It can be used in conjunction with other therapies or make a significant impact on its own when used consistently, so it might be smart to pull out the kicks in addition to the patches.

Here’s Why Repin and Peloton Have Partnered

The innovative fitness platform Peloton and Respin Health, a menopause-centered wellness platform founded by Academy Award-winning actress Halle Berry, partnered on a recent study to assess whether sweating could relieve menopause symptoms. The ‘P.R.E.S.S.’ study ran for eight weeks and used a holistic approach to evaluating participants.

It included results from 267 Peloton members aged 40 to 65 who received personalized plans to manage their health during this period. These plans accounted for their schedules rather than overwhelming them. Customization is central to both companies’ offerings.

The workouts ranged from using the iconic Peloton stationary bike to hiking, boxing, and other forms of movement. Flexibility put participants in control of how they presented.

There is No Such Thing as a Menopause Workout

“There’s not a single magic menopause workout, and you don’t have to do it ‘perfectly’— we saw improvements across the board, without perfect adherence or strict protocols,” Elizabeth Knight, Head of Science & Research at Respin Health, told Black Health Matters in a statement.

Those who reported being tired and worn out showed a 26% improvement in their symptoms. Brain fog decreased by 34% among participants. Weight gain was reduced by 41%.  

How Menopause Impacts Black Women Differently

Black women are particularly vulnerable to severe menopause symptoms, according to a 2025 survey in Preventive Medicine Reports. “African American women have an earlier onset and increased burden of menopause symptoms, including vasomotor symptoms,” according to the American Journal of Public Health.

Halle Berry Has Become a Strong Advocate for Menopause Research

Berry has been a strong advocate in the fight against menopause related suffering. She supported a bill to increase the limited research funding for menopause and to educate healthcare professionals on the topic. She works to decrease the stigma surrounding the subject. “Women talk about puberty, periods, pregnancy, and postpartum, but not menopause. We don’t talk about heart palpitations, anxiety, or depression,” Berry told ESSENCE. “That has to change. We need to talk about menopause as easily as we talk about puberty.”

Using her voice to advocate for health initiatives is nothing new to the Never Let Go star. Berry has also lent her voice to raising awareness about the nuances of diabetes, a condition that disproportionately impacts Black people.

She is one of several public figures who have spoken openly about menopause in recent years, reflecting evolving attitudes toward the topic.

Screen and Broadway star Vanessa Williams recently spoke about how it affected her. Former First Lady Michelle Obama shared her thoughts on the topic in 2022.

Some Key Findings From the Study 

35 symptoms were measured as part of the P.R.E.S.S. study. Other significant areas of improvement included anxiety and mood, hot flashes and sweating, and body aches. The study reported that “Symptom improvement may function as the gateway to improve cardiovascular health, bone health, and brain health.”

“The key components we identified from existing research are consistent, progressive strength training, high-intensity interval training, and dedicated recovery,” Knight continued. “Rather than reinvent the wheel, we looked at these proven strategies in combination, in a real-world setting. And we saw a remarkable improvement across all symptoms by the end of the study.”

The P.R.E.S.S. study used a widely accepted  measurement tool to verify and present its findings.

“We measured symptoms using a validated tool called the Menopause-Specific Quality of Life scale, along with six additional symptoms frequently reported by our members. MENQOL is trusted by doctors and used in research, so we can show how our results stack up against other approaches,” Knight explained. “Using this tool, we were able to show that women were significantly less bothered by their menopause symptoms at the end of the 8-week study than they were at the beginning.”

Movement Can Be Medicine for Menopause

“The improvements reported by this group reinforce what we have always known: movement is medicine and a catalyst for transformation,” said Jen Cotter, Chief Content Officer at Peloton.

The Journal of Clinical Medicine and the Journal of Experimental Physiology have documented the value of exercise during menopause in prior studies.

“The existing science is clear that consistent, progressive exercise is one of the most powerful ways to feel better and promote long-term health,” adds Knight. “Everyone can benefit.”

Resources

American Journal of Public Health

BMC Women’s Health

MENQOL

Journal of Clinical Studies

Journal of Experimental Psychology

The post Could Exercise Squash Menopause’s Side Effects? Halle Berry’s Company Thinks So appeared first on Black Health Matters.

Why This Initiative is Important to Spencer 

“Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects one-quarter to one-third of adults with diabetes in the USA. Patients with CKD and type 2 diabetes have an elevated risk of cardiovascular (CV) disease and can eventually progress to end-stage kidney disease,” according to a 2025 article in BMJ Open Diabetes Research & Care. Studies show that risk is higher for the Black community, which has a higher rate of diabetes and high blood pressure as well. 

This makes the initiative personal to Spencer. “I’m a part of this health mission because I suffer from type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure that I control,” she says. “And because type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure and heart disease are quite prevalent in the Black community, as a Black woman, I felt compelled to become a part of this collective, to educate people.” 

Why We Should Consider uACR Testing 

This testing can help you identify serious health issues long before they begin to slow down your lifestyle. Spencer will appear alongside Modern Family star Sofia Vergara, whose mother has high blood pressure, in their upcoming commercial that will play during Sunday’s big game (aka The Super Bowl). With a play on action movies, its engaging tone will encourage viewers to get serious about their health by accessing the information uACR can offer.  

She described the ways that your kidneys can send out invisible distress signals.  “If you suffer from diabetes, type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure. Your body could be sending out a silent SOS through your kidneys, and there is an easy way to detect that,” Spencer continued. “It’s important for all of us to know our numbers.”  

The Journal of the American Society of Nephrology recommends the critical need to increase uACR screening rates in at-risk patients. 

The Busyness of Life Can Distract Us from Our Health 

Whether you’re focused on status reports at work, sports games or family activities, it can be easy to sideline doctor’s visits when there are no visible issues.  

Spencer admitted to putting her health on the back burner, something many people do until they are unable to ignore it. “I’m a regular woman, and like regular people, a lot of the times, we don’t go to the doctor until we feel ill,” she says. “Being a part of this mission has made me realize that I don’t want to wait until I feel sick, because then sometimes it can be too late to turn things around. So now, I’m being more proactive.”  

How Her Work and Greater Mission Align 

Spencer offers her support to marginalized communities at her day job as well. She is preparing for the February 25 return of Lost Women of Alaska, the fourth installment of the Lost Women franchise, highlighting true crime stories. The series highlights who can be at a higher risk of facing harm at the hands of another.  

She shared why the premise of the show connects to her heart, as someone who could have easily been in a different place in life. Spencer was headed for law school before choosing the creative path after the loss of her mother. She might have been banging a gavel instead of walking red carpets.  

“Women, the elderly, children are our most vulnerable, and this season of Lost Women takes place in Alaska, where Indigenous women are preyed upon,” she says. Black women, like indigenous women, are at a higher risk of being murdered.  

“It’s important for me because my trajectory in life changed,” she says. “So this is a way for me to satiate the need for justice.” The series aims to highlight “people whose voices have been stolen” and “to raise awareness for women who might find themselves in compromising positions to always be aware of their surroundings and who they associate with.”  

Spencer is Prioritizing Her Health & A Balanced Life 

When she is not reminding people to learn about their bodies and be mindful of predators, she’s connecting with her loved ones. “I have learned that spending time with family and friends is just as important as getting up and exercising and eating healthy. These days, we are all on our devices and not necessarily interacting with our loved ones,” she continues. “They say, laughter is the best medicine. I don’t know that it’s the best medicine, but I know that it is good medicine.”  

That doesn’t mean she’s not focused on the medicine of movement. After twenty years of living with diabetes, she knows the importance of keeping up with her pilates.  “I’m 55, and I want to enter that phase of my life stronger,” she says. “The best way to do that, I think, is to be as preventative as possible.”  

Part of that prevention is knowing her numbers and continuing to focus on what she wants from the next phase of her life.   

“People say age gracefully; I just want to be strong.” 

Resources 

Detect the SOS 

BJM Open Diabetes & Care 

Journal of the American Society of Nephrology 

Trauma Violence & Abuse 

The post Octavia Spencer Wants Us To “Detect The SOS” From Our Kidneys appeared first on Black Health Matters.

TMZ reported that Norwood had been admitted to a Las Vegas hospital earlier this month. They attributed his admission to heart pains and a case of pneumonia.

 

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Details About His Heart Issues

The reality star shed light on the details behind the incident in the Instagram post. “I want to thank everybody for praying for me,” he stated, looking directly into the camera lens. “I was in a hospital. My heart’s only beating like 25 percent, but as long as I stay focused and stay on the right path, then everything will be all right, so thank you for all your prayers.”

Heart disease is a leading cause of death in the United States of America. “One person dies every 34 seconds from cardiovascular disease,” according to the Centers for Disease Control.

The American Heart Association reports that the amount of heart function that is considered “normal” is “between 55% and 70%.” Anything lower than that could potentially indicate severe damage to the heart, which could come with serious side effects. The tests used to measure heart function include echocardiograms (commonly referred to as echos), nuclear imaging, cardiac catheterizations, and cardiac MRIs.

Black Men Are at a Higher Risk for Heart Issues

The Journal of the American Medical Association considers heart failure with reduced ejection fraction “a major public health concern with substantial morbidity and mortality.” According to the Office of Minority Health, “Black/African Americans were 35% more likely than the U.S. population overall to die from major heart and blood vessel disease.” Trends in cardiovascular disease risk in the U.S. have cited Black men as a particularly vulnerable population for adverse cardiovascular events. Research from the American Journal of Preventive Medicine places them as 65% more likely to have a heart attack or stroke.

Excessive Alcohol and Drug Use Can Increase Risks

In another since-expired video, which was ripped and migrated across social platforms, Norwood again referenced his health. He expressed regret for what he appeared to deem as excessive partying. “I shouldn’t have gone this hard,” he told viewers and another man who repeatedly entered and exited the frame before revealing that he had an upcoming appointment for further testing. Alcohol has been identified by the American Heart Association as a risk for cardiovascular disease, noting that “Drinking patterns, in particular binge and heavy episodic drinking, may modify the relationship between alcohol consumption and CAD risk.” Substance abuse of any kind can present physical health hurdles. Certain studies have even linked cannabis use to heart health risks. Norwood referenced heavy drinking in one of the videos he posted.

“Four or five bottles a day, 10 addys, f**ked my heart up on the right side right here,” he said, gesturing to his chest. “It’s like black, it’s like done.”

“2027 is definitely a wrap for me,” he added.

“Atherosclerotic heart disease and its antecedents pose the greatest risk for cardiovascular events for people prescribed stimulants,” per the Journal of Attention Disorders. “Stimulants are associated with increased risks of hypertension, coronary artery disease, arrhythmias, cardiomyopathy, and stroke,” according to a 2025 article from the Journal of Substance Use: Research and Treatment. Prescription stimulants are particularly risky for older adults, according to a 2021 study from the Journal of Pharmacy and Clinical Pharmacology.

Norwood made a few references to coconut water, which some perceive as a health tonic because of the potassium and electrolytes it contains, in the videos. He also shared his perspective on what he was thinking before his health challenges. He claimed he thought he was “undestructible.” “I could handle all the alcohol, I could handle all the adderall, I could handle all the drugs, but I couldn’t,” he continued. “It curved my time here. It curved it,” he added.

February is American Heart Month, an annual event that promotes heart health and raises awareness of the deadly threat of cardiovascular disease.

Resources

Centers for Disease Control

American Heart Association

Journal of the American Medical Association

American Journal of Preventive Medicine

American Heart Association

Journal of Attention Disorders

Journal of Substance Use: Research and Treatment

Journal of Pharmacy and Clinical Pharmacology

The post Ray J Reveals His Heart Is Functioning at “25%” appeared first on Black Health Matters.

Green Smith, a certified nurse-midwife, disseminated valuable information about gaps in Black maternal health outcomes on social media. She went by the moniker the “Loc’d Midwife.”  

She is survived by her husband, newborn, and the many people whose lives she touched by practicing her life’s calling of “catching babies.”  

Dr. Green Smith’s Advocacy 

She worked with the non-profit The Hive Impact Fund to support mothers and mothers-to-be with the resources required to expand and maintain their families.  

Her death was met with an outpour of mourning on social media. The American College of Nurse-Midwives issued a statement expressing their grief, sadness, and outrage at the unexpected news. It appeared across their social channels.  

“Dr. Smith was a respected midwife, scholar, and advocate whose life and work reflected a deep commitment to respectful, evidence-based, and equitable care. That a Black midwife and maternal health expert died after giving birth in the United States is both heartbreaking and unacceptable,” they wrote.  

“Her death underscores the persistent and well-documented reality that Black women-regardless of education, income, or professional expertise-face disproportionate risks during pregnancy and childbirth due to systemic racism and failures in care,” they continued.  

Black Women Are at Increased Risk Despite Education, Income, or Professional Expertise 

Green Smith’s tragic death is a heartbreaking example of the Black maternal health crisis. In 2024, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reported that “Black women are three times more likely to die from a pregnancy-related cause than White women.” The International Journal for Equity in Health describes Black maternal mortality in the United States as “one of the most alarming and persistent indicators of racial injustice.” 

“Most maternal deaths are preventable, as the health-care solutions to prevent or manage complications are well known,” according to the World Health Organization. To prevent these tragic occurrences, competent and caring providers must be available.  

The Rise of Maternity Deserts 

 

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Location plays a role in maternal health outcomes. A new report highlights a dwindling supply of obstetricians and gynecologists in non-metropolitan areas. Rural residents are particularly at risk.  

Areas such as Green Smith’s home state of South Carolina are sometimes referred to as “maternity deserts.”  

According to the Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology, “The shortage of ob-gyns in 10 years is projected to progressively worsen by today’s standard practice patterns.” By 2035, “Only six states (Hawaii, New York, Connecticut, Maryland, Rhode Island, Louisiana) were projected to continue to have an adequate supply.” The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services projects a shortage of obstetricians and gynecologists; its forecasts indicate that there will not be enough physicians in the specialty to meet the nation’s needs by 2037.  

This is Not a Socioeconomic Issue Alone 

Some dismiss the Black maternal health crisis because of poverty and preexisting conditions alone. A 2020 article from the World Journal of Gynecological Women’s Health points out that “Racial disparity exists in maternal mortality despite correcting for commonly cited reasons” and “It is a problem for Black American women and cannot be explained by socioeconomic factors alone.” 

Black maternal health challenges traverse tax brackets and class boundaries. “These outcomes cannot be understood through individual behavior, access, or socioeconomic status alone,” reports the International Journal for Equity in Health.  

Young, beautiful, educated, well-off Black women die in childbirth due to neglect.  

Angelica Lyons, as Green Smith did, works to advocate against the ways medical racism impacts birthing people. Her work took place in the classroom. In 2023, she told the Associated Press that she nearly died from sepsis after her pain was ignored by an Alabama hospital. She reported that the severe pain she was experiencing was dismissed as Braxton Hicks contractions by healthcare professionals who did not take her seriously. Her dilemma showed how racial bias in pain assessment can interfere with providing adequate maternal care.  

How We Can Combat This Issue 

Public figures, including the editor-turned-television personality Elaine Welteroth, have joined the fight to address the crisis. Welteroth’s BirthFund raised money to expand access to midwifery with support from her Founding Family Funders, including Kelly Rowland and Serena Williams. 

Williams’ harrowing birth story was so widely reported that it became a footnote in an episode of Insecure. The tennis star turned venture capitalist experienced a pulmonary embolism following the birth of her daughter, Olympia. Her story of demanding that the doctors take her concerns seriously frightened many.  

Fighting For Reproductive Justice is Critical 

“To address the disparities in Black maternal health, expanding access to midwives and doulas is essential. Midwifery care reduces preterm births and cesarean delivery rates and improves breastfeeding outcomes, particularly among Black mothers. Doulas provide invaluable emotional and physical support during pregnancy and childbirth, mitigating racial biases and fostering trust in the health care system,” according to The National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion.  

Black Maternal Health Week was founded in 2016 to encourage collective action and community engagement in support of reproductive justice. It amplifies the voices of Black organizations supporting people who give birth and their families.  

They connect the public with individuals who provide life-changing care, such as Green Smith.  

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Dr. Janell Green Smith.  

Resources 

The Hive Impact Fund 

International Journal for Equity in Health 

Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology 

World Health Organization 

South Carolina Daily Gazette 

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services  

World Journal of Gynecological Women’s Health 

Proceedings of the National Academy of Science 

BirthFund 

The National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion 

The post Beloved Maternal Health Advocate Dr. Janell Green Smith Died in Childbirth    appeared first on Black Health Matters.

Dr. Stacy Johnson 

Nephrologist  

Clinical Development Director 

Vertex 

Alonzo Mourning 

Disease Advocate  

Vertex 

Kidney diseases can show up anywhere, including NBA locker rooms. Athletic legend and disease advocate Alonzo Mourning shared his experience discovering and cheating with APOL1-Mediated Kidney Disease at the Black Health Matters 2025 Health Summit & Expo.  

He was joined by Black Health Matters Founder Roslyn Daniels and Dr. Stacy Johnson, Nephrologist, Clinical Development Director at Vertex.  

Johnson highlighted the deep racial disparities in the diagnosis of kidney diseases. “Although African-Americans make up about 14% of the US population, they represent about 30% of the cases of kidney failure,” she said. The research has deepened into the genetic components of kidney disease in recent years.  

“We have known for a long time that African-Americans have a higher chance of developing kidney disease, ending up on dialysis, or needing a kidney transplant. And it wasn’t until about 2010 when scientists were able to actually identify that there is a genetic cause,” Johnson continued.  

A 2025 review of the Journal of Kidney Medicine reports that “6 million African Americans have a high-risk genotype,” which puts them at risk of kidney disease.  

Johnson clarified that this risk can persist despite adopting doctor recommendations. “I think a lot of times before that people thought oh maybe your kidney disease isn’t getting better because your blood pressure isn’t under control, because you’re just not doing the right things,” she said. “But what we know is that no, there’s nothing that someone is doing wrong. You could do everything that you need to do to take care of your health, and sometimes the kidney disease continues to progress. But having that knowledge means now we can put a name to it. When you can name something, then you can start to deal.”  

“The United States doesn’t really believe in investing in preventative care for its citizens,” said Daniels. “We bear this burden of disease; it’s not our fault.”  

“We’re not getting the care that we deserve along the way, and by the time we’re diagnosed, it’s advanced,” Daniels added. “There’s no stigma here. There’s no pointing fingers.”  

Heart disease is dubbed “the silent killer,” but kidney disease is just as sneaky. Its ability to be confused for other issues makes it extremely dangerous. That casual discomfort you’re dealing with might be a symptom of it creeping into your life undetected.  

“The CDC estimates maybe one out of nine US Americans has kidney disease, and most of them don’t know it,” said Johnson.  

“So that means there are a lot of there are like hundreds of thousands if not millions of people walking around with that are they’re losing kidney function slowly and steadily. Often, they may not have any symptoms. Sometimes they may have pretty mild symptoms like a little bit of fatigue. Maybe they might see some swelling in their feet that comes and goes, maybe they might see foamy urine, and they think, ‘Oh, I wonder if that means anything.’ But then they don’t, you know? No one follows up.”  

That lack of follow-up has severe consequences for many people. Their lives and schedules change. “Unfortunately, by the time it gets to the more advanced stages often people are basically headed towards either needing dialysis or a kidney transplant,” said Johnson.  

Mourning was fresh off the heels of an Olympic win at a point in his life where symptoms of kidney issues became unignorable. His victory lap was cut short.  

“I had just witnessed the birth of my daughter,” he said. “I was defensive player of the year. I had just finished winning the gold medal. I mean, I was at the the top of the world,” he said.  

Mourning noticed a few symptoms, but they did not jump out at him right away. “I was just tired. I had a lot of lethargy,” he said. “My legs were swelling a little bit and initially I kind of attributed it to the intense physical training and the travel and flying over to Sydney, Australia.”  

He was referred to a nephrologist, a medical doctor specializing in the health of the kidneys. “At that time when I was 30 years old I didn’t know what a nephrologist was,” he added. “They diagnosed me with FSGS, focal segmental glomerulosclerosis. It’s a disease that slowly scars the filters in the kidney, and I had the aggressive form.”  

The first opinion was quite drastic. The doctor predicted that Mourning would be on dialysis and the transplant list within 365 days. Evaluations of kidney disease can be subjective. In some cases, it is wise to consult another voice.  

Mourning refused to accept the course of treatment without seeking a second opinion.  

“I was able to find another doctor. And that doctor took a different approach. He said, “Look, let’s try to slow the progression of the disease down with some medication, oral medication,” he said.  

They participated in shared decision making (SDM), a practice advocated for in a 2023 article from the Clinical Kidney Journal. This shifts away from a paternalistic viewpoint and empowers the patient.  

The less aggressive strategy worked out. “I was never on dialysis, and I didn’t need a transplant until three years later.” 

Mourning participated in clinical research to further efforts to gain knowledge about his condition. “My nephrologist informed me about a research study that was designed to better understand the type of kidney disease that I had, and after discussing all of this with him, I had to trust that he was doing the right thing for me,” he said. Genetic testing and other studies can greatly benefit the outcomes of patients. He suggested that attendees talk with their family members to find out if they have been impacted by kidney disease in the past, so that they can share that information with their doctors.  

“We’ve got to know our family history. We’ve got to have dialogue,” Mourning added. 

Daniels explained how coming together as a community can spark dialogue. “You all are the beginning. You’re laying the foundation,” she told attendees. “You all will share with your friends and family the importance of the knowledge shared here.”  

Johnson pointed out the importance of proactivity in healthcare. “I think this conversation is really important,” added Johnson. “We may see some of these symptoms and hope that things are going to change, but hope is not a strategy. We need to ask questions and have these things checked out.”  

Mourning advised the room to learn from his mishaps. “Don’t ignore the signs and the 

symptoms, okay? Don’t just brush it off, okay? That was something that I did.”  

The post A Conversation About APOL1-Mediated Kidney Disease (AMKD)  appeared first on Black Health Matters.

Black Millennials might still be suffering from the pop lock and drop it era, but random knee pain isn’t the only challenge they’re facing. Healthcare firms are meeting the moment by including hip-hop and R&B in their consumer marketing efforts.  

As millennials age, their vast healthcare concerns are moving to the forefront of the healthcare industry priority list. That means integrating messaging that will speak to them directly.  

The music that once signaled a rebellious youth of bar hopping and bottle service is now helping providers court a generation of adults in need of information and interventions to address their collective issues.  

Music As a Means of Getting Attention  

Research shows that tapping into cultural competency works when trying to reach specific audiences. “The importance of cultural competency, including culturally and linguistically appropriate resources and tools, cannot be overstated or overemphasized,” according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).  

Unlike a generic jingle, a familiar jam can stop you in your tracks. It can reconnect you to a moment from your past. Twisting around familiar beats isn’t the only way to have an impact.  

Speaking the language of music can help create connections, too. We Are Ill founder Victoria named her organization, designed to connect Black women with chronic illness, after the classic Nas album Illmatic.  

New music can have an impact as well. The FDA turned to developing original hip-hop songs to convince young people not to smoke. Gilead turned to rapper and podcaster Big Loon to help spread the message about their efforts to promote safer sex. Power to the Patients turned to Busta Rhymes, Fat Joe, Method Man, Rick Ross, Chuck D, and French Montana to promote their arguments for transparency in healthcare pricing.  

Fighting HIV With TLC 

TLC, a group that broke barriers by getting a generation to talk frankly about sex, has had their hit “Creep” reinterpreted for Gilead to promote PrEP. Original and core group member Tionne ‘T-Boz’ Watkins performed the healthcare-centered rendition.  

“In the 90s, we used our platform to speak truth and empower people to love themselves. That mission hasn’t changed,” Watkins told People in November.  

“Black women in the United States are disproportionately affected by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and are less likely to be represented among HIV clinical research participants relative to their cumulative HIV burden,” according to Women’s Health. This makes TLC the perfect track to speak to an audience that needs to be informed about their options for protecting themselves.  

Fighting Colon Cancer With Lil’ Jon  

Lil’ Jon has transcended the Nuvo guzzling and the pill popping of the crunk era. The snap music pioneer converted his hit “Get Low” into a track to promote Cologuard, a screening device for colon cancer.  

“The distribution of CRC is not even across U.S. subpopulations; there is marked difference in CRC incidence, cancer stage, and cancer mortality by race and ethnicity. In particular, Black Americans show the highest incidence, and have the highest mortality among major U.S. racial and ethnic groups,” according to the Journal of Advances in Cancer Research.  

The American Cancer Society has highlighted the rise in colorectal cancer in people under the age of 55.  

Lil’ Jon shared why he agreed to do the campaign in a 2024 interview with Black Health Matters. “It just makes it easier to palette this subject because it’s funny because the song is called ‘Get Low #2,’ and you have to take a #2 to do the colon cancer screen with the Cologuard kit. So I thought it was pretty hilarious,” he said.  

He’s no slouch when it comes to promoting mental health either. He released an album for meditation.   

Raising Eczema Awareness with Mary J Blige  

Mary J. Blige owned the early 90s with “Real Love.” The kids who grew up singing the classic on their way to elementary school are primed to listen to the remixed version for EBGLYSS, a medication developed to fight eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis.  

The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology reports that “Black people in the US experience greater atopic dermatitis (AD) prevalence, severity, and persistence when compared to White people.”  

Eczema presents differently in Black people making it more important that they be informed about the symptoms of the condition.  

Fighting Vaccine Misinformation with Juvenile 

Taking over for the 99 and the 2000 is like a millennial mating call. It flips a switch in the millennial brain flooding it with memories of when it was time to “Back That Thang Up” in a club that didn’t take Apple Pay or put a time limit on sections,  

This made it the perfect track to match the moment when anti-vaccine information was flooding the internet. Juvenile released “Vax That Thang Up” to promote the COVID-19 vaccine.  

He partnered with Mannie Fresh and Mia X on the track giving it an even stronger NOLA flavor.  

Resources 

Los Angeles Times: Millennials’ escalating health problems raise economic concerns 

Blue Cross Blue Shield: The Health of Millennials 

Centers for Disease Control 

Journal of Advances in Cancer Research.  

American Cancer Society: Colorectal Facts & Figures 

Billboard 

The post How Music is Matching the Moment for Millennial Health appeared first on Black Health Matters.

Mariana Broussard 

Associate Director, Global Patient Advocacy, Multiple Myeloma 

Dr. Brian Englehart, MD, MSCI 

Multiple Myeloma Medical Engagement Lead  

Robert Pugh 

Long-Term Multiple Myeloma Survivor Patient Advocate 

Robert Pugh was preparing for an upcoming sporting event when he was diagnosed with multiple myeloma. The life-changing news arrived out of nowhere for the active man who considered himself the picture of health. “ I do not and did not ever have a history of illnesses of any kind,” he told the audience at the Black Health Matters Fall 2025 Health Summit & Expo in Charlotte, North Carolina.  

Pugh shared what it was like learning that he was facing multiple myeloma. “I was preparing for a race, a 15K, and I went in simply for an examination,” said Pugh. He wanted to get a jump on the minor pain he was feeling. It didn’t strike him as cause for serious concern. “As a runner, you’re accustomed to pain.” His doctor examined his back pain and raised an alarm. “He recognized that my white blood cells had decreased. They were not below the average number, but for me, they were below what he was accustomed to,” said Pugh. The physician recommended additional tests and ultimately gave him a referral.  

“I need you to go see this guy,” the doctor told him. Pugh was shocked to learn the guy was an oncologist.  

How Common Is Multiple Myeloma In Black Households? 

Pugh’s experience was not uncommon in the Black community. The International Myeloma Foundation reports that “In the U.S., African Americans are about 14% of the country’s population, but they constitute about 20% of all myeloma patients.”  

“Multiple myeloma is the second most common blood cancer in the United States,” said Mariana Broussard, Associate Director, Global Patient Advocacy, Multiple Myeloma at Bristol Myers Squibb.  It progresses over three stages. Treatments are advancing. There have been innovations in regimens including stem cell transplants but there is no cure. She described the way that the condition disproportionately impacts the Black community.  

“African-American patients are twice as likely to be diagnosed with multiple myeloma compared to white patients. We also often experience worse outcomes due to delays in diagnosis and treatment. Mortality is also about twice as high in the African-American community,” she continued.  

How Does Multiple Myeloma Show Up Differently?  

Unlike the dramatic moments people watch on television where a character finds an oversized lump they can’t ignore, this was not as clear-cut of a process. “’It’s disseminated. It is spread throughout your blood and bone marrow, which is unlike solid tumors, which you know generally begin as a lump or a bump in a solid organ,” explained Dr. Brian Englehart.  

Multiple myeloma is a common form of cancer, but Pugh had zero information about the condition when he received his diagnosis. “I had no idea what that was,” he said. “It just kind of threw me.”  

Pugh sprinted towards denial. He refused to believe what he was told initially. “When I was diagnosed, I thought they had the wrong person,” he said.  

According to a 2022 study in the American Journal of Hematology, “Multiple myeloma accounts for 1% of all cancers and approximately 10% of all hematologic malignancies,” and “each year over 32,000 new cases are diagnosed in the United States, and almost 13,000 patients die of the disease.”  

Diagnosing Multiple Myeloma Can Be Difficult 

Englehart noted that Pugh’s experience of a simple annoyance symbolizing something more serious was not uncommon. “His course was kind of very typical for many patients with multiple myeloma,” he said. “Patients can often present with pain, and it’s in the back, it can be in the hip or ribs.”  

A person’s lifestyle, like Pugh being a runner, or their stage of life can impact how these symptoms are masked. “The other thing is we all, especially as we get older, we all experience pain,” said Englehart. He taught the room the differences in pain that might accompany a serious illness, and not just a stressful day.  

“There are some symptoms that are more worrisome than others, like pain that wakes you up at night or pain that doesn’t go away after a week or two of rest or pain that you can’t attribute to some strenuous activity or something that you’ve done in the preceding couple of days,” he continued. There are other symptoms that can be overlooked as well. “Patients can also have fatigue from anemia. Recurrent infections are also fairly common too, so multiple myeloma is a very tricky disease.”  

Myeloma Can Exist Without Symptoms  

He explained that firming up a diagnosis can be difficult due to the protocol. “There is no one test generally used for diagnosis,” Englehart added. “It’s really a series of tests.”  

“Some patients with myeloma are asymptomatic. They have no symptoms whatsoever and are diagnosed incidentally,” said Englehart. “You go for a routine checkup, and your doctor finds out that you’re more anemic or your kidneys aren’t functioning normally. Sometimes that can lead to a diagnosis.”  

Routine screenings can help patients learn their status and begin treatment sooner. Accessing these can be difficult for those without the necessary resources. “Economic and social characteristics can play a large role in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of multiple myeloma,” said Englehart. “If healthcare access is limited, symptoms may go undiagnosed or untreated.”  

Treating Multiple Myeloma Requires Collaboration  

The trickiness of multiple myeloma is best fought as a unit. Patients have to advocate for themselves and coordinate with different health care providers to improve their outcomes.  

“It really takes a team and a village to help treat and care for patients with multiple myeloma,” said Englehart. “Patients who are diagnosed with multiple myeloma, it’s also important to know that their usual treatment course is dictated by a multidisciplinary team. Meaning it’s groups of different doctors, nurses, clinicians involved in their care. That can be hematologists, oncologists, it can be radiation doctors, radiologists, pathologists, supportive care.  

Multiple Myeloma Can Impact One’s Mental Health  

It can be helpful for one’s healthcare team to include a mental health professional as well. A 2025 article in the Journal of Clinical Lymphoma Myeloma and Leukemia identifies mental health considerations as a gap in the treatment protocols for multiple myeloma patients. It found that “People with myeloma often report high levels of anxiety and depression and are reported to have the lowest quality of life of any cancer type likely due to the incurable nature of the disease.” Pugh confirmed the mental health challenges. “I was the mover and the shaker. I wasn’t moving or shaking. So, I found myself avoiding people, you know? Because you’re just not who you thought you were.”  

His trust and relationships with his providers helped him work through those challenges. They helped him establish a routine for a maintenance phase to keep his health in mind during his day-to-day life. It would look different, but he could make it look the best possible with proper intervention.  

“Myeloma is not something that that comes you take care of it, and it’s over,” he acknowledged  

Pugh advised those recently diagnosed to take the advice they are given to heart to pursue the best health they can and define their own maintenance phase routine.  

“You have to take ownership for what you’re being told,” said Pugh.  

The post Patient Power Insights from the Front Lines of Myeloma appeared first on Black Health Matters.

Shelley Gerson 

Associate Director of US Patient Advocacy  

at argenx 

Meriel Parker 

Myositis Caregiver, Rare Disease Advocate  

Caregivers are the cornerstone of the autoimmune illness community. Their support, compassion, and tenacity are essential to patients pursuing the best quality of life possible. Meriel Parker, a Myositis Caregiver and Rare Disease Advocate, and Shelley Gerson, Associate Director of US Patient Advocacy at argenx, discussed life with an autoimmune condition from a caregiver perspective at the Black Health Matters 2025 Health Summit & Expo Recap.  

The two bonded over their mutual experience as caregivers.  

“Meriel and I discovered that we have a common experience, and that we both had dads that had chronic illness, and were caregivers,” Gerson told the audience.  

She requested that other caregivers in the room reveal themselves. Raised hands sliced through the air, proving how common the role is in society.  

According to the Journal of Neurology, “Sporadic inclusion body myositis (IBM) is the most common acquired myopathy in individuals older than 50 years.” Delays to diagnosis are frequent with autoimmune conditions.  

Parker explained how a family outing to a nature center led her father to receive a life-changing diagnosis. “My dad was a formidable, strong man, an entrepreneur. No dream was too big for him,” she said.  

His dreams included hiking. Parker and her daughter were joining him on a family hike to the same location he had taken Parker to previously. The older man was familiar with the terrain. His slowing down was a surprise.  

“He said, ‘My legs are so tired. I just can’t make it up the hill,’ and the hill was a fraction of what I’ve just stepped up on this stage,” she said.  

“It was just a little gradual slope,” she continued, gesturing to the few steps she walked up to join Gerson on stage.  

She knew this was no simple backache.  

“I didn’t say it out loud because I didn’t want him to be concerned, but I said, we’re in trouble because nothing would grip my father, let alone a small sloping hill,” Parker continued. “That began our journey.”  

It was a journey full of red tape that Parker was uniquely prepared for.  

“Having worked in healthcare, I have found, and I’ve seen that, for lack of a better term, the squeaky wheel gets the grease,” she said. “Older African Americans tend to have relatively higher rates of chronic illness than other race/ethnic groups,” according to the Journal of Cross-Cultural Gerontology. They require support.  

Her family spoke on her father’s behalf.  

An autoimmune disease is not like a severed limb or a dislocated joint. It requires detective work to identify.  

“We got him set up with a surgeon, a back specialist to talk with, and went 

through a litany of appointments,” Parker continued. She described their approach to the process as “diligent.”  

“We asked the right questions, and we prompted for referrals to specialists.”  

It is important caregivers step in, because patients might be unable to advocate for themselves due to the effects of their conditions. “When a person is not feeling well, they are trying to manage just living with the condition and the symptoms. It’s very challenging,” said Parker. “We would go to all of his appointments together. Either my mom went with him, or I did, and we would work as a team.”  

Multi-generational living helped the family work together even better. “My father said to me, If I’m going to fight this, if you really want me to be there with you and to fight this, I need to live in the same house as you and my granddaughter because you all are my heir, and that will give me the strength and the joy to be able to live through whatever days I have,’” said Parker.  

They started house hunting immediately. Living with family helped Parker’s father navigate the challenges of the disease, progressing with necessary support. “He went to a cane, and then a rollator, and then to a wheelchair, and a mobilized motorized wheelchair,” said Parker. Family was there to help him learn to use each tool. “The four of us moved in together, and we worked as a unit.”  

They dedicated their bodies to support his body, something caregivers do daily. “His physical strength declined, our physical strength increased,” said Parker.  

The Journal of Geriatric Nursing reports that “The taxing caregiving role often results in psychological and physiological stressors that negatively impact the personal health of the caregiver.” According to the Journal of Family Nursing, “Family caregivers’ support of patients with chronic, life-limiting illness includes difficult, life-altering, and often long-term tasks.” 

Parker confirmed that caregiving requires immense pressure.  

“It’s not unimportant for us to focus on the fact that if you’re a caregiver, you have to take good care of yourself. I learned firsthand of the toll that the stress takes on you,” she said. “But we did what we had to do to keep him with us as long as we could.”  

She devoted herself to her father’s needs to the exclusion of her own. “I did not want to have any regrets, and so I was going to pour in every ounce of energy that I could into having every moment with my father,” said Parker.  

Denying herself the care she needed weakened a core element of the team caring for her father. She found herself seeking treatment soon.  

“I went without sleep a lot, and I started to have muscle tremors on my own and had started to go to a specialist for diagnosis,” she said. During the assessment, the doctor advised her to make changes in her routine. They paid off.  

“I prioritized sleep, and maybe getting a massage once a month, and taking a walk, and taking some time for myself to actually have a break. It was necessary for me to be the best caregiver that I could be for my father,” she said.  

She encouraged the caregivers in the room to consider their physical and mental health before they start deteriorating.  

“I learned the lesson the hard way.”  

The post Life With An Autoimmune Condition appeared first on Black Health Matters.

Braithwaite Noticed the Lack of Black Female MS Representation

She faced a void of information. “The lack of representation is a big deal,” she told Black Health Matters. Multiple sclerosis (MS) patient outreach efforts did not reach her 25-year-old corner of the internet. A 2022 study from the Journal of Neurology found that MS. disproportionately impacted Black women. You wouldn’t know it by what Reese Brathwaite found on the internet in 2012.

The faces of the patients she saw sharing information did not mirror her own. Searches for multiple sclerosis symptoms rarely churned out baddies with straight-back cornrows.

“When you don’t see yourself, which is a big part of my origin story, but [when] you don’t see yourself in a health condition, especially one that you have to live with for the rest of your life, that really changes the trajectory of how you care for yourself,” she said.

From Patient Advocate for Nonprofit Leader

She founded We Are Ill, a community-focused patient advocacy organization, in 2020. The seeds were planted in 2017, with the hashtag #WeAreIllmatic, putting a new spin on the face of illness.

Being a voice for others struggling was not something the Howard University graduate planned on. “I started off as simply a patient advocate telling my personal story, so I had no idea I would start a nonprofit,” she said.

We Are Ill helps to bring the community together. They host an annual Wellness Weekend that brings community members together.

They are expanding their efforts to offer insights on lupus and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder, two other conditions that disproportionately affect Black women. “We’re always trying to make sure that patient care is patient-centered,” said Reese Brathwaite.

Why Creating Community is Essential

People form friendships with those who understand they may need to cancel a dinner due to fatigue and are unfazed by sudden spasms. “Providing social connectedness by community and fellowship that has proven to lead to better health outcomes,” she said. “Underrepresentation can impact healthcare access and hence result in poorer health outcomes in these populations,” according to the International Journal for Equity in Health.

How We Are Ill Provides Support

Patient advocacy organizations can serve as connective tissue between the public and the services developed by healthcare firms. Reese Brathwaite noted that resources can be difficult for patients to access if they cannot be found.

She noted that global corporations may not be as adept at communicating with those who need their support as they believe. “You have all these different departments, and so whoever is working in patient advocacy might not be working in marketing,” she said.

“We’re also dealing with patients who are dealing with their own lives and children, work, careers, spouses, and health conditions. And so, it is a lot to ask patients to go and find and seek out another thing,” she added.

They focus on showing up in the paths of those who need to learn. “We find them where they are.”

They Are Not a ‘Debbie Downer’ Community

Speakers at We Are Ill are briefed before engaging with the audience. The instructions are clear. Leave your pessimism at home. “We are not a ‘Debbie Downer’ community,” said Reese Brathwaite. “We get enough of that.” We Are Ill brings familiarity and glamour to learning about chronic illness. They include happy hours, spirited workout plans, and other activities that attendees might not expect at a healthcare conference. Attendees mill around in customized pilates socks and little black cocktail dresses. Speakers include Ashley Blaine Featherson and Jennifer Holliday.

“We are redefining what sick looks like,” she declared.

They promote living full lives by developing programming that focuses on what is possible, not what isn’t. “We had a session about intimacy and how we can help with intimacy issues, because that’s a big issue in our community,” she said.

Challenging Stereotypes About Black Women and Chronic Illness

Part of what We Are Ill does is challenge the stereotypes existing about Black women dealing with chronic illness. “When we talk about underrepresented and underserved communities, there’s an archetype that comes with it, and that is that everyone is low income, underinsured, uneducated,” she said. “We are actively dispelling that by making sure we’re tapping into our community and showing the representation accurately.”

Assuming that chronically ill Black women can only be located in particular places ensures that some of them will miss out on messages they need to hear to improve their lives.

“These community members are savvy, educated, well-informed,” she added. “They know their stuff. They just don’t trust the healthcare system.”

Stereotypes can work both ways. Medical mistrust due to medical gaslighting can cause Black women to put off seeking therapies that might improve their day-to-day pain. “When we’re not proactive about it, and we let it linger. We normalize it so much so that it is a part of our lifestyle, and it doesn’t have to be,” said Reese Brathwaite. “Proactivity saves lives.”

Being Black women, Reese Brathwaite and her growing team are uniquely positioned to address apprehensive patients. She knows they are speaking to her 25-year-old self in her work.

“We already understand some of the barriers that just exist naturally.”

Resources

Journal of Neurology

World Health Organization

CDC: Social Connection

International Journal for Equity in Health

The post Victoria Reese Brathwaite Is Reshaping Ideas About Chronic Illnesses appeared first on Black Health Matters.

Both performers have shown up on the press lines for the anticipated musical, appearing significantly thinner than before. Commentary on the topic exploded. Some speculated that the pair might be participating in disordered eating or excessive usage of increasingly popular weight loss medications like GLP-1s.  

How Social Media Has Made Us All Armchair Experts 

Commenting on someone’s appearance has become more commonplace. Social media makes it easier. “The access that we have to speak on people now is quite dangerous,” Wendi S. Williams, PhD, President-Elect of the American Psychological Association, told Black Health Matters.  

“Before the advent of social media and so much use of technology and the ability to propagate a message so vastly, a person could have an opinion about a celebrity or a politician that they see in the news or in one of those magazines, and it would have been an opinion shared either to themselves or within the locality of their friends and family,” she said.  

Anyone can place them into the world where they might cause harm, now.  

Grande posted a message on social media containing a “loving reminder” of the harm that can be caused by commenting on the size of someone’s body. She addressed the comments on her figure during an interview with Oui Oui Baguette.  

“So I have heard it all. I’ve heard every version of it, of what’s wrong with me. And then you fix it, and then it’s wrong for different reasons,” said Grande. “It’s hard to protect yourself from that noise,” continued the “7 Rings” singer.  

Lizzo wrote about how the aftermath of losing weight was impacting her in a recent essay on Substack. “I think it’s something that is uncomfortable no matter what scale you’re experiencing it on,” Grande added in the interview.  

“I don’t think that we can ever diminish the impact of so much public opinion on the psyche of one individual,” said Williams.  

 

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Lay People Can’t Assess Someone’s Health by Looking At Them.  

Weight loss leads to speculation about health conditions, including eating disorders, substance abuse issues, and infectious diseases. Weight gain comes with preconceived notions about one’s mental and emotional health. Both excessive thinness and obesity are accompanied by healthcare challenges. The specifics of these are not visible to laypeople.  

Clinicians are the only ones qualified to evaluate the state of someone’s appearance from a healthcare perspective. You wouldn’t know that by listening to everyday discourse on the subject. 

Red carpets are not the only place where weight stigma shows up. It happens to everyday people at holiday dinner tables, in workplaces, and in other intimate settings.  

Dr. Faith Ohuoba, board-certified OB-GYN, sees patients put on baby bump watch by people in their lives when they are facing health issues like fibroid tumors or ascites, a condition that causes abdominal swelling. “It’s actually a problem, it’s not a pregnancy,” she said. Gabrielle Union described dealing with infertility and having people constantly speculate about her body as her pelvic area distended and retracted during treatments.  

According to a 2021 article from Frontiers in Nutrition, “While conversations about weight stigma have historically centered on individuals who are classified with overweight or obesity, evidence suggests that those classified as underweight also experience stigma that exacerbates poor health.”  

Chadwick Boseman, who recently received a posthumous star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, was openly criticized for his noticeably thinner appearance before the public learned that he was dealing with colorectal cancer. Colorectal cancer is prevalent in the Black community. The weight loss was laughed at by some online who thought his lifestyle was contributing to it. 

His case was an example of how one’s appearance might not tell the whole story about what they are experiencing.  

Publicly Speculating About Someone’s Body Can Impact Their Mental and Physical Health  

According to the International Journal of Obesity, weight stigma can lead to unhealthy behaviors and poor outcomes.  

Health indicators don’t just live on the scale. They can exist in your head as well.  

“Commenting on someone’s weight when they are experiencing a weight eating disorder or just challenges around weight loss or weight management actually is a trigger,” said Williams.  

Unsolicited comments can cause someone stress. 

A 2025 article from Frontiers in Psychiatry reports that “Weight stigma, or social devaluation based on an individual’s body size or weight, is directly related to greater depressive and anxiety symptoms.”  

“I think that we should be very careful about what we say because it may have unintended consequences,” added Ohuoba.  

On this season of Married To Medicine, Dr. Jackie Walters asked newcomer Brandi Milton if she had an enlarged thyroid on camera. Walters issued a public apology later, acknowledging that her actions could have been hurtful.  

“We all could benefit from having a little more empathy, considering how our words and judgements may impact others,” said Ashley Goodwin LCSW. “Commenting on these suspected disorders also adds to the stigma.”  

Ohuoba noted that speculating about someone’s health based on their appearance without their consent can be damaging. 

“I don’t think it’s fair,” she said. “They’re not giving you solutions, they’re not giving you treatment, they’re not giving you anything other than their opinion, which may be harmful.”  

The post What the Wicked Discourse Around Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo Reveals About Weight Stigma appeared first on Black Health Matters.

Our skincare routine should shift with the temperature to keep our melanin glorious. We asked the experts about their favorite ingredients in a winter moisturizer that suits sensitive skin. Read on, they’ve got you covered this season.

Yes, Our Skin Can Be Sensitive Too!

Just as we are often perceived to endure more pain, our is sometimes seen as less sensitive. But a study published Journal of Drugs in Dermatology evaluating skin sensitivities across the Fitzpatrick Skin Types showed that perception and reality are two different things.

“Skin sensitivity can occur across all skin types, and patients should be asked about self-perceptions of sensitivity as it is likely an indicator of true sensitivity.”

How Is Sensitive Skin Different?

It requires a bit of extra care and consideration to stay healthy, especially when the air is biting. This kind of skin is hyperreactive. Even the subtlest change can have a large impact on sensitive skin.

“Individuals with sensitive skin commonly experience sensations such as tingling, itching, or burning,” according to a 2024 article from the Journal of Dermatologic Science and Cosmetic Technology. Changes in routine for sensitive skin should be managed carefully.

In addition, men’s skin is about 20% thicker than female skin. It also contains more collagen, which helps to give it a tight, firm appearance. Add to that it is oilier, because men have more sebaceous glands, giving them more pores. But shaving stresses their skin out, especially Black men, many of whom are prone to ingrown hair. Bottom line, their skin may be even more sensitive than Black women’s. So this is one time where you can share your sensitive skin products, but if they shave, they need to invest in some good products and the right razor.

 In What Ways Can Winter Weather Impact Sensitive Skin?

The humidity is pulled out of the winter air, leaving a drying environment for sensitive skin. Because of the increased use of heating methods, including furnaces, radiant floor heating, space heaters, and, more people are exposed to dry heat that can irritate sensitive skin and sap away the moisture of the space that you’re in. If you are not in control of the office thermostat, for example, that might show up on your cheeks and forehead later.

Dermatologists witness the havoc the cold air can have on the skin regularly. “I often see an increase in skin conditions exacerbated by dehydration,” said Dr. Toral Vaidya, MD, MPH, and Prose spokesperson. “Hyaluronic acid, squalene, and glycerin are all gentle ingredients that are essential to lock moisture into the skin during times when the air is dry,” said Dr. Nancy Samolitis, founder of facile.

What Ingredients Should You Avoid Putting On Sensitive Skin When the Temperature Drops?

Winter is not the time to load your sensitive skin up on moisturizers that are stacked with chemical exfoliants. Reading the ingredients on that toner might save you trouble later.

“Stay away from compounds that have a lot of denatured alcohol because that’ll make you dry and more itchy,” advised Jeanine Downie, M.D., director of Image Dermatology.

Nourishment is the goal here. You want to put back what has been taken away. Leaving out those harsh chemicals and turning to heavy soothing ingredients is the way to go. It can help to ward off dryness by creating a barrier between you and the elements.

How Should You Protect Kids’ Sensitive Skin In The Winter?

The whole family should consider how the weather impacts their skin health, including the little people. “Kids are more prone to have sensitive skin, especially in the cooler months of winter. It’s important to choose rich, fragrance-free creams or ointments that rebuild and seal the barrier,” said Dr. Joni Jefferson, DO, Founder & Medical Director at Zen Aesthetics.

“I always recommend that children avoid products with artificial fragrance, as it is a very common allergen,” added Samolitis.

Jefferson suggested not diving into a new product right away without vetting it properly. “Patch-test new products on a small area first, especially for children with eczema or very reactive skin,” she added. “I would also be cautious with lanolin if there’s a history of allergies.”

“I’d also avoid propylene glycol, which is a common allergen and skin irritant,” said Dr. Karan Lal, DO. He recommended alternatives that are a bit gentler. “Instead, I’d look for cetyl alcohol, dimethicone, niacinamide, shea butter, petrolatum, glycerin, and hyaluronic acid.

Colloidal oatmeal is a favorite ingredient of Wagner’s. Dr. Heather Woolery-Lloyd, M.D., finds petrolatum “especially helpful for children with eczema.” “It’s found in products like

Aquaphor healing ointment and CeraVe healing ointment,” she said. She warned that certain ingredients can detract from efforts to care for sensitive skin in colder temperatures. “In children with sensitive skin, ingredients to avoid would include acids like glycolic acid and salicylic acid,” said Woolery-Lloyd.

Our Top 20 Winter Moisturizer Choices For Sensitive Skin

CeraVe Healing Ointment $9.99

This drugstore option has the best texture! It feels like an ointment, but it functions like a moisturizer. It is firm but not greasy. Replace it with your makeup primer of choice and feel the difference.

Tower 28 Beauty SOS Daily Skin Barrier Redness Recovery Moisturizer $24.00

The perfect companion to the viral rescue spray. This moisturizer pours back into the skin with soothing ingredients like ceramides. It earned the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance for its ability to calm breakouts. The National Psoriasis Foundation and the National Rosacea Society have recognized its protective qualities as well.

Cetaphil Skin Activator Hydrating and Firming Cream $16.99

A dermatologist recommended cream that feels so good after the shower you’d take when finished shedding your winter layers. It actively plumps your skin up with gentle ingredients like Centella Asiatica, an ingredient frequently cited for its wound healing properties. Turn to it when your hands feel like they’ve been lashed by the cold.

La Roche-Posay Lipikar Eczema Soothing Relief Cream $18.99

This moisturizer pulls double duty on the face and body. It is creamy but not heavy. We love to use it on sunburns and shield our faces from the winter wind with it.

Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré, Multifunction Daily Face Moisturizer $19.00

Nearly every makeup artist at fashion week has this in their kit for a reason. It glides across the skin thanks to ingredients like shea butter and aloe vera. It transforms even the most haggard skin instantly.

Good Molecules Rich Cream with Ceramides $14.00

Good Molecules is known for its strong active toners, but this thick moisturizer formula deserves attention, too.

Oyin Whipped Shea Butter $19.99

This moisturizer was specifically designed with the winter months in mind. Its whipped texture is perfect for the season. In addition to shea butter, it contains jojoba and avocado oils.

Nécessaire The Body Cream Fragrance-Free $48

That aesthetic body wash all your favorite creators have in their showers is not the only thing that Nécessaire is good for. The brand is worth the hype, and this product proves it. It is designed to make the skin barrier stronger without the irritating burden of fragrance.

Pooka Pure and Simple Seamoss Body Butter $18.99

This creamy formula offers relief from winter dryness with a trio of shea butter, sea moss oil, and avocado oil.

Prose Custom Moisturizer $44.20

A custom moisturizer is the closest thing you’ll ever get to having a dermatologist in your pocket. It is developed by having the consumer complete a questionnaire about their direct skin concerns. It can also be designed to omit fragrance. It is a top-tier option that is worth the extra effort.

Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Kids Mineral Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50+ $8.99

This option is actually invisible on multiple skin tones. It goes on easily, and it is free of synthetic dyes.

Aveeno Kids Sensitive Skin Face & Body Gel Cream $9.49

This hypoallergenic formula suits little ones of all ages. It dries down quickly, so it can absorb before your child has a chance to rub it off, and there are creatures on the bottle that might make the application process a bit more fun for them.

Eucerin Baby Lotion $13.49

Eucerin has been the go-to brand for sensitive skin for generations. Their baby lotion is perfect for sensitive skin. It is not only fragrance-free it is also made without parabens and drying alcohols.

The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA $14.00

Designed to seal the powerful serums from the brand, this is a lightweight moisturizer that offers an added dose of hydration. Pair it with their squalane cleanser.

Facile Barely There Hyaluronic Acid Lightweight Moisturizer – $25

A moisturizer that sinks into the skin instead of just sitting on top of it. It shows instant results on tired skin.

Bolden F-Hydra Moisturizer – $24.49

This Black-Owned brand has been consistently dropping heat for years. Their squalane-based moisturizer hydrates deeply. There is no tacky feeling after application. It’s smooth.

103 Collection Vegan Antioxidant Facial Moisturizer $14.99

This Black-owned option has a delightfully milky texture. It is also fragrance-free and vegan certified.

Mad Hippie Ultra Rich Barrier Cream $17.99

Mad Hippie offers some of the richest creams on the market. Their Triple C night cream has been one of our favorites for a very long time. Their Ultra Rich Barrier Cream is a full-body formula that locks in moisture without any potentially harsh elements. It’s great to toss in your bag when you’re on the go in the cold.

Aveeno Calm + Restore Oat Gel Moisturizer $26.99

Those oatmeal baths you got as a kid are still relevant for saving your skin. Soak up the dermatologist-recommended glycerin from this gel moisturizer.

Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Daily Facial Moisturizer $14.99

Black people experience rosacea symptoms as well. This gentle formula from Neutrogena neutralizes some of its symptoms, like intense redness that can be harsher in the winter.

Resources

Journal of Drugs in Dermatology

Journal of Dermatologic Science and Cosmetic Technology

The post Got Sensitive Skin? Here Are the 20 Best Winter Moisturizers appeared first on Black Health Matters.

He Reveals His Mental Health Diagnoses in a New Book

The rapper, whose real name is Radric Davis, recently released a book titled Episodes: The Diary of a Recovering Mad Man (Simon & Schuster). It was Co-written with Kathy Iandoli. Within its pages, the rapper reveals he has been diagnosed with “bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.” It is part of a growing canon of texts in hip-hop culture that address mental health-related stressors.

Davis touched on his mental health struggles in his previous book, The Autobiography of Gucci Mane, but his latest book goes into his challenges in graphic detail. He is not the only artist sharing his struggles. Big Sean co-authored Go Higher: Five Practices for Purpose, Success, and Inner Peace with Jay Shetty earlier this year. Juicy J talked about his mental health in his 2023 book Chronicles of the Juice Man: A Memoir.

Understanding Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a severe mental illness that heavily impacts one’s thoughts and behavior. “Schizophrenia is one of the top 15 leading causes of disability worldwide,” according to the National Institute of Mental Health.

What Is Bipolar Disorder?

“Bipolar disorder (formerly called manic-depressive illness or manic depression) is a mental illness that causes clear shifts in a person’s mood, energy, activity levels, and concentration,” per the National Institute of Mental Health.

Both Conditions Face Intense Stigma

Like anxiety and depression, there can be long periods of time where a person with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia does not have an episode. While generalized anxiety disorder and depression are more frequently discussed by those in the limelight, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia are less visible.

The couple shared that Davis has not had a full-blown episode in years.

“The stigma is stronger for those diagnoses than, say, anxiety or depression, even though depression and anxiety can also be very debilitating. It’s not always perceived with the same lens,” said Cassandra Raphael, MD, MPH.

“There is a lot of stigma that comes with those classes of diagnosis with schizophrenia and bipolar,” said Stacy McCall-Martin, LMFT, DSW-C, a therapist with firsthand clinical experience working with people facing the condition.

“Specifically in the Black community,” added Martin. “We are coming from lineages where we don’t talk about these types of things.”

Recently, Cardi B, who revealed her own bouts with depression during a press run for Am I The Drama?, shamed Nicki Minaj by alleging she had been diagnosed with it. “Quiet as kept, the truth is you have been diagnosed with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder for almost 9 years,” she wrote in a post on X, according to Hot 97. The alleged diagnoses were a weapon in their ongoing social media war.

Gucci Gets Vulnerable

The Breakfast Club host Charlemagne Tha God praised Radric for his extreme vulnerability when Radric opened up about his symptoms.

“You dealing with stuff like you’re hearing voices,” he said. Paranoia can accompany the symptoms. “I might think that you trying to fight me you ain’t even did nothing,” he continued. “That’s what I used to deal with.” “I might think that you trying to fight me you ain’t even did nothing,” he continued. “That’s what I used to deal with.”[sic]

Keyshia, a celebrated beauty mogul in her own right, confirmed the severity of the episodes her husband faces. “It was really, really bad. It’s really sad because you’re seeing someone you don’t know,” she said.

She clarified that she was not afraid of her husband. She also explained that she insists the couple avoid specific environments during Davis’ episodes, including tall buildings and high balconies, out of concern that he might commit an act of self-harm.

“I’m like, is he going to jump? Is the voice going to tell him to jump?” said Keyshia. “That’s the scary part. Not me being scared of him hurting me.”

Was the interview Reminiscent of the one with Mike Tyson, Robin Givens, and Barbara Walters?

Some on social media compared the interview with the 1988 interview Mike Tyson and Robin Givens gave to Barbara Walters during their brief marriage. Givens shed light on Tyson’s mental health at the time and expressed concerns that he might self-harm.

“He’s got a side to him that’s scary,” Givens told Walters then. “Michael is a manic depressive.” Bipolar disorder was previously referred to as manic depressive disorder. The term has since been phased out in the medical field.

What kinds of Treatments are available for Schizophrenia and Bipolar Disease?

Schizophrenia and bipolar disorder can be treated with a combination of therapy and medications. “It cannot go unmedicated, and the quicker the better,” said Keyshia during the interview.

“Therapy and medication. Those two go hand in hand,” confirmed Martin.

Access to these treatments is not equitable due to disparities in the healthcare system. “People who are most impacted living with the symptoms are not getting the care that they need,” said Martin. “The ones that are out on the margin don’t have those resources.” How

Have Gucci Mane’s Mental Health Challenges Shown Up In The Public Eye?

Both diagnoses are marked by erratic behavior. Davis has shown this repeatedly in his conduct on social media, where he has made accusations and called out people in the industry. There are now family plans in place to prevent this from happening and protect his privacy.

How Does Keyshia Ka’oir Davis Support Her Husband Through Episodes?

Keyshia explained how she helps protect her husband during an episode. “Stress is a trigger, and stress brings on episodes. So, I don’t allow any stress,” she said. She manages their businesses and intervenes to limit their exposure to stressful situations.

Stress has routinely been linked to aggravating bouts of psychosis.

“I have a system,” Ka’oir told The Breakfast Club. “I take his apps off his phone. First thing I do, I delete Instagram. I delete everything. Even if I gotta change his password, I’m changing it because I don’t need the public to know he’s having an episode.”

McCall-Martin confirmed that having a go-to protocol is useful. “It’s absolutely imperative to have a plan or pre-plan in place,” she said.

“Having a structured plan in place for the caretaker and for the person experiencing the symptoms helps to keep things as stable as possible around them.”

Raphael emphasized the importance of consulting with the person you are caring for while they are well. “Establish that plan with your loved one,” she recommended, noting that they may not have the “insight” necessary to do so in the midst of an episode.

“Once you’ve had your first break or your first manic episode, your first break of psychosis, then you know that. ‘Okay, this can happen to me.’ And hopefully, as a final and essential part of the process of recovering from that episode, is establishing a plan,” she continued.

What Kind Of Support Do Caregivers Need?

Bipolar disorder does not only affect the individual—it also places a significant burden on caregivers and family members,” according to a 2025 article from Frontiers in Psychology.

The Breakfast Club asked Keyshia how she cares for her mental health, and she disclosed that she does not have a therapist. McCall-Martin advises that caregivers routinely receive mental health treatment.

“There’s a large possibility of burnout when it comes to providing care for someone,” she said. “You can’t pour from an empty cup,” added Raphael.

“You want your relative to be well, and you invest wholly into that project, but it can’t come at the cost of your own mental health, so you need to sleep well. You need to eat well. You need to be able to take a break when you need to take a break.”

Resources

National Institute of Health: Schizophrenia

National Institute of Health: Bipolar Disorder

Community Mental Health Journal

Nature.com

Frontiers in Psychology

The post How Gucci Mane & Keyshia Ka’oir Manage His Mental Health appeared first on Black Health Matters.

Why They Chose Megan

Megan Thee Stallion, whose real name is Megan Pete, has shared about her mental health struggles in her work and during interviews. The hot girl coach is willing to share her experiences to help others realize that hope lives on the other side of their challenges. “I’m honored to receive this year’s Mental Health Champion award from The Trevor Project,” Pete said. “My goal has always been to use my platform to help break stigmas around mental health and provide resources for those seeking safe spaces to have honest and heartfelt conversations. Mental health impacts all of us, so it’s important to lead with love and empathy. I’m grateful for organizations like The Trevor Project that are committed to spreading awareness and supporting our LGBTQ+ youth in powerful ways.”

What is The Trevor Project?

The Trevor Project is an organization dedicated to eliminating suicide among LGBTQ+ young people. It provides counseling and research aimed to help those fighting through stigma, discrimination, and internalized homophobia. Their previous mental health champions of the year include Janelle Monáe and Lil Nas X. “Suicide rates among persons aged 10–24 years increased significantly during 2018–2021 among Black persons,” according to a 2023 report from the CDC. The Journal of Aggression and Violent Behavior found that “Lesbian, gay, and bisexual youth are three times more likely than heterosexual youth to attempt suicide” in 2022.

The Work That Megan Does

Pete does more than pay lip service to the importance of mental health. She partnered with the state of California to remind young people that they are not a burden for asking for help.

She develops digital tools that the everyday person can turn to for guidance. Those concrete resources help everyday people find where they can get help.

The Trevor Project Reflects on Megan’s Work

“Megan Thee Stallion is a mental health champion in every sense of the word,” said Jaymes Black, CEO of The Trevor Project, about choosing to honor Pete’s consistent work. “Her raw honesty, bold advocacy, and deep love for her community make her an extraordinary role model – particularly for Black LGBTQ+ youth, who face some of the highest rates of discrimination, mental health challenges, and suicide risk. Megan’s activism doesn’t just stop at words; she builds real, tangible resources for vulnerable communities that are too often overlooked or left behind. As a queer Black person, I wish I had someone like Megan to look up to when I was growing up. Her courage, her authenticity, and her unwavering commitment to mental health advocacy will echo for generations. The Trevor Project is proud to honor her incredible impact, especially at a time when LGBTQ+ young people are being stripped of life-saving resources. Megan Thee Stallion’s voice is not just powerful. It’s essential.”

She’s Not Just Dropping Bars, There Are Real Life Resources Available For Her Hotties

Her site Bad Bitches Have Bad Days Too features directories for therapy providers, community helplines, and helpful podcasts. The site derived its name from lyrics to the Megan Thee Stallion track “Anxiety.”

The song features the lyrics “All I really wanna hear is ‘it’ll be okay’/ Bounce back ’cause a bad b***ch can have bad days” and “They keep sayin’ I should get help/ But I don’t even know what I need/They keep sayin’ speak your truth/And at the same time say they don’t believe.”

She created the Pete & Thomas Foundation to promote healthcare access for all.

According to a 2023 article in the Journal of Psychiatric Annals, “Black people comprise 13% of the United States population, yet comprise nearly 20% of those who are living with mental illness,” and “Black people are disproportionately affected by mental illness, including depression.”

Megan is Working to Break Stigmas Around Mental Health in the Rap Community

Discussions about mental health in the rap community have become more prominent in recent years. Cardi B and Big Sean have talked about how depression has negatively impacted their careers. Lil’ Jon released an album of affirmations designed to help listeners heal their minds and bodies.

Mental health stigma affects all communities, but it shows up in distinct ways in the Black community. Pete acknowledged this during a PSA for the Ad Council’s “Seize the Awkward” campaign, an initiative designed to help young people share information about their mental health so they can get help.

“I’ve always been told I gotta be strong. Thick-skinned. Stiff upper lip. Tough as nails. But to be everything for everybody – it wears on you. Black doesn’t crack, they say. But it can. I can. We all can. Y’all, it’s okay not to be okay. Reach out to a friend if you see them going through it. No matter who you are, being vulnerable is what makes us whole,” she said.

Resources

CDC: Notes From the Field

The Journal of Aggression and Violent Behavior

Bad Bitches Have Bad Days Too

Journal of Psychiatric Annals

The post Megan Thee Stallion Is Mental Health Champion of the Year appeared first on Black Health Matters.

Assata Shakur died Friday, September 26th, in Cuba at 78. She was revered as a political activist who dedicated her life to liberation by some. To others, she was a controversial figure who loomed large over the American political landscape.

The Cuban government confirmed that Shakur’s death occurred and attributed it to “health conditions and advanced age.” They have not released a more specific cause of death at this time.

She was a Member of the Black Panther and the Black Liberation Army

Born Joanne Deborah Chesimard, she rose through the ranks of the Black Panther Party and the Black Liberation Army.

She publicly championed revolutionary ideas that were celebrated and hated. She spoke out against mass incarceration and critiqued what she considered the limitations of public education.

Assata Shakur Was Convicted of the Murder of a State Trooper and Fled to Cuba

The story of how she came to live and died in Cuba seems unbelievable. But she was convicted of the murder of a state trooper named Werner Foerster in connection with a 1977 shootout on the New Jersey Turnpike. That incident resulted in her being sentenced to life in prison.

Somehow, Assata escaped from custody and fled to Cuba. The country embraced her and refused to extradite her. They granted her political asylum. Her escape from the Clinton Correctional Facility for Women in New Jersey became international news, followed closely by both her supporters and detractors. When the authorities posted wanted signs seeking her out, some of her devotees responded by hanging posters that declared “Assata is welcome here.”

Assata’s Case Was Frequently Cited

Assata released an autobiography in 1987 that detailed her perspective on the shootout. It was titled “Assata” and outlined her political beliefs. She maintained her innocence throughout her life.

The case was frequently cited by political pundits as diplomatic efforts between the United States and Cuba progressed. It pulsated beneath the world’s consciousness, with people across the political spectrum eager to use it as a mascot for various causes and ideas.

It inspired a ripped-from-the-headlines episode of the long-running CBS political drama Madam Secretary, where a similar case threatens to disrupt trade embargo negotiations.

News of Her Death Impacted Many

Many were deeply affected by the news of her passing. They took to the internet to share their feelings.

Following her death, a wave of social media posts has featured her photograph and quotes. Some have issued heartfelt salutes and somber farewells. Others have issued harsh declarations.

Marc Lamont Hill discussed the impact Assata’s book had on him personally on his Instagram. “Assata wrote the second book that changed ( and likely saved) my life. She taught me about the power of Freedom Dreams. She showed me the beauty of struggle. And she proved that “a wall is just a wall. And nothing more at all. It can be broken down.”

However, when he joined Joe Budden’s podcast, he offered a proper tribute, including his perspective on her case.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by The Joe Budden Podcast (@thejoebuddenpod)

She was Royalty in the Hip-Hop Community

However, the hip-hop community, especially, revered Assata. She was the godmother to the iconic rapper Tupac Shakur. She was a dear friend of his mother, Afeni Shakur, who was a member of the Black Panther Party. Tupac appeared to share some of Assata’s beliefs and infused them into his music. The rapper frequently spoke about ideals that were present in his godmother’s public statements in his music before his own tragic death at the hands of a Las Vegas gunman in 1996 at the age of 25.

On his 1993 single “Keep Ya Head Up,” he advocated for the kind of community initiatives that Assata and those she sat with worked on.

He expressed support for young Black women struggling on welfare and heavily criticized what he saw as cuts to social programs in favor of funding the military-industrial complex.

Following his death, the song “Changes” was released on his 1998 album. It featured lyrics that advocated for communal consideration.

The post Activist Assata Shakur Dead At 78 appeared first on Black Health Matters.

Black Health Matters Harlem Week Health Summit welcomed patient advocates and healthcare professionals to discuss the importance of sharing information about APOL1-mediated kidney disease. Kemi Williams, PhD, MBA, described the disease’s relationship with the Black community.

“This is a rapidly progressing chronic kidney disease that disproportionately affects people of West African ancestry, particularly African Americans,” she said.

“Knowledge and awareness of the disease is very low,” she added. “We’re hoping to change that today.”

Most of us who have kidney disease don’t know it.

Daryl O. Crenshaw, MD, noted the horrific impact of the limited awareness. “We understand now that about 37 million Americans have kidney disease, but the caveat is that most do not know they have it,” he said.

“At least 50 percent of Black Americans have at least one of the APOL risk variants, and having two of the APOL risk variants increases your chance of developing kidney disease.”

Kidney disease can lead to serious complications like kidney failure. “African Americans develop kidney failure at rates 4–5 times higher than Americans of European descent,” according to Trends in Endocrinology and Metabolism.

Joshua Albright discovered his kidney disease by accident.

Patient advocates and brothers Joshua and Jorden Albright shared their family’s experience with APOL1-mediated kidney disease.

Joshua accidentally learned about his kidney issues when visiting a family member impacted by kidney disease. “My aunt had given a kidney away to another family member, and we stopped by her house basically just to check on her, and she had a blood pressure machine out so she could check her blood pressure, and my sister and my cousins were playing around with the blood pressure machine. They put the cover on my arm, and my levels were extremely high,” he said.

It didn’t bother him much. His youth deceived him into believing it wasn’t a big deal. “At that time, I was 17, turning 18. I couldn’t care less what my blood pressure said, to be honest. I was trying to go see what the plan was that night with my friends,” he said.

Joshua’s mother thought there was something wrong and immediately called his PCP.

His mother and doctor took it seriously. “My mom actually reached out to my primary care doctor, and they let her know that I should be rushed to urgent care just to get a follow-up kind of,” said Joshua.

“Shout out to all those mothers and sisters out there that are being the healthcare advocates and warriors within their families, pushing them to get a test,” interjected Williams.

After discovering that his brother had the APOL-1 gene variant, Jorden got tested as well, and he had a different one.

Following his brother’s diagnosis, Jorden was diagnosed as well. The family was attuned to the risk. “I’m very, very blessed that my brother was diagnosed,” he said. “We learned that Josh had the G1 variation. I had the G2.”

How Joshua made clinical trial participation work while a college student.

Joshua was open about his decision to participate in a clinical trial. One reason he didn’t hesitate was that there were concerns about his privacy as a college student and his quality of life. He believes it is essential to focus on the patient’s life outside of their medical concerns in clinical trials. “I was diagnosed right before college. They gave me the flexibility to be able to coordinate at-home visits,” he said.

“I remember when I was in college, I was a little bit…I felt like I looked at my kidney disease as a weakness. I didn’t want everybody in the dorms knowing I had a nurse coming to check on me, so I would actually go all the way home to my parents’ house, and they would have a nurse meet me there. I’d have at-home visits.”

“It” puts the patient first.”

Resources

Trends in Endocrinology & Metabolism

The post What’s In Them Genes? Let’s Learn About AMKD appeared first on Black Health Matters.

What the Beyond the Belief Session Covered

The session featured intergenerational elements. They were designed to highlight the new stages of life. The idea is to expand conversations and stay connected to the condition. As people live longer with the condition, this session was the first step in helping us realize we need to adapt our thinking.

The session brought “real stories of aging, community, and many forms of belief that continue to move us forward—whether rooted in faith, science, relationships, or lived experience” to thousands of attendees at the conference. “A variety of cultural and historical factors, such as religious and moral belief systems and political ideologies, can manifest in health care systems’ policies,” according to the American Medical Association Journal of Ethics. Interacting with faith-based communities and respecting patients’ faith has proven to be an effective strategy for engaging populations that need it the most.

Rae Lewis-Thorton is Fighting for Policy Changes and Access to Treatments

Lewis-Thornton made her presence known in the session. As an icon in the community, she uses her voice to fight for policy changes and increased access to treatment. Her life stands as an example of the hope found by many today. “There were no medicines to treat HIV, and funeral directors were afraid to even bury somebody with HIV, so you know it was a cruel time, and so I kept my infection a secret for seven years. I think I told five people those first seven years,” she told Black Health Matters.

She went from living with the secret to speaking out boldly, going beyond fear and shame, bolstered by her belief. She told the story of how one can thrive after a diagnosis. Since then, her voice has encouraged many others. Lewis spoke on the importance of incorporating spaces that hold the beliefs of others as something of value alongside useful scientific information.

Living Beyond Belief

“When we begin to think about where we are with this disease? Yeah. I am living beyond belief, and I think a lot of that has to do with science, and I think a whole lot of it has to do with God,” said Lewis-Thorton.

A 2024 study at Harvard argued that “In a reimagined clinical and public health system, spiritual factors would be routinely considered in creating person- and community-centered policy and practice.” It identified spirituality as a determinant of health.

“It’s important that we all work to make HIV a smaller part of people’s lives who are living with HIV, and that includes reducing stigma that includes holistic health and seeing people less as whole humans and the wholeness of their humanity, meaning that it is important that we recognize all parts of us and all parts of our health,” said Randevyn Piérre, Head of U.S. External Affairs, ViiV Healthcare.

Reality star and entrepreneur Dwight Eubanks shared how his place of worship led to his prostate cancer diagnosis earlier this year.

You can’t see that wholeness unless you go to where the people are, something the session was determined to do.

A 2022 report from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Minority Health (OMH), Black women were 10 times more likely than non-Hispanic White women to be diagnosed with HIV.

You Can’t Fight This Disease Alone: Community is Key

When we examine the numbers and who is being infected, community organizations must be part of the response.

“Black women are in the church, and so it’s important that organizations that do this work like this speak to us in our social location, that they speak to us at the center of who we are,” said Lewis-Thornton.

“People who are living with this disease need something greater than themselves, something higher than themselves in their lives. And so, whatever they, however they, address their spirituality. I think it is significant to live with this disease. You can’t not do it. You know, we are not super people and we cannot do it alone, and I think we need to believe in something greater than us.”

But Black women can’t be both the most infected and the only ones stepping up to treat them. How will faith-based organizations commit themselves to this work in the future?

They Incorporated Contemporary Worship Music to Help Deliver the Message to Millennials and Gen Z

Because the audience spanned a range of ages, the session used a more Contemporary style of praise and worship to bridge the gap. It represented a shift towards inclusion, reflecting the way millennials and Gen Z communicate. Lewis-Thornton described the energy present during the musical interlude.

“Everyone receives messages and communications differently, depending on the messenger, depending on the channel. So, for us to be able to amplify this crucial information around HIV, and to prioritize awareness in different ways, is really an awesome opportunity that’s really critical,” said Randevyn Piérre, Head of U.S. External Affairs, ViiV Healthcare.

“ViiV is really committed to reaching communities in ways that are relatable, and in ways that are relevant, and in ways that resonate and music resonates in many ways with many people, and so we wanted to try something that we’d seen, popping up, in different spaces online that folks were really reacting to and sort of make it relatable and tie it into the experience at USCHA.”

Resources

HIV.gov

American Medical Association Journal of Ethics

HHS.gov

The post Beyond Belief: Surviving & Thriving with HIV/AIDS appeared first on Black Health Matters.

Dissatisfied With the First Doctor, Lori Harvey Got a Second Opinion

“I’ve been so frustrated,” she told her mother, Majorie Harvey, on the phone. “I’ve been going to my gynecologist because I’ve just been feeling like something’s off in my body.” She recalled their chat to hosts Dr. Thaïs Aliabadi and Mary Alice Haney. Dr. Aliabadi, whom Harvey lovingly referred to as “Dr. A,” is the second doctor she sought out.

Lori Harvey Discovered She Has Two Conditions

“Endometriosis is a chronic, multisystemic disease of inflammation affecting approximately 10% of the female population,” according to the Journal of Reproduction and Fertility. A 2019 literature review published in the Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology reported that “Black women were less likely to be diagnosed with endometriosis.” Additional research is needed on the topic.

“Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal condition that affects women of reproductive age,” according to the World Health Organization. Their research reflects that up to 70% of those living with this condition and the pain it causes might be unaware of what is happening to their bodies.

PCOS May Impact Black Women Differently

“There are several racial and ethnic differences in PCOS phenotypes and in PCOS-associated metabolic dysfunction,” according to the Journal of Fertility and Sterility.

Lori was experiencing excruciating symptoms, consistent inflammation, fluctuating weight gain, facial hair, acne, and other symptoms associated with PCOS and endometriosis. She began experiencing these symptoms in her teenage years.

There is an increased risk for depression, anxiety, and eating disorders with these conditions as well. The hosts commented on how the condition’s ability to negate the efficiency of diets as a trigger for those who might be suffering from eating disorders, especially those in vulnerable populations like teenage girls. Lori later commented that symptoms impacted her “relationship with food” but did not say she had an eating disorder.

Black women with PCOS have an increased risk for severe metabolic issues according to the Journal of the Endocrine Society, making its presence about more than pain. It can lead to fertility issues as well.

The Blanket Dismissal of Her Symptoms By Lori’s Previous Doctor

Lori stressed the disconnect between her and her previous doctor that prevented her from learning she had both conditions. She spoke up, but was unheard.

“Every time I go to her, she’s like, ‘You’re fine, you’re fine, you’re fine. Nothing’s wrong.’ And I was like, ‘But I don’t feel fine. I feel like something is just off.'”

She described the intense suffering that came with that “off” feeling. “I used to have the most excruciating periods of my life, every single time I felt like I needed to go to the hospital, just crazy cramps. I’m taking 800 milligrams of Ibuprofen. Nothing is working, it’s just debilitating,” said Harvey.

Her previous doctor did not share her concerns about the impact the pain had on her life. They felt that over-the-counter remedies were sufficient for what she was enduring.

“They’d be like, ‘Oh, just take some Tylenol, you’ll be fine.’ And I’m like, there’s no way this is normal,” she continued. “When you keep telling these doctors who are supposed to be there to help you that you don’t feel right and something’s off and they keep telling you you’re fine, it’s almost like you’re getting gaslit.”

The Pain She Felt Was Not Normal

After years of “suffering in silence,” Lori sought a second opinion that validated menstrual discomfort should not be completely sitting her down. Together they discovered there was “a lot going on” inside her body.

The second doctor told her, “Yeah, babe, you’re right. It was not normal, and I’m so sorry that you’ve just been living with this, and people have been telling you that this is just how it’s supposed to be because it’s not.”

Money and Privilege Don’t Always Help

The hosts pointed out that if Lori’s fame and privilege didn’t help her in advocating for herself with previous doctors, that didn’t bode well for the average person. PCOS can be treated with hormone therapy, including oral medications, creams, and gels.

Lori was prescribed metformin, a prescription drug routinely used to control high blood sugar in patients with type 2 diabetes. It served her needs. “It just regulated my blood sugar and literally got my body to normal,” Lori said

“My hormones are leveled out and I’m like, oh, I feel good in my body finally for once,” she added.

Lori gushed about the relief she got from being appropriately treated post-diagnosis. “So, she literally changed my life,” she said about her new OB-GYN.

She is so passionate about the improvement proper treatment has made in her life that she has taken to quizzing friends about it to help them, “Even in conversation, if one of my friends is telling me something like ‘Oh I’m getting this, I’m getting that’ I’m like do you have PCOS,” she said. “You should get tested,” she advises them.

Resources

Journal of Reproduction and Fertility

Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology

World Health Organization: PCOS

The post Lori Harvey’s Endometriosis & PCOS Symptoms Were Dismissed appeared first on Black Health Matters.

Also known as Chef Lex, Aquino is the executive director of the Brownsville Community Culinary Center.

Chef Lex Talks Being a Culinary Instructor in Harlem

He has deep connections to the Harlem community. He shared what he learned observing as a community member educating congregants of a church on Saint Nicholas and as a culinary instructor at Harlem Children’s Zone. Chef Lex worked to educate the children in the Harlem community on how to eat healthier as a part of that role. He presented them with information on how to make better choices that would support their health.

“What I discovered in my time while I was here in Harlem working with such a special group is that food is a relationship that we have with ourselves,” said Aquino. “Every single day we have a conversation with ourselves through a plate, where we make a choice and typically, it’s a choice that we enjoy.”

How the Foods We Choose to Eat Reflect Our Lives and Cultures.

He emphasized the many parts of life that are reflected in the food we choose to eat. Our celebrations, our sadness, our sacrifices, our core values, according to Aquino, can all eventually be found at the bottom of our bellies. He described the way food intersects with our personal and collective histories. Food choices can reflect where you are from and who you are tied to. “We make a statement to ourselves of love, of care, of cultural connection, of communal connection, and so, no matter what systematic experiences that we’re having, we can always empower ourselves through the conversation of food,” he continued.

Some of the nutrition issues faced by Black communities are systemic, but others are modifiable with changed behavior. “Proper nutrition offers one of the most effective and least costly ways to decrease the burden of many diseases and their associated risk factors,” according to the Journal of Nutrition.

 We Can Address Risk Factors in Our Community By Starting With the Youngest Among Us

Risk factors can start earlier for some than others. The Journal of the American College of Nutrition reports that “Childhood overweight and obesity can be prevented through improved diet quality, thus warranting intervention programs aimed at increasing access to healthy foods and improving food choice.”

These interventions are beneficial for young Black people who are at a higher risk for. Sometimes they require support to shift their habits or go out of their comfort zones.

Aquino shared some unique experiences he had observing young people in the Harlem area who required intervention to make improved dietary choices. “I had the pleasure of bringing that conversation to some young folks in Harlem that needed empowerment,” he said. “They needed self-esteem to go beyond just what they were experiencing in their schools, experiencing in the streets, even experiencing amongst their friends.”

Chef Lex Talks About His Program in Brownsville

He has gone on to work in the community of Brownsville, Brooklyn.

At the Brownsville Community Culinary Center, he “provides free, world-class culinary vocational training to Brownsville residents.” “We are a workforce program primarily,” he said. “We pay our students to be a part of the training.”

“There’s no financial barriers for them as they’re going after a career path,” he added. His work contributes to the economic and physical well-being of the community.

Students Learn How to Use Nutrition as Preventive Medicine

The training provided to students in the program centers not only on flavor but also on function. Participants learn how to use nutrition as preventive medicine. They bring that to their professional work in the culinary field and into their homes. They learn to make balanced plates that provide fulfillment without being too saturated with fat, sugar, or carbohydrates.

Their efforts are sorely needed in an area plagued by illnesses associated with poor nutrition.

Brownsville Has a High Rate of Diabetes

“Brownsville is home to some of the most challenging demographics of folks, and of all of the five boroughs, we have the highest rate of diabetes,” he said. The New York Department of Health reports that “The rate of avoidable adult diabetes hospitalizations in Brownsville is the highest in the city, more than twice the Brooklyn and citywide rates” and “40% of Brownsville adults consume one or more sugary beverages per day, the second-highest rate in the city.”

Diabetes management efforts require the development of a balanced diet that can be maintained by the person managing the illness. He demonstrated how easy it is to create a recipe suitable for people with diabetes.

He prepared a light melon salad that gave zest without syrup and a flavorful pumpkin pesto salad that didn’t pack on the carbs.

The Importance of Incorporating Cultural Awareness into Healthy Meals

Aquino offered attendees examples of dishes they could recreate at home to mind their health without abandoning their taste buds. Cultural awareness can improve dietary outcomes. The dishes were developed in his Brownsville space to translate cultural ingredients into healthy meals for those affected by health issues.

“We are constantly testing recipes to make sure they are culturally relevant,” he said. He explained that you don’t have to douse something with sugar or salt to enjoy it. “The flavor equation is taste plus texture plus memory,” he said.

Aquino smiled as his helpers walked through the aisles, handing over plates to attendees who shared how much they enjoyed the snack. He shared how much the moment meant to him.

“I like to think. That, at the core of it, being healthy should equal being happy. Because what’s the point of taking care of yourself if you’re not able to enjoy yourself?”

Resources

Journal of Nutrition

Journal of the American College of Nutrition 

New York Department of Health: Brownsville

American Journal of Medicine

Clinical Liver Disease

The post Prevent Chronic Diseases Before They Happen appeared first on Black Health Matters.

According to the Journal of Bone and Mineral Research, “This silent condition frequently remains undiagnosed until complicated by fracture.” It impacts the joints.

Leday described the many unpleasant pathways osteoarthritis takes to interrupt one’s life.

“It’ll manifest in wear and tear in your joints and grinding away at your cartilage. You’re going to have symptoms like pain, stiffness, swelling,” he said. “You’re going to see changes that develop slowly, and they only get worse. It does not get better, so any type of joint change that you’re going to experience is typically irreversible. And often it goes undiagnosed. Until it progresses to a point where it’s much more difficult to manage.”

Leday noted that the condition goes further than the body by highlighting its emotional and mental consequences connected to the fact that “OA may result in impairment of social function.” Isolation and limitation can trigger anxiety and depression.

The Risks for Osteoarthritis That You Should Know About

The risks for osteoarthritis rise with age, but there are other factors to be mindful of, including genetic and lifestyle factors. Comorbidities enhance the chance of being impacted by osteoarthritis. Obesity is a significant risk factor, as added weight places stress on one’s joints. “Overweight women are four times more likely to have the risk of developing knee osteoarthritis,” said Leday.

“For those who suffer from diabetes, that prevalence is actually twofold,” he added. Osteoarthritis can also have an adverse effect on attempts to manage blood sugar in those dealing with type 2 diabetes.

Leday Explains Some of the Approaches to Osteoarthritis Treatment

Initial treatment typically begins with lifestyle changes, such as adopting an exercise routine. If that is not enough to keep symptoms at bay, osteoarthritis is treated with surgical intervention.

Leday explained that there are different levels of surgical intervention, from “a minimally invasive approach to relieve some of the strain of the osteoarthritis” to full-fledged replacement procedures.

He Also Mentioned When You Might Want to Consider Surgical Options

He identified major signs that you should consider surgical intervention. “Number one, if you can no longer complete your routine daily task without help. Number two is if you have significant pain, pain that keeps you awake at night, despite using medications, pain that keeps you from being able to walk or bend over, and pain that isn’t relieved by rest.”

Some studies have shown that Black patients face higher levels of severe pain and a higher disability rate.

Listen to Your Body and Talk to Your Doctor

Leday emphasized the importance of being honest with your healthcare providers about what you’re experiencing. “One of the key notes that I’ve heard throughout these conversations and presentations today is to listen to your body,” he said. It is not enough to listen to your body. You have to honor what it is saying at all times, even when it might feel slightly embarrassing or might make you feel like you’re being a bother. Keeping a journal might help you communicate about what you’re feeling to your doctor.

He warned against admitting “it hurts like the devil” at home and downplaying discomfort as “a little stiff but it’s all right, it’s not that bad” while talking to doctors. “Be honest with yourself and be honest with your provider when you go in,” Leday added.

Osteoarthritis is Degenerative: Seek treatment as soon as possible.

Seeking treatment for osteoarthritis symptoms as soon as possible is the only way to ensure the most positive outcomes. “It often provides pain relief and functional improvement, so early diagnosis and treatment are important,” he said. “Delaying surgery may lower your quality of life, as well as osteoarthritis is degenerative, so it won’t get better. It actually may get worse.”

Some people assume joints added through surgery are worn out quickly and will automatically have to be replaced. But he pointed out that things have changed.

“The advancements in implant technology have surpassed what they were many years ago, so the joints you have today will last much longer than previously understood,” he continued.

He shared that progress in surgical interventions can help patients reach their goals and live more fulfilling lives. “We literally just had someone just this past year with our joints in their body run the New York Marathon, so this is an opportunity to, again, extend life,” said Leday.

“This is an opportunity to keep it moving.”

Resources

Journal of Bone Research

Reumatologia

Journal of the National Medical Association

The post Navigating Your Osteoarthritis Journey From Diagnosis to Surgery appeared first on Black Health Matters.

Engaging in drinking and driving is a sign of “problem drinking,” something that can deeply harm Black women’s physical health due to its adverse side effects.

You Can Have A Problem With Drinking Without Having A Drinking Problem

Being a person who identifies as an alcoholic and being a person grappling with problem drinking or alcohol abuse are not synonymous. Huger, for example, said plainly, “I’m not an alcoholic, let’s be clear,” during a clip that aired during the reunion episode of The Real Housewives of Potomac.

Huger chose to enroll in a Florida treatment center before her sentencing; the show did not specify the type of treatment center. She cited a desire to “get to the bottom” of “taking antidepressants and drinking” as her reasoning for taking that action.

The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism reports that “Combining alcohol with certain medications, particularly those with sedative effects, can increase the risk of adverse events.”

RHOP’s Grand Dame is not the only Black woman in the public eye with challenges connected to alcohol. Ari Lennox has shared that she is sober. Paula Patton credited alcohol with introducing and festering a level of “chaos” in her life. Naomi Campbell has been open about her commitment to staying sober.

What Is Alcohol Abuse?

According to a 2024 report from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC), alcohol abuse is rising among women in the United States. There has been a rise in alcohol related deaths in the past seven years, including traffic accidents. Traditionally, men have had higher rates of alcohol abuse, but women are increasing their usage.

Alcohol abuse is the continued use of alcohol with negative consequences. If your health, finances, or social life is hurt by alcohol use, then you might be abusing it. Excessive drinking can lead to Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD), a serious issue. This is not a one-size-fits-all problem. “Unhealthy alcohol use ranges from mild to severe,” per the Mayo Clinic. The ranges of AUD include categories like problem drinking, binge drinking, and excessive drinking. Each can cause problems in its own way.

The threshold for meeting alcohol abuse is not as apparent as that of substance abuse, which includes illegal drugs. Alcohol is a social drug that gets glorified. It disappears into wine mom culture and cocktail mixers. “Drinking is more subtle. So, it makes it harder for you to identify and recognize that difference,” Sober Black Girls Club co-founder told ESSENCE in 2023. But alcohol is still a drug with serious side effects. Some people are engaging in sober curious behavior to evaluate the role of alcohol in their lives.

How Does Alcohol Abuse Impact Black Women?

Physical effects of alcohol abuse can take a higher toll on Black women. It causes inflammation, weakens the immune system, and hurts the liver. Some of the more serious physical effects include a higher risk of certain cancers. Studies have found that women are more sensitive to alcohol related brain damage than men.

Women compared to men suffer a greater number and severity of health consequences attributed to AUD,” and “The burden of adverse health attributed to Alcohol Use Disorders (AUD) is higher among Black compared to White women,” per the Journal of Biodemography and Social Biology.

“African American women experience high prevalence of alcohol-related consequences,” and “are disproportionately affected by negative alcohol-related outcomes,” according to the Journal of Ethnicity in Substance Abuse.

Alcohol consumption has been identified as a risk factor for breast cancer, as well. This is particularly troubling for Black women, who have a higher breast cancer mortality rate.

What Are The Alcohol Abuse Risk Factors?

Prolonged stress and childhood trauma can increase one’s chances of developing alcohol use disorder. Risk factors for alcohol abuse can include genetic factors, too. In some studies, parental alcohol use can predict the alcohol use of children.

Age is a risk factor. Young people are at the highest risk from 18 to 21, but seniors are facing challenges they didn’t face recently. “Heavy drinking and AUD are least common among adults aged 65 and older compared to other age groups, but rates have been increasing,” according to the Journal of Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews.

Can Generational Trauma Factor Into Alcohol Abuse?

When Huger was arrested, body cam footage was recorded that featured her stating that she was Thomas Jefferson’s concubine. That may have been a coded reference to racial trauma. “The relationships between trauma and SUDs can be more pronounced in minoritized women, such as Black and Indigenous women, who must also navigate societal oppression and discrimination due to race/ethnicity and sex/gender,” according to the Journal of Substance Use and Addiction Treatment.

What Treatment Options Are Available For Alcohol Abuse?

There are a variety of treatments available for alcohol abuse, including therapy. Inpatient treatment options, like the type of facility Huger checked into, and outpatient treatment options have been proven effective.

Medications are on the market to aid in the treatment of alcohol use disorder as well.

Resources

Social vs Problem Drinking Defined

Alcohol-Medication Interactions

Deaths From Excessive Alcohol Use 

Journal of Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Science

Journal of Substance Use and Addiction Treatment.

Journal of Ethnicity in Substance Abuse.

The post Alcohol Abuse Is Rising: How Black Women Are Negatively Impacted appeared first on Black Health Matters.

“This is a disease that worsens over time. It is known to cause permanent lung damage, and COPD is also a debilitating condition that impacts people both physically and mentally,” said Margaret Alabi, Director, Patient Advocacy, US & Global Dermatology Regeneron.

She described the various ways it can impact patients as it progresses through their bodies.  

“Symptoms of COPD. They include breathlessness, excessive mucus production, cough, and chest tightening. This is caused by a decrease in the lungs function to operate. This also causes exhaustion and fatigue,” said Alabi.

“Over time, people who are living with COPD often feel embarrassed by these symptoms, because when they’re out in public, their movement is limited, and it’s very challenging for folks to understand what’s wrong with them,” Alabi continued. “It impacts the everyday activities, like walking. Walking to the mailbox can be a major task, standing up to cook your favorite meal, or even getting dressed up for the day can be a major task.”

“1 in 5 people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) experience social isolation,” according to the Journal of the American Medical Association. Alabi described the way that isolation can affect COPD patients and their loved ones.

“That then begins to impact a person’s mental health, so people living with and or suffering from COPD are not the only people that have to be considered, but also their family, friends, and caretakers that are impacted by this condition,” she continued.

Eugena revealed that she was heavily restricted in her day-to-day activities following her diagnosis.

It threw her that it was chronic. She joked that she had refused to go into nursing after her mother chose the profession, yet she ended up spending all her time dealing with doctors. She worked to get answers about her severe symptoms.

“Black individuals in the United States may be preferentially affected by COPD, with their prevalence and morbidity varying widely among subgroups because of biological, socioeconomic, and cultural factors,” according to the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine. That is not always reflected in the way that they are treated, as Schmitt pointed out in the conversation. “You think of COPD. You don’t think of women right away. You don’t think a Black woman right away,” she said.

Eugena revealed what it was like navigating through the healthcare system with COPD. “They gave me headaches between the co-pays and what they don’t cover,” she said. “It got no better when I became disabled and then had to switch to government insurance, okay? Better known as Medicaid and Medicare, again, here we go, even more headaches, even more restrictions, even more lack of cooperation.”

She refused to try to improve her situation. She followed up, asked questions, and persisted with treatments.  

She advised those managing COPD to listen to their bodies to prevent bouts. “Look at the process of what’s happening with you and learn to recognize the signs of it beginning,” said Eugena. That can help you communicate with your healthcare providers and potentially live beyond blanket restrictions.

Schmitt asked Eugena how she manages to determine the extent of her needs while managing a chronic illness. “How are you managing your day-to-day, and how do you know when something is off and different, and that you need to talk to your doctor?” she asked. “If I can make it to the bathroom and back without breathing heavy, it’s a good day.

Some days. When I wake up, I know before I get out of bed because. My lungs feel like they hurt. And I know that’s pretty bad,” Eugena replied.

Each day for Eugena is different, but some feel like wins.

Eugena advised those managing COPD to take an organized approach to seeking help, to maintain their ability to engage in some of the activities they enjoy.  

“Once you get your wits about you. You’ve got to come up with a game plan for advocating for yourself. Write down what you don’t understand, what you don’t know, what you need to find out. Talk to your physician. Work with them if you’re not comfortable with that person. Go get another one,” she said.

Schmitt acknowledged the professional approach Eugena took to managing her care. “You actually said to me that you became your own client,” said Schmitt. Eugena confirmed this. “I became my own client, and I fought for myself the way I fought for people over the year,” she said. Eugena offered more advice on how the Harlemites could present themselves to become their own clients as well.

Eugena confirmed this. “I became my own client, and I fought for me the way I fought for people over the year,” she said. Eugena offered more advice on how the Harlemites could present themselves to become their own clients as well.

Eugenia’s suggestion: Study your condition. Study how it functions with you. Learn the telltale signs because all of these things are your tools to help you maintain and improve your situation.

Eugena illustrated her progress by reminding the room that there was a time she wouldn’t have been able to attend the packed event. “I could not leave my apartment. I could barely move in my apartment,” she said, turning to the audience. “I ran up those stairs this morning.”

Schmitt ended the conversation by driving home the lessons. “What’s the one thing that, as we wrap up, that you want everyone to know if they remember nothing else, you said?” she asked Eugena.

Eugena replied confidently by telling the room plainly, “You can tame this beast.”

Resources:

Journal of the American Medical Association

American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine

The post Living With COPD: A Story Of Resilience, Advocacy, And Care appeared first on Black Health Matters.

Discovering His Diagnosis While Serving Others

“My grandfather died from prostate cancer 20-something years ago, and so I was always conscious of my health,” he explained.

Eubanks was serving in his capacity as one of the organizers of the health fair at his church, demonstrating how easy it was to have one’s PSA numbers checked. Within minutes, he learned his numbers were in the danger zone.

Understanding PSA Numbers

A prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test measures the level of prostate-specific antigen in the blood. “Normal” PSA ranges vary by age.

“In general, a PSA level above 4.0 ng/mL is considered abnormal and may result in a recommendation for prostate biopsy,” according to the National Cancer Institute at the National Institutes of Health.

While working at his church’s health summit, Eubanks learned his PSA level was twice the normal level. It was in the 8s. He had previously been in the 6s, but he was never told.

“It was really shocking to find out that in 2022, it was diagnosed, but nobody said anything to me,” he continued.

How Eubanks’ Diagnosis Got Lost in the System

The longtime HCP of the frequent face on The Real Housewives of Atlanta passed away. Eubanks had no clue his records were in limbo. His new doctor never admitted they didn’t have it. Instead, they pretended they did and asked questions to try to fill in the blanks.

“My doctor didn’t come out of the gate and tell me that he didn’t have my records,” he said. “Nor did my insurance offer to provide me with any information, claiming they didn’t have anything either.”

However, Eubanks was fortunate enough to find a doctor committed to presenting him with a full picture of his health. “He was able to track [my health history] back through my labs,” he said.

Black Men and Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is extremely common. A 2025 review in the Journal of the American Medical Association states that “Prostate cancer is the most common nonskin cancer in men in the US.”

The risk is even greater in the Black community. “Black men are disproportionately affected by prostate cancer, with earlier presentation, more aggressive disease, and higher mortality rates versus White men,” according to the American Cancer Society.

They are 70% more likely to develop prostate cancer. Their outcomes are worse as well. Black men are twice as likely to die from prostate cancer. The disparity is even more significant in Eubanks’ home state of Georgia. It is fifth nationwide.

Misconceptions about PSA Testing

Eubanks cited misinformation about how PSA levels are checked as one of the contributing factors for why people do not get tested.

“Guys have to get out of their heads about having their prostate checked through the anus,” he said. PSA tests can be conducted through a rapid blood draw process. It is a quick and minimally invasive way to educate yourself about your health.

An Overlooked Symptom

He pointed out a significant symptom of prostate cancer that goes unnoticed. Previously, he attributed his frequent urination to the amount of water he was drinking. He was wrong. “That was a sign. You know? My bladder was overactive,” he declared.

Finding Purpose Under Pressure

Eubanks partnered with ZERO Prostate Cancer to help him spread awareness and increase access to those who need it the most. The organization has offered “resources, programs, and services” to those fighting or at risk for prostate cancer and their loved ones for nearly 30 years.

They are aiming to ensure 10,000 men a month get appointments for PSA tests.

Advocacy is nothing new to Eubanks. He has aided in producing health summits, community feedings, and other philanthropic events for decades through his church Victory for the World.

He has comforted others on a smaller scale as well. A frequent traveler to Saint Lucia, he has brought back items to soothe those in his life who are dealing with the symptoms of illness.

“I’ve been bringing back soursop leaves and bark and giving it to people that had health challenges, and lo and behold, I’m needing it now, so it’s just really interesting how God has been preparing me for this day, and I had no idea,” he said.

Soursop has been known to “possess therapeutic effects due to their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and gastroprotective properties,” according to the  Journal of Molecules.

How Eubanks Practices Self-Care

He is currently meditating and working with his urologist and primary care provider on a treatment plan that is right for him.

He strongly encouraged those without resources to attend public events and gain the knowledge they need. “When you have a health fair or summit or anything free in your community, go go go! Because the information is there, you have the medical professionals there.”

It can be hard to prioritize your health as your to-do list expands. But Eubanks stressed the importance of putting your well-being first.

“I encourage people to take the time. It’s your health,” he said. “No matter how much wealth, how many bedrooms you have in your house, what car you drive, without your health, none of that is relevant.”

And while the world might know him for external elegance, Dwight Eubanks is focused on what lies within.

“It doesn’t matter what label is on your shoes or outfits. None of that matters when you don’t have good health and strength,” he added. “That’s the number one thing.”

References

NCI: PSA Fact Sheet

Journal of the American Cancer Society: The Review

Racial Disparities of Black Men with Prostate Cancer: American Cancer Society

Journal of Molecules.

The post Dwight Eubanks’ Initial Prostate Cancer Diagnosis Was Lost appeared first on Black Health Matters.

His family confirmed to the Amsterdam News that Williams died Tuesday. His cause of death has been attributed to cancer. He fought it in secret while remaining committed to serving his friends and neighbors.

A Lifelong Commitment to Harlem

He was a respected member of the Harlem community, where he spent his entire life. He dedicated his life to improving access to healthcare options and artistic offerings in the area. For five decades, he championed economic equality and cultural diversity.

He spoke up before it was popular. He did not wait for permission to care for his people.

A visionary who embodied The Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce motto that “The business of business is PEOPLE!”

Williams Spoke Up For Families

His voice rose in defense of Harlem’s identity as a haven for Black families and artists at a time when others sought to frame it as a blank slate for real estate interests. His actions represented a deep devotion to the health and happiness of his fellow Harlemites. Some referred to him as a cultural architect.

He served as the Vice-Chairman of Harlem Arts Alliance (HAA), in addition to his work with The Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce. The organization “plays an essential role in the lives of emerging and established artists.” It connects them to resources, provides them with exposure, and creates connections that propel their careers. He also co-founded the National Black Sports & Entertainment Hall of Fame.

He Was a Pioneer in Culture and Commerce

He was a member of the NAACP and the National Action Network, supporting their efforts faithfully. The late Congressman Charles Rangel put it best when he described Williams’ work.

“Truly a pioneer in both the fields of culture and commerce, he has managed to harmoniously unite the two, providing opportunities for Harlem residents to thrive,” said Rangel. “The Harlem community, indeed all of New York City, owes a debt of gratitude to Lloyd Williams.”

The GHCC Honors Williams’ Legacy as the Co-Founder of HARLEM WEEK

Winston Majette, Executive Director of The Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce, issued a statement on Williams’ passing.

“It is with profound sadness that The Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce and the family of Lloyd Williams, President and CEO of The Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce and Co-Founder of HARLEM WEEK, passed away peacefully overnight, surrounded by loved ones, following a private and courageous battle with cancer,” he said.

Williams co-founded the upcoming HARLEM WEEK, which was initially known as HARLEM DAY. He helped take it from a one-day festival to a cultural juggernaut with a positive impact on the local economy and civic engagement.

Majette confirmed that the organization will continue hosting the event honoring Williams by continuing his work.

“While we mourn his loss, HARLEM WEEK will continue as planned. Our theme this year is ‘Celebrate Our Magic,’ which is fitting because Lloyd always celebrated the magic of his beloved community,” she continued.

Former New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio presented Williams with a proclamation for HARLEM WEEK in 2017.

Black Health Matters Founder and CEO Roslyn Young-Daniels expressed her feelings surrounding Williams’ passing.

“We join the Harlem community and beyond in mourning the passing of Lloyd Williams, a visionary leader, tireless advocate, and co-founder of Harlem Week and the Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Williams was a true statesman whose life’s work gave voice and visibility to a community too often overlooked and under-resourced,” she said.

“His unwavering commitment to uplifting Harlem’s cultural, economic, and health landscape transformed the lives of countless individuals. Under his leadership, Harlem Week became more than a celebration — it became a movement. A space where families could gather for entertainment, education, and empowerment — enriching the mind, body, and soul.”

Black Health Matters has partnered with HARLEM WEEK to create hybrid events designed to educate attendees about vital health issues. “Black Health Matters is proud to have been welcomed into the Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce by Mr. Williams, and to have participated in Harlem Week — a testament to his inclusive spirit and dedication to health equity,” continued Young-Daniels. “Lloyd Williams’ legacy will endure in every corner of Harlem and every life touched by his vision. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.”

Our thoughts and prayers are with the loved ones of Williams at this time.

The post Beloved President and CEO of The Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce Lloyd A. Williams Passes At 80 appeared first on Black Health Matters.

Sanders, who is also known as Coach Prime, has faced other health issues. He had blood clots that led to the amputation of two of his toes in 2021. He learned of his bladder cancer during follow-up testing for those issues, proving the importance of routine screenings.

A CT scan of his vascular system alerted his caregivers to signs.

“Men, everybody. Get checked out. Because if it weren’t for me getting tested for something else, they wouldn’t have stumbled upon this,” he advised.

How Bladder Cancer Can Change Your Life?

The former professional football player turned inspirational football coach was transparent about his challenges following the surgery.

“I’m still dealing with going to the bathroom. It’s a whole life change,” he told the media. “I’m gonna be transparent. I can’t pee like I used to pee. It’s totally different.”

He explained that he might require special accommodations in the workplace due to the effects of the surgery. “I cannot control my bladder, so I get up to go to the bathroom already four or five times a night,” said Sanders. “I’m making a joke out of it, but it’s real. So if you see a port-a-potty on the sideline, it’s real. I’m just telling you right now, you’re gonna see it.”

Sanders chose to share his diagnosis and details about his treatment following his surgery despite speculation surrounding his absence from team practices. He shared when he was ready to.

Privacy is often important to those facing cancer.

He addressed the stigma associated with bladder cancer and instructed those watching the press conference to be proactive in their approach to their health. “Let’s stop being ashamed of it, and let’s deal with it, and let’s deal with it head-on,” he said.

Sanders shared a video of himself heading to the surgery with his friend Karruche Tran at his side. Social support is deeply important to those dealing with cancer.

How Common Is Bladder Cancer?

Bladder cancer is one of several cancers of the urinary system. It is fairly common. The World Health Organization says it is the ninth most common cancer in the world.

Men are significantly more likely to be diagnosed with bladder cancer than women. Of the women who get diagnosed, Black and Hispanic women are at a higher risk of being diagnosed at an advanced stage.

Bladder cancer heavily affects those in the senior population. “A total of 90% of bladder cancer diagnoses are made in those 55 years of age and older,” according to the Journal of Medical Sciences.

Sanders is 57.

What Are The Risks of Bladder Cancer?

Smoking is a significant risk factor for bladder cancer—parasite infections and extended exposure to chemicals like arsenic and chlorine present risk factors as well.

There are genetic factors associated with bladder cancer, too. It is hereditary.

What Are The Mortality Rates For Bladder Cancer?

“Bladder cancer is the? 10th leading cause of cancer death in the United States,” according to the American Cancer Society.

According to a 2023 article from BMC Urology, “Compared with white patients, African Americans tend to present with more advanced disease at diagnosis, are less likely to receive definitive treatment, and have poorer survival outcomes.” As with several other forms of cancer, early screening helps with outcomes.

The Canadian Urological Association Journal reports that “Screening for bladder cancer results in close to 80% downstaging.”

What Are The Signs Of Bladder Cancer?

Blood in the urine is one of the most apparent signs of bladder cancer. It can be faint. It can also briefly disappear and reappear.

Frequent urination and painful urination are signs as well. Back pain is associated with bladder cancer, too. If you experience any one of these symptoms, you should seek a screening.

What Kind of Treatments Are Available for Bladder Cancer?

The standard of care for bladder cancer treatment is changing. Some drugs are showing promise in clinical trials.

The type of bladder cancer determines which kind of treatment is best for each patient.

Sanders opted for bladder removal after considering the nature of his tumor. He felt that was the best path to stay there for his family and his players. The less invasive options did not depict the future he wanted.

“You guys gave me options that scared me to death,” Sanders told Dr. Kukrej.

Dr. Janet Kukrej was at Sanders’ side as he spoke. She described the tumor as “very aggressive” and “very high grade.”

“It was very high grade invading through the bladder wall, not into the muscle layer, something we call very high risk non-muscle invasive bladder cancer,” she explained. “We performed a full robot-assisted laparoscopic bladder removal and creation of a new bladder.”

Resources:

Digit Health

World Health Organization: Bladder Cancer

National Cancer Institute

Journal of Medical Sciences.

American Cancer Society.

BMC Urology

Canadian Urological Association Journal

Mayo Clinic: Clinical Trials

The post Deion Sanders Wants You To Get Tested For Bladder Cancer appeared first on Black Health Matters.

It found that there were significant risk factors associated with both the smoking of marijuana and the ingestion of marijuana.

Cannabis Use Is On The Rise

“Over the past several decades, more than half of all U.S. states have legalized cannabis for adult and/or medical use, but it remains illegal at the federal level,” according to the National Academy of Sciences. The legalization of marijuana has increased its on-the-record usage. What used to be contained in secret parking lot handoffs is now a more straightforward transaction. People can stop off at the corner and pick up some sativa pre-rolls or a package of indica gummies on their way home from work. This has led to increased cannabis consumption. A 2022 study found that daily marijuana usage was even outpacing routine alcohol consumption.

Heart health is a significant concern for the Black community. Black people have disproportionate rates of adverse heart health outcomes, making even slight additional risk factors extremely dangerous.

Cannabis Today Is Different Than Before

If you choose to indulge and feel a tsunami of high where you used to feel a drizzle of calm, there’s a reason for that. Cannabis is far stronger than it was. Users’ tastes have evolved, and growers are meeting their desires. Plants have been modified for maximum effect as a result. The New York Times reports that “with more people consuming more potent cannabis more often, a growing number, mostly chronic users, are enduring serious health consequences.”

There are other risks associated with cannabis in addition to vascular threats. “The heavy and prolonged use of cannabis has been linked to several adverse health effects such as memory impairment, issues with executive functioning, and increased risk for developing a mental illness,” according to a 2022 article in Current Addiction Reports.

Neuroscientist Yasmin Hurd told the Times, “There’s a difference in legalizing the original cannabis on the planet and the products that exist today.” The Academy advocated for a public health campaign to advise vulnerable publics about the dangers associated with marijuana.

Cannabis Usage Should Be Discussed With Your Doctor

Cannabis has long been thought of as a casual way to relax. It treats chronic pain, insomnia, and social anxiety disorder.

But it might be smart to check with your doctor before adding it to your dopamine menu.

It is still considered a drug. It should be consumed mindfully. “It’s not as risk-free as we think, and it should be part of your discussion with a healthcare provider,” advised Dr. Hakeem Ayinde, MD, MS, FHRS, Internal Medicine Section Chair of the National Medical Association. Ayinde is board-certified in cardiovascular disease.

“If you think about this as a drug, it has its risks, as we have seen, and it may have some benefits as we’re aware,” he told Black Health Matters. “You may get immediate stress relief, but then you’re exchanging one problem for a way bigger problem,” he added.

Ayinde witnessed an instance of myocardial infarction that puzzled him during his residency. Cannabis use was involved. “He didn’t have any of the typical risk factors,” said Ayinde.

“The only thing I saw that stood out was that he smoked cannabis.”

He suspected it was a factor. But the available research was limited at the time. “I couldn’t find very strong evidence at that time,” he explained. The research gaps have since been filled, and Ayinde’s suspicions have been confirmed.

Cannabis Consumption Could Be An Invisible Risk Factor

A 2023 study from the Journal of the American College of Cardiology connected frequent cannabis use with an increased risk for coronary artery disease.

The Journal of the American Heart Association previously explored the association of cannabis use with cardiovascular outcomes among adults in the United States. It found that cannabis use raised the risk of myocardial infarction and stroke. Its findings were consistent with other studies that reported that a higher rate of usage resulted in increased risks, and “There were significant differences in the distribution of cardiovascular events between respondents reporting daily, nondaily, and nonuse of cannabis, with the lowest point estimates among the nondaily users.”

The study argued that patients should be screened for cannabis use.

Resources

Journal of the American Medical Association Cardiology: Association of Endothelial Dysfunction With Chronic Marijuana Smoking and THC-Edible Use

National Academies of Sciences: To Protect Public Health, Federal Government Should Provide Guidance to States that Have Legalized Marijuana, Close Hemp Regulatory Loopholes, Create Public Health Campaign

pbsorg: Daily marijuana use is now more common than daily alcohol use in the U.S., new study finds

The New York Times: As America’s Marijuana Use Grows, So Do the Harms

Current Addiction Reports: Racial and Ethnic Differences in Cannabis Use and Cannabis Use Disorder: Implications for Researchers.

Dysmenorrhoea: Can Medicinal Cannabis Bring New Hope for a Collective Group of Women Suffering in Pain, Globally?

Medicinal cannabis for the treatment of anxiety disorders

 Journal of the American College of Cardiology Association of Cannabis Use Disorder With Risk of Coronary Heart Disease

Journal of the American Heart Association: Association of Cannabis Use With Cardiovascular Outcomes Among US Adults

The post Can Cannabis Threaten Your Cardiac Health? appeared first on Black Health Matters.

How Did the Foundation Get Its Name?

Megan created the foundation three years ago as a way to honor the memories of her late parents, Joseph Pete III and Holly Thomas. Thomas was also a rapper. She deeply inspired Megan and helped shepherd her career until a brain tumor claimed her life in 2019.

The gala was held to support the foundation’s programming efforts. Taraji P. Henson served as the emcee for the evening. The award-winning actress is dedicated to promoting healthcare access and has spoken openly about the need for mental healthcare resources within the Black community. Megan has previously championed the exact cause.

The Mission of The Pete & Thomas Foundation

The mission of Pete & Thomas Foundation “provides resources to effect meaningful and positive change in the lives of women and children, senior citizens, and underserved communities in Houston, TX and across the globe,” according to its website.

To achieve their goals, the foundation works in collaboration with others. Between 2022 and 2024, the foundation has partnered with over 125 community organizations to support more than 23,000 individuals, making a significant impact in their lives. Megan speaks openly about the organization’s mission.

What Are Their Main Areas of Focus?

Megan launched a digital mental health resource directory in 2022. The site was named after a saucy but soulful lyric from “Anxiety,” a powerful track from her Traumazine album. The song was released after Megan experienced the trauma of physical violence at the hands of someone in her circle, something that disproportionately impacts Black women.

The Pete & Thomas Foundation offers services and grants to communities. Its programming is split into three distinct areas: education, housing, and health and wellness. These form the foundation’s core pillars. It is particularly active in Megan’s home state of Texas.

Megan is Particularly Passionate About This Area.

Education, in particular, is a top priority for the rapper who stayed in school as she ascended to the top of the rap charts. She earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Health Administration from Texas Southern University in 2021. Megan previously expressed a desire to open an assisted living facility in her hometown of Houston, Texas. She has discussed the importance of elder care in interviews.

The Pete & Thomas Foundation has awarded scholarships to students at Texas Southern University pursuing degrees in public health fields. Visible Black leaders in public health help create a blueprint for greater representation in the field. Black women, in particular, face extraordinary barriers to building careers in public health. As pathways to professional advancement are disappearing, help from non-profits is even more urgent.

Texas Southern University is an HBCU that has received support from Beyoncé, a collaborator on Megan’s “Savage Remix,” through her BeyGood foundation.

They also supported student athletes at Audrey H. Lawson Middle School through targeted grants.

Megan Believes We All Can Do Something to Help Others

Megan shared tips for supporting communities on the carpet in an interview with Billboard. “You have to know what your community needs,” she said. “If you’re in an underserved community, figure out what it is that your community needs from you that you can directly do.”

She encouraged others to think from a grassroots perspective.

“You can maybe put together some things at a local school,” she suggested. “Your community needs to be served, but you need to figure out how to serve it.”

Putting a Spotlight on Those Making a Difference

The Foundation’s Hotties Helping grant program helps people recognize each other for the positive contributions they make to their community through acts of service. Hotties, the official nickname of Megan’s feverish fanbase, can recommend one another for a chance to get their non-profit supported by the foundation.

Megani encourages people to nominate those who work in public service, such as teachers, healthcare workers, or volunteers.

Learn more about the Pete & Thomas Foundation here.

@petethomasfdn Founded by Megan Thee Stallion in honor of her parents, the Pete and Thomas Foundation is committed to uplifting women, children, senior citizens and underserved communities through education, housing, community goodwill and health & wellness. Since 2022, the Foundation has expanded its impact by launching mental health initiatives, supporting senior citizens with generators, supporting families with resources, and providing scholarships to students in Houston and across the globe. Featured at the Pete & Thomas Foundation Inaugural Gala on July 16th at Gotham Hall in New York City, we have proudly partnered with 150 community organizations and served over 30,000 people. Learn more and get involved: www.peteandthomasfoundation.org #PeteAndThomasGala ♬ original sound – Pete & Thomas Foundation

The post What is Megan Thee Stallion’s Pete & Thomas Foundation? appeared first on Black Health Matters.

The baby was named Chance. According to WXIA of Atlanta, Newkirk said that the baby weighed just one pound thirteen ounces and is being cared for in the neonatal unit.

The Challenges Associated With Low Birth Weight

According to the Journal of BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth, low birth weight “contributes to a spectrum of adverse outcomes throughout the life course.” These could include “stunted growth, infectious diseases, neurodevelopmental impairments, compromised cognitive function, and academic performance.” The challenges associated with low birth weight can appear in the short term or the long term.

Newkirk solicited prayers from the public for her new grandchild. “He’s expected to be OK,” she said. “He’s just fighting. We just want prayers for him. Just keep praying for him.”

Adriana Smith’s Need For Medical Attention Resulted in Her Being Declared Brain Dead

Smith was a 31-year-old nurse who sought medical attention for severe headaches and was sent home after visiting another hospital. No scans were done, and she awoke gasping for air due to blood clots in her brain the next day. She has been brain-dead and hospitalized since February.

Newkirk commented on Smith being removed from life support on Tuesday and eventually laid to rest. “It’s hard to process,” she said. “I’m her mother. I shouldn’t be burying my daughter. My daughter should be burying me.”

Adriana Smith’s Case Has Garnered National Attention

Her case has drawn national attention thanks to being impacted by Georgia’s stringent abortion ban. It has drawn questions about whether or not legislation can outweigh the wishes of a family in a medical crisis involving a pregnant person. Debates about what constitutes personhood have sprung from its place in the public discourse since Smith’s family first spoke out.

The state instituted a strict six-week ban, signed into law by Governor Brian Kemp. The Fulton County Superior Court overturned it at first. The overturning of Roe v. Wade allowed the ban to be enforced in the state. It has been a major source of controversy. Newkirk and the rest of Smith’s family were left with no control over whether or not Smith could be removed from life support since she was carrying a fetus.

Now the Focus is On Chance’s Survival

On Monday, in an interview with 11 Alive, Newkirk clarified the family’s intention to care for the child. “Right now, the journey is for baby Chance to survive,” Newkirk said. “Whatever condition God allows him to come here in, we’re going to love him just the same.”

Newkirk was warned about the potential health issues that her grandson might face. “He may be blind, may not be able to walk, may not be able to survive once he’s born,” Newkirk added. “This decision should’ve been left to us. Now we’re left wondering what kind of life he’ll have, and we’re going to be the ones raising him.”

Previously, Newkirk expressed discontent at the lack of say the family had concerning Smith’s body. “It should have been left up to the family,” she said. “I’m not saying that we would have chosen to terminate her pregnancy, but what I’m saying is, we should have had a choice.” The family also claims to have incurred the financial liability of keeping Smith technically alive.

She doubled down on her belief that the family should have been consulted about their wishes.

“We didn’t have a choice or a say about it,” Newkirk said before Chance’s delivery. “We want the baby. That’s a part of my daughter. But the decision should have been left to us, not the state.

Resources

Journal of BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

The post Adriana Smith’s Baby Delivered Via Cesarean appeared first on Black Health Matters.

“She’s free, and in His heavenly arms,” Emory wrote beside a series of broken heart emoji symbols. “Lord, rest her soul,” Emory added.

Remembering Ananda’s Treasured Voice

Lewis was one of the most significant voices in the ’90s and early aughts culture. She hosted The Ananda Lewis Show and co-hosted the popular video request series Total Request Live (TRL) on MTV. She also hosted the iconic BET series Teen Summit, where she tackled serious topics relevant to teenagers with compassion. She brought a fun, frothy energy to pop culture topics. Lewis interviewed some of the top names in entertainment, including Brandy, Mary J. Blige, and Destiny’s Child.

She respected her interview subjects and did her research. Her work helped cement cultural touchstones like MTV’s Spring Break and the NAACP Image Awards.

Ananda’s Breast Cancer Battle

Breast cancer is one of the leading causes of death for Black women in the United States.

“Black women have a higher incidence of breast cancer before the age of 40, more severe disease at all ages, and elevated mortality risk compared to white women,” according to a 2016 journal article published by The American Cancer Society. Black women have also received inconsistent screening recommendations. The Journal of the American Medical Association strongly suggested that Black women begin screening for breast cancer eight years earlier than their counterparts.

Lewis revealed that she was diagnosed with breast cancer in an Instagram post in October 2020. She used her platform to raise awareness and encourage women to get regular mammograms during breast cancer awareness month.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Ananda Lewis (@imanandalewis)

“This is tough for me, but if just ONE woman decides to get her mammogram after watching this, what I’m going through will be worth it,” she wrote in the caption for a six-minute video where she walked her followers through her diagnosis and treatment journeys.

Her diagnosis came after a self-examination she conducted after choosing not to get screened routinely.

“If I had done the mammograms from the time they were recommended when I turned 40, they would have caught the tumor in my breast years before I caught it through my own breast exam, self-exam, and thermography,” she said in the video.

Other Black celebrities, including Monyetta Shaw-Carter and Tina Knowles, have publicly shared their fights with breast cancer to raise awareness as well. Knowles revealed that her stage one cancer might have been detected earlier had she not chosen to skip mammograms.

Lewis commented on her battle with breast cancer during an interview for the January/February 2025 issue of ESSENCE magazine as well. She explained that she questioned the medical advice she was given initially after seeing what breast cancer treatments had done to others in her family. She opted to seek treatment at an integrative facility and make extreme lifestyle changes, including eliminating sugar from her diet and doing a cleanse.

“My goal was to do things that supported my body’s ability to continue to be whole enough to heal, instead of destroying it up front,” Lewis told Victoria Uwumarogie. “ I also couldn’t figure out how to fit the double mastectomy, the full chemotherapy, and, potentially, the radiation they were telling me to have into my already overwhelmed life. More importantly, these methods went against what I believed was right for my body.

Reassessing Assumptions About Access To Care

“Structural and personal factors continue to create barriers to mammography among Black women” and “The more advanced breast cancer stage at diagnosis in Black women when compared with the general population has been largely attributed to inequities in access to quality health care, including screening mammography,” according to the Journal of Policy, Politics, & Nursing Practice.

Some assume that every person they see on television has access to unlimited resources, but that is not always the case. Despite her fame and impact, Lewis faced struggles gaining access to the care she needed.

She described the financial barriers she faced following her stay at the integrative facility during her interview with ESSENCE.

“There are no residual checks. I’m a working single mom, and insurance doesn’t cover most of these treatments. When I got back, I was given a set of instructions for things I had to continue doing. But the money problem is a recurring problem. I struggled to pay for the ongoing treatments that would have kept things at bay, and then I lost my insurance,” continued Lewis.

This prolonged her path to receiving the appropriate care. The COVID-19 pandemic’s restrictions also impacted her ability to receive proper treatment. When she was ready to do surgery, non-emergency surgeries were not being scheduled due to concerns about the pandemic spreading.

“It was two and a half years before I could really do any more effective treatment,” she added.

Lewis continued to advocate for others throughout her life, frequently spreading the message that others should undergo screening.

Lewis is survived by Emory and her 14-year-old son, Langston. Our sincere condolences and prayers are with the loved ones of Lewis.

 

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A post shared by The Styles Report (@thestylesreport)

Resources

Johns Hopkins University Press/Journal of Healthcare for the Poor and Underserved

American Cancer Society: Understanding and Effectively Addressing Cancer in Black Women

The Journal of the Medical Association.

Journal of Policy and Nursing Practice

The post Ananda Lewis, the Former TV Host & VJ Has Died at 52 appeared first on Black Health Matters.

Stone’s family issued a statement announcing his passing to the media. “It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved dad, Sly Stone of Sly and the Family Stone. After a prolonged battle with COPD and other underlying health issues, Sly passed away peacefully, surrounded by his three children, his closest friend, and his extended family,” they wrote.

Becoming Sly Stone

According to the New York Times, he was born as Sylvester Stewart in Denton, Texas, on March 15, 1943. He was the second of Alpha and K.C. Stewart’s children. The family moved west to Vallejo, California, where Mr. Stewart found work as a cleaner and a maintenance worker at a department store.

In 1952, He formed a gospel group with his three siblings called The Stewart Family Four. They released their first single, “On the Battlefield,” and “Walking in Jesus’ Name,” on the flip side, reflecting the family’s Pentecostal musical roots. Even then, Sylvester sang lead.

He got the nickname “Sly” when someone misspelled his first name. He learned to play the guitar and quickly acquired the skills to play other instruments.

Sly worked with every genre: Black bands, doo-wop groups, and interracial bands. Then he became a radio disc jockey.

According to The Times, in 1966, he was the leader of a band called Sly and the Stoners. The following year, he merged with the band his brother Freddie was playing with, and together they became Sly and the Family Stone.

Sly was on the organ, his brother, Freddie, played the guitar, Larry Graham played the bass, and a white drummer, Gregg Errico. Cynthia Robinson on trumpet, Jerry Martini on saxophone, and Sly’s sisters Rose, who played the keyboard and sang backup, and Vaetta, who also sang backup.

Together, the group created iconic hits. The band’s brand of glittering music was infectious. It brought joy to many wedding receptions and backyard barbecues. Generations have his work embedded into the soundtracks of their memories.

Sly and the Family Stone released their first studio album. “A Whole New Thing” in 1967, followed by “Life” in 1968. The group performed at the original Woodstock in 1969.

Songs like “I Want to Take You Higher,” “Everybody is a Star,” and “Dance To The Music” are inescapable earworms that have warmed up moments all over the world. During their height of popularity, from 1967 to 1982, they released ten studio albums, three live albums, and seven subsequent compilation albums. Sly and the Family Stone were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1993.

What Is COPD?

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive, debilitating respiratory condition and currently the third leading cause of death in the United States,” according to the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine. COPD is a leading concern in the Black community, as a 2021 article in the same journal reports that “COPD is increasingly being recognized as a major health problem in America’s multicultural Black population.”

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has labeled the chronic condition “1 of the top 10 causes of death in the United States.” There are higher morbidity rates for COPD in the Black community. COPD is treatable with medications, oxygen therapy, and other methods, but there is no cure for it.

Symptoms of COPD include shortness of breath, constant coughing, excessive wheezing, elevated heart rate, severe fatigue, and a tightness of the chest, according to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Many who fight COPD face recurring flare-ups. Symptoms can appear suddenly.

Because its symptoms overlap with several other diseases, it can be easy for COPD to be misdiagnosed. “A person may have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) but not notice symptoms until it is in the moderate stage,” according to the COPD Foundation.

Some individuals do not experience noticeable symptoms until they reach middle age.

The Academy Award-winning actor Louis Gossett Jr. died of COPD as well.

How Will Sly Stone Be Remembered?

Stone’s family members expressed respect and admiration for Stone’s artistic contributions in the statement. “While we mourn his absence, we take solace in knowing that his extraordinary musical legacy will continue to resonate and inspire for generations to come,” they continued. “Sly was a monumental figure, a groundbreaking innovator, and a true pioneer who redefined the landscape of pop, funk, and rock music. His iconic songs have left an indelible mark on the world, and his influence remains undeniable.”

Stone’s impressive life story was told in the memoir Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin). It depicted his rise to the top ranks of the music industry. His family revealed that his story would soon be coming to the screen.

Amir Questlove Thompson also made the documentary “Sly Lives! (aka the Burden of Black Genius)”, which is streaming on Hulu.

“In a testament to his enduring creative spirit, Sly recently completed the screenplay for his life story, a project we are eager to share with the world in due course, which follows a memoir published in 2024,” the family wrote.

“We extend our deepest gratitude for the outpouring of love and prayers during this difficult time. We wish peace and harmony to all who were touched by Sly’s life and his iconic music,” they concluded.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Stone/Stewart family.

 

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A post shared by Sly Stone (@slystoneofficial)

Resources

American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine.

U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute

COPD Foundation

The post Sly Stone of Sly and the Family Stone Has Died At 82 appeared first on Black Health Matters.

Shaw-Carter shared her experience candidly. After taking a private approach to seeking treatment for her breast cancer, the mom and entrepreneur wants to raise awareness by sharing what she went through. She rang the bell on May 2, 2025, after 16 rounds of radiation.

Her First Breast Cancer Scare

“I had a biopsy about 10 years ago and it came back benign,” said Shaw-Carter. Her eventual 2024 diagnosis came after the result of a self-examination.

“Then last year in September I was doing a self-check because I felt this random sensation that I can’t really describe in my left boob. It was like nothing I’ve ever felt before. It was literally like my body was alerting me that something was wrong,” she continued.

There are conflicting medical opinions about the merits of self-breast exams. According to the Centers for Disease Control, “Being familiar with how your breasts look and feel can help you notice symptoms such as lumps, pain, or changes in size that may be of concern.”

In Shaw-Carter’s case, conducting a self-examination was helpful. The exam revealed to her that something had changed in her body prior to her meeting with a doctor. She prioritized getting further testing.

 Necessary Screenings Were Done Quickly

The following month, she got a mammogram that revealed she was dealing with stage 1 invasive ductal carcinoma. This kind of breast cancer is extremely common. Patients diagnosed with this kind of cancer have many treatment options available.

Shaw-Carter opted for a lumpectomy and radiation after reviewing the methods that could work for her specific situation. Unlike a full mastectomy, a lumpectomy involves removing the cancerous tissue inside the breasts as opposed to removing the entire breast from the body.

She Considered Her Options and Did Genetic Testing Before Making a Treatment Decision

While doing all of the biopsies and MRIs, I was first considering having a double mastectomy. But after my genetic testing came back favorable, and after sitting in my reality for some time, I decided on the lumpectomy,” said Shaw-Carter.

Those who do not routinely receive mammograms are more likely to be diagnosed in stage 3 or 4. Shaw-Carter advocated for taking a proactive approach to getting regular screenings.

“Because I caught the cancer early, I will be here for my kids,” she said. “There’s nothing more important than getting checked often and early to protect your future. Our health is irreplaceable.”

Early detection is important in all breast cancer cases, but studies indicate that it is even more crucial for Black women, who are significantly more likely to lose their lives from it. The Journal of Breast Cancer Research reports that “Breast cancer mortality rates are 40% higher in Black women compared to White women.” For Black women over the age of 50, the disparity in survival rates is even higher.

 Having Breast Cancer Can be Mentally and Emotionally Taxing.

Breast cancer impacts more than the body. It can have a severe mental and emotional toll. “It is a challenging disease that induces a crisis in the patient’s psychological balance and is perceived as a disaster in the eyes of the patient,” according to The Journal of Breast Health. Breast cancer, because of its association with traditional expectations of femininity, can compound these non-physical side effects even further.
Shaw-Carter described how she initially felt about her diagnosis. “It was obviously one of the hardest and scariest moments of my life,” she said. “Everything around me stopped. My heart dropped. I was afraid. I was angry. I was just numb,” she added.

She posted about her current state of mind in a recent Instagram post celebrating her 45th birthday, in which she wore a pink column gown adorned with rectangle-shaped crystals. It was a carousel post. She wore pink boxing gloves, pink boxing trunks, and a pink satin robe in another picture, symbolizing her fight against breast cancer during the previous year of her life.

As a Survivor, Shaw-Carter is Grateful to Be Here.

Shaw-Carter described herself as “stronger than ever” and expressed gratitude for those who supported her throughout the journey, including her family, friends, and the healthcare workers who cared for her.

“This birthday is more than candles and cake…it’s a celebration of life, a reflection of pain & purpose, of healing, and God’s grace. I’ve faced one of the biggest battles of my life… and I WON!!!”

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Monyetta Shaw-Carter (@monyettashaw)

Resources:

University of Rochester: Breast Self-Exams Are No Longer Recommended- Here’s What to Do Instead.

Centers for Disease Control: Screening for Breast Cancer

National Cancer Foundation/Invasive Ductal Carcinoma

Breast Cancer Research Foundation: Black Women and Cancer Disparities: Why They Exist and How to End Them.

The Journal of Breast Cancer Research (Addition of polygenic risk score to a risk calculator for prediction of breast cancer in US Black women)

The Journal for Breast Health (Psychiatric Symptoms and Psychosocial Problems in Patients with Breast Cancer)

The post Monyetta Shaw-Carter Shares Her Breast Cancer Battle appeared first on Black Health Matters.

“We’re having a really hard time because my Aunt Bertha has Alzheimer’s,” Burruss told viewers of the live-streaming session.

We are twice as likely to get Alzheimer’s

“Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that mostly affects the elderly population worldwide, and which is characterized by a progressive decline in cognitive function,” according to the Journal of Biomedical Science. The CDC reports that it is a type of dementia that impacts 6.5 million people. Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience reports that Black Americans are twice as likely to develop dementia as others.

Get familiar with the symptoms of Alzheimer’s

Symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease can include severe memory loss, a drastic shift in personality, physical and psychological aggression, and sudden mood swings. It is a disease that can be extremely difficult for loved ones and caregivers to support the afflicted person through. They are forced to watch them transform into someone unfamiliar. This can cause mental and emotional distress.

How may this diagnosis impact Burruss, her family, and   the restaurant

“If anyone’s ever dealt with somebody in your family going through that, and it gets worse, it’s not easy,” continued Burruss. “So…it’s a time.” She regained her composure after briefly appearing distressed due to the intimacy of the topic.

Burruss went on to change the subject, expressing that she did want to get “emotional” when discussing her aunt.

Old Lady Gang is a soul food eatery that offers “delicious down-home Southern recipes” developed by Jones, Burruss’ mother, “Mama” Joyce Jones, and Burruss’ other aunt, Nora Wilcox. Burruss and her husband, Todd Tucker, came up with the idea for the restaurant in 2016. The family shared their journey opening Old Lady Gang on The Real Housewives of Atlanta, where Burruss was a cast member.

Bertha played a minor role with a major impact on the reality show. She became a fan favorite when she uttered the memorable catchphrase “a scheme that Todd set up” during episode 13 of season 7. This is often quoted on social media, where people mimic her memorable expression during the scene. Patrons flooded the restaurant, hoping for a glimpse of Bertha’s trademark snark to accompany their meals.

Alzheimer’s and Women, Especially Black Women

Women have double the chance of being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease as men.

A 2023 article in Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience reported that Black women have a “disproportionately high risk” for Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.

The same article detailed how Black women face barriers to accessing treatment that could diagnose them faster and help them navigate. Those barriers are particularly troubling as many are not diagnosed during the preclinical phase, where symptoms have not yet begun manifesting in the patient.

This phase often occurs in midlife, and recent studies have theorized that there could be a connection between Alzheimer’s disease and the onset of perimenopause and menopause.

But in our day-to-day lives, The Journal of PEC Innovation reports that we don’t have an acute perception of the risks hanging over our heads in our community about developing Alzheimer’s disease.

Our Lifestyle Puts Us at Increased Risk for Dementia

Lifestyle can impact one’s risk for developing Alzheimer’s disease. The CDC identifies binge drinking alcohol, smoking cigarettes, and failing to exercise routinely as modifiable habits to reduce risk.

Other risks for Alzheimer’s disease include the presence of cerebrovascular diseases, depression, diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and dyslipidemia.

Resources

 Neurodegenerative Disorders

Journal of Biomedical Science: Alzheimer’s disease risk factors 

Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience: Black Americans are twice as likely to develop dementia as others

NIH: What Are the Signs of Alzheimer’s Disease?

Nature Medicine: Women are twice as likely to develop Alzheimer’s as men, but scientists don’t know why.

The post Kandi Burruss Reveals Her Aunt Bertha Has Alzheimer’s Disease appeared first on Black Health Matters.

“Brain death, also commonly referred to as death by neurologic criteria, has been considered a legal definition of death for decades” and “although functions of many of the body’s organ systems can be artificially supported, the brain is the main control system governing vital bodily functions,” according to the Journal of Intensive Care.

The medical professionals charged with Smith’s care are unable to withdraw the breathing tubes from her body due to the potential impact on the fetus she is carrying, per the Associated Press. Their inaction has been credited to what some are calling a “fetal heartbeat bill.”

Smith sought assistance for a severe headache before being declared brain dead. She was sent home without scans that would have shown multiple blood clots on her brain. Her boyfriend found her in distress. She was rushed to the hospital, but it was too late for an effective intervention. The ineffectiveness of those tasked with her care reflects the type of systemic racial discrimination many Black women face.

Smith’s Mother, April Newkirk, dubbed this situation “preventable.” It has brought sadness and stress to their family, including Smith’s five-year-old son.

Traditionally, families are tasked with complete medical decision-making on behalf of incapacitated loved ones. Choices about whether or not to remove ventilators and other partially life-preserving measures are made by families daily.

This case is unique as Smith cannot advocate for herself, and her loved ones have been disempowered by these complicated legal measures. They were not given a choice. It raises questions about the role of family wishes in a climate where legislation plays a larger role than ever in healthcare decisions. Physicians have differing opinions on the ethical considerations associated with posthumous reproduction.

Smith’s mother commented on the distress she is experiencing with her daughter’s physical being continuing to be kept partially alive despite her lack of brain function in an interview with an affiliate of NBC News.

“It’s torture for me,” said Newkirk. “I see my daughter breathing, but she’s not there.”

“It should have been left up to the family,” Newkirk continued during her interview with the station. She revealed that the fetus has significant health issues, according to updates she received during an interview with local news outlet 11 Alive.

“He may be blind, may not be able to walk, may not be able to survive once he’s born,” Newkirk said. “This decision should’ve been left to us. Now we’re left wondering what kind of life he’ll have, and we’re going to be the ones raising him.”

She did not express her family’s wishes in either direction. She merely stated her feelings about not being allowed to make the choice on her daughter’s behalf. “I’m not saying that we would have chose to terminate her pregnancy, but what I’m saying is, we should have had a choice,” she added when speaking to the NBC affiliate.

Smith is now 21 weeks pregnant. There are reportedly plans to keep her on life support until she is at 32 weeks and the fetus can be delivered. Newkirk told 11 Alive that the process would lead to “More cost, more trauma, more questions.”

Georgia has one of the most restrictive reproductive health environments in the nation. “In 2019, Georgia House Bill 481 (HB 481) passed by a narrow margin, banning abortions upon detection of embryonic cardiac activity, as early as six weeks of gestation,” according to the Journal of Sexual and Reproductive Health Matters. The bill, signed into law by Governor Brian Kemp, was initially overturned by the Fulton County Superior Court. Later, following the overturning of Roe v. Wade, the Supreme Court of Georgia permitted the controversial law to be reinstated.

Smith’s family is not only grieving the loss of the 30-year-old mother and nurse they loved. According to Newkirk’s NBC interview, they are also potentially incurring financial obligations associated with her sustained treatment by the hospital.

This case has become a lightning rod for grim discourse surrounding the impact of abortion bans on pregnant individuals and their families. Pundits, activists, and commentators have raised concerns about what a person being incapacitated means for their reproductive health.

It is not the first Georgia case to garner attention following the ban’s enactment. Social media mourned the life of another Georgia mother and medical professional named Amber Thurman in 2022. Thurman died after she was unable to gain access to reproductive care, according to reporting from ProPublica.

The American Journal of Public Health theorized that adverse healthcare outcomes could arise from delays in abortion care for those affected by Georgia’s stringent abortion regulations in 2015.

Other states, including Mississippi, South Carolina, Alabama, Louisiana, West Virginia, and Kentucky, have similar austere approaches to reproductive healthcare access.

We can never forget Adriana Smith; she is more than a body.

Resources:

Journal of Intensive Care

Journal Racial Ethnic Health Disparities

AMA Journal of Ethics

Journal of Sexual and Reproductive Matters

ProPublica

American Journal of Public Health

The post Do Abortion Bans Top Family Rights? The Adriana Smith Story appeared first on Black Health Matters.

A recent study from the MIT Technology Review found that AI could potentially be a useful clinical tool in treating depression and anxiety. However, the study also said it didn’t serve as validation for the spate of bots flooding the market. These chatbots, powered by this technology, can feel like they’re your friend, your loved one, or even your doctor.

However, with any algorithm, we must first consider who programmed it and whether their biases (conscious or unconscious) were part of the programming process.

But while venting to a non-human is easy and cheap, it might not be the best way for everyone to seek mental wellness. So, we asked mental health experts about the potential impacts of using AI as a therapy provider.

Efficacy Concerns

Chatbots might be able to provide information and instruction, but they do not perfectly replicate the experience of speaking with a human person. Experts have reservations about technology’s ability to grasp specific nuances of the human experience.

Chatbots have never been invited to parties that they would rather skip. Or have had to weigh whether or not it was appropriate to kiss someone on the second date.

Teran pointed out that chatbots can allow a person to avoid human interaction, which can be risky for some people with certain mental health challenges. For example, if someone has problems with putting themselves out there, a chatbot can be a complicated tool. >

“If you are practicing isolation, if you are depressed, if you are overwhelmed, and you’re just like, I can’t handle it, I don’t want to speak to a person. I’d rather speak to the bot. How are we converting [them] from isolation,” she said.

“I think AI can really support dynamics that many of us have developed, which is escaping hard feelings by seeking those [dopamine] hits, rather than how can I build and rebuild the tolerance to navigate hard feelings to move through them, to work with them with people,” added Sydnee R Corriders, LCSW.

Privacy Concerns

Licensed healthcare providers are forced to follow rules and adhere to ethical standards. When they fail to do so, they face consequences. Sometimes, those consequences include losing their licenses and livelihoods. At other times, they have to deal with guilt or embarrassment. Technology does not have to worry about being dragged on the internet. It can not cry because someone yelled or made it feel bad. Nor will it starve if it can not get more clients.

AI is also developing so quickly that regulation is struggling to keep up. Guidelines and practices concerning the technology are not uniform or comprehensive.

“One of the biggest risks is that it dehumanizes the whole process of healing and growth,” said Dr. Dominique Pritchett, PsyD, LCSW. “AI does not have an emotional connection to us. It lacks empathy.”

Data input to chatbots is vulnerable to being used in a number of ways. Information about the thoughts and feelings of those seeking help from chatbots could be used to market to them or discriminate against them. Hackers are also a threat.

“The risks and costs are much greater than the benefits,” said Sydnee R. Corriders, LCSW. “I am curious where that data goes and how it’s used.

Attachment Concerns

Megan Garcia, a bereaved Florida parent, filed a 2024 lawsuit after alleging that her teenage son’s “inappropriate” relationship with a chatbot led to his suicide. The fourteen-year-old was communicating with the chatbot shortly before he took his own life. “This is a platform that the designers chose to put out without proper guardrails, safety measures, or testing, and it is a product that is designed to keep our kids addicted and to manipulate them,” Garcia told CNN in an interview. In Texas, a pair of parents filed a lawsuit after a chatbot implied to their seventeen-year-old child that their rules concerning screen time were so strict he might be justified in using violence against them.

The dangers connected to chatbots transcend cultures. In 2023, a Belgian man committed suicide after chatting extensively with a chatbot.

A February article in the MIT Technology Review revealed that a chatbot instructed a man to kill himself. It reportedly told him, “You could overdose on pills or hang yourself.”

“I am curious about what their bottom line is and what their goals are,” Corriders said of companies aiming to simulate therapy via technology. “And what I have found and seen is that it’s often around money.”

Bias Concerns

Some chatbots have been criticized for being agents of confirmation bias. Because these tools are tailor-made for the user, there are concerns that they could dig them deeper into bad situations.

A 2024 article in The British Journal of Psychiatry reported, “There is evidence that some of the most used AI chatbots tend to accentuate any negative feelings their users already had and potentially reinforce their vulnerable thoughts, leading to concerning consequences.”

“AI is a great tool for feeling validated, and I think that is a major initial part of therapy, to feel validated, but it’s not the only part,” said Corriders.

Frontiers in Psychiatry reports, “Algorithmic bias is a critical concern in the application of AI to mental health care.” In other words, the algorithms can make assumptions based on gender and race.

Dr. Shané P. Teran, MSW, LCSW, Psy. D., stated that there are elements of the human experience that can not be analyzed through artificial methods. “When we’re even talking about cultural differences, racial differences, ethnic differences, the whole list of things that would make a person diverse and different, you have to consider that they can’t account for that. That can’t be programmed,” she said.

“We as humans train it to reinforce, perhaps certain beliefs,” said Corriders. The concerns connected to chatbots do not mean that they are not useful. Pritchett suggested that those interested in the technology use it to streamline a search for more traditional therapeutic options. “I would recommend that they use AI to help them identify the resources that are in their area.”

In other words, proceed with caution.

Resources

MIT Technology Review

Frontiers in Psychiatry

JMIR Mental Health

The British Journal of Psychiatry

Frontiers of Psychiatry

The post The Dangers Of Using AI As A Therapist appeared first on Black Health Matters.

Charmaine Jones, MS, RDN, LDN Food Jonezi

This content was made possible through an independent grant from Merck & Co., Inc

Black Health Matters Editorial Director Corynne Corbett and Charmaine Jones, MS, RDN, LDN, discussed the ways nutrition can help decrease cancer risks during the Black Health Matters Spring Health Summit & Expo.

Research shows that nutrition plays a crucial role in cancer prevention and treatment. In 2025,  the Future Healthcare Journal article reported that “Dietary risk factors are among the leading contributors to poor health.” In 2021, the American Journal of Public Health found that “Poor diet is known to increase cancer risk and mortality.”

An unhealthy diet is also associated with recognized risk factors for diabetes, heart disease, and certain forms of cancer. Additionally, certain types of metabolic diseases are precursors for cancers that disproportionately affect Black Americans. A diet that includes imbibing alcohol places an individual at a higher risk for cancer as well. Professional assistance can help a person develop and maintain the healthy eating habits they need to attempt to mitigate their risk factors. The conversation focused on the struggles of managing these health challenges alone and shared the benefits of asking for help. Those needing nutritional guidance can choose between a nutritionist and a registered dietitian to meet their needs.

Jones explained the difference between registered dietitians and nutritionists to the audience assembled in the University of the District of Columbia Student Center. “There are several nutrition professionals. You may have heard of a nutritionist, a wellness coach, and a health coach. Sometimes, your trainer at the gym may say he or she is a nutritionist. A nutritionist could be anyone. They could be self-proclaimed as a nutritionist because they received some certification,” she explained. “They have a background in nutrition and can have common knowledge.”

“But a registered dietitian is a medical nutrition expert who can help and support you when you have a chronic disease,” Jones continues.

“A chronic disease could be, for example, diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, cancer, or kidney disease. When you have been diagnosed with a chronic disease, you should always go to a registered dietitian; A dietitian has medical nutrition therapy practice. That means we can support you medically when addressing your nutrition issues.”

Jones emphasized the need for personalization in nutrition plans. “When someone comes to me and says, ‘Hey, I’ve been diagnosed with diabetes,’ I cannot give that person a general diabetic diet. I have to customize it because everyone is different,” she explained. Everyone’s goals are different. You may want to lose weight. This person may want to build muscles. This person has diabetes. This person has high blood pressure.”

Jones pointed out that part of finding a good dietitian is looking for a relatable provider. She said someone who looks like you may not always understand your experience. Cultural competence is critical. She suggests asking for a short consultation with a potential provider where you can ask some questions to apply to your particular needs.

“If they are talking to you in a way that makes you uncomfortable, it’s okay to move on, and if the second person makes you uncomfortable, move on,” Corbett says.

“A lot of people look at registered dietitians as food police,” said Jones.

“If you feel like that dietitian is turning up their nose because you eat a certain way, move on,”

Jones instructed attendees.“A dietitian who is culturally competent should be able to say, If you like this, I can give you this, but let me show you how to make it healthier.”

She says while dietitians receive the same training, they don’t all focus on the same areas of specialization. To find qualified professionals in your area, go to www.eatright.org.

An adverse relationship between a dietitian and their client can hurt the client’s nutritional goals. A study, “Health Expectations: An International Journal of Public Participation in Health Care and Health Policy,” published in 2019, found “that dietitians should focus on individualizing nutrition care, gaining a holistic understanding of their patients and knowing/understanding each patient.” It also found the benefits of the client and dietitian working together instead of in opposition through shared decision-making, “an interactive process where both parties contribute equally to the consultation and patients are actively engaged in decision-making.”

Corbett asked Jones about going plant-based. Many people are advised to go completely plant-based without knowing what works. “I’m not discrediting vegan and vegetarian [diets]. But some people need that bioavailability of iron right then and there, when you’re eating a plant-based diet, you tend to have to eat a little bit more to meet those nutritional needs,” explained Jones. She said that while it is a good starting point for prevention, it might not be the best path for those with certain chronic diseases. “If you are thinking about going plant-based, check with your doctor,” she advised.

As a rule, Jones never recommends specific foods for anyone she has just met. “When someone comes to me and says, ‘Hey, what should I eat?’ I say, ‘I have to see your labs.

If someone tells you to eat fruits and vegetables, you want to run,” Jones says. She explained that she wouldn’t tell someone with irritable bowel syndrome to eat raw kale because their condition impacts their digestive system and reminded the audience that customization is key.

Not all insurance plans cover dietitians, or the number of visits you might need. But there are still ways to get started.

If you do have insurance, for example, Corbett suggests using your appointment(s) to develop customized meal plans and other strategies that may help you through your stumbling blocks.

“Some insurance does not cover a lot of medical nutrition therapy; there are a lot of free resources out there,” Jones says. “A lot of dietitians work in community-based organizations.”

Jones suggested the following resources:

USDA My Plate

The American Heart Association

The American Diabetes Association

Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics

Snap ED

According to Jones, no matter your state of health, one thing is consistent across the board: “Stay away from fad diets because they’re not sustainable; you will always be on the yo-yo.” She also cautions against getting tips from what she called “medical doctor TikTok, nurse Instagram, and dietitian Facebook.”

Watch the session:

For more information on working with a dietitian, check out this stories:

Why You Need to Work With A Dietitian to Achieve Your Weight Loss Goals

Resources:

FoodJonezi

Future Healthcare Journal 

American Journal of Public Health

Health Expectations: An International Journal of Public Participation in Health Care and Health Policy

USDA My Plate

The American Heart Association

The American Diabetes Association

Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics

Snap ED

The post An Ounce of Prevention: How Nutrition Can Save Your Life appeared first on Black Health Matters.

Allie Boutin Lead, US Public Affairs & Patient Advocacy – Immunology Specialty Care, Sanofi LaJoy, Parent, Caregiver, and Advocate

Presented By Sanofi-Regeneron

LaJoy shared her experience caring for her 13-year-old daughter, who has been fighting asthma since infancy, at this year’s BHM 2025 Spring Health Summit & Expo. Her daughter and mother were present in the room.

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health, “Non-Hispanic Black or African American children were twice as likely to have asthma as non-Hispanic white children in 2023.” The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirms this as well. A report from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute found that “Black people in the U.S. are 40% more likely to have asthma than white people” and “Black children are 8x more likely to die from asthma than white children.”

The proud Ward 8 resident began by asking the audience to raise their hand and revealing that her daughter could once fit in a cupped palm. “Abria was born at one pound and six ounces. This is how big she was,” said LaJoy. “This is a miracle baby that you all see here today.”

“She was in the NICU. She was supposed to be born in December, but she was born at 23 weeks,” she added. The Journal of Clinical Medicine reported that there is an “increased risk of asthma in preterm infants” in 2023.

La Joy had to add oxygen and an apnea monitor to the car seat and the diaper bag she toted around whenever leaving the house with her newborn. As Abria aged, there were other things the family learned to keep her healthy. “We had to give her nebulizer treatments,” she said.

Instead of being treated with compassion as the mother of a sick newborn, LaJoy faced implicit bias after delivering Abria early. “When Abria was born. The doctor said, ‘we just want to talk to you about your problem,’ and I was confused,” she said. “The doctors thought I was on drugs.” The experience motivated her to use her voice to help others who might be facing the same things. She regretted not advocating for herself harder at that moment. Today, she advocates for herself, her daughter, and many other families.

“How many people are advocating for our children? How many people are advocating for children who have special health care needs?” questioned LaJoy. “It’s a lot going on. And I don’t have to tell you all; one inhaler is the difference between life and death.”

For many parents caring for children with severe asthma or other health issues, the child may miss a lot of school, and a standard doctor’s note may not cut it. LaJoy had to have a document introduced into her daughter’s file to account for the times she might need to miss school for her health if she was recovering from an asthma attack. “It was a point where we were literally at the hospital at least once a month. I kept begging them to build me a condo, but they said no,” she joked.

She was not laughing when she fought for her daughter to have an IEP (Individualized Education Program) that took her physical health into consideration. “This was a standing letter that I had to put on file with the school because it was that bad,” she said. She would not rest until she ensured her daughter did not sacrifice more learning time than necessary to her illness. “There’s a lot of work that goes on behind the scenes. And that’s, honestly, what caregiving entails,” she continued. “As my mom would say, I am the Chief Executive Officer of my household.”

As Abria grew, she was able to participate in her own care. “Now that Abria is 13, it’s not as bad as it used to be, but she does take medication twice a day,” said LaJoy.

Asthma can restrict the options for playing sports, specific musical instruments, and other activities, but if treated appropriately, many children can participate in extracurricular activities as planned. Having competent and respectful healthcare practitioners (pediatrician, primary care, and pulmonologist) can help parents navigate that. “Honestly, you have to get a great healthcare team. I think that’s the difference: a healthcare team that helps you manage it all, puts you on the right medication, and also, when you say, hey, this doesn’t look right. They’re actually listening to you,” said LaJoy.

There are many environmental “triggers” that worsen asthma, like dust mites, mold, pets, pollen, smoke, physical activity, and air quality. “Her healthcare team introduced her to a non-profit called Breathe DC that provided her with resources like a new vacuum and a professional mold examination. They taught her to take her shoes off at the door to her home and other methods of avoiding introducing asthma triggers into her daughter’s environment. Other organizations with excellent asthma resources are AAFA and Asthma and Allergy Network.

“I don’t think a lot of people in the Black community have all that access to information.”

At the conclusion of the conversation, LaJoy reinforced the importance of speaking up to gain the information and resources needed to help your asthmatic children or someone else’s.

“We have to step up in our own community,” she said. “The time is now.”

Check out the full session:

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute

The Journal of Clinical Medicine

Breathe DC

AAFA

Asthma and Allergy Network.

The post A Parent’s Journey Navigating Asthma appeared first on Black Health Matters.

According to Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders students may suddenly be expected to seek out the type out of support and accommodations they may have relied on in their primary educational experiences, “Autistic students reported that expectations to independently face unfamiliar routines, suddenly increased academic demands, practical issues such as cooking and budgeting, and difficulties in making new friendships contributed to their anxiety and stress while they were preparing to transition to or during their first year.”

Some researchers feel that this developmental period is underexplored due to its importance in the lives of autistic individuals. But the available research is clear. “In addition to age-normative demands faced by all individuals matriculating into college, students with neurodevelopmental disabilities, such as ASD and ADHD, must also learn how to self-advocate for needed services or accommodations during this transition,” according to the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders.

Some higher education institutions offer resources, but they might not be as readily available as those for underage students.

Once students turn 18, they have to approach getting accommodations differently. “This phenomenon, known as the ‘services cliff’, makes the transition to young adulthood especially difficult for this population,” according to Autism Research.

Focusing on how to ensure a child or young adult is meeting their transition-related needs gives them the best chance at academic success.

If you have a neurodivergent child getting ready to transition to college, here are four tactics you can use to help prepare them for what’s ahead:

Create A Plan

Developing a multipoint transitional plan to take your student from high school to college is key. The plan will look different for every student but should include as much detail as possible. “While plans should be individualized, research suggests that students should be immersed in classes with neurotypical peers, and that programs should be designed to promote and develop strengths, and transition plans should be goal specific,” according to Frontiers in Psychiatry.

Find The Resources Before You Need Them

“Obtaining accommodations can require paperwork, contact with disability offices, and disclosure of diagnoses and accommodations to each new instructor,” according to the Review Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders.

Unlike in primary school, every educator or administrator your young person comes into contact with might not know what is in their file. They may have to advocate for themselves.

When they decide on a school, you and your teen should become familiar with their neurodivergent resources. A study in the Journal of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing found “utilizing sources of support” to be a key factor in the academic success of students on the autism spectrum. Many schools have website landing pages presenting the resources available to students. That is a good starting place, but do not assume that is your only option. Student health services might have helpful resources as well. Check out peer groups where students who share experiences similar to your child’s might be listed under clubs or student activities.

Decide On How To Navigate Privacy Restrictions

Parents often want to aid their neurodivergent grown children in the postsecondary environment to ensure success.

When your child is in high school, their education automatically goes through you. In most cases, there is no information that you do not have the right to access. In college, that changes. Federal law prevents academic institutions from forking over data to family members, no matter how close they are.

Work out a plan for helping your child that works within the boundaries of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and the Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA).

In some cases, you might have your child opt in to your gaining access to their information. In others, you might need to set a time to discuss how to help your child without crossing privacy parameters.

It is best to do this before orientation.

Use Social Stories To Acknowledge College Traditions

Social stories are a commonly used intervention for small children, but they are helpful for students of all ages.

Many college campuses have unique traditions and events that your neurodivergent young person might not feel comfortable participating in. They might require support when everyone uses a tray to sled down a hill, dancing in a fountain, or dressing alike during a sorority rush period.

Social stories incorporating this information can prepare them for certain times of the year, like homecoming season. It could help them navigate or at least partially prepare for sensory overload.

Set A Timeline For Evaluating Tactics

Sometimes, no matter how well you craft a plan, it is unsuccessful. Set a timeline to evaluate the transition plan you craft with your young person so that you can pivot if your family needs to.

Resources
Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders

Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders

Autism Research

Frontiers in Psychiatry

Review Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders

Journal of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing

Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry

Digital-Mediated Social Stories Support Children on the Autism Spectrum

The post 4 Ways to Get Your Neurodivergent Teen Ready for College appeared first on Black Health Matters.

When you consider the fact that Black people are frequently subject to being laid off at disproportionate rates and living nearer to locations ravaged by climate change, perceiving the implications of current events can be even more alarming for them. Black people also face higher levels of stress and often have less access to means of managing that stress.

The kind of stress induced by being inundated with negative news is dangerous. The warning that “stress kills” is a cliche for a reason.

According to the International Journal of Health Sciences, Chronic stress manifests itself in biological responses, including weight gain, heart issues, high cortisol, and other factors. Constantly taking in negative news can be downright traumatic. “Exposure to the traumatic experiences of others can lead to secondary traumatization (STS), a condition comprising trauma-related symptoms,” according to the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.

We asked several experts how to cope with what appears to be a never-ending cycle of negativity. Dr. Rostilav Ignatov, the chief medical officer at The Haven Detox recommended a practice called “information dieting.”

Through this process, you can schedule when and how you take in information that might lead to stress and anxiety.

“This strategy involves setting strict rules regarding when and how you consume information,” according to Ignatov. He recommends that people who want to be informed without being in a constant state of alarm opt to “choose one or two set times during the day to check reliable news outlets, and avoid checking headlines right before bed.”

It might be helpful for you to set reminders on your phone or block off time in your calendar to engage in the news, and then step away from the tickers on the bottom of the screen for the rest of the day.

“This helps people decrease their anxiety while still allowing them to follow current developments,” added Ignatov.

A 2015 article in the Journal of Psychiatry stated that “Increased viewing patterns of televised traumatic content, as well as negative perception of such broadcasts, are associated with the report of anxiety symptoms.” In 2022, the Journal of Medical Internet Research found that “naturalistic and experimental research has found a relationship between watching distressing news and lower emotional well-being, including elevated anxiety and worry.”

The type of news source does not matter because “These effects persist across multiple mediums, including news consumed via print, radio, television, and social media posts.”

Licensed Social Worker Maya Rufin advocates for going on an information diet as well. “Most of us living with this chaos are trying to balance staying informed and sane. You cannot expect to maintain sanity if you are constantly connected with chaos. I recommend setting boundaries with the news,” said Rufin in a statement to Black Health Matters.

Rufin pointed to offline activities that can be used to combat anxiety and restore a sense of control. “If you’re staying informed so you can do something, do it,” suggests Rufin. “Join an activist group, make phone calls, or research the safety of flying or how to protect yourself from infectious diseases. Preparation and action can communicate to anxiety that we are safe.”

Approaching those actions in a measured manner is the healthiest way to achieve them.

It can be tempting to want to know the details of every executive order signed and every bill passed so you can spring into action to help change the world.

But in the long run, that is not best for your health. You can strike a balance between giving back and going slow. It is possible to remain a concerned citizen without completely burning out.

Dr. Carey Yazeed agrees. “I would suggest being mindful of media consumption. If someone finds themself becoming anxious after watching the news, they should consider setting boundaries,” she said in a statement.

Resources

Nursing Outlook December 2021: Giving While Grieving: Racism-related stress and psychological resilience in Black/African American registered nurses.

International Journal of Health Sciences: 2021 Physiological biomarkers of chronic stress: A systematic review

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health: 2022 Coping with Secondary Traumatic Stress.

Journal of Psychiatry: 2015 Anxiety-Inducing Media: The Effect of Constant News Broadcasting on the Well-Being of Israeli Television Viewers

Journal of Medical Internet Research: The Mental Health Impact of Daily News Exposure During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Ecological Momentary Assessment Study

The post Got News Cycle Anxiety? Try An Information Diet appeared first on Black Health Matters.

According to the International Journal of Developmental Disabilities, Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is “a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by atypical abilities or differences in social interaction and verbal or nonverbal communication and repetitive, restrictive patterns and interests.” The Annals of Tourism Research Empirical Insights reports that “Participation in tourism is lower among families with a child diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder than among comparable families.”

Family-themed creator channels like The Gentle Life share information with families seeking guidance on navigating family travel and other activities.

Select airlines, theme parks, and entertainment venues are addressing this by implementing accommodations that allow everyone to enjoy the fun in a way that honors their experience.

They provide sensory kits, safe spaces, and altered versions of activities. Below are the changes being made to include autistic individuals.

Air Travel

Emirates Airline is not just known for its premium seats and fine dining options. It is also celebrated for setting out to become the first global autism-certified airline. In 2023, Emirates Airline mandated that 23,000 staff members complete an education program called “Introduction to Autism and Hidden Disabilities Training.”

According to their website, “Emirates’ ground staff and cabin crew will undertake a new, focused training on autism and sensory awareness to equip them with the understanding and skills to address needs of travellers with autism and sensory sensitivities, along with their families.”

Multi-sensory rooms have been opened in airports across the country. Birmingham, Newark, Detroit, Atlanta, Pittsburgh, and San Diego offer these soothing spaces to comfort autistic people who might be overstimulated.

Wings for Autism permits families to schedule sessions to practice the boarding process.

Cruises

Several cruise lines offer accommodations for autistic individuals and their families. Royal Caribbean provides autism accommodations on select ships. Aboard these ships, there are “extra professionally trained staff in caring for individuals with developmental disabilities,” “specialized respite sessions,” and “private activities and sessions.”

Royal Caribbean offers “Expedited check-in, boarding, and departure,” “Special dietary accommodations,” “Autism-Friendly Toy Lending,” and “Autism-Friendly Films.” They also offer all guests access to a social story that can be downloaded before departure. Social stories are powerful intervention tools. They allow people to familiarize themselves with their surroundings before they arrive so that they know what to expect.

“The goals of social stories are to share accurate social information and to promote social understanding. These short, individualized stories provide support in new and sometimes confusing social experiences,” reports the Procedia – Social and Behavioral Sciences Journal.

However, Royal Caribbean provides Autism-Friendly accommodations to children, teens, and adults.

Celebrity Cruises “offers autism-friendly interactive initiatives for families, including sensory-friendly films and toys and dietary menu options.” Carnival Cruises also offers accommodations.

They are the “first cruise line to be certified ‘sensory inclusive’ by KultureCity®, a leading nonprofit for individuals with sensory and invisible disabilities.”

Disney Cruise Lines’ custom app allows users to contact counselors and obtain helpful information. The company also schedules sensory-friendly activities for all age levels.

Entertainment Venues

Concerts can be overwhelming. They often contain entertaining but shocking elements like flame projectors and fireworks. There has been a rise in sensory-friendly concerts that offer equally enjoyable but less stimulating experiences that don’t surprise people with random flashes of pyrotechnics.

Some musical and dance venues offer shortened performances, leave the lights up, and limit ticket sales to accommodate autistic people.

Movie theaters are expanding their efforts to be inclusive as well. AMC has partnered with the Autism Society to offer sensory-friendly screenings. The company is the largest movie theater in the United States, making its industry-shifting commitment significant. Regal Theatres developed the My Way Matinee program. During these screenings, guests can access “a safe space where our guests are free to express themselves by singing, crying, dancing, walking around, talking or shouting while enjoying Hollywood’s latest films.”

Amusement Parks

LEGOLAND® New York is a Certified Autism Center. Sesame Place provides noise-canceling headphones and the option to participate in a low-sensory parade viewing. Six Flags amusement parks honor the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards accessibility cards throughout their facilities.

Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom offers sensory kits, sensory guides, and disposable ear protection at guests’ request. Their family care center is equipped with a multi-sensory and calming room.

The post Public Spaces Are Making Room for Autism appeared first on Black Health Matters.

Victoria Dibiaso MPH, Priscilla Pemu, MD,

Kasey Boynton, Constance D. Benson, Chris Lundy, BSCN

Victoria Dibiaso, MPH, Priscilla Pemu, MD, Kasey Boynton, Constance D. Benson, and Chris Lundy BSCN addressed the audience with vulnerability and expertise.

According to the Journal of American Medicine Pediatrics, “Sickle cell disease is one of the most common genetic disorders, affecting more than 100,000 individuals in the US and 20 million people worldwide.” It affects hemoglobin molecules through a genetic mutation.

Victoria Dibiaso, MPH,  explained the goals of clinical trials to the audience. “These are scientific research studies where we evaluate how well a new potential medicine works and how safe it is,” she said. “As you can imagine, it’s important that it’s tested in the diverse and representative patient population.”

Boynton revealed how a personal interaction deepened her commitment to furthering inclusion in clinical trials. She questioned a doctor who was recommending a medication to treat her mother’s blood clots about the trial’s diversity and was appalled to find that it did not include diverse participants. Ultimately, the medication did not work for her mother, and the family was forced to choose another option, something they could have done from the beginning with the proper information. “That hit it for me. That really fortified why it is that I do what I do. Because the reality is that if we aren’t participating in clinical trials, we’re not then able to know whether or not these drugs are safe and effective for our own community. And when it’s your mom sitting there, who’s struggling for her life, you really, you don’t know how to respond,” she said.

As the medical community works to establish trust and connection with the Black community, Black patients like Benson and Lundy add context to the discourse.

Lundy, a bone marrow transplant recipient on track to be free of sickle cell anemia for 25 years, also shared his experiences.

Benson shared her experience of being cured of sickle cell and receiving a bone marrow transplant. She also spoke about her isolation as a clinical trial patient without spaces like the summit to connect her to people who shared her experience. “The thing about it is when you’re the first person, you are the first person, there is nobody that you could talk to, nobody that you can ask how it went,” she said.

Lundy confirmed that it can be difficult to get relevant when participating in something new. “There’s a lot more questions than answers,” he said. He explained that he and Benson are working to change that by being transparent and making information readily available for those considering their options. “Being in this space, now we’re able to pass that torch and say, hey, I’ve done this here, I am exhibit A that you can do this.”

Lundy stressed the importance of including Black patients in clinical trials. “We in this community need to be a part of this and need to help each other out,” he said. “Clinical trials are extremely important. We know the history of the healthcare system and the Black community, but we’ve got to be able to get out there and step out on faith.”

Dr. Pemu shared the “exciting” shifts taking place in sickle cell treatments being furthered by clinical research. Therapies have become more proactive than reactive in recent years. “25 years ago, all we could do was wait for something to happen and try to manage it,” she said. Today, that has changed. “So it’s not just waiting for them to have a crisis but shifting the types of hemoglobin that they present with so that they’re not as likely to have a crisis.”

Boynton commented on the implications of clinical trials for future generations of Black people.

“It’s not just about, you know, our individual health, and why we participate in clinical trials, but it’s for our future, the generations that are going to come beyond us to say, hey, we want to make sure that these drugs are effective in our community,” said Boynton. “We want to make sure that when we’re sitting in the doctor’s office, and that doctor is saying, ‘Hey, we want you to take this drug,’ we can make an informed decision about whether or not we think that’s the best option for our care treatment.”

The post Rewind the Session: Clinical Trials – The Importance of Diversity, Community Engagement and Sickle Cell Disease Education appeared first on Black Health Matters.

Corynne L. Corbett, Editorial Director, Black Health Matters, Dashaun Johnson

 Cee Nicole, MD, MSW, Magan Ester, RDN

Healthcare professionals Cee Nicole, MD, MSW, Magan Ester, RDN, and trainer Dashaun Johnson joined Black Health Matters Editorial Director Corynne L. Corbett to discuss nutrition and exercise for achieving and maintaining a healthy weight to lower the risk of chronic health conditions and cancer. They encouraged the Black Health Matters 2025 Winter Health Summit & Expo audience to resolve to make a step toward positive change.

Diabetes and heart disease are most commonly associated with obesity, but people with obesity also have a higher risk of 13 cancer types, including breast, colorectal, and liver cancer. Magan Ester called for us to understand what the Doctor says and why they recommend mammograms, colonoscopies, or other screenings.

Shame can prevent education. “Some of us don’t always feel comfortable saying, Hey, wait, Doctor such and such, I didn’t really understand what you just said. Can you please stop and explain that to me?” said Dr. Nicole. “Sometimes, it’s a lack of understanding that holds us back.”

Seeking professional help was encouraged. Nutritionists can help us determine the right path to reach weight loss goals by helping to understand the unique challenges we face. Corbett noted the importance of personalization in lifestyle changes. “If you have a chronic disease, some of the things we’re saying may be different for you,” she told the audience. Easter added, “Make sure you have a core team with a physician and a dietician because you cannot rely on social media (for advice).

Corbett also stressed the importance of education about the science behind obesity. The Journal of the American Heart Association reports that “In the United States, overweight and obesity are chronic diseases that contribute to excess morbidity and mortality. Despite public health efforts, these disorders are on the rise, and their consequences are burgeoning.”

Those consequences are not distributed equally. Comorbidities disproportionately impact Black communities. This is particularly distressing because “there are significant racial and ethnic disparities in obesity prevalence rates, with African Americans being 51% more likely to be obese,” according to the Journal of Health Care for the Poor and Underserved, and “Black Americans have the highest mortality rates in the U.S. from chronic diseases, it is important to understand the combinations of obesity-related health behaviors that coalesce into health lifestyles for this group,” per the American Journal of Preventive Medicine.

The panel provided many solutions for achieving and maintaining a healthy weight and wellness, noting that wellness is not just physical. Mental and spiritual health are included in the “Eight Dimensions of Well-Being” shared by Easter.

Optimizing those dimensions looks different for everyone. “Nutrition is a very personalized thing. The person next to you on either side will probably not have the same nutritional needs as you,” Ester added. “Try not to look at everybody else as the same, and that’s why it’s important to see a dietitian or someone in the field who is an expert on looking at you individually and saying what you need.”

It can be worth working through discomfort to get the tools required to live a healthier lifestyle for ourselves and our loved ones. The Doctor is there to help you. It is okay if you do not understand them fully. Keep asking questions until you are satisfied that you have what you need.

Johnson has been promoting overall wellness for more than a decade. He facilitates “senior body sculpting” with flexible fitness programs that are adaptable for seniors looking to improve their health. The routines he offered can be completed anywhere. He admits his impressive fitness routine would not work for the average person. He encouraged the audience to adapt their exercise routines to incorporate methods they will likely stick with.

Optimizing those dimensions looks different for everyone. “Nutrition is a very personalized thing. The person next to you on either side will probably not have the same nutritional needs as you,” Ester added. Try not to look at everybody else as the same, and that’s why it’s important to see a dietitian or someone in the field who is an expert on looking at you individually and saying what you need.”

His comments clarified the need to take a realistic approach to prioritizing fitness. He demonstrated how easy it can be to incorporate exercise into your day by leading the room in a series of core contractions. He explained that every move throughout the day impacts one’s “range of motion.” Johnson’s parting words compared our bodies to our cars, with a need to warm up every day. He recommends a five-minute stretch in the morning and before bed each night. Nutritional education can help achieve health goals as well. “Most people don’t know how to eat on the go,” Johnson said. He shared that there are smarter options available in fast-food restaurants. “When you go to these restaurants, there are alternatives that we can dig into, but we go for what’s convenient and faster versus taking the time to minimize those mistakes,” he continued.

Dr. Nicole thinks the “clean plate rule” is a huge mistake that does not leave room for personalization and intuition. “You don’t have to eat all these meals all day because we do not work and exude that many calories all day. And it is okay to wait until your body says, I’m hungry,” she said.

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Dr. Amany Keruakous, MD, shared vital information about multiple myeloma with the audience at the Black Health Matters 2025 Health Summit & Expo.

Multiple myeloma disproportionately impacts the Black community in major ways. According to the Journal of Blood Advances, “AAs have a higher risk of MM and the precursor condition monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance compared with White individuals.”

Multiple myeloma is a chronic disease but is not a hopeless one. “There are so many treatment options available,” said Keruakous. “The 10-year survival has significantly gotten better than what it was 20 years ago.”

Keruakous explained that the jarring statistics regarding adverse outcomes of Black patients with multiple myeloma could be a result of improper care and not inherently low chances of successfully fighting the condition. “If it’s treated properly, they do better,” she said. “Unfortunately, because of lack of resources for African-American patients. The survival rates for African-Americans, they have not kept pace.”

Access to care makes a significant difference in the outcome of multiple myeloma cases, according to research done by Keruakous. “Data shows that under equal opportunity treatment settings. The African-American patients, they actually do better than caucasian when they’re treated properly,” she said.

Proper treatments can not be developed and implemented without the type of information obtained from clinical trials. Trials that do not include Black patients prevent Black people from being fully involved in medical innovations.

Bristol Meyers Squibb and SparkCures have partnered on a screening tool that can help healthcare providers determine whether their patients are available to participate in studies.

Keruakous shared information about her research on fighting multiple myeloma, including a cooperative group study. “These two studies actually have a goal of enrolling African-American patients specifically,” she said. She was inspired to diversify participation by the facts surrounding the outcomes in the Black community. “The prognosis is poor if they’re not treated properly,” Keruakous added.

What Do You Need To Know About Multiple Myeloma?

Treatments for Multiple Myeloma are Advancing.

“There have been remarkable improvements in myeloma, research, and treatment, and myeloma will continue to improve,” said Keruakous.

She explained that structures are in place to keep these pricey treatments accessible to those fighting multiple myeloma. “The treatments are extremely expensive, but it is all covered by your insurance, and even if it’s not covered by your insurance, all of the drug companies, they actually have a financial assistance program,” said Keruakous. “I have never had any problems giving the care that we need to our patients, and even if the drug is expensive for the patient, we ask for financial assistance programs to help get the right treatment to the patients.”

There is No Stage Four

Popular culture frequently reinforces the idea that cancer comes in four stages, but Keruakous clarified that does not apply to every type of cancer. “Myeloma has only three stages,” she explained. “Three is the worst. But even with stage three, the treatments are very promising.”

Understanding the details of multiple myeloma’s progression can empower patients to speak confidently with their doctors.

Multiple Myeloma Can Look Like Other Things

Multiple myeloma can be deceptive, according to Keruakous. “Symptoms of myeloma mimic many other conditions,” she said. She cited kidney issues, bone lesions, and anemia as some of the symptoms that could be confused by patients unaware that they are dealing with multiple myeloma.

“60% of people present with anemia, which comes with weakness, fatigue, losing energy, and recurrent infections,” she said.

Screenings Save Lives

Keruakous advised those in the room to take action to mitigate their risk of being diagnosed with multiple myeloma suddenly by ensuring that they are being screened appropriately. The presence of a family member facing multiple myeloma can be a sign to move up one’s screening. She explained that multiple myeloma runs in families due to its pervasiveness. “There is really no conclusive evidence for myeloma being an inherited disease,” she said. “It actually runs in the family just because it’s more common in this race.”

“If you have any relative who has multiple myeloma, go ask your doctor to be screened,” she said passionately. “Just tell your doctor I need to be checked for multiple myeloma.”

Age At Diagnosis Can Impact Outcomes

Keruakous revealed that the majority of diagnoses occur in older patients.

According to the Journal of Blood Advances, “Age at onset affects prognosis for patients with MM, with younger patients generally having better outcomes compared with older patients.”

The post Rewind the Session: Multiple Myeloma in the Community appeared first on Black Health Matters.

The statistics are downright frightening.

“Approximately 50% will be dead in utero, prematurely born, stillborn, or dead shortly after delivery,” according to the Journal of Clinical Infectious Diseases.

Data from The National Library of Medicine  backed that  up, reporting that “Up to half of all babies infected with syphilis in the womb die shortly before or after birth.”

But is syphilis common?

Syphilis, the sexually transmitted disease that leads to congenital syphilis, is extremely common. It is contracted by engaging in sexual acts without a condom and intimate skin-to-skin contact.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have reported a sharp spike in the number of syphilis cases in recent years. In 2022, the CDC released a report that stated an 80% rise in the number of cases in the United States from 2018 to 2022.

The New England Journal of Medicine considers the increase in congenital syphilis rates an “emerging public health concern.”

Syphilis is a highly treatable sexually transmitted disease, but it is pervasive around the world. Black women are diagnosed with syphilis at higher rates than their counterparts. According to the Journal of Sexually Transmitted Diseases, “nationally, syphilis diagnosis rates were 6.42 and 2.20 times higher among Black and Hispanic heterosexually active women compared with White heterosexually active women.” Rates of syphilis rose dramatically during the COVID-19 pandemic as well.

As a pregnant woman, what can I do to protect my unborn child and myself?

Here are three ways to prevent congenital syphilis.

1. Get Proper Prenatal Care

A lack of proper prenatal care can lead to missed screening opportunities that can prevent congenital syphilis. Appropriate screenings are a crucial part of any successful pregnancy. These should include screenings for sexually transmitted diseases.

The Lancet identified a lack of prenatal care as a contributor to adverse pregnancy outcomes in 2024.

“Inadequate access to prenatal care is associated with congenital syphilis across many jurisdictions,” according to a 2023 report published by Public Health Ontario. Nursing for Women’s Health confirmed that “Lack of prenatal care, poor access to prenatal care, and improper prenatal care all have contributed to cases of congenital syphilis.”

2. Get Tested …Again… And Again

In 2022, the CDC reported that “Lack of timely testing and adequate treatment during pregnancy contributed to 88% of cases of congenital syphilis.” Signs of syphilis are not obvious and can be masked by other conditions.

It is essential to request a test at every doctor’s visit. According to Frontiers in Public Health, “The extensive clinical manifestations of T. pallidum infection mimic those of many other diseases during pregnancy, which may lead to delayed diagnosis and serious consequences.”

Testing for syphilis once or twice during a pregnancy is not enough. A pregnant person must be tested before delivery. A 2020 article in IDCases stressed the importance of repeating the screening process to detect congenital syphilis. “For women at increased risk, repeat syphilis testing early in the third trimester and again at delivery in communities and populations with a high prevalence of syphilis is recommended,” and there is “a need for heightened clinical awareness of syphilis by providers,” according to IDCases.

Newborns at high risk should be tested, too, as children born with congenital syphilis can be asymptomatic. According to StatPearls, “If a mother tests serologically positive for syphilis, the newborn should receive a careful physical examination looking for any early signs or symptoms of congenital disease as well.”

If you can’t make it to be screened or rescreened, rapid tests are available for those with limited resources. These can be administered outside of traditional clinical environments.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommended an increase in syphilis screenings for pregnant people in a practice advisory they released in 2024.

3. Get Treated Before It’s Too Late

Syphilis can be effectively treated during pregnancy. A CDC Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report from 2015 found that “maternal treatment with penicillin is 98% effective at preventing CS (congenital syphilis).” There are limited risks to treating the condition during pregnancy. Still, there are plenty of serious risks associated with leaving it untreated that threaten all of the major organs of a newborn.

The World Health Organization reports that “The risk of adverse outcomes to the fetus is minimal if a pregnant woman, infected with syphilis, receives testing and adequate treatment with benzathine penicillin, early in pregnancy – ideally before the second trimester.”

Frequent testing and appropriate treatment can change or save a life before it starts.

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What Is The Norovirus?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “Norovirus is a very contagious virus that causes vomiting and diarrhea.” The organization says that norovirus cases are on the rise. They have an intrastate network that helps monitor the spread of norovirus throughout the country by reporting instances of new cases in real time to a group data pool called NoroStat. A recent report from this network revealed that “During August 1, 2024 – January 15, 2025, there were 1,078 norovirus outbreaks reported by NoroSTAT-participating states.” This was a sharp upswing from their previous reporting because “during the same period last seasonal year, there were 557 norovirus outbreaks reported by these states.”

Norovirus does more than cause mild discomfort. A 2021 Viruses journal report stated, “Human Norovirus is currently the main viral cause of acute gastroenteritis (AGEs) in most countries worldwide.”

Viruses described the settings where the virus can thrive and wreak havoc on unsuspecting people. Norovirus “can efficiently survive in the environment and resists freezing temperatures, heating to 60 °C, and disinfection with chlorine or alcohol—facilitating contamination of food, water, and inanimate surfaces —eventually leading to outbreaks, especially in close settings such as daycare centers, schools hospitals, military camps, and cruise ships among others.”

What Are The Symptoms of Norovirus?

“The dominant symptoms of norovirus infection are vomiting and diarrhea and are generally of a relatively short duration,” according to the Journal of Clinical Microbiology Reviews. These symptoms come on quickly and generally pass just as quickly, but they can cause dangerous levels of dehydration.

What Should You Do If You Contract Norovirus?

Realize that you have an extremely contagious virus in your system that could threaten your loved ones as well as strangers. According to the Nature Journal, “Infected individuals shed billions of viral particles per gram of stool or vomit, which can contaminate food, water, and surfaces,” and “even after symptoms resolve, transmission can occur.

This means that even if you start to feel better after your bout with norovirus, you should be mindful of how you interact with other people.

The risk of norovirus transmission rises for those who have immune system issues. Viruses report that “in immunocompromised hosts, viral shedding in stools can persist for months following infection.”

How Can You Protect Your Home From Norovirus?

Cleanliness is the best way to fight the spread of norovirus in your home.

That cheap hand sanitizer you picked up at the gas station will not cut it against its power. The Journal of the American Medical Association asserts, “The most important way to prevent infection is to frequently wash your hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds at a time.”

Preparing food for others when you have norovirus is ill-advised.

The norovirus can survive on surfaces, in food, and on clothes. Wash your clothing thoroughly with detergent and hot water and dry it well.

It is vital to disinfect the surfaces in your home with bleach or other strongly formulated solutions that have proven effective against norovirus. The CDC recommends cleaning surfaces with “a chlorine bleach solution with a concentration of 1,000 to 5,000 ppm” or “using an EPA-registered disinfecting product against norovirus.”

Unsure? Read the side of your household cleaners to see if norovirus is listed among the things they effectively fight.

What Is The Difference Between Norovirus, the Flu, and the Common Cold?

Norovirus might commonly be called a type of “stomach flu” by laypeople. However, in a January conversation with the American Medical Association, Dr. Robyn F. Chatman, MD, MPH, clarified that it is a unique virus. “We commonly call norovirus the stomach flu, although it’s not an influenza virus,” said Dr. Chatman.

Because norovirus is different, typical remedies do not work on it. “It is a stomach bug, but it is a virus, so antibiotics have absolutely no effect on it,” Dr. Chatman added.

The common cold, which is frequently confused with the norovirus, is more associated with runny noses, sneezing, and sore throats than the norovirus. It can cause body aches in some cases, but its impact is not centralized in the gastro area of the body like that of the norovirus.

The post Norovirus Rates Are Rising: Here’s the 411 on the Stomach Flu appeared first on Black Health Matters.

“Repeated periods of weight loss and regain form a pattern known as weight cycling,” according to the International Journal of Exercise Science. This sharp pivoting between drastic calorie reduction in inconsistent cycles can include fasting, juice cleanses, rigid diet restrictions, and other forms of rapid and severe attempts to reduce body weight. These might seem useful when the scale heads in the desired direction for a short while, but ultimately, they can have long-term negative effects on weight loss goals. Yo-yo dieting can result in short-term weight loss, which leads to improved liver health and insulin tolerance but also a greater rate of weight gain.

Studies have consistently shown that weight change is likely to increase body fat and is associated with unfavorable metabolic and psychosocial attributes.

In addition, bodies that have experienced various bouts of weight cycling resist further weight loss and favor the recovery of lost weight goals.

Here are four ways that weight cycling could be getting in the way of your long-term weight loss:

Yo-Yo Dieting Can Harm Your Heart Health

Maintaining a healthy heart is crucial for improving one’s overall wellness. That could be threatened by yo-yo dieting. According to a 2024 study from the Journal of the American Medical Association, “Human studies have linked weight change to vascular function deterioration and elevated BP via visceral fat accumulation.”

This doesn’t mean that you should stop all attempts to lose weight, but it does mean that you should try to do it in a healthy and sustainable way, or you’ll regret it later.

Yo-Yo Dieting Can Increase Your Risks of Gallstones

Your gallbladder is an organ located beneath the liver. It can be obstructed by gallstones when a rush to drop the pounds leads to unsafe choices. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases reports that “losing weight very quickly may raise your chances of forming gallstones” because rapid weight loss could “prevent the gallbladder from emptying properly.”

Yo-Yo Dieting Can Increase Your Risk of Kidney Disease and Cancer

Portions of your metabolic health can be thrown off by yo-yo dieting. This is particularly risky for those with the chronic metabolic disease diabetes. “Body-weight cycling is significantly associated with an increased risk of kidney events in people with type 1 diabetes, regardless of body mass index and traditional risk factors,” according to The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism. Talk to your healthcare professional about preexisting conditions before implementing a strict routine that might work against you.

Weight cycling can raise your risk for kidney cancer as well. A 2021 report in Cancer Causes & Control said, “Frequent substantial weight cycling was associated with increased risk of kidney cancer, independent of BMI.”

Yo-Yo- Dieting Can Prevent You from Gaining Muscle

Muscle loss, clinically referred to as sarcopenia, occurs in people who participate in yo-yo dieting. A 2019 study in the Journal of Obesity said that “the risk of developing sarcopenia was nearly six times higher in participants with severe weight cycling compared with participants without weight cycling.”

Constantly yo-yo dieting can prevent you from developing the muscle mass needed to chase your fitness goals. Honor your body by choosing the path that leads to consistent change.

Additional Research:

Nutrients

The Journal of Obesity Reviews

The Journal of The American Medical Association

The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism

The post Yo-Yo Dieting Can Make You Gain Weight appeared first on Black Health Matters.

According to the Journal of Healthcare, Science and the Humanities, “When comparing Black and White US populations, respectively, across HIV incidence, prevalence, and AIDS-related mortality, Black Americans experience stark disparities in all categories, including HIV incidence,” and “From 2015 through 2019, Black MSM accounted for more than 36% of new HIV infections diagnosed annually.”

Randevyn Pierre, Director of National Field Engagement in External Affairs at ViiV Healthcare, acknowledged the importance of addressing the risk of HIV in the Black community.

“National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day is a timely reminder that we still have work to do in the fight against HIV. That’s why ViiV Healthcare works hand-in-hand with the Black community to activate support networks and linkage to care services, as well as to deliver culturally relevant programming,” he said in a statement to Black Health Matters. “We continue to strive toward the goal of ensuring that every person impacted by HIV receives the care and support they need. Our ambition is clear: to end the HIV epidemic once and for all.”

ViiV Healthcare works to educate people about HIV/AIDS through community engagement and the dissemination of media created to reduce stigma.

“It’s very important to definitely be culturally culturally responsive,” Dr. Maisha N. Standifer, Ph.D., MPH, Director of Population Health at the Satcher Health Leadership Institute at Morehouse School of Medicine, told Black Health Matters in an interview.

Black learning institutions are working together to aid in preventing the spread of HIV using culturally informed approaches. “It is important that we teach students about preventive health care, especially as it relates to their sexual and reproductive health, with particular attention to HIV education and prevention,” said Christopher Ervin, MD, director of Community-Based Initiatives in the MSM Department of Family Medicine in a statement to Black Health Matters.

The Satcher Health Leadership Institute at the Morehouse School of Medicine is working with Fort Valley State University to prepare, pack, and distribute 200 care packages to students and community members in the area.

These packages will include crucial items, such as hand towels to promote physical activity, hand sanitizer to fight the spread of communicable diseases, healthcare resource information, and at-home HIV test kits.

The kits will allow recipients to learn their status in mere minutes.

They will also provide information as swiftly as possible. “Testing is just one element,” said Dr. Standifer. “We are talking about whole health, whole body, mind and spirit health and care.”

“If someone is diagnosed, we need to ensure that there’s care,” she added. “That’s what we need to do as we talk about novel and innovative approaches to educating and increasing testing.”

The innovation at the Satcher Health Leadership Institute includes fostering an inclusive environment by developing their Georgia Thrives initiative with an HIV equity task force and community partners. “We’ve invited local churches to be a part of the messaging,” said Dr. Standifer. They also share resources at barbershops, hair salons, and local civic organizations. The goal is to head where the conversations are happening to share resources, not to shift them or shun the people having them.

Not all Black people are at the same level of risk for contracting HIV—factors like location, socioeconomic status, and sexual orientation. A 2019 article from The Journal of AIDS and Behavior argued that specific areas in the South require a unique approach to intervention.

Students at Fort Valley reside in Peach County, Georgia. Research from the SHLI Health Equity Tracker shows that the Fort Valley area constitutes “83.5% of its HIV prevalence despite representing only 43.9% of the population.”

Convenient testing could change that.

Previously, getting tested for HIV required a trip to a doctor’s office or a clinic. Today, the process is as easy as administering an oral swab in the privacy of one’s dorm room or backyard. According to the Journal of Clinical Infectious Diseases, “Rapid tests can be highly sensitive and specific,” and “Options such as oral fluid tests can achieve high accuracy, are less technically demanding than blood-based tests, and eliminate sharps and biohazard disposal problem.”

Historically, Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) have traditionally been at the forefront of health issues impacting the Black community with intervention and compassion.

“People respond to who they hear and see often,” said Dr. Standifer. “It’s a trusted voice in a trusted space.”

Photo by: KQ Communications Caption: Dr. Lawrence Bryant, Policy Core Lead, Satcher Health Leadership Institute at Morehouse School of Medicine, Dr. Sandra Harris-Hooker, Vice President and Executive Vice Dean, Research and Academic Administration, Morehouse School of Medicine, Christopher Ervin, MD, director of Community-Based Initiatives in the Morehouse School of Medicine Department of Family Medicine, Spelman College students, and Morehouse College students

The post Serving Communities on National Black HIV Awareness Day appeared first on Black Health Matters.

Know The Symptoms

According to VeryWellHealth, only 5-30% of pregnant women with an infection may have symptoms, but they may include the following:

• Mucus or pus discharge from the vagina
• Burning during urination
• More frequent urination
• Pelvic pain
• More pain during sex
• Vaginal bleeding after sex

Sexual health should be considered and prioritized whenever one is engaging in sexual activity. However, it becomes even more complex and crucial when a pregnant person is involved. Chlamydia is an entirely preventable disease, but RBGO Gynecology & Obstetrics reports that there are at least “131 million new cases per year.”

Those cases disproportionately reflect Black people. In 2018, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that “In the U.S., chlamydia infections disproportionally affect Native American Indians (NI), Native Alaskans (NA), Blacks, Hispanics, and Native Hawaiians or other Pacific Islanders.” The Journal of Nursing for Women’s Health found that “chlamydia rates among Black women are 5 times the rates among White women” in 2022.

Here are seven things that you need to know about chlamydia and how it can negatively impact a pregnancy:

1. Chlamydia Is Easily Transmissible

All you need to contract chlamydia is to leave the condom behind. It does not matter when you are having sex, where you are having sex or the type of sex that you are having. If there’s no condom present, you (and your partner or partners) are at risk of getting chlamydia. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that “you can get chlamydia by having vaginal, anal, or oral sex without a condom with someone who has the infection.”

2. The STI Can Sneak Up On You

One of the main reasons that it is so important to be screened for chlamydia is that it does not show up right away. According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, “Chlamydial infection is the most frequently reported bacterial infectious disease in the United States.” Its symptoms do not appear immediately, meaning the infection can worsen before you can confirm its diagnosis and receive the appropriate medical treatment.

3. Chlamydia Can Cause Low Birth Weight

Premature birth occurs when a pregnancy concludes prior to 37 weeks of gestation. This is heavily associated with long-term and short-term health problems. The March of Dimes reports that “Preterm babies can have long-term intellectual and developmental disabilities and problems with their lungs, brain, eyes and other organs.”

“In pregnant women, it can cause the baby to be born early (prematurity) or with low birth weight,” according to the World Health Organization. The European Journal of Epidemiology reported that “Chlamydia-positive women also had a significantly higher risk of preterm delivery before 35 weeks.”

4. Chlamydia Can Cause Ectopic Pregnancies

A 2019 article in the Journal of Clinical Infectious Diseases, “Chlamydia has also been shown to cause long-term reproductive problems such as ectopic pregnancy.”

An ectopic pregnancy is defined as “A condition in which a fertilized egg grows outside of the uterus, usually in one of the fallopian tubes,” according to the National Cancer Institute at the National Institutes of Health. It is also commonly referred to as an “extrauterine pregnancy.” The Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology International published a study that found that “Chlamydia antibodies were found in 60% of patients with ectopic pregnancy” and “the presence of Chlamydia antibodies was associated with a fourfold risk of ectopic pregnancy.”

5. Chlamydia Can Be Passed In Utero

A pregnant person with chlamydia can give it to the baby that they are carrying during the childbirth process. The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews reports, “Mother-to-child transmission can occur at the time of delivery.”

A 1994 article in the Journal of Infection found that infants born to someone infected with chlamydia are at risk no matter what mode of delivery was chosen. Still, it reported that “rates of transmission were significantly lower after Caesarean section with rupture of the membranes before delivery than after vaginal delivery.”

6. Chlamydia Can Harm The Eyes and Lungs of Newborns

One of the ways that chlamydia can cause adverse pregnancy effects is by affecting the eyes and the lungs of newborns. The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews reports that “the risk of transmission during birth varies, but is about 20% to 50% for eye infections and about 10% to 20% for infection of the lungs.”

The Journal of Microbiology, Immunology, and Infection reported that newborns with chlamydia hospitalized after their births showed cases of “diagnosis of acute bronchiolitis, bronchopneumonia or pneumonia.”

7. It Can Increase The Risk Of HIV Transmission

If chlamydia is not properly addressed, it can potentially increase the risk of contracting other sexually transmitted diseases. According to the World Health Organization, “without treatment, chlamydia can cause serious problems and may facilitate the transmission and acquisition of HIV and other STIs.”

The post Chlamydia & Pregnancy: 7 Things You Should Know appeared first on Black Health Matters.

They should be screened for these infections routinely as a part of any sexual hygiene routine. Those who are expecting should screen for them prior to becoming pregnant, during the pregnancy, and before delivery takes place.

The Journal of Sexually Transmitted Diseases argues that frequent testing could lower the instances of sexually transmitted diseases negatively impacting pregnancies. According to an article they published in 2020, “The prevalence of and likely adverse outcomes associated with curable STIs in pregnant women suggest that etiologic STI screening of all pregnant women followed by targeted treatment might be beneficial.”

This is especially important in our community because, according to a 2022 study published by the Journal of Nursing for Women’s Health, Black women were “more likely to report having an STI over the course of their lifetime.”

Many sexually transmitted infections are curable. Some can be treated during pregnancy with minimal risks to the fetus.

According to the Journal of Transmitted Infections, “Curable STIs are associated with maternal morbidity, preterm birth, low birth weight, and stillbirth.” These are deeply serious side effects.

In 2014, the Journal of Clinical Gynecology & Obstetrics advocated for “recognition and treatment of STDs in a timely manner, especially in an urgent care setting, by the health care professional to prevent both maternal and neonatal complications.”

The Office of Research on Women’s Health (ORWH) reports that sexually transmitted infections can cause “Eye infection, pneumonia, infection in the baby’s blood, brain damage,” and other symptoms. According to the Journal of Sexual Transmitted Diseases, “Sexually transmitted infections (STI), such as chlamydial, gonorrheal, and trichomonal infections, are prevalent in pregnant women in many countries and are widely reported to be associated with increased risk of poor maternal and neonatal outcomes.”

Here are three reasons why you need to have complete and thorough testing for sexually transmitted diseases administered if you are expecting.

1. STIs Can Cause Premature Births

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines preterm birth as a birth that occurs prior to 37 weeks of gestation. “Globally, prematurity is the leading cause of death in children under the age of 5 years,” according to WHO.

Premature birth can have lasting effects on the physical and mental health of a child.

It is considered a chronic condition because of its serious impact on health outcomes. According to Frontiers In Pediatrics, “There are numerous long-term medical, educational, and social consequences associated with preterm birth,” and “premature newborns are at risk of acquiring chronic noncommunicable diseases later in life due to interference with organ system development during the in-utero and perinatal period.”

2. Your Sexual Partner Could Be Infected With An STI Without Knowing

The pregnant person is not the only one who needs to be monitored in order to prevent adverse effects. Anyone who they are engaging with sexually must be screened and treated as well. Sexually transmitted diseases can remain dormant for long periods of time, so it is possible that someone can be infected and pass on their infection without being aware.

StatPearls states, “Early screening and recognition of STIs are key to preventing disease spread, morbidity, and mortality. These infections are more frequently underrecognized and have a higher incidence in medically underserved populations.”

“Treating partners reduces the likelihood of re-infecting the index patient and decreases the burden of infection in communities because the partners are often asymptomatic and otherwise unlikely to access care,” according to the Journal of Transmitted Infections.

“Partner notification is essential to halt transmission and prevent reinfection,” according to the Journal of Obstetrics, Gynaecology & Reproductive Medicine.

3. Some STIs Can Be Potentially Passed Through Breastmilk

Breastfeeding presents an opportunity for bonding. It can be incredibly beneficial in other ways as well. The International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health reports that “breastfeeding provides many health benefits for the mother and her child. Breast milk is the best food for newborns, containing all the nutrients they need for healthy growth and development.”

“It can aid mental growth and block the development of certain food allergies.

However, the presence of sexually transmitted infections can make breastfeeding more complicated, according to the Journal of Clinical Infectious Diseases.

Getting screened for sexually transmitted infections allows a pregnant person to obtain treatment and create a plan to breastfeed or find alternatives that work for their family safely.

The post Pregnant? You Should Get an STD Test appeared first on Black Health Matters.

The 2024 four-part Lifetime documentary “Where Is Wendy Williams?” revealed Williams had been diagnosed with aphasia and frontotemporal dementia. According to the journal Nature Reviews Neurology, “Primary progressive aphasia (PPA) is a disorder of declining language that is a frequent presentation of neurodegenerative diseases such as frontotemporal lobar degeneration.” The Alzheimer’s Association reports, “The nerve cell damage caused by frontotemporal dementia leads to loss of function.”

Understanding guardianship is essential, no matter one’s social or financial status.

Guardianships can occur in anyone’s life. You might be placed under guardianship due to illness or injury. You could also be called to serve as a guardian.

Williams described her surroundings. “I’m in this place where the people are in their 90s and their 80s and their 70s,” Williams continued. She described individuals facing challenges sharing their space. “There’s something wrong with these people here on this floor,” she added. Williams revealed she spent her past three birthdays alone and preferred that to being in the presence of facility residents. “I keep the door closed. I watch TV,” she said.

“I watch the window, you know? And I sit here as my life goes by.” The Breakfast Club host Charlamagne Tha God, who has long-standing personal and professional histories with Williams, alleged she is “trapped.”

“Wendy can make her own decisions. She is not cognitively impaired. She is not incapacitated. She is being taken advantage of,” he told the audience. Williams declared,

“This system is broken.” Williams’ niece, Alex Finnie, who participated in the interview, agreed. “She’s there in New York, in this place, essentially like what some call a luxury prison.”

What Is A Guardianship?

According to the International Journal of Law, Policy, and the Family, “The purpose of legal guardianship is to protect the interests and rights of a person with decreased mental capacity and to ensure they receive the necessary support.” Guardianship laws vary by state.

In New York, where Williams is, “A judge can appoint an Article 81 guardian to help a person manage their personal needs or property or both,” according to the New York Courts.

Guardianships are typically enacted following evidentiary hearings. The purpose of these hearings is “to have the input and background from medical professionals to assist the judge and determine whether or not somebody is incapacitated or incapable,” according to attorney Thalia Dubose.

Dubose commented on the importance of introducing full reports at hearings. “It is paramount, it is imperative, to have a comprehensive report and background of anybody, that the family or court is going to possibly decide on whether or not they are incapacitated or incapable of handling their own medical decisions,” Dubose told Black Health Matters.

What Kind Of Information Is Considered In Guardianship Updates?

Dr. La’Tesha Sampson, PhD, who has been subpoenaed in several guardianship cases, stressed the need for adequate time to be given to medical professionals making reports in guardianship cases. “Many times, the legal profession does not understand the length of time it may take to have a doctor write a comprehensive report,” she said. “They just subpoena things like the notes. Well, I can tell you, as a medical professional, oftentimes in notes, a lot of jargon is used.”

The American Academy of Pediatrics and the Journal of Patient Education and Counseling report that non-professionals can misunderstand and misinterpret medical jargon.

What Challenges Do Guardianships Present?

An article in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society in 2022 stated, “Guardianship may pose an ethical dilemma for physicians, who must balance protecting vulnerable patients from potential safety concerns with respecting their autonomy.”

In 2016, the Journal of Aging, Longevity, Law & Policy reported that “over the years, the concept of surrogate decision-making has changed to move away from a “best interests” model toward “substituted judgment” standards in which the guardian or other surrogate uses the person’s values and preferences in making choices.”

Williams expressed that her wishes for things, such as the type of hairbrush she wanted to use, were not being honored during the interview.

Why Do You Need To Understand Guardianships?

“To educate yourself, it is to empower yourself,” said Dubose. “You need to have a full understanding of signs to look for when you believe that a parent or a loved one is displaying symptoms of incapacity.”

You must understand how these evaluations are made so you can speak for your loved one if required because the person determining their fate might not understand them.

Finnie expressed that those unfamiliar with her could misinterpret her aunt’s zany personality.

The Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that “it has been observed that even in situations where a standardized medical tool is available, medical doctors assess mental capacity inconsistently.”

“Medical health is a practice,” said Dr. Sampson, PhD. “It is based on the professional’s clinical assessment of the person at that time. So, I may assess a person at 8 AM, and someone else may assess a person at 8 PM and get two totally different outcomes. This is why it’s so important that people be educated about these issues.”

Dr. Bayo Curry-Winchell, MD, pointed out that the degree to which someone’s cognition can be diminished varies based on their circumstances. “I think it’s very important that it’s individualized because not everybody fits a textbook,” she told Black Health Matters.

She described how treating someone under guardianship requires nuance. “It’s a delicate dance because you want to make sure that that person’s autonomy, who they are, that central core to who they are, is preserved, honored, and recognized,” said Dr. Curry-Winchell, MD.

How Can Being In A Guardianship Affect One’s Mental Health?

Dr. Curry-Winchell, MD, explained why being placed under a guardian can make someone feel imprisoned. “Your rights are taken away, and when that happens, prison is a perfect word to describe the loss of your ability, or your autonomy to do what you would like to do,” she told Black Health Matters.

Dr. Sampson, PhD concurred. “You are essentially stripped of your constitutional rights,” she said in an interview. “People in society don’t understand what that means. You are unable to make any and all decisions regarding every aspect of your life.”

Dr. Sampson, PhD explained what it could feel like to be under a guardian you have no relationship with. “Imagine if every single decision in your life was made by someone else, who is not a family member, who’s not intimately familiar with you, your medical condition necessarily, or anything about your culture, your customs, your beliefs, your values,” she said.

How Are Guardians Chosen?

Guardians are court-appointed. Sometimes, they are loved ones. However, in cases where the court suspects a conflict of interest could harm the person under guardianship, a stranger can be assigned.

Guardianships Can Be Reevaluated

Not all guardianships are permanent. Cognitive abilities can fluctuate in some cases.

“I never want to put someone in a category and say you are this. And that’s how it’s going to be forever,” said Dr. Curry-Winchell, MD. “I think we need to utilize the technology, the medicine, [and] the ability to just make sure that person is really at that level still.”

Finnie indicated Williams’ cognitive abilities had not been tested again. “She hasn’t had, from what I understand, medical evaluation to see if her rights can be restored,” said Finnie during the interview.

How Can Clinicians Help Those In Guardianships?

If a clinician suspects that a guardian is taking advantage of their charge, they are required to speak up. They do not need hard evidence to raise a claim. Dr. Curry-Winchell, MD, shared that clinicians should feel empowered to advocate for their patients. “It’s okay to be wrong. We’re human. But you wouldn’t want to miss out on maybe helping someone, and not every clinician is an expert in everything and when it comes to abuse,” she said.

The post Wendy Williams Speaks Out About Her Guardianship Experience appeared first on Black Health Matters.

The resources needed to combat displacement effects are difficult for the average person to obtain. Western North Carolina continues to try to undo the extensive damage from the catastrophic Hurricane Helene, which ravaged communities across Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee.

Our Neighborhoods as “Sacrifice Zones”

The Journal of Climate Change and Health reports that “Structural racism has resulted in sacrifice zones, which bear a disproportionate exposure to pollution sources resulting in health inequities” and “Communities of color are experiencing the syndemic of climate change, environmental injustice, and structural racism.”

Altadena has been affected by the Eaton fire, one of several wildfires in the area. This area has been a haven for Black families for generations. White flight in the area presented opportunities for residents who had trouble locating suitable housing due to redlining.

This tragedy has leveled Altadena, 13,690 acres. The flames have decimated businesses, homes, houses of worship, government offices, medical facilities, museums, and community centers. Many Black families are left with limited resources after watching everything they worked and sacrificed for vanish in a matter of hours. Many of these homeowners may have lost fire insurance coverage in recent months.

Some residents attempted to protect their homes by exposing themselves to air pollutants and other potential health risks.

These Climate Crises Bring Health Risks

Black people are particularly vulnerable to the health challenges presented by extreme weather events. A 2022 article published in the Journal of Current Environmental Health Reports stated that “Racially and socioeconomically marginalized communities in the USA have been shown to experience greater impacts from storm and flood events, extreme heat, and infectious diseases that are becoming more frequent due to climate change.”

The Environmental Protection Agency released a report in 2021 that identified that “Black and African American individuals are 40% more likely than non-Black and non-African American individuals to currently live in areas with the highest projected increases in mortality rates due to climate-driven changes in extreme temperatures.”

The Impact on Mental Health

Hurricane Helene claimed the lives of hundreds of people and displaced thousands of others. The United States Census Bureau reported that more than half a million North Carolinians lived under a disaster declaration following Helene’s impact. These crises can affect the quality of one’s mental health.

Losing your home is a legitimate traumatic experience that sticks with you.

Rapper Meek Mill expressed sympathy for those in the Los Angeles area in a post on X. The Philadelphia native also used the platform to reveal his own experience with fire-related trauma. “Prayers to la ???????????????? I never knew about fire trauma until my house caught on fire…. I was smelling fire in my sleep, jumping up for 3 years… I didn’t know that type of trauma existed, so I was just dealing with it as a kid!”

A January 2024 article in Current Opinion in Psychiatry stated that the “Prevalence of anxiety and mood disorders, including posttraumatic stress disorder, appear to be higher for displaced peoples.” In 2021, The Journal of Affective Disorders Reports found that “higher exposure to traumatic experiences and increased post-migration stress have been identified as risk factors for mental disorders in forcibly displaced populations.”

Even years later, it can have a lasting effect. Megan Collins, a licensed marriage and family therapist and art therapist in Beverly Hills, California, spoke about what someone experiencing displacement due to a climate crisis might feel. “It is a trauma to instantly lose everything that you have known. That is your sense of stability. That is a core basic human need that comes before everything,” she told Black Health Matters.

Collins is currently offering free therapy sessions to those suffering from the effects of the Los Angeles wildfires.

“When you’re a traumatized person, those traumas are stored in your body,” said Collins. This can show up as being easily triggered in situations where uncertainty is present.

“You might have long-term difficulty with remaining fully present in your life. It may be hard to socialize and have relationships. It may be hard to maintain work,” added Collins. “Trauma can cause you to withdraw and isolate,” she continued. “It really impairs a relationship.”

Forcible displacement interrupts some community-building activities that anchor the average person’s life. There are no dance recitals or parades. Setting up in a new place does not instantly eliminate the hurt of losing one’s home. Collins explained that those enduring the trauma of displacement will still need support once their struggles are no longer a trending topic. “This crisis isn’t solved by simple solutions,” she said. “It’s going to take these people a really hard time, and they’re going to need a lot of support in the long term.”

The Potential Long-Term Health Impact

Climate crises can prevent people from receiving their medication refills. Wildfires can create potential physical health issues. Their impact can aggravate chronic conditions or cause new ones. Those with autoimmune conditions or at high risk of developing them can be heavily impacted by the low air quality they cause.

According to the Journal of Rheumatic & Musculoskeletal Diseases, “Long-term exposure to air pollution was associated with [a] higher risk of developing autoimmune diseases, in particular rheumatoid arthritis, CTDs, and IBD,” and “chronic exposure to levels above the threshold for human protection was associated with a 10% higher risk of developing IMIDs.”

The Autoimmune Reviews Journal stated that “smoke has been found to play a pathogenic role in certain autoimmune disease as it may trigger the development of autoantibodies and act on pathogenic mechanism possibly related with an imbalance of the immune system,” and “Not only cigarette smoke but also air pollution has been reported as being responsible for the development of autoimmunity.”

Tropical cyclones and hurricanes can lead to poor health outcomes. “Storm-driven flooding contaminates environmental, recreational, and drinking water sources,” and “extreme weather events have been associated with gastrointestinal illness or specific outbreaks,” according to a 2023 article in the Journal of Emerging Infectious Diseases. Climate crises can lead to the spread of vector-borne pathogens, airborne pathogens, and nosocomial infections.

“Extreme precipitation forms standing flood water containing contaminated runoff, sediment, debris, and waste harboring fecal coliforms and enteropathogens. These dangerous conditions are partially caused by inadequately functioning water systems and overflowing septic tanks,” according to the American Society for Microbiology.

Collins noted that there can be situations where a person’s body reacts to the stress of losing their home to a climate crisis. “Our mental health impacts our physical health and vice versa, so you may see people that end up with some type of autoimmune diseases or other physiological symptoms as well,” she said.

The post The LA County Wildfires & the Trauma of Sudden Displacement appeared first on Black Health Matters.

Thanks to an executive order from President Joe Biden, there will be a national day of mourning on January 9, 2025, to honor Carter’s legacy.

Here are some of the ways that Carter left a mark on the nation.

Carter Fought Houselessness

Jimmy Carter dedicated a large chunk of his personal time and unique capital to championing the need for everyone to have a safe home, no matter their financial situation. After his death, memes detailing Carter’s dedication to helping build homes with Habitat for Humanity flooded social media.

Habitat for Humanity issued a statement recognizing the great contributions Carter and former First Lady Rosalynn Carter made to their organization over the past thirty years.

“Together, they’ve worked alongside over 108,100 volunteers who have built, renovated or repaired more than 4,447 homes in 14 countries, all while raising awareness of the critical need for affordable housing,” wrote The Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project Team from Habitat for Humanity.

Being unable to secure stable housing can place one’s physical and mental health at risk. “People experiencing homelessness are at increased risk for infectious and non-infectious diseases. Homelessness is known to increase the risk for infectious diseases such as Viral Hepatitis (especially Hepatitis C), Tuberculosis (TB), Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), and Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19),” according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC). These are not the only risks accompanying the lack of a stable home; the CDC states that “People experiencing homelessness also commonly face mental illness, alcohol and substance use disorder, diabetes, and heart and lung disease.”

Carter Supported HBCUs

If you have a Black doctor or lawyer you turn to for aid, you might want to thank Carter. The Advisory Council On Historic Preservation reported that “On August 8, 1980, President Jimmy Carter signed Executive Order 12232, (EO) which directed the Secretary of Education to implement a Federal initiative designed to achieve a significant increase in the participation by historically Black colleges and universities in Federally sponsored programs.” The initiative aimed “to identify, reduce, and eliminate barriers which may have unfairly resulted in reduced participation in, and reduced benefits from, federally sponsored programs.”

The White House reports, “Seventy percent of Black doctors in our country attended an HBCU, and 80 percent of Black judges are alumni of these schools,” making cultivating intentional support of HBCUs even more impactful.

Carter Fought Rare Disease

Following his presidency, Carter and Roslyn worked together to fight and prevent rare diseases at The Carter Center, a non-profit they founded in partnership with Emory University, a respected educational institution in their home state of Georgia. According to their website, the center is designed to concentrate on “a fundamental commitment to human rights and the alleviation of human suffering.”

Some of the global health conditions that the center attempted to prevent and treat through their efforts include “Guinea worm, river blindness, trachoma, schistosomiasis, lymphatic filariasis, and malaria in Hispaniola.”

The New York Times characterized Carter’s global health as “quiet but monumental.”

Carter Supported Healthcare Accessibility

A 2017 article in Missouri Medicine states, “Primary care physicians in rural areas often do not have the support of sub-specialists, hospitalists, or emergency physicians, and thus treat a wider range of conditions with limited access to sophisticated technology.” People deserve access to the health care they need, whether they live in a large city or a small town.

Carter, a Georgia native, focused on increasing access to healthcare in rural areas during his administration. He supported the Rural Health Initiative in 1975. This initiative began by providing the resources for 47 new health centers. According to The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services’ Health Resources & Services Administration, “By the next year, it had grown to 138 projects. With support from the Carter Administration, there were 262 projects in 1977 and 356 in 1978.”

Kyu Rhee, MD, MPP, President and CEO of NACHC, commented on how Carter championed healthcare access in rural communities in a statement. “President Carter’s legacy is deeply intertwined with the Community Health Center (CHC) Movement, exemplified by his warm welcome of health center advocates to the White House,” said Rhee.

“His visionary leadership and profound understanding of primary care’s importance laid the initial groundwork for building access to rural CHCs, which today serve nearly 10 million rural Americans—one in five rural residents—across 6,500 locations. Carter’s early recognition of CHCs’ vital role in community health and wellness helped establish them as cornerstone institutions in rural health delivery.”

Carter, the first former President to celebrate their 100th birthday on October 1, 2024, has given a blueprint to be a service to others.

The post President Jimmy Carter, A Humanitarian & Advocate appeared first on Black Health Matters.

Alcohol Change, a philanthropic organization focused on obliterating alcohol-related harm, kicked off the first Dry January campaign in 2013. The practice of committing to sobriety for a set amount of time has roots in Finland, according to the Journal of eClinicalMedicine. That article revealed, “Organised campaigns of alcohol-free months are now commonplace throughout Europe and the USA, with millions taking part each year.” A 2022 article in the Harm Reduction Journal reports that “Over the last decade, one-month alcohol abstinence campaigns (OMACs) have been implemented within the general population in an increasing number of countries.”

The rise in participation could be evidence of the sober curious movement gaining steam as Generation Z defines their relationship with alcohol consumption. There is more room than ever to be sober in mainstream social settings. The days of stodgy temperance stigma are slipping away. “Promoting the idea of reducing alcohol consumption through more ‘mindful’ drinking is accompanied by an expanding market of alcohol-free beverages, ‘dry’ drinking venues, or licensed bars offering alcohol-free options,” according to a 2022 article in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.

Participating in dry January has the potential to impact one’s health in multiple ways positively.

Even those who do not finish participating in Dry January can be positively impacted by trying it. “Both successful and unsuccessful participants frequently reported health benefits,” according to the Harm Reduction Journal. According to Dr. Joseph R. Volpicelli M.D., Ph.D. “Stepping away from alcohol can reduce anxiety, stabilize mood, and offer clarity on its impact on daily life. It’s also a chance to reset habits and reevaluate one’s relationship with alcohol.”

Dr. Volpicelli emphasized that what happens after Dry January is finished matters in a statement to Black Health Matters. “A month is a great starting point for observing significant health benefits and reflecting on drinking habits. However, what matters most is what follows after the month ends. Returning to old patterns without reflection could mean missing an opportunity for lasting change. Extending the break or adopting mindful drinking habits can help sustain the progress. For those struggling to abstain completely, a ‘Damp January,’ where drinking is limited to one or two drinks on occasion, can also be effective,” he said.

Dry January Can Potentially Reduce Your Cancer Risk

The US Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy released a 2025 report that revealed “the scientific evidence for the causal link between alcohol consumption and increased risk for at least seven different types of cancer, including breast (in women), colorectum, esophagus, voice box, liver, mouth, and throat.” That report stated that “Alcohol consumption is the third leading preventable cause of cancer in the United States, after tobacco and obesity.”

Less consumption of alcohol might help reduce risks. The Office of the US Surgeon General is so concerned about the risks presented by alcohol consumption that they are advocating for bold warning labels to be placed on alcoholic beverages to advise the public of the risks associated with their nightly cocktails.

Dry January Can Help You Sleep Better

Skipping out on those shots might be the key to improving and maintaining your sleep hygiene. Excessively imbibing has been proven to block ZZZs in the short and long term in many studies. “Alcohol use is associated with poor sleep quality,” per a 2022 study published in the Journal of Sleep Advances. The Journal of Alcohol, Clinical and Experimental Research noted that alcohol consumption was connected not only to insomnia but to other sleep disorders as well.

Dry January Can Help You Lose Weight

The British Journal of General Practice reports that “Cutting out alcohol can help people achieve weight loss goals.” A 2018 study published in BMJ Open found that moderate drinkers who eliminated alcohol lost over four pounds on average. It also reported that they showed positive improvements in their insulin resistance, a health factor connected to weight management.

Dry January Can Help Improve Your Mental Health

There is “an elevated risk for alcohol misuse in the presence of anxiety,” according to the Journal of Alcohol Research: Current Reviews.“Mentally, stepping away from alcohol can reduce anxiety, stabilize mood, and offer clarity on its impact on daily life. It’s also a chance to reset habits and reevaluate one’s relationship with alcohol,” said Dr. Volpicelli.

Learn more about Dry January here.

The post 4 Ways Dry January Can Positively Impact Your Health appeared first on Black Health Matters.

Thyroid Disease Impacts More Women Than Men

The American Thyroid Association reports that “more than 12 percent of the U.S. population will develop a thyroid condition during their lifetime” and “up to 60 percent of those with thyroid disease are unaware of their condition.” The risk for thyroid complications is even higher in women. A 2021 article in the Journal of the American Medical Association stated that “thyroid dysfunction is more common in women than in men.” That dysfunction can be complicated by the inadvertent masking of symptoms because, as the same article noted, “For women, the profound physiologic changes associated with different life stages affect the timing of presentation of thyroid disease.”

Our Community Faces a Unique Set of Challenges

Interventions addressing poor thyroid health can range from oral prescription medication to surgical procedures. Hormone replacement therapies are an option in some instances as well. Black people face unique challenges in maintaining proper thyroid health.

“Disparities continue to exist in the diagnosis and treatment of thyroid disease, which affects an estimated 20 million Americans, with patients of racial and ethnic minorities experiencing worse outcomes for both malignant and benign thyroid disease,” according to the Office on Women’s Health in the Office in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

A study published in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism reported that “the incidence of thyroid cancer has been rapidly increasing over the past 30 years,” and “Black patients were on average older at the time of diagnosis and had higher comorbidity scores.”

Overactive Versus Underactive Thyroid Conditions (and their symptoms)

Thyroids can be overactive and underactive. Both can negatively impact one’s health and are frequently attributed to the presence of autoimmune diseases like Graves and Hashimoto’s. Thyroid issues can also complicate family planning.

Hyperthyroidism is an overactive thyroid condition. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases defines it as a condition “when the thyroid gland makes more thyroid hormones than your body needs.”

Hyperthyroidism can be challenging to diagnose due to its symptoms overlapping with other conditions. This can contribute to deadly delays in treatment and worsen outcomes. “A hyperthyroidism diagnosis can’t be based on symptoms alone because many of its symptoms are the same as those of other diseases. That’s why your doctor may use several thyroid blood tests and imaging tests to confirm the diagnosis and find its cause,” according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. According to the Lancet, “Commonly reported symptoms are palpitations, fatigue, tremors, anxiety, disturbed sleep, weight loss, heat intolerance, sweating, and polydipsia.” It can also lead to diarrhea.

Sweating and heat intolerance can be confused for symptoms of menopause or perimenopause in some cases, wasting valuable time that could be used to treat thyroid issues on misdiagnosis.

Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid cannot function at the level the body needs. The Office of Women’s Health reports that symptoms of hypothyroidism include cold intolerance, constipation, loss of muscle functionality, depression, fatigue, dry skin, abnormal heart rate, diminished vocal capacity, and heavy menstrual bleeding. It is equally difficult to diagnose.

If you suspect that you might be having thyroid issues. Give your doctor some insight into some of your symptoms:

• Symptom: Temperature Sensitivity

If your new satin shirt is soaked through while everyone surrounding you is bone dry, that could be a sign that you have an overactive thyroid. Excessive sweating and heat sensitivity are common symptoms associated with hyperthyroidism. Shivering while everyone is enjoying a cool breeze might indicate hypothyroidism, as this thyroid issue can come with an extreme sensitivity to the cold.

•  Symptom: Heart Issues

Heart palpitations could be a symptom of an overactive thyroid. A heart rate that is too slow might signal that your thyroid is underperforming. If you suspect you have symptoms, you can monitor your heart rate on your own and bring evidence to your doctor, but ultimately, they will be the best method of confirming your heart health and whether it intersects with any thyroid challenge.

• Symptom: Impact On Your Mental Health

Overactive and underactive thyroid have the potential to impact a person’s mental and emotional health.

A sleepless state of constant worry that feels like generalized anxiety could be a sign that your thyroid is in a hyper state. The deep fog of depression that you are unable to climb out of could prove that your thyroid is low-functioning and sinking your hormonal health. Both of these invisible symptoms are dangerous. Communicate honestly with your healthcare provider and loved ones about how you are feeling so that you can get the help you need and deserve.

The post The Difference Between an Underactive & Overactive Thyroid appeared first on Black Health Matters.

They have a Gender Identity Support Team (GIST) that helps individuals get the help they need to live the happiest lives possible.

A 2013 article in The Lancet Infectious Diseases reported that “Transgender women (Male to Female, MTF) are internationally recognized as a population group that carries a disproportionate burden of HIV infection.”

The U.S. Center For Disease Control And Prevention published data stating that “African American people are disproportionately affected by HIV, making up 12% of the population, but accounting for 42% (12,827) of the 30,635 new HIV diagnoses in the United States.”

They aid individuals facing a few health issues and barriers to treatment outside of HIV. Their work is pivotal because, according to a 2016 article in Current Opinion in Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Obesity, “Transgender persons suffer significant health disparities in multiple arenas. Real or perceived stigma and discrimination within biomedicine and the health care provision, in general, may impact transgender people’s desire and ability to access appropriate care.” The same article clarified that “some of these health care barriers are faced by other minority groups, many are unique, and many are significantly magnified for transgender persons.” Carey Hanlin, Assistant Director of Transgender Health & HIV Prevention Program, and Jessica Zyrie, TGNB Health and HIV Prevention Coordinator from Amida Care’s Gender Identity Support Team, shared details about how Amida is executing plans to support the transgender community with Black Health Matters.

“We understand that each person’s transition and health goals are different, and the GIST team works with members to identify their needs, to review their options, and to connect them to affirming care and services,” said Hanlin. “Our goal has always been to develop programming that specifically addresses the needs and concerns of this community. And to ‘build a network of provider and community organizations, where our members can get the care and support they need without mistreatment and stigma that they often experience in the healthcare field.”

“We encounter numerous barriers to medical and mental health care, that we need to be healthy. This is why supporting access to care is so important,” said Zyrie.

“Nearly a third of surveyed trans people in the U.S avoided seeing a doctor because they couldn’t afford it or didn’t have access to health insurance, nearly a quarter didn’t see a doctor out of fear of mistreatment and nearly half said that they’d have a negative experience with a health care provider related to their gender identity within the last year.

Visibility in intimate settings, like healthcare visits, can be an invaluable affirmation to someone struggling with their mental and physical health.

Zyrie explained what turns the people she works with off from seeking care. “We unfortunately work with many members who expect mistreatment from the start,” she said.

Hanlin explained, “Not only are our members getting life-saving, gender-affirming care, but they’re also seeing their primary care provider. They’re getting essential cancer screenings, they’re seeing mental health providers.”

“All those things can be nearly impossible in the face of discrimination and stigma,” he added.

Gender-affirming care is not just about syringes and pills. It is about respecting every aspect of a patient’s gender identity when treating them for anything from a bunion to hormone therapy.

“We see their humanity and by working, with our cultural sensitivity, our control sensitive network of providers and staff. We ensure that each member saves the care that they need and deserve,” said Zyrie.

A 2024 article in BMC Health Services Research stated that “transgender people have expressed their need to access health services for general health needs, including but not limited to mental health, non-communicable diseases, and infectious diseases.”

Hope Giselle Godsey, the Executive Director, CEO, and President of the National Trans Visibility March, in an interview with Black Health Matters Editorial Director Corynne L. Corbett, said there is a need for broader, well-rounded conversations that include abstinence self-love, self-care, and self-pleasure in the trans and queer communities. “So you don’t have to feel like your sex life is one or the other, where it’s super existent but feels risky, or where it’s nonexistent and you lack pleasure.”

Godsey also reinforced the importance of diversity in approaches to gender-affirming care: “I think that not enough people are having conversations around the way that we speak about our health, outside of our genitalia, or, you know what surgery you may or may not have had, or how you have sex,” she said. “There are so many health disparities that we go through on a medical level.”

The National Trans Visibility March Executive Director, CEO, & President rejected assumptions that transgender people do not require intervention and support for matters that don’t intersect with their gender. “People often don’t think that we’re galvanized around the same way that we’re galvanized around our gender identity or expression,” Godsey said.

The face of holistic health in public forums does not always include transgender people. Godsey emphasized the need for more “conversations about our holistic health” within the community and shared how herbal medicine shows up in the community.

“Folks are now starting to create their own version of hormone replacement therapy through natural herbs, through juicing, through being able to find out where you can find estrogen and testosterone replacements through natural like roots and herbs and things that, things that don’t affect your body in negative ways or have so many of the ridiculous side effects that some of these like pills and shots that they give us,” said Godsey. “I think being able to talk about that and talk people through it will be interesting for many folks.”

The post Gender-Affirming Care Supports Transgender People appeared first on Black Health Matters.

“I did get diagnosed with it,” he said. “I’ve taken all the power away from the term narcissism because I’ve researched it totally. You call me whatever you want,” Cannon continued.

He shared more details about how he was adjusting to the medical label with People while volunteering at the Los Angeles Mission. “I feel like there are so many labels out there, but it’s like being able to embrace it and say, ‘Look, I’m healing. I need help. Show me.’ I embrace mental health and therapy in such a strong way,” said Cannon.

Discussions surrounding narcissistic personality disorder have become more common, but there are many misconceptions about it. Below is what you need to know about the disorder. What is narcissistic personality disorder?

According to a 2017 article published in the Journal of Behavioral Medicine, Narcissistic personality disorder is defined as “is characterized by a persistent pattern of grandiosity, fantasies of unlimited power or importance, and the need for admiration or special treatment. Individuals with NPD may experience significant psychological distress related to interpersonal conflict and functional impairment.”

Cannon said he did not meet all of the nine specific symptoms included in the criteria to be diagnosed with narcissistic personality disorder. These symptoms include intense rage and a lack of empathy. They are pervasive.

“I have no rage,” said Cannon. “I’m very empathetic.”

How common is narcissistic personality disorder?

Your Instagram explore page might be saturated with endless narcissistic abuse tales, but clinical diagnoses for the disorder are handed out sparingly. According to the Journal of Current Psychiatry Reports, between “0.5% and 5% of adults in the U.S. have narcissistic personality disorder.” Camille Lester-Riley, LMHC, LCPC, confirmed this. “It’s not as common as we think,” she told Black Health Matters during an interview. “Everything can’t be narcissism,” she added.

Asha Tarry, CLC, offered a potential explanation for the rare rate of diagnosis for narcissistic personality disorder. “That’s mostly because people with that clinical diagnosis are not often seen in therapy,” Tarry told Black Health Matters. “So they don’t find a reason for themselves to need or seek support in that way.”

Is narcissistic personality disorder always apparent?

It is not always easy to instantly spot someone with this disorder. “Someone may see a person with this type of disorder at work and see them a few hours of the day and think of them as charming and sincere and likable and approachable,” said Tarry. “They’re not getting the full breadth of this individual.”

How can you deal with a narcissist?

“You want to be mindful of what you say about them in public because they are very sensitive to embarrassment and criticism,” advised Tarry. “And although they may not snap on you where people are around to see it, they will create a smear campaign against you. If you go against them, they will do things to harm you psychologically.”

It is essential to be thoughtful in your interactions with someone you suspect is a narcissist. Consider the consequences of any action you take against them.

Narcissists might cut you off from a support system. “They will alienate you from other people, so you must take it seriously,” Tarry added.

Can narcissistic personality disorder be treated?

There are limited treatment options for narcissistic personality disorder. According to the University of Chicago, “Psychiatrists use psychotherapy, but the often-stigmatized personality disorder is a challenging condition to treat in part because so little is known about its biology. The Journal of Behavioral Medicine reported that “A prominent challenge in the conceptualization of NPD cases revolves around the heterogeneity in the presentation of the disorder and significant symptomatologic overlap with other Cluster B personality disorders.”

Progress is being made, however. The Journal of Personality Disorders published a study investigating potential biological causes of the disorder, which could advance treatment options.

Who can diagnose a narcissist?

No matter how many hours you spend on the clock app, you are not a clinician. The only person who can diagnose a narcissist is someone with the letters behind their name that empowers them to do so. Armchair diagnoses are not only inaccurate, they are dangerous. There are strong stigmas associated with NPD. Lester-Riley has concerns about the casual labeling of people by those not qualified to hand out diagnoses.

“I think specifically personality disorders, feel extremely stigmatizing because it shows that there’s like a lack of trust that people might have with you or with who you are portraying to be,” said Lester-Riley.

Why should you avoid tossing around the term narcissist?

It’s understandable to want to declare every annoying ex, shady former friend, and micromanaging boss a narcissist, but that is not your place.

Avoid labeling people with terms you don’t understand, and focus on what is best for your mental health. Just because you disagree with someone or you feel like they are being a jerk does not mean that they are a textbook narcissist.

“People are using things that they don’t necessarily understand because maybe they feel someone has mistreated them, and so they’re taking the term out of its own proper and appropriate place,” said Tarry.

“There’s such an overuse of the term,” Lester-Riley said. “I think ‘therapy speak’ is so frustrating.” “It’s just harmful, and I think it downplays the severity of NPD across the board,” she added.

“I would never ask anyone that’s not a trained professional to diagnose anyone or even use that language,” said Lester-Riley.

“That word we’re using colloquially shouldn’t be used by lay people. It’s a clinical term used in social science and medicine,” added Tarry. “We’re seeing it over-indexed in just everyday jargon.”

BHM Recommends: Your Mental Health: Setting Boundaries Unapologetically

The post Nick Cannon Has Narcissistic Personality Disorder appeared first on Black Health Matters.

Cologuard allows anyone to collect a stool sample, ship it out, and have it screened. The majority of the process occurs in the privacy and comfort of their homes.

The twenty-somethings standing on nightclub couches when the original song was released in 2002 are now forty-somethings at the prime age to get screened. “3-6-9, damn, it’s time/If you’re 45 screen with it, get in line,” are just some of the hysterical revised lyrics.

His track aims to use humor and nostalgia to encourage people to get screened before symptoms appear, something tough for those reluctant to be seen by medical professionals due to a history of systemic exclusion.

“Black and Brown people, we do not like to go to the doctor until something’s wrong,” Lil Jon told Black Health Matters in an interview. “I’m so happy I’m doing this campaign because, you know, we could catch some things.”

A 2021 article in the AMA Journal of Ethics said that “Transgenerational trauma is a potential barrier to achieving a healthy and holistic patient-physician relationship, particularly for Black Americans.”

He is not bashful about the theme of bathroom humor. “I think that’s the only way to do it,” he said. He knows people need entertainment to focus on something this serious because he requires the same. “I saw the Cologuard commercials, but I never really paid attention to what it was about,” he admitted.

“It kind of grabs you right away,” he said about the fun song. “We all get the joke, it’s a funny commercial. Y’all can go to getlow2.com to see the commercial and also to order your kits. But it just makes it easier to palette this subject because it’s funny because the song is called ‘Get Low #2,’ and you have to take a #2 to do the colon cancer screen with the Cologuard kit. So I thought it was pretty hilarious.”

Colon cancer is a serious threat to the health of the Black community. According to a 2018 article in The American Journal of Pathology, “African Americans have the highest incidence and mortality rates of colorectal cancer (CRC) of any ethnic group in the United States.” The American Journal of Preventive Medicine reports that “Blacks have a higher mortality from this malignancy, particularly men, yet screening rates in this population are often found to be lower.”

Colon cancer has snatched the lives of hip-hop greats. Beloved hip-hop podcaster Combat Jack lost his battle with it in December of 2017. He used some of his last months to spread awareness by encouraging others to get screened. Recently, DJ Clark Kent succumbed to it.

This is not Lil Jon’s first foray into promoting health care in the Black community. “I’m all about health,” he said. “I’ve always kind of been about my health, but I took it to another level in the last two years.”

He released an album of Manifest Abundance: Affirmations for Personal Growth in April. He wants to normalize seeking mental health treatment for his fellow Black men. “We kind of suffer in silence, you know? We don’t talk about our problems. Therapy has been made to be taboo for just Black folks, in general,” he said.

He began committing to preventative health measures in his personal life after seeing someone in his circle be forced to have a triple bypass surgery. “It just shocked me enough to say. I need to get my health in check,” he said.

Since then, he has worked with trainers on his diet and exercise regime. He is so dedicated that he has memorized the healthiest menu options near his Las Vegas residency. Hopping off stage and shoving chicken rings and cheese fries in his mouth after every set isn’t an option.

“It’s okay to say, eat a fast food burger now and then, but you can’t eat it daily. We need to incorporate more fruits and vegetables in our diets,” he said.

“It helps me to be on point with my eating because eating is, you know, one of the main parts of being healthy,” he added.

“Much of this boils down to what you put in your body.”

Nutrition is important, but laughter is one of the best medicines. In the silly but catchy video for “Get Low #2,” he reminds viewers, “The Cologuard test can catch pre-cancer before it becomes cancer/ OH-KAY!”

He is thrilled with its reception. “People are having fun with it, and this social media response has been overwhelmingly great and amazing, and people love it,” he continued.

“A lot of people said they were going to order their kits and get screened. So, it’s already doing what it’s supposed to do.”

Watch the full video below.

The post Lil Jon Wants Us To “Get Low” To Check For Colon Cancer appeared first on Black Health Matters.

So, don’t ignore the bill or panic. Instead, follow our suggestions, which are geared toward those with private insurance or Medicare.

Study The Details

Before effectively advocating for yourself, you must learn what you’re advocating against. If you receive a verbal denial, write down everything the representative says. Get their employee identification information. Ask that all information be sent in writing. If they refuse, ask to speak with a supervisor.

Ensure you begin the call by obtaining a reference number if you “accidentally” get disconnected when you try to escalate the call. When you receive the written denial, scan it to have an electronic copy.

Ask for additional information as well—request access to the determining criteria from which the decision was made. If you are denied access to that list, document that.

1. File An Internal Appeal

Many people do not bother to push back against denials. You can file an appeal when your insurance provider denies you. If the company suddenly drops you from coverage, this also applies. There is an internal appeal process where you can formally request that another person examine your rejection and rule on it. Familiarize yourself with the process at your company. This could possibly include several rounds of investigations. Keep any notes and recommendations from your healthcare provider readily available—place paper documents in a folder that you can access quickly. Add electronic files in a folder on your desktop or cloud drive clearly labeled “APPEAL” or something easily recognizable.

Be prepared. If you’re not ready, processes can be stalled. The National Association of Insurance Commissioners has a PDF with sample letters available for download here.

2. Request An External Appeal

If your internal appeal is unsuccessful, keep going. You can file an external appeal. In this process, a third party reviews your case and recommends whether or not the insurance provider’s initial ruling should stand or be reversed. Documentation is just as helpful during this process as during an internal appeal, so hold on to anything you submitted during the original appeal process.

3. Understand Medicare Has its Own Appeals Process.

When Medicare denies your claim for any reason, it is required to issue a Notice of Denial of Medical Coverage or Payment. Go to their site to download the Integrated Notice Instructions and Integrated Download Forms for information to help you file an appeal. You can also submit questions regarding these specific forms to  https://appeals.lmi.org.

Then, File an Appeal.

Whether your coverage is for Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage, or another Medicare health or drug plan, you can request free Medicare counseling from your State Health Insurance Assistance Program or get their local number here. Sometimes, such as hospitalization, you can ask for a fast appeal.

The Appeal process in a Medicare drug plan may have up to five steps.

• Redetermination of your plan
•  Reconsideration from an Independent Review Entity (IRE)
•  Decision by the Office of Medicare Hearings and Appeals (OMHA)
• Review by the Medicare Appeals Council
• Judicial Review in Federal District Court

For example, you can contact the non-profit medicarerights.org for their Part D Appeals Resources if you have received a Medicare D denial. They include step-by-step tips on dealing with the helpline and sample letters for Medicare and Providers.

4. Explore Additional Resources

Sometimes, you may have to tap into organizations like Voters for Cures, who help patients like you advocate for necessary medication and treatments and help you interact with your representatives.

The bottom line is that when your insurance company denies you access to necessary medications and treatments, don’t take no for an answer. Work with your HCP, advocacy groups, and other resources to fight for what you need.

The post How to Handle Insurance Denials appeared first on Black Health Matters.

She was out of breath but did not seek medical attention immediately. “I couldn’t breathe in my home, so I would go outside because I could breathe better outside. So, I ended up sleeping outside,” she said. “It just kept getting worse, and I was struggling for air,” she continued. “I knew something major was wrong, but my husband was really the driving force to send me to the hospital.”

Montgomery’s trip to urgent care was not fruitful. “They gave me some cough syrup. I don’t think they were even looking for this disease.” After a recent trip, she initially thought she had picked up a persistent cold or COVID. “I went from Ohio to New York, and I’m thinking, oh my goodness. Okay, I caught COVID.” The friend she’d traveled with was also suffering, so it made sense at the time until it didn’t.

“Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which includes chronic bronchitis and/or emphysema, is a progressive, debilitating respiratory condition and currently the third leading cause of death in the United States,” according to the American Thoracic Society. Although COPD had claimed the life of Montgomery’s father, she still had to go through her journey learning more about her symptoms, treatment, and management of the disease after finally obtaining a diagnosis. The COPD Foundation reports that “A person may have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) but not notice symptoms until it is in the moderate stage.”

“Acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) describe the phenomenon of sudden worsening in airway function and respiratory symptoms in patients with COPD,” per the American Thoracic Society.

According to the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, there is not a higher occurrence of COPD in Black patients, but there are worse outcomes. They found that “Historically, the prevalence of COPD has been higher for white than for Black individuals, but recent studies suggest that Black individuals may suffer worse COPD morbidity” in a study published in 2021.

Montgomery was hospitalized because of the intense effects of COPD, impacting her health. She saw her primary care doctor, who referred her to a pulmonologist who issued a diagnosis. No physical or digital resources were issued to her. There were no inquiries about her mental health or recommendations for support groups given during her encounters with any of her doctors. According to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, “Because COPD is a progressive disease, its symptoms often develop slowly but worsen over time.”

“There’s a huge gap between being diagnosed and getting resources. In most cases, you must get the resources on your own, and if you’re just not that kind of person, then you live with no resources, and then you don’t know what’s going to happen to you,” said Montgomery. “I’d like to see that change.”

What Should You Do If You Experience Symptoms That Overlap With COPD?

• Consider Your Risks

The COPD Foundation recommends testing for anyone with “long-term exposure to air pollution (including smoke, dust, fumes, and chemicals),” “Chronic coughing with or without sputum,” “Wheezing,” and “Shortness of breath.” They also strongly suggest being evaluated if you find yourself with an “inability to keep up with people of your own age.”

• Seek Medical Attention Immediately

Do not wait until you are out of breath until the fourth or fifth night to take your body seriously. If something feels off, go to the doctor right away.

•  Communicate All of Your Symptoms

Do not downplay your symptoms. Don’t try to tough it out or self-medicate. Tell your healthcare practitioner exactly what you are going through and how it impacts your life. If they won’t listen, get a second opinion; if it takes a third or a fourth, get those. Uncomfortable pushing back? Bring someone with you to advocate for your needs and ask direct questions. If you suspect you have COPD but are diagnosed with something else, ask more questions. “Many adults with COPD are incorrectly diagnosed with asthma,” per the COPD Foundation.

• Seek Community

COPD will change your life in tangible ways. Joining a community will expose you to experiences and stories that will widen your resources.

“What’s been troubling for me is that I live in an underserved community,” said Montgomery. She donates her time and energy to bringing patients together.

“I have a support group at our doctor’s office, and I’ve been running into a lot of people that have COPD too, and they don’t know anything about the Foundation, and they don’t know anything about any resources.”

The post Asking Your Doctor About COPD Could Save Your Life appeared first on Black Health Matters.

Sponsored By

Sanofi-Regeneron

Midge Wilson and her husband Lonnie Wilson shared their experience navigating Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) as a couple at the Black Health Matters Summit in Charlotte, North Carolina. The veterans and advocates spoke with Lisa Schmitt, US Public Affairs & Patient Advocacy Lead – Respiratory Sanofi.

“COPD is diagnosed as either chronic bronchitis or emphysema, and it is a chronic and progressive condition, meaning it worsens over time, causing permanent lung damage,” explained Schmitt. “It is debilitating, and it impacts people, both physically and mentally as well.”

According to the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, “COPD is increasingly being recognized as a major health problem in America’s multicultural black population,” and “Black individuals in the United States may be preferentially affected by COPD.”

COPD outcomes are dismal in the Black community. It not only drastically changes the quality of life, it claims some lives. “Black individuals with COPD have higher mortality rates,” says the Journal of the American Medical Association.

Midge, a former devoted bodybuilder, described the moment when COPD showed up in her life. “I call it the original attack,” she said. One Saturday, she was going through her standard weight-lifting routine. After being able to lift over a hundred and fifty pounds easily, she found herself unable to even begin the process she was so familiar with. “I couldn’t get that empty bar from the rack,” she said.

The forty-five bar presenting a struggle confused her. Her fellow gym rats were perplexed, too. “I could not get the empty bar from the rack, and everybody in the gym thought I was kidding. But I was not,” said Midge.

Midge and Lonnie began to look for solutions.

She was misdiagnosed on multiple occasions. “I had dealt with it for quite a while, and the doctors were diagnosing me with asthma,” she said. She was living in the desert at the time and she was also told “You’re allergic to the desert.” Asthma ran in her family, so she accepted the diagnosis. But soon, Midge questioned why there was no progress being made. She felt increasingly worse no matter how many times she sought help. “As I begin to listen to the doctor, I’m thinking, well, why isn’t it changing,” she said.

It took a while to be referred to a pulmonologist who issued a correct diagnosis.  “My mother always said, oh, you’re going to push the envelope. That’s what she told me. And I guess I did because I didn’t have asthma. I had undiagnosed COPD,” she said.

Take Action:

• Ask Questions

Midge did not just allow the doctors to misdiagnose her to manage all the aspects of her care. When she did not improve she and her husband followed up, again and again. It is important to continue seeking answers even when your family history offers what looks like a simple explanation. It might be more complicated than you think.

• Advocate For Yourself

Even with “great insurance” Wilson was forced to fight for accommodations that would allow her to resume some of daily activities. COPD might have made trips to Disneyland with her grandchildren a non-starter but she was determined to do as much as she could.

“They will assign oxygen to you, but you have this large oxygen concentrator that you’re tethered to,” she said. “So, how can I go to the grocery store and do my shopping if I’m tailored to this 140-foot wire?”

“You haven’t given me oxygen so that I can leave my home,” she retorted and continued to fight to be permitted to have the resources she needed to obtain the limited mobility she could.

• Don’t Be Afraid To Switch Doctors

The Wilsons were afraid to get second opinions. They needed the doctor that worked best for them. “We ended up firing two pulmonologists. We were just patients, just numbers,” Lonnie said. They searched until they found a provider who worked for them.

• Accept Help

Lonnie has become attuned to his wife, watching her needs closely. “I’ve been married so long. I know her and she knows me so I can just tell if it’s going to be a day where I need to hang around the bedroom more, hang around the house more, and not go anywhere,” he explained.

His responsibilities in the household have shifted due to his wife’s illness. “My role has stepped up immensely. “I do most of the cleaning. I do about half of the cooking,” he said. He paused to acknowledge how perception of gender roles plays into how their dynamic is viewed by outsider.

“Ladies, I’ve heard all the jokes,” he said.  He is often told, “I wish I had COPD so my husband can just do the cleaning and do the cooking.” He is proud to be there for his wife. “It’s a labor of love,” Lonnie told the room.

Midge contributed heavily to the family as the pair served the country prior to their retirement. “Through the military, she was the glue that kept our family together while I was gone. So I have nothing but admiration and respect for her.”

He advises any caregivers in the room supporting a loved one to tend to themselves so that they would not burn out and become unreliable sources of support. “For caregivers, I would also say you have to take care of you,” he said. “I can’t take care of her if I don’t take care of me.”

The post Living With COPD appeared first on Black Health Matters.

Hypertension and Kidney Care

Sponsored By

Astrazeneca

Kemi Williams led a conversation designed to raise awareness of options available to those living with hypertension and kidney disease at the Black Health Matters Summit in Charlotte, North Carolina. The conversation included kidney care patient Sandra L. Washington and Marvin Sinsakul MD, MBA, FASN, Senior Global Development Medical Director – AstraZeneca.

According to the American Journal of Kidney Diseases, “hypertension can lead to worsening kidney function and progressive decline in kidney function, can conversely lead to worsening blood pressure (BP) control.”

Washington shared her experience being diagnosed with chronic kidney disease. Her journey began with a series of incessant phone calls. “It was my endocrinologist. She had recently ordered some lab work for me, and when she got the numbers, she became alarmed,” said Washington.

That doctor’s visit became the ringtone that would never end. “My phone was blowing up 20 times. I was like, she must want something,” she continued. What the endocrinologist wanted was to share that she was being diagnosed with chronic kidney disease. Instances of chronic kidney disease are more severe in the Black community as well. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, “Black people make up about 13% of the total population but account for 30% of the people with ESKD (End-stage Kidney Disease) in the United States.”

The diagnosis threw her. “I was lost,” she admitted. Dealing with a severe chronic illness did not fit with her lifestyle. She took care of everyone around her and, she did not expect to need specific and consistent care herself. “I was so used to going to battle for them with their issues that I had lost track of what was really happening in my mind,” she said.

Washington cited the gap between the information offered to patients and the information needed to manage their conditions. “When you give a patient an acronym. We don’t know what that is. You’re telling me I got CKD. I’m like okay whatever,” she said.

Diabetes complicated Washington’s journey with chronic kidney disease. “Some of those symptoms I was having. I was having them because I was diabetic,” she told the crowd gathered to learn from her experiences. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, “Diabetes is the leading cause of kidney disease” and “about 1 out of 3 adults with diabetes has kidney disease.”

Washington was unaware of evidence of how genetics might have impacted her medical outcomes. “I didn’t know about the genetic part until my mom was transitioning over,” she said. She and her mother lived in different cities and did not frequently discuss any overlaps in their medical histories.

Dr. Sinsakul revealed that AstraZeneca is working to facilitate these conversations in families.

“We hope that we can provide us deeper understanding in the link between hypertension and chronic kidney disease [and] hope that we can also highlight the impact of this diagnosis on a patient and also emphasize the critical importance of knowing your family’s medical history,” he said.

See three methods for taking action to preserve your kidney health below.

Take Action:

• Get Specific Dietary Advice

Washington found herself forced to adjust the healthy eating habits she adopted to manage her diabetes. “Everything that I was eating, I thought was healthy for me,” she said.

“Because as a diabetic, I’m told monitor this, monitor that, monitor, you know, everything! So here I am going about life thinking that, well, my diet is helping me when, in actuality, it was literally hurting me,” she continued.

“Once I found out I had CKD I actually started seeing a nutritional doctor as well. I was told no pineapples,” she said.

Pineapples were a huge part of her plan for leaning on smoothies to get her nutrients.

“I’ve been drinking a pina colada smoothie every morning,” she said. “I was eating bananas to keep from taking them, big, old potassium, cap pill[s] that they give you.” Potassium capsules can be large and chalky, making certain versions tough to swallow. They have been seen to improve outcomes in certain diabetic and prediabetic patients according to The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

The news blew her away with disappointment. She was trying her best but due to a lack of information that best was not good enough to keep her levels where they should be.

“My favorite snack, at the time, was popcorn,” she continued. When the doctor told her “you can’t have popcorn,” she was floored.

This shocked her partner as well. “My husband’s mouth dropped,” she added.

“I was like, but that’s my favorite snack and I was told no popcorn because the minute and I’m not sure how many of us realize this popcorn turns to sugar the minute you put it in your system.

So while you’re thinking it’s healthy, it’s not. So, I actually had to learn how to eat better. I had to incorporate an exercise routine where I was doing more than being a couch potato. Those are the things that I had to do.”

Washington recommended those listening to the conversation find their own method to developing a diet plan that is right for them. “Every person’s body is different. The point is, you need to see a doctor,” she said.

• Share Information With Your Family

Williams cited the importance of family history in empowering a patient. “You can imagine if Sandra knew maybe years ago, that maybe there was a genetic disposition within the family to getting chronic kidney disease. Maybe there, she would have taken certain actions,” she said.

“It’s very important. The information we pass on to our children, right? To our grandchildren, can actually inform and empower them to make the right decision around their health care.”

• Educate Yourself in Clinical Trials

Dr. Sinsakul shared how committed his firm is to prioritizing welcoming different types of patients into their clinical research.  “We do have a core value where we state that we put patients first,” he said.

“One of the ways we do that is demonstrated by the actions we are taking and our commitments around medication community engagement and clinical trial diversity.”

The post Redefining Health for our Community: Let’s Talk Hypertension and Kidney Care appeared first on Black Health Matters.

A rapidly changing healthcare landscape is erecting more challenges than ever for people who require ongoing intervention. It can be even more dangerous for the many Black people who need dialysis treatment. “It is no secret that health inequities and barriers to quality care contribute to adverse outcomes within America’s Black community,” wrote Dr. Walter L. Fields, Jr., in an op-ed he penned for the Milwaukee Community Journal.

Those barriers can cause those with kidney concerns to lack consistency where their care is concerned, sometimes even skipping hemodialysis sessions. The Journal of Kidney Medicine published a study that found “African Americans have a higher prevalence of kidney failure treated with dialysis and higher rates of nonadherence to hemodialysis, which are associated with excessive hospitalizations and increased financial costs.” According to a 2020 study by the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Equity, “Black Americans experience kidney failure at three times the rate of whites.” That same study asserted that “Many Black people lack access to diagnosis and treatment for chronic health issues.”

That creates a complicated climate for tackling kidney disease, according to the Johns Hopkins study, which confirmed that “Timing is critical for managing kidney disease, and Black Americans often aren’t diagnosed until the later stages of the condition, or even upon kidney failure, which makes the disease harder to treat and worsens the prognosis.”

Dr. Fields, the Senior Pastor of St. Paul Church of God in Christ MKE and the Superintendent of the Calvary District, has witnessed the devastation that can happen in households that do not get the proper support for their medical needs. He was so passionate about preserving access to certain therapies that he shared his views on upcoming policy changes that could impact his congregation and people nationwide.

“I take very seriously my role of caring for both the spiritual and physical health of my predominantly Black congregation, and my parishioners experience disparities in both health care and health outcomes,” said Dr. Fields.

“The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) is now finalizing a policy change to be implemented in January 2025 that would severely limit dialysis patient access to certain medications, known as orally administered phosphate lowering therapies (PLTs). Dialysis patients take orally administered PLTs to manage hyperphosphatemia,” he continued. According to his op-ed, his interpretation of the change states, “The new CMS policy would prohibit PLTs from being paid for and provided under Medicare Part D and, instead, include PLTs into the bundled payment system for other dialysis services. The result: access to these essential medications at community pharmacies will be limited.”

According to their website, “On November 1, 2024, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a final rule updating payment rates and policies under the End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) Prospective Payment System (PPS) for renal dialysis services furnished to Medicare beneficiaries on or after January 1, 2025.”

The site lists specific numbers and rates under a section labeled “Annual Update to the ESRD PPS Base Rate” to offer information to the public.

Fields considers the proposed rates to be insufficient. “This is a pre-set and often inadequate amount paid to the dialysis center to cover the cost of all services and therapies administered during dialysis. There is no question that this action by CMS would further worsen health inequities experienced by Black dialysis patients. It is well-known that dialysis centers are already underfunded and typically operate using one-size-fits-all protocols,” he wrote in his op-ed.

Legislation has been proposed to prevent this change in payment for PLTs and protect access to these important medications for patients with kidney issues. On July 28, 2023, Rep. Carter Earl L. Buddy introduced a bill, H.R.5074—Kidney PATIENT Act of 2023. The bill aims to “amend the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 to delay implementation of the inclusion of oral-only ESRD-related drugs in the Medicare ESRD prospective payment system.”

Kidney Care Partners, which is a non-profit coalition representing 25 organizations including, patients, dialysis professionals, physicians, nurses, researchers, therapeutic innovators, transplant coordinators, and manufacturers expressed misgivings over the impact of the proposed change in policy in a release on their website. “KCP is concerned this policy may negatively impact patient access to care, as many dialysis providers lack sufficient infrastructure needed to dispense and administer these drugs,” they stated.

Dr. Fields believes that it will take the efforts of policymakers and private citizens to help the act become law before 2025 arrives. This need extends beyond his congregation and community.

The National Kidney Foundation reports that “1 in 3 adults in the U.S. are at risk for kidney disease.” Even more alarming information from the National Kidney Foundation states that “1 in 7 U.S. adults have kidney disease, and 90% don’t know it.” The sometimes silent progression of chronic kidney disease can limit the treatment options.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “Areas with the highest prevalence of diagnosed CKD (chronic kidney disease) are in Southern California, Florida, the Appalachian region, and the Midwest.”

A 2023 article in the American Journal of Kidney Diseases published the results of the REGARDS Study, which examined individuals from US states with a high burden of strokes, including Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee. The study stated, “Established CKD risk factors accounted for higher risk of incident CKD in Black versus White individuals.”

Black communities are positioned to suffer from a lack of available care for kidney-related issues. If you want to use your voice to back the Kidney PATIENT Act, use the link below to contact your legislator.

https://www.votervoice.net/mobile/NMQF/Campaigns/117787/Respond

The post The Kidney PATIENT Act Could Help Someone You Love appeared first on Black Health Matters.

If you are a dialysis patient, you are at a significantly increased risk of having elevated phosphorus because your kidney is no longer able to remove this mineral from your blood. The mere act of having dialysis treatments does not guarantee that phosphorus levels will be controlled, as often that is not the case. “The removal of phosphate during one hemodialysis session amounts to only 800 mg to 1,000 mg. Thus, dialysis 3 times a week is insufficient to remove the recommended daily intake of phosphorus for patients requiring dialysis,” according to the Methodist DeBakey Cardiovascular Journal.

It is important that hyperphosphatemia be diagnosed and dealt with quickly. A report from Frontiers in Medicine explained that “Long-term hyperphosphatemia can lead to symptoms such as pruritus, convulsions, limb ulceration, bone fracture, bone pain, vascular and soft tissue calcification, and hyperparathyroidism, all of which seriously threatens the survival health and life quality of patients.”

Itching and swelling in the feet and ankles are also telltale symptoms that something is wrong. Do not allow these to progress without looking into your phosphorus levels.

The American Association of Kidney Patients also reports that “Approximately 80% of patients on dialysis require phosphate-lowering therapy.” “Management of phosphorus levels in patients receiving dialysis should be achieved through an integrated approach involving dietary control and medical intervention when necessary,” per the Journal of Renal Nutrition.

You must take an active role in managing your phosphorus levels, participating in shared decision-making alongside your doctor. It is important that you know your phosphorus levels so you can and/or prevent problems before they arise. For patients on maintenance dialysis, phosphorus levels are typically measured each month, and it is important that you know your numbers so that you can have informed discussions with your doctor on the best strategy to lower your phosphorus levels toward the normal range.

Work With Your HCP to Maintain Healthy Phosphorus Levels

• Keep track of phosphorous levels and review them with your doctor. Learn the acceptable amount of phosphorus for your age and weight and discuss it with your healthcare practitioner.
• Prevent interactions between your medications. According to the Office of Dietary Supplements from the National Institutes of Health, “Phosphorus can interact with certain medications, and some medications can have an adverse effect on phosphate levels.” Ask your doctor what you can take and should avoid, ensuring your levels are within a safe range.
• Explore complementary therapies. There are new approaches to preserving and improving kidney health. For example, “Assessing cognitive, nutritional and functional status in elderly subjects with CKD is emerging as a new tool to stratify the risk,” per the Journal of Clinical Medicine. Familiarize yourself with what is happening with chronic kidney disease and discuss it with your doctor. If they refuse to explore a therapy option that you feel might work for you, ask them to document it in your chart and provide the reason for the refusal.
•  Ask your HCP for a referral to a licensed dietician or nutritionist.

Don’t just accept your doctor’s admonishments and platitudes about your phosphorus levels. Work with them to develop a plan.

Holistic approaches are more successful strategies for managing chronic kidney disease. According to The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, “Care should be taken in maintenance dialysis patients to avoid concomitant reductions in dietary protein because a low-protein diet can lead to hypoalbuminemia, protein-energy wasting, and uremic malnutrition, which are associated with increased mortality.”

The Journal of Renal Nutrition reinforces that “foods high in phosphorus are plentiful in the normal diet (e.g., meats and fish, nuts, whole grains, legumes, cheese) and contain many important nutrients. Thus, avoiding phosphorus-rich foods can be difficult for patients with CKD, and malnutrition is an important concern in this already nutritionally compromised patient population.”

Know your phosphorus numbers and use them during conversations with your doctor to determine the best methods for developing dietary restrictions to support your goals.

The post Dialysis Patients: Talk to your Doctors About Managing High Phosphorus Levels Today appeared first on Black Health Matters.

“There was nobody, no Black men, who were open about having herpes when I was diagnosed. I still don’t know any Black men who are open about it,” Brame told Black Health Matters.

Black men have little in common with the slender brunettes in gauzy gowns who are doing TikTok trends to spread awareness and combat information online.

While important, their work explaining the virus types and how it is contracted and spread does not speak to everyone. Brame noted the cultural nuances that separate advocates from the audiences that could use their insight.

“That 28-year-old 26-year-old White woman who might advocate for herpes awareness will never have the same experiences that I, a 36-year-old Black man, have,” he said.

He explained that Black men routinely connect with him one-on-one regarding their status but are less likely to participate in educational programming or get tested routinely.

Brame regretted hearing that they were comfortable with their partner’s test results being a bellwether of their personal health. “I know that if she ain’t got nothing, I ain’t got nothing,” he was told. I think that kind of contributes to or explains why many men typically don’t go to the doctor.”

Several panelists at this year’s Black Health Matters Summit pointed out that the attendance was heavily comprised of Black women and urged them to pass on the vital information provided about diabetes, kidney disease, mental health, and more to the men in their lives.

According to a 2022 review published in Women’s & Gender-Related Health, “Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) significantly and disproportionately affect Black women in the United States” and “Black women were more likely to report having an STI over the course of their lifetime (49.6%) compared to White women (27.6%).

A 2023 study published in the Journal of Global Social Welfare, “The long-established negative stereotypes (e.g., insatiable sexual desires, sexual promiscuity, lack of morality) associated with Black/African Americans regarding their race and sexuality, both in research studies and in the real world, have led to unresolved repercussions of poor sexual and physical health outcomes.”

“Black women that I’m talking to about herpes are getting it from Black men who don’t know, they have it, or have it and just aren’t telling people, or they were also misinformed by their health care Professionals and being told you need to just wear a condom, you don’t have to tell anybody, or if you don’t have symptoms, you’re good, you ain’t got to worry,” said Brame.

The condom-centric method of education does not serve them. “All of the messaging, especially for heterosexual men, heterosexual Black men, is wear a condom, and people don’t know this, but condoms don’t cover the entire surface area of where you might expose someone or be exposed to herpes because the virus spreads by skin to skin contact, which may not always be on the external genitals, that could be in the pelvic region,” said Brame. “It could be on a testicle. It could be on the anus.”

Brame highlighted the other shortcomings in the sexual wellness space for Black men who reflect his lived experience. He expressed what he wanted to see available to them. “I think we’ve got to learn how to communicate about sexual health,” he said. “It needs to be about boundaries. It needs to be about consent. It needs to be about being able to give or receive a rejection.”

Sexually transmitted infections need to be learned about by everyone on the planet, but some people need to be met where they are.

Brame stated his belief that public health education efforts do not routinely target heterosexual Black men. “I think that a lot of the information like that is just psychologically inaccessible, especially to Black men, straight Black men,” he said. He identified visual symbols that could render certain offerings “psychologically inaccessible” to some people.

According to Brame, a color palette or acronym could prevent a Black man from accessing the resources he needs.

“A cisgender, heterosexual, Black man who sees that thinks, ‘oh, that’s not for me because it’s a rainbow flag on there and I’m not LGBT or they see the HIV services on the door of the place and maybe don’t want to be seen going in and out of there because of a fear of what other people who might see us go in there might think,” he said.

Sexual health can intersect with mental health for many. “People have suicide ideation after their diagnosis and because of their diagnosis,” said Brame.

Those diagnosed with herpes are often used as punchlines by society. Herpes and other STIs are rife with stigma. “Usher was crucified for an allegation,” recalled Brame. Usher was ridiculed when allegations that he contracted herpes went viral. The lawsuit that brought the allegations to the public eye has since been dismissed. The R&B star’s ordeal is an illustration of the stigma associated with herpes.

A study from the Journal of Psychoneuroendocrinology found that “HSV-1 was associated with suicidal behavior.”

“People who want to kill themselves because of the kind of jokes that people make and the harm that’s done in that,” said Brame.

He hopes his commitment to transparency and moving the conversation away from traditional settings will set a new standard for engaging with sexual education through an inclusive lens. “I hope that my presence invites more involvement from Black men to get involved in these cases,” he continued.

“I try not to make everything exclusively about herpes. I’ve been holding events lately where we teach people how to identify their pleasure and safety needs and then go on to communicate that to their partner, and we make the conversation fun. We make it playful. We make it sexy.”

The post It’s National Herpes Awareness Day appeared first on Black Health Matters.

A viewpoint article from the Journal of the American Medical Association openly criticized the document. “Far from prioritizing ‘the health and well-being of all Americans at all stages of life,’ as Project 2025 claims, the playbook presents an antiscience, anti-data, and antimedicine agenda,” wrote Nicole Huberfeld, JD, Elizabeth McCuskey, J.D., and Michael R. Ulrich, J.D., MPH in a paper published in September 2024. We break the specifics below:

Gut The Affordable Care Act, aka (Obamacare)

Project 2025 asserts, “The Affordable Care Act has made insurance more expensive and less competitive, and the ACA subsidy scheme simply masks these impacts.” For many in our community, the Affordable Care Act is the only way to obtain coverage.

Limit Drug Pricing Negotiations by the Government

The legislative plan states, “States should be the primary regulators of the medical profession, and the federal government should not restrict providers’ ability to discharge their responsibilities or limit their ability to innovate through government pricing controls or irrational Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement schemes.” This could curb the efforts of legislation like the Inflation Reduction Act.

The act names specific drugs that treat common ailments, including diabetes, heart failure, chronic kidney disease, psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, blood cancer, and peripheral artery disease, as mandatory price negotiation selections.

It actively advocates for the act’s repeal. Under the plan, select drugs are subject to mandatory negotiation, which could be expanded.

This “negotiation” program should be repealed, and reforms in Part D that will have a meaningful impact on seniors should be pursued. Other reforms should include eliminating the coverage gap in Part D, reducing the government share in — 466 — Mandate for Leadership: The Conservative Promise the catastrophic tier, and requiring manufacturers to bear a larger share. Until the IRA is repealed, an Administration that is required to implement it must do so in a way that is prudent with its authority, minimizing the harmful effects of the law’s policies and avoiding even worse unintended consequences.

Bottom line: We might not be able to afford the necessary drugs we need.

Redefine Reproductive Healthcare.

If you have concerns about your fertility, you need to pay attention to Project 2025. In an effort to restrict abortion access, far-reaching legislation is being proposed that could affect access to in vitro fertilization, commonly known as IVF treatment. as IVF treatment. Two years later, the Supreme Court overturned Roe V. Wade in a decision that shocked many. Nabela Noor, a content creator credentialed at this year’s Democratic National Convention, spoke to her concerns about IVF being “For many women, IVF is the only choice. That choice, and more, is at stake in November,” said Noor.

Abortion restrictions have already begun impacting individuals and families. Social media mourned the life of a Georgia mother and medical professional named Amber Thurman, who died due to receiving prolonged reproductive care, according to reporting from ProPublica.

Restrict Gender-Affirming Care.

Project 2025 could directly impact those seeking healthcare that aligns with their gender expression. It says that the “HRSA should withdraw all guidance encouraging Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program service providers to provide controversial “gender transition” procedures or “gender-affirming care. They also don’t want the CDC to collect data on gender identity.

A paper published in the Journal of Nature Human Behavior in September investigated a perceived link between anti-Trans legislation and the high suicide rate among transgender people. The paper found that “The laws that pose barriers to quality healthcare, especially gender-affirming care, may undermine overall life satisfaction by reducing access to necessary healthcare that could save lives.”

Prohibit Planned Parenthood Medicare & Medicaid Funding (affecting healthcare beyond abortion access)

Planned Parenthood offers well-visits, breast cancer screenings, pelvic exams, colposcopy, cervical cancer prevention treatments, and other forms of healthcare that have nothing to do with terminating a pregnancy.

Reinstate Moral Exceptions to the Contraceptive Mandate

On January 30, 2023, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services announced the Coverage of Certain Preventive Services Under the Affordable Care Act. It was collectively released by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the Department of Labor, and the Department of the Treasury.”

The announcement declared, “These proposed rules, if finalized, would rescind the moral exemption to cover contraceptive services without cost-sharing while keeping the religious exemption intact and without narrowing its scope or the types of entities or individuals that may claim the religious exemption.”

“HHS should rescind, if finalized, the regulation titled ‘Coverage of Certain Preventive Services Under the Affordable Care Act,’ proposed jointly by HHS, Treasury, and Labor,” according to Project 2025.

What this means. If this happens, people in certain areas might have trouble accessing certain medications. This is because some professionals could be permitted not to dispense them on moral grounds. If you do not live in an area with many pharmacies, this can cause an issue. You would have to learn the telehealth laws in your area to determine your options for getting treatment (but then see what they are proposing about telemedicine below).

Remove the Vaccine Mandate for the Head Start program.

Project 2025 recommends eliminating the Head Start program. However, in the absence of achieving that goal, it suggests, “At the very least, the program’s COVID-19 vaccine and mask requirements should be rescinded.” The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services states, “Head Start programs support children’s growth from birth to age 5 through services centered around early learning and development, health, and family well-being.”

Regulate Telehealth Services.

The Heritage Foundation asserts that the legal definition of “the locus of service” should be “where the provider is located during the telehealth visit rather than where the patient is.” According to them, “With such a definition, states could continue to reserve their powers to establish the standards for licensure and scope of practice.” This could tie the hands of certain telehealth providers.

Doctors Could Own More Hospitals, and Private Medical Plans Would Compete with Medicare Advantage

The plan includes legislative proposals to “remove restrictions on physician-owned hospitals” and “Encourage more direct competition between Medicare Advantage and private plans.”Your

Please keep these proposed changes in mind when you go to the ballot box. Your health may depend on them.

The post 9 Ways Project 2025 Can Impact Our Healthcare appeared first on Black Health Matters.

A Surgeon General’s Advisory “is a public statement that calls the American people’s attention to an urgent public health issue and provides recommendations for how it should be addressed,” and “advisories are reserved for significant public health challenges that require the nation’s immediate awareness and action.”

Parents are not the only ones negatively impacted by a decline in their mental health. Their hurt extends to others. “Parental mental health conditions can have far-reaching and profound implications for children, families as a whole, and for society, including increased health care costs and reduced economic productivity,” according to the Surgeon General’s Advisory.

Children whose parents face intense mental health challenges have an increased risk of encountering the same struggles.

“Research indicates that maternal distress—defined broadly to include perceived stress, life events, depression, and anxiety— during the prenatal period is associated with a child’s future increased risk for mental health conditions.

Paternal mental health conditions are less well studied, but research indicates they can also significantly influence child health and development, with perinatal depression in fathers linked to increased internalizing (e.g., sadness, anxiety, and depression) and externalizing symptoms (e.g., aggression, irritability, and destructive behaviors) among children.”

The report cited several factors that have made contemporary parenting even more difficult than it has been in previous generations. These included “financial strain, economic instability, and poverty,” “parental isolation and loneliness,” and “technology and social media.”

According to the report, “Over the past decade, parents have been consistently more likely to report experiencing high levels of stress compared to other adults.”

It referenced a study by the American Psychological Association that found that nearly half of the parents who participated felt entirely consumed by stress daily.

He penned an op-ed for the New York Times, declaring that parents need access to the support they need.

“The stress and mental health challenges faced by parents — just like loneliness, workplace well-being, and the impact of social media on youth mental health — aren’t always visible, but they can take a steep toll. It’s time to recognize they constitute a serious public health concern for our country. Parents who feel pushed to the brink deserve more than platitudes. They need tangible support,” wrote Dr. Murthy.

We turned to an expert for insights on navigating these community challenges. One of the major recommendations was to recognize the nuance in each situation. “The unique stressors parents face may vary region by region based on economic situations, children’s safety within a given community, and isolation and loneliness, especially if parents live in a rural community. Many rural communities lack sufficient resources to engage individuals at the community level as needed,” said Victor Armstrong, MSW and Vice President for Health Equity and Engagement at the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, in a statement to Black Health Matters.

“As the Surgeon General noted, circumstances like community violence, poverty,  racism, and discrimination, can also increase the risk for mental health conditions. These circumstances also vary region by region,” he added.

He shared information to help people identify parents who might benefit from support. “Something to look out for when a parent may be struggling with their mental health is a change in behavior or the presence of entirely new behaviors. This is of sharpest concern if the new or changed behavior is related to a painful event, loss, or change,” according to Armstrong.

“In addition to behaviors like increased substance use, withdrawing or isolating themselves from activities, or getting too much or too little sleep, changes can also include how someone talks or their mood. If a person talks about feeling hopeless, being a burden to others, feeling trapped, and/or unbearable pain, or displays moods of losing interest in things they usually enjoy and/or irritability, it may be time to get help.”

Armstrong mentioned how cultural factors can also impact one’s mental health toolbox, sharing his experience with being encouraged to focus on faith as a catch-all solution. “The response to mental health stressors can also be impacted culturally. Growing up in rural North Carolina, as the son of a minister, I was socialized not to talk about mental health, but rather to pray and persevere,” he said.

Armstrong considers an increased dialogue on the subject a step in the right direction. “We can all play a role in protecting parents’ mental health and actions like reaching out to a parent to have conversations about mental health, staying connected, helping parents prioritize self-care, learning about the warning signs for mental health challenges, and connecting parents to mental health support are universal,” he said.

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention created the Talk Away The Dark campaign “to prompt direct conversations about suicide to save lives.” It includes five directives that are useful in conversations about mental health. Armstrong suggests using them to engage parents.

See below how you can help support the parents in your life.

Schedule a Time To Talk

Etiquette guides have been advocating asking permission to have difficult conversations for decades. This type of approach is recommended for mental health check-ins as well. “You may not always be able to speak with someone when you notice they might be struggling. It’s fine to circle back some other time, but creating some space to talk is the perfect thing to do,” said Armstrong.

“Let them know you can have a conversation at a time that’s right for them,” he added.

Start With An Expression Of Care, Followed By An Observation

Starting with soft language can set the stage to interact without offending. “You can say something like, I care about you, and I’ve noticed you haven’t been yourself lately. You seem more frustrated than you’ve been in a while, and I’m wondering how you’re doing,” says Armstrong.

Reassure the person it’s okay to talk about their mental health. Throughout the conversation, you can say, “Everyone goes through periods in their life when they’re struggling. But just because you’re struggling now doesn’t mean you’ll always feel this way.”

If They Are Hesitant To Share With You, Offer To Help Connect Them To Someone Neutral

It can be helpful to have suggestions for alternative people for your loved one to connect with in case they are uncomfortable or not ready to share with you. “If you suspect your loved one might be more comfortable talking with someone else, you can say things like, ‘Is talking to me about this helping you right now? Or is there someone else you’d feel more comfortable with, who we can bring in to help support you?’ Mentioning they can get help from a mental health professional can also make a difference,” said Armstrong.

Follow Up Again and Again and Again

You may have to connect with your loved one more than once to offer what they need. It is normal to have a series of discussions.

“Reiterate that you are so glad for the chance to connect on this deeper level about such meaningful things in life. Remind them that we all have challenges and that you’ll continue to be there for them,” said Armstrong.

The post Parenting Can Threaten Your Mental Health, Here’s How To Protect It According To An Expert appeared first on Black Health Matters.

The Trouble with Artificial Sweeteners

“Artificial sweeteners are sugar substitutes that provide high sweetening power associated with low accompanied calories,” according to Cureus. “These additives are known for their intense sweetness, often multiple times sweeter than sugar, allowing for smaller amounts to be used to achieve the desired level of saccharinity.”

Products containing artificial sweeteners are often advertised as healthier alternatives to traditional sodas and juices. Because they do not contain sugar, they are assumed not to lead to weight gain.

They work because they trick the brain into thinking it’s consuming sugar. As a result, they leave some people feeling less satisfied. One study reported that when we are obese or are overweight and drink diet soda, we are more likely to consume more calories at meals and snacks than our counterparts who drink sugar-sweet beverages. So, we gain weight.

The Yale Journal of Biology and Medicine stated that “While people often choose “diet” or “light” products to lose weight, research studies suggest that artificial sweeteners may contribute to weight gain.” The Journal also noted, “Several large-scale prospective cohort studies found a positive correlation between artificial sweetener use and weight gain.”

The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that “sucrose and saccharin consumption led to increased body weight.” Artificial sweeteners can cause changes in portions of the gut microbiome.

Industry Growth to Meet Consumer Demand

“Consumers are demanding a greater variety of low-calorie products as they strive to make healthier food choices.” according to the Journal of Pharmacology & Pharmacotherapeutics. This is leading to the popularity of products containing artificial sweeteners. These products include aspartame, saccharin acesulfame potassium, sucralose, neotame, and advantame. The Journal reported that their value to weight loss journeys may be overstated. “AS have been increasingly used as healthier alternatives to sugar-sweetened products to curb the obesity epidemic. However, the evidence supporting their weight reduction or maintenance use has been inconclusive.

The World Health Organization has warned the public against including non-sugar sweeteners (NSS) in one’s diet.

“Replacing free sugars with NSS does not help with weight control in the long term. People need to consider other ways to reduce free sugar intake, such as consuming food with naturally occurring sugars, like fruit, or unsweetened food and beverages,” said Francesco Branca, WHO Director for Nutrition and Food Safety.

Branca added that those seeking to lose weight should work on minimizing the sweetness of their diet altogether instead of finding solutions to access sweetness without sugar.

“NSS are not essential dietary factors and have no nutritional value. People should reduce the sweetness of the diet altogether, starting early in life, to improve their health,” he said.

The Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care stated that artificial sweetening agents “have shown a paradoxical, negative effect on blood glucose” and that “this increases the levels of insulin in the blood, eventually leading to decreased receptor activity.” This should be taken into consideration when making decisions at the grocery store.

Consider These Alternatives to Artificial Sweeteners

•  Unsweetened Teas. Skip out on the false sweeteners and steep some tea for a long time to enhance the flavor. Hibiscus or lavender tea can imitate that bubbly pop you’re used to pouring in your favorite tumbler.
•  Sparkling or Flat Water. Add a citrus twist to your sparkling water or seltzer if you want some zest in your beverage. A few slices of ginger or a scoop of nutmeg can also add something special.
•  Add Some Herbs. Thyme, mint, or rosemary are great ways to give water or another sugar-free beverage a kick. If you don’t like the taste of herbs in your drink, strain them out for a smooth effect.

The post Are ‘Diet’ Food and Drinks Causing You To Gain Weight? appeared first on Black Health Matters.

We’re Twice as Likely to Have Unmet Dental Needs

This stigma disproportionately impacts the Black community as “Black adults are twice as likely to have unmet dental needs when compared to Whites and face many barriers to accessing dental care,” according to the Journal of Public Health Dentistry. A study commissioned by Synchrony Bank found that 92% of Americans would postpone obtaining dental care because of the rising cost. Alarmingly, 83% of Americans in the same study maintained that stance even for emergencies that would threaten their overall health.

Less than 4% of dentists are Black, adding potential cultural barriers to treatment.

According to the Journal of Community Dentistry and Oral Epidemiology, the prominence of oral health stigma comes from the conspicuousness of oral health status. “It is largely impossible (under its visibility) not to disclose one’s oral health status during social interactions.”

The Cost of Dental Stigmas

They noted that other less obvious healthcare issues are less likely to be immediately stigmatized than oral health.

“This contrasts with other stigmatized conditions such as H.I.V. infection or mental ill health, which are often invisible unless actively disclosed. An oral health status that differs from the group or social norm can attract stigma through othering (negative stereotypes used to categorize the other leading to the separation of ‘us’ from ‘them’), status loss, and discrimination within the context of prevailing social, cultural, political and economic power structures,” the journal continued.

A 2008 study on the Social Perceptions of Individuals Missing Upper Front Teeth found that “a person missing visible teeth was more negatively perceived on all social traits than a person with full dentition.” Dr. Marie M. Jackson, D.M.D., a Dental Expert for LISTERINE, confirmed that visibility was a factor. “When we interact with others, we look at one another’s smiles,” she said.

Dr. Jackson, who promotes dental education to the public, advocates for empathy toward those with visible dental issues, “Dental health is so unique to each individual, and not everyone has access to the same oral care products; I always emphasize the importance of holding back judgment when it comes to what you can see from a person’s smile,” she continued.

“There’s so much “smile shaming” due to assumptions about individuals regarding their habits, socioeconomic status, and access to dental care. It’s quite unfair because you never know the whole story.”

That story can include childhood neglect or being uninsured or underinsured. The American Public Health Association found a “gap in preventive dental care between Black children and White children” that was heavily attributed to “socioeconomic status.” The National Association of Dental Plans reported that “74 million Americans live without dental insurance.” Racial disparities in access to care make this even more severe.

The University of Illinois Chicago confirmed, “Poor oral health can affect adults’ job prospects and social lives.” If one can not obtain work due to stigma, they could be held back from receiving care. Even adequately insured people can face reduced access to care for economic reasons.

Dental Insurance Hasn’t Kept Pace With Our Needs

“Dental insurance has been around for a little while, but it’s not kept pace with the needs and demands,” explained Toni Meyerkord, a dental healthcare professional with over thirty years of experience. She serves as the Senior Academic and Industry Relations Manager- Dental Hygiene for Aspen Dental Management, helping to bridge the gaps in information and access.

She cited “the rise in cost overall” as a factor.

“For example, you’ll get a thousand to two thousand dollars annually for your needs. It doesn’t match where we are as a nation,” she continued. “We know that three out of four adults have gum disease, to some degree. A way to treat that is non-surgically, but it costs money. And so, you have a disproportionate amount of cost to a minimal amount of resources allocated for dental care. So financial barriers are huge, so this has happened because we haven’t pushed up those numbers. Nowadays, a crown costs a minimum of $ $1500. Let’s say you need two of them. You’re wiped out if you only get a thousand dollars a year. And so what happens is the consumer, the patient, gets that cost.”

Finding Office Hours and Locations That Work

She noted that obstacles other than money may appear, including physical distance. “If you don’t have a dental office for 30, 40, 50 miles away. You’re not going to be quick to go there,” she said. “So we have to consider those things. One of the things that I love about Aspen Dental working for them is that many of our offices, 60% or so, are placed in federally designated healthcare shortage areas, which is critical. We have urban areas that are suffering and need to be able to get that kind of care. And we have rural areas also suffering in the same vein.”

Office hours affect patient outcomes, too. “In many communities, if people are working nine to five, if your office is only open nine to five, how will you have access to care? You won’t; you’ll miss it all the time. So, having open offices in the evening for you all weekend is important, so that type of accessibility is critical.”

Are you looking to fight dental discrimination in your life? See three ways you can below.

Taking Action: Refuse To Be Frozen By Shame

Attempts to avoid judgment for poor oral health have resulted in a rise in drastic efforts to seek care. Some are driven by unlicensed individuals who claim to be “veneer techs.” Some engage in medical tourism. Others leave the problem altogether because their shame immobilizes them, which can make problems worse over time. Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Brandon Mack stated that judgment and stigma can prevent some suffering with oral health issues from seeking care.

“One thing we need to destigmatize in our community is shame,” he told Black Health Matters in a statement.

“Shame is what keeps some patients from seeing a provider because they don’t want to feel judged.”

Putting off treatment out of fear of judgment or other reasons can make it less accessible. Dr. Mack recommended tackling issues before they balloon into more significant problems. “A $200 cavity can easily turn into a $3000 root canal and crown or a $6000 extracting and implant if the provider can’t save the tooth,” he continued.

“Don’t let shame keep you from seeing a provider,” advised Dr. Mack.

Raise Your Dental I.Q.

“The whole country as far as oral health is a bit behind, so it’s not going to be this two-prong approach. It will have to be a multi-level approach,” said Meyerkord.

She emphasized the need for policy changes, clinics in urban and rural areas, and the distribution of vital information for patients. “It’s important for us to push out a lot of education. I honestly think that dental I.Q. is still lower, particularly in the Black community, and there are multiple levels of multiple agencies that are trying to help mitigate that as an issue helping people to get that information,” she continued.

Dental health impacts several other systems in the body, and interventions can be taken when a patient seeks care in an area that might not screen-check cavities. “That’s important to connect the body and the mouth because they go together,” she said. “Historically, it somehow separated the mouth and the head from the rest of the body. Now, there’s tons of research out that talks a lot about oral systemic health.”

“It’s easier to build a house when you’ve seen it, like when you’ve seen the plans,” she added. You have to go in with your eyes wide open.”

Protect Yourself From Scammers

Your oral health journey should start with a professional.

Meyerkord warned against letting someone untrained try and treat your chompers. “You don’t put a veneer on bleeding, puffy, infected gums,” she said.

Unlicensed people doing illegal treatments might help you smile for the camera more, but they don’t help fix the foundations of your oral health.

“They don’t know the disease process. They don’t know how to do it correctly. Diagnose periodontal disease or dental decay when you put a veneer or something on there. You’re just putting a mask on.”

She considered having doctors who work to show patients grace and understanding as another way to fight for better outcomes.

“Everyone needs empathy in dentistry,” said Meyerkord. “Those are the kinds of providers that we need.”

The post How to Fight the High Cost of Dental Stigma appeared first on Black Health Matters.

These were fibroids invading my body and interrupting my peace. I knew it but could not prove it, so I consulted a doctor to tell me what I already knew.

After an extended period of listening to a history podcast about the French Revolution in the waiting room, I was able to connect with him and explain my feelings.

His response to the news that I was running through super jumbo tampons like they were going out of style and had days where I could not stand due to the pain did not shock me, but it did infuriate me.

The OB-GYN I was seeing at the time refused to give me an ultrasound. He stared at my mid-section as I spoke, refusing to meet my eyes or acknowledge the urgency in my voice. The American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology reports that “Fibroids are more common and more severe among African American women, and African American women have fibroids diagnosed at earlier ages, are more likely to be symptomatic, and are likely to have different responses to medical treatment than White women.”

These facts did not affect his decision-making.

His diagnosis was premature. He did not inform me that having a vitamin D deficiency— which I was later proven to have—was associated with a higher risk for fibroids. He did not ask anything about my stress level or my lifestyle.

It leaped from his lips. “Go to the gym at 6 am daily, then come back and talk to me in a couple of months, okay.”

He refused to commit to ordering an ultrasound despite my protests. It did not matter that I explained my family history. It did not matter that I had been bleeding since I was 11 years old, and I knew that what I was experiencing was not normal for my body.

I was fat, so sending me to the gym was the only logical conclusion to addressing any health problem I had. What else could you do but instruct me to hit the weight room? It’s not like l was a real person or anything.

“Physicians may over-attribute symptoms and problems to obesity and fail to refer the patient for diagnostic testing or to consider treatment options beyond advising the patient to lose weight, according to a 2015 study published in Obesity Reviews. I am living proof that research is accurate.

This kind of weight bias negatively impacts patient outcomes and contributes to some people’s reluctance to seek care.

Fat people are not the only ones who are routinely dismissed by the people they turn to for help. Women Health Reports reported in 2022 that “Racism impacts clinician’s ability to listen to Black women’s experiences and treat them as equal partners in decision-making about their own care and treatment options.”

When you are a Black woman who happens to be fat, you are likely to face more barriers to receiving adequate care.

The Journal of American Medical Association reports that “Chronic pain is an area where substantial racial and ethnic differences in the management and treatment of Black individuals’ pain have been well-documented.”

A few years and a significant amount of pain later, I turned to another doctor at the height of the pandemic. She was a Black woman.

I sought out a Black woman doctor because I was afraid of what would happen if I didn’t. I explained what I was feeling and was immediately told that I needed an ultrasound.

The experience was simple. It revealed what I already knew quickly. I had several fibroid tumors causing my pain.

There was no need to plead and beg for what should have been routine diagnostic care. She felt she could not confidently treat me without knowing what was going on, so she ensured I had tests that would let her develop an informed treatment plan.

It is unconscionable that my healthcare provider refused to confirm that via the appropriate testing.

Editor’s Note: If a doctor does not give you the tests you believe you need, ask again. If they refuse, change practitioners immediately. Do not wait. Before choosing a new doctor, research, research, research, check ratings, read reviews, and get recommendations from current patients. Check out this list for more tips.

The post My Ob-Gyn Denied Me Care Because I’m Overweight appeared first on Black Health Matters.

The report indicates that up to 50% of birthing people retain 10 pounds or more, and up to 25% retain more than 20 pounds.

Being proactive about your patient’s PPWR now could avoid the associated comorbidity medical risks such as cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes in the future.

Recognizing the Roadblocks

There is room to improve the postpartum wellness journey and obesity outcomes for your patients who give birth—currently, care often centers around the most visible challenges associated with the post-delivery period. However, that period is extensive, and patients need instruction on caring for their mind and body during that time.

A review published in Heylion found that “When communicating with patients from different cultural backgrounds, physicians were found to be authoritarian, biomedical-focused, and not involved with patients in decision-making.” Perceptions like these create roadblocks to effective obesity treatment.

Why Cultural Sensitivity Matters

Leah Hairston, a birth and postpartum doula who earned the recognition of John Hopkins Social Innovation Lab and as a semifinalist for Pharell Williams’ Black Ambition Prize last year, Sweet Bee Services, spoke to the need for professionals who understand the cultural sensitivity challenges faced in postpartum.

“There’s a dearth of access to Black dietitians and nutritionists,” she told Black Health Matters.

The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition states, “Reproduction has been identified as an important factor for long-term weight gain among women.”

Hairston and her team offer solutions to the people they serve. “People feel a lot more at ease because there’s somebody who looks like them who also understands,” she explained.

Hairston gave an example of the need for cultural sensitivity in postpartum nutrition: “My family’s Caribbean. So, I’m gonna eat plantains and rice and beans. I don’t want to feel like rice and beans are a punitive meal,” she explained. But I might not need to eat six helpings of rice and beans.”

She values practitioners who are “able to honor the things that are important to me and my family while also honoring our budgetary restrictions and any other needs that we might have.” She brings that awareness to her work.

Rethinking Postpartum Evaluations

Birthing persons require support far beyond the first few months of the postpartum era, but an article from Nutrition Research Reviews reported that “much less attention is being given to the postpartum period beyond 18 months.”

Postpartum patients need thorough evaluations to determine if they have obesity. These evaluations need to go beyond the sparse required check-ins for birthing persons.

“There is a great need for postpartum women to identify the implications of postpartum obesity. There is also a need for healthcare professionals to treat postpartum women with greater competency, having a structured postpartum follow-up with counseling and motivation for weight loss and investigations like hemoglobin, TSH, and blood sugars at follow-up,” according to a 2022 article published by the Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology of India.

The Annals of Hematology noted that “postpartum anemia has been linked to several important postpartum morbidities, including depression, reduced cognition, and fatigue.” Still, it is critical to learn how it plays into postpartum obesity.

Dr. Danielle Wright-Terre, founder of the Honey, a postpartum community and app, commented on gaps in the postpartum care process that begin earlier than that. “Regarding check-ins for the mom, there are gaps,” she said. “There needs to be more guidance on the physical recovery aspect.”

Many doctors focus on ruling out issues for new mothers instead of being evaluated for ways they can thrive.

“The postpartum phase is just to make sure mom is doing well from a mental health standpoint. After that visit, if nothing is identified, her next visit is at 12 months, and that’s the annual visit. So, there’s not a lot of check-ins,” Dr. Wright-Terrell continued.

Key Factors Impacting PPWR

According to the Journal of Clinical Medicine, “Irregular sleep and mealtimes during the postpartum period could also interfere with body weight. Emerging evidence suggests that the misalignment of eating and fasting patterns with the body’s circadian rhythm could impact metabolic function and consequently body weight.”

Irregular sleep can also contribute to an individual becoming obese.

“Individuals who regularly slept less than seven hours per night were more likely to have higher average body mass indexes and develop obesity than those who slept more,” in a study published by BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine.

Current Obesity Reports states, “Epigenetic programming that occurs at conception and throughout pregnancy predisposes children born to mothers with obesity to a range of chronic metabolic conditions including type 2 diabetes and heart disease.”

Taking an Individualized Approach

Healthcare practitioners must individualize their engagement with birthing people. Not all people who give birth are the same, and they do not all come from the same culture.

An informed perspective can help a practitioner be more effective.

Dr. Wright-Terrell pointed out that people who deliver without complications might not need to wait the widely recommended six weeks before engaging in movement that might help their mind and body. She said sometimes they “can start moving and gentle exercise as soon as 72 hours after delivery.”

Talking to your patients to determine what is best for them can help you make recommendations that suit their goals best.

“I try not to restrict my patients in terms of movement because movement is really powerful and healthy overall, and it can help you feel more like yourself.”

Referrals are crucial in helping people with uteruses re-engage with their fitness plans. Hairston uses referrals to help her clients understand the resources available to them.

“A nutritionist is covered under your insurance when you’re pregnant and usually in the first couple weeks of postpartum, and so it should be pretty easy to find somebody in-network,” she said.

Dr. Wright-Terrell explained the importance of educating patients on how their fitness goals can be achieved through seeking specific care to prevent sustained weight gain. For example, physical therapy can help build core strength, which is essential to pursuing weight loss through physical exercise. “Another great resource that I feel is underutilized is physical therapists, specifically pelvic floor physical therapists,” she said.

Dr. Wright-Terrell states, “Every OB should have a low threshold to send out the referral” for a specialist to accommodate them.

When HCPs approach patients holistically, we may have a better chance of reducing PPWR in our community.

Supported by an educational grant from Novo Nordisk Inc.

The post A Holistic Approach to Postpartum Weight Gain Benefits Patients appeared first on Black Health Matters.

“Along with the loss of menstrual periods, the menopause transition is marked by phenotypic changes including body weight gain associated with increased fat mass and decreased lean body mass associated with reduced skeletal muscle mass and net bone resorption,” according to BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology.

Preparing a plan to deal with this is particularly important for those treating Black women who face a different menopause experience, according to Dr. Alaa Gerais, a resident physician at the Neil Riordan Center for Regenerative Medicine. “Women of color also tend to go through menopausal symptoms at younger ages and for longer durations than white women,” she explained in a statement to Black Health Matters.

The hazard factors impacting the range of menopause onset include oral contraceptive use, smoking, and more.

Being open to developing a plan that caters to the demands of the patient’s lifestyle is key to helping them effectively handle this transition.

“Managing these issues is an important part of caring for women at mid-life, so it is incumbent on practitioners to have a clear understanding of the treatment options and how they may be adapted to an individual woman’s needs,” according to the Journal of Mid-Life Health.

We seek ways to advise your patient on weight gain during menopause. We’ve rounded up some methods below.

Educate Them

Empowering your patients through education allows them to be a true partner in managing their journey through menopause. This process can begin at the beginning of the menopause’s onset or even before it with predictive factors that can help you prepare your patient’s expectations.

Begin doling out advice and listening to their concerns during the perimenopausal period.

Talk them through how the effects of menopause might be showing up in their lives, and actively listen when they answer about their lifestyle.

Consider the best plan of action that they are most likely to maintain without drastically altering their routine.

Keep the advice focused on what best practices will work for the patient before you, and do not generalize it. “Provide counseling that focuses specifically on engagement in a weight loss intervention may enhance weight loss outcomes relative to more general weight loss advice,” reports the Journal of General Internal Medicine.

Have Them Hit the Weight Room

“Proper nutrition and exercise can help keep excess weight off, leading to a reduction of the fluctuation of estrogen, therefore, a decrease in menopausal symptoms. Exercises such as weight training can also strengthen bones, which is important in menopausal women due to decreased estrogen,” explained Dr. Gerais.

Danielle Rancourt, a registered dietitian, connected the lack of bone strength to the necessity of incorporating strength training into an overall wellness routine. “This is why strength training and adequate protein are so important at this stage,” she said.

Check-in with patients to determine what part of their fitness regime includes strength training. To make strength training more appealing, recommend incorporating methods that fit their goals in other areas of their lives. If they struggle to gain the appropriate nutrition, refer them to a nutritionist.

Advise Them to Get as Much Help as They Need

Reinforce that there is no need for those facing menopause to feel ashamed of this natural change. “If a woman is experiencing menopausal symptoms, she must speak to her doctor about the changes she is experiencing,” Dr. Gerais continued.

Work with their other providers to develop a plan that includes their mental and emotional health.

Consider Their Lived Experiences

Present a culturally informed medical opinion by considering the lived experience of your patient and how it might intersect with their transition into menopause. Other studies have found that some health risks associated with systemic racism contribute to the menopausal experiences of marginalized persons.

Find out what other kinds of support are available to help them achieve their goals.

Rancourt recommended “managing stress,” “prioritizing sleep,” and “seeking help from a qualified women’s health provider to manage your symptoms” as well. Insomnia can lead to difficulty managing weight, including the type of weight gain associated with menopause. If they express difficulties, I in achieving the appropriate results, refer them to a nutritionist.

A 2022 study published in Women’s Midlife Health found Black women were “50% more likely than White women” to experience vasomotor symptoms that can impact sleep and recovery. Consider this when making recommendations.

According to a Women’s Health Initiative Study, the risk of developing insomnia was greater in women who consumed high glycemic index (GI) foods bread, pasta, baked goods, and white rice) and anything containing added sugars (sugary beverages, sweets) versus low glycemic index  (GI) plant foods such as most fruits and vegetables, legumes and beans, nuts, seeds, and whole grains.

Bottom line: You may have to assist your patient in navigating the new realities she will face in mid-life, and some of the adjustments she may need to make. Weight gain and the distribution of fat may be among them. Start guiding her early, whenever possible, especially knowing that your Black patient may have a different experience.

The post Helping Patients Manage Menopause & Unexpected Weight Gain appeared first on Black Health Matters.

Study Findings

The study found that epigenetic aging can be impacted by exposure to racism. Epigenetic aging presents a precise picture of how one’s cells are aging instead of chronological age. There are considerable disparities in the rate at which Black people are diagnosed with certain brain health disorders, including Alzheimer’s Dementia. “Epidemiologic studies suggest that Black individuals have a 2-fold greater risk of Alzheimer’s dementia compared with White individuals; racial discrimination has been indicated as a contributing factor,” according to information obtained from a 2019 study by the Alzheimer’s & Dementia, the Alzheimer’s Association.

Theories on the impact of systemic racism on many aspects of healthcare are widely accepted.

Racism as a Public Health Crisis

In 2021, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention declared racism a legitimate public health crisis. The negative results of racism are sometimes referred to as weathering. Previously, “Emerging neuroimaging research has shown that racial discrimination affects brain function and structure,” in a 2022 study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association. It found that “racial discrimination may lead to a proportionately greater response and connectivity in brain networks involved with threat processing and emotion regulation” as a result of the sustained exposure to the trauma racism embeds into the bodies it seeks to diminish. Other studies have highlighted genetic predispositions passed down as a result of this enduring trauma, including the “altered connectivity of the amygdala and anterior insula.” Those findings held even after the information was effectively adjusted for socioeconomic status. This dispels that all it takes is improvements in financial equity to overcome risk factors.

The results of these studies are not dependent on the racist encounters being connected to macro-aggressions or micro-aggressions specifically.

How Codeswitching Factors In

In a 2024 interview with NPR, Negar Fani, a clinical neuroscientist at Emory University evaluating individuals with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, or PTSD, and Nate Harnett, an assistant professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, suggested the adaptability required to self-regulate emotions with coping methods like codeswitching could contribute to the potential degradation of brain health. Their hypothesis pondered whether constantly finding measured responses to a series of harmless hair touches or casual epithets can erode one’s brain health over time.

The pair worked on a 2021 study researching their theories.

The Journal of Biological Psychiatry Published their study, which reported that “experiences of racial discrimination were associated with significantly lower fractional anisotropy in multiple white matter tracts, including the corpus callosum, cingulum, and superior longitudinal fasciculus.” The statistical variations in this study remained “even after accounting for variance associated with trauma, posttraumatic stress disorder, and demographic- and scanner-related factors.”

“There’s no such thing as a free lunch when it comes to the brain,” Harnett told NPR. “Energy has to come from somewhere. And what we think ends up happening is, you know, an energy that’s reserved for other processes then gets taken away.”

While there has been a rise in the visibility of studies connecting systemic racism to health issues, there has not been an adequate amount of peer-reviewed studies. “Despite numerous studies highlighting the associations between racial discrimination exposure and negative brain health outcomes, few empirical studies have examined racial discrimination–related neurobiological mechanisms that may underlie these outcomes,” according to the Journal of the American Medical Association.

Identifying how racism impacts the mind and body is essential to learning how to treat its effects in the future.

The post Racism and Codeswitching Are Aging Our Brains appeared first on Black Health Matters.

It allows you to determine what you want your experience to look like. You can spend four hours people-watching at a Parisian cafe or wander through the Jardins do Palácio de Cristal grounds in Porto without thinking about someone else’s needs.

It also opens you to the dangers that can occur to someone on a journey abroad alone.

Here are some tips for enjoying your summer solo travel safely.

Take The First “STEP”

The United States Department of State has the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program to allow citizens to remain informed about the places that they are traveling to. The program sends alerts about the status of the country you are traveling to. Sometimes, they arrive in real-time as short bursts of average information. Other times, they offer a broader perspective on the landscape in the area that could impact your long-term plans.

This program also allows travelers to register their trips with the department so that the nearest U.S. Embassy or consulate knows their trip to the area. This is helpful in case of an unexpected obstacle.

You do not need to visit an office and stand online to achieve this. There is an online enrollment process.

Research The Area You Are Traveling To Thoroughly

Staying up at night and scrolling through pictures of the hotel balcony you plan to snap selfies on is excellent, but don’t forget to look up the surrounding areas. Memorize street names and landmarks so you can move around confidently and not scream “vulnerable tourist” with your mannerisms.

Share Your Ride Details With A Loved One

Many rideshare apps that operate abroad allow you to share your ride route with a designated person. You can do it manually with each ride you choose or do it automatically so that every ride you take is followed. This feature lets you know someone is paying attention to your whereabouts.

Research the rideshare service you choose before heading out to your next destination.

Use Theft Proof Bags To Stay Protected

Anti-theft bags allow you to carry the essentials close to you so that a pickpocket cannot snip the cord on your bag without you noticing.

Be Mindful Of Your Surroundings

Even the most picturesque and quaint corners of the world can have pitfalls. Keep an eye out when you are moving, especially in a big city, and it is always good to check in with other groups who have recommendations or warnings about the city you’re in. The same dangers exist in any dense area, even a beautiful one.

Skip The Bling

Those layers of necklaces might look cute on social media, but skip them as you walk on the street alone. Even the cheapest jewelry can draw attention if it is loud and clunky. If you are moving on foot, consider leaving your chunky baubles behind.

Prepare For The Worst And The Almost Worst

It would be ideal if everything went smoothly with your body while traveling, but just as it does at home, your physical self decides when it wants to act up. Travel also often leads to experimenting with new cuisine that may not agree with your body.

Prepare for minor emergencies by stashing items you might need in your bag. Purchase over-the-counter items like diarrhea medication, allergy pills, and sleep gummies. Update the emergency contact information on your smartphone so that if there is a larger emergency, the attending first responder can contact the people in your life who need to know what happened.

Looking for a place to go? Check out the top destinations for Black female solo travelers on TravelNoire.

The post The Black Woman’s Guide to Safe Solo Traveling appeared first on Black Health Matters.

Probiotics and prebiotic beverages have increased in popularity in recent years. Several companies have begun offering over-the-counter probiotic and prebiotic products boasting benefits ranging from digestive improvements and improved mental health to cardiac wellness and clearer skin. Some even theorize that they can curb the likelihood of contracting common viruses.

Emphasis on gut health has swept the wellness world by storm. There are even lines of celebrity supplements with probiotic and prebiotic SKUs. People fill their coolers with brightly covered wellness drinks thinking they are a cure-all, but their advantages are complicated.

A 2020 article from Foods clarified that “The term” “health “benefit,” (often” stated on the label) is not a regulated specificity, nor has a clear medical meaning.” This has not stopped consumers from chasing after them by purchasing probiotics and prebiotic beverages (like Oilpop, Culture Pop, and Poppi). They are the cornerstone of the functional beverage market, joining protein shakes and collagen concussions as perceived miracle potions.

“The public awareness of diet-related issues and ever-increasing evidence about probiotic health benefits have increased consumer interest in probiotic foods,” according to a 2023 article in Frontiers in Microbiology.

That article expressed the importance of probiotics being administered in “adequate” quality.” Poppi,” a major player in the beverage industry, is facing legal challenges for their health claims in the form of a class-action suit that alleges that they did not infuse an adequate amount into each of their cans. Still, the amount of “adequate” can vary for each person.

The market has swelled to over ninety billion dollars despite this. “From an”industrial perspective, there are always challenges related to adding health-enhancing components, including probiotics, to food matrix,” according to Foods.

Not only are the benefits of probiotic beverages difficult to determine but there are potential risks associated with prebiotics and probiotics being examined by researchers. These can potentially be increased in select marginalized publics like those late in their pregnancies, immunocompromised individuals, and chronically ill children.

Dr. Janese S. Laster, a board-certified doctor in Internal Medicine, Gastroenterology, Obesity Medicine, and Nutrition and the founder of Gut Theory Total Digestive Care in Washington, D.C., explained that probiotics and prebiotics are best introduced to a regimen that includes physicians.

She also said that more information is coming to the public about probiotics and prebiotics as efforts to design and execute productive studies are expanding.

We don’t have enough data and so there’s a bunch of research going on,” explained Dr. Laster. “But right now, we don’t have enough information to make a determination.”

What do you need to know about probiotics and prebiotics before using them?

Their usage affects everyone differently.

“We don’t know what that perfect makeup is. The only thing we know currently is that people who tend to be the healthiest people, people who have no GI symptoms, tend to have a really, really high diversity of all types,” said Dr. Laster. “We don’t know which is the perfect one each person needs. So that’s the big issue and what we’re trying to figure out and determine.”

There are different kinds of probiotics.

“Not all of them are created equal,” said Dr. Laster. “Most things won’t make it through to your small bowel where they can actually have some effects.”

Research the strain you are considering and discuss it with your doctors before working it into your diet.

Probiotics can be affected by heat.

The way you store your probiotics matters. Research best practices for how to store the probiotics you are taking so that you can obtain the most benefits from them.

Probiotics don’t outweigh a poor diet.

Chugging probiotic-infused soft drinks will not undo the damage caused by an unbalanced diet. (Think about integrating these 10 prebiotic foods into your diet.)

Dr. Laster declared that foods that are high in fiber, like certain fruits and leafy vegetables, are still crucial to achieving one’s health goals. “These are things that we know actually change the microbiome,” she said.

“If you put fertilizer on the ground with Cheetos, nothing’s growing,” she said. “But if you put it there with apple seeds, you’ll get an apple tree at some point. So it’s about sort of what you’re feeding your gut, and just having a probiotic on top of a diet that is completely processed isn’t going to do anything.

It’s difficult to tell what probiotics you lack.

Tests claiming to identify the perfect probiotic cocktail for you might not be entirely accurate. “There’s no real good ways to test that at this point,” said Dr. Laster. She noted that it’s important to understand that many of these tests have legal disclaimers explaining that they can not be used for medical management.

“People will go online and come and see us and say oh, I got this test done that I wasted $700 on, now you tell me what to do with it.”

The post Probiotic & Prebiotic Drinks Like Poppi Soda: Are They Worth The Hype? appeared first on Black Health Matters.

A 2023 study from the Journal of the American Medical Association confirmed that intersectionality also impacts these risks. It stated that “The combination of social identities, such as being Black and not having a college degree or being Latino and identifying as a sexual and gender minority individual, is associated with multiple layers of health-related disadvantage.”

These young people face challenges at every turn that require proper support, including “unique social stressors, including victimization and discrimination, as a result of their minority position.” Approaching these young people with care and consideration can leave them feeling more supported. We asked Live Out Loud Founder and Executive Director Leo Preziosi, Jr. for tips on supporting the LGBTQIA+ young people in your life.

Six Key Ways To Support The LGBTQIA+ Youth in Your Life

Educate Yourself On Your Own

Don’t expect the LGBTQIA+ children in your life to constantly be translating their experience to you. Take the time to try to learn as much as you can about what they are up against so that you can be a better-informed listener. You are responsible for working to obtain the language and tools needed to communicate with them. “It’s all about approaching communication and listening without judgment,” said Preziosi Jr. “It’s not the child’s job to educate. The parents or the teachers, and that happens. But it’s not their job.”

Find Community

There are likely other adults going on the journey you are. Connect with them away from the littles in your life so they don’t feel any undue pressure from your efforts. Look into resources like PFLAG and Okay, My Kid Is Gay. Family podcasts and books like The Conscious Parent are helpful as well.

Surround Them With Role Models

Integrate the stories of LGBTQ persons into what you’re teaching your child so they see themselves. Representation matters in all aspects of life. “One of the things that we do when we go into schools, we bring in LGBT role models to talk to students to really talk to students about their Journey about what it was like for them in school and how they, you know, came to understand who they were and accept who they were,” said Preziosi, Jr.

Meet Them Where They Are

Lean into opportunities to learn about their interests, no matter what they are. “It’s really getting to know your child and getting to know their interests, spending time with your child, and having conversations with your child,” said Preziosi, Jr.

This helps develop a safe space for them to be themselves at home.

Give Them Space To Come To You

Don’t be so excited to flaunt your parenting skills and emotional intelligence that you don’t leave room for the children in your life to communicate what they feel. “It has to be very organic. It has to be very, very natural,” Preziosi Jr. advised. “It’s really up to the child to start that type of conversation. You know, if you think your son or daughter is gay, You know, my advice is don’t approach it. Let them come to you; this is what we hear from our students,” he continued. “Don’t force it. Let it evolve naturally.”

Consider Seeking Another Voice

“Sometimes it’s great to bring someone else into the picture,” explained Preziosi, Jr. “That could be, um, a relative who could be a friend of the family and might be LGBT or an ally.” “A child speaking to their parents may not be the first step.”

It’s important to depersonalize their choice to discuss their feelings with others. The goal is to prioritize your child’s mental health and emotional safety, not your feelings. De-center yourself and focus on their experience.

“Give your child some space because they need to understand it for themselves and accept themselves, and they may do that through friends. They may do that through a counselor at school, they may do that through their GSA Club,” he added.

“Sometimes it’s just harder to have that conversation with your parents or siblings first.”

The post LGBTQIA+ Young People Face Higher Mental Health Risks (Here’s 6 Ways to Support Them) appeared first on Black Health Matters.

Last year, the American Medical Association addressed the prickly past of the BMI’s ascent from the gold standard in evaluating body composition, acknowledging it as an imperfect clinical measure that shouldn’t be used as the lone assessment tool. “The AMA recognizes issues with using BMI as a measurement due to its historical harm, its use for racist exclusion, and because BMI is based primarily on data collected from previous generations of non-Hispanic white populations,” they declared.

However, many physicians still use BMI as a metric in their charting. The BMI not only fails to maintain predictability when it is employed on an individual level, but it also has historical issues baked into its conception. It was not mindfully designed to consider diversity.

Acknowledging that BMI measures height and weight but does not evaluate fat distribution in a person’s body is helpful. Someone with an especially muscular frame could be miscategorized due to the failure of BMI to account for weight that does not fit its narrow limitations. Yale Medicine confirmed that “a person with lots of muscle and minimal body fat can have the same BMI as a person with obesity who has much less muscle.”

Dr. Scott-Winful noted theoretically that BMI may be a good place to begin a diagnosis. They are not comprehensive labels that require no explanation. “These broad categories of underweight, healthy weight, overweight can help serve as a starting point to be able to stratify if a patient potentially has a problem,” the physician certified in gastroenterology and obesity medicine explained.

The AMA recommended that physicians combine BMI with other measurements to assess the health of their patients fully. Doctors can also explain that while BMI is a widely adopted standard against which patient progress is measured, other options can help them understand their health.

Studies show that patients with higher BMIs are less respected than patients with a healthy weight, and physicians report seeing patients who are obese as less compliant and self-disciplined,” according to the British Journal of General Practice. Discussing the merits and the value of the BMI could help promote more effective dialogues.

Body Fat

One of the other measurement tools Dr Scott-Winful uses is body fat. This index changes for males versus females. “What’s acceptable for a female patient may be considered increased body fat in a male patient,” Dr Scott-Winful pointed out. “But it’s also important to note that you can have a normal Body Mass Index and have an elevated body fat percentage and still be pretty unhealthy.”

Waist Circumference

Dr. Scott-Winful’s third assessment with her patients is measuring their waist circumference. “Waist circumference is also an index that it’s important to look at primarily because this is one of the metrics associated with metabolic disease,” said Dr. Scott-Winful.

“Having a waist circumference in general of 35 in women and 40 in men can be associated with increased risk of diabetes, heart disease, and high cholesterol. But it’s also important to note that that changes based on ethnic background,” she continued. So, for black patients, having a lower waist circumference is a cutoff as well as Latino and Asian patients, and this has been demonstrated in studies.”

But there are also some additional diagnostic tools worth exploring that will help physicians assess the health of their patients:

Waist-To-Hip Ratio

The Journal of American Medical Association established that “some individuals store proportionally more fat around their visceral organs (abdominal adiposity) than on their thighs and hip.” Research reported at Stockholm’s European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) in Stockholm, Sweden, suggested that an individual’s waist circumference might better indicate their overall health than their BMI.

This research is still being conducted, but it is a helpful way to illustrate a patient’s challenges. It’s also easy to measure.

Focusing on waist circumference also provides patients with information about visceral fat, which clings to one’s midsection.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Harvard’s School of Public Health labeled magnetic resonance imaging, also referred to as dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, as a more sophisticated option for obtaining accurate body measurements. It provides the nuance that the BMI is missing by accounting for the “measurement of specific body fat compartments, such as abdominal fat and subcutaneous fat.”

There are detractors for this method. It requires expensive equipment, and it can not be conducted on pregnant people. Explain this to your patient if it is inappropriate and suggest other alternatives.

Relative Fat Mass

Scientific Reports published a study “compared with BMI, RFM had a more linear relationship with DXA (dual-energy X-ray) whole-body fat percentage among women.” This makes it a potential tool that could replace the BMI.

Moving beyond BMI will allow you to provide even better healthcare solutions for your patients.

Supported by an educational grant from Novo Nordisk Inc. 

The post Weight and Measures: Assessing Patients Health Beyond BMI appeared first on Black Health Matters.

Gwen. Valencia, Associate Director, Global Patient Advocacy

Anaya, Myasthenia Gravis Patient Advocate

Rorey, Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP) Patient Advocate

Patient advocacy was discussed during this year’s Gwen Valencia, Associate Director, Global Patient Advocacy at Argenx. Valencia explained that part of the reason her firm participated in the discussion was to challenge the belief “that certain conditions don’t exist in certain communities.”

“We’re here to bring awareness to both of these two conditions but also just in general to autoimmune conditions because we know that sometimes the journey to diagnosis can be very long and very hard,” she said. According to the Autoimmune Association, “Autoimmunity is now one of the most common disease categories, ahead of cancer and heart disease,” and “on average, it takes 4.5 years and 4 physicians to receive a diagnosis.”

Both patient advocates shared their personal experiences and highlighted best practices for being an active participant in developing a treatment plan. They also noted that autoimmune conditions can infiltrate one’s life anytime, from early adolescence to mid-adulthood.

Anaya first noticed an issue with her body as a young student-athlete. “I would be playing sports, and I would just fall like fully laid out, and I would try to get up, and it’s my body was like concrete to the ground,” she said. The condition progressed. “It got to the point where I couldn’t chew or talk because my jaw muscles were so weak,” she continued. “My parents and I came together and decided something is wrong. It’s not something that’s run of the mill.”

Rorey was practicing law when symptoms showed up in his life. “I was at the point where I couldn’t carry groceries when I would try to carry groceries. I would drop them, or my arms would get weak. My skin would burn from head to toe. Like somebody just had put me in a fire,” he said. “That just broke me.”

After a lifetime of dealing with difficulties, including socio-economic disadvantages and living in foster care, he thought he could handle anything on his own, but this required help from other sources. “This was the first time in my life where I was not in control,” he said.

Anaya expressed disappointment at the way the doctors attempting to treat her chose to speak with the adults in her life instead of her. “Some doctors only spoke to my mother and never spoke to me to tell them what was going on with me, and that was so frustrating because She can’t tell you what’s happening,” she said.

Before locating a specialist familiar with her rare condition, she was dismissed by multiple physicians. “One doctor told my parents that I was just in such emotional distress about my life that it was playing out in my body, and they just needed to put me in therapy, and that would help, and I think that was the first time where I realized that this road would be very, very long,” Anaya continued.

Rorey used his legal skills when doctors could not explain what was happening with his limbs. Deducing that he needed a neurologist, he found one committed to figuring out his problem. “I found this doctor on my own, and thank God that I did because he was the preeminent doctor in neuromuscular diseases,” he said. After multiple painful tests, including a needle biopsy, he received a diagnosis.

He worked to communicate with his doctors and to get them to communicate with each other. “At some point, we all agreed that we were partners,” he said. “I wasn’t just a patient anymore. I was a partner with them.”

Anaya’s rare condition is even rarer in young people. “I was the youngest patient he had ever had by over 30 years. So, everything we did from that point forward, I was a guinea pig. There was no precedent,” she said. She devotes her time to advocating for young people to be included in the communities established around dealing with Myasthenia Gravis. “Young people are left out of the Myasthenia community,” she said. She advocated for herself with the school system and attended college despite being discouraged from doing so.

As time moved on, she became a partner in her own care.

“For me, being so young, I had to remember that my mom isn’t always at a doctor’s appointment with me. I need to be able to speak to these figures and take it out of my head that these all-knowing beings can also be just as confused as I am, and it’s okay to ask them questions,” she said.

“It’s okay to expect things from them.”

The post Untold Stories: Life with a Severe Autoimmune Condition appeared first on Black Health Matters.

Presented by:Kemi Osundina

 Lead Director Of U.S Public Affairs, Patient Advocacy Transplant Lead At Sanofi

Alana H., Two-Time Kidney Living Donor Recipient

Reggie C. Living Kidney Donor

Kemi Osundina, Lead Director Of U.S Public Affairs, Patient Advocacy Transplant Lead At Sanofi, sat in conversation with Alana H., a two-time kidney recipient from living donors, and her husband Reggie C. about the critical information Black people need to know about living donor kidney transplants at the Black Health Matters Spring Summit.

The summit was held in Washington, D.C., an area of the nation with a remarkably high rate of kidney disease.

Osundina described Sanofi’s commitment to providing patients and potential donors with the information needed to save their lives. “Our kidney transplant connectors program combines education and first-hand stories for those on the waitlist or considering a donation, and we help them to understand their options and take action,” she said. “The program is available in person or as a live webinar, and each program is provided by one recipient and one donor who share their personal stories, as well as educational information, the importance of self-advocacy, and tips on talking to your friends and family about the process.”

She acknowledged the challenges faced by Black patients seeking care.

“There are many transplant disparities and unique barriers for African Americans to gain access to a transplant. Most people that need a transplant can’t get one and, unfortunately, out of the more than 100,000 people on the waitlist that are waiting for a life-saving transplant, nearly 30 percent are from the Black community,” said Osundina. She also explained what she believed to be one of the causes of this harrowing statistic. “One of the reasons is low health literacy. Fifty-seven percent of African Americans have less understanding of basic Health Care information than our white counterparts.”

Another reason is systemic biases. According to data collected from the United Network for Organ Sharing database, “Published reports show that Black patients are less likely to be referred for transplant evaluation” and “are delayed in transplantation registration, progress slower through the waiting list, and are ultimately less likely to receive a transplant compared to the non-Hispanic white population.”

Diagnosed with Kidney disease at just thirteen years old, Alana received her first kidney from her brother. Later in life, she was disappointed to learn that she would need another transplant to continue thriving. She and her husband had a backup plan in case of this.

“It was important to pursue a Black kidney donor because we will have more markers that will match,” she said.

This time, as an adult woman, she actively participated in developing her treatment plan.

She was also willing to share her story to save others.

“When I learned that Blacks were 25 less likely to be waitlisted on a kidney transplantation. Um, I knew that I wanted to be an advocate and speak out for that. Being on the waitlist for an extended period of time means more time on dialysis, and more time on dialysis can affect the outcome of your transplanted kidney,” she said.

Her husband Reggie was initially rejected as a donor, and he walked the audience through the actions he took to qualify, including lifestyle changes to a renal-friendly diet. “All my tests came back normal, except for my angiogram and come to find out. I suffer from kidney stones,” he said. “But due to some self-advocacy, we could overcome that obstacle.”

Reggie revealed how having access to another living donor informed his actions as a donor. “I was fortunate that her brother actually was her first donor. So, I was blessed now to be able to see the process through him. So it made my decision to be a donor that much easier,” he said.

Alana interjected to share how the couple advocated for their family to facilitate the transplant through persistence.

“You may not be a medical professional, you may not have a PhD, but I say get a PhD in properly handling your disease,” said Alana. “If your primary care doctor is not meeting your needs, find another one.”

Learn more about the Sanofi kidney transplant connectors program here.

The post Living Life Beyond Dialysis: What You Should Know About Living Donor Kidney Transplant appeared first on Black Health Matters.

Here are the ten things we do not like about our doctors and how we would like them to improve.

They withhold the context of information.

A patient’s test results may be part of the doctor’s job, but they can be life-changing for the person on the other end of the call. The 21st Century Cures Act may have forced practitioners to offer results sooner, but delivering them without context can be jarring for recipients. Relying on digital portals without taking care to add a human component is a huge mistake.

They only focus on one aspect of your health.

It has been documented that a preoccupation with one condition can lead to misdiagnosis. For example, some healthcare practitioners are so focused on patient weight that they ignore complaints in other areas. Sometimes, their refusal to see what impacts a patient’s health can stop them from progressing in the area they are focused on. Making recommendations requires considering the whole picture to be safe.

They lack empathy.

Bedside manners are crucial to creating and maintaining a solid doctor-patient relationship, especially if that patient is managing a chronic condition, whether they have obesity or prediabetes. What works for a doctor may not work for a patient, so doctors must find a way to empathize with their patients to treat them properly. Judging a patient for non-compliance without taking the time to consider what their day-to-day life is like is ineffective and demoralizing. Without empathy, it is hard to establish trust. “Doctors are the only people on the planet who have the idea that you can tell people, ‘Here, work on this every day, and I’ll see you in two or three months,” said Dr. Steven Feldman, MD, PhD, in a study published by the Association of American Medical Colleges.

They are dismissive.

There is nothing worse than pouring out your struggles to have them dismissed. Black people, and Black women in particular, are commonly misdiagnosed even when their symptoms are glaring. Dismissing patient concerns is not how to gain their trust and resolve their issue.

They don’t explain themselves.

Spending your life around medical jargon can make you immune to how it sounds to a layperson. Doctors need to practice relaying information digestibly so patients can understand them clearly. The need for healthcare literacy is so personal. Northwestern and the CDC have created programs designed for professionals to learn how to speak with their audiences.

They don’t listen to us.

A study published by the Irish Journal of Medical Science found that perceiving their physician as unwilling to listen to them was a significant reason that people opted to change caretakers. The doctor might be the medical expert, but we are the experts on ourselves, so our voices must be heard.

They show their biases.

Systemic issues start at the person-to-person level. Everyone is entitled to their opinions, but placing them front and center can be alienating regarding patient care. However, doctors must ask themselves if invisible bias impacts their medical advice.

They lack availability.

Work-life balance is important, but failing to have options for your patients can lead to them skipping out on essential appointments or seeking other options. It is highly stressful to schedule a follow-up with your physician only to learn they are not available for months. Failing to create flexible patient scheduling options means you do not value their time.

They are often behind schedule.

When patients finally book an appointment, they are treated to the joy of squatting in a waiting room until the doctor is available. According to a report from CBS News, “The average time you spend waiting at the doctor’s office is 24 minutes.” The courtesy we’re expected to extend to doctors goes the other way to us. There are instances where we have been turned away when we’ve been ten minutes late. Punctuality is part of professionalism, even for doctors in the medical field.

They have an inefficient office culture.

If everyone in a doctor’s office is not on the same page, it creates patient issues. It is not uncommon for patients to fill out all the necessary paperwork for their appointment ahead of time, but they are asked to do it again when they reach the office. One person taking a sick day or being unable to navigate a system should not completely upend the patient’s experience with your office. This needs to change.

The post 10 Things Patients Don’t Like About Their Doctors appeared first on Black Health Matters.

“The practice of “doctor shopping” among overweight patients may be a result of negative experiences with the health care system, whether that be off-putting comments by office staff, unsolicited weight loss advice by providers, or improperly sized medical equipment and office furniture, says Kimberly A. Gudzune, M.D. M.P.H., an associate professor of medicine at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, led the study.

In subsequent research, Gudzune noted that clinicians might avoid performing exams on patients with obesity, encounter technical difficulties, and feel unprepared when it comes to training to treat patients with obesity, and as a result, weight loss counseling became a lower priority when talking to their patients. These further impact patients who avoid screenings for cancers, from pap tests to mammograms to colonoscopies.

To find the right provider, patients might have to research before committing. The doctor-patient relationship is integral to the pursuit of their overall health. As a doctor, you should help foster a safe space to manage their healthcare concerns and your goals for them. This safe space must include all people, including those who have obesity.

Conduct a SWOT analysis to determine if your practice can be someone’s healthcare home. They are generally used to evaluate a business’ pitfalls and successes. However, this tool can be applied to any decision. In this case, it helps you approach the process methodically and dispassionately to consider what is most important to your patient.

Any patient-doctor relationship can be measured using it. This SWOT analysis will help you estimate your practice and its ability to treat different types of patients. Here’s what to consider in your SWOT analysis:

Strengths

Presenting yourself as an open slate is a strength. Please don’t make assumptions about your patient feelings or self-esteem.

• Black women have embraced their curves for years and feel more confident. Don’t detract from that. Focus on the facts instead. “Compared to women of other racial/ethnic groups, overweight and obese Black women exhibit acceptance of a larger body size,” according to Current Cardiovascular Risk Reports. Acknowledge that and use it to connect with them. Be congenial without being overly familiar.
• Learn how to market your empathy as a plus to potential patients.
• Your knowledge is a strength as well. Share the kinds of things you have learned in continuing education.
• Is there clinical equipment or a soothing environment that can make your space feel more comfortable and inviting for patients?
• Can you ensure that some chairs and robes fit them?
• Is your location convenient for the type of patients you treat?
• Do you have hours that will work with their schedule?

Start to think about the demographics of the people you treat and how you can show your support for them through consideration.

• Ask them what their communication style is. Learn how different styles work with your own.
• Work to ensure patients feel comfortable talking to you about everything, including their weight. A joint study by the Monash Business School and the Texas A&M University found that patients have difficulty asserting themselves due to a perceived “imbalance of power between the patient and medical staff.”
• Ask them if they feel like there are subjects they want to discuss. They want to tell you but can’t. Ask them if they would like someone else in the room, a friend or family member, or on FaceTime. Or offer one of your nurses. It will lead to more effective treatment.

Weaknesses

The use of the words obese and obesity can be triggering, and according to one study, it felt discriminatory to Black patients.

• Those who have obesity have seen how it leads to stigma when it comes to healthcare.
• Providers spend up to 28% less time with overweight patients, limiting patients’ ability to relay symptoms and seek solutions. That fact should inform your care.
• It’s important to know what you know and don’t know as a doctor, especially when treating someone facing stigmas. Before accepting a new patient, ask yourself if you are familiar with treating patients who share their lifestyle and concerns. Ask yourself if you give this advice to anyone in their circumstance or if you are jumping to conclusions based on looks.
• Ask your patient what their preferred language choices are and stick to them.
• Consider your language carefully. Familiarize yourself with the ways that terms and tools are evolving. This is particularly useful when discussing weight with patients.
• Before referring to the Body Mass Index, consider how it was created and who informed the research. Acknowledge its limitations so that you can establish trust. An Oxford University study found that “subtle aspects of communication, like word choice and tone of voice, influenced patient outcomes” in the weight loss arena. The AMSA has recommended physicians reconsider how they discuss weight. Exercise caution and consider your patient’s viewpoint.

How can you make this doctor-patient relationship benefit your patient’s life? Are you doing everything you need to ensure information flows two ways? How can you grow as a healthcare provider?

Dr. Courtney Whittle, MD, M.S.W. Diplomate of ABOM, acknowledges how patients react to doctors bluntly and rudely discussing their weight. Because culturally, our thickness might be celebrated in some circles while it may be deemed unhealthy in others, the shift can be jarring. “How many of us have gone to the doctor, heard someone bring up our weight, and been ready to take our earrings off,” she asked the audience during the Black Health Matters Winter 2024 Health Summit & Expo, who swiftly recognized the scenario.

“Weight is personal, and although you may be their physician, your questions can seem invasive,” the doctor continued. When listening to patient complaints about their ailments, do not dismiss them with a terse instruction to do more cardio or cut carbs. Listen closely and make sure you are doing so consistently and respectfully. The patient is not the enemy. You’re supposed to be working together.

If you sense your patient suspects bias, ask your patient if they are comfortable sharing their concerns with you and trusting that you will take them seriously. Most importantly, you must listen to them and take in any evidence they provide with an open mind. Please don’t belittle them.

Opportunities

Recent research reveals the importance of the 5A model (ask, assess, advise, agree, assist/arrange) in delivering meaningful consultations in weight management for patients with obesity. The study authors note patients with obesity often want to help set goals of losing 5 to 10% but have difficulty talking about their weight.  “The 5A model also effectively improves physician-patient communication, patient motivation, and healthcare practitioner confidence in counseling patients.”

The 5A model is multifaceted and would require training if you want to incorporate it into your practice, but it is something to consider if you have a large percentage of patients who have obesity.

When audio tapes were analyzed in the University of Oxford study, they found it was not just the words that mattered but tone and delivery when talking to patients with obesity. When weight loss referrals were given with neutrality or highlighted health issues, only 50% of participants participated in a weight loss program offered. But when it was framed as good news, there was 83% program participation.

Threats

Ask yourself what issues arise from working with you as a healthcare provider.

Review your previous charts and highlight any notes you made that could be misconstrued. Patients have access to these notes. They are a helpful tool but “may also cause patients to feel judged or offended.”

• The New York Times reported that an analysis of outpatient clinic records published in JAMA Open Network on stigmatizing language with terms that used combative, argumentative, failed, and noncompliant on charts of diabetic patients, 3.15 percent of those terms were in charts of Black patients versus 2.6 of them of white patients.
• Revisit remarks you make that are taken out of context. Keep a file of comments and complaints and check them regularly. Learn how you can do better.

These can stem from complicated factors like a potential lack of cultural competency to more practical issues like their office’s distance from your home or workplace.

• Will they struggle with parking, filling them with dread every time they have to pop over for a follow-up?
•  Are there unconscious biases you are unaware you and your staff need to uncover when it comes to obesity?

According to Gudzune, patients with obesity have a 68% greater incidence of emergency room visits, not because it leads to hospitalization, but because they don’t have the continuous care of a primary care physician.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists found that “weight bias often is implicit and beyond physicians’ immediate awareness, making it difficult to identify and remedy.

Current Psychology reports, “Empathy is crucial in healthcare required to develop healthy and effective patient communication.” This is more crucial in larger patients.

With the right perspective and environment, your obese patients will be more likely to view their unhealthy weight as a medical concern and work with you toward solutions.

Supported by an educational grant from Novo Nordisk Inc. 

The post SWOT Analysis: How To Identify the Power and Pitfalls of Your Medical Practice appeared first on Black Health Matters.

CISCRP

Presented By:

Dr. Patrick O. Gee, Healthcare Consultant and Community activist

Sandy Powell, Community Engagement Research AdvocateHope Ventricelli,

Senior Manager, Community Events and Programs, CISCRP

Yejide Obisesan, Administrative Director at Georgetown-Howard Universities

Center for Clinical and Translational Science

Information empowers patients and researchers. Dr. Patrick O. Gee, Healthcare Consultant and Community activist; Sandy Powell, Community Engagement Research Advocate; Hope Ventricelli, Senior Manager, Community Events and Programs, CISCRP; and Yejide Obisesan, Administrative Director at Georgetown-Howard University, Center for Clinical and Translational Science, discussed this at the Black Health Matters Spring Summit.

Gee was motivated to participate in advocacy after being told why he was passed over for a clinical trial by a healthcare professional. Ventricelli inquired about his experiences.

“I was rejected from the study, and when I asked why she made this exact statement, he who owns the data owns the patient, and Patrick, you can’t be in the trial because we can’t get any money,” he told the audience. “That was very devastating to hear since that was the very first time that I was able or wanted to participate in a clinical trial.”

It was hurtful, but it added context to his clinical experience. “Your data is money. Medical companies make money off of your data because they will sell it to other researchers without your permission. Make sure when you sign the dotted line, you reread it, you take your time. If the trials team is trying to rush, you get up and walk away,” he advised. “You don’t want to end up being the next Henrietta Lacks or being a part of an egregious clinical trial.”

He has studied the details of trials to advocate for himself and suggests others do the same. “One of the things that people should know before they begin with a trial is to do research on the trial,” he said.

“One of the keys for me has been to ask questions, and that’s one of the things that I think we have been accustomed to someone spewing information at us, and we’ve been hesitant to ask those questions, and so on the front end, I’m asking questions.”

Obisesan reminded the audience that they are in control of their data. “You get to read that informed consent and go through it for as long as you want. And you can ask any questions if there’s a word that you don’t understand or if a timeline or something doesn’t make sense, you can ask any questions, and also you’re allowed to take that informed consent sheet with you,” she said.

Powell shared her own experience with rejection. “I have attempted to participate in three clinical trials. I have not been accepted as a result of the data that they were looking for,” she said. She uses her own clinical experience to advocate on both sides of the research spectrum. She could seek to improve patient-researcher relations with perspective.

“One of the things that I’ve had an opportunity to do through the patients’ program is to look at it on the back end through the lens of a researcher that’s looking to do it but also able to lend a voice on the other side of the fence as part of the community,” she said. “I’ve had an opportunity to sit in some of those panels to actually lend a voice to that.”

She described how she has been able to contribute by helping to facilitate helpful interactions that provide aid to potential participants before asking for their time and energy.

“We go into communities, and we’re not going looking for anything. We’re not asking for anything, but we’re going to see how we can be of assistance to the community, and some of the things that we’ve been able to do, as a result of that, through the program is provide transportation services for the community,” she said. Her teams have also provided food and other benefits “before we turn around and say, hey, we need you for some clinical information.”

Obisesan agreed that changing methods can change outcomes. “There can be, I’d say, a mild naivete and a lack of understanding in what it really means to approach a community and ask them to participate in research, especially communities that are underrepresented in research and they’re underrepresented for a lot of historical reasons,” she said.

“There can also be a paternalistic approach to coming to communities about education,” she added.

She recommends respecting “the knowledge and the history that community members have and approaching them like a partner with humility.”

Obisesan agreed that changing methods can change outcomes. “There can be, I’d say, a mild naivete and a lack of understanding in what it really means to approach a community and ask them to participate in research, especially communities that are underrepresented in research and they’re underrepresented for a lot of historical reasons,” she said.

“There can also be a paternalistic approach to coming to communities about education,” she added.

She recommends respecting “the knowledge and the history that community members have and approaching them like a partner with humility.”

“That makes a difference in communities coming in and saying, I do want to be involved,” she continued.

The post Taking Control of Our Health: Information That Empowers appeared first on Black Health Matters.

Presented By Nick Taylor. Director, Lead, US Public Affairs & Patient Advocacy Sanofi

Dr. Margaret Alabi, Director, US & Global Patient Advocacy

Elise, Prurigo Nodularis Patient Advocate

Dr. Margaret Alabi, Director of US & Global Patient Advocacy, led a discussion with Nick Taylor, Director Lead of US Public Affairs & Patient Advocacy Sanofi, and Elise, a Prurigo Nodularis Patient Advocate, discussed what it is like to live with prurigo nodularis at the Black Health Matters Spring Summit.

“This chronic skin disorder is marked by the emergence of itchy hard nodules that can cover vast areas of the skin, leading not only to physical discomfort but also significant psychological distress. The itching is relentless, sometimes worsening at night, making it difficult for sufferers to find relief,” said Taylor.

“This conversation is about empathy support and the collective effort to bring awareness and visibility to Stories like Elise’s,” said Dr. Alabi. “By sharing these experiences, we aim to build Bridges of compassion and understanding for this condition and hopefully. Create an encouraging and supportive community that recognizes the depth of the impact of prurigo nodularis on the lives of the persons who navigate this condition daily.”

Elise initially thought her prurigo nodularis was something else. “The summer of 2014. I had what resembled a mosquito bite. So, I did what I would normally do to treat a mosquito bite,” she said. “But from that one bump, It eventually LED and spread to more bumps forming; it just wasn’t getting better. Eventually, it spread down my arm to the next arm, spread from my legs, and all the way up my back. So it was all over my body.” Aloe and lotions failed to offer her relief, so she sought medical care.

There would be a significant time until she got answers. “The first dermatologist I went to probably took two minutes with me. Literally two minutes, he looked at my skin, and he told me I had scabies,” she said. Her training as an esthetician helped her reject that inaccurate diagnosis. She knew what scabies looked like because she had studied it. The doctor was wrong.

The misdiagnoses continued, as did the unbearable itching caused by the condition. She turned to hairbrushes to try and calm the discomfort as doctors fumbled her case.

“It continued to spread, and on the third visit, he told me I had dermatitis. So I’m like, okay, we’re not getting anywhere,” she said. Her journey continued through a path of more misinformation.

“Took a little break and went to another dermatologist. He diagnosed me with keratosis pilaris, and that was getting nowhere. So I went to another dermatologist, they said I had eczema,” she said.

“I found it difficult to find a specialist, not only one familiar with prurigo nodularis but one who dealt with a diagnosis like mine,” Elise continued. “So I didn’t receive my prurigo nodularis diagnosis until about three years later.”

The doctor she found in 2017 tested her skin instead of spewing a diagnosis after a sideways glance. “The first time I visited her. She said, okay, let’s do a biopsy,” said Elise. “Why didn’t anybody else do this? We could have cut out three years of me searching, and it’s spreading.”

She revealed how the visibility of the disease was one of the most upsetting aspects. “I don’t want to show off my skin. I don’t want to be seen as disgusting or [have] people. Looking at me weird,” she said.

Her coworkers tried to offer her encouragement, but they could not relate to her feelings, as she had lived into adulthood without this condition and now had to deal with its constant presence.

Elise explained how the average person’s lack of a reference point about her condition impacted her workplace. “I remember just a couple instances where I had clients that were uncomfortable with me touching them, and I had to reassure them I had to reassure them. I’m not contagious,” she said.

“Having this skin condition just reaffirmed as a human race that we need to treat people how we want to be treated. Put yourself in my shoes if you can, and try to people treat people a little bit more kindly.”

Elise finds comfort in a community like many people with chronic conditions. “Knowing that I’m not alone and that I have somebody walking in my shoes, it does help a little bit because I can talk with them,” she said.

The post Living With Prurigo Nodularis appeared first on Black Health Matters.

Presented By: Matthew L. Boyd, Pharm.D. Senior Oncology Medical Science Liaison

Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine

Matthew L. Boyd, Pharm.D., shared information on efforts to diversify clinical trials at the Black Health Matters Spring Summit. He spoke from personal experience. “I work with a lot of those community and academic institutions to bring our innovative trials to those institutions to support and take care of patients, hopefully,” he said.

He revealed that of the 24 out of 31 trials approved between 2015 and 2017, “less than five percent of them had Black or African-American enrollment.”

“So, think about that, all the cancers that we particularly treat from non-small cell, lung cancer to prostate cancer, to multiple myeloma, which disproportionately affects African Americans and Black patients, less than five percent of those,” he continued. “We cannot just be okay with that number being where it’s at.”

He acknowledged that the medical establishment has not always respected minority communities. This has led to significant mistrust among certain demographics.

“That leads to African Americans and minorities being less likely to go to their doctor,” he said. “There’s a lot of mistrust opportunities there.”

He described other hurdles to engaging diverse participants as well. “We also have some communication barriers. We know that many of our health systems are based in what can be described as almost redlined areas,” he continued.

Dr. Boyd explained the steps that need to be taken to engage those people. “You’ve got to travel there,” he said before pointing out other factors contributing to the staggering statistics. He emphasized the importance of “being able to talk to patients directly where they are in their neighborhoods and having opportunities to engage with patient populations and community leaders.”

Mistrust and redlining are not the only issues affecting diversity rates.

“There’s a lack of diversity within our healthcare institution as well,” he said. “So the position that you’re seeing, the nurse that’s going to be treating you, the phlebotomist that’s going to be drawing your blood, do they look like you?

Is that someone you can talk to, someone you can trust to tell you what’s currently happening?”

Misunderstandings about financial commitments can deter patient participation. They can avoid seeking care and information because they assume they will be charged.

“One of the things that sometimes people are not told or are not counseled on is that many of the clinical trials I work in are fully funded. Meaning you are going to get that medication for free. You don’t have to pay for it,” he said.

Assistance with enrollment allows potential participants to make an informed decision.

“You’re enrolled in it. We’re collecting data on it. But you get that treatment for free.

One of the things that we’re also doing is ensuring that those items are passed down on to patients so that you’re informed that you’re getting that treatment for free so that people can talk you through enrollment,” he said.

The Research Includes Me initiative has a website that clearly defines the parts of a clinical trial.

Dr. Boyd and his colleagues consider “the convenience factor” as well, knowing that practical concerns can prevent a patient from seeking care. “It’s very hard for a mom or dad who has just received this particular diagnosis to say, I’m going to be enrolled in this clinical trial, and I’m going to go take all these labs, and I’m going to go and deal with the parking situation,” he said.

“The logistical burden that patients have to go through. That’s been a big factor that’s led to enrolled patients, who then decide I will no longer be enrolled because there are too many appointments.”

The next phase in intentional inclusion in clinical research is building partnerships with institutions prepared to serve different types of people. Providing them with the proper resources to extend their offerings is imperative.

“It means going to different institutions, helping them build out the infrastructure to actually be able to do research at that particular institution, providing grant funding to hire and train people,” he said. Learn more about Research Includes Me here.

The post Diversity and Inclusion in Clinical Trials appeared first on Black Health Matters.

Presented by: Sherell McDearmon,

Director, State Strategic Alliances at Bristol Myers Squibb

Congressman Glen Ivey

Dr. Jennifer L. Ellis

Sherell McDearmon, Congressman Glen Ivey, and Dr. Jennifer L. Ellis advocated for civic engagement to promote healthcare access during the Black Health Matters Spring Summit.

“We are all gathered here today to embark on a journey that delves into the fabric of the community’s health landscape, understanding that reliable access to healthy food and medical care in a safe environment are the basics for good health,” said McDearmon. “Many of you know the surprising fact that your ZIP code has more impact on your health outcomes than your DNA,” she told the audience as they shook their head at the disturbing fact. She shared information about the grants issued to advocacy groups on behalf of Bristol Myers Squibb to help patients practically handle barriers to treatment.

“Every day, in every state, every city, including here in Washington DC and every country worldwide. Patients are waiting. They’re waiting for relief from the fears and burdens of illness and disease. They need hope, hope that tomorrow will bring Improvement and change,” she said. “BMS is proud to have committed grants to independent patient advocacy groups, community-based and faith-based organizations, medical societies, and healthcare nonprofits to start and expand community health worker and patient navigation programs,” McDearmon continued.

“Grants to independent organizations assist patients with social care needs, such as transportation to clinics financial, assisting assistance, housing, healthy food, as well as guiding them passionately through complex, clinical care Journeys.”

The Congressman approached the crowd with extreme vulnerability. He discussed his difficulty with managing his diet and the challenges experienced by his family members as well.

“I wanted to be clear that I’m not talking down to anybody here. I ain’t better than anybody in here. A lot of the things we’re trying to do through these policy outreach efforts are aimed at people just like me who are doing things that are slowly killing ourselves, and we need to change that path,” he told the audience.

He acknowledged the gravity of the situation for Black people facing medical bias and other systemic issues.

“Our whole community needs to get serious,” added Congressman Ivey. “Conferences like this are a huge step in the right direction.” He explained how state lawmakers determine who can access care in their districts. “It’s different for us. So we have to make sure that the people in charge, whether it’s in politics or heading up the health care system or running hospitals, they have to know that we will hold them accountable,” he said.

Dr. Ellis described how one patient she encountered was so desperate to acknowledge her discomfort that she went to desperate lengths to obtain the attention of the professional entrusted with her care. Facing the stigma of mental illness exasperated the patient’s situation.

“She thought she was having a heart attack. So she pulled the fire alarm because no one was coming to help her,” said the doctor. It turns out the patient’s desperation saved her life. She was indeed having a heart attack. She spent three days in the hospital without treatment.

The doctor also advised the women in the audience to familiarize themselves with the ways heart attack symptoms differ in women. “This audience is a little bit more female than male. So, one of the other things with women is. We get into trouble because sometimes our heart attacks are presented differently,” she said. She also recognized that other diseases like anorexia are not absent in the Black community, but they show up in different forms.

Dr. Ellis recommended relying on repetition to seek better outcomes with the flawed system as change scrolls in. She noted how emergency room doctors could fail to assess patients accurately due to narrow training and subconscious biases. Dr. Ellis suggested asking pointed questions like “Could it be my heart,” repeatedly even if you are being dismissed by the practitioner you are speaking to.

“They’re not doing this on purpose. They are not bad people. That ER doc is just a product of the environment and his upbringing; he is not hurting you on purpose. But he is not necessarily thinking that you have heart disease because that’s not in his matrix. So, part of our job is to educate him a little bit,” she said.

The post From Awareness to Action: The Power of Advocacy in Health Equity appeared first on Black Health Matters.

Dr. Camille Adam Jones, Psychotherapist and Wellness Advocate

Roslyn Young-Daniels, Founder and CEO of Black Health Matters

Lamman Rucker Film and Television Star

Roslyn Young-Daniels spearheaded a spirited conversation about mental health in the Black community after the Black Health Matters Spring 2024 summit.

They emphasized the need for transparency and unity.

“This has been an ongoing effort by people in our field to silence the shame and to remove the stigma in mental health concerns in the Black community,” said Adam Jones. She connected health issues that face deep stigma in society to the need for mental health care. “Substance abuse, domestic violence. You know, all of these are often rooted in mental unwellness,” she continued.

Many of these were discussed at length during the national social distancing spurred by COVID-19. “The isolation in COVID allowed everybody to say what is happening worldwide.”

The trio discussed the need for intersectionality in these discussions.

Young-Daniels expressed a desire to include more Black men in conversations about their health and wellness and that of their loved ones. “Now, if you look around this room, it is dominantly women,” she said. “So I asked Lamar, what can you say to our brothers so they feel encouraged to come? And he said, make a place for them at the table.”

Rucker, a host at the Summit, was initially supposed to introduce the two experts and bow out, but he felt welcome to participate because of their warm exchanges and the vibrant audience. “He’s making sure we’re making a place at the table in this discussion,” Young-Daniels added.

The world may have sped back up, and the mask mandates may have been lifted, but the need for mental health care remains more urgent than ever.

Dr. Adams-Jones described how she put her physical health at risk due to an inability to slow down and prioritize. When she was experiencing a medical emergency, her husband told her, “Camille, just stop.”

Her brain would not let her absorb the advice or set the boundaries she needed.

It was difficult for her to pause even while panicking. “I did not know how, and then we got to the hospital, and it was a Black nurse, and I’m texting work. I’m dealing with an HR nightmare, and she says, let me ask you something. Is that text message worth your tomorrow,” she recalled. The question was sobering.

What she was experiencing was a rash onset of superwoman syndrome, something that plagues many Black women. “I believe, in part, we must own some of this. We gotta take the S off our chest and stop trying to be Superwoman,” said Dr. Lowry Lomas.

Rucker described similar pressures men face, who are less likely to gather to discuss it the way women do. “Things are just as real for us, too, and we don’t often know what to do; we don’t have anybody to talk to, even you. You live with us, you’ve birthed us, you’re our sister, you’re our lover, our grandmother. We can’t talk to you; you don’t know how to talk to us, and when we talk to you, you don’t listen,” he said.

He expressed his perspective on the gaps in communication between men and women, stating that men desire a safe space even if they don’t always show it.

“We need you, we want you, trust me, don’t let none of these dudes tell you. They don’t want to be with somebody. We are doing our best to act. Like we don’t need you and focusing on all this, other superficial foolishness, all its fake swag, all this stuff,” he said. “It’s a lie. But that’s our defense mechanism. That’s also how many of us are socialized. Don’t fall into that trap.”

Dr. Adam Jones recommended looking inward before prioritizing romance and creating space for yourself. “As a therapist, I have so many people out here dating who are unavailable to date, brokenness, so thick. Just grieving hard, just nothing fixed, nothing unpacked,” she said.

“What you were doing is just contaminating someone else’s life, producing toxicity to raise children, amongst bringing this grief into the entire community,” she continued.

“When you decide to say, I’m unavailable, I’m gonna sit in the house. You’re doing a community service and a self-care service for yourself.”

The post Your Mental Health: Setting Boundaries Unapologetically appeared first on Black Health Matters.

Presented By JaBaris D. Swain, Medical Executive, Health Systems Integration

The Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson

Dr. Shelina Ramnarine, Director Of Our Race To Health Equity Community Engagement at Johnson Johnson

Dr. JaBaris D. Swain and Dr. Shelina Ramnarine highlighted how inclusive medical illustrations can aid confidence and trust in healthcare professionals at the Black Health Matters Spring Summit.

They began by asking the audience how often they have encountered medical imagery that reflects them. The response was predictably underwhelming. “Imagine how challenging it must be when you go into the doctor to get care and you’re not even represented in that setting,” said Dr. Ramnarine.

“Forty-seven percent of dermatologists and dermatological residents in the U.S. thought their training was inadequate for preparing them to identify and treat conditions on dark skin. That’s a high percentage. That’s almost half,” she continued. “We have another statistic that says 64.6 percent of medical respondents note that access to inclusive medical illustrations would significantly help them diagnose and treat patients of color.”

She stressed the value of a proper education. “We need to ensure that all medical professionals that we see can treat Black and Hispanic patients.”

Dr. Ramnarine noted that increasing the rate of professionals entering the field with this knowledge would also be useful. “Patients of color, we know, are more likely to seek help from practitioners that look like them because they can understand and relate. They know what things look like on that skin, so we do a lot of work diversifying the pipeline of healthcare professionals.”

She explained how Johnson & Johnson is helping to change the materials available to educate doctors and students. “Illustrate Change is an initiative to build the largest medical library of medical illustrations. So, it started with 25 illustrations and some research we were doing on maternal mortality in Atlanta. We were trying to understand why the rates of maternal mortality are higher in Black women. One of the things that came out of the market research was that patients didn’t feel seen when they went to the doctor’s office because no imagery represented them,” said Dr. Ramnarine.

She shared that these resources are free and accessible. “These illustrations are available on the website free of use. For those of you who may work at a health center or individuals who are patient-facing, advocate organizations, the illustrations are available to download and use in whatever setting you like.”

The illustrations aid patients as well. “If you’re a patient and you’re trying to understand what something looks like for me, and we know that breast cancer, for example, is different in black women, they tend to get triple-negative breast cancer. You want illustrations that you can relate to and look like that on your skin,” she said. “When patients see themselves depicted in medical illustrations, they feel understood.”

Dr. Swain, who helped work on the site, demonstrated the need for the initiative by asking for audience participation. “I challenge everyone if to take a moment to Google psoriasis,” he said. “When you do it, all the images will be of White skin.”

“Think about when you go to a physician or a dermatologist, and you show them your hand or show them, pull up your shirt and show them a rash, you know, a lot of them will have to go to a medical resource, to try to identify what the rash is but the overwhelming majority of those resources are depicted on white skin,” he continued. He recounted a childhood story to drive home further his point. “This sounds crazy, but I remember when I was growing up, a young woman had a darker complexion on the back of her neck, and people were like, oh, they need to shower, and she’s not clean. She needs to wipe her neck. But that actually is an indication called acanthosis nigricans, and it’s an indication that the patient may have diabetes,” he said. “If that’s not depicted in an illustration or graphic, then that can be missed.”

Learn more about Ilustrate Change here.

The post IN LIVING COLOR: Building Trust Through Representation in Medical Illustrations appeared first on Black Health Matters.

Seales has sparked a conversation about autism in Black women and girls that has been overlooked for too long. According to the Autism Journal, “female and Black populations in the United States are diagnosed later.” The publication declared that “autistic Black girls are effectively invisible in the current scientific literature.”

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) defines Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) as “a developmental disability caused by differences in the brain. People with ASD often have problems with social communication and interaction and restricted or repetitive behaviors or interests. The organization noted, “People with ASD may also have different ways of learning, moving, or paying attention.” Seales posted a clip to her social media that highlighted the need for express clarification associated with being placed on the autism spectrum. The National Institute for Mental Health explains that “Autism is known as a “spectrum” disorder because there is wide variation in the type and severity of symptoms people experience.” These symptoms include “difficulty with communication and interaction with other people.”

People who are on the autism spectrum are neurodivergent. This is a comprehensive term that refers to people whose brains function differently. The history of the term is connected to empowering those it refers to. Harvard Health said, “The neurodiversity movement emerged during the 1990s, aiming to increase acceptance and inclusion of all people while embracing neurological differences.” The movement has been successful in increasing media representation, but the face of that representation has been consistently White and male.

Frontiers in Psychiatry published a study focused on how stigma experienced by autistic adults relates to metrics of social identity and social functioning. It found that “almost half of autistic individuals experience some form of victimization in their lifetime, including bullying and other forms of stigma.”

The Autistic Girls Network states that “the assessment tools used for diagnosis and research in the field of autism have almost always been developed from research using predominantly male samples.” Progress in the rate of diagnosis for Black children overall is advancing slowly, according to the CDC, but the gaps in the research get even wider as it pertains to Black girls. Bria Herbert, diagnosed at 19, shared her experience with The 19th. “Autism and most mental health disorders present differently in Black women,” Herbert told the independent publication. “Because autism is looked at through such a White and male lens, people don’t recognize similar behaviors with traditionally feminine or Black interests.”

Daniel Jones of The Aspie World dedicated an entire episode of his YouTube show to recognizing the way that Black women and girls are excluded from the discourse surrounding autism. Celebrity advocates for autism research include Toni Braxton, Shawn Stockman, and Holly Robinson Pete, who discussed the topic on Seales’ podcast Small Doses in April of 2021. April is Autism Awareness Month, and as awareness is raised and information is spread, the experiences of Black women and girls must be included in efforts to continue learning about the spectrum. Advocates and academics are arguing for their inclusion in different spaces.

A paper published in the Review Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders stated, “Growth in autism research necessitates corresponding attention to autism research ethics, including ethical and meaningful inclusion of diverse participants.” It said that “the exclusion of marginalized subgroups of people with autism is a major ethical concern.”

The post Amanda Seales Just Announced She Has Autism – Here’s Why So Many Black Women Go Undiagnosed appeared first on Black Health Matters.

Affectionately known as “The Finisher,” Mister Cee was previously a disc jockey on Hot 97 and a fixture on the party scene in New York and New Jersey. Up until the time of his death, he was spinning at 94.7 The Block. The latter released a statement on social media reacting to LeBrun’s sudden passing in a joint post with another host at the station, Shelley Wade.

“Yesterday was such an emotionally traumatizing day. For hours, we were concerned because we couldn’t reach Mister Cee…and then we got confirmation that he had passed away,” the statement read. They posted a still image of the iconic Apollo Theater, a loving farewell tribute to LeBrun, acknowledging the gap in the culture he left behind.

According to the American Journal of Public Health, “Black men continue to have substantially lower life expectancy at birth than Black women and White women and men” and “There is a lag in increases in survival between the ages of 45 and 75 years for Blacks with the largest gap in survival for Black men.” In 2019, NPR reported that “Black men have the lowest life expectancy of any major demographic group in the U.S.”

LeBrun is not the only legendary producer or artist to leave the limelight tragically early. Biz Markie died at 57 as well after suffering a severe stroke. COVID-19 claimed the life of DJ Kay Slay at 55. The sun set on Phife Dawg’s life due to diabetes complications at just 45. Heart failure led to the death of Craig Mack at 46. Their absence reflects the truth that fame does not isolate Black men from devastatingly short life expectancies. Pioneers in hip-hop like Mister Cee, who worked closely with the late Notorious B.I.G. and Big Daddy Kane, arrived on the scene before the maturation of the genre’s financial potential, placing them in a different economic position than the moguls who succeeded them.

Miss Jones, another iconic radio personality, commented on the need for hip-hop to have a health fund to help provide access to care for those called to create and promote the art form during an interview with PIX 11. She implied that a duty of care is owed to hip-hop people who paved the way and that a fund should be established. The same argument has been made for legends in other industries, including professional sports. Rappers Method Man, Fat Joe, French Montana, Busta Rhymes, and Chuck D have called for greater transparency in healthcare pricing, calling on Congress to pass legislation preventing opaque business practices.

Like many creative careers, those who dedicate their life to hip-hop often have trouble accessing health insurance consistently. D.J.s are among them. Even those lucky enough to find consistent work that offers traditional health care plans frequently find that later in their careers, they are playing catch up. Leaving a large chunk of time that they are uninsured or underinsured creates a prickly legacy of barriers to treatment. This lets routine and preventable ailments go left untreated.

The post The Sudden Death Of Mister Cee Highlights The Need For Healthcare in Hip-Hop appeared first on Black Health Matters.

An article in Frontiers in Genetics reported that after a yo-yo dieting style cycle, “Weight regain often starts within the first year, and the pre-intervention weight is reached or even surpassed in the subsequent 2 to 5 years.” It also stated, “Limiting or preferentially avoiding weight cycling in the first year after weight loss appears crucially important for sustainable long-term weight maintenance.” Another article published by the American Diabetes Association suggested that the practice “exacerbates the risk for T2D and cardiovascular disease.”

“Accumulating evidence suggests the existence of an autoregulatory adaptive mechanism or ‘famine reaction’ that predisposes to obesity following a period of starvation,” it reported. “While self-reflection and making goals can help us feel more focused and accomplished, restrictive dieting, excessive exercise, or other sudden behavioral changes that are characteristics of New Year’s resolution around weight loss are often an attempt to feel in control when other aspects of our lives feel out of control,” explained Taryn Crosby, LCSW, a psychotherapist and Founding Partner of MCMCollab. “Ultimately, yo-yo dieting, in addition to having potential medical health consequences, can affect our mental health.”

Dr. Dominique Pritchett, PsyD, LCSW,  considers participating in yo-yo dieting symptomatic of other issues. “That trickles to other parts of our life,” she told Black Health Matters. “I’m a big strategy person. If we’re approaching anything without a strategy, we will likely fail or hurt badly going through it,” she continued. “I believe people can be more successful with creating changes in their life, getting off the yo-yo, and sustaining their wellness with a solid strategy.” Dr. Pritchett suggested working with a professional to settle on sustainable tactics. “Chances are, it’s just not showing up in the diet, but it’s shown up in other places in your life. So, go talk to a professional,” she said. “That objective perspective has to come from someone.” Working with a professional can help you accurately assess your habits instead of focusing on what you think they should be. “Shoulding is an unrealistic fantasy belief,” said Dr. Pritchett. If limited access to care prevents you from seeking professional assistance, you can observe and document your habits to try and stop the yo-yo approach.

Dr. Janel Gordon, M.D., DipABOM, DipABLM, a Triple Board Certified Family, Obesity & Lifestyle Medicine Physician, believes “people intend to stay on the wagon when they slide into yo-yo-ing.”

Action Tips

Learn What Works For You

“Look at what you’re doing really, really well,” Dr. Pritchett advised. She recommends asking yourself, “What do you feel good doing? What are you getting results from?” “Replicate what’s working, but make sure it matches your personality,” she added.

Do Your Research

Dr. Gordon advocates for balancing out your diet instead of diving into extremes. “Maybe you’re trying to cut back on carbs, but carbs are not evil. We need all the macronutrients. We need carbohydrates. We need fat, we need protein,” she said.

Avoid Comparing Yourself To Others

Just because the latest diet craze worked for your friend or co-workers doesn’t mean it will work for you. “People respond differently to different tactics,” said Dr. Gordon. Think about what is feasible for your schedule and your circumstances. If you’re working with a healthcare professional, tell them what your day-to-day looks like so they can recommend the appropriate options. “If I’m talking to a male high school student versus if I’m talking to a single mother of three who has to catch a bus, drop her kids off at their daycare, and still figure out what’s nutritious to eat for herself and her kids, I’m going to be giving different recommendations.”

Supported by an educational grant from Novo Nordisk Inc. 

The post Yo-Yo Dieting Doesn’t Work: So Why Do We Keep Doing It? appeared first on Black Health Matters.

Every day, a news item explores these prescriptions’ benefits, side effects, and potential risks. CEOs and influencers have sung their praises. There is even a trendy TikTok song inspired by their popularity. Even traditional weight management brands have gotten in on the action.

WeightWatchers, now rebranded as WW, a staple in the weight loss industry, has begun offering access to medical interventions, including semaglutide, via their WeightWatchers Clinic’s launch. Last year, the company acquired Sequence, a digital health platform for clinical weight management. WW offers one-on-one clinician care, insurance coordination, and other membership privileges through their clinic. Noom, an industry newcomer, has launched the Noom Med program, where consumers can access medical advice for their mental and physical health and prescriptions for GLP-1 obesity drugs after being evaluated by professionals who will determine their eligibility.

If you are considering prescription weight loss options, here’s what you need to know.

What Are Your Options?

Injectables

Injectables have become an increasingly visible option for prescription-aided weight loss. They are approved for weight loss for those who have been categorized as clinically obese (BMI >30) or are overweight with medical conditions like high blood pressure or high weekly at gradually increasing doses. Some of the options on the market include Wegovy (semaglutide), Mojourno and Zepbound (tirzepatide), Saxenda (liraglutide), and Imcivree (setmelanotide). Familiarize yourself with the non-brand name versions of the medications so that you can ask your healthcare provider the necessary questions.

How Do They Work?

Injectable drugs behave similarly. “Dulaglutide, liraglutide, semaglutide were designed to act the same way as GLP-1,” according to Reviews in Endocrine & Metabolic Disorders. Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists are a class of medications utilized to treat type 2 diabetes and obesity.

What this means: When we use these drugs, they slow down food digestion and make us feel fuller longer. we eat less, and our appetites are reduced, and we lose weight as a result.

What are The Common Side Effects?

There are a variety of common side effects associated with these medications. “A lot of people will experience upset stomach, nausea, indigestion, sometimes, constipation, heartburn,” according to Dr. Danielle Timmons, a family medicine doctor in Decatur, GA. Injection site reactions and hyperpigmentation are common as well. However, these side effects are not universal.

“Everybody reacts differently,” said Dr. Timmons. “Some people will have more profound side effects than others.”

“Some people can have more severe reactions,” she explained. These include “persistent vomiting and severe nausea.” Side effects are not necessarily permanent, either. A study found that when it came to liraglutide, for example, “The most common adverse effects were gastrointestinal and primarily occurred early in the treatment course.”

Dr. Timmons noted that there can be an “uptick in those symptoms” associated with “going up to the next higher dose.” “Your body’s just trying to get used to that new dose,” she said. Some patients, however, have more serious gastrointestinal issues, including pancreatitis, gastroparesis (stomach paralysis), and bowel obstruction.

While GLP-1 drugs result in rapid weight loss, there is no such thing as a quick fix. Understand that these injectables are designed to be used long-term, with you eventually moving into a maintenance phase to maintain their effect. If you stop taking these drugs, you could regain some of the weight you’ve lost.

Pills

If you aren’t interested in injectable medications, you can explore the weight loss prescriptions available in pill form. Some of the names of these options include Metformin, Bupropion-naltrexone (Contrave), Orlistat (Xenical, Alli) – sometimes available over the counter, Phentermine-topiramate (Qsymia), and phentermine (Adipex, Lomaira) are pill options.

How Do They Work?

“Metformin works by helping to restore the body’s response to insulin. It decreases the amount of blood sugar the liver produces, and the intestines or stomach absorb,” according to the Journal of Research in Medical Sciences. Depending on the dosage given by your doctor, you can take it once or more daily with food. While phentermine decreases appetite, topiramate also does so and makes you feel fuller longer after eating.

What Are The Risks?

Beware of starting an over-the-counter option without consulting your physician. A study published in 2021 noted, “Phentermine-topiramate is not recommended for patients with significant cardiac history such as coronary disease and uncontrolled hypertension.” Patients in clinical trials also experienced insomnia, irritability, anxiety, headache, attention disturbances, depression, dry mouth, and kidney stones.

Certain patients can also have adverse reactions to metformin. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warned that lactic acidosis was a possible side effect.

“Lactic acidosis is a rare but serious metabolic complication that can occur because of metformin accumulation during treatment with metformin,” wrote the organization. Metformin has come under scrutiny for other reasons as well.

When Do The Side Effects Require Intervention?

If you’re taking these medications and the side effects are impacting your day-to-day life, medical intervention may be needed. “Are you getting up from your cubicle multiple times daily because you must run to the toilet? Are you unable to hang out with your friends?” According to Dr. Timmons, that’s an issue you must address immediately. “It’s important to discuss the issues with your PCP (primary care physician) so that the symptoms can be monitored,” Dr. Timmons added.

Diet and Exercise Still Matter

If you decide to explore prescription weight loss medicine, don’t be under the mistaken impression that you can eat anything you want. These medications work best with lifestyle changes like staying hydrated, eating a healthy diet, and exercising.

Exercise is particularly essential when taking GLP-1 medications because of the possibility you will lose muscle mass and bone density.

You must consider adding strength training and cardio to your lifestyle. Because injectables, in particular, lead to rapid weight loss, you can get a condition that usually impacts older people called sarcopenia ( the gradual loss of muscle mass, strength, and function).”

Now that you have some background, you can discuss your options with your physician to see what weight loss treatment might work best for you. Take note of the questions below to prepare for a discussion with your HCP. Then, make the decision that you believe will work best for you.

What To Ask Your Doctor Before Committing To Prescription Weight Loss Meds

• Am I a candidate for prescription-aided weight loss?
• How does this medication work?
• How many studies have included patients with [insert your specific medical condition here]?
• What are the most common side effects of this medication?
• What are the rarest side effects of this medication?
• How will this medication affect my nutrient intake?
• How would you suggest I alter my lifestyle to fit this medication?
• How will this medication interact with my current medication(s)?
• What is the lowest maintenance dose for this medication?

Supported by an educational grant from Novo Nordisk Inc. 

The post The BHM Guide to Rx Weight Loss Medicines appeared first on Black Health Matters.

Unfortunately, when we are stressed, our cortisol levels are higher, and we can pack on pounds much easier,” said Jeanine Downie, M.D., director of Image Dermatology. She labeled risks associated with obesity particularly harmful to Black people. “African-Americans, both males and females, are consistently more overweight than their white counterparts,” continued Dr. Downie. “Obesity has a huge role in the destabilization of our health as a people. It can lead to diabetes, high blood pressure, cancer, stroke, heart attack and more.”

A Korean Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology study identified cortisol as “a biochemical marker of chronic stress.” The same study stated that “Stress is now recognized as a universal premorbid factor associated with many risk factors of various chronic diseases,” and “chronic, excessive stress causes cumulative negative impacts on health outcomes.”

The Journal of Molecular Biochemistry suggested that “stress management could be adopted as an adjunct to traditional methods of treating obesity, namely lifestyle interventions, drugs, and bariatric surgery.”

The Journal of Obesity found that “the more stress one has, the greater amount of cortisol is produced in the body leading to accumulation of fat in the abdominal area, namely abdominal or visceral obesity.”

“Cortisol can then impact the regulation of other hormones,” explained Pernell. She cited ghrelin, leptin, and adrenaline as examples of hormones impacted by stress. Visceral fat, often in the mid-section, is often associated with high cortisol levels. “If we think about stress through acute versus chronic stressors, we can see different impacts on the body,” said Dr. Pernell.

Stress Can Impact Your Diet

Dr. Downie mentioned the importance of finding healthy ways to manage chronic stress. Stress “primarily interferes with cognitive processes such as self-regulation,” according to Dr. Taylor C. Wallace, PhD, CFS, FACN CEO, Think Healthy Group. “It can affect behavior by inducing overeating and consuming foods high in calories, saturated fat, and added sugars,” he told Black Health Matters in a statement.

A study published in the Health Psychology Review found that “stress was associated with increased consumption of unhealthy foods.” Still, it indicated that further research was required to examine the “stress-eating relationship.”

Stress Can Impact Sleep Patterns

Stress levels also impact the ability to rest and recover, a vital part of improving one’s fitness level. “Shortened sleep time and decreased physical activity are common behaviors in individuals experiencing significant stress,” added Dr. Wallace.

Action Steps For Managing The Stress and Weight Connection

Exposure to stress can be involuntary. “There are certain triggers that are outside of a person’s control, especially triggers that are in their environment,” said Dr. Pernell. There are methods to combat the effects of chronic stress and pursue the healthiest lifestyle you’re capable of. “How you will respond to the stress or the triggers in your environment is important,” Dr. Pernell added.

Take Advantage Of Any Quiet Moments

Meditation does not have to sit crisscross with a completely clear mind for forty-five minutes in a dimly lit studio full of Lululemon-wearing baddies. You can take a few seconds to reset anytime at any place with quick breathing exercises. “Mindful breathing exercises can help with your cortisol level,” said Dr. Downie.

Rest Up

Time spent doom scrolling at night might make it harder to get your desired results from that gym session. Both doctors advise taking adequate time for quality rest. “Sleep deprivation can reduce leptins,” warned Dr. Pernell. “Sleeping decreases your stress level,” explained Dr. Downie.

Prioritize Exercise

The post Stress & Your Weight: Here’s What You Need to Know appeared first on Black Health Matters.

Do Your Research

Do your research on any concerns you have. Consult authenticated sources and write down connections to what you are experiencing. Anytime you have your doctor’s undivided attention, it is a chance to ask questions. Please write down your questions and go through them one by one. Make it clear where your questions are coming from so your provider does not dismiss them as hypochondria or “WebMD-itis.”

Sample Language:

• I have a list of questions I’d like to ask based on what I am experiencing.
• We have limited time, but I’d like to focus on these concerns.
• Can you explain how my BMI interacts with this issue directly?

Present Your Receipts

Have your receipts ready at all times! Weight concerns ultimately lead to conversations about lifestyle. Prepare your answers for your doctor so you are not caught off guard. They might have several questions about how often you exercise and what type of exercises you do. Wearable technology is a great way to track this information. Your smartphone might also have access to a step counter that can shed light on your movement habits. If you do not have access to technology for this task, try journaling your habits before your appointment. Write down your stress levels, how long you sleep each night, and other relevant information that impacts weight. Knowing your full insurance benefits, including nutrition and alternative health methods, is also helpful.

Sample Language:

• Thank you for bringing up your concerns about my weight. I want to share some information about my habits and resources with you.
•  I’d like to know how best to proceed, considering my lifestyle.
• That won’t work for me, considering my day-to-day schedule and obligations. Can we discuss other options?

Enlist A Friend or Family Member

Everyone deserves competent care, and “standardized communication and educational strategies to achieve patient empowerment are challenging because patients’ support needs are complex” and “influenced by health literacy level and social and cultural differences.” If these factors erect barriers in your case, bring a friend or family member to advocate for you effectively.

Sample Language:

• This is my [Insert relationship here]. I’d like them to stay and help me navigate this conversation.
• It would be helpful if [Insert relationship here] could help me express my thoughts and concerns.

Master Redirection

If your healthcare provider is harping on weight and ignoring your other concerns, use redirection to ensure you can express what you want to focus on.

Sample Language:

• I have heard your concerns about my weight. Can we spend some time reviewing the symptoms that I have concerns about?
•  I want to focus on these specific things.
• Would you make this same recommendation if I were a patient with a lower BMI? Why or why not?

Record Your Interactions

Always ask for documentation! If you suspect your doctor is more focused on the number on the scale than the connective tissue fusing your health, ensure you record everything.

Sample Language:

• Thank you for sharing your recommendation. Can we move on?
• Please document that information in my chart so that I can ensure my records are accurate.
• How can I get a copy of your recommendations for my records?

Supported by an educational grant from Novo Nordisk Inc. 

The post How to Talk to Your Doctor About Weight (5 Tips & Sample Scripts) appeared first on Black Health Matters.

Consider Budget

“Whenever you’re doing an event, you have got to start with the numbers first, whether that’s a large-scale event or an intimate event in your own home,” said Johnson.

Make a Realistic Guest List

It’s tempting to throw a grand shindig where everyone you’ve ever double-tapped on Instagram is welcome, but that is only feasible for some people. “If you have a smaller number, you can create a more elevated experience for those in that room of a few,” Johnson pointed out.

The ideal number of guests is determined by your setup.

“For a sit-down, you do a hundred percent seating, meaning that if you have ten seats, then you invite ten people,” she continued. The seating requirements for gatherings that do not require place settings are a bit more lax. “If it’s a cocktail or more of a house party style, you can do as low as 50 percent [seating]. That’s the minimum that will typically do,” Johnson explained. The seating sweet spot for most affairs is between “50 and 75 percent.”

Divide The Labor…In Advance

“Parties are great, but clean up can be a heavy lift,” said Johnson. “If you already have a housekeeper, just notify them you’re having a party.” Keeping your housekeeper informed can help get your home back on track quicker. “They can adjust their schedule around what you’re having in your home,” she explained. If this is not a service you usually splurge on, you can still get help on the fly. “If you don’t normally have a cleaning team, you can use services like TaskRabbit,” said Johnson. If enlisting hired help is not an option, you can ask those “dearest and closest to you.” “If hiring is not an option, just get some help in advance so that you’re not overwhelmed,” said Johnson. Avoid awkward interactions by designating responsibilities ahead of time. “Usually, people don’t mind, but you don’t want to spring it on people,” Johnson advised.

Plan The Menu Thoughtfully

Inclusion is always in style. Please remember to ask your guests about any dietary restrictions before the event so that you can make sure they’re comfortable.

Do not assume that because someone was drinking alcohol and eating meat or cheese the last time you saw them, they will still be doing so on the day of your function.

Labeling items on a table or passed tray helps avoid issues as well. Everyone will be informed about their options to make the right decision.

Pick Unique Post Dinner Activities

Instead of pulling out the card games, cigars, and cognac, try something new by adding a charitable element to your party this holiday season. “Social impact is the new black,” declared Johnson. “So post dinner. I see that as a great opportunity to make baskets that can be taken down to food shelters or given to groups already collecting holiday items.” “You can wrap toys,” she added. “As we know, this economy has created a scenario where the food pantries have more demand than they can even supply, and many people are losing their jobs. So, as a part of your invitation, ask people to bring a gift or an item aside after dinner,” she continued. “What’s better than a Friendsgiving but by blessing others?”

The post 6 Steps To Planning a Memorable Friendsgiving appeared first on Black Health Matters.

The timing of the alleged abuse coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic, which intensified violence against women and girls, according to the United Nations. Other information in the filing accused Jackson of berating Palmer and destroying her personal property. The filing also confirmed that the former couple had split up. The term “Intimate Partner” refers to current and former spouses and dating partners in the Center for Disease Control’s definition. Their interpersonal issues first courted public attention when Jackson drew ire on social media for publicly criticizing Palmer’s outfit for Usher’s Las Vegas residency. Former Spice Girl Mel B told Cosmopolitan how coercive control impacted her fashion choices during her former marriage to Stephen Belafonte in 2021. “I didn’t even know what color I liked anymore because those choices were taken away from me for so long. And I just accepted it,” said Mel B.

Women facing abuse from intimate partners are often painted as penniless victims without any resources or options.

Scene after scene of them fleeing, while clutching nothing more than a diaper bag and fear, have played out in popular culture. But they’ve excluded the many powerful women, like Palmer, who have suffered as a result of intimate partner violence. This happens to women on stages, courts, and in boardrooms. Dr. Angela Mailis published Smart, Successful & Abused: The Unspoken Problem of Domestic Violence and High-Achieving Women in 2019. “Just as many ‘smart and successful’ women are victims as the stereotype of an ‘un-empowered’ female,” said former Liz Claiborne CEO Jana Kasperkevic in a 2014 piece for The Guardian. Academy award-winner Halle Berry, Grammy award-winning singer-songwriter Kelly Rowland, and former WNBA player and two-time Olympic gold medalist, “Mighty Ruthie” Bolton have each publicly addressed their experiences with intimate partner violence.

Palmer’s situation is another disturbing example of how domestic violence can penetrate even the most prosperous circles. A Journal of Population Economics study published in September found that “women who earn more than their male partners are subject to a 33% increase in partner violence and a 20% increase in emotional abuse compared to mean levels.” Psychologist and executive coach Perpetua Neo explained how powerful women can be inclined to invest time and energy into abusive relationships. “High-performance women tend to be highly conscientious too,” she said in a 2019 interview with INSIDER. “It means they work really hard for their relationship. So they’re likely just to keep giving and giving and giving.

To learn more about intimate partner violence, contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-SAFE (800-799-7233; toll-free).

The post It’s Not Just Keke Palmer: High-Achieving Women Are Not Immune To Domestic Violence appeared first on Black Health Matters.