continued.

“When you find your sisters in this industry, you hold on for dear life and you not dare let them go. But not just our sisters in front, but behind the cameras as well. Autumn, Zinzi, Hannah, Ruth, Francine, Pam….a culture was created with this film to see and be seen, and that is rare.”

Mosaku Reminds Us to Keep Showing Up

Mosaku, who was also emotional, said, “To be amongst these fiercely talented women and being acknowledged tonight is an honor and a joy. It is a luminous reminder to keep showing up with honesty and integrity.

“I hope this moment inspires any woman listening to be fertile soil for women to thrive outside of the boxes, labels, and expectations.”

The UK-Nigerian actress continued, “Ryan, the light that was placed in you is undeniable and incandescent.. And we are so grateful for the women who inspire and love you so deeply that you champion by representing them in all their complexities and humanity on and off the camera.”

She thanked Coogler and Ryan for their steadfast collaboration. And noted how their contributions to this industry have expanded the landscape for opportunities for women of color.

Mosaku said, “You both see us and encourage us and all the women in your lives, to take up as much space as possible.”

 

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This News Didn’t Come Out of Left Field

“It’s not the kind of news anyone wants to hear, but to be honest, prostate cancer has run through my family. My father had it. He had a lot of brothers; several of them had it. I would have been surprised if I hadn’t gotten it,” said the 73-year-old actor.

“I’ve got a 90-year-old first cousin, who’s still alive, actually; he had it. His son has it. A couple of his brothers had it. No one, as far as I know, has succumbed to it.”

The Statistics

According to the Prostate Cancer Foundation, 1 in 6 Black men still develop prostate cancer and are more than twice as likely to die from the disease. The National Cancer Institute says that prostate cancer is highly heritable. Inherited factors cause up to 60% of prostate cancer risk. “Risk factors for prostate cancer include age, a family history of prostate cancer and other cancers, genetics, and ancestry (such as West African ancestry).” You can take a risk quiz here.

Because of His Family History, Pickens Began PSA Testing Early

Pickens’ dedication to his health may have helped catch his prostate cancer early. “I  started getting my annual physical 34 years ago. And I started my PSA testing when I was 41; I’m 73 now. My urologist said. ‘Because you were so diligent in that piece of your health, it was to your advantage. We were able to catch it so early because you were being tested.”

Pickens’ Diagnosis

In 2024, the actor went for his annual physical, which included checking his PSA levels.  He was referred to a urologist, who told him his numbers were still in the normal range, but they needed to check again in a year.

“I went back in January, and when my PSA numbers came back,  my primary said, ‘Yeah, you know what? It’s ticked up some more. I want to send you back to the urologist.” Pickens said.

“The urologist looked at him and said,” Yeah, there’s something here. Let’s do an MRI,’ which we did, and it revealed, as he called it,  something suspicious.”

They scheduled a biopsy, which revealed a tumor. A PET scan showed that the cancer had not spread and was isolated to one quadrant of the prostate.

His Treatment Choice

The Grey’s star had two options: radiation, or he could elect to do a radical prostatectomy. After weighing the options, he chose the latter. His radical prostatectomy was done robotically by two urologists. He stayed a day in the hospital afterward.

“We caught it really early, and so they thought that would be the best route to take.  I do have a rare variant that you don’t see very often. They wanted to err on the side of caution and keep an eye on it,” he said.

“It was rare enough that they wanted to make sure that they were crossing all the T’s and dotting all their I’s. But they hadn’t seen one that was detected as early as mine.”

Why He’s Sharing His Story

Pickens wants to remove the stigma that men have in talking about their health, especially prostate cancer. “Where we are and how we view the medical community, especially as African American men,” he points out.

“We know the history of that, and how far that goes back in terms of our trepidation about being tested, and getting something as simple as a physical.”

Years ago, the actor participated in a Black barbershop men’s health summit with Dick Gregory. The group targeted 50 cities to set up screenings at barbershops and offered free haircuts. In the process, they might get their blood pressure checked and brochures on prostate cancer and diabetes. He got the group to add his hometown, Cleveland, to the tour.

“We brought in a wonderful, bright, Black physician out of the DC area and his team. And we identified ten barbershops in the area where I lived. These brothers would come in and get a haircut,” Pickens said.  ”

We were able to get a blood pressure test and put something in their hand. And in more than one case, we would run into brothers who  had never had a physical.”

It’s Movember, A Time to Talk About Prostate Cancer

If you have ever noticed men growing out their facial hair in November, they are probably doing so in for Movember, in support of men’s health, among the major initiatives is prostate cancer.

“I recall when I was a kid, my dad was one of many brothers. I think he may have had seven, eight brothers. But I know at least four or five were still alive when I was a kid.  When one of them would fall ill, my dad would grow a mustache. And he’d grow a beard with it,” Pickens said.

“I remember asking, very clearly, like it was yesterday. I said, ‘Dad, why are you growing your beard like that? He said, I’m growing it for my brother who was sick.’ So there was a cultural piece to it as well.”

 

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Resources

Prostate Cancer Foundation

National Cancer Institute

Zero Prostate Cancer Risk Factors

Mayo Clinic: Prostatectomy

The post Grey’s Anatomy Doc Shares His Real-Life Health Diagnosis appeared first on Black Health Matters.

A Trio of Losses

The year 2019 was an emotionally devastating year for the seven-time Grammy Award-nominated artist. Her husband, esteemed architect Phillip Freelon, died in July from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. Mr. Freelon was renowned for creating significant spaces that celebrated our history and culture, most notably as the lead architect for the National Museum of African American History and Culture. Six months later, her sister Debbie passed away from lung cancer. In between those two losses, her dog, Basie, died one month after her husband.

Nnenna called the weeks and months after the funeral, the time for a redefinition of living without your mate. In what ways can we offer support to one another as a community?

“I was supported in ways I didn’t expect. When my husband passed, somebody I don’t know who cut my grass for about six weeks; they never knocked on the door and said, ‘Do you need your grass cut?’ I just looked out the window, and the grass was short. And the edges were done,” she recalled.

“That kind of loving kindness where someone thinks she doesn’t have time to worry about cutting grass. Or you go to your door and there is a beautiful casserole or cake. This is weeks after. These are the kindnesses, the simple things, that we can do.”

Grief Is a Multilayered Process

One of the things Freelon noticed is how grief shows up in us. “I want to suggest that your whole being grieves. Every part of you is grieving. Sometimes we attend to the heart— yes, the heart is broken. Maybe it needs some specific soothing, or a certain practice, music, or being in nature,” she explains.

But your body is also grieving; it needs rest, good rest, not a catnap here and there. [Especially after] waking up at 3:30 am like we all do.

And the grieving brain is constantly trying to process what has happened. Freelon notes that people go over and over things. Mantras, scriptures, or affirmations may help.

“It might be a surprise who shows up as helpful and who just shows up.  Everybody is not helpful,” she suggests.”And you need to create boundaries, especially for those unhelpful folks.”

A Personal Project Becomes a Public Tribute

When Phil was diagnosed with ALS, Nnenna was planning to go back into the studio to record new music. “But when life calls you off the bandstand into boots on the grounds, that’s where you need to be,” she told Dr. Bob Lee in a 2021 interview.

She became his primary caregiver until his death. “How did Freelon find the strength, and even the time, to balance the conception and recording of these tracks with the strenuous demands of caregiving? “Some of [them] were actually recorded in a quiet space when I had a moment,” she told Jazz Times via Zoom from her Durham, North Carolina home.”

Still, the project wasn’t meant for public consumption. Freelon doubted whether it was good enough to put out. But those who heard it found it powerful. They convinced her to finish the project. Time Traveler (Origin), released in 2021, her 11th studio album, was her first in a decade. Then, it was nominated for a 2022 Grammy.

“This is the mystery and the divine energy of it. I wasn’t sure I could sing, honestly. Singing is a very emotional enterprise, very personal, and I was broken,” she told Lee.

“I also realized I had to be willing to be vulnerable, to trust my audience, and myself enough that whatever came up and out, if it was true and authentic, it was going to be alright.”

Freelon explained that she had to go inside her grief and find the joy inside her pain.

Big Love, Big Loss, Big Impact

It would take years before Freelon has the other two elements for the trilogy.

“I tried being strong, I tried my faith, and all the things the older women in my life say worked.  And none of them worked for me. “What did work was tarrying with my grief,<> improvising with my grief, sitting still long enough to let those feelings wash through me, changing the key,” the singer and composer said.”

“That’s something I learned on the bandstand. Sometimes you’ve got to change the key. Swing with the rhythms. Don’t fight it. And if you feel some kind of way, go somewhere and sit down. Don’t try to be strong. Your children need to see you fall apart. They need to know you are human. Let them see your tears flow.”

It was from that perspective, the things she learned as a jazz musician, that the next two projects were born. The book Beneath the Skin of Sorrow, Improvisations on Loss, and the album Beneath the Skin.

The book is created like a large movement in four sections: Round Midnight, Stolen Moments, A Love Supreme, and Time Traveler. Each contains a collection of poems,  memoirs, meditations, and recipes.

Freelon wrote the book she wished she had in the early days of her grief journey. It’s a smallish book, something to put on your nightstand, or in your purse; It isn’t a “how to do grief” book. “I am writing from a jazz woman’s perspective and also a universal perspective; I wrote that book, and I hope it can accompany people on their journey, no matter what it is,” she said.

The Language of Grief

While at a speaking engagement, the singer, still dissatisfied with the word “widow,” polled the audience for an alternative word. “Somebody raised their hand and said, ‘I want to suggest the word window. You are now a window into another world. You see things that others cannot see.’ And it almost brought me to tears,” Freelon says.

“That’s exactly what we are. Windows [some of us] may be stained glass, or may have a crack or two, may not be totally clear, may have some smudges on it, but we are windows. We are beautiful, black windows.”

The Widow Song

But yet in Beneath the Skin, an album of all original compositions, she has included The Widow Song. Both of those projects are about what lies underneath the surface of things.

“Because one of the things I had to realize is that I have this whole world underneath the veneer of sorrow,” the singer said. “You’re at the funeral, there are tears, a veil over your face, and your head is bowed. But if we allow ourselves to continue to be curious about the things that can grow from grief.”

“You were given a tough pill to swallow. You’re going to have to decide how you want to walk from that point forward.” Freelon continued.

Beneath the Skin and the book are a part of the trilogy that started with Time Traveler. The singer agrees, “It’s a continuation of the journey. And it’s, it’s interesting. Sometimes you create art, and sometimes art creates you.”

The post Nnenna Freelon Finds Her Widow Song appeared first on Black Health Matters.

What is an Endemic?

Harvard’s Hanage said, “It certainly has a sort of social definition — a virus that’s around us all the time — and if you want to take that one, then we’re definitely there.”

He told NPR, “Endemic doesn’t necessarily mean good,” he said. “Tuberculosis is endemic in some parts of the world, and malaria is endemic in some parts of the world. And neither of those is a good thing.”

In other words, just because COVID-19 is something we have gotten used to, it doesn’t mean we don’t have to take precautions. This is true especially if we are going to interact with vulnerable populations.

Here are 11 things you need to know about COVID-19 and the vaccine:

The New Variants Keep Coming

1. The dominant variant in the United States is”XFG” Stratus.

Stratus was first detected in the United States in March. Still, it took months for it to overtake Nimbus “NB.1.18.1. “Stratus has been around in Southeast Asia since January of this year, and came to the United States around the spring,” explains Dr. Magdalena Sobieszczyk, chief of the Division of Infectious Diseases at New York-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center.  Symptoms of the Stratus variant are:

• headache
• fever
• “razor blade” sore throat
• cough
• runny nose
• congestion
• nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.

2. The 2025 vaccine should be effective against the Stratus variant.

Dr. Sobbieszcyk points out that the currently available COVID-19 vaccine updated for the 2025-2026 season targets a strain called LP.8.1, which is closely related to the predominant strain. “We expect that the vaccine should be effective at protecting against severe disease, and there are no new concerns about safety or efficacy,” she said.

There Are Three COVID Boosters

3. There are three COVID boosters available. 

In August, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved new COVID boosters that you can get from  Moderna, Pfizer, and Novavax.  Each of them targets the descendants of the omicron variant.

4. A new study shows a COVID-19 vaccine booster will protect you against severe infection.

A recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine reports that getting a COVID vaccine booster could be life-saving, no matter your age. Last season’s mRNA COVID vaccine reduced people’s risk of emergency department visits by 29 percent, hospitalizations by 39 percent, and death by 64 percent. The study authors said the vaccine was effective across all age groups, and in people with and without chronic conditions.

Here’s What You Should Know About Getting Vaccinated

5.  Clinicians offer these guidelines on who should get vaccinated.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) both recommend that babies six to 23 months be vaccinated. The AAP recommends a risk-based strategy for children ages two through 18. Parents can vaccinate their children if they like, but they recommend vaccination if their child has diabetes or asthma, for example. The AAFP recommends that adults 18 and older be vaccinated. Individuals 65 and over must be vaccinated because they are still more likely to be hospitalized and die from COVID-19.

6. Some people will feel side effects from their COVID-19 booster.

They can last up to two days. These are short-term mild or moderate vaccine reactions that resolve without complication or injury.  The side effects include pain at the injection site, fatigue, headache, muscle pain, fever, and chills.

7. If you’ve recently had COVID-19, you can still get a COVID booster, but you need to wait. 

According to Penn Medicine, anyone who has had a recent COVID-19 infection should wait three weeks after recovery before getting the latest booster. Timing may be different, however, if you are immunocompromised. Please speak with your HCP.

Getting a COVID-19 Vaccine May Cost Money If You Don’t Have Insurance, But There Are Resources Available

8. The COVID-19 vaccine is no longer free.

The Bridge Access Program, which made COVID-19 vaccines and treatments free for those who were underinsured or lacked insurance, was phased out in August 2024. If you have insurance, you are most likely covered. According to GoodRx, with coverage through Medicare and Medicaid, you should get the COVID-19 booster free of charge if an in-network provider administers it.

The vaccine booster, without insurance, can cost more than $200. Here are a few options and resources that can help:

• Go to GoodRx and search for a coupon.
• If you have children under age  19 and can’t afford it,  you may qualify for the Vaccines for Children Program.
• Try the Manufacturer’s Vax Assistance Programs, like Pfizer Retail Vax Assist

The COVID-19 Vaccine and Cancer

9. The 2025 vaccine is safe for people with cancer or who have been treated for cancer.

According to Mini Kamboj, MSK’s Chief Medical Epidemiologist, at Memorial Sloan Kettering, the COVID vaccine is recommended for people with cancer or who have been treated for it.  “The latest CDC estimates show that about 1 in 6 people hospitalized with severe COVID-19 have weakened immune systems. This can happen if you are getting cancer treatment or have a history of cancer. The COVID-19 vaccine protects you from getting very sick if you get the infection.”

10. The COVID mRNA vaccine sparks an immune response to fight certain cancers.

In an observational study published in Nature, researchers discovered patients with advanced skin or lung cancer, who received a COVID-19 mRNA vaccine within 100 days of starting immunotherapy, lived significantly longer than those who didn’t get the vaccine.

You Still Need to Stay Vigilant

11. In 2024, COVID-19 deaths fell out of the top ten.

According to NPR, COVID-19 slipped from the top ten causes of death last year. In 2020, it was number three; now it is number 15, according to the CDC. However, it was a factor in about 47,000 deaths in the United States in 2024.

If you have any preexisting conditions, are in frequent contact with someone who is immunocompromised, or is in their advanced years, ensure that you and they are vaccinated. We can’t afford to let our guards down. Even if you are healthy, chances are, everyone around you isn’t.

Resources

Harvard School of Public Health: Experts Say COVID-19 is endemic. What does that mean?

New York Presbyterian Hospital: What to Know About COVID Variant XFG (Stratus) and How to Protect Yourself

Memorial Sloan Kettering: 2025–2026 COVID-19 Vaccine for People With Cancer & Others With Weakened Immune Systems

Your Fall Vaccine Guide

Annual COVID Vaccines Protect People against Severe Disease, Even with Prior Immunity

Nature: SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccines sensitize tumours to immune checkpoint blockade

VaccineInformation.org

The post 11 Things to Know About the COVID-19 Vaccines in 2025 appeared first on Black Health Matters.

Misdiagnoses Happen

At the 2025 NephCure Health Equity Conference, one mother explained what it was like when her son was misdiagnosed at age four. “He had swelling in his eyes, his stomach. He couldn’t open his eyes,” she said. “They gave him all these allergy tests, but we knew it was something different, so we went back.”

This time, the parents saw their son’s pediatrician, and she knew it was nephrotic syndrome. “My husband and I are looking her saying, ‘What is nephrotic syndrome?’ getting ready to look it up on our phones. She said, ‘Put your phones away. We need to get your son under the care of a pediatric nephrologist right away.”

When Are Children Diagnosed?

According to the National Kidney Foundation, children are often diagnosed with nephrotic syndrome between the ages of two and nine. “Swelling in the legs, abdomen, and around the eyes is usually the first sign of nephrotic syndrome in children. Swelling around the eyes may be confused with allergies. However, urine tests that show large amounts of protein usually point to nephrotic syndrome.”

FSGS is the second most common cause of nephrotic syndrome in children. FSGS most often occurs in older children and adolescents.

What Kind of Pediatric Nephrologist Are You?

Another mother said, “So many people don’t really know enough about rare kidney disease, even nephrologists. I learned last year in the summit that there’s a difference between pediatric nephrologists who know about kidney disease,” she explained.

“There are also pediatric nephrologists who know about rare kidney disease, and I didn’t realize the difference.” She explained that they had consultations with six pediatric nephrologists before they found the right fit.”

“Is this person knowledgeable about what my kid has or not, and that really helped me decide, am I going to have a relationship with this person or am I moving on?” she said.

Treating a Child is a Group Effort

When treating children who are living with FSGS, treatment plans are a bigger group effort as opposed to the effort of 1 or 2. While many adults can navigate new treatment plans alone or with the help of a family member or significant other, the treatment plan for children “must extend beyond the child to the family system”, says Dr. Daryl O. Crenshaw, MD, FACP, FASN, FASH, a board-certified nephrologist who practices in Thomasville, GA. These professionals are part of their care ecosystem.

• Pediatric Nephrologist
• Dietician
• Social Workers
• Primary Care Doctor

That doesn’t mean that the patients themselves are to be overlooked. “Children engage best when care is framed as something they can do rather than something being done to them,” says Crenshaw. Depending on their age, involving your child in their treatment may be the best way to get them to understand what is going on. It also helps build trust and develop confidence, which will take you a long way.

Finding Community and Support

“Our pediatric nephrologist gave us the rundown from A to B about athletics. That it was terrifying, but it prepared us for what we were going to be up against,” the first mom said. “I’m like, okay, organization. I think I got this under control. I’m a mom. I can do it all, but every time my son relapsed, it was a different type of relapse.”

She knew that support and community would be critical to her journey. There were overwhelming fears about having her child labeled as “sick” at school. Her pediatric nephrologist initially recommended the NephCure’s walk in her city, but the family wasn’t ready. Two years later, she circled back and got the information.

“So we went to the walk, and then when we met the families, and everyone from NephCures, our lives really changed. At that point, because it made a difference,” she said.

Involve Your Child in Their Treatment

• Give them an active role in their treatment and more broadly, their health.
• Understanding how certain foods or choices can impact them. It can help encourage them to remain adherent and honest with you and their provider.

Whether you’re working with an HCP on a treatment plan for yourself, your child, or a loved one, always remember that you are not powerless; you are a partner. If there are questions that you feel moved to ask, ask them; if you’re experiencing new or different symptoms, bring that up; if there are ways you think something can be going more smoothly according to your needs, limitations, and lifestyle, don’t be afraid to talk about it with your doctor.

When creating a treatment plan, one of the most important things to remember is that it’s a collaborative effort. Both you and your doctor want what is best for you, and the best treatment is the one you are most likely to adhere to.

Partnering With Your Doctor as an Adult

According to Dr. Crenshaw, “Treatment guidelines provide structure, patients provide context,” he said. “The real art [of creating a treatment plan] is adjusting principles for the patient in front of me—whether that means accounting for their comorbidities, socioeconomic challenges, or medication adherence barriers.”

It helps to do the following, so your nephrologist has as much information as possible:

•  Keep track of your symptoms
• Write down any questions you might have for your provider beforehand
• Bring a list of any medications you currently take.

In addition, you may discuss your day-to-day life and your medical history. As your treatment plan is being developed, your doctor may want to know more about your environment. How close is your access to fresh food? What are your transportation options? All these things affect your health.

Understanding these correlations can get patients to better stick to their treatment. “Adherence increases when I take time to connect the science to their story. Plans thrive when they feel personalized”, says Dr. Crenshaw.

Managing Your FSGS

• Eat a low-sodium diet.
• Consume plenty of fruits and vegetables.
• Reduce alcohol consumption.
• Keep blood sugar under control.
• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Exercise.
• Quit smoking.

Additional reporting by Christine Jean-Louis.

Resources

Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis 

National Kidney Foundation

Understanding FSGS

NephCure

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What Exactly are the Pillars?

The company used philanthropic dollars to renovate the ground floor of 33 Washington Street, transforming it into a retail hub in the heart of the city’s Arts and Education district. It is steps away from the Newark Museum of Art and across the street from Harriet Tubman Square. This is an area the company has invested in through other arts initiatives.

“I am really thrilled to be celebrating the grand opening of The Pillars. This is our largest, most ambitious investment yet in Newark’s future. By transforming 15,000 square feet here and the facade of the building, we’re further deepening our roots in the city, because we understand that when Newark thrives, we all thrive,” Carrigan explained. “The Pillars represent this shared destiny, a space that brings together local entrepreneurs, celebrates creativity, and reflects the best of Newark.”

Mayor Ras J. Baraka applauded the investment and discussed how corporations, the Newark Alliance, and art institutions are collaborating with the city. “You see that the art institutions and the corporations that have bought into what we are trying to do in the city of Newark, they have decided to work collaboratively to lift our city economically, socially, mentally, and spiritually, right across the street from Harry Tubman Square, he explained.

Finding the Retailers

Aisha Glover, Global Head of Urban Innovation at Audible, oversaw this massive project over four years. She collaborated with the economic impact, neighborhood investment, real estate, design, and various other departments to complete this project. Glover also found the retailers she thought would be the best fit for the space.

The three new retailers join 25 others who have come through Audible’s Business Attraction Program. They can receive up to $250,000 in undiluted grants for office space, relocation assistance, stipends, and mentorship with Audible employees, among other perks.

Tansy, Plant and Ecclectic Home Decor

The COVID-19 pandemic taught us how critical plants can be to our environment and to our physical and mental well-being. But Shawna Christian was way ahead of us.

She opened her first store in Burbank in 2019, after running an IT company. She told the LA Times, “I turned 50 and realized I wanted to do something different before I passed away. So I spent all of my money and opened a plant store.” Well, she’s shaking things up again by moving to Newark.

Christian said she didn’t know a lot about Newark before she arrived, but her experience has been impressive. “I’ve never seen such love and support from a city for creative artists and entrepreneurs. It is mind-blowing what is happening in the city,” Tansy’s founder said. “The Pillars is a huge representation of what this area is going to be.”

In addition to plants, Tansy has a cornucopia of fair-trade items from all over the world. And she ships!

Pooka Pure and Simple

Of the three retail tenants coming to The Pillars, Dawn Fitch, owner of Pooka Pure and Simple —a natural brand of body products —is the only one who has previously had a store in Newark. For her company, celebrating 25 years in business this year, it was a homecoming.

Fitch joked, “I’ll be sandwiched between my favorite things, plants and yoga!. But I also want to say to Audible, like this opportunity, this grant, is amazing as a small business, after 25 years, to receive this type of support is just unfounded, and it isn’t just the financial support, it was the team who is amazing,” she said.

With a larger space, it is also an opportunity to bring new things to her Pookalitas (her loyal customers).”Something new that we’re doing is a fragrance blending bar, because we think scent is so much a part of people’s stories,” Fitch said.

HealHaus Will Open in November

Darian Hall, founder of HealHaus, felt like he didn’t have the support he needed to thrive with his studio in Brooklyn.

“The impetus for me starting that business was to really provide mental health services and wellness for our community. And it’s deeply personal for me. Why I got into this work. And a lot of times when you’re on your entrepreneurial journey, you feel like you’re on an island by yourself,” he explained.

When I got the call from Audible to be a part of this program, it was like, Wow, God makes no mistakes. And it’s been an incredible blessing to be a part of this.

I am so excited to bring the services we offer at HealHaus to the city of Newark because the community needs them. We need the yoga, the meditation, the therapy right for our communities to really thrive, and for Audible to back that, is really amazing.”

Check out the website for the full lineup of classes and the menu at the cafe.

Mayor Baraka said he was excited to see that the retailers looked like him. He is proud that companies like Audible are holding the line. “So, it is important for us to show people what humanity looks like, what democracy looks like, and what the beauty of diversity can do to cities that are growing.”

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The Family’s Statement

According to Rolling Stone “The shining star of our family has dimmed his light for us in this life … After a prolonged and courageous battle with cancer, we are heartbroken to announce that Michael D’Angelo Archer, known to his fans around the world as D’Angelo, has been called home, departing this life today, October 14th, 2025,” his family said in a statement. “We are saddened that he can only leave dear memories with his family, but we are eternally grateful for the legacy of extraordinarily moving music he leaves behind.  We ask that you respect our privacy during this difficult time, but invite you all to join us in mourning his passing while also celebrating the gift of song that he has left for the world.”

D’Angelo Developed His Talents Early

Born in Richmond, VA, he learned to play the piano before age five in church and played for his grandfather, who pastored a Pentecostal church. By sixteen, he had formed two different singing groups, according to People: Three of a Kind and Michael Archer, and Precise. He tried out for Amateur Night at the Apollo twice, the first time he didn’t win. The second time, he took his prize money and invested in equipment, which eventually led to his Brown Sugar record deal.

He Was Part of the Soulquarians

The Soulquarians were a loose collective of singers, musicians, and producers that included J Dilla, QuestLove, Erykah Badu, and Common. They were at the forefront of a movement that charted new paths in soul, R&B, and hip-hop while maintaining a deep admiration for the past.

His Music was a More Sensuous Version of 70s Soul.

In the New York Times, Ben Sisario wrote, “In the years leading up to his triumph with the 2000 album ‘Voodoo,” D’Angelo was a leading light of the era’s revolution in soul music, melding the sweetly seductive melodies of classic singers like Al Green and Marvin Gaye with the beats and urgency of hip-hop.

His biggest songs, like “Lady,” “Brown Sugar,” and “Untitled (How Does It Feel),” were hailed as supreme examples of the trend, which sought not a revival of Black pop traditions but a transformation of them.

He Was Nominated For 14 Grammys and Won Four

D’Angelo was nominated for 14 Grammy awards and won 4. Best R&B Album for Voodoo, Best R&B Album for Black Messiah. He also won Best R&B Vocal Performance for “Untitled (How Does It Feel)” and Best R&B Song for Black Messiah’s “Really Love.”

Although “Untitled” won him awards, the sexy video came with unintended consequences. This led to him being named a sex symbol, a breakdown, depression, alcohol, drugs, rehab, and seclusion for periods. But he came back.

Our sincere condolences go out to his family.

About Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatic cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the pancreas. Pancreatic adenocarcinoma is the most common type of pancreatic cancer. The American Cancer Society estimates that about 67,440 people (34,950 men and 32,490 women) will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. The pancreas is deep in the body so it is difficult to find early.

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What is FSGS?

A healthy kidney oversees filtering the blood in your body to remove and flush waste like proteins, toxins, excess water, and more. Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, or FSGS, is a condition where parts of the kidney that filter waste are damaged or scarred. Because of this damage, some of the waste that your kidneys should be filtering leaks out into urine.

Dr. Crenshaw, a board-certified nephrologist in Thomasville, GA, brilliantly uses the analogy of rice in a strainer. “Imagine your kidneys act as the strainer holding in rice, which represents the essential substances your body needs,” he says.

“The more damaged your ‘strainer’ is, the easier it is for ‘grains of rice’ (essential substances) to pass through and enter the urine. Accumulation of vital substances in your urine can cause health complications, especially over time.

What are the Symptoms of FSGS?

• Swelling could be in the legs, ankles, and even around the eyes.
• Weight gain is due to fluid buildup
• Foamy urine from protein buildup, called proteinuria

When should I see a doctor?

Note: If you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, please get in touch with your HCP as soon as possible.

Are There Different Types of FSGS?

According to the Mayo Clinic, there are four types of FSGS.

• Primary FSGS. Many people diagnosed with FSGS have no known cause for their condition. The condition is called primary (idiopathic) FSGS.
• Secondary FSGS. It may occur because of another disease, such as diabetes or sickle cell, drug toxicity, obesity, or other kidney diseases. But controlling the underlying cause may slow the progression.
• Genetic FSGS, a type of kidney disease caused by mutations in genes that play a role in the structure and function of the glomeruli, the tiny filters in the kidneys.
• Unknown FSGS. Despite Clinical evaluation, the underlying cause has not been identified.

Questions to ask:

If I have diabetes or sickle cell disease, could I be at risk for FSGS?

Does my lupus put me at risk for FSGS?

What tests should I have annually?

One of my family members has FSGS. Does that mean I may have it too?

How early do I need to test my children?

What Kind of Health Complications Can Occur from FSGS?

• Nephrotic Syndrome is a condition that causes you to release an excessive amount of protein in the urine (pee). Nephrotic syndrome usually results from a problem with your kidneys’ filters (glomeruli). Glomeruli (glo-mare-yoo-lye) are tiny blood vessels in your kidneys. If you have nephrotic syndrome, losing different proteins may cause various problems. Some proteins help prevent blood clots. When you lose those proteins in your pee, blood clots can form.
• End-stage kidney Disease means your kidneys can no longer filter waste from your blood. It is often the final stage of CKD, but it can also develop suddenly or happen as a result of injury. Dialysis and transplant are the options then.

If You Don’t Have Symptoms: Be Proactive

Dr. Crenshaw encourages patients to be proactive and ask the right questions to understand their kidney health better.

Can you run the following test?

• Complete blood work
• Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR)
• Creatinine
• Urine test to measure the amount of blood and protein in proteinuria

Once you have the tests, it is critical to keep track of your results. Then ask the following?

What are the results of my tests? What do they mean?

When should I come back for follow-up testing?

Dr. Crenshaw gives a complete breakdown of the CKD stages here. All this information will help you understand how well your kidneys are functioning currently and whether you are at higher risk for chronic kidney disease in the future.

Review Your Current Medications

Suppose you are someone who has high blood pressure, diabetes, and other comorbidities such as Hep B, Hep C, HIV, syphilis, or has been exposed to certain infections (including COVID-19). In that case, it’s essential to know that you may be predisposed to lower kidney function.

Will any of the medications I am currently taking hurt my FSGS diagnosis? Or my kidneys (if you are being proactive)?

Are there OTC medications I should avoid?

What about supplements? Are they safe to take?

Should I Consider Genetic Testing?

Dr. Crenshaw encourages everyone with African ancestry to request testing to check for any genetic disposition. There are several genetic variants related to kidney disease. One that explicitly impacts those in our community is called an APOL-1 variant, which could directly affect the progression of FSGS, heart disease, and other conditions. It has been described as an accelerator that causes your disease to progress at a faster rate.

Ask your nephrologist:

What are the benefits of genetic testing?

Do I need a referral for genetic counseling?

Does my insurance cover this?

Are there other things I need to know about genetic testing, including any possible disclosures to life insurance companies?

How do I Find a Good Nephrologist?

Your doctor may not automatically refer you to a nephrologist.  However, you can begin researching on your own, especially if your plan doesn’t require a referral. Read reviews before you decide. Tap into kidney organizations, connect with their patient and support networks for ideas as well. Check out our Nephrologist guide too.

FSGS can become a serious condition, so regularly monitoring your kidney function is essential for managing kidney health. Dr. Crenshaw shared that about 90% of people in the United States have kidney disease and are unaware of it. A statistic that is sure to wake us up about our kidney health: asking the right questions is key to understanding FSGS and its possible effects. It is not only a great way to get ahead of your kidney health, but also to encourage others to do the same.

Additional Reporting by Christine Jean-Louis

Resources

American Kidney Fund: FSGS

Mayo Clinic

National Kidney Foundation: Genetic Variants and Kidney Disease

The post FSGS: The Essential Questions to Ask Your Doctor appeared first on Black Health Matters.

Burton’s Reading Rainbow won more than 250 Awards. Among them are 26 Emmys and a Peabody Award, and sparked a love of books in generations of children.

If You Don’t Know Mychal the Librarian

Mychal, a librarian at the Solano County Library in Dixon, California,  endeared himself to his growing following by simply being himself, sharing his passions for his vocation, and being vulnerable about his mental health struggles. He was an advocate for visiting local libraries, not only taking out books but also using the services.

 

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He offered positive mental health messages. While sometimes sharing his own struggles.

 

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Mychal became known for his greetings to the extent that people started making drawings to give to him.

 

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But as his notoriety grew, the online bullies and trolls wouldn’t leave him alone. And those who want to ban books would show up at his library to harass him. All of that wasn’t good for his mental health. He left his full-time job, but he has never stopped spreading the joy that can be found in libraries.

About the Reading Rainbow 4-Part Reboot

The new Reading Rainbow follows a similar format to the previous iteration. This is a case of “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” According to NPR, Buffalo Toronto Public Media, which co-produced the original series in 1983, also co-produced the new season. It will only run for four episodes.

It appears that when Burton attempted to reboot himself, issues arose between the two companies. We won’t hold that against Mychal.

 

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But in the spirit of sparking the joy of reading, here is the trailer, and some books that we think your little one will love:

Chef Carla Hall has a new picture book, Carla and the Tin Can Cake Party, about a game of dress-up gone wrong at the grandparents’ house, with a lesson learned about a family recipe.

In Dorethea Taylor’s There’s a Dragon in My Closet, a young boy blames all his misdeeds on an imaginary dragon in his closet.

Finally, get this duo by the late Faith Ringgold. Her classic Tar Beach, which features Cassie Louise Lightfoot’s magical wish for freedom, is told from the rooftop of her Harlem apartment building, also known as “Tar Beach.”  In Cassie’s Word Quilt, the follow-up, she offers readers a behind-the-scenes look at her day-to-day life—from her home to her neighborhood, school, and more. At every stop, Cassie is teaching them new words, ones they’ve never heard before.

And if you want to give your child a special treat, check out Ms. Ringgold reading Tar Beach on the original Reading Rainbow below.

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Start at

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Did Mimi Cause More People to Tune In?

For the first time in six years, the VMAs hit a new ratings high. It wasn’t Sabrina Carpenter who did it. It was probably the combination of Busta Rhymes and Mariah finally receiving their flowers after three decades, plus the heavy-hitter lineup. But the VMAs even beat Sunday Night Football for the top spot with 5.5M views, according to Deadline.

Her Speech Was Lighthearted, Funny, and Sincere

When Mariah accepted the VMA Vanguard award from Arianna Grande, she was calm and relaxed. “Thank you so much, MTV, for giving me the first VMA award,” the songstress said.”I just have one question: What in the SAM HILL were you waiting for?”

“I am kidding. Being here brings back amazing memories, like when I presented LL COOL J with the Vanguard Award. Or when Whitney Houston and I opened the show with a faux stand-off,” she continued.

“Music videos are my way of life, mini movies visualizing the short fantasy of it all. And let’s be honest, sometimes it’s just an excuse to bring the drama of things I wouldn’t do in real life. Like going in drag for Obsessed, or playing my alter ego in Heartbreaker.”

Mariah Carey Has Earned the Right to be Called a Diva

In 1998, VH1 debuted a series of benefit concerts featuring powerhouse female vocalists. The first concert featured Celine Dion, Gloria Estefan, Aretha Franklin, Shania Twain, Mariah Carey, and Carole King. Mariah even sang a duet of “Chain of Fools with Miss Franklin. She returned in 2000 for “A Tribute to Diana Ross,” which featured herself, Miss Ross, Donna Summer, and Faith Hill as the headliners.

However, upon reading reviews of her memoir, The Meaning of Mariah Carey, I was struck by what Ariana Davis wrote in her review about the diva persona she conceals. “By seeing all that Carey experienced far too early in her life, we come to understand that ‘diva’ image was created as a defense mechanism—a barrier to shield us all, and herself, from the pain she grew up with and still carries to this day.”

The Past Year Has Also Been Tough

Mariah has a history of bipolar II disorder, which can cause periods of depression and hypomania, she told People in 2018. Initially, when she was diagnosed in 2001, no one was talking about mental illness. And she was fearful and guarded. Hence, that diva shell we have come to know.

But in times of extreme stress,  medication may need to be reevaluated. She has had a very stressful year. We may not remember that Mariah lost both her mother, Patricia, and older sister, Alison, who passed away on the same day last August.

Mariah released a statement a few days later to People that said,

“My heart is broken that I’ve lost my mother this past weekend. Sadly, in a tragic turn of events, my sister lost her life on the same day,” the Grammy-winning singer, 55, said in an exclusive statement to PEOPLE.

“I feel blessed that I was able to spend the last week with my mom before she passed,” adds Mariah. “I appreciate everyone’s love and support and respect for my privacy during this impossible time.”

Mariah detailed her complicated family dynamics in her memoir.

Like many aspects of my life, my relationship with my mother has been marked by contradictions and competing realities. It’s never been only black-and-white — it’s been a whole rainbow of emotions,” she wrote in her 2020 memoir, The Meaning of Mariah Carey.

The post Mariah Carey Got Her First VMA Award (Folks Were Concerned) appeared first on Black Health Matters.

Tillman’s Speech

The 40-year-old, who grew up in Prince George’s County, Maryland, strode up to the podium decked out in head-to-toe white.

“You remember what you want to remember. You make time for what you want to make time for. Do the work. Show up. And most importantly, for the love of God, don’t embarrass me in public,” he exclaimed.

My first acting coach was tough, y’all, but all great mothers are. Momma, you were there for me when no one else was, and no one else would show up. Your lovingkindness stays with me. And this is for you,” he continued.

Thank you to the Academy. I am full, I am honored, I am humbled, and as my momma would say, Woo, look at God.”

 

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What You Should Know About Severance

In the not-too-distant future, workers have the option of having a brain implant installed that separates their work and home lives. Their work and home life memories are entirely separated. They have no idea what they do at work.

Gamerant describes it succinctly: “The terms they use to differentiate their two selves are ‘innie’ (work self) and ‘outie’ (home self). With the implant, their outie arrives at Lumon, boards the elevator to go down to the Severed Floor (located just above the basement), and during the elevator trip, their brain switches to the consciousness of their innie.”

The four main characters, Marc, Dylan, Irving, and Helly, work in a department at Lumon. Tillman is their supervisor, Seth Milchick. He is a company man through and through in Season One. In Season Two, part of his veneer starts to crumble.

Even Tillman Doesn’t Know That Much about Milchick

In an interview with The Breakdown, Tillman talked about the interview process for the role. “I remember Ben [Stiller] telling me even before I got the role, ‘This guy could be mean, and this guy could be nice.’ Okay, great. I don’t know how much to do with that.”

Trimmel identifies multiple roles he plays as the supervisor: teacher, mentor, enforcer, and, above all, his absolute devotion to Lumon.

“There is something that Lumon gives him that he can’t get anywhere else, and what that is has not been established yet, and that’s the fun of it,” Trimmel said.

But he equates the character he plays with a cult-like devotion to the work.

The Things That Bring Milchick Close to Cracking Mirror Our Real Lives

His character’s performance review felt like another day as an articulate Black person in corporate America, but more treacherous.

Afrodiza has broken down the character and compared it to what it is like for us in corporate environments. You don’t have to watch the series to relate.

But Yet, Trimmel Made Sure That the Marching Band Was an HBCU

Trimmel had a standout episode in Season 1, Episode 7, in which he lets loose and does a funky dance with the team, inspired by the “Music Dance Experience.” The actor didn’t necessarily want to make dancing a “thing.”

However, when director Ben Stiller came to the season finale and talked to him about his idea of a marching band, Tillman saw an opportunity. If he had his choice, it would be an HBCU-style band, and he would be the drum major.

“I went to two HBCUs, and one of them was Jackson State University. They housed the Sonic Boom of the South, one of the best marching bands in the country, and I would watch them during my undergrad years with such awe and amazement in the athleticism, the creativity, and the passion that these musicians and dancers served with,” he told Variety.

At least in that moment, he could find joy in the character he was playing. And we found joy in celebrating his accomplishments.

The post Severance’s Tramell Tillman Takes Home An Emmy appeared first on Black Health Matters.

The American Cancer Society estimates there will be 20,890 newly diagnosed cases of ovarian cancer in 2025, and 12,730 women will die from the disease. An estimated one woman in 91 will develop ovarian cancer during her lifetime.

According to the Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance, the condition is most frequently diagnosed in women between the ages of 55 and 64.

Ovarian Cancer By the Numbers

When one is diagnosed and treated in the earliest stages, the five-year survival rate is over 90 percent. Due to ovarian cancer’s non-specific symptoms and lack of early detection tests, only 20 percent of all cases are diagnosed at this early stage. If caught in stage III or higher, the survival rate can be as low as 30.6 percent.

Due to the nature of the disease, each woman diagnosed with ovarian cancer has a different profile, and it is impossible to provide a general prognosis. The five-year ovarian cancer survival rate for white women is 50.6%; in Black patients, it’s 43.2%.

How Ovarian Cancer Impacts Black Women

The journal Obstetrics & Gynecology Health Disparities in Ovarian Care did a deep dive into the differences between Black, white, Asian, and Native American populations, Hispanic populations, when it came to diagnosis, care, and mortality. They looked at several years, going back to 1985.

Black patients overall and any other patient with a low socioeconomic background had worse outcomes.

“Black patients had 17–18% worse survival compared with White patients. Potential explanations include earlier age and later stage at diagnosis and disparities across the entire care continuum of ovarian cancer: diagnosis, treatment, and precision testing.”

Other factors that impacted treatment, according to this literature review, included the type of insurance the patient had. If it is non-private, the patient is less likely to have received the National Comprehensive Cancer Network guideline-concordant ovarian cancer treatment. This resulted in a 10% increase in the patient’s mortality risk. Non-private insurance also impacts access to genetic testing.

If patients lived in rural areas, who didn’t want to travel, or were treated in a lower volume hospital by a surgeon doing fewer surgeries, they received 16-31% NCCN guideline-concordant ovarian cancer treatment.

Bottom line: it is not as simple as a late diagnosis. It is who is treating us, and where we are treated. And if we are getting the correct protocols.

Who is at Risk For Ovarian Cancer?

According to the Ovarian Research Alliance, about 25% of ovarian cancer cases diagnosed are hereditary. And they can be primarily traced to BRCA-1 and BRCA-2 gene mutations (Black women can also have them). The connection is usually a history of breast cancer.

Other risk factors include:

• Lynch syndrome, also known as hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer
• Family history of ovarian, breast, uterine, or colorectal cancer.
• A personal history of cancer or endometriosis
• Early menstruation, no childbirth, first childbirth after 30, late menopause, no oral contraceptives, or infertility increase the risk.
• HRT: Long-term use increases risk, especially with combined estrogen and progestin.
• Obesity is associated with a higher ovarian cancer risk, especially post-menopause.

The American Cancer Society Cancer Facts & Figures Report states, “Some women at high risk because of a strong family history or inherited genetic mutations may consider preventive surgery to remove both ovaries and fallopian tubes (prophylactic bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy), which greatly reduces risk.”

 What is Ovarian Cancer?

Ovarian cancer is a disease in which malignant or cancerous cells are found in the ovaries. An ovary is one of two small, almond-shaped organs located on each side of the uterus that store eggs or germ cells and produce female hormones estrogen and progesterone.

According to The American Cancer Society, however, the disease was previously believed to start only in the cells of the ovaries. But ovarian cancer may also begin in the fallopian tubes.

Types of Ovarian Cancer

Epithelial Ovarian Cancer

The majority of ovarian cancers are categorized here (85-90%) and can start in the cells of the fallopian tube or the ovaries. The cells are further classified based on genetic analysis into the following categories:

• High-grade serous carcinoma (This is the most common type.)
• Low-grade serous carcinoma
• Endometrioid carcinoma
• Clear cell carcinoma
• Mucinous carcinoma

Primary Peritoneal Carcinoma

This is a rare cancer that is related to epithelial ovarian cancer. However, it may have spread to the abdomen.

Fallopian Tube Cancer

Fallopian tube cancer is similar to epithelial ovarian cancer and often spreads to the ovary and peritoneum.

Ovarian Sex Cord-Stromal Tumors

Ovarian sex cord-stromal tumors (SCSTs) are a group of tumors that originate either from the sex cord or stromal cells:

• Sex cord cells are a type of epithelial cell that eventually develop into ovaries (in females) and testes (in males).
• Stromal cells form the connective tissue that gives the ovaries structure.

Ovarian Germ Cell Tumors

Most ovarian germ cell tumors are benign, but some are cancerous and may be life-threatening. Less than 2% of ovarian cancers are germ cell tumors.

• Dysgerminoma is rare; it is the most common ovarian germ cell cancer.

What Are the Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer?

Ovarian cancer is difficult to detect, especially in the early stages. This is partly because these two small, almond-shaped organs are deep within the abdominal cavity, one on each side of the uterus.

According to the Mayo Clinic, these are some of the potential signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer:

• Quickly feeling full when eating
• Abdominal bloating or swelling
• Weight loss
• Feeling the need to urinate urgently or often
• Fatigue
• Discomfort in the pelvic area
• Back pain
• Changes in bowel habits, such as constipation

Make an appointment with your HCP if your symptoms are persistent.

Getting Evaluated By Your HCP

Your HCP may need to perform several tests before there is a conclusive diagnosis. They may include:

• A pelvic exam
• Blood tests. The most common tumor marker is a blood test called the CA-125.
• Genetic tests
• Surgery

If Your Results Come Back Positive

Consult a gynecologic oncologist immediately. They may want to review your current test and order additional ones, along with the results. However, the only way to more accurately confirm ovarian cancer is with a biopsy, a procedure in which the doctor takes a sample of the tumor and examines it under a microscope.

Getting Diagnosed

Make the most of your appointment. Come with some questions ready after the initial shock has worn off. Or bring a supportive wingperson with you. A significant other, sister, BFF, or work friend, let them ask the questions you have scribbled in your notebook. But we’ve got a cheat sheet down below to get you started, and you can add more from here.

• What type of ovarian cancer do I have?
• Has my cancer spread beyond the ovaries?
• What is the cancer’s stage (extent), and what does that mean?
• Will I need other tests before we can decide on treatment?
• Will I be able to have children after my treatment?

• Should I think about genetic testing?
• What are my clinical trial options?
• This is overwhelming. Where can I find support?

Partner With Your HCP

After your diagnosis, you’ll partner with your oncologist to choose a customized treatment plan that works for you. The treatment will vary based on the stage of the disease, your age, and your health condition. The ACS points out that most ovarian cancer patients may require surgery. But depending on the type of ovarian cancer and how advanced it is, you might need other types of treatment as well, either before or after surgery, or sometimes both.

Treatment Options May Include:

• Chemotherapy
• Radiation
• Targeted Drug Therapy
• Hormone Therapy
• Immonotherapy

Consider Genetic Testing

In an article in Nature, Sophia George explores solutions for why Black women have lower survival rates and higher rates of recurrence. In examining data from the NCI, she noticed that we have higher rates of rarer cancers.

“Black women are more likely to have germ-cell and stromal-cell tumours, and less likely to have epithelial ovarian cancers,” she wrote. Despite these differences, new approaches to clinical care — including genomic medicine — are underutilized in this population. ”

Then there are new treatments like PARP inhibitors, but when only 1.6% participants in the trial are, George says, “the efficacy of PARP inhibitors in Black women remains poorly characterized.”

Finally, she notes that Black patients are less likely to have their tumors analyzed. “This exacerbates disparities in the treatment that they receive and limits cancer-prevention opportunities in family members.”

Using Black women’s poorer response to platinum-based chemotherapy as an example, George believes that genetics may play a role. She argues that there is a similar type of inherited breast and ovarian gene variant in West African, Black American, and white women.

“But certain subpopulations of Black women³ experience hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndromes at rates comparable to or greater than those seen in the Ashkenazi Jewish population, which has considerably higher rates of these cancers than the global average.”

We do know some families within our communities that have been hit hard by breast and ovarian cancers. They could benefit from genetic testing.

Five Preventive Strategies to Fight Ovarian Cancer

Genetic testing also provides insights that enable individuals to identify preventive measures they can take to reduce their risk of ovarian cancer. Here are five that the ORA suggests:

• Using oral contraception for five or more years can reduce ovarian cancer risk by 50%.
• Multiple pregnancies or your first full-term birth by age 26 reduces your risk, and breastfeeding does, too.
• Removal of your Fallopian tubes (Bilateral Salpingectomy). It reduces the risk of cancer forming in the fallopian tubes while preserving fertility with the help of IVF.
• Removal of Fallopian Tubes and Ovaries Bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy significantly reduces risk. There is a slight chance you can still get a rare kind of ovarian cancer.  Especially beneficial when performed by age 35-40 for women with BRCA1 mutations or by age 40-45 for those with BRCA2 mutations.
• Hysterectomy and Tubal Ligation: Hysterectomy may reduce the risk of ovarian cancer by 33%, and tubal ligation by up to 67%.

Resources:

American Cancer Society: Types of Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian Research Alliance: Prevention and Risks 

Mayo Clinic: Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer

Health Disparities in Ovarian Care

The post The Silent Killer: Black Women & Ovarian Cancer appeared first on Black Health Matters.

The Question That Started It All

According to Deadline, an Italian journalist named Federica Polidoro asked this question: “What was lost during the politically correct era? And what can we expect in Hollywood? Now that the Me Too and the Black Lives Matter Movement are done [according to her].

Garfield was stunned into silence. Edebiri started absorbing the unexpected macroaggressions. Roberts, the Oscar-winning actress, stepped in and said, “I’m sorry, with your dark glasses on, I’m not sure who you are talking to.”

That’s when Polidoro said “Andrew and Julia,” specifically leaving Ayo out. Then she repeated the entire question…again. The duo looked at one another. Garfield was clearly not touching that question.

I Am Going to Answer Anyway

Before Edebiri replied, she mentioned that she was curious as to why she wasn’t included in the discussion. Was it purposeful? Crickets. She received no response at all from Polidoro, as if she were not sitting there.

But the award-winning actress, primarily known for the Hulu series The Bear, said, “I don’t think it’s done. It’s not done at all. I think maybe hashtags might not be used as much, but I do think that there’s work being done by activists, by people, every day, that’s beautiful, important work that’s not finished, that’s really, really active for a reason, for a reason, because this world is really charged,” she continued.

“Maybe there’s not mainstream coverage in the way that there might have been daily headlines in the way that it might have been eight or so years ago, but I don’t think that means that the work is done. That’s what I would say.”

Garfield and Roberts agreed that although coverage is not as constant on both fronts as it once was, #MeToo, started by Tarana Burke, and #BlackLivesMatter are not over.

Some Journalists (Still) Just Don’t Understand

Reactions on social media to this interview have been swift. Some have gone to Polidoro’s social accounts to leave a few comments of their own. It prompted a statement that doesn’t make things any better for her. She mentions her long journalistic record, but never explains her erasure of Edebiri.

Reminds us of a specific person talking to a qualified reporter recently, as if she didn’t belong.

But Edebiri Will Be Moving On to Her Next Big Thing

Next spring,  the 29-year-old Edebiri is coming to Broadway. She will be starring opposite Don Cheadle in a revival of Proof. This is a Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning play by David Auburn about struggling with mathematical genius and mental illness. Edebiri will be doing the teeth gnashing after caring with her seriously ill father (Cheadle), who battled an illness related to his psychological well-being.

The title of the play comes from someone discovering some mathematical formula that is “proof” of some theory, and I suspect Edebiri will have her own tour de force every night.

So she can’t get too distracted by this dustup.

 

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And every time someone says a Black woman handles some slight with “grace,” I think about the connection between suppressed rage and autoimmune diseases. It can’t cost us our health. But that’s a story for another day,

The post Ayo Edebiri Will Not Be Ignored appeared first on Black Health Matters.

The Post-Match Exchange

It seems that Ostapenko has a history of outbursts. But she was expecting an apology for a net cord that Townsend won a point off. So, instead of shaking hands like a reasonable person at the end of the match, she went on that tirade. In which she told 29-year-old Townsend, “You have no class and no education.”

Townsend replied, “You need to learn how to take a loss better.” At first, you may think this is a replay of Coco Gauff at the French Open. But this was far more inflammatory, which the Tennis podcast pointed out in the clip below. It also took days before Ostapenko’s non-apology. But Taylor needed to carry on.

 

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Townsend’s Late Night Upset of Mira Andreeva on Friday Night

The crowd stayed until midnight at Arthur Ashe Stadium to watch Taylor Townsend’s match on Friday night, August 29th. They were not disappointed. Playing against 18-year-old Mira Andreeva, she was in her element—the encounter with Ostenpenko out of her mind. While the first set was close, 7-5. Townsend seemed to dominate the second set, and Andreeva’s emotions got the better of her.

Reflections on the Incidents with Ostapenko

In a post-match interview, Townsend was asked about her last 48 hours and how she was feeling about it. Here is how she responded.

“It’s bigger than me,” Townsend, 29, said on court after the match. “It’s about the message. It’s about the representation. It’s about being bold and being able to show up as yourself, and I did that tonight. You guys saw the real Taylor Townsend tonight,” she said.

Townsend Showing Up as Herself

What made that win against Andreeva special was that it got Townsend to the Round 16 for the first time since 2019. And she was unapologetic about showing up as herself. Watching her play with Ben Shelton is especially delightful.

“God damn, this feels good,” Townsend said after her win. “All I’m going to say is welcome to the show. I’ve been putting in a lot of hard work.

Townsend is also a mother.

“I want to dedicate this win to my coach. We’ve been through blood, sweat, and tears, also to my son, Adyn. He’ll be here tomorrow. He’s been telling his teachers at school, ‘I’m going to New York to see my mom.’ So this just felt so good.”

Townsend Put Her All Into the 4th Round

On Sunday, Townsend had a tough match against Barbora Krejcikova. The second set lasted 98 minutes, according to ESPN, the longest set of any women’s draw. With a tiebreaker in the second set that ended 15-13. But in the end, she couldn’t pull it out. 1-6, 7-6, 6-3. In the second set, she was a point away from her first Grand Slam singles quarterfinal over and over again. But Townsend lost seven match points to her Krejcikova, a two-time Grand Slam Champion.

After the loss, Townsend did cry in the sideline chair before leaving the court. “It just stings because I literally gave everything,” Townsend said. “She came up with some really, really great tennis in moments where she was down, and I thought I had it.”

What Her Son Said to Her Afterward

When she saw her son, Adyn, 4, according to People, he had come to see her play, she said. “Good job, Mom!” She said, “Adyn, I lost.  He replied. “That’s okay. ‘That’s the attitude.’ So I’m trying to embody that.” Then asked her if she wanted to work out, maybe do some squats after she had played three hours of tennis.

While Townsend didn’t win the match, she did show us what a winner looks like because she is a winner through and through.

 

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Spencer’s First Role Was in the Movie Serpico

According to Deadline, Danielle Spencer was born on June 24, 1965. Her mother, Cheryl, raised her along with her stepfather, Tim Pelt. Spencer began acting at seven, appearing in  Serpico and Harry and Tonto. She landed the role of Dee, Raj’s little sister, at age 11 in What’s Happening, a sitcom loosely based on the film Cooley High.

The Young Actress Was a Breakout Star

But in the show, Spencer played Dee, who was the sassy younger sister of Roger “Raj” Thomas (played by Ernest Thomas) and the daughter of Mabel (played by Mable King). She was most known for her signature phrase, “Ooooh, I’m gonna tell Mama!”

What’s Happening!! Aired for the first time in 1976, as a four-week summer series before returning in November and then for another two seasons.

“I had never seen any young black girl in that type of spotlight, so I didn’t have a reference point in the media as to how to deal with this opportunity,” she told Jet magazine in 2014. “I was from the Bronx. What I did was use my own family as the reference on how to portray my character.”

A Tragic Car Accident Left Her in a Coma

Sadly, during the second season of production, Spencer and her stepfather were involved in a five-car accident. They were returning from seeing the movie, Star Wars.

Unfortunately, Tim Pelt was killed. And the actress fell into a coma for three weeks. InSpencer had an additional six months of physical therapy to recover.

Becoming Doctor Spencer

After What’s Happening!! and their spinoff, What’s Happening Now, were cancelled, Spencer decided on her next act. She attended UC Davis and earned a degree in veterinary science. She went on to Tuskegee University Veterinary School in Tuskegee, Alabama to become a veterinarian in 1993.

Dr. Spencer worked as a veterinarian in California for two decades before relocating to Virginia. When she got to her new city, she was back in front of the cameras. Dr.Spencer ran a pet-care segment for CBS affiliate WTVR-TV.

Dr.Spencer’s Health Challenges

In the early aughts, she developed a spinal condition that left her paralyzed for several months. But in 2014, Dr. Spencer was diagnosed with breast cancer. As a result of her diagnosis, she underwent a double mastectomy.

In 2018, she had emergency surgery to remove a bleeding hematoma—a result of the car accident that killed her stepfather. Unfortunately, she no longer had health insurance. Her loved ones launched a GoFundMe to cover Dr. Spencer’s medical expenses.

Dr. Spencer is survived by her mother and brother, Jeremy, a jazz musician.

 

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“There are also times when I’m not feeling so great. And I will consult with a doctor. I think it’s good, from a physical standpoint, but mental health is vital. Westbrook explained.

I think that when we are in this day-to-day grind, we forget to check on our mental health.”

Westbrook is returning to co-host the BHM Harlem Week 2025 Health Summit & Expo and wants to see more of his peers at Riverside Church on August 14, 2025.

Why Health Matters Are Personal for Westbrook

The Emmy award-winning reporter grew up in Harlem. Westbrook says his parents were always adamant about getting him regular screenings and heart-related matters.

“Especially, my dad, Artie, in particular. Unfortunately, he passed away a couple of years ago and due to complications with his heart,” Westbrook recalled.

“So I know just growing up with them, they were always big into just making sure that you’re on top of your health and going to the doctor as often as possible.”

Westbrook also noticed that many of his peers have become parents themselves. That has also made them pay more attention to their well-being. “They’re seeing that it’s beneficial to stay on top of their health as well as their child’s health,” he explained.

Diseases Like Colon and Prostate Cancer Are Impacting Younger People

According to the American Cancer Society, 1 in 5 people diagnosed with colon cancer, for example, will be under the age of 55. Some of the contributing factors include:

• having obesity and a sedentary lifestyle
• long-term smoking and heavy alcohol consumption
• a  high-fat, low-fiber diet

Westbrook Says Social Media Can Be a Powerful Teaching Tool

“Social media is such a powerful tool. I think that the more you know, the more you grow.”  If word is being spread out there about the importance of getting screened or tested for certain things,” he said.

“It’ll resonate with people. And I think especially with my age group. I’m in that millennial age group. And so I think we’re starting even to see a shift in how we’re conceptualizing our health and why it’s so important.”

Westbrook gave an example. “Wait until your 40s to get a prostate exam. But now, the advice is “if you feel that certain things aren’t right, get screened. Go see a doctor,” he said

Why Westbrook Keeps Coming Back to the Harlem Summit

“This would be my fourth time participating in the Black Health Matters Summit, and it’s a fun event,” he said. “Just the energy with everyone there, from the different sessions, panel discussions, and the energy in general, is so electrifying,” the reporter said.

“But I think people walk out of there feeling motivated to be on top of their health, and I would love for that to be continued this time around. It’s just amazing to hear from folks after a panel discussion say,

‘You know, I’ve really learned a lot from these professionals who are up there on stage about this particular subject matter.’

People are invested in these things, and so I’m hoping that that’s the same notion that resonates again,” he continued.

Westbrook Wants to See His Peers There

One of the reasons that Westbrook keeps coming back is that he has seen the sessions be beneficial to participants’ lives year after year. Those benefits have no age limit. So he’s doing his best to convince his peers to show up, starting with some of his friends.

“I’m trying to encourage some of my friends to spread the word about it. Because it’s not an “older person’s problem”. Again, we’re seeing people my age and younger, developing ailments that, years ago, we never would have thought would ever occur,” Westbrook notes.

So that’s what I’m hoping for this time, right? To be inspired, to be motivated, and, of course, to have fun.”

Join Elijah Westbrook at the BHM Harlem Week Health Summit & Expo in-person or virtually by registering through this link.

The post Elijah Westbrook Wants Millennials to Take Their Health Seriously appeared first on Black Health Matters.

Dr. Langston D. Smith, DMD, MS, MHED (above), the Deputy Surgeon General for Dental Health, offered opening and closing remarks for the evening.

Early Prostate Cancer Detection Can Save Your Life

ZERO Prostate Cancer Chief Mission Officer, Brian Bragg, provided an Overview of prostate cancer and its impact on Black men.

• Black men are 1.7x more likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer.
• Because they are often diagnosed later, Black men are 2.1x more likely to die from prostate cancer than white men.

When Should You Get Screened?

Bragg told attendees that their screening needs will primarily depend on their family and/health history. He encouraged the brothers to take charge of their health by visiting this link to assess their risks. Then discuss their concerns with their primary care doctor about when an initial PSA screening would be appropriate. For those who have a family history, screening may begin at age 40.

Partner With Your HCP For More Positive Outcomes

Michael Daniels, MD, a board-certified urologic surgeon who leads Germantown Urology in Germantown, PA, provided an encouraging keynote talk. He told the Alpha brothers they needed to use their voices at their doctor appointments. They had to work in partnership with their HCPs when it came to making treatment decisions and exploring experimental treatments (e.g., intensification/combination therapy). These options may not always be offered, but speaking up and pursuing treatments that give Black men the best outcomes can help.

Why Prostate Cancer Screenings Are Critical

Dr. Daniels also provided a quick overview of the prostate, stating that symptoms of prostate cancer are rarely experienced before cancer is advanced, thus supporting prevention and annual screenings.

Preventing Prostate Cancer With Healthier Lifestyle Choices

Dr. Daniels is an advocate of plant-based or plant-heavy eating, while avoiding processed foods, sugar, and alcohol. He reminded the audience that smoking is a cause or contributing cause for most cancers.

In addition to mentioning treatment options and recent advancements (this is not your father’s prostate cancer), Dr. Daniels emphasized the importance of listening to your doctor.

Resources for Education and Empowerment

Astellas Oncology contributed printed materials to help attendees better understand their health:

• “Understanding Rising PSA After Surgery and/or Radiation”
• “Know Your Prostate Plan”
• These brochures, filled with accessible, actionable information, helped reinforce the event’s core messages.

Post-Dinner Discussions

Post-dinner Table discussions were designed to explore the role Alpha Phi Alpha chapters can have in creating more awareness about prostate cancer and the risk to black men. Some discussed offered ideas, including chapters hosting or partnering for monthly health discussions at the chapter level, with a mention of “medical triage” to discuss health-related issues.

They also discussed ways to increase access to free PSA screenings. There was also a suggestion that chapters obtain information about health fairs and screening opportunities in the community and share that information with their brothers.

Doing your research and having an action plan were encouraged by some brothers. Personal stories were shared, including some regarding switching doctors when a doctor doesn’t express adequate concern over elevating PSA numbers.

When You Have a Family History of Prostate Cancer, You May Do Things Differently.

The idea of watch and wait isn’t appropriate for young men or those with a family history of prostate cancer, according to the opinion of some brothers whose families have been impacted and successfully treated with prostate cancer. One specifically mentioned his 92-year-old father, and both he and his father are doing well and are cancer-free post-treatments.

Conclusion

Health Equity Starts with Conversations. This dinner and discussion went beyond raising awareness—it lit a fire. By bringing together expert voices, resources, and the lived experiences of Black men, the event underscored that prostate cancer doesn’t have to be a silent killer. When Black men are equipped with knowledge, empowered to speak up, and supported by their communities, outcomes improve—and lives are saved.

The post Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Health Chairmen & Community Advocates Get Empowered appeared first on Black Health Matters.

Truvillion is joining us as one of the cohosts of the BHM  Harlem Week 2025 Health Summit & Expo.

He wants us to know that we can learn to eat differently.

“That you have options to understand how the way that we are eating, the mac and cheese, the processed food, all the time is slowly killing us,” he explained.

“With more education, we wouldn’t be consuming the foods like that, and understanding that you can take care of yourself inside out.

Who Inspired Him to Try a Plant Plant-Based Diet?

Today, Truvillion has been fully committed to a plant-based diet since 2016. Erica Ash, in the BET drama  In Contempt, in which they co-starred.

“She was plant-based, and I was watching her discipline. She was telling me about Dr. Sebi, these cleanses, and how they helped her. I was number five on the call sheet, and she was number one. And I remember thinking to myself, to get to that next level, I need more discipline,” he said.

After shooting in Toronto for six months, he returned home and began planning for the future. Generally, he future-paces four to five years in advance.

But the native New Yorker, who grew up in Southeast Queens, also began looking at his life and habits.

“I have family coming over to the house. And have a drink. I go to this red carpet, have a drink. And go to this event and I have a drink,” he recalled.

“I’m at this function, and I have a drink. I look back and say, Damn, I’ve been drinking for months.”

Making the Decision to Try a Plant-Based Diet

The actor asked himself when he last practiced self-discipline and decided to challenge himself and order the advanced cleanse. It was an expensive purchase, so Truvillion committed to sticking with it.

A self-professed good cook, there were things in his pantry he could no longer use, which took some getting used to.

“I had to find all these new ingredients and new alkaline foods. And I went on this journey. And I walked in the dark for like, four to five months,” Truvillion pointed out.

“But when I got to the other side. I’m not going back. As much as I love my salmon, as much as I love my lollipop lamb chops, as much as I love my halibut and my turkey burgers and my buffalo wings.”

What Does He Like to Cook Now?

Truvillion says that his mood drives his palate. “I could go from making plant-based tuna out of chickpeas and walnuts to making a vegetable plant-based lasagna with plant-based cheese and ricotta cheese,” he recounted.

And stuff in there to make a lobster roll with lobster mushrooms, or, almost like a Philly cheese steak with morel mushrooms.”

He is not one of those plant-based purists. His family still gathers at his home for big occasions. He still fixes some of their favorites, including mac and cheese.

“There hasn’t been any fish or anything on my stove, particularly in a long time, but I made Mac and cheese and some other things for family,” he said.

And Truvillion may even eat a piece of chocolate now and then.

“I look at my grandfather, who lived to be 99. You could do anything you want in this world, just in moderation. I’m more on the lighter side of things. So if I have something that ain’t on the list, I’m good.”

Five Food Switches

The multihypenate, who can add another title to his roster, is also an entrepreneur, and says sometimes making some simple shifts in your diet can make a big difference. Here are his five suggestions:

• Try dates or agave instead of white sugar
• Try Pink sea salt instead of white salt
• Consume food containing seeds
• Add Key limes to your diet
• Add Sea Moss to your diet

Editor’s Note: Always check with your doctor, especially if you have any underlying conditions.

Be sure to check out Tobias Truvillion in-person or virtually at the BHM 2025 Harlem Week Summit & Expo. Check out this link for registration information.

The post Tobias Truvillion Believes Food Can Be Medicine appeared first on Black Health Matters.

We Grew Our Own Food

Before she began her modeling career, Cynthia recalled a childhood in Alabama where they rarely ate out, if at all. My mom, my grandmother, everybody cooked,” she explained.

“I came from a family where we grew a lot of our own food. We didn’t eat a lot of fast food. We didn’t know we were eating healthy; we ate what was prepared for us.”

My Grandmother Was The Doctor

The first time the RHOA reality star was ever a patient in a hospital was when she gave birth to her daughter, Noelle Robinson. “Growing up in the South, they [our elders] introduced us to preventative medicine,” she noted.

“I remember that they would make us all kinds of home remedies that you would have to eat or drink. And Vicks was the all-purpose remedy for almost everything. But I didn’t get sick,” she continued.

My grandmother was the doctor. Maybe if you broke a bone, you’d have to go to the hospital to see someone else.”

Cynthia has started to look at some of the things her grandmother and mother used, like garlic, and incorporated them back into her lifestyle today.

We are excited to welcome her back as a cohost at the BHM Harlem Week 2025 Health Summit & Expo. August 14, 2025, at Riverside Church in New York City.

I Got Intentional About My Weight Management

Cynthia had always been thin, but menopause has a way of changing our bodies. “At 58, your metabolism is slow. You breathe air, you gain weight,” she joked. However, it can be frustrating when things that previously worked for weight loss no longer provide the desired positive outcome.

She tried intermittent fasting and a few other methods before deciding to sign up for Weight Watchers. “I tried all these other things, but I decided on Weight Watchers because I needed a game plan,” she said.

Her schedule keeps her on the road between Atlanta, Los Angeles, and New York City, with considerable time spent in hotels where there aren’t stoves.

“I also needed to have a different conversation with food. Which foods work for me, which don’t? With Weight Watchers, I don’t feel like I’m on a diet, I’m on a food management plan. I can eat pretty much what I want.”

For her, that could mean having a burger with the bottom half of the bun, or a lettuce wrap. She looks at food differently.

Cynthia went in with a very ambitious goal: to lose 50 pounds in three months. Instead, she lost 25 pounds, a significant accomplishment. She is now working on the next 25.

“I don’t have the type of job where anyone can afford to stop production because I don’t feel well,” she explained.

Podcast as Talk Therapy

One of the reasons Cynthia lives on Delta Airlines is that she flies to the Los Angeles area often to film episodes of her podcast Humble Brag, wth Crystal and Cynthia. Yes, a former RHOBH with a RHOA sounds strange. But this unlikely pairing works. Their podcast launched last October, so they are close to their first anniversary.

“One of the things I am trying to do these days is operate from a place of peace 99% of the time because stress is real,” Cynthia pointed out.

“My podcast Humble Brag with Crystal Kung Minkoff has become like my two-hour therapy session. Just sitting and talking. It’s the therapy I didn’t know I needed.”

Getting to Glowissima

As she prioritizes her health, Cynthia is also putting her skin in the forefront. For years, women have been asking her what she has used on it to keep it so radiant.

Recently, with her cofounder, Dana Hill-Robinson, they launched Glowissima Skincare. “Dana and I have known each other for over 35 years and always talked about doing something together, but the timing wasn’t right, she said.

“But two years ago, everything fell into place and we started working on the line.” The clean skincare line has two hero products: Miracle Elixir Facial Oil and Ultimate Radiance Facial Cream. The products are infused with botanical ingredients from New Zealand, including manuka honey and kiwi seed oil. As well as other yummy ingredients like kakuda plum, seabuckthorn oil, and marula oil, which heal, protect, hydrate skin, and reduce hyperpigmentation.

Cynthia says, “Think of the products like boyfriend and girlfriend—the oil seals in the moisturizer. But the oil can also be used as a spot treatment. They are good together or used separately.”

In the few short months the products have been out, it has already won the Gurus of Beauty Award for Breakthrough Skincare Brand and  Best Facial Oil from Pop Sugar.

 

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Don’t forget to join Cynthia as she cohosts the BHM Harlem Week 2025 Health Summit & Expo. You can come in-person or tune in virtually. Click here for registration.

The post Why Cynthia Bailey Has Made Her Health & Peace a Priority appeared first on Black Health Matters.

Anxiety and Depression Rates Are On the Rise

“What I know to be true also is that rates of anxiety and depression have gone up,” Dr. Crawford, the author of You Are Not Alone: The NAMI Guide to Navigating Your Child’s Mental Health―With Advice from Experts and Wisdom from Real Families.

Children as young as three years old have reported feeling anxious, according to the CDC. Nearly 1 in 5 children ages 3 to 17 (21%) had been diagnosed with a mental, emotional, or behavioral health condition.

According to the journal Trials, reports of depression rates for middle and high school-aged children grew exponentially. “From 2001 to 2017, rates increased among Black boys and girls, 60% and 182%, respectively.”

In the report Ring the Alarm: The Crisis of Black Youth Suicide in America, “Self-reported suicide attempts have increased by 73% for Black male and female adolescents over the past 25 years. Meanwhile, Black adolescents are significantly less likely to receive care for depression—a major risk factor for suicide—with pervasive structural inequities, social determinants of health, stigma, and mistrust of healthcare providers creating daunting barriers to treatment.”

Black Children as Young as Five are Attempting Suicide

Dr. Crawford noted that overall, in our community, there is an alarming rate of suicide, suicidal behavior that’s happening in kids, and much younger kids. “We’re doing a lot more research that includes kids as young as five, when historically, we would research suicide and suicidal behavior, we would think about an older population,” the child psychiatrist explained.

“But what we know to be true is that black kids between the ages of five and 12 are two times more likely to attempt and complete suicide, and so kids are struggling, and there’s a lack of good quality mental health supports in the community.”

What Should Parents Do?

If you suspect that your child may be having mental health challenges. Dr. Crawford suggests the following:

Look for Changes in Their Patterns

• eating habits
• sleep cycles
• when they wake up
• energy levels

“Whether it’s in their sleeping habits, energy level, ability to focus and concentrate, or changes in their appetite. That is a signal that something might be different, because that gives you a sense as to how they are functioning from a physical standpoint.”

Monitor Their Academic Performance & Social Circles

• How are they performing in school?
• Is there a change in their interaction with friends?

“If your child has been earning A’s and B’s and is now earning C’s. Getting up late or not attending school; that’s a change in their pattern of behavior,” Dr. Crawford said.
“The same applies to how they interact with their friends. If they used to hang out at Susie’s house every Friday, but now you’re noticing they’re not going out as often.

Parents, if you do notice changes in your child, Dr. Crawford suggests speaking to them from one specific vantage point. “I tell parents to approach their kid from a place of curiosity and explore with their kid the changes in behavior that you’ve noticed,” she said.

“It’s easier to talk about specific behaviors than to approach someone and be like ‘you’re depressed, what’s going on?’ Why are you looking all down? But when you can engage in specific, you know, conversations around particular behaviors, it can make it easier for the kid to give you an answer.”

We Can’t Afford to Ignore our Children’s Mental Health  Anymore

Dr. Crawford shared a sobering statistic: “50% of mental health symptoms occur before age 14, and 75% before the age of 24.”

Some parents may have some hesitation about putting their children on prescription drugs. However, she urges them to consider it from a different perspective.

“People die from these conditions in the same way that someone would die from not having their heart issue treated. It’s the same thing,” she said.

“I try to encourage parents to think about it in that same way., because for the parents, there seems to be a lot of guilt. But would be doing all of that with asthma, no, you want to be doing all of that with a seizure disorder? So why do we feel the need to do that when it comes to major depressive disorder or anxiety?”

We Need to Be Open About Our Positive Mental Health Experiences

“When it comes to mental health, you always hear about the downsides of medication over-prescribing, over-diagnosing, and that you rarely hear about the positive aspects, especially in the black community,” Dr Crawford remarked. “We need to be more open and honest about the treatment that we’ve received for our mental health, and to talk about what it was like to be in therapy. A lot of our families don’t have that knowledge base dealing with the mental health system.”

The post Your Children Have Mental Health Challenges Too appeared first on Black Health Matters.

Chef Lex recalled how his dad learned about new health trends and implemented them into the meals he cooked. “Every other week, he’d tell me about a new superfood he learned about, and we would have that food all week long,” he said.

“I remember garlic week very distinctly. I remember when he found out about walnuts, and we (my siblings and I) would make our granola with walnuts,” he continued.

“But my father was a huge inspiration to my beginning a career in cooking.”

Cultural Heritage and its Connection to Health

When he was growing up, Chef Lex’s Puerto Rican father and Trindadian mother instilled a sense of self-worth in him and his siblings. His parents’ formative years coincided with the era of Black nationalism, a movement that celebrated African pride and Caribbean heritage. “Health was a huge part of it, especially because I have a West Indian background,” he pointed out.

“They were all about home remedies and holistic healing. And food was at the center of that. So as a family, we were constantly searching for healthy ways to enjoy  things that we liked culturally, but in a healthy way.”

One of the things Chef Lex will discuss is how to make healthy substitutions at the upcoming BHM Harlem Week 2025 Health Summit & Expo. The event will take place at Riverside Church on August 14, 2025, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Healthy Remedies From the Earth

Alex’s grandmother’s Florida home had a flourishing herb garden. However, she was not above stopping her car if she saw one she could use on the side of the road. “She’d pull up some weeds, and she’d be like, Tell me whatever it is, and then we’d go home, and she’d boil it into some tea, and we’d have to drink it,” he laughed.

“But my grandmother could grow so much more than we could in New York; she would grow Aloe. I mean, she had something in her backyard that was a healing element for anything, Milk Thistle,” he continued.

The Lessons He Learned Still Apply

What is significant is how his siblings and he still incorporate elements of that upbringing into their lives today. The chef explained that during the COVID-19 pandemic, his mother developed an herbal remedy that helped them all recover more quickly.

He has an older sister and a younger brother. He and his sister both have children. During the winter, they are given what they have dubbed “Nanna medicine.”

“It’s a combination of garlic, red onion, fresh turmeric, lemon, manuka honey, and ginger. Blends it up, and then you take a spoonful during the wintertime; they all know they have to take a spoonful a day so that they don’t care for it,” the chef said.

He thinks it’s funny because if they had to take Buckley’s, they might complain more.

The Work of The Brownsville Community Culinary Center

Since 2018, Chef Lex and the entire team at the Brownsville Community Culinary Center have been creating career opportunities, providing tools for healthy living, and so much more in the heart of Brownsville.

The mission of the Brownsville Community Culinary Center is to provide free, world-class culinary vocational training to residents of Brownsville through our culinary training program. We collaborate with numerous site partners to provide a safe and comfortable space where neighbors can access fresh, healthy, affordable, and culturally relevant foods, prepared by training program participants who are apprenticing alongside industry professionals. The BCCC is available to community groups seeking to organize and address issues affecting the neighborhood, as well as to celebrate, relax, learn, train, and enjoy each other’s company.

The Programs

While the program initially targeted Brownsville, it has attracted students interested in the culinary arts from all over New York City, aged 18 to 40. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, the center had a functioning cafe and restaurant, where the community could come in and enjoy a healthy meal. However, it will require some funding to get those up and running again. It is a 24-week program consisting of 16 weeks of training and an eight-week internship to secure employment.

However, the heart and soul of the programs are running at full speed, their workforce development programs. “A culinary,  pastry, and maintenance training in a well-equipped kitchen,” he explained.

What They Did During the Pandemic

Another program they are doing grew out of the work they did during the pandemic. “We did a lot of work around food insecurity and health and wellness. The community came to know us as a place where you can get affordable, healthy food,” Chef Lex continued.

The Brownsville Community Culinary Center distributed 10,000 meals a week during the pandemic in partnership with World Central Kitchen, and they have since expanded that work.

Cooking to Manage Chronic Disease

“Most recently, we implemented a ‘Food as Medicine’ initiative as a pilot program, aligning us with the 1115 waiver of Medicaid, which provides funding through insurance for individuals to receive produce bags and medically tailored meals prescribed to them,” Chef Lex said.

“One of our biggest programs is creating meals certified by a registered dietitian that are sensitive to individuals with diabetes, hypertension, or any other chronic disease. That’s diet-related,” he continued.

“Our meals are tailored to support their recovery, to support the prevention of and the management of those chronic diseases. Students are learning to cook, and we use it as a kind of canvas for them to paint on with their culinary skills. This program is an opportunity to heal our neighbors with the food that we cook.”

Join us at the BHM Harlem Week 2025 Summit & Expo

Come out and hear some of Chef Lex’s tips on cooking great food but making healthier choices that don’t sacrifice the flavor—especially if you are managing a chronic disease or trying to prevent one.

 

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According to the news report, “Warner died near Cocles, a beach in Limon, Costa Rica, police said. He was caught by a high current in the water and was discovered Sunday afternoon.” Updated reports reveal the actor was swimming with his eight-year-old daughter when they were caught in a fast moving current. A surfer used his board to bring his daughter to safety. A volunteer lifeguard rescued another surfer and Warner, who was unresponsive and given CPR for a prolonged period of time.

The Cosby Show actor was born in Jersey City, New Jersey, on August 18, 1970, to Pamela Warner and Robert Warner, Jr. His parents named him after Malcolm X and jazz pianist Ahmad Jamal.

Because he had an early interest in acting, his parents enrolled him in a performing arts school in New York City. Variety reports that he auditioned for the role of Theo Huxtable on the last day of NBC’s nationwide search. Bill Cosby selected Warner himself.

He had a Solid Career as an Actor.

The actor grew up before our eyes on The Cosby Show, getting his first Emmy nomination while working on the show. However, he made sure never to play the same character twice. On Malcolm & Eddie, he played opposite Eddie Griffin, and he cast off his upwardly mobile upbringing. In Reed Between the Lines, he navigated the blended family life with Tracee Ellis Ross, a triple board-certified cardiothoracic surgeon, on The Resident.

Warner was also a Talented Director.

As a teen, Warner got his start directing music videos, according to Variety. He directed New Edition and Special Ed. Later, Warner directed episodes of The Cosby Show, Malcolm & Eddie, Kenan & Kel, All That, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, and Sesame Street. He won the NAACP Key of Life Image Award for the AIDS awareness video “Timeout: The Truth about HIV, AIDS, and You‘ which starred Magic Johnson and Arsenio Hall.

He was a Musician and Spoken Word Artist

A true multi-hyphenate, Warner is a self-described poet and a bass player, according to his bio. In 2015, Warner nabbed his first Grammy Award for “Best Traditional R&B Performance as a Featured Performer” on Robert Glasper’s version of the Stevie Wonder classic “Jesus Children of America.” Lalah Hathaway was also featured on the track.

Additionally, Warner’s jazz-funk band, Miles Long, has performed at several prominent jazz festivals, including the Playboy Jazz Festival. They also opened for artists such as Earl Klugh and the late Luther Vandross.

He had a new Podcast Project.

Warner was excited about his latest venture. A podcast he was cohosting with Candace Kelly and Weusi Baraka called Not All Hood. He spoke to People about it in early May, and it launched last month. There are three episodes out so far.

“It’s been an interesting experience for me, because it’s a place where I feel safe enough to be able to be as vulnerable as I allow myself to be,” he told the magazine.

His Private Life Was Off Limits

While we were aware of some of his early romances, Warner did not share any information about his private life in recent years; all he would confirm was that he was married and had a daughter. Beyond that, he preferred to keep his personal life private.

Our condolences go out to his entire family.

Note: The World Health Organization says nearly 300,000 people die from drowning each year. That is 30 people every hour. 

The post Malcolm-Jamal Warner Has Died At 54 appeared first on Black Health Matters.

Her First Experience With Out-of-Pocket Expenses

Nicky went to Illinois to attend Northwestern University. During her junior year abroad, she was a student at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität in Munich. While there, she had some health issues, but had no problems with her insurance or navigating the healthcare system.

A few years after college, Nicky decided to pursue a career in the arts, seeking roles on stage. She decided, “That’s when I moved to New York. In my journey as a freelancer and an artist, with spotty employment, sometimes I missed going to the doctor because I had to pay out of pocket.”

She recalled one specific incident. “I remember I had a horrible incident where I fell, and that was due to having too much to drink, and I had to pay $3,000 out of pocket for dental work,” Nicky explained.

“When you’re an artist, you’re a gig worker,” she continued. “It’s hard, and it’s going to get harder under this new administration. And, it’s a little bit frightening to know what’s going to happen.”

Her passion for healthcare for freelancers, the importance of mental health, and the therapeutic benefits of laughter are just some of the reasons Nicky will be joining us on August 14 at Riverside Church in New York City as a Co-Host at the BHM Harlem Week 2025 Health Summit & Expo.

From the Stage to Comedy

Nicky realized her dream, originating the role of Samana in the Off-Broadway stage production of David Lamb’s Platanos Y Collard Greens. Following that, she was in a production of Eve Ensler’s The Vagina Monologues.

“I started auditioning for comedy. And I did an audition for NBC, and it went horribly.” Nicky recalled. “And so I said, You know what, let me keep trying. I entered into a competition down in the West Village. The club was called Sal’s Comedy Hole, and I won a runner-up position.”

That is when Nicky said she got the comedy bug. She joined the community and met other comics. One of them was her friend, Jamie Roberts, whom she later married.

Opening Comedy in Harlem

Nicky recounted how her husband, Jamie, produced popular comedy shows with a former partner at The National Black Theatre called “What Are You Laughing At?” before the pandemic.

“During the pandemic, people missed the shows. They were fantastic, packed theaters with just people, falling over laughing,” she said, “And so when things started to open up, people were asking, ‘Are you guys going to do more shows? We did a Comedy in Harlem show at Lighthouse restaurant, and the layout wasn’t quite what we thought it would be, because it was a restaurant, not a club.”

The restaurant’s owner, Mike Clopton, suggested they ask the landlord about the space above his restaurant. So we use the space for a couple of shows. Just as it was taking off, the pipes burst. “We had some Tracy Morgan visit us. Sherry Shepherd visited us over there. So we had some highs, but then we were abruptly forced to close by the Department of Buildings,” she said. We had to shut down in 2024, and we were fortunate enough to find our current space in Sugar Hill. We’re very happy here, and we’ve been in this space since May of last year. ”

Even Creative People Can Fall Through the Cracks in the System

“I have a real love, concern, and care for the comedy community and a lot of the artists, the comedians I know, personal friends of mine, struggle with depression, struggle with anxiety, self-medicate because they haven’t been diagnosed,” she said.

“Some of them have addiction issues, and that’s playing out in different ways. So I think there’s still more work to be done in advocating for artists in the health space.”

Nicky was recently speaking with medical students at City College about providing better healthcare for their patients. “And I said, you know, you have to meet people where they are. And you know, when people don’t have strong social emotional supports, bad things can happen, she said. “Even with me, I had some issues that needed addressing in terms of counseling and therapy.”

“I want to shout out to First Corinthian Baptist Church. They have a lot of programs that support folks who may not have the money, or feel comfortable going to a counselor,” Nicky revealed.

“But there was a counselor. Her name was Joyce Johnson, and she helped me tremendously when I was really in a very bad mental space with depression and anxiety.

Laughter as Medicine

Nicky says you can view the benefits of comedy through several lenses. Clinically, there is evidence that laughter can help alleviate stress and trigger the release of certain brain chemicals, resulting in positive effects. That’s why there are practices like laughing yoga.

“But specifically speaking about the communities that we serve, you know, there’s so much trauma. We have a regular who comes here to our club, and she lost her son. The people come to forget their problems. People come here for community, for connection. You know, there are a lot of people who feel isolated in their apartments,” she explains.

“And they just want to feel connected to other people. And when you can laugh all together about something, you know, it’s, it’s almost, I like I liken it sometimes like church. It’s one thing to watch something at home or a show at home, but when you’re with other people and there’s a singular vibe, it’s almost spiritual. And I think people enjoy that. People can forget their problems and just be.”

The BHM 2025 Harlem Week Health and Summit & Expo will take place on August 14 at Riverside Church. Click here for more information and to register.

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Nyong’o used her post to share parts of her story, including a discussion with her doctor, in which she inquired about how to prevent the regrowth of her fibroids. Her inquiry was dismissed.

“She said, you can’t. It’s only a matter of time until they grow again.”

Nyong’o Realized She Wasn’t Alone

Statistically speaking, more Black women are suffering from fibroids than those without. According to The Endocrine Review. “The most important and frequently reported risk factor for uterine fibroids is race, disproportionately impacting African American women.”

According to the Uterine Leiomyomata, “Uterine leiomyomata, also known as uterine fibroids, are the most common benign gynecologic tumors, occurring in 50% to 70% of females by menopause, with rates reaching over 80% in Black women.”

Fibroids impact about 15 million women in the United States alone.

What Nyong’o didn’t like was that we are taught to normalize the pain from the moment that we hit puberty. But should we accept it? Because we do, when we start having fibroid pain, many of us silently accept that, too.

As she began talking to others privately, the actress realized she wasn’t alone. And we should no longer suffer in either.

Nyong’o is Teaming Up With Others to Take Action

Nyong’o isn’t speaking up only to share her story with others. She aims to effect changes both in the legislature and in the lives of individuals with fibroids through research. On July 15th, the actress visited Capitol Hill.

She joined Representative Shontel Brown, Representative Yvette Clarke, Senator Angela Alsobrooks, and Representative Bonnie Watson Coleman to discuss uterine health. Last year, Black Health Matters stood in solidarity with Representatives Brown and Clark as they introduced the U-Fight Bill.

The late Representative Stephanie Tubbs Jones first introduced a bill in Congress to fund research on fibroids in 2001. Initially, she wanted it to direct money to the National Institutes of Health. Later, she drafted separate bills asking for a budget for fibroid research and education. Representative Brown, who now serves her constituents in Ohio, continues pushing. This year, Nyong’o joined them in their efforts to push for change.

Nyong’o is Partnering with the Foundation For Women’s Health to Raise Funds for Fibroid Research

The Black Panther actress was also on Capitol Hill discussing the launch of the FWH x Lupita Nyong’o Uterine Fibroid Research Grant with the Foundation for Women’s Health. She wants an inside-outside partnership between the public and private sectors. Fibroids cost the U.S. healthcare system approximately $6 billion annually.

When her grant is funded, Nyong’o aims to leverage the foundation’s expertise to evaluate proposals. She is seeking minimally invasive and non-invasive treatments for fibroids that offer symptom relief and enhance patients’ quality of life.

When she says ‘no more suffering in silence,’ Nyong’o hopes to make it less painful for the sisters who come after us.

Click here for more information on her grant.

 

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Resources

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“But when you have that mindset early on, it is far more beneficial later. Some people are just catching on to issues, and you know, it’s a little late in the game,” Durrett continues.

“I’m very fortunate and blessed to have parents who instilled in us healthy living and proper exercise.”

On Why He’s Co-Hosting the BHM Harlem Week 2025 Summit & Expo

Durrett doesn’t take it for granted that many people didn’t have his upbringing. He wants to make sure that others have the tools they need to care for their bodies. He believes that if we empower others, they can take action.

“There’s a lot of toxicity in the air, and food, and water, sometimes even in the entertainment that we intake. Things that we hear, we see,  we eat, and that we put on and in our bodies are toxins,” he explained.

“And having a health summit and showing people what it’s like, if you have dirty carpet, shoes, or a car. It’s going to get dirty every once in a while, but you’ve got to know how to clean it, right? Know how to provide the things to get the bad stuff out and bring the good stuff in. It’s about balance.”

He believes that knowledge is power, but the application of that knowledge is the key. “If you have a flat tire, and you know how to change a flat tire, it doesn’t matter if you know, unless you apply that knowledge to replace or repair that flat tire.”

He gave an example, with health information, it’s not enough to know what to do; it’s also about how to apply it. “I’m sure there’s going to be some information to let people know what to do, or what things are, and how to do them. Or how things are when you are healthy. And that’s what I want people to walk away from this experience with: the knowledge that they need to either begin or continue a life of good health.”

Durrett’s Roots on the South Side of Chicago

“Unless there was school, the routine was get up, take care of your chores, and go outside and play. Get into the earth, the world, and do some things,” Durrett explained.

Durrett, 53, said he was taught early on how to take care of his inner and outer body. His mother was a colon therapist. Healthy food was a mainstay of their house. “A pack of Twinkies would last a month in our house because we weren’t allowed to eat junk food,” he notes.

Of course, like any child, he did from time to time, but not to excess. “My parents taught us, earn your money, said the actor who also starred in Queen Sugar.

We didn’t get an allowance, so we have to cut grass, shovel snow, polish shoes, wash cars, and run to the grocery store for our elderly neighbors. But  I had  a child’s fair share of junk.”

Preparation to Excel As a Student Athlete and an Actor

Having a foundation of healthy living served Durrett well when it came to developing Durrett’s athletic endeavors. He played basketball for Alcorn State through college.

“Physiologically, you need the right things in your body so it can operate properly. Some of my teammates would eat certain things before a game,” he recalled. “And I’d be over there eating oranges and sipping shots of apple cider vinegar and things like that.”

However, Durrett points out that his healthy lifestyle is crucial in his current role. He plays criminal defense attorney, Bill Hamilton, in CBS’s new smash hit daytime drama Beyond the Gates.

“Having a healthy body helps maintain a healthy mind on daytime television. There’s a lot of mental work. There’s a lot of material that we have to learn and retain and convey to the audiences every day,” Durrett said.

“So, if you’re not healthy, you won’t have the energy, you won’t have the stamina, including your clarity of mind,” he continued. “It won’t be where it should be to perform tasks at hand. So it’s critical to have a healthy body to have a healthy mind.”

The Man Is a True Multi-Hyphenate, An Artist Too

If you haven’t followed Durrett on Instagram, you may want to watch him bring one of his art projects to life. They are spectacular. (Check out one below.) But when I asked him if he considered working on it a form of self-care, I loved what he had to say,

“It is, it is beyond therapeutic for me. It’s my happy place when I get into my zone, as I call it, and I’m struck with inspiration; I go all in.”

“I get so much joy out of creating when I’m in that zone, because that’s when the good stuff, you know, all the good nuggets of creativity come out. And yes, you know, it’s really good. You know, when your mental, emotional, spiritual, and psychological health are all matched, you’re in a very good place,” Durrett said.

 

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If you would like to join us at the BHM Harlem Week 2025 Summit & Expo in person or virtually, you can register here.

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A recent Spring 2025 Poll of Black Women Voters in America, from The Highland Project and brilliant corners Research and Strategy, tells a story many of us know all too well: we’re feeling the heavy weight of what is happening around us in every aspect of our daily lives.

Over 54% of Black women reported feeling financially burdened and like they’re falling behind, and nearly 45% say that their mental health has declined since last year alone.

These aren’t just isolated statistics—they are indicators of systemic erosion and a broader national crisis.

Another report found that 93% of U.S. adults rate their physical and mental health as essential to their well-being. Yet, only 30% say they have good financial health—a number that has dropped 44% since 2022. These numbers reveal what Black women have long known: our systems are not designed for the many, but for the few. And they certainly are not designed to support the well-being of Black women.

What has remained consistent across The Highland Project’s years of polling is this: Black women want real, care-centered solutions. Thriving health is no longer a reward to be earned after struggle; it is a state to be achieved. It is work. And it is already underway.

A New Vision of Wealth: Communities of Care

Over the years, we’ve consistently heard that thriving health and true wealth are inseparable. When people say “health is wealth,” they mean it holistically: the freedom to rest, to dream, to lead without burnout, to experience financial agency, and to feel whole.

Thriving health is not just an outcome, but the precondition for a new kind of collective wealth.

Across the country, leaders are showing us what this vision looks like in action. They are modeling what it means to design systems that center on care, community, and sustainability, moving towards a vision of health and wealth that benefits us all.

From reimaging economic models to dismantling generational poverty, they are strategically investing in our wholeness as a form of revolution and legacy.

A legacy that centers on our physical, emotional, mental, and financial health.

Springboard to Opportunities’ CEO, Aisha Nyandoro, has developed the Magnolia Mother’s Trust program in Mississippi, a guaranteed income initiative that supports Black mothers by transforming lives through the alleviation of financial stress and the easing of the mental load associated with economic precarity.

Social entrepreneur Dr. Lakeysha Hallmon is building entrepreneurial ecosystems through The Village Market and Our Village United, empowering entrepreneurs with resources that prioritize their growth, sustainability, and well-being.

Katara McCarty, founder of Exhale, is creating space for emotional well-being by offering a mobile app that centers the mental health of Black women and women of color, providing tools and guided practices to navigate stress, grief, and collective healing.

Chastity Lord, President and CEO of the Jeremiah Program, is leading a multi-generational approach to educational advancement and addressing generational poverty, making way for the disruption of systemic barriers that often prevent mothers from achieving wealth for themselves and their children.

In the South, Monica Simpson, founder of SisterSong, is leading a reproductive justice movement. Monica and the organization aren’t just fighting for access; they’re fighting for autonomy, safety, and the inextricable link between choice and freedom.

These leaders aren’t just fixing broken systems—they are building new ones.

Systems where thriving is not an exception, but the norm. Systems that put thriving at the center, not just for Black women, but for everyone by default.

Thriving Together

It is often said: when Black women are well, everyone is. This is not just rhetoric—it is a roadmap. The next generation is stronger when Black mothers are supported. Our economy flourishes when Black women entrepreneurs are invested in. Healthcare systems are more just when Black women are believed and treated with care.

Black women are not just a part of the vision for the future—they are the blueprint.

The infrastructure for a more just, more abundant, more liberated world is already being laid by those who know what it means to carry the weight and still build.

Imagine a world where rest is respected, where bodily autonomy is a given, where labor does not define worth, and where care is the cultural standard. That world is not a dream—it is already in motion.

Our Spring 2025 poll reaffirmed that Black women are not retreating in the face of crisis. A 55% majority said now is not the time to pull back.

They are demanding bold action, meaningful leadership, and systems that honor our full humanity.

For too long, our well-being has been treated as secondary. But if we are to build a future where everyone thrives, we must begin with the understanding that thriving health is not a destination. It is the starting point.

________________

Gabrielle Wyatt is the Founder and CEO of The Highland Project, a values-aligned coalition designing and leading a multi-generational vision of wealth and opportunity for all, anchored in belonging, abundant choice, thriving health, and financial freedom.

Resources

The Highland Project Spring 2025 Poll of Black Women Voters

GuardianLife.Com:Americans point to physical and mental health as most important to well-being 

The Highland Project’s Research

Springboardto.org

Magnolia’s Mother’s Trust

The Village Market

Our Village United

Exhale

 Jeremiah Program

SisterSong

The post Making Thriving Health The Strategy For A Better Future appeared first on Black Health Matters.

Lying on The Floor in The Locker Room Before A Final is Scary

One incident occurred before the 2016 Wimbledon doubles finals: “I was just lying on the floor in the locker room; Thank God, Serena went and got the doctor,” Williams said. “And I was able to eat, and start playing… bad luck for our opponents.”

They’re laughing, but it isn’t really funny. She is a Black woman who had to play through her pain because that is what we do. They won, but what did that cost her?

The Stats

Up to 70-80% women will be diagnosed with fibroids in their lifetime. But Black women are 2-3 times more likely to receive that diagnosis, and our symptoms will be more severe.

Was Her Anemia Sjögren’s or Something Else?

Williams believed that because she had been experiencing heavy periods and was in a state of constant anemia, it was caused by her autoimmune disease. In 2011, she withdrew from the U.S. Open, revealing for the first time that she had been diagnosed with Sjögren’s syndrome, an autoimmune disease that can cause joint pain.

Williams Didn’t Know the Extent of Her Fibroid Diagnosis

The Grand Slam Champion told Essamuah she didn’t know that her fibroid was the size of an orange. “One doctor told me, at the time I was like 37. Eh, this is part of aging, this is normal,” Williams explained.

A doctor told her her option was a hysterectomy. “I have never been so sad in my life. I had never been running to have kids,” William continued. “But to have that taken away was frightening.”

Williams Saw 12 Doctors Before She Found Someone Who Could Help

When the doctor recommended a hysterectomy, Williams began doing her own research. She found the NYU Langone Health Center for Fibroid Care, led by Dr. Taraneh Shirazian.

Dr. Shirazian said, “I think Venus’ story is a very common story. I think women do not get the care that they need. Even when she came to see me, she said, ‘I’ve seen a dozen other doctors.”

Williams then inquired why Dr. Shirazian recommended a surgical procedure—a myomectomy to remove her fibroids. “Because I know it will make you feel better,” Dr. Shirazian replied.

The tennis champ is now a year post-surgery. “I have been taking this time to rest and recover and be a happy person without fibroids.”

She has been training a bit, and the 45-year-old has not ruled out playing again. When asked if she believes having fibroids impacted her professional tennis career, she said, “I never had enough energy to play a real match the way I wanted to, of course it affected my results.”

Williams said, “You can be denied the best healthcare no matter who you are.”

Check out: TheWhiteDressProject.org

 

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He was born in Fort Worth, Texas, in 1944, according to the LA Sentinel. The family moved to Los Angeles in 1959. The Scott brothers began singing together while attending Jordan High School. The Whispers included the twins, Nicholas Caldwell, Marcus Hutson, and Gordy Harmon.

The Vietnam draft derailed their collective group goals. Walter served in the Army for two years as a signaler. While he was away, the Whispers continued to perform. After he returned in 1969, he rejoined the group.

They recorded for several labels, even landing on the top ten charts in 1970, before signing with Solar Records in 1978. That’s when their career started to take shape. Soultracks reported that The Whispers’ debut album had a modest hit with “Olivia”.

“After so many years, the Whispers seemed destined to remain a middling act that would never achieve real large-scale international attention. Then in 1980, Griffey teamed them with upcoming writer/producer Leon Sylvers, and the result was “And the Beat Goes On,” one of the most infectious songs of the disco era and the single that thrust the Whispers to the top tier of soul artists.”

After they found a formula that worked, their monster hits continued with “It’s a Love Thing” and “Keep on Loving Me.” Babyface gave the group a hit with “Rock Steady.” In the 90s, they moved over to Capitol Records and later to Interscope.

The Whispers had 15 songs in Billboard’s top  10 R&B hits starting in 1970 and eight top R&B albums in their catalog, including two No. 1s: The Whispers and Love is Where You Find It. The group was inducted into the National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame in 2014.

The LA Times says the quintet’s songs were widely sampled by rappers, including 50 Cent, Mobb Deep, and Will Smith, the last of whom used “And the Beat Goes On” as the basis for his late-‘90s hit “Miami.”

Walter C. Scott, Jr. is survived by his wife, Jan; his two sons; and three grandchildren. Our prayers and condolences go out to his family.

The post Walter C. Scott Co-Founder of The Whispers Has Died appeared first on Black Health Matters.

Yeztugo Is More Effective than the Oral PrEP

In clinical trials, the Yeztugo injections were shown to be more effective than the daily oral PrEP medication, Truvada. The first trial resulted in zero infections, with 100% efficacy among 2,134 trial participants who received the Yeztugo injections. The second trial resulted in two HIV infections, and 99.9% of the 2.179 participants did not. The Journal Science named lenacapavir the 2024 Breakthrough Drug of the Year.

HIV is Still a Threat to Our Community

HIV/AIDs is still a serious health threat to our community. While there have been significant advances in treatment, which have resulted in contracting HIV not necessarily equaling death, the rates of infections continue to increase, particularly in the South.

Yeztugo injections could be an opportunity for at-risk individuals in our community to protect themselves because Black Americans account for 39% of new HIV diagnoses overall, but only 14% of PrEP users.

However, when we break things down by region, we gain a clearer understanding. According to the information supplied by AIDSVu, a public resource for HIV surveillance data in partnership with Gilead and Emory University’s Rollins School of Public Health, our HIV numbers are higher in the South and the Midwest at 48% and 42% with PrEP users at rates of 22% and 13%.

Upon further examination, we find that 64% of PrEP users fall within the 25 -44 age range. There is an opportunity for education and outreach around this breakthrough.

The Yeztugo Cost Factor

The list price of Yeztugo is $14,109 per injection. Getting the injection versus the pill may be challenging. Gilead Sciences notes that they are collaborating with insurers, healthcare systems, and other payers to ensure broad coverage. In addition, those with commercial insurance can take advantage of Gilead’s Advancing Access CoPay Savings Program to help reduce out-of-pocket expenses. Therefore, having coverage for this drug will be vital.

However, there may be a potential issue for anyone who is covered under Obamacare. According to NBC News, a pending Supreme Court case related to the Affordable Care Act is up for a decision that could be a barrier for medications that prevent HIV. Currently, PrEP is covered at no cost. Should the court decide against these medications, then they would no longer be free.

The case before the court, however, is not just about HIV medication but all preventative healthcare, from mental health to cardiovascular, cancer, and STI screenings. The ruling could impact more than 150 million Americans.

A Bigger Problem: Access

Poz.com reports that many HIV advocates and organizations are excited about Yeztugo, but are unified in their concerns that this drug may not be accessible to the populations who may need it the most.

Michael Chancley, Communication and Mobilization Director at Prep4All, said, “The stakes couldn’t be higher for communities of color that have yet to significantly benefit from PrEP. “Lenacapavir shows real innovation for cisgender women and other communities facing unique barriers to adhering to a daily pill, but I fear that we may see the same challenges in access that we saw with Apretude which, despite being the first long-acting PrEP available in the U.S., continues to make up only 2% of PrEP scripts.”

In a statement, Kevin Robert Frost, CEO of Amfar, wrote, “PrEP is one of the most indispensable tools we have for ending the HIV epidemic. Having the option of a twice-annual shot, rather than relying on a daily pill, will make long-term adherence to PrEP much easier for many.

But this remarkable drug will only be as effective as it is accessible and affordable. amfAR calls on Gilead Sciences and the U.S. government to do everything in their power to make sure as many people who want lenacapavir can get it,” he continued.

Complicating things further is that domestic funding for HIV is on the chopping block. The President’s 2026 budget request, which includes a 35% cut,  $1.5 billion for domestic HIV funding. This includes closing the CDC HIV Prevention Division to cut $794 million from the budget.

We Remain Hopeful

The drug is just rolling out, so people receiving prescriptions now may not get their first shot for two months. But we remain hopeful that Yeztugo clears some of these necessary hurdles and reaches those who can benefit from it most.

Resources

FDA Approves Yeztugo

Science: The Biggest Science Breakthroughs 2024

AIDSVU Prep for Prep Equity Platform

PrEP4All Statement

AmFar Statement

The post The FDA Approved a Twice-Yearly HIV Drug, Will it Be Accessible? appeared first on Black Health Matters.

And they are doing it for you.

Not for headlines. Not for sympathy. But because far too many Black men are still dying from a disease that is highly treatable when caught early. Because far too many families are blindsided by a diagnosis that could have been prevented or caught sooner. And because silence, especially among Black men, can cost lives.

Why This Story Matters—Right Now

Prostate cancer is a silent crisis in the Black community. Black men are 70% more likely to be diagnosed and twice as likely to die from the disease compared to white men. These aren’t just numbers. They are fathers, brothers, uncles, teammates, coaches, mentors—and they deserve better.

This Men’s Health Month, and especially this Father’s Day, the Houstons are urging Black men to change the narrative.

“We have to talk about it. We have to be intentional,” Allan Houston says. “Being proactive about your health is not just for you—it’s for the people who count on you. For the people you love.”

Houston, now Vice President of Player and Leadership Development with the New York Knicks, founder of FISLL, and a Board Member at ZERO Prostate Cancer, is also a prostate cancer survivor. Thirteen years after his father was diagnosed, he faced the disease himself. Their shared journey is now a rallying cry for intergenerational awareness and action.

A Conversation That Could Save Lives

Coach Wade Houston, the first Black head coach in the SEC and a man revered in the basketball world, wants Black men to hear this loud and clear: “Early detection can prevent a lot of the medical challenges that happen once it’s discovered,” he says. “You have to get tested—especially if it runs in your family.”

“Sometimes it is passed from grandfather to grandson, or father to son,” Coach Wade explains. And he was right to be concerned.

Years later, Allan noticed rising PSA levels—an early warning sign. “I had a heightened awareness,” he says. “When the numbers started to go up, we had deeper conversations. But until you live it, that’s when the real conversation starts.”

For both men, the experience was about more than medicine—it was spiritual, emotional, and deeply personal.

“I didn’t tell my kids right away,” Allan reflects. “I wanted to get through it first. But when I did, I told them: God has delivered us from a lot of things. This is just another one.”

Breaking the Cycle of Silence

Black men have long been taught to suffer in silence. Coach Wade knows this well. “For such a long time, it was taboo,” he says. “You didn’t talk about it. You didn’t go to the doctor. You didn’t share what was going on. But that’s the worst thing you can do. You need that support.”

Allan echoes that sentiment with a powerful sports metaphor: “In sports, you have to trust and communicate in real time. It’s the same with your health. Find someone you trust—your doctor, your brother, your father—and start the conversation.”

“So, you have to find someone that you trust. And for Black men, that is harder. We must be trustworthy, and we must trust someone. That’s the biggest thing for me, because once you do that,  you can have real conversations.”

This isn’t just about treatment. It’s about legacy. About survival. About love.

A Platform for Change

Earlier this year, Allan joined the Board of Directors at ZERO, the nation’s leading prostate cancer advocacy and support organization. And he’s not just lending his name—he’s leveraging his platform to reach the men who need to hear this message most.

ZERO’s Blitz the Barriers will combine education, outreach, and technology to break down barriers to equitable care across 12 highest-risk urban and rural communities over the next ten years.

ZERO’s new campaign, Blitz the Barriers, is the most ambitious project in the history of U.S. prostate cancer patient programs. The grassroots initiative aims to save 100K lives over the next 10 years by addressing critical disparities in prostate cancer outcomes head-on. Focused on education, outreach, and expanding access in 12 of the highest-risk communities, the effort is rooted in equity, urgency, and real, systemic change. And Allan’s voice and community partners like Black Health Matters are central to this effort.

“Talking about prostate cancer isn’t a weakness. It’s strength,” he says. “It’s being a leader. A protector. A father.”

Because this isn’t just a health issue—it’s a matter of life, legacy, and love. Watch Allan Houston’s powerful “New” Father’s Day PSA in partnership with ZERO Prostate Cancer BHM below.

The post A Game-Changing Conversation Between Father and Son appeared first on Black Health Matters.

This Was Not  Coco Gauff’s First French Open Final

The first time Coco Gauff was in the French Open finals was in 2022. She was just 18 at the time and playing against the number one seed, Iga Swiatek from Poland, who easily beat Gauff in straight sets.

According to Talksport, during the awards, Gauff said, “This is the first time for me, so let’s try to get through this.”

Through a steady stream of tears, she also paid tribute to her opponent and her team.   But her thank you to the crowd, who kept cheering for her, is what everyone remembers.

“Thank you guys for always supporting me,” the American said. “Hopefully, this is the first final of many. I really appreciate you guys a lot. You guys helped me so much throughout this year.”

How Her First French Open Final Made Coco Gauff Doubt Herself

Gauff talks openly about that first experience because it left an indelible mark. After winning on Saturday, she reflected on how much that first loss at the French Open devastated her.

“I had dark thoughts because this was a tournament I really wanted to win. I paid attention to every detail. When the Polish anthem played, I vividly remember thinking, ‘this is such a cool moment.’

It was a tough time. I was doubting myself, wondering if I would ever succumb to it, especially my mentality going into the match.

I was crying going into the match. I couldn’t breathe, and if I couldn’t handle this, how could I handle anything else? How am I going to handle this again?

Obviously, the US Open happened. Now I really felt ready today, regardless of what happened. I can leave it all out there and leave here proud.”

How Coco Gauff Rises Above the Drama

Coco Gauff may have studied at the Audra McDonald school of grace because they are both unbothered by controversy. They focus on their talent and don’t get distracted in the muck and mire.

If you are unclear about what I am referencing, according to SI.com, when Aryna Sabalenka, the world’s top-ranked tennis player, spoke to reporters after their French Open Finals match, she was far from gracious. She didn’t think Gauff won because she was particularly good. It was because Sabalenka thought she had an off day.

“I think it was more windy. Also, I think I was over emotional,” Sabalenka said. “Today, I didn’t handle myself quite well mentally. Basically, that’s it. I was just making unforced errors. I don’t know. I have to check the statistics. I think she won the match not because she played incredibly. Just because I made all of those mistakes, if you look from the outside, from kind of easy balls.”

Only after being called out for her rude remarks, Sabalenka acknowledged that Gauff had earned the prize (which, of course, we already knew).

“Yesterday was a tough one. Coco handled the conditions much better than I did and fully deserved the win,” Sabalenka wrote. “She was the better player yesterday, and I want to give her the credit she earned…..I didn’t play my best, and Coco stepped up and played with poise and purpose.”

When Gauff appeared on GMA Monday, June 9, 2025, Robin Roberts asked her about Sabalenka’s comments. Gauff admitted that the wind had been a factor throughout the tournament. Some of her matches had been played with the roof open, others with it closed.

“Honestly, when I stepped on the court, I was aware of the wind. We both practiced with the roof closed,” she said. “I honestly wanted the roof to be closed before the match because in my quarter-final and semi it was closed and I was playing good tennis.

But I found it was open, I saw how windy it was on the court, and I knew it was going to be an ugly wind, she continued. “If you play in windy conditions, if you play tennis, you know it is not going to be a perfect day on a windy court. I knew that going in.

After that, she continued, I was a little surprised about the comments. But I am going to give her the benefit of the doubt. I am sure it was an emotional day, an emotional match.

Every time I play Aryna, she is a tough opponent. She is a fighter. We are 6-5 in head-to-head, so it’s very close. I had to force her to play that way.”

In an interview with another outlet, she put it more succinctly. “When the wind is blowing, you’re not going to win by playing pretty tennis.”

 

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Coco Gauff Leans on Positivity and Belief

When Gauff stopped at CBS Mornings, Nate Burleson asked the young champion if she ever had any self-doubt. She said yes.

“I have a lot of self-doubt. I talk openly about it because a lot of people deal with that in their everyday lives,” she said. “I try to redirect them into positive thoughts.

Even if you don’t truly believe them. Eventually, when those moments are tough and your back is against the wall, and you don’t know where to lean. Try leaning on positivity and belief.

That’s what carried me through that match and throughout the whole tournament.”

But even when she is winning, she remembers who she is.

According to ESPN.com, she said this in one of her post-win interviews. “There’s a lot going on in our country right now with things,” she said.

“But just to be able to be a representation of that and a representation of, I guess, people that look like me in America who maybe don’t feel as supported during this time period, and so just being that reflection of hope and light for those people.”

The post Coco Gauff Wins the 2025 French Open appeared first on Black Health Matters.

We discussed his role, which involves aiding in the development and processes of health-related activities. That includes serving as a liaison to the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc.’s health-related, pharmaceutical, and other partners to assist the brotherhood and the communities they serve in educational processes

What Health Initiatives Have Resonated With the Kappa Alpha Psi Brotherhood?

Martez notes that they deliver events through webinars and in person. “We’re a fraternity that has a majority of our brotherhood who are African American. Prostate cancer affects 6 out of 10 Black men, he explains.

“One of the organizations that we have partnered with is ZERO Prostate Cancer,” Martez continues. “With that partnership, we’re aiding and educating the members on the importance of knowing the signs of prostate cancer as well as the information to ask from their primary care physician.”

Martez stressed that for their members to have access to that information and be encouraged to undergo screenings helps them become good stewards of their own health.

One of the other initiatives that had many members of Kappa Alpha Psi Inc. talking is the “Are You Okay?” Program.

“Our 35th Grand Polemarch, Brother Jimmy McMickle, is a former track athlete at the University of Indiana, where we were founded,” Martez said. “And because of his mantra about activity, he had a vision for the program. We partnered with Johnson & Johnson. The program not only focuses on mental health. But it includes the mental, physical, spiritual, and emotional well-being.”

The Fraternity’s “Are You Okay? Facebook’s Group encourages its members to be physically active. Martez noted that they had a Biggest Loser competition underway, leading up to the Conclave, which will take place in Phoenix from July 1st to 6th. “We created a group in which everyone is your accountability partner,” he explains.

But those accountability partnerships mean so much more. “We have our accountability partners, but you know from a physical fitness standpoint, we have in that group as well where brothers have become so vulnerable,” Martez continues.

“That they really get in and talk about what they have going on, and then everyone in the group adds aids as a support system. So, we‘re extremely passionate about it.” Mental health became the gateway to talk about everything.

Martez says another health focus area Kappa Alpha Psi Inc. has focused on during the past few years is kidney disease. “We’ve been full steam ahead concerning kidney disease; we partnered with the American Kidney Fund for the second year in a row for AMKD Day on April 29,” he explained.

Alonzo Mourning attended a previous Kappa Alpha Psi Inc. Conclave to share his personal battle with kidney disease. “We were the first organization that he had the opportunity to come and share his story with.”

Since Black men are overwhelmingly impacted by kidney disease, educating them is critical.

“And not only that, just some of the risk factors that are associated with that are plagued more in the African American communities at large, diabetes can give you issues with your kidneys, and hypertension,” Martez said.

“So those things that impact our communities at a larger rate. It can increase our susceptibility to kidney disease. So again, it’s a domino effect,” Martez continued.

“It’s our job as pillars of the community to educate the communities at large as well as our membership on the importance of any disparity that we can.”

The post Antonio Martez: Keeping The Brothers Engaged Around Health appeared first on Black Health Matters.

A Performance Worth Waiting For

When the 59-year-old took the stage, she gave us every reason to believe that fitness is one of the keys to longevity. In a tank, baggy jeans, and a white jacket, she sang a medley that included “Someone to Call My Lover and All For You.” She strutted and moved across the length of that stage and down those stairs with nothing to prove, and we loved it. She is an icon after all.

An Inspiring Word About Her Work

But Janet doesn’t see herself that way. In her acceptance speech,  “I am so honored and grateful,” she began. “I mean no disrespect in any way, but I don’t consider myself an icon,” she said. “My family, myself, our dream was to, it wasn’t ever to be famous…we weren’t raised like that. We always had a special love for music, dancing, and singing.”

“Fame came as a result of hard work and dedication. My story, my family’s story, is truly an American story. This could have only happened in America,” Janet continued. “The one thing that I hope for is that I have been an inspiration to others and artists to follow their dreams and succeed.”

While Janet hasn’t performed on television in years, she has been touring consistently since 2023, with 47 concerts in 2023, 58 last year. Janet has extended her Resorts World residency in Las Vegas into later this year with dates added in September.

For Fitness Inspiration, check out the Guru of Abs workouts.

The post Janet Jackson Takes Home the AMA ICON Award appeared first on Black Health Matters.

He Led a Life of Service

Rangel, known as Charlie to many of his friends, was the last of New York’s Gang of Four. An influential quartet of Black leaders, which included New York City Mayor David  Dinkins, New York Secretary of State Basil Patterson, and Percy Sutton, a lawyer and civil rights activist whose collective influence was far-reaching for decades.

Rangel was born on June 11, 1930. According to his congressional biography, he attended Dewitt Clinton High School, received a Bachelor of Science from New York University’s School of Commerce, and obtained his Juris Doctorate from St. John’s University Law School. Rangel was a veteran of the Korean War, and also served as Assistant US State Attorney of the Southern District of New York, and counsel to the New York State Assembly, and a member of the New York State Assembly before running for Congress.

In 1964, he married Alma Carter, a social worker he met at The Savoy Ballroom. She preceded him in death. He is survived by his son, Steven; daughter, Alicia Rangel Haughton; and three grandsons.

Charles Rangel’s Legacy Will Be Remembered

Rangel was a founding member of the Congressional Black Caucus. The organization’s Chair, Yvette D. Clark, and members issued the following statement:

“It is with deep respect and profound sadness that we mourn the passing of former Congressman Charles B. Rangel of New York. On behalf of the 61 members of the Congressional Black Caucus, I extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and loved ones.

“Congressman Rangel was the very definition of a life devoted to public service. Born in Harlem in 1930, he served with distinction in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, earning both the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star for his courage and sacrifice. His commitment to serving others continued in the halls of the New York State Assembly and then the United States Congress, where he represented his community and country for nearly 50 years.

“A trailblazer and statesman, Congressman Rangel was a founding member and former Chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus. He made history as the first African American to chair the powerful House Ways and Means Committee in the House of Representatives. Known affectionately as the Lion of Lenox Avenue”, his legacy is one of tireless advocacy, historic firsts, and unwavering dedication to justice and equality. May he rest in power and everlasting peace.”

We extend our sincere condolences to the Rangel family.

The post Charles B. Rangel, Former NY Congressman Has Died at 94 appeared first on Black Health Matters.

Today Show fans knew Jones had been absent from our television screen for some time. On January 15th, she posted a quick note on Instagram that said.

“Hi everybody… I sincerely appreciate all of you who have reached out while I’ve been absent from the show. I want to share with you that I’m taking time to deal with a family health matter. It’s not lost on me how lucky I am to have not only the support of my Today Show family, but to also have all of you. Your kindness means so much to me. I’ll see you soon. Love, Sheinelle”

Jones and Ojech,45, were married for 17 years. In the tribute the show gave to him, they called her Jones’ perfect match, “whose joyful strength and quiet demeanor complemented her in every way.” The two were fortunate to have met early in life; he was a high school senior when she gave him a campus tour of Northwestern University as a freshman in the late 90s. They dated for eight years, and he proposed on that campus in a rainstorm. Jones and Ojech got married in Philadelphia, her hometown, in 2007. They had three children: a son, Kayan, and twins, Clara and Uche.

While Jones built a career in broadcast journalism, Ojeh became a successful consultant. He was also a soccer player, sang in his church choir, was a triathlete, and was devoted to Nigerian heritage and family, which he instilled in his children.

Melvin said, “One thing we always talked about was his kids. He loved his kids more than anything else in this world. He was just so proud,” the host continued. “He was that dad who was on the sidelines, every soccer game, he was at all of the concerts, and all the recitals. He was that guy!” (check out the whole segment below).

Our sincere condolences to Sheinelle, Kayan, Clara, Uche, and their families.

What is Glioblastoma?

According to the Cleveland Clinic, glioblastoma is the most common type of malignant brain cancer in adults. “It starts in a glial cell in your spinal cord called an astrocyte. Cancer cells rapidly grow and multiply. They can spread into other areas of your brain and spinal cord.” More than 13,000 Americans are diagnosed with GBM every year. Symptoms include vision changes, memory problems, headaches, and seizures.

While there is currently no cure, promising new treatments are making progress, and we are hopeful that one day, there will be a cure.

 

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References

For more information on the symptoms and treatment of glioblastoma, check out:

Mayo Clinic: Treatment and Causes of Glioblastoma

The Cleveland Clinic has developed new research strategies for glioblastoma.

The post Today Show co-host Sheinelle Jones’ husband, Uche Ojeh, has died appeared first on Black Health Matters.

According to the New York Times, prostate cancer experts say that once the disease has spread to the bones, however, it cannot be cured. Dr. Judd Moul, a prostate cancer expert at Duke, told the Times that men whose prostate cancer has spread “can live five, seven, 10 or more years.”

President Biden’s announcement came as a shock to everyone. Black Health Matters joins in outpouring prayers and well wishes for him and his family. Yesterday, he posted this message on social media:

“Cancer touches us all. Like many of you, Jill and I have learned that we are strongest in the broken places. Thank you for lifting us up with love and support.”

How Prostate Cancer Impacts Black Men

The former President’s diagnosis made us think about how prostate cancer impacts us both professionally and personally. I spoke with Brian Bragg, Chief Mission Officer at ZERO Prostate Cancer,  about why this is also a moment for Black men to take prostate cancer screening seriously. “Prostate cancer adversely impacts Black men in particular; sounding the alarm for them is all about early detection.”

According to research done by the Institute of Cancer Research, Black men are twice as likely to die from prostate cancer as white men because of the disparities in the accessibility of care.

Further research confirms this. “Persistent disparities in treatment for AA and emerging disparities in Hispanic men, regardless of stage at presentation, likely represent a significant predictor of higher mortality in underserved populations,” Kelvin A. Moses, MD, PhD, of Vanderbilt University Medical Center and Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center in Nashville, Tennessee, and colleagues concluded in Urology. Dr. Moses also serves on the board of ZERO Prostate Cancer.

“So, if one in eight men overall are affected by prostate cancer, for Black men, it is one in six. There is also a higher rate of disparity for veterans, those in the military, and rural areas,” Bragg says.

“All of those are high-risk communities. And we need to be mindful that they are accessing care and are having conversations with their healthcare providers about PSA testing starting at age 40.”

How Prostate Exam Testing Has Changed

Bragg wants to remind men that prostate exams have evolved from intrusive physical exams to blood tests, which are done to establish the baseline levels of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in the blood and the frequency at which the testing needs to be repeated.

If prostate cancer is caught early, Bragg points out that there is a high survival rate. “Even if you ‘re diagnosed at an advanced stage, there are still therapies and modalities that can help you; it isn’t an immediate death sentence,” he explains.

Symptoms That Need to Be Checked Out

While prostate cancer can go mostly undetected without a PSA test, some symptoms should send you to the doctor for immediate overall testing, Bragg points out:

• Difficulty urinating
• Urinating often, especially at night
• Burning or pain during urination
• Blood or pain during urination

These symptoms could point to potential problems with your prostate. It is better to err on the side of caution than to self-treat and find out you have an advanced case later.

If You Have Been Diagnosed, There is Hope

If you are a Black man diagnosed with prostate cancer, organizations like ZERO Prostate Cancer have resources available that help you navigate everything from diagnosis to treatment choices to finding peer support and caregiver support.

Black Health Matters Resources

For additional information on prostate cancer prevention and treatment, check out these articles and videos from Black Health Matters:

50 Questions To Ask Your Doctor if Your Family Has a History of Prostate Cancer

What to Do After a Prostate Cancer Diagnosis

Additional Resources

Prostate Cancer Statistics

Institute of Cancer Research Study

Racial Disparities in Prostate Health

The post Former President Biden’s Prostate Cancer: Black Men Pay Attention appeared first on Black Health Matters.

And there are so many Cassies we know and don’t know all around us; 40% of Black women will experience domestic violence in their lives, according to a study by The Institute of Policy Research. Some of them will lose their lives to intimate partner violence.

Yes it Happened

Cassie, like many victims of domestic abuse, had her experiences questioned. Denial can sometimes invalidate a woman’s lived experience because, according to Martha E. Banks, Ph.D, a Research Neuropsychologist, ‘Women are sometimes victims of romantic terrorism, coercive romanticism,” she says. “To victims, as well as people in the victims’ networks, the abuser appears to be especially loving. The abuse is private, but the public appearance is overwhelmingly — and exaggeratedly — loving.”

While the tape may have triggered some who were victims of domestic violence, others were emboldened to speak about their experiences. Dr. Banks says, “The release of this and similar videos can provide validation to victims who are repeatedly told by abusers that there is no abuse. It is sometimes easier to perceive and be outraged by the abuse of someone else than to recognize that victims themselves do not deserve abuse.”

Power Dynamics Lead to Isolation

One of the drawbacks of social media is that everyone has become an expert on everything. And we have opinions on things we know nothing about, even complicated issues like domestic violence. However, it is critical to understand that there are more factors to consider before we tell a woman to “just leave.”

“There are multiple power dynamics involved. Emotional abuse, which is present as a component of all abuse, includes isolation. Such isolation can prevent victims from financially supporting themselves, so victims remain in relationships because they cannot access paths to independence.” Dr. Banks explains. “Emotional abuse includes repeatedly telling victims that they deserve the abuse because they are “bad” people.”

The Cycle of Domestic Violence

Dr. Banks points out that we primarily know bout explosions.  “Early in the relationship, explosions are generally followed by denial — either that nothing really happened or that it wasn’t really all that bad.  Then there is a honeymoon phase — flowers, candy, romantic dinners,” she explains. “Then, the tension builds, and there’s another explosion.  After a while, the honeymoon disappears, and the cycle is just explosion, denial, and tension. Then, the denial disappears, and all that’s left are periods of tension and violent explosions.  If the downward spiral is not stopped, it ends when somebody dies.”

As we read the news about more Black and Brown women losing their lives as a result of intimate partner violence, Dr. Banks points out that there is a critical lack of information available, and the information available predates the COVID-19 pandemic. “It is important to note that increased access to gun ownership in the United States has led to increased intimate partner homicide,” Dr. Banks concludes.

The post To All The Cassies Known and Unknown appeared first on Black Health Matters.

In an interview with Lala Anthony for Vogue, Miss Ross said attending the gala was a very last-minute decision. “Everything was at the last moment. My son persuaded me, because I’m actually on tour. He said ‘Mom, you’ve gotta go.”

Miss Ross hasn’t been to the Met Gala in 22 years, but she returned in spectacular style in what she called a “forever family gown,” designed by Nigerian designer Ugo Mozie.

What makes this shawl even more amazing is that the underside of the 18-foot train was embroidered with the names of each of her five children and eight grandchildren. She said the designer “turned her vision into a tapestry of love.” A custom hat designed by Sarah Sokol Milinery, trimmed with feathers, topped off her ensemble.

Her son Evan Ross was her escort. Her daughter Tracee Ellis Ross also attended the gala but arrived later.

Miss Ross’s return to the Met Gala was a buzzworthy event for many. People captured the occasion with a rare photo shoot of the former Supremes lead singer with her children and grandchildren.

Zendaya walked the carpet shortly after Miss Ross, wearing a white suit and hat reminiscent of one worn by Miss Ross in character Tracy Chambers in Mahogany. Her influence echoes through generation after generation and refers to her and “the reference” for her look.”

Meanwhile, Miss Ross is still showing us what it means to flip the script on aging daily. She is heading to the UK, Paris, the North Sea Jazz Festival, the Montreux Jazz Festival, before appearing at the Hollywood Bowl in July.

 

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About Older Americans Month: Historically, it has been a time to acknowledge past and current older persons in our country.

The post Diana Ross Flips the Script on Aging at The Met Gala appeared first on Black Health Matters.

As a 20-year cancer survivor, Simone has a unique lens on health and prevention; this was true for her even before her cancer diagnosis. “I’ve always been in tune with my body. Staying up-to-date with my doctor’s appointments was very important. You gotta go to the GYN and to the medical doctor. You have to get your annual blood test,” she explained.

“And I’ve done that with my children, too. So with my cancer journey, they watched me. It’s about taking care of yourself, paying attention to your body. Nobody knows your body the way you know your body, right?” Simone continued. “We always talked to our children about health, going to the gym, eating well, taking vitamins, and supplements. So that plays a big role in our house.”

LL COOL J added that he has always been into exercise and fitness, and his children have seen him in the gym all their lives. “Since day one, they’ve been watching me in the gym,” he said. “They all work out and believe in the power of being physically fit.”

He also explained that he was first motivated to work out 40 years ago by guys in the neighborhood who would go away for a long time and come back bulked up. He noticed how they had created a positive outcome from a negative situation.

The then up-and-coming rapper took that as a cue.”I can be fit. But I don’t have to go away or get into trouble to get in the best shape I can be,” LL COOL J said. “Taking care of your body, early detection, and awareness are the keys. You are the architect of your own fortune.”

LL COOL J and Simone I. Smith have partnered with Pfizer to promote using the American    Cancer Society Cancer Risk360 assessment tool, which will help us understand our cancer risk factors. Check it out at PfizerforAll.

The couple agreed that the partnership felt like a natural alignment because of Simone’s previous cancer diagnosis and the program’s emphasis on early diagnosis. “You know, she got a bump on her leg and then paid attention to it and went and got detected early,” he said. “So, it was a natural connection between what Pfizer was doing with PfizerforAll and what we went through in our journey.”

Simone agreed and talked about how this partnership aligned with the work she is already doing with her successful jewelry line, Simone I Smith Jewelry. “I create pieces to uplift and empower, and it is important to give people hope and faith, so a lot of my designs inspire that,” she noted. “Maybe a year into launching my brand, I gave a portion of the proceeds to the American Cancer Society; it was something I wanted to do as a 20-year cancer survivor.”

“Especially because science is everything. The more you give, the more they can research, and the more they can find cures for all these different cancer forms,” Simone continued.

“So partnering for this campaign came very naturally. Because it is all about early detection, it’s all about getting your scans. Early detection is what saved my life. I could have been somebody who didn’t pay it any mind, but early detection absolutely saves lives.”

It is no small feat for LL COOL J to reach four decades in hip hop. We have seen so many legends leave us before their time. With Rock The Bells, he can create a legacy with intentionality. “Rock The Bells ” is about hip hop culture’s preservation, elevation, and innovation. And so, you know, for me, you have to do something bigger than you in life. You have to think two, three, four hundred years from now, 1000 years from now,” he said. “And you want to do something that’s gonna maximize your potential on earth, and set the world up to be a better place than when you came.”

LL COOL J said he could have focused his energy on his career so that it was solely financially rewarding, but it would not have been spiritually rewarding for him. 

“So, I started Rock The Bells so some of the people who helped lay the foundation for me, who helped pave the way for me, could have access to the type of insights, creativity, and energy I put into my projects. That’s why I have the channel on Sirius XM, Rock The Bells Radio, that’s why we have the Festival, and collaborations with Simone I. Smith,” he continued. “That’s why I do all the things, give the early pioneers and icons jobs, embrace younger artists and introduce them to audiences that may not know them, mashing those generations together, which to me is super important.”

Music is still a driving force in LL COOL J’s heart and mind. “Music isn’t a cure, but boy, life would be miserable without music and hip hop,” he said. “There is something spiritually rewarding on a deep level in hip hop culture in the music,  and the people, and what it does for us as human beings.”

Go to Pfizerall.com to check out the American Cancer Society CancerRisk360 assessment tool.

The post LL COOL J & Simone I. Smith On Putting Our Health First appeared first on Black Health Matters.

King noted that the American Cancer Society recommends a mammogram every one to two years for women over 55. Knowles missed hers during the COVID pandemic and forgot to reschedule it until last year. And that’s when doctors found two tumors. One was benign, the other had Stage One cancer.

“It was Stage One, which I thought was the earliest stage. But when I told my sister, she said no, there’s actually a stage 0.’ If I had gone for my mammogram, they would have caught it in the zero stage. Thank God, it was very small and it hadn’t spread.”

Knowles had a very slow spreading cancer and chose a lumpectomy procedure to remove the tumor from her left breast. She told King how all her girls came to the hospital, told her jokes, and showed her videos to make her laugh.

“But then I thought about the song ‘Walk With Me,’ that they used to sing all the time,” she said, getting emotional.”Michelle wasn’t there, Solange filled in, Angie sang, and they sang “Walk With Me.” It’s about God walking with you and protecting you.” Knowles said she felt protected as she walked into the surgery.

Last October, Knowles was honored as Glamour’s Woman of the Year, but she was almost unable to attend because of a complication after surgery. She contracted a terrible infection.

In her acceptance speech, she said, “I’ve been so blessed in my life to do many things.  I’ve had many careers. But I’ve always said that the best job that I’ve had in my life is being a mother. I’ve had the privilege of raising and helping to raise four daughters. Two that were born to me, and two that were a gift to me from God. You know, I was somewhat of a rebellious teen and young adult, and I didn’t always follow the rules, but the day that I became a mother, I decided that this was the one thing that wouldn’t screw up.”

Ms. Knowles has a little anxiety putting her book into the world to be scrutinized because people always have something to say. She said her book was initially 1,000 pages, and she had to whittle things down. “I hope people will be inspired by the things I have overcome.”

Note: In 2021, Ms Knowles’ ex-husband, Matthew, revealed his breast cancer diagnosis. 

 

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The post Tina Knowles Reveals Breast Cancer Diagnosis in “Matriarch” appeared first on Black Health Matters.

“This is me doing a full smile by the way,” he said in the video, laughing in disbelief. “I can’t even laugh right, bro. Oh my God!”

Lil Nas X, who is 26, urged fans not to feel sorry for him. He was doing his best to joke his way through this.

People reported that fans, including Taraji P. Henson and Wanda Sykes, sent their well wishes. “In the comment section, Lil Nas X fans and some of his celebrity friends voiced their concern. Taraji P. Henson wrote, “Get well baby .” Wanda Sykes commented, “Get well, love. Sometimes your body tells you to sit down somewhere. Rest up..”

 

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A few days later, the rapper reported feeling better, according to a story on Billboard: “The Hotbox MC provided an update via his Instagram stories. “It’s much better, it’s much better,” he assured viewers, adding, “my eye still has to play catch-up. But like, but like I can give a genuine smile, so that’s good. I’m still winkin’ at mothaf–kers, but…. yeah.”

To date, Lil Nas X has not revealed his diagnosis, but there could be several causes (which fans and social media onlookers have speculated about:

Bell’s Palsy

According to the Cleveland Clinic, Bell’s Palsy temporarily weakens or paralyzes facial muscles. It occurs when the seventh cranial nerve is swollen or inflamed. Stress, a viral infection, autoimmune diseases, and other factors can cause this. Those with this condition develop a droopy appearance on one—or sometimes both—sides of their faces. The condition isn’t serious and will go away in a few months with or without treatment.

Ramsey-Hunt Syndrome

Some fans have speculated that Lil Nas X may be suffering from the same condition that Justin Bieber had, which can impact anyone who had chickenpox. According to the Mayo Clinic, Ramsey-Hunt Syndrome symptoms can present in two ways: a painful rash in and around one ear or facial weakness and paralysis on the same side as the affected ear.

Other things can cause facial paralysis, including a stroke, a brain tumor, Lyme disease, and an MS flare-up.

We wish Lil Nas X a continued recovery.

The post Lil Nas X Is Still Recovering After Experiencing Facial Paralysis appeared first on Black Health Matters.

BHM: How are the statistics of HIV among young people in underserved communities changing?

Despite the significant strides we’ve made in HIV awareness, prevention, and treatment, the HIV epidemic persists, especially for our youth. Young people account for more than 20% of all new HIV diagnoses in the U.S., with a disproportionate impact on Black and Latinx queer youth who are experiencing the greatest number of new diagnoses.

To turn the tide, it is crucial that we focus on combating HIV stigma, promoting open and honest conversations, and, most importantly, increasing awareness and action around the options that are available for HIV prevention.

BHM: We have the tools and resources needed for an HIV-free generation, but do we have the collective will?

We believe that every young person deserves access to resources, support, and the care they need to thrive. We understand that empowering youth needs to be at the center of the HIV response, as they are the next generation of leaders in the HIV community. Through our Positive Action for Youth program, which invested more than $5.8 million in youth-focused organizations this year alone, and our Annual Youth Summit, we are informing and empowering young leaders and their community allies to close gaps in HIV prevention, care, and supportive services.

The tools and resources exist to achieve an HIV-free generation, but we need more than just tools.

It’s critical that everyone involved in the fight against HIV continues to prioritize our youth and grow awareness of the resources and services available to improve this generation’s response to HIV.

We know we can’t end HIV alone, but together, we can turn the vision of an HIV-free generation into a reality.

BHM: Are they taking advantage of access to PrEP, or is that something that needs to be more widely known as an option that is available to them?

We know that pre-exposure prophylaxis, PrEP, is underutilized. The CDC estimates that roughly 1.2 million people in the U.S. could benefit from PrEP, but only about 30% of those individuals have received a prescription for PrEP.

The CDC also recommends that all sexually active young adults and adolescents be informed about PrEP as an effective option for HIV prevention.

PrEP should be prescribed to anyone who asks for it, regardless of their sexual identity or gender, how many partners they have, or whether or not they report specific reasons for HIV prevention.

Young people should feel empowered to have open and honest discussions with their doctor about HIV prevention and PrEP as a part of sexual health and wellness. It’s the first step to finding an option that meets individual needs and can ultimately help to improve overall health outcomes.

BHM: What do you think is holding them back if they aren’t taking it?

There are many reasons why young people aren’t taking PrEP. For some, it’s a lack of awareness about PrEP, or they may not see themselves as being someone who has reasons for HIV prevention. For others, they may be aware of PrEP and want to consider taking it, but don’t know where to start.

Young people can be hesitant or nervous to start conversations surrounding sexual health and wellness with their doctor or care team.

There can also be anxieties about their friends or family finding their PrEP medication or challenges in adhering to a PrEP regimen.

That’s why addressing these barriers through increased awareness, stigma reduction, and improved health care access is crucial to enhancing PrEP uptake among youth and a core focus of ViiV Healthcare’s work.

BHM: What should we know about PrEP?

PrEP is highly effective at preventing HIV acquired from sex when taken as prescribed, but it also isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach.

There are multiple PrEP options available, including long-acting injectable PrEP and daily oral pills, that can give people the flexibility to choose the approach that works best for them!

Having an open and honest discussion with a doctor about HIV prevention as a part of sexual health and wellness can be a great first step to finding an option that meets an iindividual’sneeds.

Young people who want to learn more about PrEP can check out ViiV’s conversation guide to help start a conversation with their doctor today.

The post Empowering Young People in the Fight Against HIV appeared first on Black Health Matters.

The answer would vary, depending upon who you ask. On Tudum, Uzo Aduba describes her character as a woman who is “strong, she doesn’t mince words and she’s unapologetically herself.” Finding the right costume for the character was an integral part of the storytelling. “Cordelia wasn’t going to look like [she’s a] part of this world that we’re all familiar with, Aduba says. “And it felt emblematic that she doesn’t fit into any world. She is a woman that is entirely her own — singular — and she is OK moving through the world in that way.”

Cordelia Cupp is More Than a Columbo or Monk

After the body of the White House’s head usher (Giancarlo Esposito) is discovered during a State Dinner with Austraila. The Chief of DC Metropolitan Police Department, who has jurisdiction, calls in Cupp (who has a global reputation for solving murders). She’s more like Hercule Poirot. While the men in high places play tug of war over who can overrule Cupp’s investigation, she ignores them. She gets down to business, putting intricate puzzle pieces together and introducing us to all the players while providing a healthy dose of references to birds and a side of birdwatching in the middle of the investigation.

Fans Have Laid Out Their Clues

Online audiences are talking because they see evidence, at the very least, of an autistic-coded character in Cordelia Cupp.

Here’s the Official Definition

According to DSM-5, to meet the Autism Spectrum Criteria, individuals would have persistent deficits in social communications and social interaction across multiple contexts.

• Deficits in social-emotional reciprocity range, for example, from an abnormal social approach and failure of normal back-and-forth conversation to reduced sharing of interests, emotions, or affect and failure to initiate.
•  Symptoms cause clinically significant impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of current functioning.
• These disturbances are not better explained by intellectual development disorder (intellectual disability) or global developmental delay. Intellectual development disorder and autism spectrum disorder frequently co-occur.

Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder may become fixated on certain topics and may also socially isolate themselves. In Cordelia Cupp’s case, her fixation with birds was a constant throughout the series. Then, it was combined with social isolation later in the series.

However, on the flip side, although she didn’t pick up on social cues, she did empathize with her friend, the Metropolitan Police Chief, and made a decision that helped him when he needed it most.

But here’s the thing: Cordelia Cupp knows she’s different. I will be very vague here for those who haven’t watched The Residence yet. Remember the conversation with her nephew in Episode 4, when they are birding, and he wants to give up?

“Do you ever think this is unhealthy?”

It is a word my mom uses when she talks about you.

“Single-minded.  Difficult, Obsessive, Un..” he says.

“Uncompromising,’ Cordelia chimes in.

Then, she tells him the story about his mom’s strawberry socks. At the end of it, Cordelia says. “This is not the only way to be, but this is the way that I am.’

In the same episode, she gifts her nephew a birding book and talks about what she uses hers for.

“I like to sketch things I see. I learn a lot from drawing. I put down what I saw, where I looked, what questions I have.”

But Aduba also said birding speaks to Cupp’s patience. “Birding takes an incredible amount of patience. You have to wait, wait, wait for the moment to come to you rather than chase after birds.”

So, in this case, birding becomes a metaphor for how she methodically solves cases.

The post Is Cordelia Cupp of Netflix’s “The Residence” on the Autism Spectrum? appeared first on Black Health Matters.

While IBD primarily impacts the white population in the US, there has been a sharp increase in communities of color over the past decade.

We also have more barriers to care, including access to specialists, follow-up care, symptom and disease activity control, and emotional support.

How is Ulcerative Colitis Diagnosed?

A patient’s HCP may need to rule out other things before getting the UC diagnosis. They may order blood tests, a stool study, or a colonoscopy.

With the colonoscopy, the doctor can biopsy one of the sores or ulcers and arrive at a final diagnosis.

And there are two peak age groups where most diagnoses occur:

• Between the ages of 15 and 30 (the average age if you are Black is 38, because we are always diagnosed later)
• Between 50 and 70

Types of Ulcerative Colitis

The Cleveland Clinic describes the types of Ulcerative Colitis as follows:

• Ulcerative proctitis affecting the rectum
• Inflammation affecting the rectum and sigmoid colon (the lower S-shaped part of the colon)
• Left-sided colitis: inflammation affects the left side of the colon
• Pancolitis: inflammation affects the entire colon

Ulcerative Colitis may present as mild, moderate, or severe depending on symptoms.

Ulcerative Colitis Treatments

Any patient diagnosed with UC should work with their HCP to find the best course of treatment. Resources like CrohnsColitisfoundation.org can also be great for newly diagnosed patients. However, medicine is often the first course of treatment.

• Aminosalicylates (5-ASA) may be recommended for mild to moderate UC cases

• Corticosteroids might be recommended for moderate to severe UC cases

• Immunomodulators may be prescribed to address ongoing inflammation

• Biologic/Biosimilar Therapies: Biologics are another option for moderate to severe UC patients

In about 1/3 of patients, medicine is not enough, and they opt for the total removal of the colon and rectum.

According to the Washington University Department of Surgery in St. Louis, two different surgical approaches may be used. The first involves removing the entire colon and rectum and creating an ileostomy or external stoma (an opening in the abdomen through which wastes are emptied into a pouch attached to the skin).

A newer and most common option includes removal of the colon and rectum, but doesn’t require a permanent ileostomy. An internal pouch is created from the small bowel, and it is attached to the anal sphincter muscle. The patient doesn’t have to wear an external device/stoma permanently.

When patients opt for these procedures, they are cured of UC.

Additional Resources:

CrohnsColitisFoundation

Healthline

 Mayo Clinic

Cleveland Clinic

Washington University Department of Surgery

MyCrohnsColitisTeam

The post What Is Ulcerative Colitis? appeared first on Black Health Matters.

 

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A Rough 2024

Cole describes 2024 as a rocky year. She told People, “Our corporate overhead was about $10 million,” Pinky stated. “I was chasing something that I couldn’t catch for so many reasons.” Though she knew the fast-food chain was special and connected to a large audience — famous for consistently having hours-long queues — the corporate spend was too much for the entrepreneur to catch up with, calling it “a situation where something is just too far gone,” in which “the best thing that you could do is let it die so that you can rebirth it.”

Admitting that she wasn’t an operational person, Cole said she had people in place who ran the business side. But she learned that she could never take her hands off the wheel.

Putting Slutty Vegan in the Hands of an Assignee

Slutty Vegan needed to go through a restructuring and although Cole fought it for a long time, she decided that she had to do it in early February of this year. According to People. “I fought it for a long time, to be honest, and I didn’t want to do it. I didn’t want to face the public scrutiny,” she confessed. “I didn’t want to face the opinions of others because I know I built something that’s so doted by so many people. I could have easily gone to social media and did a rally cry for help, but I didn’t want to be a victim.”

She’s No Stranger to Failure

The 37-year-old entrepreneur wrote a book for entrepreneurs entitled “I Hope You Fail.” Cole  also lost her first restaurant to a grease fire in 2016, has been evicted, and had her car repossessed. She considers herself an expert at failing.

However, having a mattress thrown at her caused Cole to think about how she wanted to do business in the future. She hired a headhunter to find new leadership for the company, under the banner, “Ain’t Nobody Coming to See You, Otis LLC,” 1998 film The Temptations.

 

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The Future of Slutty Vegan is Global

Cole told People she wants to “hyper scale” Slutty Vegan 2.0. There are currently eight locations in the United States—five in Georgia and one each in Alabama, Maryland, and New York. “Global expansion is big for 2.0,” she revealed. “We’ve been talking about Dubai and Africa and just really scaling Slutty Vegan beyond the U.S.”

When she talked about her business journey she told the magazine, “There’s going to be a couple of left turns that you’re going to make, you’re going to make a couple of U-turns. There’s going to be some speed bumps in the road,” she said of her business journey. “Somebody’s going to throw a mattress at you — but that is not reason enough to give up.”

The post Slutty Vegan’s Pinky Cole Lost Control of Her Business & Almost Lost Her Life appeared first on Black Health Matters.

Bishop Jakes says he didn’t realize what had happened to him until he arrived at the hospital in an ambulance.

“I was fussing about this happening while I was onstage. Then a doctor leaned over in my ear and said, ‘You’ve had a massive heart attack,'” he recalled.

One of the reasons he didn’t know he was having a cardiac event was that Bishop Jakes wasn’t experiencing the symptoms he’s heard about, numbness or sharp pain. “I just sort of… drifted off to sleep. I didn’t know what it was…but I almost died. [The doctor] said five minutes later, I would have been dead on arrival,” Bishop Jakes explained.

Jakes continued. “The right side of my heart had stopped giving blood at all. As long as I was up preaching, I felt fine, but when I sat down, the adrenaline dropped, and it exposed the fact that I was preaching with half of my heart closed through a clot.” That required surgery.

Melvin and Bishop Jakes talked about being so close to death and that he was at peace the whole time. “And then I had my whole church, and when I say my whole church, I mean global, not just the congregation. Even people who didn’t go to my church, people everywhere were sending prayers. I am so thankful and want to use this opportunity to thank them,” he said.

“And while they were praying, the surgeons were operating while I was awake. They never put me to sleep; technology is amazing,” Bishop Jakes continued.

You would think that after recovering from a massive heart attack, Bishop Jakes would slow down. No, he is doing more. Look for a new podcast coming soon.

 

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Dr. Crenshaw, a nephrologist who practices in Thomasville, GA,  presented at NephCure’s 2025 Health Equity Conference and reminded us of the sobering statistics within our community: Black Americans account for 32% of kidney disease in the United States and are four times more likely to develop kidney disease than white Americans. Hypertension and diabetes comprise the majority of CKD cases in our community, but other conditions such as lupus nephritis can also result in CKD.

But there are also genetic causes, Dr Crenschaw continued. “And now we appreciate APOL-1 mediated kidney disease, particularly people of African descent.”

He broke down the stages of CKD and the levels at which the kidneys function as follows:

Stage 1: 90% or higher

Stage 2: 60-89 % mild kidney disease

Stage 3a: 59-45 Stage 3b:44%-30%

Stage 4: 29% to 15% severe kidney dysfunction

Stage 5: Less than 15% end-stage kidney disease

“Unfortunately, when I see a patient, perhaps 70% of the time, I see a patient in my office, by the time they see me, they are already at stage four chronic kidney disease,” Dr. Crenshaw said. “In other words, that functions of 29% or less, and people of color that comprises about 90% of those individuals, highlighting this level of CKD diagnostic inequity.”

“Lastly, stage five kidney disease is known as end-stage kidney Disease,” Dr. Crenshaw said. “These are individuals that have function less than 15% and also, these are individuals that qualify for the need of what we call kidney replacement therapy. In other words, this is when the individuals need dialysis.”

Dr. Crenshaw points out that we rarely talk about the psychological toll on patients with kidney disease. He pointed to a study of 1,000 patients where 67% experienced symptoms of depression. 36% could not take care of themselves due to mental health problems. An additional 27% contemplated self-harm or suicide. There were 68% that were not offered mental health support, and 53% admitted to finding it hard to speak up about their mental health.

Dr. Crenshaw pointed out, “We’re going to see a significant amount of psychological and psychiatric detriment as a result of these individuals because they have underlying kidney disease and, unfortunately, were not diagnosed at an appropriate time.”

What are the Symptoms of Kidney Failure?

Dr. Crenshaw highlighted some of the warning signs of kidney failure:

• severe fatigue
• nausea and vomiting
• swelling
• a loss of appetite
• itching

Dr. Crenshaw points out that because we are underdiagnosed for CKD in our community, or diagnosed later. Many people have CKD and do not know it.

“In the southeastern part of the United States, there is a high death rate that is affiliated with kidney disease,” Dr. Crenshaw reminds us. “As I just said, 10,000 extra people in Georgia. If there was a bridge in the gap of CKD equity, in other words, the diagnostic inequity, that gap could be bridged. We will see here that we can mitigate even the death rate of kidney disease in this country.”

It is not just the underserved that go undiagnosed. Dr. Crenshaw notes, “I gave a talk to a church about five days ago, a very educated population, and in that population, there were 70% of those individuals, perhaps that were under diagnosed with chronic kidney disease.”

The APOL-1 Connection

“People who identify as Black, African American, African, Afro Carribbean, Hispanic or Latino, have an increased chance of certain genetic forms of kidney disease. Everyone with a gene in their DNA is called APOL-1. Many people from Western or Central African ancestry carry either one of two specific genetic changes or risk alleles in the APOL-1 gene. These APOL-1 risk alleles originated 1000s ago from people from Sub Saharan Africa,” Dr Crenshaw explained.

“If a person’s DNA has these two AOL-1 risk alleles, they have a one in five chance of developing a kidney disease. Doctors call this genetic form of kidney disease, APOL-1  mediated kidney disease,” he continued. “APOL-1 mediated kidney disease can manifest in different ways in different people. Sometimes, it shows up as chronic kidney disease that is misattributed to hypertension. Other times, the disease can cause rapid progression of high levels of protein and urine and is referred to as FSGS (Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis).”

Dr. Crenshaw said that it is estimated that about half of Black Americans have at least one APOL-1 risk allele and that 1 in 10 of us are at risk for kidney disease because we have two copies. However, the only way to find out is through genetic testing.

For more resources on APOL-1, check out the resources at NephCures.

The post What We Need to Know About CKD appeared first on Black Health Matters.

When Wade got to his doctor’s appointment, he was very transparent. He shared his symptoms with his HCP, including some things he had been feeling. “Sometimes, when I would go to the bathroom, my urine would come out a little slow; it would take a little more time. Sometimes I would have some cramps, some pain a little at times,  in my stomach,” he explained. Wade wanted to understand what was going on with his body.

Wade hadn’t kept with regular medical exams since retiring from the NBA in 2019. He was fortunate that his father’s diagnosis propelled him into action.

There is no telling when he may have gone in for a check-up. It had been four years already. Imagine if he had waited longer; most Black men do.

When Wade got a call from his doctor that there was something concerning about his kidney, “Immediately, they tried to say, we don’t if it is cancerous, but there is something on there, and you are a young man we want to make sure that you can live this healthy lifestyle,” Wade said.

Wade talked, doing his due diligence. He got a second opinion, then a third. But he realized that he had to have surgery to confirm whether he did indeed have cancer.

The operation in December 2023 led to the removal of 40% of Wade’s kidney.

In her appearance last month on Jenna & Friends, Wade’s wife, Gabrielle Union, explained that he was “a little more hesitant” at the time to bring his family along on his “journey of healing” from the cancer.

“That level of vulnerability, to go through removal of a good chunk of his kidney and the healing that involved, he needed us to be OK with his vulnerability. But more than that, he needed to be OK with his vulnerability,” she said. “It was a challenge to give grace and receive it.”

Wade discussed having to shed his personas of being the “strong” one,” the hall of famer.” “I’m a very prideful man. I was most afraid of being that vulnerable in front of my wife,” he confessed.

Now cancer-free, Wade makes sure he and his family talk about their genetic health history so that their children aren’t left guessing about what diseases may impact them in the future. Knowledge is power.

 

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To learn more about kidney cancer treatment diagnosis and treatment options, go to kidneycancer.org.

The post Dwyane Wade Talks About His Kidney Cancer Journey appeared first on Black Health Matters.

What Are Precursor Conditions?

Precursor conditions to multiple myeloma are early, often symptom-free stages of the disease where abnormal plasma cells (crucial to your immune system) are present but haven’t yet caused significant damage. The two main types are:

Monoclonal Gammopathy of Undetermined Significance (MGUS)

This is the earliest stage, where abnormal plasma cells produce M-protein, but no symptoms exist. Most people with MGUS never develop multiple myeloma, but some do, which is why doctors monitor it closely.

Smoldering Multiple Myeloma (SMM)

This is a more advanced precursor stage with higher abnormal plasma cells and M-protein levels. People with smoldering myeloma are at a greater risk of progressing to active multiple myeloma and need regular follow-ups.

Who’s Most at Risk?

Anyone can develop MGUS or smoldering myeloma, but some groups are at higher risk than others.

One key fact: Black Americans are two to three times more likely to be diagnosed with MGUS and multiple myeloma than white Americans.

Researchers are still working to understand why, but it may be due to genetic factors, environmental influences, or disparities in healthcare access. Additionally, precursor conditions are more common as people age.

MGUS is typically found in individuals over 50; the risk increases with each passing decade.

Do Precursor Conditions Cause Symptoms?

Most people with MGUS or smoldering myeloma feel perfectly fine, which is why these conditions are often discovered by accident during routine blood tests. However, some people with smoldering myeloma may experience mild symptoms, such as fatigue or bone pain. These should be discussed with your doctor immediately.

If you have been diagnosed with MGUS but have symptoms like neuropathy or renal failure, you should also visit a myeloma specialist. They can help you make sense of your case and try to help appropriately alleviate symptoms.

How Are Precursor Conditions Diagnosed?

Doctors use a combination of tests to diagnose precursor conditions:

• Blood tests to check for M-protein and other markers
•  Urine tests to detect abnormal proteins
• Bone marrow biopsy to assess the number of abnormal plasma cells
• Imaging tests (like MRI or PET scans) to check for early bone damage

What Happens After Diagnosis?

If you’re diagnosed with MGUS or smoldering myeloma, your doctor will likely recommend regular check-ups instead of immediate treatment. The goal is to monitor your condition closely and catch any changes early. For some patients with high-risk smoldering myeloma (HRSMM)—meaning they have a greater chance of progressing to multiple myeloma—early treatment or participation in a clinical trial may be an option. Ongoing research is helping doctors determine the best ways to delay or prevent its progression.

What Can You Do?

Figure out if you’re at risk. If you have a first-degree relative—a parent, child, or sibling—who has been diagnosed with myeloma or a related blood disorder, you may be at a higher risk of developing it. Taking proactive steps can help with early detection and better outcomes. Consider enrolling in the PROMISE study, which offers free prescreening for individuals at increased risk.

Talk to your doctor about routine blood tests to monitor for early signs, stay informed about risk factors, and prioritize a healthy lifestyle to support overall well-being. Knowledge is power—being proactive could make all the difference in your health journey. If you’you’ven diagnosed with a precursor condition, there are steps you can take to stay on top of your health:

•  Follow up with your doctor regularly to track any changes in your condition.
• Maintain a healthy lifestyle, including eating a balanced diet, staying active, and managing stress.
• Learn about clinical trials, especially if you have high-risk smoldering myeloma.
•  Advocate for yourself, particularly as a Black American, as you are part of a higher-risk group. Make sure you have access to the latest information and quality care.

Visit Black Myeloma Health for more resources.

Looking Ahead

A diagnosis of MGUS or smoldering myeloma does not mean you will develop multiple myeloma. Many people live for years without any progression. However, staying informed, keeping up with regular monitoring, and working with a multiple myeloma specialist can help you confidently navigate your condition.

About HealthTree Foundation

HealthTree is a global nonprofit organization using innovation to save lives. Our cutting-edge technology unites patients and researchers to help people with blood cancer live better and longer and leads the search for a cure. Learn more at healthree.org.

Sources:

• HealthTree- How Many Different Types of Multiple Myeloma?
• Multiple myeloma: 2020 update on diagnosis, risk‐stratification and management
• Racial disparities in the prevalence of monoclonal gammopathies: a population-based study of 12,482 persons from the National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey
• Prevalence of monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance
• Monoclonal Gammopathy of Renal Significance | New England Journal of Medicine
• Monoclonal gammopathies of clinical significance | Hematology, ASH Education Program

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Research presented last year at the American Heart Association, Lifestyle, and Cardiometabolic Health Scientific Sessions studied 8-hour-time-restricted eating among 20,000 adults.

They found a 91% higher risk of cardiovascular disease. If the person had cancer or cardiovascular disease, this increased the risk of death in comparison to eating in a 12-16-hour window.

“We were surprised to find that people who followed an 8-hour, time-restricted eating schedule were more likely to die from cardiovascular disease. Even though this type of diet has been popular due to its potential short-term benefits, our research clearly shows that, compared with a typical eating time range of 12-16 hours per day, a shorter eating duration was not associated with living longer,” said senior study author Victor Wenze Zhong, Ph.D., a professor and chair of the department of epidemiology and biostatistics at the Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine in Shanghai, China.

“It’s crucial for patients, particularly those with existing heart conditions or cancer, to be aware of the association between an 8-hour eating window and increased risk of cardiovascular death.

Our study’s findings encourage a more cautious, personalized approach to dietary recommendations, ensuring that they are aligned with an individual’s health status and the latest scientific evidence,” Zhong continued.

The study authors do not say that IF causes CVD but advise caution. If you have a chronic health condition, it is imperative to talk to your HCP before embarking on any weight management program, even if it doesn’t involve new foods or medicine.

The Risks of Intermittent Fasting When You Have Obesity

Frontiers in Nutrition examined intermittent fasting (IF) compared to alternate-day fasting (ADF) and traditional caloric reduction for patients with overweight and obesity. It concluded that observational studies were lacking in the research.

According to the study, “We suggest that increased loss of lean mass, circadian misalignment of food consumption, and/or compromised food quality may underpin the adverse effects of IF on cardiovascular health in genetically predisposed individuals.”

However, you may not know if you are genetically predisposed, so consult an HCP.

They further reported that limited eating windows may prompt food choices that are satisfying rather than nutritionally balanced. They noted that individuals doing IF experience an uptick in sugar intake and a decrease in fiber and meat consumption, and they may pack in more calories overall in that 8-hour window. If reward eating gets out of control, LDL cholesterol, a CVD risk factor, will also increase.

The study showed that the loss of lean muscle mass is another risk of IF. “An RCT in patients with overweight or obesity found that a 12-week hypocaloric TRE regimen led to a greater loss of lean mass compared to a conventional hypocaloric diet,” the study reported.

“The reduction in lean mass accounted for approximately 65% of total weight loss, notably higher than the typical 20–30% range observed with standard hypocaloric diets, and primarily involved loss of skeletal muscle mass. Reduced muscle mass has been associated with an increased risk of CVD, as well as cardiovascular events and mortality,” the study concluded.

The authors strongly suggest caution in employing this long-term dietary strategy for cardiovascular health.

Eating Dinner Later Increases Your CVD Risks

Nature published a third study, which explored the times of first and last meals of the day and increasing fasting duration with the risk of CVD of 103,389 participants of the NutriNet-Santé cohort.

Researchers found that each additional hour delayed the time of the day’s first meal, which was associated with a higher risk of overall CVD. The study found that the longer the participants delayed their first meal, the greater their associated risk of overall CVD. In addition, they saw a 20% increased risk of cerebrovascular disease in those who ate their last meal the latest—from 8% for those who ate before 8 PM to 28% for those who ate after 9 PM.

The risks internment fasting may cause to your heart help are unknown and may make getting and keeping consistent weight loss results difficult. If you want help exploring your weight management options, talk to your doctor about seeing a dietician or a weight loss specialist.

The post What You Eat (And When) Can Affect Your Weight & Heart appeared first on Black Health Matters.

Perimenopause and Menopause

Women in their 50s often are baffled by unexplained weight gain. But Dr. Gabrielle Francis, a Naturopathic Doctor, says things started to change a decade earlier. “In your 40s, the engine’s winding down, and a lot of women have thyroid and adrenal depletion from go, go, going, and never recharging,” she explains. “This period of perimenopause, which is the ten years before menopause, can often feel like the rug’s being pulled out from underneath you if those backup generators are not doing the work that they need to do. A lot of the imbalances people feel in their 40s are coming from thyroid and adrenal issues and fluctuating hormone levels. And then there are factors like weight, lifestyle, diet, genetics, how our body metabolizes hormones.”

Lack of Sleep

A good night’s sleep to support the optimal health of someone 18-60 is between seven and nine hours a night. Those of us who are sleep deprived are more likely to have a poor lipid-protein profile, an increased risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease, and are at risk for premature death.

Chronic sleep patterns of less than six hours in our community are associated with higher BMIs.

Not Consuming Enough Calories

No, we’re not talking about intermittent fasting, which last year was linked to a 91% increased risk of cardiovascular death. We’re talking about metabolic starvation or slowdown. When you skip meal after meal, you may lose weight at first, but the body adapts. It holds on to the fat it has and reduces its basal metabolic rate (BMR) in response to less calorie input and weight plateaus. And there are some noticeable side effects, too. Some symptoms to look out for include:

• bloating or constipation
• dry skin
•  brittle nails
• hair shedding
• loss of appetite

Self-Criticism and Negative Thinking

Finding early success with a weight loss program and then hitting a wall can cause some people with obesity to begin thinking negatively about themselves. According to a study published in Obesity Facts, “Many individuals enter weight loss regimes with cycles of early success followed by relapse, which can be associated with a sense of failure, inefficacy, shame, and self-criticism.”

The study authors believe that any approach to weight loss should consider a more comprehensive approach that includes ‘psychological issues, such as body confidence or attitude, depression, anxiety or self-esteem’ and ‘wider lifestyle factors such as sleeping patterns and stress management.’ They point out that few studies have examined clients’ self-evaluation process and the emotions that are tied to them.

Sometimes, we can block our success by how we talk to or about ourselves, and we need to reframe our mindsets for success. Too much self-criticism and anxiety could lead to gut issues.

“Well-being is a multidimensional, dynamic phenomenon that includes not just the absence of physical and mental illness but a subjective sense of happiness, satisfaction with life, positive psychological functioning, a perception of being connected to and accepted by others, and self-realization.” Self-care has to be an essential part of the solution.

Weight loss is a journey—tracking which, if any, of these factors is slowing your progress. Engage a healthcare professional to help you address your obstacles and give yourself some grace. Every small step you take toward healthy weight management pays dividends.

The post Four Things That May Impede Your Weight Loss Progress appeared first on Black Health Matters.

Having his operation at the University of Washington Medical Center meant he came home to do it. Robinson, 40, was a “Husky” star and a point guard for their team.

 

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As a reminder, Black men comprise 17% of all chronic kidney disease cases.

Robinson has had a long journey. In October 2022, he announced that he had been battling renal failure for four years. However, he discovered his kidneys were an issue as early as 2005, but he went on to have an 11-season career.

After his surgery, Robinson told CNN through his agent, Polo Kerber, “I’m thankful for my doctors, the University of Washington, my family, my donor, and his family. Kerber added that Robinson was already feeling and looking better post-surgery and was up and walking around.

According to ESPN, Robinson received his new kidney from a live donor during hours-long transplant surgery. After the former Three-Time Dunk Champ made his plight public, he learned the University of Washington was flooded with offers from people willing to donate their kidneys.

Last fall, Robinson went through a series of preparatory procedures, including a colonoscopy, as the doctors whittled down the number of potential donors. And he found one in a man named Shane Cleveland, who Robinson has called “family at first sight.”

 

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Shane says he has found another mother in Nate’s mom, Renee Busch.

If Robinson had it to do all over again, he would have sat out his rookie year and gotten a kidney then, but hindsight is always 20-20. But after waiting so long for a kidney, Robinson told ESPN he wasn’t planning to take it for granted.

“Later on in life, when I get a kidney, I’m going to be looking back, like, ‘Damn, I really went through all this,'” he said. “That kidney I get, I’m going to cherish it. I’m going to treat it like a baby. I’m going to do everything I’m supposed to do.”

The post Ex-NBA-Player Nate Robinson Has A Successful Kidney Transplant appeared first on Black Health Matters.

While Gotti’s cause of death has not been announced, the music mogul had suffered a series of strokes and had also battled some diabetes-related health complications.

According to the New York Times, Gotti was born Irving Lorenzo Domingo Junior in Queens, New York. He was the youngest of eight children, and his father was a taxi driver. When he was a teen, his siblings gave him a turntable and a mixer, which he played with and practiced on. At 15, he began DJing parties.

According to the New York Times, Gotti started his career as a talent scout. He is credited with helping discover rap stars like Jay-Z and DMX before securing a position in A&R at Def Jam.

Gotti executive produced DMX’s 1998 debut album, “It’s Dark and Hell is Hot,” which debuted at Number 1 on the Billboard 200 Chart. According to Billboard, Ja Rule became Murder Inc.’s flagship artist. Between 1999 and 2005, the rapper amassed 17 Hot 100 Hits, including three number 1s.

Gotti also discovered R&B singer Ashanti, who had three hits in 2002. Billboard lists them: Ja Rule’s “Always on Time,” featuring Ashanti, was a two-week Hot 100 No. 1; Fat Joe’s “What’s Luv?,” featuring Ashanti, peaked at No. 2; and her own “Foolish” spent 10 weeks atop the Hot 100.

Billboard also notes that Gotti is credited as a producer on 28 charting Hot 100 hits, from Ja Rule, Ashanti, DMX, Jay-Z, Mary J. Blige, Fat Joe, and Ye.

Murder Inc. and the Gotti brothers faced challenges when their offices were raided by the FBI, and they were put on trial for alleged money laundering for their association with Kenneth “Supreme” McGriff. But they were acquitted by a federal jury in 2005.

After the acquittal, Gotti renamed the label The Inc. and worked with artists including Vanessa Carlton, Christina Milian, Memphis Bleek, and Kanye West.

Later, he became interested in television and film projections, including BET Tales, a scripted anthology series of song stories that turned hip-hop lyrics into mini-movies.

The Hollywood Reporter talked to Lyor Cohen, former CEO at Def Jam, about Gotti’s passing and he said,

“Def Jam has lost one of its most creative soldiers who was hip-hop,” says Lyor Cohen, who held chief executive roles at the label from 1988 to 2004 and was a presence from its nascent days (he currently serves as global head of music at YouTube). “When we were on bended knee, he brought the heat and saved our asses. He comes from a very tight, beautiful family from Queens, and it’s an honor and a privilege to have known him. Irv, you will be missed.”

Gotti is survived by his three children, Angie, Sonny, and Jonathan Wilson; his mother, Nee Nee Lorenzo; sisters, Tina and Angie; and his brother, Chris Lorenzo, with whom he co-founded Murder Inc.

 

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Long-Acting Medications May Hold Promise For HIV Prevention and Compliance

Breakthroughs in HIV medications may be key to stopping transmission and improving compliance, according to a policy brief called The Big Idea by the O’Neill Institute for National and Global Health Law at Georgetown University Law Center, in partnership with Amida Care and Cicatelli Associates (CAI) TAP-in project.

The Big Idea brief says, “Advances in HIV clinical practices with the development of longer-acting (LA) products for HIV treatment and prevention could be transformative and could lead to more durable viral suppression, improved health outcomes, and fewer HIV cases. However, unless Medicaid programs adapt and respond to these developments, the opportunity they provide will be missed.”

Long-acting products can come in several forms:

• • Microarray Patch
  • Longer-Acting Injection

• Implant
• Longer-Acting Oral Pill

How Medicaid and States Would Need to Help

Medicaid policymakers and state officials are not keeping abreast of pharmaceutical breakthroughs that may positively impact the lives of HIV patients. The brief recommends that the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Service (CMS) partner with the Department of Health and Human Services and even appoint a dedicated point person to be proactive, particularly regarding prevention.

According to Jeffrey S. Crowley, director of the Center for HIV and Infectious Disease Policy at the O’Neill Institute, “A few years ago, CMS put out guidance. A single-tablet regimen for people with HIV treatment takes four pills. It’s all the medication in one pill, so it’s a single tablet. That was a big innovation, but it was more expensive to take that one pill than the four pills,” he explained. “And one of our recommendations in this brief is to say you must do the same thing with longer-acting products.”

The Inequity of HIV

Crowley points to larger inequities that surround HIV, particularly when it comes to Black, Brown, and marginalized communities. “HIV has always been very unequal, and we have large inequities. But for many people, the current treatments, oral pills, work well, but not for everybody,” he says. “But I talk about long-acting products because we have injectables now, but we’re going to have implants. We’re going to have a range of things.”

Ideally, it is figuring out what will be best for each individual; some people will never want a shot, and others won’t like multiple pills. “With HIV, there’s this reason why you’re taking medication every day, But for PrEP, it’s like, I don’t have a disease. Why am I taking it daily? If you only have to do it a couple of times a year, that could help with adherence,” according to Crowley.

“We want a silver bullet, and there isn’t one. But we can keep making progress, and as we make progress, we can reduce disparities, and it could look different.”Crowley continued. “Our challenge is that technology is getting us so far that we must keep people engaged. Who are the people that 95% of the population is benefiting from? Who are those 5%, and don’t they need much more support? So how do we keep people invested in giving them the extra support, recognizing that it’s not just access to healthcare? We talk about social determinants, and homelessness is just one of them. You know, there’s all these other things, and we must make much more progress to overcome those barriers. So that people can remain engaged in care.”

The brief proposes Braided Funded to Extend the Reach of HIV Services.

• Maximize State Medicaid Potential
• Tap into Health Exchanges
• Use Ryan White AIDS Program Support (And Other Social Determinants of Health Program Support)
• EHE (Ending the HIV Epidemic Funding)

*The O’Neil Institute independently created the Longer-Acting Policy Project but received support from Gilead Sciences, Merck, and ViiV Healthcare.

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Judith Ann Jamison was born in Philadelphia on May 10, 1943. Her parents, Tessie Bell (Brown) Jamison, occasionally taught drama at the elementary school level, and her dad, John Henry Jamison, was a sheet metal engineer who dreamed of being a classical pianist. They met while singing in the church choir of Mother Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church. According to the New York Times, she and her older brother, John Jr., lived in the Germantown section of Philadelphia and were exposed to lots of music.

According to the PBS documentary “Free to Dance,” Jamison was already tall at age six, so her parents enrolled her in dance to complement her exceptional height with grace. She took ballet lessons at the Judimar School of Dance at six and continued until 17. The paper says that she attended Fisk University before deciding to pursue dance and transferred to Philadelphia Dance Academy.

Her first big break came when she worked with the choreographer Agnes de Mille on The Four Marys For The American Ballet Theater, featuring Carmen de Lavallade. It premiered in 1965. After that, 5’10” Jamison couldn’t find work, and auditions proved disappointing, so she had to do other work.

Nothing in my life, until then, had prepared me for rejection,” she told Dance Magazine. “Every time I was turned down, I took it personally.”It was at one such unsuccessful audition that summer for Donald McKayle that Alvin Ailey spotted her and decided to ask her to join his company. (“You mean, you decided to take me that day, the day of the audition?” Jamison asked Ailey when the two told the story of their first encounter to Maynard. “I went home and cried for three days until you called me!” Ailey replied, “Well, I didn’t know where to find you, and I had to get your phone number from Carmen [de Lavallade], and Carmen was out of town.”).

The documentary recounts that Jamison toured Europe and Africa with the Ailey company in 1966. The company had financial challenges in 1967, so Jamison danced with the Harkness Ballet. When she returned to the reformed AADT, Jamison was a Principal dancer. She was Ailey’s muse and was featured in many of the company’s works. She was the Goddess Erzuile in Geoffrey Holder’s “The Prodigal Prince,” she did a duet with ballet star Mikhail Baryshnikov,  set to music by Duke Ellington, “Pas de Duke,” did an amazing solo works “Masakala,” and “Cry,” her 15-minute tour-de-force that propelled her to stardom. A quote from Dance Magazine describes the power of the latter performance.

“There is about her an aura of mysticism. She appears onstage, larger than life, more an apparition than a performer, compelling us to look upon her as we might a temple dancer—with a sense of religiosity, of awe.”

Those were the opening lines of Olga Maynard’s November 1972 Dance Magazine cover story on Judith Jamison, then in her late 20s and at the height of her powers as a star performer with Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater.

In 1980, Jamison left the company to star in a Broadway musical, “Sophisticated Ladies,” set to Duke Ellington’s tunes. Later, she started her own eponymous dance company, the Jamison Project.

According to her bio, in 1989, Mr. Ailey asked her to return to the AADT and asked her to succeed him. In the twenty-one years that followed, Ms. Jamison grew the company’s prominence nationally and internationally. There were two separate historic engagements in South Africa. The company celebrated its 50th anniversary with a 50-city global tour.

Ms. Jamison was recognized by The Kennedy Center Honors in 1999. The same year, she won an Emmy award in the Best Choreography category for “Dance in America: A Hymn for Alvin Ailey. “

She also received a National Medal of Arts in 2001 and “A TIME 100: Most Influential People in 2009” and was inducted into the Hall of Fame of the National Museum of Dance in 2015.

Jamison has left a body of work that will continue to be performed by dancers for years to come. She inspired many generations of dancers. May her legacy live on. They include: “Divining,” “Forgotten Time,” “Riverside,” and “Double Exposure,” among others.

 

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“Tonight, with full but broken hearts, we must share the news of our father and brother Quincy Jones’ passing,” the family said in a statement. “And although this is an incredible loss for our family, we celebrate the great life that he lived and know there will never be another like him.”

According to the New York Times, Quincy Delight Jones, Jr., was born on the South Side of Chicago on March 14th, 1933, to Quincy Sr. (a carpenter who worked for local gangsters) and Sarah (Wells) Jones. The paper also says he and his brother Lloyd became separated from his mother when she developed schizophrenia and were sent to live with their maternal grandmother in Lexington, KY before their father remarried a woman named Elvera, who had three children of her own. The family eventually settled in Seattle, WA, and expanded even further.

According to the Washington Post, Jones’s father was mostly absent, and his stepmother showed a preference for her children. She beat him often, and he and his brother had to fend for themselves. With friends, Mr. Jones broke into a local recreation center to steal food and soda.

“Eventually I broke into all the supervisors’ rooms, and there was one where I saw a little piano in the room, and I closed the door,” he later told rapper and record producer Dr. Dre on his Beats 1 radio show, “The Pharmacy.” “Something said to me, ‘Idiot, go back in that room!’ I went back in the room and touched the piano … and every drop of blood in my body said, ‘This is what you’re going to do for the rest of your life.’… And it saved my life.”

He joined the chorus and band at his middle school and convinced trumpeter Clark Terry to give him lessons for a month when he was in town doing a gig with Count Basie’s Band—he also befriended a young Ray Charles when they both played with a local bandleader, Bumps Blackwell. This was all before he was out of high school.

After attending Schillinger House (now Berklee School of Music) in Boston, he went on tour with Lionel Hampton in 1951. In 1956, he became the musical director of Dizzy Gillespie’s band. He also recorded his first album the same year. Then, he moved to Paris to work for Barclay Records as its staff arranger and conductor. The New York Times says he stayed there off and on for five years. In the ’60s, he pivoted to pop and became the first Black executive at a white-own record label (Mercury).

Later, Jones set his sights on scoring film and television, including memorable films like “In the Heat of the Night,” “For the Love of Ivy,” and “In Cold Blood.” He also composed television theme songs, including “Sanford & Son,” before a brain aneurysm in 1974 threatened his health. He wasn’t expected to live, but he pulled through two operations. The following year, he created Qwest Productions.

Jones was the musical supervisor for the film adaptation of “The Wiz.” There, he met Michael Jackson, which led to their epic three-album collaboration, “Off the Wall,” “Thriller,” and “Bad,” which sold more than 46 million units (worldwide sales are said to be double that ).

“In 1985, Jones produced “We Are The World,” a charity single featuring 40 stars, including Stevie Wonder, Diana Ross, Bob Dylan, Cyndi Lauper, and Ray Charles, to alleviate famine in Africa. He also co-produced the film “The Color Purple” (1985), directed by Steven Spielberg, and handpicked Winfrey, then a rising Chicago-based talk show host, for her breakout dramatic role.

 He made his mark in television with a co-venture with Time Warner, producing series that included “The Fresh Prince of Be-Air,” “In the House,” and “MadTV,” and later as the cofounder of the music magazine Vibe in 1993.

According to Billboard, Jones became the first African-American to be named musical director and conductor for the Oscars; he later served as executive producer for the Academy Awards in 1996. His acceptance of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award in 1995 marked another first for an African-American. With seven Oscar nods, he tied with sound designer Willie D. Burton as the African-American with the most nominations. According to the Associated Press, Jones was to receive an Honorary Academy Award later this month.

Last year, Jones also celebrated his 90th birthday with a star-studded two-night tribute at the Hollywood Bowl,). The celebration, led by his goddaughter Patti Austin and featuring performances from Stevie Wonder and rising jazz star Samara Joy, captured Jones’ seven-decade career and legacy as an artist, producer, arranger, and conductor. From soulful renditions of Jones’ classics to tributes from his longtime collaborators, the event underscored his profound impact on generations of musicians.

Our condolences go out to the Jones family: Daughters Rashida Jones, Jolie Jones Levine, Rachel Jones, Martina Jones, Kidada Jones, and Kenya Kinski-Jones; son Quincy Jones III; brother Richard Jones; and sisters Theresa Frank and Margie Jay.

The post Quincy Jones, Musical Icon Has Died at 91 appeared first on Black Health Matters.

On His Health

While we admire Hudson’s sculpted physique, he does not spend every day in the gym. He has always been mindful of what he eats. “There never been a period when my weight has been out of control; I’ve always been conscious enough to rein it in before it got too far out of control,” he says.” Also, being an actor always made me aware of the image I wanted to maintain.”

But Black men, for example, are taught to be strong and brave. “We don’t need certain things; we can brave them on our own, which is very foolish,” Hudson says. “Things are going on with our bodies that we’re unaware of.

For example, I had prostate cancer diagnosed back in 1998. There are no signs. You feel pretty good until it happens. And if you don’t take care of it, you can die from it. For me, you have to be vigilant.”

Hudson pointed out that yearly checkups are essential. “It’s nice to have people in our lives to remind us to take care of ourselves,” he says. “Some people are afraid they will get news they don’t want to know; I want to know something is happening.”

 The Rated RSV Campaign

Most of us associate Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) with babies and young children, but seniors are also a vulnerable population. “When Pfizer came to me and asked me to be part of this campaign and get the word out on RSV, I was very excited. Because one of the things I’ve become aware of is friends my age have not taken care of themselves,” Hudson notes.

“And I want to let people know that this is something most of us hadn’t heard of, that it’s out there, and we have to do what’s necessary to take care of ourselves.”

Senior citizens, 75 and older, are being impacted by it, but those 60 and older with chronic conditions like asthma, heart disease, diabetes, and COPD should also consider being vaccinated.

“The CDC says  from 60,000 to 160,000 people might end up in the hospital because of this,” he says. “That was alarming and I wanted to get the word out along with getting a yearly checkup and taking care of yourself.”

Sixty Years of Work

Ernie Hudson has been acting for six decades. The first film he was in, “Leadbelly,” was directed by the legendary Gordon Parks. His list of credits includes, of course, “Ghostbusters” but also cultural groundbreaking series like “Oz” and current BET+ hit Carl Webber’s “The Family Business,” which has been running for five seasons.

“When I am onstage with another actor, bring your best. I’m going to bring my best,” Hudson says. “We’re going to have some fun. And if we have fun, the audience is going to have fun. But I’m not worried about them. Let’s dance.”

What Brings Him Joy

At 78, Ernie Hudson is letting go of life’s urgencies surrounding him. “Joy is knowing it is a beautiful day. I can sit in the sun, soak it in, and smile, and somebody will smile back at me,” he says. I am still on the plane of existence and can appreciate and give thanks for things around me. I can have a meal spread before me and take a bite. And that’s enough for me—to know that I am.”

For information on RSV and to schedule a vaccination, go to VaxAssist.com.

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One of Life in the Pause’s highlights was an in-depth discussion moderated by Lincoln-NIcolns featuring two doctors: Dineasha Potter-McQuilkin, MD, a double board-certified Gynecologist and Lifestyle Medicine specialist, and Dr. Gabrielle Francis, a Naturopathic Doctor.

They began the discussion with an overview. We are born with all the eggs we will have. Dr. Potter-McQuikin notes that by the time we hit our 40s or get closer to menopause, we will have  1-3% of those eggs left and start to feel the effects of making less estrogen and progesterone because we have them all over the body.

“You can have vaginal dryness, itchy skin, heart palpitations, cholesterol changes, and be at increased risk for insulin resistance, Dr Potter-McQuilkin explains. “You could also have sexual dysfunction. It impacts your life significantly in many ways.”

Dr Francis adds, “In your 40s, the engine’s winding down, and many women have thyroid and adrenal depletion from being on the go and never recharging. “And so this period of perimenopause, which is the 10 years before menopause, can often feel like the rugs being pulled out from underneath you if those backup generators are not doing the work they need to do.”

“Start preparing for your menopause years in your late 30s by really getting your lifestyle intact, getting yourself checked, and making sure you’re in balance, not just your hormones, but [things like] your blood sugar and your lifestyle,” Dr Francis says.

“Can you share a little bit more about some of the not-so-common menopausal symptoms? Because last week, while driving, I felt an electric shock in my body. When I got home, I went on to threads. I just had an electric shock, and this is how it felt. Who’s ever felt it?” Lincoln-Nichols explained. “People started responding. So that’s an uncommon symptom. Tell us about some more unusual symptoms people might be experiencing.”

Dr. Potter-McQuikin said those symptoms can include vertigo, anxiety, mood shifts, depression, and the shocks she described. A lot of these symptoms are categorized under what is being called the “new menopause.”

A New Way to Treat Menopause Symptoms

Part of it is that we have reached a breaking point. “[Patients were coming to her saying] I grew up managing 16 different things. I was at work; I could manage my kids and my aging parents. I could do it all. But then, one day, it came to a stop. What do I do now?” Dr. Potter-McQuikin pointed out. “They thought they just had to deal with it. But now they’re finding that you don’t have to deal with it. There are so many things that you can do the way you show up during those transitions. So, in terms of lifestyle, diet, and stress management, there are things that we can do. Before, we thought we couldn’t take that one because it was going to cause breast cancer, breast cancer, strokes, and heart attacks.”

Synthetic hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is not the only option.

“When I can, I would like to start with bioidentical hormones. That means it’s the same hormone and chemical structure as you think. Because honestly, I’m just trying to give you back what you’re missing, which is why we’re having these symptoms. So [it would be] estrogen and progesterone. They have some testosterone as well,” Dr. Potter-McQuilkin said. “But not to say that these synthetic ones are bad. If you come to me saying that you’ve been on synthetic hormones, and if it’s working for you, we can talk about it. It’s about patient preference and individualizing care.”

Dr. Potter-McQuilkin also points out that she prefers to use FDA-approved bioidentical hormones because they are more likely to be approved by her patient’s insurance. Compounded formulas using estradiol may not be approved by insurance.

Dr. Francis recommends natural levels of HRT based on the results of her patient’s lab tests. “The least invasive is using the phytoestrogens and the phyto progesterones, which are herbs that bind their estrogen and progesterone receptors. But I still recommend those based on the lab testing,” she said. “Then the next tier up is bioidentical natural; those are the ones Dr Dineasha was talking about that are made of pharmacies. The estrogen comes from the soy-based, and the progesterone comes from Mexican wild yam base, but it is estrogen progesterone by the time it’s made.”

It’s worth exploring treatment options with your doctor sooner rather than later. And understand that menopause is more than hot flashes and night sweats.

The post The Life in the Pause Festival Deepened the Menopause Discussion appeared first on Black Health Matters.

In an interview with VladTV, he said, “I played all kinds of music back then. Funny enough, it wasn’t about a certain style.”

He was already doing gigs when rapper Dana Dane hired him to be his DJ at his gig at Washington Irving High School.

Clark Kent was a quick study, learning to produce and create remixes, which allowed him to work with rappers and R&B acts. In 1995, he produced the Notorious B. I.G. Group,  Junior M.A.F.I.A. hit song, Player’s Anthem, introducing us to Lil’ Kim. The following year, he produced a trio of tracks for Jay-Z’s Reasonable Doubt album, including ‘Brooklyn’s Finest,” which also included Biggie. His collaboration with Mariah Carey in 2001 for her Glitter album, “Loverboy,” reached number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100.

An avid sneakerhead, the collector had amassed more than 3,000 pairs in his collection. Nike offered the following statement. “We are deeply saddened by the passing of our dear friend and true cultural icon, DJ Clark Kent. At Nike, we were honored to collaborate with Clark on projects that celebrated not only his deep love for sneakers but also his unwavering dedication to pushing creative boundaries and elevating culture,” Nike said in a statement issued to Billboard by a company spokesperson.

Clark Kent valiantly battled colon cancer for three years before succumbing to the disease. Colon cancer is the third most common cancer in our community among both men and women. We are also being diagnosed at younger ages. More than one in three Black people will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime. Check here for more information on prevention and screening.

Our sincere condolences go out to his wife, Kesha, daughter, Kabriah, and son, Antonio. And we look forward to the documentary “God’s Favorite DJ: The Story of DJ Clark Kent,” directed by Angie Martinez.

 

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The “Secret Garden” crooner gave us some critical details. “I was in a coma on a ventilator for 38 days. I was intubated septic and had multi-system organ failure, and simultaneously undergoing such a massive life-saving surgery, a liver transplant by Dr Constance M. Mobley and assisted by Dr. Mark Joseph Hobeika, associate professor of surgery,” he explained. After his surgery,  he became a transplant advocate and invited the audience to become one of his New Jack Warriors.

The singer first credits his comeback from medical crisis to his mother, who never left his side despite the medical challenges she was facing at the time. She is currently in palliative care and watched her son’s speech from Houston.

Another champion is his co-founder, Rachel Noerdlinger. Who encouraged him to return to work as soon as possible by doing voiceover work. She then challenged him further. “Get up and fight for other transplant patients who may not have equal access to [the] quality health care that I do because of their economics or the color of their skin,” he said. “Health Care Systems [are] filled with systemic racism against Black, Brown, underprivileged and underserved communities, and that means people from all walks of life…”

He credited the Reverend Al Sharpton, who is the organization’s Senior Advisor, ” with converting Al B. Sure from the writer singing love song anthems like “Night and Day,” “Secret Garden.” to a civil rights and healthcare equity [advocate].”

Sure! is motivated by the stats, not money, unless he is fundraising. “50,000 people will die each year because they desperately need a liver. Many of them are people like myself, people of African descent, people who come from humble beginnings, people whose lives are shaped by circumstances outside their control,” he says. I stand firm in the gap and am committed to helping change the flawed system. We need a national, international approach to liver transplantation that ensures no one is left behind, kind of like Ohana.”

The singer-turned-advocate is working on exciting initiatives, including an organ donor database for Black and Brown people that utilizes DNA structure. He is also working with the Council on Black Health.

Two years ago, Al B. Sure! wasn’t sure he would ever be on another stage. “But 24 months later, I am filled with gratitude and the energy we keep pushing forward. The massive weight of what this award means is real to me because I understand the responsibility it represents,” he said. “The road ahead will be difficult, but I am hopeful that we can create a future where liver transplants are available to everyone who is desperately in need of one.”

Toward the end of his speech, Sure! He thanked the person who helped organize the 15 medications he has to take daily, which made the call-and-response he had the audience repeat early in the speech all the more powerful.

“The work we all do will make a difference in those who come after us. Health, to me, is the new Wealth. Can everybody say [to me] that Health is the new Wealth!”

The post The Next Act For Al B. Sure!: Liver Health Equity Advocate appeared first on Black Health Matters.

According to The New York Times, Ms. Houston was born Emily Drinkard in Newark on September 30th, 1933. She was the youngest of eight children born to Delia Mae and Nicholas Drinkard. Her father encouraged her to sing. By age five, she sang with her sister Anne and brothers Larry and Nicky in local churches as part of a quartet called the Drinkard Four, later called the Drinkard Singers, who once opened for Mahalia Jackson at Carnegie Hall in 1951. They recorded an album, “A Joyful Noise,” on RCA in 1958. While raised in the AME church, she became the Minister of Sacred Music at New Hope Baptist Church.

After her first marriage ended in divorce, she met and married John Houston, with whom she had three children: Gary, Michael, and Whitney. While many equated Cissy Houston with gospel music in the early 1960s, she was better known for R&B music when she collaborated with her family members, nieces Dee Dee and Dionne Warwick, in the girl group The Sweet Inspirations. According to USA Today, the group provided backup vocals for many artists, including Otis Redding, Dusty Springfield, and the Jimi Hendrix Experience.

By the 1970s, Houston was a solo artist releasing records ranging from soul-pop to disco before returning to gospel. In 1997, she won a Grammy in the best Traditional Soul gospel category for her Face to Face album, and two years later, she won again for the album “He Leadeth Me.”

Whitney sang backup on her mother’s albums before she began her solo career, and Cissy sang backup on her daughter’s debut album.

The NY Times quotes Baylor professor Robert Darden, who said Ms. Houston was “a significant figure not because she sold a lot of records, but because of the people she influenced who did sell a lot and because of her work as a sustainer and nurturer of the gospel music tradition.”

Ms. Houston was the matriarch of her family, and although she was under hospice care, her family is feeling her loss. Her daughter released the following statement on behalf of the family:

Our hearts are filled with pain and sadness. We lost the matriarch of our family,” Pat said in a statement. Mother Cissy has been a strong and towering figure in our lives. She was a woman of deep faith and conviction who cared greatly about family, ministry, and community. Her more than seven-decade career in music and entertainment will remain at the forefront of our hearts.”

Pat continued, “Her contributions to popular music and culture are unparalleled. We are blessed and grateful that God allowed her to spend so many years with us, and we are thankful for all the valuable life lessons that she taught us. May she rest in peace alongside her daughter Whitney, granddaughter Bobbi Kristina, and other cherished family members.”

We extend our sincere condolences to the Houston family.

 

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According to The Hollywood Reporter, John Alan Amos, Jr. was born December 27, 1939, in Newark, NJ. His father drove a tractor-trailer, and his mother, Annabelle, was a housekeeper who became a nutritionist. However, his mother cleaned the home of the cartoonist who drew the Archie comics, and a live taping at Radio City Music Hall sparked his imagination and interest in the industry. He drew comics and acted at East Orange High School but was also a star running back. So Amos was offered a scholarship to Long Beach City College in Southern California and later went to Colorado State University.

“God kept telling me, ‘I don’t want you playing football,” he said. “The direction I was getting from above was to be a performer, to be a writer, something that I had always done and came easy for me.”

Still, Amos did try to play pro football. He tried out with a few teams in the US and Canada, including the Denver Broncos and the Kansas City Chiefs (they cut him twice) trying out with many teams, but it wasn’t meant to be. While in a Vancouver training camp, he met a writer who encouraged him to come to Los Angeles. He landed his first writing gig working for the CBS variety program Leslie Uggams Show. Two producers there were developing the Mary Tyler Moore show and thought Amos would be an ideal choice for Gordy, the weatherman, his first major role. Gordy led to “Maude”, then “Good Times”.

The LA Times says, “For three years and three seasons, Amos was adored by audiences around the country as the tough-loving patriarch of the Evans family on the 1970s sitcom “Good Times.” Amos played James Evans, a hard-working Korean War veteran with a withering stare and sharp wit who did everything he could to provide for his family.”

Evan was like any other great TV dad and loved all his children equally. Amos took issue with the scripts, focusing on JJ Walker’s comedic side at the expense of the other children. His differences with Norman Lear got him killed off of the series. It was never the same.

However, what may have seemed like a loss at the time was an incredible opportunity. Amos landed the chance to play the adult Kunta Kinte in the groundbreaking miniseries Roots.

“I couldn’t believe it. It was like I hit the lottery, ” he told the Television Academy in 2014. He was nominated for an Emmy for his work.

Amos had a long, enduring career and went on to play several iconic roles from Cleo McDowell in both “Coming to America” movies and was also a part of the cast of “The West Wing.” He played Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Percy “Fitz” Fitzwallace. His most recent roles were in “The Last Rifleman,” “The Righteous Gemstones,” and “Suits: LA.”

He is survived by his son, Kelly Christopher, and daughter, Shannon. We offer our condolences to their family.

His son said:

“He was a man with the kindest heart and a heart of gold… and he was loved the world over. Many fans consider him their TV father. He lived a good life. His legacy will live on in his outstanding works in television and film as an actor…”

 

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What is Sickle Cell Trait?

“When a person has one copy of the sickle cell gene passed down from one parent along with a normal hemoglobin gene (hemoglobin A) from the other parent.” Dr Panepinto explains. “People who have sickle cell trait are sometimes called carriers. A person who has sickle cell trait does not have sickle cell disease (SCD) or sickle cell anemia, but they can pass the sickle cell gene down to their children.” When two parents with the trait have children, there is a 25% chance their child will have SCD.

About the Screening Processing

Anyone Black person born in the United States before 1975 had no idea whether they had SCT at birth because testing was not standard. New York State was the first partner in the Sickle Cell Initiative, and now the heel test is done by all states. “Within the first 24 to 48 hours after birth, babies undergo a heel stick, and a few drops of blood are collected on a special paper card. Newborn screening laboratories test the blood samples for various conditions that can be detected at birth, including sickle cell trait and SCD,” Panepinto says. “A positive newborn screening test means your baby likely has the condition reported, but you need more testing by your baby’s doctor to know for sure. Testing of parents may also be recommended.”

Living With Sickle Cell Trait

According to Dr. Panepinto, most people with sickle cell trait don’t have serious medical problems. “There are rare cases where some people with SCT can experience complications. Someone is more likely to have complications if their body needs more oxygen than usual, like if they are engaged in intense physical activity, dehydrated, active at high elevations, or in extreme temperatures (hot or cold),” she says. “Some people with sickle cell trait may experience damage to their kidneys or spleen.”

Dr. Panepinto’s best advice on staying healthy is to be proactive:

• Eat a healthy diet
• Exercise regularly
• Get enough sleep
• Do not smoke
• See your doctor regularly

Visit the NHLBI website to learn more about staying healthy while living with sickle cell trait: www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/sickle-cell-disease/sickle-cell-trait.

The post Sickle Cell Trait: Here’s What You Need to Know appeared first on Black Health Matters.

Why Debbie Wanted a SCD Screening For Her Baby

Debbie was aware that she had the sickle cell trait. “My husband didn’t know until a few years earlier that he also had the trait. We discovered that after our first child was born 11 years ago when we lived in the UK, where they regularly screen newborns for SCD, that child has the trait as well.”

The screening revealed Sean had SCD, and, as a result, he was about to begin treatments. “He was given penicillin b and folic acid right away. He hasn’t any crises, and he is wonderful,” Debbie says. “We are very grateful because we adhere to his medications and doctor’s advice.” Most people in this country don’t know their child has SCD until their child falls sick.

What is the CONSA Program?

Debbie took advantage of a program offered by the American Society of Hematology’s Consortium on Newborn Screen in Africa (CONSA). According to Dr. Mohandes Narla, ASH president, the program has been available in seven Sub-Saharan African countries since 2020, including Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia. “Our goal is to screen 100,000 babies in each of these countries for a total of 700,000 over the next few years,” Dr Narla says. “So far, we have screened 120,000 total and will continue to screen until we reach our targeted number.”

What Happens After the Screenings?

Dr. Narla explains that once they have identified the newborns with SCD, they are given prophylactic penicillin to prevent infections and immunization for all the necessary immunizations that these children need to survive. “We also use reasonably effective treatments to control the disease, for example, hydroxyurea. And are also working with these countries to get programs underway,” he says. “But, again, the problem may be the cost of the drugs and making sure people can access reasonable, available, therapeutic strategies as they get older.”

How Are They Getting the Word Out?

According to Debbie, few people in Nigeria know that testing is available. She was fortunate to be asked if she wanted it at the healthcare center she took her son to for his immunization. It is probably a similar scenario in many other countries. They actively engage with community groups and local programs, but they need more assistance to reach scale. Dr. Narla said, “But unless we get the public health officials and the Ministries of Health in these countries to realize how important this problem is and how it can be solved with reasonable effectiveness, then it will continue to be a challenge.”

However, Dr. Narla says ASH remains committed to the CONSA’s success.

The post SCD Newborn Screenings Are Saving Lives in Africa appeared first on Black Health Matters.

Michaela DePrince passed away on September 10th, and her mother, Elaine DePrince, died on September 11 during a medical procedure. She was not aware of her daughter’s death, according to a Facebook post by family spokesperson Jessica Volonski.

When she was born in Sierra Leone in 1995, her name was Mabinty Bangura. The New York Times review of her Young Adult memoir, Taking Flight  (which she co-authored with her mother, Elaine) says, “DePrince suffered more in her first four years than most children who will encounter this book could ever understand.” Those things include rebels killing her father when she was three and her mother dying of disease and starvation not long after. Her uncle labeled her devil-child because of her vitiligo (a skin condition in which you lose patches of color) and left her at an orphanage, and there she became orphan number 27, the least favored child.

In her memoir, DePrince recalled carrying only a page torn from a magazine when the orphans fled to Guinea.

“[A]white lady . . . wearing a very short, glittering pink skirt that stuck out all around her.” That ballerina photo, she writes, was one of the only things “that reminded me I was alive[.]”

The page was one of the first things she showed her adoptive mother. And so she began dancing as a young child.

Michaela DePrince received the Youth American Grand Prix Scholarship to train at the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School at the American Ballet Theater. Also, she trained at the Rock School of Dance Education in Philadelphia. Her professional journey, along with that of other aspiring ballet dancers, was chronicled in the documentary First Position. Plus, there is a Disney short called Ballerina, where DePrince shared her story—from Sierra Leone to the present.

DePrince made her professional debut as a guest principal dancer at the Joburg Ballet in South Africa. She was 17 when she performed with the Dance Theatre of Harlem. At 18, she joined the Dutch National Junior Company. In 2021, she joined the Boston Ballet as the second soloist.

However, DePrince also had the distinction of being recruited to dance in a Beyoncé video. According to The WSJ, “She said I looked like I was a creature from another planet,” DePrince said of an exchange with the pop star. She recalled being starstruck by the singer. “She walked up to me and said, ‘It’s such an honor to have you here.’ I was really cheesy and said, ‘The honor is mine.’ I was on cloud nine.”

Beyond dancing, DePrince was a humanitarian; she served as an ambassador for War Child, whose mission is to improve the resilience and well-being of children worldwide who live with violence and armed conflict.

During her time with us, DePrince made her mark through ballet, books, film projects, and humanitarian efforts. She also showed others with vitiligo that the condition was nothing to be ashamed of. No cause of death is known at this time.

We extend our sincere condolences to the family and the loss of Michaela and Elaine DePrince.

 

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Check out her website’s collaboration page to learn who Michaela DePrince was.

The post Ballet Dancer Michaela DePrince Has Died at 29 appeared first on Black Health Matters.

He made us happy.

According to The Philadephia Tribune, the crooner was born on December 6, 1946, and was influenced early by gospel music and singing in the church. He got the nickname Frankie because he was a fan of Frankie Lyman. While attending Germantown High School, he formed his first short-lived group, the Blenders, inspired by doo-woop groups.

In 1963, he founded the Butlers. They became Raw Soul in 1971 after moving to San Francisco. According to the New York Times, Marvin Gaye took the group under his wing after suggesting the final name change, to Frankie Beverly & Maze.

He created a soundtrack that transcended generations.

If you read Rolling Stone’s stats, they don’t capture Beverly’s true impact and what he meant to our community.

“Between 1977 and 1993, Beverly and Maze enjoyed a wildly successful run, during which they dropped eight studio albums and two live records. Eight of those 10 projects earned gold certification, and two — 1985’s Can’t Stop the Love and 1989’s Silky Soul — topped the Billboard R&B Albums chart. Those two records featured the group’s two Number One songs on the R&B Singles Chart, too, “Back in Stride” and “Can’t Get Over You.”

The Amsterdam News got it right when they called the baritone “the quintessential soul man and voice of the cookout.”

The paper wrote, “No better tune exemplifies the slow-yet-steady rise of Maze than “Before I Let Go.” Originally released in 1981 as a studio cut on a live album, the song peaked at No. 13 on Billboard’s R&B chart. In the 30-plus years since, the song grew to be played at the end of parties, the beginning of receptions, and everywhere in between.”

But Beverly was also the unofficial King of the White Party. He often donned all white for his performances, and his audiences followed his dress code. It became the “official attire” for the group’s concerts. One of the most significant places it was on display was EssenceFest.

Frankie Beverly & Maze was the official closing act for the festival’s first 15 years. This summer, organizers paid tribute to him before he returned home to perform for the final stop of his farewell tour at the Dell Music Center in North Philly on July 6th. After 50 years of performing, the crooner had announced his retirement.

Just a couple of months earlier, on the 6000 block of Norwood Street, near his childhood home in Germantown, he participated in the ceremonial renaming of “Frankie Beverly Way.”

The cause of Beverly’s death is unknown at this time. We extend our condolences to his family and all who loved him.

The band will continue as Maze Honoring Frankie Beverly, according to Billboard.

We thank him for all the happy feelings he gave us.

Finally, listening to Frankie Beverly’s music may have improved our mood and outlook. Psychology Today says. Listening to happy music can influence how one perceives the world in a stressful situation. Upbeat tunes, for example, can give one an optimistic outlook and make one feel better.

The post Frankie Beverly, R&B Soul Singer and Maze’s Main Man Has Died appeared first on Black Health Matters.

Jones was a talent who could meet us at every level. He got his start doing Shakespeare and loved doing everything from “King Lear” to “Othello.” According to the New York Times, Jones was among the first Black actors to appear in Guiding Light and As the World Turns in the 1960s. We loved seeing him in revivals like “Cat on a Hot Roof,” “On Golden Pond,” and “The Gin Game.” Action-adventure and animated features.

But before his voice became known as that of Darth Vadar and for his turn in “Field of Dreams,” he was  Roop in “Claudine,” who romanced Diahann Carroll. Cut up with Sidney Poitier and Bill Cosby in “A Piece of the Action.” He gave Eddie Murphy a hard time as King Jaffe Joffer in “Coming to America” and offered wise counsel as the voice of Mufasa in “The Lion King.”

Jones especially enjoyed working with playwright August Wilson. He won his second Tony award for Lead Actor (play) for Wilson’s “Fences” in 1987. When PBS American Masters asked him about his experience working with Wilson, Jones said,” Most of August’s plays are about migration from greater pain to lesser pain—from the greater pain of the rural South to the lesser pain of urban Pittsburgh.”

Jones was born in Arkabula, Mississippi, on January 17, 1931. The Vicksburg Post reports that he was sent to live with his grandparents at five. It was after moving to Michigan that Jones developed a severe stutter.

In an interview with achievement.org. Jones said, “I was an adopted child of my grandparents, and I don’t know how I can ever express my gratitude for that because my parents would have been a mess. And there were considerations about that, “where should I go,” and that began to bother me when I’d hear those discussions at night.

“Where should James Earl go?” But it was the journey itself that I really felt. The being ripped from the soil is what set me into a state of trauma. So, by the time I got to Michigan, I was a stutterer. I couldn’t talk. So my first year of school was my first mute year, and then those mute years continued until I got to high school.”

It was a teacher in high school who helped him find ways to manage his stuttering.

While the cause of James Earl Jones’ death has not been disclosed, the actor did have type II diabetes. He was first diagnosed in the 1990s when he was in his 60s. However, he did not publicly discuss his diagnosis until 2018, when he talked with Good Housekeeping about it.

The actor told Good Housekeeping.

“I didn’t notice any symptoms,” Jones says. “I had gone to a diet and exercise program hoping to lose some weight and ended up falling asleep sitting on a bench in the gymnasium. My doctor, who happened to be there, said that’s not normal. He encouraged me to go get a test, and I did — and there it was: type 2 diabetes. It hit me like a thunderbolt.”

Jones continued to work on Broadway and in movies for more than thirty years with type II diabetes, which is a testament to his diligence in following the critical things he cited: a support group, a balanced diet, exercise, and attention to mental health.

In a 1998 interview, Denzel Washington said, “There weren’t a lot of serious Black actors for us to emulate, to follow, to admire. There was Sidney [Poitier]; it was James Earl Jones on stage. That’s what I remember.”

With Jones’ death, two of the performers who inspired the most decorated Black actor in Oscars history are gone. But what a legacy they have left behind.

Our condolences to the family.

The post Award-Winning Actor James Earl Jones Has Died appeared first on Black Health Matters.

Check out her special message.

[Full Transcript]

0:00
Hi, everybody.

0:01
Today I have the opportunity to talk to Sherri Shepherd, talk show host, comedian, actress, podcaster, and we’re talking today about her journey as Type 2 diabetic and her partnership with Pfizer in the This is Your Shot campaign, which is to raise awareness on the risk factors on pneumococcal pneumonia.

0:30
So stay tuned as we have a brief discussion on her journey as a type 2 diabetic, how she’s taken charge of her health, and why she partnered with Pfizer on this campaign.

0:44
Because she’s a type 2 diabetic, she has increased risk factors for contracting pneumococcal pneumonia, and she’ll tell us about that.

1:09
So Sherri, this is an exciting time for you and your career.

1:12
You’re gearing up for season three of your award-winning talk show.

1:19
You and Kim Whitley are keeping us laughing with two funny Mamas.

1:24
You’re touring with your stand up, you’re acting, and you’re still Jeffrey’s Mama.

1:30
Even though he’s grown.

1:31
Grown.

1:32
He thinks he’s grown.

1:33
When do you sleep?

1:34
Yes, I don’t.

1:37
I don’t sleep, but I keep reading.

1:41
I keep reading that I need sleep.

1:43
So I try to build it in and and don’t let, hey, a nap is very, very underrated, but I’m into naps.

1:51
Naps are good.

1:51
Naps are good.

1:52
But seriously, sleep is important, especially when you have a health condition like diabetes, like type 2 diabetes.

1:59
So, I see how you stepped up your health and fitness regimen, right?

2:03
I’ve been watching your Instagram, especially since you started your talk show and I see you in the gym. I opt. I’ve been watching your Instagram, especially since you started just talking, your talk show, and you moved back to New York.

2:15
Yeah, walk.

2:17
Since you moved back to New York, NY, what other adjustments have you made since you optimized your health when you were diagnosed with type 2 diabetes?

2:30
Well, I’ve really been working on being fit and eating better, really, really eating better because so much, you know, how you feel is what you put inside of you.

2:43
So definitely the eating better.

2:46
Again, looking at my health, there are things that I can prevent, which is why I partnered with Pfizer because I learned that being diabetic, I’m at a five times higher risk of getting pneumococcal pneumonia.

2:59
That scared me, so I went and got vaccinated.

3:03
And you know, that’s another thing, just like looking after my health. That’s myself here, right?

3:10
That’s that’s a really important, that’s a really important point.

3:13
So being being proactive with your health really, really, really important.

3:19
So, what do you think was the biggest obstacle you overcame when you started thinking about being in better health?

3:28
Because it’s not an easy journey.

3:31
So the biggest obstacle I had to overcome was I think it was discipline, you know, because I’m a stressor.

3:42
So anything, anything happens.

3:43
I want something fried.

3:45
I want something chocolatey that melts in your mouth.

3:47
It’s gonna make me zoom out.

3:50
And that was a that was a very hard thing for me.

3:52
I mean, off addition to sugar and and you know, fried foods and stuff that was not good for me.

3:59
But you know, I had to do a lot of self talk and think about what I wanted for my future.

4:04
I just think about what I wanted for my son.

4:06
And again, like I was saying, I when I learned about the fact that because I had diabetes, I was at risk for pneumococcal pneumonia and that I could be in the hospital, I could even possibly die, that really, you know, made me sit up straight.

4:24
So what?

4:25
Let’s talk about this partnership with Pfizer for a minute.

4:28
So why would tell us why, you know, it’s the, the, the risks are high, but was especially a critical talk to talk to me about being a diabetic and, and knowing the risks and talking to other diabetics about understanding, you know, what it means to be a diabetic and understanding living as a diabetic and how you have to know your risks for other things.

5:08
I think, you know, being diabetic, I think a lot of people thinks, think that it’s just, you know, diet and exercise.

5:16
But when you’re a diabetic, like I’m a type 2 diabetic, I’ve been at .2 diabetes since probably 2007.

5:24
Your body’s just vulnerable to so many more things, you know, and I think a lot of people don’t realize that.

5:31
They don’t realize we’re susceptible to many things like a pneumococcal pneumonia.

5:38
I didn’t know that, you know, I thought, oh, I’m, I’m working out at the gym and I’m eating, right.

5:43
But the fact of the matter is, is I have diabetes, which my immune system is compromised all the time.

5:50
And I think a lot of people who have diabetes, they don’t know that.

5:53
And so I’m really, anybody who knows me knows and I am so passionate about health and living a successful life with diabetes.

6:03
And when I found this out that I’m at a five times higher risk of getting pneumococcal pneumonia than anybody else.

6:09
When I found out that the people from the ages of 19 to 64 are susceptible to pneumococcal pneumonia if they have asthma or COPD or diabetes and that you can prevent it or, you know, you can take a preventative measure by getting vaccinated, I was like, you know what, I gotta let people know this cause a lot of people we just don’t know.

6:33
So if somebody somebody has is at risk for pneumococcal pneumonia, what do they need to do?

6:41
They need to talk to their pharmacist or their doctor about getting vaccinated and they can go to vaxassist.com and it’s VAX assist.com.

6:52
It’s really, really, I think people don’t realize what a serious issue it is.

6:56
Sometimes we think, oh, we get sick, you know, we just take our little, you know, that, you know, a cold and cough medicine and we’re fine.

7:02
But no, when you’re diabetic, you have underlying conditions like diabetes or asthma or COPD.

7:08
It’s much more serious if you get pneumococcal pneumonia because it’s a, it’s a bacterial lung infection, which means it literally can put you in the hospital.

7:19
You could die from this.

7:20
And when I talk to people having diabetes, it’s like we got a family.

7:25
You got people who are depending on you, you have children, you have your partner.

7:29
So it’s so serious.

7:30
And I really, really encourage everyone to talk to their doctor, talk to their pharmacist, go to vaxassist.com to find out more about getting vaccinated and taking a preventative measure so that you can, because it’ll get you anytime, any season, any day.

7:47
It’s not something that just comes for a month.

7:50
You don’t know when you can catch this.

7:52
So if you know better, what is that saying?

7:54
If you know better, you can do better?

7:57
Exactly, Exactly.

7:59
And I think that also we know more about having type 2 diabetes and that we should take it more seriously, right?

8:08
So you have lost family members to type 2 diabetes and you have changed the narrative in your family.

8:17
So how let’s encourage other people to change the narrative And there’s What would you suggest to people who want to do the same?

8:27
You know, I think that we lead the way.

8:29
We’re so amazing.

8:29
We lead the way of so many things.

8:31
Everybody wants to be like us, you know, and I think that we’re falling behind and getting this vaccination so that we can prevent pneumococcal pneumonia.

8:41
And I would just encourage everyone to, you know, really take it seriously.

8:45
Diabetes, we so used to calling it the sugar, and that’s a cute term, but it’s not, it’s not at all accurate.

8:51
It is something that if we don’t take care of our diabetes, we don’t learn to manage it.

8:56
We don’t take the preventive measures.

8:58
This is something that could really take us out as it has done many members in my family.

9:04
And I don’t believe that our life is supposed to be cut short that way.

9:07
So I would just encourage people go to your doctor, go to your pharmacy pharmacist and ask them about getting that vaccine for getting vaccinated for pneumococcal pneumonia.

9:20
Because again, like I said, if you have underlying conditions like COPD, like asthma, like diabetes, diabetics were five times a higher risk than everybody else.

9:32
That’s a lot.

9:33
And you got a big wide age age group, 19 to 64.

9:39
So that would affect everybody.

9:41
That’s not, this is not a old people’s disease, 19 years old.

9:45
My son Jeffrey is 19.

9:48
So I just would urge everybody call up your doctor, call up your pharmacist and ask them about getting vaccinated against pneumococcal pneumonia.

9:58
Take the take the preventive measures so at least you can feel comfortable and confident about living day-to-day and knowing, OK, I’ve done something.

10:08
I feel good.

10:08
Well, thank you, Sherry.

10:11
Thank you.

10:11
I really appreciate your time.

10:14
Thank you for doing fight in a good fight and be and be an example of what you’re supposed to do when you have type 2 diabetes.

10:23
Because if if we see more of this, we know what to do.

10:29
Yeah, I want people to know diabetes is not a death sentence because if we’re doing things that where we can prevent things for happening to us because we’re in a vulnerable position, you’ll feel so much better.

10:41
You’ll feel so much more confident and you will feel like you can take life by the what does that say?

10:45
Life by the horns and and live.

10:48
But we want to live.

10:49
We want to do, you know, so that’s why I’m so I’m so like gung ho about telling people to, you know, talk to the pharmacist, talk to the doctor about getting vaccinated.

10:59
So that’s one less thing you got to worry about on that road to moving forward.

11:05
Exactly.

11:07
Now Sherry can do it.

11:08
We can do it y’all.

11:11
Absolutely.

11:13
Thank you, Sherry, thank you so much.

11:17
Have a great day.

The post Sherri Shepherd On Diabetes and Pneumococcal Pneumonia appeared first on Black Health Matters.

The rapper is best known for collaborating with Mariah Carey on the iconic “Be Faithful” and winning a Grammy for “Lose Control” with Missy Elliot and Ciara, as well as for the remix with Faith Evans of “Love Like This.

His influence on hip-hop was evident by the tributes that poured all weekend on social media from people like Questlove, who said, “He was an embodiment of what hip-hop was truly all about,” and DJ DNice, who called it “a major loss for the culture.”

But Fatman Scoop was also a fixture on NYC radio as a DJ for Hot 97 and, more recently, on Audacy’s 94.7 The Block (Mister Cee was also a DJ). Skip Dillard, Brand Manager for Audacy’s 94.7 The Block, told 1010 WINS that Freeman—who he described as a “fixture in hip-hop, New York radio, and known internationally.”

“He would go all over the world spreading this joy of hip-hop and performance and [was] loved by the artist community, I mean revered. I don’t think the guy had one person that disliked him at all,” Dillard said.

While Freeman was a performer, he was also a family man—a beloved father, brother, uncle, and friend. He was a father, brother, uncle, and friend. His family released a statement saying in part:
“He was the laughter in our lives, a constant source of support, unwavering strength, and courage. Fatman Scoop was known to the world as the undisputed voice of the club. His music made us dance and embrace life with positivity. His joy was infectious, and the generosity he extended to all will be deeply missed but never forgotten.”

May he rest in peace.

Freeman’s name will be added to the list of rappers who left us too soon. Danyel Smith paid tribute to 63 of them last year.

Let’s encourage Black men to make their health a priority.

The post Fatman Scoop, Grammy-winning Rapper, Has Died At 53 appeared first on Black Health Matters.

Latham Thomas, the founder of The Mama Glow Movement (above), says one of the conversations we should have in our community is about the first food justice framework. “Reproductive agency is not just about birth or birth control. It is about the right to give birth, raise children, and explore options with an understanding of the full extent of what’s available,” she explains.

“The first food justice framework is important because it illuminates the sad reality that FOR generations, Black women and Birthing people, were systematically undermined in the practice of breastfeeding.”

“I use the term systematically intentionally here—through generations of trauma as slave owners forced Black women and birthing people to take on roles as wet nurses, to intentional aggressive marketing to low-income Black and Brown mothers—societal conditions have managed to limit Black women’s understanding of the full extent of what is possible when it comes to feeding our babies. The first food justice framework is one way we can also think about the interweaving of structural racism and harmful policies on the livelihoods of Black people from the very beginning,” Thomas notes.

Magnifying the Message

According to Diarra, a challenge is breastfeeding is often considered a personal decision. “But the reason Black women are consistently breastfeeding at such low rates is that this is a structural issue.”

To address the systemic issues, Mama Glow developed a course in which they’ve trained 100 Lactation Specialists—30 students in the first cohort, 70 in the second—equipped to go out into our communities and provide the much-needed education and support that has been missing.

“The first food justice framework where all babies have the full right to eat, and most importantly, their caregivers have the full right to feed. And you can’t have that full right without being given the benefit and drawbacks of all your options,” Diarra (right) explains. “That’s what the course is trying to get at; we’re framing these as individual choices. But what we have seen consistently with breastfeeding in Black communities is we’re not strategically  taught the full scope of how beneficial breastfeeding can be.”

Marketing Designed as a Distraction

Several contributing factors lead to Black birthing people not breastfeeding. Aggressive marketing tactics, which push formula, are among them. “The barriers ironically speak to the importance of the first food justice framework. One of them is the tendency of the infant formula industry to employ aggressive marketing tactics, Thomas points out.

“Another barrier is the enduring, generational, psychological wound that  [accompanied]  our country’s degradation of Black bodies. As slave owners increasingly relied on enslaved wet nurses to provide nutrition for their babies, they simultaneously traumatized Black people’s relationships with this bodily practice,” Thomas says.

“Breastfeeding became an optimal source of nutrition reserved for white infants, white enslaved. In contrast, enslaved mothers were forced to ignore the nutritional and emotional needs of their precious Back infants, who were often left malnourished.” she continued.

“It is inspiring to see people on the ground  working to recognize and heal these wounds, rather than dismiss the issue of low breastfeeding rates as simply a matter of choice.”

We are Also Talking About Restorative Justice.

The Social Determinants of Health often factor into our story, and they are present even with breastfeeding. According to Thomas, Restorative Justice within the breastfeeding world is one step in validating our community’s tumultuous history with the United States. “It’s a commitment to honoring the entanglement of chattel slavery with our daily lives and practices. We are all infants before we are adults, so thinking about the issues facing the most vulnerable allows us to imagine better futures for ourselves,” the Mama Glow founder says. “Thinking about forces that are working against us even before birth allows us to address the Social Determinants of Health and center solutions that the thriving of our community as Black folks.”

A Larger Mission

The mission of Mama Glow is to transform the landscape of maternal health and bridge policy gaps, creating a safer world for mothers and birthing people. “At Mama Glow, we work tirelessly to nurture those who nurture. We live in a country that has failed to do that, especially for Black women and birthing people,” Thomas says. “Our world-renowned professional doula training program, which has touched thousands of lives and people across six or seven continents, is just one tool in the arsenal that allows us to make a transformative impact.”

The post Breastfeeding is a Black Community Imperative appeared first on Black Health Matters.

Check out our Q & A with her below:

How do people find someone like you?

L. Casey Flowers: With the expansion of telehealth in 2020, it’s been much easier to find a dietitian to work with. If you’re working with an endocrinologist for diabetes or a nephrologist for kidney disease, they usually have someone who works directly within their office. Or they can provide you with a direct referral, making things much more accessible. And your insurance company can give you a list of people as well.

No, not all dietitians are created equal. Some nutritionists may be personal trainers who took a course. Licensed dietitian nutritionists (LDNs) must take a licensure exam and meet continuing education hours to maintain their credentials through the state.

However, not all LDNs feel comfortable talking about weight management. Look for those with a CSOWM certification so you know they are Certified Specialists in Obesity and Weight Management. Most people will include it on their website.

What happens during the initial appointment?

LCF: If someone comes to me for weight management, our first visit will last 45 to 60 minutes. Our follow-up visits are generally 15 to 30 minutes. We do your anthropometrics, height, weight, and blood pressure. I will always ask if you have any specific questions because I will have many questions.

I will ask about your medical history. What if you’re on medication that causes weight gain? I must also know your diet history because every attempt lowers your metabolism. So, we will go through your whole diet, exercise, and weight history. Has it always been like this? Or is it an up and down?

The second half of the visit is the best part. “It is not, ‘Here’s this piece of paper, and you follow this plan,’ We take all the information you shared and make a specific plan to meet your lifestyle.

What you said is pertinent. For example, what has happened in the last six months or five years impacts what will happen now. I just had a death in my family or lost my job; that’s important for you to know.

LCF: Extremely. If your stress hormones have increased, and you haven’t done anything to help lower them, your weight will not go anywhere. So, we must ensure we’re addressing those kinds of baseline concerns.

What surprises patients about their first visit with a dietician?

LCF: We start with small changes. We usually focus on three goals to start and then set them up with a monitoring tool, like a food journal or an app, so that we can do regular check-ins. Today, for example, one of my patient’s three goals was to sleep seven hours a night. However, making that improvement will help in the long term.

How does sleep impact weight?

LCF: Sleep is so essential that I never thought I’d have to discuss it as much as I do. Many patients do not get their seven hours in, so their stress hormone, or cortisol, never has a chance to get lowered. When your cortisol is up, it automatically tells your body to start up, regulating your fat, absorption, and growing fat. It also increases your hunger, specifically for specific nutrients that will boost your dopamine. What’s going to do that is tryptophan, which comes from chocolate.

So, if you’re not sleeping well, many people start craving these simple carbohydrates to help get them through the day.

As a Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist, I always see this as a red flag. If somebody wakes up between 3 and 5 AM, that’s nighttime or reactive hypoglycemia time, and their blood glucose will drop during those hours. They will spontaneously wake up. We must fix their diet at nighttime so that doesn’t happen. Sleep tells you a lot about a person.

How often do you meet with your patients?

LCF: We’re supposed to meet every two weeks for the first month. Then, we can go every two to three months for maintenance. I am the only dietitian in my clinic and serve three clinics. So, I usually see patients every four weeks. We’ll meet once a month. I also do email check-ins to see how my patients are doing.

 When you keep your food journal, please be honest. I do not care. There is a suspicious amount of grilled chicken salad in people’s diets, but not all of us are eating them.

How long is a patient seen?

LCF: It depends on their insurance and what they’re willing to cover. Sometimes, insurance says you only get three hours of diabetes education a year. So, we make that work. Some people have come into the office and needed a brief education. I never saw them again. Other patients I have known for the last half-decade. At this point, invite me to your cookout; we’re family. It depends on what the person needs.

What if a patient came to you recently diagnosed with pre-diabetes? What advice would you give them?

LCF: This is my favorite question. I love pre-diabetes because these patients are in a great spot to make a huge change that will impact the rest of their lives. Many underutilized resources exist, such as the CDC’s Diabetes Prevention Program. Certain health facilities have grants within that program. I always educate my patients on that. Some feel more comfortable doing the one-on-one with me. We work on lifestyle intervention:

• Are you moving your body enough to burn off this extra blood glucose?
• Are you eating in a pattern that you know is conducive?
• Are you having more fiber than sugar?

This isn’t something that you can do well for a month, and now you don’t have pre-diabetes or diabetes; no, your pancreas has officially told us something’s wrong. You will have to pay attention to this forever.

What other conditions do you see in patients often?

LCF: The conditions I see most often include hypertension, high cholesterol, and those trying to get their heart health under control. I work with patients after bariatric surgery. The challenge is that although their stomach anatomy has changed, they see food with the same eyes and brain, so getting support as you make these adjustments is critical. I meet with them every one to two months during the first year.

If you are looking for a Licensed Dietitian, where should you start?

LCF: The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics has a website, eatright.org. You can search for a practitioner based on preferences, including zip code, language, certifications, insurance, and in-person and telehealth options. Check directly with your insurance provider to see whether they have any LDNs or RDNs with CSOWM certifications and Google providers in your area with those certifications to see what comes up. Finding the right dietitian could be essential to maintaining weight loss once you achieve your goal.

Supported by an educational grant from Novo Nordisk Inc. 

The post Why You Need to Work With A Dietitian to Achieve Your Weight Loss Goals appeared first on Black Health Matters.

Her mother, Diann Ash, wrote, “We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our beloved daughter, sister, and friend, Erica Chantal Ash (1977-2024). After a long and courageous battle with cancer, she transitioned peacefully, surrounded by her loved ones. Erica was an amazing woman and talented entertainer who touched countless lives with her sharp wit,  humor, and genuine zest life. Her memory will live eternally in our hearts.”

When she appeared as a guest on Jemele Hill’s Unbothered Podcast ep 88, “The Year of No F**Ks,” in 2020, Ash talked candidly about battling breast cancer. “I’ve beaten cancer twice. The first time was 2b, the second time was stage 4, and I was trying to decide if I would talk about this…because I haven’t before. But I feel like I should because Black women don’t talk about it, and we need to share our journeys. It was probably the toughest journey for me, but it made me realize the depth of my power. I don’t even know the depth of my power.”

Ash was first diagnosed with breast cancer at the same time she was cast on MAD TV and underwent treatment while doing the show. And didn’t tell any of her friends. It returned for the second time a decade later. Ash’s diagnosis at that time was stage 4 cancer. The cancer also ate away 70% of her spine, requiring her to get screws installed. As a result, she decided to live boldly. And she did things like jump off cliffs in Mexico. “I am going to test the limits of my Black girl magic,” she told Hill in the interview. “I told three girlfriends and my parents.” Everyone else found out listening to Hill’s show. She was shooting “In Contempt” during her stage 4 diagnosis and treatment.

Ash believed that one should listen to one’s body and ask questions of medical professionals until one is satisfied with the answers. She told Hill she wasn’t afraid to fire her doctors, and she did so more than once.

Ash was beloved by her colleagues, friends, and all who knew her. May she rest in peace. The family asks that any donations be made to the Susan G. Komen Cancer Foundation.

The post Actress Erica Ash Has Died After A Battle With Cancer appeared first on Black Health Matters.

The National Kidney Foundation (NKF) and American Society of Nephrology (ASN) on the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN) plans to remove the African American/Black race coefficient from the Kidney Donor Profile Index (KDPI) calculation. This comes after removing the race-based formula for transplantation qualifications a few years ago. This is all good news for us. But let’s ensure your doctors, hospitals, and labs know about these changes and aren’t using old calculations. What does it all mean? Read on.

The Race-Based Formula Explained

Kidney function is measured by a Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) Test. The Black race variable was developed from a study that says we have higher creatinine levels. Dr. Rosas explains.” In the big scheme, the critical number is 20 when people are referred and can be listed for transplant. But the white person would be 19, the Black person would be 22, but the wait list is long for everybody.” But think of it like a Black tax.

In the United States, the wait for a kidney could be between five and six years, depending on the state where you live.

“The problem with being waitlisted is your comorbidities are still progressing. So many patients are removed from the waitlists because they no longer qualify,” Dr. Rosas explains. “A kidney transplant is a surgery, and if your health deteriorates because you have to wait longer, that becomes a problem.”

Advocating For a Race-Free Formula

However, Dr. Rosas points out that medical schools teach students there are no differences between races. “The NFK, the ASN, and OPTN said this is the formula we should use because we didn’t want people to still use the other one. You don’t want to go to your cardiologist and have X kidney function, then you go to your primary care, he’s using another formula, and you have another kidney function; it’s confusing,” she explains. “The NFK has worked really hard with lab companies to have the new formula  reported.” Between 2023-2024, patients who were on the waitlist got an average of 1.7 years of their time back when race was eliminated from the equation.

How Kidneys From Black Donors Were Evaluated

The Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network used a mathematical equation called a KDRI to estimate the quality of a donated kidney. Under the old equation, kidneys from Black donors were graded as having poorer organ function than kidneys from White donors. As a result, kidneys donated by Black people were often thrown away. The proposed change was included in OPTN’S 2024 winter public comment period and approved for adoption by the OPTN board in June 2024.

In addition to removing race, the updated KDPI no longer includes whether or not the donor was Hepatitis C Virus positive.

Thanks to therapeutic advances, post-transplant outcomes for HCV-positive deceased donor kidney transplants are similar to those of HCV-negative donor kidneys.”With the new approach, some kidneys that may have otherwise been considered unsuitable for transplantation due to the inclusion of race in the formula will now receive more favorable scores, including some that will now be classified with scores that make them more appropriate for transplant,” said Cynthia Delgado, MD, who participated in the Organ Procurement and Transplant Network task force that led efforts to reconsider the use of race and HCV in the formula.

There are many reasons why a donated kidney may not be viable. “Sometimes they’re not good. If they cannot find a donor, the donor doesn’t come on time, and they don’t have a surgeon. Many things could happen,” Dr. Rosas explains.” Four sequences of transplants happened in the United States: the best sequences of your lower score, the lower the number, the better your kidney is. Unfortunately, many of these kidneys end up in the above 85% range.”

Right now, 90,000 people are waiting for kidney transplants, and 12 people die each day waiting.

 Know More About Your Kidney Disease and Transplant Options

Dr. Rosas suggests taking the following and that you know your options:

If You Have a Family History of Hypertension, Diabetes, Kidney Disease or Heart Disease

Request these two tests from your physician annually to assess your kidney health: creatinine and albumin. Work on reversing the progression of chronic kidney disease before it becomes kidney failure.

Check With Your Lab

Make sure they no longer use race-based testing when testing your Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR).

If You Are On Dialysis (What Have They Said to You About Transplant Eligibility)

If you have been given a brochure, it is time to read it.

If Have Been Turned Down For a Transplant Because Your BMI is too High

Look at other transplant centers; each center sets its eligibility requirements.

The post What’s Race Got to Do With Kidney Donations & Transplants? appeared first on Black Health Matters.

While she had made Texas her home, Jackson Lee was born in Queens, New York. She planned to be an executive secretary before graduating from Jamaica High School and, according to her obituary in The NY Times. However, the assassination of Martin Luther King ignited a passion within her. She got a scholarship to NYU and later transferred to Yale, where she graduated—she later attended the University of Virginia to obtain her law degree. Jackson Lee moved to Houston when she married Elwyn C. Lee.

According to the NY Times, Jackson Lee served on the Houston City Council for four years before entering the congressional race when Barbara Jordan’s seat became available. Jackson Lee wanted to serve to help women, Black people, and Hispanic people get a fair shot at success. Her legacy is a testament that she did that and so much more.

A statement released by the Congressional Black Caucus lists includes some of them.

“A former CBC Whip and chair of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Congresswoman Jackson Lee was a devoted and active member of our Caucus who championed many causes, including racial equity and improving policing and community safety in America – most recently reintroducing the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act in May 2024. 

“Representative Jackson Lee leaves her mark on the Congress as a former chair and first female ranking member of the Judiciary Subcommittee for Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security, and as a senior member of the House Committees on the Judiciary, Homeland Security, and Budget. During her tenure, she led many important legislative initiatives – authoring the Violence Against Women’s Act and the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act and introducing the Juvenile Accountability Block Grant Reauthorization, the Bullying Prevention and Intervention Act, and the Federal Prison Bureau Nonviolent Offender Relief Act.”

While millions will continue to reap the benefits of her efforts, we remember these words from her family: “She impacted us most as beloved wife, sister, mother, and Bebe (grandmother).”

According to the American Cancer Society, pancreatic cancer is the third leading cause of death in the United States. It is estimated that 66,440 new cases will be diagnosed this year, and 51,750 people will die. The disease is often diagnosed in later stages, and symptoms are frequently mistaken for other medical conditions. To learn about pancreatic cancer, contact the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, which can provide information on resources for treatment, research, and support.

The post Representative Sheila Jackson Lee Has Passed Away appeared first on Black Health Matters.

Jenni A. Shearston, an epidemiologist at the University of California, Berkeley, led the study. According to the study, “Between 52–86% of people who menstruate in the United States use tampons—cotton and/or rayon/viscose ‘plugs’—to absorb menstrual blood in the vagina.

Tampons may contain metals from agricultural or manufacturing processes, which could be absorbed by the vagina’s highly absorbent tissue, resulting in systemic exposure. To our knowledge, no previous studies have measured metals in tampons.”

The team examined “14 tampon brands and 18 product lines and compared the concentrations by tampon characteristics.” (Think: Regular, Super, and Super Plus).  They found 16 metals in total: arsenic, barium, calcium, cadmium, cobalt, chromium, copper, iron, manganese, mercury, nickel, lead, selenium, strontium, vanadium, and zinc.

They purchased products in the United States, the United Kingdom, and the European Union. All the types tested had detectable levels of metals, which Newsweek reports may cause depression.

Are you safer with organic brands? Not exactly. You are exposed to different toxins. The non-organic tampons tested had higher lead levels, and organic tampons were more likely to contain arsenic.

Newsweek reported, “Despite this large potential for public health concern, very little research has been done to measure chemicals in tampons,” said Jenni Shearston, a postdoctoral scholar at the UC Berkeley School of Public Health and UC Berkeley’s Department of Environmental Science, Policy and Management, said in a statement.

“To our knowledge, this is the first paper to measure metals in tampons. Concerningly, we found concentrations of all metals we tested for, including toxic metals like arsenic and lead.”

What’s the risk to our health? Exposure to metal can cause things like infertility, cancer, diabetes, and dementia. They can impact maternal health and fetal development and cause damage to the liver, kidney, brain, and cardiovascular system. However, it is unclear whether the amount of metals contained in tampons would impact us this way.

Since this is the first study of its kind, be aware of the possible implications. Stay tuned to see if there will be any changes in the laws that will include better labeling.

Also, talk to your GYN about your alternative.

The post Some Tampons Brands (Even Organic Ones) Contain Arsenic & Lead appeared first on Black Health Matters.

Kelly Larson, Injury Prevention Lead at Bloomberg Philanthropies, says, “The increase in drowning deaths in the United States, as well as drowning being the leading cause of death among 1-4 year-olds, led us to expand our investment to include drowning, prevention efforts here.” The focus will be on data collection in the ten states that make up half of the drowning tragedies: Alaska, Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Michigan, New York, Oklahoma, and Texas.

Larson points out that children under five are at the highest risk of drowning. In the U.S., they have focused their swim education efforts on an older demographic. “In the United States, we plan to provide swim instruction to 20,000 children ages 6-15, being very diligent in identifying local organizations who can offer swim lessons to those who need it most,” the Prevention Lead says. “Bloomberg Philanthropies will support the CDC Foundation in partnership with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to work in select, high-burden states to provide basic swim and water safety skills instruction in most affected populations. We are working with local organizations in these communities to offer the lessons.”

The $60M investment is expected to fund programs globally through 2027. “As part of this commitment, we are also evaluating safety policies, including pool fencing and personal flotation devices here in the United States, to see how we may advocate for stronger laws,”  Larson says. “We recognize that drowning is the leading cause of death for 1-4-year-olds and want to take a hard look at some of the drowning prevention policies in each state. We want to understand better what policies are in place and identify opportunities to strengthen policies that will reduce drowning.”

The post Bloomberg Philanthropies Donates $60M to Prevent Drownings appeared first on Black Health Matters.

Corynne Corbett (00:13):

H Everyone.

Corynne Corbett (00:15):

I’m Corynne Corbett, editorial director from Black Health Matters. And today, I had the pleasure of speaking with Monet Farr Cole, who is the founder of New Paradigm’s grief, recovery, and Life Coach. And we’re going to talk about loss, and I’m going to ask Monet to talk about what she does because nobody can talk about what you do better than yourself. So Monet, what is it that you do?

Monet Farr Cole (00:53):

Thank you. Well, as you said, my name is Monet Far Cole, and I am a grief recovery specialist and I’m a life coach. And so I work primarily with women who are dealing with loss, whether it’s from death of a loved one, divorce and some of the other many losses that we suffer in life. And I help them to have some tools that they can use to process their grief. Women who are dealing with loss, whether it’s from death of a loved one, divorce and some of the other many losses that we suffer in life. And I help them to have some tools that they can use to process their grief. And then at the end of that, we then start working on, okay, so what does life look like now with your new set of circumstances and how do you want to move forward? And so, then I help them to actually move forward as well. And I just love what I do.

Corynne Corbett (01:35):

So a lot of times we talk about grief, but really, at the end of the day today, what we’re going to talk about is loss because I think we can all identify with loss whether we’ve lost a job, we lost our way, we’ve all lost our way at some point in our lives, right? Yes. And sometimes, it’s coping with a loss. The finding the tools to even identify that we can find the words to say that that’s lost, how we begin to even say that, to even find the words to say that I’m in a space where I’ve lost something.

Monet Farr Cole (02:37):

Yeah. And I just think we don’t understand the relationship between loss and grief. We have all experienced grief, whether we’ve experienced someone who died or not, because we grieve the things that we lose. And whether it’s a relationship, whether it’s community, whether it’s loss of faith, I mean, there’s a lot of different things that our experiences feel like a loss. And so we’ve been grieving, and we didn’t know that we were grieving. And unfortunately, when people hear grief, they think immediately about death. But if we had an open mind around grief and actually had more tools and conversation around dealing with loss, everyday loss in our lives in a healthier way, I think we have those tools early on in life so that we don’t get stuck when we find that after loss, after loss, after loss, and we haven’t been really dealing with the grief of those losses, that’s what gets us stuck.

Corynne Corbett (03:40):

So you talked about being stuck. So, how do we identify that? We’re stuck?

Monet Farr Cole (03:46):

So a lot of times we lose our verb for life. We just get a little complacent. We find that we’re isolated, we don’t enjoy the things that we used to, or there are very few things that we do that bring us any joy anymore. And so we are just going through, it feels like you’re on a hamster wheel, and day after day after day just looks the same, and you’re not quite sure how to get it back. And so a lot of times because we don’t have the tools, or we don’t have someone to say, look, you’re stuck, and you should get some help through this, we just remain complacent in that space. And it’s unfortunate because I think a lot of things happen when we’re stuck, our health starts to suffer not only our physical health, but our mental health as well. And we’re not interacting with other people. So, our brain health is even. There are a lot of things and a lot of fallout from being stuck.

Corynne Corbett (04:49):

Now that it’s interesting that you said that a lot of things happen. So you’re saying, so your mood changes. For example, you become lethargic. You said something about your brain health. So how would that change, for example?

Monet Farr Cole (05:08):

So when we’re not interacting with other people because we’re isolating, because we’re just stuck and not really putting ourselves out there anymore, then we’re not being challenged to think outside of our own thoughts. And especially if we’re just in this very small microcosm of people that we deal with, it’s incestuous. The thoughts become incestuous. Your thoughts and my thoughts are the same. So we’re not learning more. We’re not growing more so because we’re stuck. And we’ve decided that even if we don’t realize we’re stuck, that we’re okay with things as they are, we feel comfortable in that space, and we don’t even want now to try to learn more or to be with people who have different thoughts and feelings and ideas. So it’s a vicious cycle. You’re stuck, so you’re comfortable being stuck, so you stay stuck unless you have someone or you start to at least read about or find someone like me who can show you the ways in which we get stuck. And to compassionately help you through that because it’s hard. It’s hard to first recognize that you’re stuck and then to take the steps to make a change.

Corynne Corbett (06:26):

Right. So, what made you want to do this work?

Monet Farr Cole (06:33):

So, my own grief journey led me to become a grief recovery specialist. So I lost my mom in 2010, and that was devastating. When you lose your mom, it’s like no matter what the relationship, it’s like the earth beneath you just crumbles. And so I felt that. And then I also suffered the loss of basically the whole generation of her sisters and brothers. But the thing that really just took me out was the loss of my life partner. So when he died, I just really didn’t know what my future looked like and I didn’t care. And so that was an indication that I needed some help. So that’s when I found the grief recovery method, which is the method I use with my clients. And so the grief work is what got me started down this path and working with my clients to give them the tools and help them through the process over a six week time period.

(07:36):

But then I also realized that a lot of them were still stuck, even though they’ve done the work to now release the grief, they still weren’t sure how to move forward. So even though you’ve done that work, you could still get stuck. And then I’ve seen my friends and I felt stuck actually after grieving the loss of my soulmate. And I just felt like there was room for someone to be out here to help. And there are others like me, but I’m passionate about really helping people move forward into a life that they can love. Why just settle for a life that’s just okay and humdrum? Go for your dream life. Why shouldn’t we all do that? And so I really wanted to empower women to move forward and go after what they really want.

Corynne Corbett (08:28):

And why do you think that your passion is for women especially?

Monet Farr Cole (08:33):

I see myself. I do. And I think that as women, a lot of us are empathic. We feel so much and we do so much. And we’re the nurturers. We are the caretakers a lot of time. And not to disparage any men because they also have their roles, and they’ve suffered too. They really do. That’s why I’d never say I’m not open to working with men, but women are my passion to work with women through these issues. Because a lot of times, we just take the hit and keep going. We’ve been told to put big girl panties on and keep it moving. You don’t have time to sit down and feel sorry for yourself or feel bad or to feel the feels right. You don’t have time to feel all those emotions keep going. And I think that’s a very dangerous message, and I just would like to be part of the solution to help more of my sisters live life fully and boldly and

Corynne Corbett (09:33):

Big and bad. So what I like is that we’re having a conversation about loss and grief, but it’s not this too, sad overtone because the perception is when you think about grief and you think about that we’re going to have this conversation that we’re going to be sad and somber, so to speak, we’re going to be like, oh, so this is going to be this discussion, and we’re going to be talking like this, and we’re going to be really thoughtful. What we’re not talking like that, because what we’re saying is that we are trying to recover our lives in this conversation, that you’re encouraging women to find the joy again, to find purpose again, and that it is possible to do that. But one of the things that you said that really stuck with me is that six weeks was not enough. That there’s no time limit, that you can’t identify a time when the journey is over for someone.

Monet Farr Cole (11:07):

No.

Corynne Corbett (11:08):

So, can you talk a little bit more about that?

Monet Farr Cole (11:10):

Yeah, I mean, there are a couple of things I want to say about that. So first is that those five stages of grief are not applying to grievers. That was originally put out there by a psychiatrist who was working with terminally ill patients. So that whole concept of first you go through denial and then anger, and then no, that’s not, so our grief is not linear like that. And so, everyone’s journey is different. And so that’s why the six weeks, even though my program is typically six weeks long, I’ve gone almost a year out, to be quite honest with some people, because we all process our emotions differently. And so we have to be given the time to have our own unique grief journey, and we will have different emotions. You can have two siblings lose their mother and have completely different reactions to the death.

(12:05):

And then my message is more upbeat because grief is every day. It’s an everyday thing. I’m trying to bring normalcy to grief. It’s not this big dark cloud that has to be so burdensome and, like you said, so dark and so gloomy that it feels very out there to us instead of, it’s something that we all go through and especially in normalizing it for our children as well, so that then they grow up with a healthier experience and interaction with grief. And so that’s where the name of my company really came from was new paradigms, having just a new look at grief, looking at it differently, reframing our old vision of what grief is. I want to change that.

Corynne Corbett (12:57):

Yeah, I think that’s so important. So you mentioned that there are so many ways that we experience loss. Can you talk about some of the ways that we experience it?

Monet Farr Cole (13:10):

Yeah. So there are over 40 losses that we can experience through our lives and suffer grief as a result. So death of a loved one is the obvious. Divorce is another one that we are familiar with. But what about moving? You move to a new location, that’s a loss. You’re looking forward to the new place that you’re going to be, but you’re saying goodbye to friends and the neighborhood that maybe you grew up in. So that’s a loss. We have loss of friends. Sometimes our friendships come to an end, and that can be really devastating. And we don’t compare losses. My loss of a friend might hit me harder than the loss of your dad because you didn’t know him. It’s like we don’t compare losses. So they’re all things that we may grieve, we also grieve. And the losses that are intangible, like loss of faith, when something happens and we don’t understand it, and we’re questioning our faith, how could that be?

(14:12):

That goes against everything I thought I knew about my spiritual practice and my beliefs. So you got loss of faith, you have loss of safety. Things happen in our lives and we no longer feel safe, loss of health, loss of career. So there’s a lot, there’s so many things that we go through in life that make us grieve and we don’t even recognize. And so what happens is that grief gets packed on there and packed on and packed on. Then we got Samsonite luggage that we’re dragging around with us from one relationship to another or from one stage life to another. And we don’t even realize it, but it impacts us.

Corynne Corbett (14:57):

Exactly, exactly. And I have a friend who used to say, one carry on allowed, but that’s impossible. If we’re talking like this, that’s actually not feasible. If we’re talking about all the things that we experience in life, how are we carrying one carry on? If we’re actually living, we want to unpack. So we would have to then face some of the things that we’re experiencing and then take them behind some way.

Monet Farr Cole (15:39):

Yeah. How many times do we start a new relationship? And we haven’t really dealt with the grief of the past relationship. We just said, oh, move on. Get a new boyfriend. Get a good new girlfriend. Just keep going. Replace that loss with a new person. And you didn’t really grieve what you had with that person at one time. It was good. So there is some grief there no matter why you broke up. And if we don’t deal with that, we just carry it into relationship after relationship. And then it’s hard for us to show up really healthy in those new relationships.

Corynne Corbett (16:20):

So when you are working with people, what is the process? Is it one-on-one sessions? Is it writing? Is it action? Do they get homework? Talk a little bit about how the work gets done.

Monet Farr Cole (16:45):

So I have a couple of different programs. So the program to really process the grief is the grief recovery method. And that’s one-on-one coaching, but I also do groups for that as well. And there is reading and there is homework involved in that process because it’s important that we start understanding, have a new understanding of what grief is, and then we start getting new tools, new ways to look at things, new ways to process things. So it’s really important that homework piece is a crucial part of the work. And then we meet one-on-one weekly to talk about the assignments. And I give my clients however long they need. Typically it takes them about eight to nine weeks instead of the six weeks because it’s hard stuff that comes up. And while I do keep it light, as light as I can, I am a compassionate specialist.

(17:43):

And so I am very aware of what they’re going through. I’ve gone through it. So it helps that I have experienced what they have. But then I also have the coaching after the grief recovery, and those can be different. So for your listeners, I’m offering that Heal Your Heart Challenge, where it’s just the email inspiration and journal prompts just to get people started. But the bigger program would be another four week program where they actually get one-on-one coaching, as well as homework assignments for the Heal Your Heart Challenge, and then the other coaching programs a little bit longer. So I have another program that’s four to six months, and that’s really intensive. So we get into your beliefs, talk about our values, how to structure your life based on your values, and create boundaries based on your values. So we go a little bit deeper in those programs, but with everything there is an educational component, there’s always an educational component.

Corynne Corbett (18:51):

So just for those of you who are listening, Monet has given you a little tease here. She’s going to offer you a 30 day program. Tell us a little bit more about that. Now we are just giving you a little, just teased it a little bit, but we’re going to give you yes, this a little quick little public service announcement.

Monet Farr Cole (19:19):

Yes. So for your subscribers and listeners, I wanted to offer something special. So free of charge, they’ll get a 30 day program where each of those days, they’ll receive an email in their inbox with some inspiration and also a journal prompt. And so what it’s geared to, our brain works in a way that if we can get small tasks done and completed, it gives us a sense of confidence to allow us to do more work, and we see that we can be effective. So that’s what this program is really about: getting people to take these small steps towards healing their hearts and moving forward in their lives. And so the inspiration is just around giving them the encouragement to move forward and with compassion and with good information. And then the journal prompts get them involved. So now they can start taking it in, self-reflecting, and then writing it out. And that’ll take them even further on this journey.

Corynne Corbett (20:27):

So you’ll see the link right here, but then in the transcript, you’ll also see the link again and just see the link at the end of this program. Tell you again before we’re done. But as you’re listening, we just want to give you the little announcement, but we’re going to keep talking just in case. But this is a little public service announcement for those of you who are listening right in the middle of this show. So we talked about this, all the kinds of losses that we can experience in our lives, but let’s go back to now that we, let’s really talked about loss of a loved one. And because initially we didn’t want to talk about that because a lot of times people shy away from that. But now we can talk about that and that can change people’s lives really significantly. And that’s where many, many people become stuck and don’t really know what to do, particularly women, particularly women. And so let’s talk about ways how that shows up in our lives. And this could be women of all ages. This is not women of a certain age is this is women of all ages who just become lost. This is about being lost, not just lost. This is about lost, but become lost because they don’t see themselves without the other person.

Monet Farr Cole (22:36):

So there’s several things I’d really like to talk about here. And so one of them is around emotional incompleteness. So a lot of times when we have unresolved grief, it’s because we didn’t get to say something, do something. There were things that we thought wish were better or we had more of or even less of. And so because those things just get bottled in because now we can’t tell the person, even if in a divorce, it’s not emotionally safe to have those conversations, probably with your ex, because you might just get re-injured. So regardless of whether it’s death or divorce, those things are bottled up inside. So because of that, we’re just carrying that around and it’s hard to move forward. But you have those friends that just keep replaying the same story. Every time you talk to them, they’re telling you the same story, the same story. A lot of times, it’s in a breakup, and he did this, and he did that.

(23:35):

And it is like, girl, okay, we’ve been talking about this same thing, but it’s hard to move forward even with death. You were supposed to take that trip, and you never took that trip and whatever it is. And so those things absolutely get us stuck. So that’s one way we get stuck. The other thing is the people who are supporting us through grief mean the best. They have the best intentions, but unfortunately, there’s so much misinformation around grief or no information around grief that sometimes we actually injure the griever with little things. So for example, I had friends loved me dearly. I know it for sure. And they would just call and say, how are you? How are you?

(24:25):

And I’m like, I’m sad. I’m still sad. But after a while, I got tired of saying I was the sad one. I didn’t want to be negative Nancy all the time, even though I felt like saying he’s still dead. So yeah, I’m sad, I’m sad. But I started lying. I just started saying, yeah, I’m better. I’m better. And see, that gets us in the motion of not being emotionally honest anymore. And so because we’re not able to be emotionally honest, we’re living a lie. And in living that lie, we get stuck. And it happens more times than it, what’s so sad about it? And it’s done out of, there’s no mouth, bad wishes. People have the best intentions, but unfortunately, that’s one of the ways that we can get stuck. And we just become more and more detached from ourselves, from our true self because we can’t be as sad as we really want to be.

(25:36):

We can’t be not okay with life still a year later, yes, I’m still grieving. Yes, even at work, we can’t do it. People don’t understand. So that’s a big reason why we get stuck. And then the other thing is, a third thing I want to talk about is victimhood. So it’s very natural to feel like a victim when we suffer a loss. Everybody, yes, you didn’t want this to happen to you or to your loved one. The problem is, if we get stuck as victim and it’s easy to do because people expect you to be victim, then that’s another way we get stuck because we’re not empowered now to move forward, to make changes, to make a difference. And so what I encourage my clients to do is if you could take just 1% responsibility, not for what happened, but for your reaction to what happened, that’s the only thing we can really have any control over is how we react. So when the time is right, can you just take the 1% and it could be as small as you got help. Hey, that’s a move in the right direction. It’s the smallest steps. But the more they do that, the more they will and the less victim they’ll feel, and the more empowered they feel. So that’s a way out of getting stuck as well. But being victim is one of the ways we get stuck too.

Corynne Corbett (27:13):

But I’m going to go back to what you just said about the friend who calls, and then you’re like, I’m better. You can’t say to your friend you’re lying. You’re not better.

Monet Farr Cole (27:26):

See, the thing is that I know that when I’ve called my loved ones, and they’re suffering, I am waiting for them to say I’m better. I am not putting the pressure on at all. But in the back of my mind, I can’t wait until she says, yes, I’m better. And the other person can feel it. And so we want to make people comfortable without grief. We don’t want them to suffer with us, so we hide it. Yeah.

Corynne Corbett (28:07):

So it’s like a catch-22. So, the person who’s angry has to carry the burden of making other people feel better.

Monet Farr Cole (28:22):

Yes, absolutely. That’s

Corynne Corbett (28:25):

Jacked up though.

Monet Farr Cole (28:27):

It is. And it is just about not having the right information because you know what you can do instead of just saying, how are you? Do you need something? Can I just come and sit with you? You need some, Rosa, what do you need? I don’t know what to say. I don’t know what to say to help, but I just want you to know I’m here. So if we had this information, then we would know not to keep asking, how are you? But we don’t have the information,

Corynne Corbett (28:58):

Right? I don’t think I ever said, how are you? I don’t. I say, how? You don’t think I say that?

Monet Farr Cole (29:12):

How are you holding up?

Corynne Corbett (29:17):

I do say, what do you need? What can I bring you?

Monet Farr Cole (29:21):

Yes, that’s perfect. That is perfect.

Corynne Corbett (29:24):

What can I bring? You need some food. What can I send? What can I bring? Yeah, I do say that. Yeah.

Monet Farr Cole (29:32):

I

Corynne Corbett (29:32):

Think when can I come by? Time

Monet Farr Cole (29:33):

Goes on six months in, a year in. I think it’s harder,

Corynne Corbett (29:44):

And I often say this to my family members: you don’t want to be an expert on death. Nobody wants to be an expert on death. And actually, everyone’s situation is different. So you don’t want to assume that what you know to be true is true for that other person.

Monet Farr Cole (30:07):

You’re right. That is key. That is key. Because I lost my mom and someone else lost their mom. We had completely different relationships with our mom. So I don’t know. All I know is how I felt. I can share that with you, but I don’t know how you feel.

Corynne Corbett (30:25):

That’s right. I do always say that to people. I was like, I don’t know how you feel. However, I will say my only advice to people this moment by moment. That’s my general advice. That’s good. Interesting. So, as people are coming through the programs and establishing a kind of new reality for themselves, what is your advice to them as they’re doing it?

Monet Farr Cole (31:09):

To have an accountability partner is really important, and to have a plan. So at the end of my programs, I definitely set up an action plan and we follow up. But it’s so important to be able to keep the promises that we make to ourselves. Because if no one else knows about it, it’s really easy to just go back to your old ways because it’s difficult to do something different. It is. So having an accountability partner is very important. Even if it’s just a friend that you say, look, I promised myself I was going to do this. I’m going to go out once a week and just meet people. I’m just going to go into public places and try to just meet some new people, whatever it is, but just share that with them that these are the things that you’re going to do so that someone can hold you accountable.

Corynne Corbett (32:02):

I think that’s really important. So the person doesn’t have to be, let’s say if you’re doing groups, they don’t have to be in that group. That could just be a friend or someone.

Monet Farr Cole (32:11):

An accountability department can be somebody. It’s whoever they want to choose. They might choose someone in the group because they’re going through very similar things. But yeah, it could be just a friend, someone who really cares about you and would call you on it. But it’s like having patience with themselves, too. It’s like having that balance of compassion and courage. So we want to have the courage to do the things that we say we’re going to do, but also being compassionate with ourselves too. So, just having a good balance.

Corynne Corbett (32:47):

And in your program, are there steps? So if I start in one program, could I go to a next program? Could I go to a next program? I feel like if I’m in a situation where I’m trying to come to terms with a loss of some sort, I may need more tools and more help than just one program, for example. So, if there were more opportunities for help, it’d be nice to know they’re there.

Monet Farr Cole (33:29):

So I have a tier because I realized that my clients are in different places. So I actually have a free unstuck event. So, it’s a free webinar. The next one is actually next Saturday at 12 June 15th if anyone wants to tune in. But I have the free one. So that starts to get you thinking about, wow, so that’s what stuck looks like. I think I’m stuck. So then we go into the Heal Your Heart challenge. So the one I’m doing with your listeners is abbreviated to just the 30 days, but I have a more extended program, but that’s still another tiny step because that’s a short program for just four weeks. And you start getting the one-on-one coaching, you do some journal prompts and you have the lessons. So that’s another step into the process. And then after that, then we have the untangled program. And so that’s the four to six-month program, and that’s more intensive. So that’s when you’re really feeling, okay, I really want to dive in and really make some changes in my life. And so then you would go there. But I did recognize that not everyone is ready to just go deep dive, right? Sometimes, we need those baby steps.

Corynne Corbett (34:46):

Absolutely. So what advice would you give to people who just want to dip a toe in?

Monet Farr Cole (35:02):

So if they just want to dip a toe in, there’s a couple of things they can do. I have conversations with everyone before I start working with them, and sometimes it’s just a conversation to have someone talk to you that understands what you may be going through to maybe give you some ideas of some of the things you could do, whether they’re my programs or whether they’re something else, then to at least get that going. The other thing I think is really good is the unstuck event. Because it is a free webinar on a Saturday, you’re in your home. It’s really easy. You just tune in for an hour, and then you see it might give you some indication of where you are in your process, whether you need to maybe do some grief work, you could do that too, or whether you’re really ready to move forward.

Corynne Corbett (35:56):

Right. Okay. That makes sense. That makes sense. Is there anything, excuse me, that you think we’ve missed in this discussion?

Monet Farr Cole (36:17):

I don’t think so. I think we did such a good job of covering everything. Thank you for being perfectly suited for this conversation. I really appreciate it. But I think we really covered a lot. I think we covered the grief as well as moving forward. And it’s important to distinguish the two and to be able to have tools for each of those, because the tools are a little bit different, but they definitely help. And the only other thing, I guess,

Corynne Corbett (36:49):

Go ahead.

Monet Farr Cole (36:51):

The only other thing we didn’t really talk too much about was emotional honesty. And that’s a big one for me too. Oh,

Corynne Corbett (36:56):

Let’s talk about that emotion. Emotion. Let’s talk about emotions.

Monet Farr Cole (37:00):

Honest is so important. If you’re not going to be honest with the people around you, at least be honest with yourself. And so I have what I call a five-step gut check. And so it’s every morning you wake up, and you’re like, okay, how am I feeling? Okay, so today I’m feeling afraid. Okay, so now the next step is, okay, why am I feeling that way? Why am I feeling afraid? Well, doing some new things. This is scary to me to try new things. Okay, so then the next step is, so are there some beliefs attached to that? So maybe I have some limiting beliefs around my ability to be different.

(37:48):

Then the next step would be, so is there anything I can do about it or no? First, is it true? Is it true? Is it true that I’m limited? No, it’s not true. And then you want to ask yourself, is there anything you can do about it? And yes, I can do more with my prayer meditation. I can read and do things that, I can take these small steps that will show me that I’m making progress, and I can build my confidence. And then, so those are the steps in that gut check. But I think it’s just really important. And to be able to name the different emotions. Don’t just always settle for angry. Really dig deep and figure out what it is you’re feeling, why you’re feeling it. And then basically, is there something you can do about it? And if not, it’s about acceptance, right? Accepting that this is just what is and having some

Corynne Corbett (38:53):

Peace. And you do that in the morning.

Monet Farr Cole (38:55):

In the morning, every morning. Just check in, check-in, just get into the habit. It’s a good habit to start really understanding our emotions. Our emotions are here to tell us something. They don’t just exist. They’re here to tell us something. And there are no bad emotions. They just are. So, if we’re jealous and envious, it’s not bad. It just is. Now, what you do about it could be bad. That’s where the good and bad could come in.

Corynne Corbett (39:30):

So for everyone listening today, this is something that we all can do, whether we have experienced loss or not, this is a five step process that we all need to make a habit starting tomorrow. That is something we could take away right now. So, let’s do the five-step gut check. Let’s start making that a habit right now that is a takeaway for us. All right? Now, the other thing is that the 30-day challenge is something that we could all do ourselves. Whether we’ve experienced loss or not, that is the other thing we could all do. So, Monet, please tell us again about the 30-day challenge that you’re offering.

Monet Farr Cole (40:20):

Us. So it’s a 30-day Heal Your Heart challenge. And what we’ll do is the link will take you to a page on my website where you can put your name and your email address. And so for 30 days after you subscribe, you’ll get an email in your inbox with an inspirational message as well as a journal prompt to help you start reflecting and looking inward to decide how you can move through that inspiration message and how you can apply it to yourself. And it just allows you to make these small steps forward to create a life you love.

Corynne Corbett (41:03):

All right? And who doesn’t want a life that they love?

Monet Farr Cole (41:07):

Yes, we all do

Corynne Corbett (41:09):

Think about that. Who does not want a life that they love? So Monet, for our call, I cannot thank you enough for being here with me.

Monet Farr Cole (41:20):

Thank you so much for having me. It’s my pleasure.

Check out Monet Farr Cole’s Events Page for additional upcoming sessions.

The post BHM Interview Monet Farr Cole on Navigating Loss, Emotional Honesty and Creating a Life You Love appeared first on Black Health Matters.

This is a day to raise awareness, but it is also a day of community action. “We are in a moment of real progress with advances like gene therapy and bone marrow transplants offering new hope to people living with sickle cell disease—transformative treatments that can significantly reduce complications and improve quality of life,” said Dr. Sophie Lanzkron, Director of the Division of Hematology – Cardeza Foundation for Hematologic Research at Thomas Jefferson University. “But we must also recognize the barriers—cost, access, and the need for lifelong care. These are complex therapies that require support and informed decision-making. Shine the Light on Sickle Cell is about bringing visibility not only to the promise of a better future, but also to the people and innovations needed to get us there.”

This is critically important in the world we live in, as we see changes taking place in how access to research and funding are being allocated.

Over the next two weeks, buildings, stadiums, and landmarks will glow red in support of Sickle Cell Awareness from the Maryland/Washington, D.C. Metro area to Newark, NJ.

•  University of Maryland Medical Centers, Capital Region in Bowie, Largo, and Laurel
• Baltimore, MD, Bromo Seltzer Tower, Johns Hopkins University Hospital, M&T Bank Stadium, and Camden Yards Warehouse
• Philadelphia, PA Ballroom at the Ben Boat House Row, Bulletin Building, Cira Center, City Hall, FMC Tower
• Newark, NJ City Hall, Krueger-Scott Mansion, and Source of Knowledge Book Store.

This year, three of the Divine Nine, historically African American sororities and fraternities—Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc., Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc.,  and Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. will join SiNERGe by lending their voices and networks to shine the light on sickle cell disease.

There is still time to join in some World Sickle Cell Day Events:

For a complete list of the SiNERGe CBOs is here.

The post Shining the Light on Sickle Cell Anemia for Seven Years appeared first on Black Health Matters.

What’s maddening about this is that it often occurs when a sickle cell patient is already pregnant, and they are advised not to have any more by the OBGYN whose care they are under. Presumably, they trust this person who can subtly exert influence and walk a fine line between force and consent. Patients have 30 days to withdraw this consent, but most don’t.

Here is the scary part:

But the doctor said it was best done while she was already open, she recalled, rather than risking another surgery.

Her memory of that day is fuzzy. But there’s one thing she’s adamant about: She didn’t want to sign the form. Nor did she want to die in childbirth, leaving her kids without a mom. Her obstetrician was older and had delivered countless babies. He was Black, like her. She trusted him. Maybe he knew best.

Sometimes, it is your people who betray you.

These sterilizations are confirmations of the doctors’ belief that SCD patients shouldn’t have children. According to the article, “But to doctors researching the risks, the answer is not to discourage people with sickle cell from becoming parents. The answer is to provide better care. Some hospitals have teamed up sickle cell specialists with high-risk pregnancy experts, dramatically reducing complications and, in some cases, doing away with these deaths entirely.”

The article points out why sickle cell patients fall pretty to these pressures. Black women with SCD seeking quality care do not have a lot of options, especially after graduating from a pediatric program. There is a lack of adult specialists available across the country. And the power differential weighs heavily on the doctor’s side.

But no matter where you live, you have rights. Say, can I have time to think about it when in doubt? And get yourself out of there before a decision is made that cannot be undone.

If you are with your significant other, spouse, boo, or anyone who has signing privileges, make sure you go over what they should and should not sign on your behalf.

The post Women With SCD Sterilized By Coercion appeared first on Black Health Matters.

Dr. Love did his residency at Harvard and worked at Mass General Hospital. Although that hospital didn’t see as many SCD patients, he was dismayed to witness a similar scenario. He filed these encounters in the back of his mind. “I ended up in biotech and focused my career on cardiovascular disease and cancer,” Dr. Love says. “And I almost felt guilty for not doing anything about the inequity I saw.”

Dr. Love retired and moved to the wine country in 2012 and got a call from a former Harvard professor, Charles Homcy, who was starting a sickle cell company, Global Blood Therapies, GBT. He tried to coax Dr. Love out of retirement to join the venture-funded company. Initially, the new retiree only agreed to join the board of directors. But a year into the project, he called his wife after reviewing some new material and told her he needed to talk to her about it. “When I got home, my wife and three daughters said, ‘We know you, we know how passionate you are, how you care about the situation sickle cell patients face. And we support you doing this.’ So I called the company back and said, if you want me to be the CEO, I have the support to do it.” I started that role in 2014.”

One of Dr. Love’s first things on his agenda was to connect with the SCD community. “I realized if we were serious about the commitment to these patients, we would have to build those deep relationships early,” Dr. Love explains. “We talked to groups about the clinical trial. Will you help get it done? They told us what data they wanted us to share, and we delivered on that commitment.” That partnership resulted in our drug, Oxbryta, which helps keep hemoglobin from clumping together. After receiving accelerated approval in 2019, the FDA granted breakthrough approval in 2021. Pfizer acquired GBT for $5.4 billion in 2022.

Dr. Love says that GBT was the world’s largest investor in solutions for SCD. Outspending the US government. “The other thing I’m super proud of is that we have stimulated interest and innovations for SCD, as it has been done for cystic fibrosis.”

You already know that Dr. Love doesn’t know the meaning of retirement. He is taking part in the Sickle Cell Forward Trip this fall. “I am trying to get 20 people to donate $50,000 each, and we are going to hike Kilimanjaro in September,” Dr. Love says.”We will give that money to a clinic in Africa where patients often die before their fifth birthday because they don’t have access to simple things, and we will make those things available. A matching gift will go toward sickle cell treatment in the US. We are building a culture to become what we need to see.” (But you can also donate as little as $5 to the cause.)

If you are thinking about what you can do that doesn’t cost you anything, Dr. Love suggests putting some pressure on your representatives and senators. One thing on his list is resurrecting the Sickle Cell Treatment Act, which would allocate $535 million annually to fund SCD Centers of Excellence and CBOs.

However, Dr. Love is hopeful about the innovation happening at Pfizer and across the industry. “I’m hoping to improve the quality and quantity of their medicine in the next decade. To make a big difference in managing sickle cell with two or three pills, and patients live longer in the future.”

The post Dr. Ted Love On His Fight to Keep Sickle Cell Disease From Being Overlooked appeared first on Black Health Matters.

Finding Out What is Relevant For Us.

In approaching this study, researchers knew that persistent disparities exist when it comes to our health, particularly in cancer diagnosis and Black women. “In having a population of all Black women, we can understand what’s driving better outcomes for some Black women, less great outcomes for other black women. That way, as we partner with patient outreach and support and our local and national leaders, we can develop interventions that will be relevant for Black women,” Dr. McCullough says. “Often, when we think about disparities, we think about the reference or comparator group being white women. But by augmenting this population, we can better understand what works for us and what works for our health, and help drive interventions that will be relevant.”

This a 30 Year Study

The goal is to enroll over 100,000 women. This is not the most extensive study of Black women. But it will be the most extensive study to have Black women focused on cancer. To start, they are looking for Black women between the ages of 25-55 who have never been diagnosed with cancer (skin cancer is the only exception). Potential participants fill out a pretty comprehensive questionnaire, so they find out about your lived experience.

Dr. McCullough provides more details. “You will complete a short registration survey to get your demographic characteristics, name, address, phone number, and email. And that’s so we can keep up with you over the time you’re in the study for the next 30 years. That entire process takes about 10 or 15 minutes.,” she explains.

“After that, you would complete the first life and health histories survey, which takes about an hour, and some of the usual things you would expect in a health survey, previous medical conditions and family history; we’d also ask about lifestyle and behavior. Physical activity, diet environment, or food environment, we’d ask about your sleep. And then, there are several questions that we think are specific to this demographic group, including social support and caregiving, mental health, and experiences of racism and discrimination. And that survey, again, takes about an hour, and you’ll be fully enrolled in the study.” However, the health history is designed to be self-paced so participants can return to finish it when their schedules permit.

“Over time, we follow the population for all health outcomes, including cancer. So we’re able to understand then how all of these different things that someone may be exposed to, through their environment, their lifestyle, their job, their family, or medical, personal medical history, and so on, as well as other social and structural aspects, how all of these different factors may influence the risk of developing different types of health outcomes,” Dr. Patel explains, “Then we keep following the populations. So, for instance, if a woman is diagnosed with cancer, we don’t stop following her; we continue to follow the population for potentially the next 30 years, really to be able to understand how also to improve outcomes after a cancer or other disease diagnosis.”

You Don’t Have to Go Anywhere

You can participate in the Voices of Black Women study from the privacy of your home. You never have to go anywhere. “It is not a clinical trial. It is not an intervention,” Dr. McCullough says. “We just want to know about you, your experiences, your lifestyle, and then we can link that with various health outcomes that will emerge throughout the study.”

Dr. McCullough notes that over 30 years, the study researchers will reach out to participants twice a year to complete a 30-minute survey. And that’s it. “So an hour investment every year is what we’re looking for when we partner with Black women, and having this information on this number of women can help augment the research in health and cancer for Black women,” she says.

They Are Recruiting in 20 States

Recruitment is already underway, according to Dr. Patel.”We are recruiting right now across 20 states, including the District of Columbia. These 20 states and D.C. represent where over 90% of the Black population in the United States lives,” she says.

The States include Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and Washington, D.C.

Researchers Want to Build a Bidirectional Relationship

Dr. Patel says that this study is building upon previous studies. “So, an important thing for us has been and will continue to be for voices of Black women to share what we learned from the study. The more our participants feel connected to the discoveries we’re making to inform their health and understand their impact on a much greater scale, the more important it is to us,” she says. “We plan to build a bidirectional relationship through that participant portal. This is not something that we want women who choose to participate to feel like they are doing for us. But this is something they are doing with us. We will share findings as we uncover them over the next 30 years with our study participants.”

What They Hope to Learn

Dr. McCullough says, “I think we hope to learn why Black women are getting more aggressive types of disease. Cancer relatively impacts Black and white women pretty equally. But we know Black women are more likely to be diagnosed with tumors that are harder to treat, as well as late-stage tumors,” she says. “Even though for breast cancer, for example, Black women are equally likely to get screened as their white counterparts. And so, trying to get more insights on why this is the way we can tailor our prevention messages would be another goal. And then, finally, why Black women tend to die more or less often than other counterparts. And again, that we’re focused on Black women. But I think we can glean nice insights from understanding which participants, you know, survive longer. Are there things that they’re doing differently? Are there different systems that they’re operating in that better attend to their social needs? But certainly, some early insights will hopefully begin to narrow those gaps and create optimal health for all Black women.”

To enroll in VOICES of Black Women, go here.

If you still have questions about the program, check out the FAQs here.

The post Everything You Need to Know About the VOICES of Black Women Study (Focused on Us and Cancer) appeared first on Black Health Matters.

Snowden, age 45, recalls that starting in seventh grade, she began this cycle of losing weight and gaining it back and losing it and gaining more back. “Then, one day, I looked up and was about 350 pounds. I am a tall woman, 5’10”, so my weight stretches out a bit,” she says. “So, when I was getting bigger and bigger, I didn’t notice until it was fast forward, a little too late.”

It Started with a List

The former deputy mayor was unhappy, but she could not figure out why. Because she is a Type A personality, she first looked for answers in books, reading every self-help advice tome on happiness she could lay her hands on. But something within told her to write down why she was unhappy.

“There were four things that made me unhappy. I hated my job, and I wanted to quit. I was working for a major corporation, and it was not feeding my spirit. I wanted to change neighborhoods. I was living in the ‘hood and raising my two boys, and it was getting dangerous, and I didn’t want to raise them there. I wanted to lose weight. And I wanted to start therapy.”

How Therapy Helped

Snowden quit her job, launched her government affairs firm, Blueprint Strategy Group, and purchased and renovated a home. She began preparing for weight loss surgery for the fourth time. This time, Snowden decided to go through the gastric sleeve procedure in 2020. And the mother of two found a therapist. “The hardest thing to do was therapy,” she says.

“Yes, surgery jump-started it, then therapy helped. Because I got to process that I am an emotional eater. When I’m happy, I eat; when I’m sad, I eat; when I want to celebrate with people, I eat. The first thing I do when I hear somebody dies is buy a chicken and take it over there; that is how we love, right?” she explains. “What therapy also did was interrupt a harmful pattern and allow me to get a clear one on normal eating habits.” Before getting a handle on her problems with food, Snowden had been losing and gaining the same 25 to 40 pounds.

Snowden also wants to debunk any misconceptions that weight loss surgery is easy. “Getting the surgery is a process. It is a six-month commitment that some people might consider severe,” she explains. “But like anything else, it is a tool. I’m committed to doing what I am supposed to do: eating a protein-heavy diet with vegetables, trying to keep sugar to a minimum, and working out regularly.

Committing to A Healthier Lifestyle

In 2017, Snowden purchased a Peloton bike as a present after having her baby boy to ensure she got her body together.

“I was an athlete in high school and college and had let that part go substantially. But in my early 20s, I had taken on spinning but did not have time to do it anymore,” Snowden says. “I’ve got a grown-up job with a lot of responsibility. So, when I bought my Peloton, I was the city’s deputy mayor. I thought if this works. It will allow me to fit fitness into my life in a way I could not before.”

“That little seat hurt my first time on the bike at 340 pounds, and I had many reasons not to do it. But you know what? It got better,” she says. “Historically, I would have beaten myself up for not being successful. This is the other thing, particularly since Black women are used to succeeding at many things. And sometimes, the thing that we are the least successful at is taking care of ourselves.”

That same year, when Snowden wanted advice on preserving her freshly blown hair, she asked for advice on the official Peloton FB page, which had over 100,000 members. She got lots of advice she couldn’t use, but a few Black women sent her direct messages with the information that could help her.

Snowden saw the page as a microcosm of the world and thought Black women could benefit from a safe space. “I said, there is something here. I emailed people I knew had Pelotons who had contacted me about my hair post and said, ‘Hey, if I start this thing, would you jump in?’ So, I started Black Girl Magic, The Peloton Edition, with five or six people,” she said. “By the time George Floyd died in 2020, we were at 6,000 members. The reason I remember that is I invited the CEO to have a Fireside chat with me in the Facebook Group. The company rolled out their equity commitments to us live.” she recalled.”Now we are at 35,000 Black women globally.”

“I would not have been able to get a full handle on this without the full combination of the surgery and the commitment to working out.” Snowden has shed 165 pounds and has kept it off for three years.

A big part of her success is the BGM community, which has grown beyond Facebook to discussions on Clubhouse, class takeovers at Peloton studios, and in-person events. Because there are so many members, there are strict rules of engagement, like no solicitation, and all posts need to be approved by one of the three moderators. Still, Snowden is in the group interacting multiple times daily. She recently hosted a book event discussion on perimenopause, menopause, and weight loss at her home. And the group support of one another goes beyond fitness.

Resetting Her Life

Reflecting on her journey over the last four years, Snowden can’t help but think about how it coincides with the COVID-19 pandemic. “Lots of terrible things happened during the pandemic for many people. But one of the best things that happened is that many of us reset our lives,” she says. “I had an opportunity to focus on health and fitness. I could not have been as successful with my fitness and wellness journey any other time in my life.”

This story is made possible by an educational grant from Novo Nordisk.

The post Courtney Snowden’s Winning Weight Loss Formula appeared first on Black Health Matters.

According to The Cleveland Clinic, Class III Obesity used to be referred to as morbid obesity, “A complex chronic disease in which a person has a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher or a BMI of 35 or higher and is experiencing obesity-related health conditions.” Studies have reported that extreme obesity can decrease life expectancy by up to 14 years. Mandisa had been last known alive three weeks before her death, according to reports.

The singer also saw her share of triumphs and tears. Right after winning two Grammy awards for Overcomers, her best friend and backup singer, Kisha Mitchell, died of breast cancer while pregnant. Mandisa became depressed, gained 200 pounds, and became a recluse for a time, she told People. Then, she fought her way out of the darkness.

But although she is no longer on this physical plane, Mandisa has left us with six albums that give us the beauty of her voice that will live on.

The post Mandisa’s Cause of Death Has Been Revealed appeared first on Black Health Matters.

“I am confident that my doctors have developed the best possible plan to target my specific disease. The road ahead will not be easy, but I stand in faith that God will strengthen me,” she wrote.

“To the constituents of the 18th Congressional District: Serving as your representative in Congress for 30 years is one of my greatest honors. Your hopes and aspirations inspire my efforts on behalf of our community every day. As I pursue my treatments, it is likely that I will be occasionally absent from Congress, but rest assured my office will continue to deliver the vital constituent services that you deserve and expect,” she continued.

We know you join us in sending prayers of strength and healing to Representative Jackson Lee as she, her family, doctors, loved ones, and the community support her through this journey.

About Pancreatic Cancer

It’s not clear what causes pancreatic cancer. Doctors have found some factors that might raise the risk of this type of cancer. These include smoking and having a family history of pancreatic cancer.

According to the Mayo Clinic, there may not be symptoms of pancreatic cancer until it is in its advanced stages. Those may include:

• Belly pain that spreads to the sides or back.
• Loss of appetite.
• Weight loss.
• Yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes, called jaundice.
• Light-colored or floating stools.
• Dark-colored urine.
• Itching.
• New diagnosis of diabetes or diabetes that’s getting harder to control.
• Pain and swelling in an arm or leg, which might be caused by a blood clot.
• Tiredness or weakness.

According to the Pancreatic Action Network, more than 64,000 will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer this year.

The post Representative Sheila Jackson Lee Announces She Has Pancreatic Cancer appeared first on Black Health Matters.

For her historic win, The Athletic says, the award-winning gymnast received an engraved silver belt buckle. That’s just a token because she’s earned a spot at the Olympic trials later this summer. Paris would be her third Olympic games.

Consider that Gabby Douglas won her first gold medal at 16. And until this week, had her eye on Paris as well. Dominique Dawes was a member of the US Olympic team from 1992-1996, winning four medals.

Simone Biles is now 27 years old, and she continues to defy the odds. But she has also had her share of challenges. In 2021, when she withdrew from the Tokyo Olympics with the twisties, “an athlete’s terms for the sudden loss of air awareness during a routine.” Many thought her career was over. But Biles persevered and made her way back. But has kept her plans closely guarded.

When she stepped out of the Tokyo Olympics, her friend, Jordan Chiles, now 23, stepped up. Afterward, Chiles joined the UCLA gymnastics team, and she and Biles have been training hard for Paris together, according to Fox News. Chiles finished fifth in the nationals. But the next generation of Black gymnasts is already here, and she came in second at nationals. Her name is Skye Blakely from Frisco, Texas.

The post Simone Biles Makes History With Her 9th Win of the US Gymnastics Championships appeared first on Black Health Matters.

According to The Washington Post, “Mrs. Robinson’s role was helping granddaughters Malia and Sasha Obama adjust to life in the Washington D.C. bubble and maintain normalcy. She rode to school with the girls in Secret Service SUVs and tucked them in at night when their parents’ schedules kept them from home.”

Mrs. Robinson only appeared with the Obamas on holidays and for some cultural events, especially when the granddaughters were present. She didn’t grant interviews for the most part. She also didn’t speak much publicly, but that was by choice.

She was described by her children as a woman who spoke her mind but cherished her privacy.

Born Marion Lois Shields in Chicago on July 30, 1937. She was one of seven siblings. She attended two years of college but did not finish her degree due to financial issues. She married Fraser Robinson in her early 20s and became a stay-at-home mom. But it is one of the reasons she stressed education to Michelle and her brother Craig Robinson.

Mrs. Robinson picked up running in her 50s and won gold medals in the 50-meter and 100-meter races and the 1997 Illinois Senior Olympics.

She was beloved because she brought warmth, relatability, and the occasional wordless expression that spoke volumes to the national and international stage with a calm assurance of belonging. We will forever be grateful for her presence.

Our condolences to her family, who are especially heartbroken by her loss. President Barack Obama has shared this beautiful tribute to Mrs. Robinson from the family that gives a snapshot of the woman they loved.

The post Marion Robinson, Michelle Obama’s Mother Has Passed Away appeared first on Black Health Matters.

The Centers for Disease Control reports that residents in the area had a higher-than-average incidence of obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. But at the same time, a study by the Atlanta Regional Commission found that some residents reported limited access to healthy food options while others couldn’t afford them. It’s the same catch-22 we see in every urban neighborhood. Unhealthy food is cheaper and at our fingertips. But this program seeks to combat those norms.

The Community Market is spearheaded with a commitment of $1 million from the City of Atlanta’s Economic Opportunity Fund-Food Access. It is anchored by a Goodr Grocery store, one of Goodr’s Core Relief Hunger Solutions, which invites 300 local families in District 10 to shop each month at no cost. However, the goal is to give them access to fresh produce, meat, and shelf-stable goods and the ability to shop with dignity. District 10 City Council member Andrea Boone and other leaders in Fulton County will work together to identify families. As the program gets its footing, Goodr is optimistic that it can increase the number of families it can accommodate by year two.

But the project’s genius is that they didn’t stop at the grocery store alone.

“There are a lot of Black people in our community that need access to health resources and education. We are grateful to have partners excited to work with us and provide better resources to our community,” Jasmine Crowe-Houston, Goodr’s Founder and CEO, says. “Goodr has leveraged existing partnerships with organizations such as Grady Hospital, the American Heart Association, and Eat Urban Fresh. These partnerships will provide monthly resources such as healthcare screenings and healthy meal preparation.”

However, the holistic approach to the project gives us even more hope for its success. Goodr goes beyond providing the neighborhood access to healthy food and teaching folks how to prepare meals, offering preventative screenings and one of our favorite parts, a wellness room. “Goodr has also included a “wellness room” that allows a safe space for people to meditate or decompress,” Crowe-Houston explains. “Our goal is to normalize taking care of not only your physical health but also your mental health.”

The post Goodr’s Community Market Is An Investment in Atlanta’s Health and Wellness appeared first on Black Health Matters.

Dr. Wade, a medical sociologist, and  Willie L. Williams, DrPH, an assistant professor in the School of Allied Health Sciences at Florida A&M University (FAMU), are first planting seeds in health sciences. Their overall goal is exposure to career pathways in health professions.

“Most recently, I’ve started to focus on our minority students and their transition from college into the professional field,” Dr. Williams explains. “Specifically to help fill in those things that have impacted them from totally making that transition from perceptions to just readiness overall.” At FAMU, that means exposing students to majors like health sciences.

“They can take so many different avenues; they can come from mentorship, faculty, and staff. That comes from ensuring they engage in internship and shadowing opportunities, and even bringing professionals to the campus and the classroom,” Dr Williams points out. Williams gave examples of physician assistants and physical therapists coming in to explain their jobs and how they got them.

For Dr. Wade, the benefit of a Health Science undergraduate major is two-fold. “Degrees like health science are a great opportunity for students to explore. Because it’s not a specific area, many folks have no idea who they are at 18. And we pressure folks to pick a major at when they don’t know anything. But with health science, you get a little taste of all sorts of things,” she explains. “We use an interprofessional approach, where students take one class in every health science area. So that’s a communication disorder, exercise science, social work, nutrition; they take biology and physiology to get a taste of everything. But you also have a general education that allows you to apply to medical school.”

Even then, Dr. Wade believes that they can move the bar beyond being a physician if they so choose. “I’ve just been researching the prevalence of black doctors. And we have a real presence in OB/GYN and Family Medicine. But we don’t have a presence in so many other areas,” she says. “Surgery specialties include ear, nose, and throat, where no black women are even professors in America. So, I think there’s so much more room for growth.”

Dr. Williams points out where FAMU has advantages. “When you have professors in tune with what minority students need, they know they need that exposure. And so when we have classes, like health professions, or personal, professional development, where we can be strategic but innovative with how we make them research different avenues, and help them start thinking and planting seeds, or what do you want to go, let’s see how we can connect you with the right mentors, to help you navigate from health science into the medical field, and tell you which ways are better for you,” he says. “One of the other added components is that we start instilling in our students early the impact and the need for them in the health field, the difference that their presence makes amongst the communities that look like them, how much the communication between patient and provider will improve. Because it’s coming from you, how much trust will now be implemented in the system?  Everybody’s waiting on you, professionals and patients, to take your place and help move the needle forward?”

Whenever something about disparity or inequality arises in one of  Dr Wade’s classes, I say, “I’m so glad you all are going to be the next providers because you all won’t be like that, right? And they’re like, Yeah, because again, we weave it into every topic. So there’s this constant reminder that we need folks who believe in quality care,” she concludes.

The post Dr. Jeannette Wade and Dr. Willie L. Williams Are On a Mission Is To Recruit More Black Health Professionals appeared first on Black Health Matters.

Christian Diggs opened up to us about her diagnosis, treatment, and learning to live, learn, and thrive beyond that.

“My first episode occurred on a flight. That day, my life completely changed. Everything in my world suddenly felt disconnected,” she says. “I felt out of control; my mind was not mine.”

“At first, it was really scary and shocking, but after getting a diagnosis. I felt a sense of relief.” Since she comes from a family of academics, she immediately went into research mode to discover everything she could about the condition.

The adjustment took some time.

“I felt like a passenger in my own body,” she says. “I had to constantly remind myself that that phase of my life was over and that I must focus on learning how to live and succeed in this next phase.”

However, since schizophrenia is so misunderstood, Christian experienced many mixed emotions early on. “When I was first diagnosed, I experienced a lot of shame and embarrassment about what I was going through. I felt that I had let my family down,” she explains. “I didn’t fully realize until years later, when my symptoms had lessened, how integral and solid my family’s support had been. Honestly, I would not have made it to where I am today if it weren’t for my family.”

Through her schizophrenia journey, Christian has learned a lot about herself:

I’ve learned that I can change and adapt to tough and seemingly insurmountable situations.

I am capable of more than just surviving my diagnosis; I can live again.

I thought I had lost everything, but with patience and determination, I have slowly gotten back out there and learned to reconnect with people.

I learned to trust that I know what I need to be okay now and ask for help if unsure. When living with symptoms of schizophrenia, it is crucial to have a care team to help you find tools and coping mechanisms that work and make sense for you.

It is essential to stay connected to friends and family and to use outside resources, including those from the advocacy groups featured on the Live Your PosSCZible website. 

I seek joy in my work as a Carpenter!

Christian is now in her 4th year as a Carpenter Apprentice. “Every day, I go to work feeling so much gratitude and awe that I’ve made it to this phase of my life!” Hot yoga is essential to her, too. She started the classes as a way to develop mental discipline. “At first, being in a hot room with so many people was extremely difficult, and I would have to leave the class,” she says. “With time, I could stay longer and longer, and now taking a class is no sweat…actually, a lot of sweat is involved. I also find happiness in dancing and cycling, and I’m learning to roller skate. When I was first diagnosed, I didn’t think that….. living your PosSCZible could become a reality.”

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Since being diagnosed with schizophrenia at 21, Tyson McGuire has discovered that he doesn’t give up easily. “Even though dealing with schizophrenia is a challenge, I try my best not to make sure I don’t spiral down,” he says. “I try to be happy and smile a lot.”

Tyson has a sound support system that includes his mother, sister, and friends, who keep him grounded in reality. They make sure that he’s okay and that he doesn’t isolate himself. “I have had some friends who didn’t understand schizophrenia and how it affects people,” he says. “Some people have bad stereotypes about it. I had one friend whose girlfriend didn’t want me to come over to their house because of my diagnosis.”

“Music also helps me a lot. I play piano and compose my own music, which I started before my diagnosis and continue today,” Tyson says.

If I had to use one word to describe myself today, it would be “perseverance.” Although some of my goals don’t look the same as before my diagnosis, I am finding new ways to Live my posSCZible. I was recently accepted into Ohio State University (OSU), where I’ll continue my physics degree. And I continue to develop skills – like music and art – that I started when I was younger and continue to enjoy today.

The post Taye Diggs and His Sister Christian Want to Change the Conversation Around Schizophrenia appeared first on Black Health Matters.