Megan’s Turn at the Menu

Megan Thee Stallion is expanding her food footprint again, this time with a Dunkin collaboration that’s already getting attention. The limited-edition “Hot Girls Run on Dunkin,” cup comes in a sunset gradient with her signature neon heart, and it launched alongside Dunkin’s new Protein Refreshers made with Protein Milk. It’s a smart extension of the lane she’s been building for years, from her Hottie Sauce era to her Popeyes franchise ownership and the Miami Beach location she officially opened in January 2026. Megan’s steady presence in the fast food space has fans watching closely, curious about what she’ll put her stamp on next.

She recently shared a clip of herself with the cup, styled in Dunkin’s pink and orange palette, hinting that fans should get in on the drop while it lasts.

 

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A post shared by Megan Thee Stallion (@theestallion)

How We Got Here

Megan’s moment isn’t happening in isolation. Over the past few years, celebrities have been shaping fast food from the inside out through custom meals, branded sauces, marketing takeovers, and even franchise ownership. The wave picked up in 2020 with Travis Scott’s meal, and it’s only grown from there.

McDonald’s kept the momentum going with a series of celebrity meals that followed.

In 2021, Saweetie came out with her combo, which included a Big Mac, four-piece Chicken McNuggets, medium fries, a Sprite, Tangy BBQ Sauce, and “Saweetie’ N Sour” sauce, a renamed version of the classic Sweet ‘N Sour sauce. The campaign encouraged fans to mix and match the items however they liked, turning the meal into a kind of edible playlist.

Cardi B and Offset’s 2023 Valentine’s Day meal included her go-to cheeseburger with BBQ sauce and a large Coke, while he enjoyed a Quarter Pounder with Cheese and a large Hi-C Orange Lavaburst, accompanied by fries and an apple pie to share.

Then, in 2025, Angel Reese, an NCAA champion and WNBA rookie, became the first female athlete to secure a national meal collaboration with McDonald’s. The Angel Reese Special included a BBQ Bacon Quarter Pounder with Cheese featuring a new Bold BBQ Sauce, medium fries, and a drink of choice. The campaign leveraged her basketball legacy and rising profile to showcase her emerging talent in women’s sports.

Other Chains Join the Conversation

Fast food collaborations did not stop at McDonald’s. Lil Nas X took on a creative role at Taco Bell, helping relaunch breakfast and tie it to his album rollout. Ice Spice’s 2023 Dunkin’ drink, a frozen coffee with pumpkin Munchkins and caramel drizzle, dropped during the VMAs in a campaign directed by Ben Affleck. These were cross-platform moments designed to meet fans where they already were.

From Endorsement to Ownership

Some celebrities have moved beyond the promotional cycle and into long-term investments. Rick Ross owns over a dozen Wingstop locations and has a stake in Checkers. LeBron James owns 19 franchise locations for Blaze Pizza. Then there’s Shaquille O’Neal, whose food empire includes nine Papa John’s, 17 Auntie Anne’s, one Krispy Kreme flagship in Atlanta, and his fast-growing chain, Big Chicken. These business strategies truly reflect a shift in how celebrity influence is leveraged.

The Calorie Burden Behind the Hype

According to the CDC’s National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, about 32% of U.S. adults consumed fast food on a given day between 2021 and 2023, with fast food accounting for 11.7% of daily calories. Among younger adults aged 20 to 39, the figure rises to 15.2%.

Celebrity meals are engineered for buzz, not balance. The Angel Reese Special clocks in at over 1,250 calories, which is more than half the recommended daily sodium intake for many adults. Saweetie’s meal and Cardi B and Offset’s combo offer similar nutrition profiles. It’s fun, and it may even be shareable, but making fast food a routine has profound implications for health outcomes.

Linking the Plate to Public Health

Between 2021 and 2023, 35.8% of Black children and adolescents had obesity. According to CDC data published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, this is the highest rate among all racial groups. Experts attribute food insecurity, targeted advertising, and reduced access to safe physical activity as the primary contributors.

But the Office of Minority Health report says Black or African American students in 9-12 grade were at the most significant risk. “Non-Hispanic Black or African American female students were almost 2 times more likely to be obese than non-Hispanic white female students.”

Colorectal Cancer is Also Rising in Younger People

Meanwhile, colorectal cancer is on the rise among younger adults, and the outlook is particularly harsh for Black Americans. The American Cancer Society’s 2025 report shows that Black men are 20% more likely to be diagnosed and 40% more likely to die from colorectal cancer than white men. Early 2026 projections indicate that these disparities have not improved.

For Black women, incidence is 14% higher, and mortality is 25% higher. Processed, low-fiber diets, typical of many fast-food options, are associated with an elevated risk, alongside structural barriers to screening and treatment.

This isn’t about feeling guilty for indulging in the latest trendy meal. However, it’s worth taking a moment to consider the more profound implications of seeing so many of our favorite celebrities promoting foods that don’t support our health. Our community already faces health disparities; it doesn’t exactly help to see a beloved musician holding up a burger stacked with sodium, sugar, and branding. When entertainment and marketing merge seamlessly, it’s easy to forget what’s truly at stake.

Dinner with a Side of Influence

Celebrity meals aren’t changing the food industry outright, but they’ve shaped how we engage with it. They blur the line between marketing and entertainment, and between habit and hype.

No one is forcing the order, but these meals reflect how easily pop culture can infiltrate our routines. We’ll leave it to you to decide who holds the influence: the celebrity, the brand, or the part of you that values your health over the hype.

Resources

How Hip-Hop Superstar Travis Scott Has Become Corporate America’s Brand Whisperer

NCHS Data Brief, Number 533, June 2025

Obesity Prevalence Among Children and Adolescents in the United States, 2011 to 2023 | Annals of Internal Medicine

Obesity and Black/African Americans | Office of Minority Health

Cancer statistics for African American and Black people, 2025

The post The Rise of Celebrity-Endorsed Calories appeared first on Black Health Matters.

But when you look closely at where cancer research is strongest, a pattern emerges that is hard to ignore. The states leading the country in research are not the states where Black Americans live in the greatest numbers. That gap shapes who benefits from the country’s most advanced cancer breakthroughs.

The States Winning the Research Race

SmileHub’s 2026 ranking of the best states for cancer research highlights the places with the deepest research ecosystems. These states have the most researchers per capita, the strongest funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the American Cancer Society (ACS), the highest clinical trial output, and the most robust cancer care infrastructure.

The top 10 states for cancer research are:

1. Massachusetts
2. New York
3. California
4. Pennsylvania
5. Colorado
6. Maryland
7. Oregon
8. Virginia
9. Connecticut
10. Minnesota

The ranking is built on thirteen metrics, including NIH grant funding, ACS funding, clinical trial activity, and hospital quality data from U.S. News & World Report’s Best Hospitals for Cancer.

Massachusetts leads the list with top scores in both research funding and research output. New York ranks first in health care infrastructure. California sits in the top three across funding, output, and hospital quality. These states have long histories of academic investment, major research universities, and strong philanthropic networks.

But this map tells only one story. The real story is about who lives where.

Where Black America Actually Lives

Neilsberg’s 2025 analysis of U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) data shows a clear picture of where Black Americans live today. The five states with the largest Black populations are Texas, Florida, Georgia, New York, and California. These states anchor the modern Black population map. Pew Research Center reports that more than half of all Black Americans, about 56 percent, live in the South, which underscores how deeply rooted the population is in this region.

According to Neilsberg’s Black population ranking, Texas has 4,146,550 Black residents, which is 11.66 percent of the state’s population. Florida has 3,900,650, or 15.24 percent. Georgia has 3,648,016, representing 31.27 percent of the state. New York has 3,519,047, and California has 2,841,399.

Together, these five states account for more than 38 percent of all Black Americans.

A Map That Leaves Too Many Behind

The states with the largest Black populations rarely appear near the top of cancer research rankings. Georgia ranks thirty-eight. Florida ranks thirty. Texas ranks twenty-two. Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and South Carolina all fall in the bottom fifteen, even though they are home to some of the country’s most concentrated Black communities.

That gap has real consequences. Black Americans continue to face the highest cancer mortality rates in the United States, according to the American Cancer Society. When the strongest research ecosystems are located far from the communities carrying the highest burden, access to clinical trials, specialty care, and advanced treatment becomes uneven by design.

When Distance Becomes a Barrier to Survival

Cancer research is tied to place. Clinical trials usually require in person visits. High quality cancer hospitals cluster in specific regions. Funding from the National Institutes of Health flows to institutions with long established research capacity. Insurance coverage varies by state. These factors shape who gets early detection, who gets advanced treatment, and who gets to participate in the studies that guide national standards of care.

When research is concentrated in the Northeast and West, and the highest burden communities are concentrated in the South, the result is a structural divide.

Black Americans are less likely to live near cancer centers designated by the National Cancer Institute (NCI). They are less likely to be offered clinical trial participation. They are less likely to receive proper care. These patterns appear consistently in national cancer disparities reports and peer-reviewed research.

SmileHub did not create these disparities. But when its data is read through a different lens, the gaps reveal themselves with uncomfortable clarity.

What Real Investment Would Look Like

Imagine a South with more NCI designated cancer centers, stronger clinical trial networks, and research universities that anchor long-term investment. A South with increased NIH and ACS funding, deeper community-based research partnerships, better insurance coverage, and high-quality cancer hospitals within reach.

Imagine a research landscape that follows need instead of legacy.

The data points toward a future where investment is measured not only by scientific output, but by who can reach the front door of a research center. A future where breakthroughs are shaped by the communities that carry the highest burden. A future where geography is not destiny.

The Question We Cannot Ignore

The United States is investing billions to end cancer. But unless research infrastructure expands into the states where Black Americans actually live, the benefits of that investment will remain uneven. The communities with the highest cancer burden will continue to be left behind.

The country has the science, the momentum, and the resources to change the story of cancer. What remains uncertain is whether that progress will reach the communities that have carried the heaviest burden for the longest time.

Resources:

Cancer statistics, 2026 – Siegel – 2026 – CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians – Wiley Online Library

Best States for Cancer Research in 2026

Best Hospitals for Cancer in the U.S. | Rankings & Ratings

States in United States ranked by Black population – 2025 | Neilsberg

Facts About the U.S. Black Population | Pew Research Center

Cancer statistics for African American and Black people, 2025 – Saka – 2025 – CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians – Wiley Online Library

The post Cancer Research Isn’t Reaching Black America appeared first on Black Health Matters.

Community has always been at the core of Black wellness – from the hair salons, barbershops and churches to the Sunday dinners – and in today’s modern settings, the group chats and social media platforms.  We spoke with Tara Pringle Jefferson, author of the beautiful new book Bloom How You Must – A Black Women’s Guide to Self-Care and Generational Healing, about the heritage of wellness in our community and the distinct areas where we should be the most assertive in prioritizing self-care. Her book serves as a permission slip to Black women to shift from performance to pause, to think deeply about the origins of self-care in our communities and how the past shapes the present and future.

Let’s Keep It Real – What’s Really Wrong?

Before we dive into the concept of self-care, we must unpack the core reasons why we feel like we’re running on empty. And no, it has nothing to do with poor scheduling, laziness or there not being enough hours in the day. Tara dives into the ‘historical mandate’ to perform that has followed us for generations.  Our value is often tied to output, so much that if we are not producing or ‘holding it down’ for everyone else, we feel that we aren’t doing enough.

Tara points out in the book how our bodies were treated as labor sites. “To see a Black woman is to expect her labor,” she adds. “It is not important she is getting enough sleep at night or that she is doing well mentally, all that matters is what she produces.”

This year, we deserve to take a fresh approach to health and wellness. Not by adding or reconfiguring an existing schedule, but by realizing that you are worthy of rest. Just because.

Take Time for a Self-Audit

Instead of approaching a new year with a rigid list of resolutions, Tara suggests starting your wellness journey with a self-audit. This is the gentlest way of checking in on yourself and asking the question: “how am I really doing?”

She notes that because our lives are so hectic, we don’t realize that we’re overwhelmed and struggling until we stop. By taking a much-needed ‘pause, we can identify the areas of our lives in need of attention and healing – physical, social, professional, spiritual, mental and even creative.

This process begins with prioritizing Black Wellness – tapping into your own internal needs and investigating every facet of your life. Even taking a hard look at Professional Wellness. With rising unemployment and career instability hitting Black women incredibly hard, Tara shares that we must redefine success on our own terms, perhaps by seeking out mentorship or community bartering to navigate unpredictable employment and financial shifts.

“Usually”, Tara shares “at least one life area will come to the forefront.” If the self-audit uncovers signs of stress, anxiety and burnout, it may be a sign to seek out professional support with cultural relevancy, such as resources found through platforms like Therapy for Black Girls.

When Solo Is a No, No!

Modern wellness practices are often marketed to us an expensive (and even solo) event – ranging from a luxury spa weekend, exclusive gym membership, luxury candles or even meditation app. Tara’s research shows us that our ancestors knew better. They used community as a tool for healing. “Self-care is about doing things that feed your mind, body, and spirit but when we gather in numbers, we’re able to be ourselves and let down the heavy things we’re carrying.”, she shares.

From a collective of mothers who share daycare responsibilities to a special circle of girlfriends who offer a listening ear and a soft place to land, these are the women Tara refers to these women as ‘gardeners’ in the book. They speak to the importance (and need) of showing up for each other. Even in modern context, we see examples of Black travel groups, local or online book clubs like Black Girls Who Read, running groups or even professional organization memberships as pathways to self-care and survival via diverse support systems.  The village is not only recommended, but also essential. Wellness, at its core, is communal.

Permission to…Have Fun!

One of the most radical things we can do to preserve their overall health and wellness is to simply…do something, anything just for fun.  Black women often ‘age out’ of having fun and focusing on their creative interests at an early age, to instead focus on responsibilities while still being children themselves.

Tara’s advice? Experiment. Try something new!

In the Chapter dedicated to Creative Wellness, Tara encourages the reader to tap into our creative sides. Focus on “self-expression. It’s about taking who you are and what you feel and pulling that outward.” What does that mean exactly? Dabble in painting for the first time. Try new recipes. Experiment with new fashion style. Write. Sing. Dream. The focus should be on challenging yourself to do something fun and creative that is not connected to work. Because the point here is not perfection, it’s about self-expression, and the space to do so.

Stop Trying to Heal in Secret

As we continue to navigate and curate our own personal new year’s, let’s stop trying to heal in secret. Tara’s vision for the future—and her work with her digital platform, The Self Care Suite—is a reminder that our “village” is what makes the heavy things feel lighter. Whether we are connecting through a screen or meeting up in person, the goal is the same: to ensure no Black woman feels she has to carry the world alone. Your most important wellness practice might just be reaching out. Online AND Offline.

Bloom How You Must reminds all Black women that self-care should not be considered a reward for hard work. True wellness extends far beyond a juice cleanse or a spa weekend.  The book serves as an awakening to reset and reclaim our humanity – from the inside out. It also reminds us of the importance of reconnecting to the communal traditions of our ancestors. Whether you are proudly wearing your ‘Strong Black Woman’ cape or just coming to the realization that you’re always under to pressure to serve, protect and provide, make this year this one that is intentional about not just surviving but thriving. You owe it to yourself!

Check out: The Toll on Our Health When We Try to be Superwoman (There’s Research)

The post What it Means for Us to Get Serious About Self-Care appeared first on Black Health Matters.

Why Our Donations Matter So Much

For many of us, the people behind these numbers are not hypothetical. They are our children, our siblings, our neighbors living with sickle cell disease. According to the CDC, sickle cell affects more than 100,000 people in the United States and more than 90 percent of those affected are Black.

When the donor pool does not reflect our community, the people we love feel the impact first. According to Kaiser Permanente, blood transfusions can treat severe complications of sickle cell disease and help prevent additional problems, including lowering the risk of stroke in children. The safest matches often come from donors with similar genetic markers. As noted by the American Red Cross, this includes rare blood types such as U-negative and Duffy negative, which are found mostly among people of African descent.

The Hesitation Around Donation

In 2023, the NHLBI spoke with Black adults across the country to learn how they think and feel about blood donation. The conversations were honest and familiar. People named the history that still shapes their choices, including the segregation of blood supplies and the sense that donation drives rarely show up in Black neighborhoods or center Black experiences.

Researchers held twelve focus groups with adults ages 18 to 50. Some had donated once. Others had never donated but were open to it. Younger participants tended to know more about the process. Older participants often felt they did not have enough information to feel confident. Across every group, people said convenience, representation, and trust mattered.

Participants wanted to see blood drives in places they already go. They wanted clear information from trusted Black medical professionals. And they wanted to understand who their blood would help. Sickle cell disease affects more than 100,000 people in the United States, most of whom are Black, and many rely on transfusions throughout their lives. One in three Black donors is a match for someone living with sickle cell. Some rare blood types, including U-negative and Duffy negative, are found almost entirely in the African American community. A diverse blood supply is essential for patients who need those matches.

The message from the focus groups was simple. People want a donation experience that feels honest and connected to their lives.

Building a Donation Experience That Works

The NHLBI research makes one thing clear. When Black communities receive information that feels trustworthy, relevant, and grounded in their lived experience, willingness to donate rises. Change begins with meeting people where they are.

Convenience matters. Donation sites placed in familiar community spaces such as churches, malls, recreation centers, barbershops, and neighborhood hubs can remove a major barrier. Many participants said they would be more open to donating if the process felt easy to access or if they had someone to go with them. Compensation, even something modest like food or a small incentive, was also named as a meaningful motivator.

Trusted messengers matter just as much. Participants wanted clear information from Black medical professionals who could explain the process, address myths, and show the real impact of donation. They also wanted to understand exactly who their blood would help. Stories of patients living with sickle cell disease, families navigating weekly transfusions, or community members relying on rare blood types can create a sense of connection that national messaging often misses.

Helping others remains the strongest motivator. Many participants described the emotional pull of knowing their donation could save a life or support someone in crisis. When that impact is visible and personal, hesitation shifts toward action.

Building a more diverse blood supply is possible. It starts with information that feels honest, spaces that feel familiar, and outreach that reflects the communities it hopes to serve.

This Is About Health Equity

The shortage of Black blood donors reflects gaps in access and trust, shaped by a long history that has given our community real reasons to question the medical system. That history still leaves many people without the information or reassurance they need to feel confident about donating. It’s a health equity issue.

It’s also a place where meaningful progress is possible. When Black donors give blood, they strengthen a safety net that protects their own families and communities. They help a child with sickle cell get the match they need. They fill a gap that only this community can fill.
This moment can be a turning point. Not because the system has suddenly changed entirely, but because Black patients deserve the security that comes with a reliable and diverse blood supply.

Showing up for one another has always been a source of strength, and this year may be the year that strength reaches the donation room.

Resources:

How Black Americans Can Save Lives by Donating Blood

Blood Transfusions for Sickle Cell Disease | Kaiser Permanente

Rare Blood Types | Red Cross Blood Services

blood_donation_motivators_and_barriers.pdf

The post Why Don’t We Donate Blood More Often? appeared first on Black Health Matters.

It is also important to note that African Americans are at a higher risk for anaplastic thyroid cancer compared to other racial groups. This is an aggressive and often fatal form of thyroid cancer that grows rapidly and typically has a poor prognosis.  

Black Patients Have Lower Prevalence, but Higher Risk 

Thyroid cancer is nearly three times more common in women than men and is 40%–50% less common in Black people than in any other racial or ethnic group. For 2026, the American Cancer Society estimates an estimated 45,240 new cases will be diagnosed (13,240 in men and 32,000 in women), alongside around 2,320 deaths. The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database also shows that from 1980 to 2016, incidence rates rose sharply from 2.39 to 7.54 cases per 100,000 in men and from 6.15 to 21.28 in women. Even though rates have been stabilized in recent years, they remain far higher than before. 

Black Patients Less Likely to Receive the Recommended Surgery 

The American Thyroid Association stated that Black patients faced a significantly higher risk of dying from thyroid cancer. Additionally, while differences in tumor biology explained most of the risk for Hispanic patients, it was revealed that it was not the case for Black patients. 

To add to this disparity, the American Thyroid Association revealed that Hispanic patients were most likely to receive guideline‑recommended surgery (79%), while Black patients were least likely (68.9%). With that being said, nearly every patient with advanced cancer got the correct operation (96.6%), and only 63.7% of early‑stage patients received the same standard of care. Thyroid cancer surgery is highly specialized and outcomes depend heavily on correct technique and the surgeon’s level of experience. By not receiving the recommended operation immediately, Black patients are at higher risk for complications, recurrence, and long-term mortality.. 

The Real Driver is Social Determinants of Health 

Researchers have found that the social determinants of health that affect thyroid cancer survival rates and treatment options include: 

• Income and insurance status 

• Education 

• Access to specialty care 

• Living in medically underserved neighborhoods 

• Delayed diagnosis 

• Lack of referral to high‑volume surgeons 

• Transportation or time barriers 

• Impacts of medical mistrust 

These factors shape when people get diagnosed, what treatments are offered, whether they can see the right specialists, and how consistently they can follow up. 

This means the disparity in thyroid cancer outcomes is not about biology, but about access, resources, and systemic inequities. The fact that Black Americans develop the disease less often yet are more likely to die from it reveals a deeper and more urgent truth. As thyroid cancer rates continue to rise nationwide, these inequities will only become more dangerous if left unaddressed. 

Click here to learn more about thyroid cancer. 

Is Thyroid Cancer Increasing in Incidence and Aggressiveness? 

Key Statistics for Thyroid Cancer 

Outcomes of thyroid cancer in African Americans 

Social Determinants of Health and Disparities in Thyroid Care 

What Black Communities Should Know About Thyroid Disorders 

Why do thyroid cancer outcomes differ across racial and ethnic lines? 

The post Thyroid Cancer Rates are Rising, and Black Patients Face Higher Risks appeared first on Black Health Matters.

Did you know January is dedicated to raising awareness about cervical health? Your cervix is the lower part of your uterus, which connects the uterine cavity to the vagina. It plays a vital role in reproduction and overall health. 

Keeping your cervix healthy is essential because issues like inflammation, abnormal growths, and cervical cancer can affect this small but vital part of your body. The good news is that there are simple steps you can take to protect your cervical health starting today! 

1. Get Regular Screenings: Pap Smear and HPV Test

Screening is one of the most effective ways to prevent cervical cancer. The Pap test (or Pap smear) and the human papillomavirus (HPV) test are used to check for abnormal cells and HPV infections that can lead to cervical cancer. 

Both tests involve gently collecting cells from your cervix for lab analysis. If precancerous cervical cell changes are found, they can be treated before they turn into cancer. HPV tests detect high-risk HPV types, while Pap smears examine cervical cells for abnormalities. 

Most cervical cancers occur in women who skip regular screenings, so stay on schedule and talk to your healthcare provider about your results and next steps.

2. Protect Yourself with the HPV Vaccine

The HPV vaccine helps prevent infection from virus types most commonly linked to cervical cancer. It also protects against some types that cause genital warts. 

It works best before exposure to HPV, so vaccination is recommended for children ages 9–12. Teens and young adults aged 26 and under who have not been vaccinated should receive the shots as soon as possible. The vaccine is administered in 2 or 3 doses, with side effects typically mild, such as soreness at the injection site. 

It is important to note that no vaccine provides complete protection against all cancer-causing HPV types, so regular cervical screenings are still essential. 

3. Limit HPV Exposure and Use Condoms

HPV spreads through skin-to-skin contact, including vaginal, anal, and oral sex. It can also spread without sex, such as through hand-to-genital contact. Since HPV is common and often has no symptoms, anyone can pass it on without knowing. 

You can lower your risk by limiting the number of sexual partners and being cautious of partners who have had many others. Using condoms also helps to reduce HPV transmission and related health issues like genital warts, cervical dysplasia, and cervical cancer. While condoms do not fully protect against HPV because they do not cover all areas (like the scrotum), they are still one of the easiest ways to lower your risk when combined with regular screenings and vaccination. 

4. Exercise and Eat a Healthy Diet

Regular physical activity can help lower your risk of cervical cancer by strengthening the immune system, supporting hormonal balance, and reducing inflammation. With just 30 minutes of aerobic exercise, such as walking, swimming, or cycling, you can make a meaningful difference in your health. 

You can also pair exercise with a diet rich in fruits and vegetables. These foods provide antioxidants and minerals that support your body’s fight against HPV infections and slow the process by which healthy cells become cancerous. Together, movement and nutrition support overall health and reduce your risk. 

5. Quit Smoking

Smoking exposes you and those around you to cancer-causing chemicals that affect more than just the lungs. These harmful substances are absorbed through the lungs and carried throughout the body in the bloodstream. 

Women who smoke are about twice as likely to develop cervical cancer compared to those who do not. Tobacco products have been found in cervical mucus, and researchers believe these chemicals damage the DNA of cervical cells, ultimately increasing cancer risk. Smoking also weakens the immune system, which makes it harder to fight HPV infections. 

6. Understand the Risks of Long-Term Birth Control Use

Research shows that using oral contraceptives for many years (5+) can increase the risk of cervical cancer. The longer the use of oral contraceptives, the higher the risk of cervical cancer. Fortunately, the risk decreases after stopping the oral contraception and eventually returns to normal over time. Hormones in the oral contraceptive pills may influence cervical cells, potentially increasing cancer risk. If you plan to use birth control pills long-term, talk with your doctor about the benefits and potential risks. 

Resources

American Cancer Society: The HPV Test

American Cancer Society: Pap Tests

American Cancer Society; Can Cervical Cancer Be Prevented?

HCG Oncology

American Cancer Society: Cervical Cancer Risk Factors

Frontiers in Pharmacology

The post 6 Tips for a Healthy Cervix appeared first on Black Health Matters.

COVID-19

COVID-19 continues to circulate during the 2025-2026 respiratory virus season. According to the CDC’s Respiratory Illness Data Channel, national COVID activity is low but increasing, and the virus remains one of the primary contributors to winter respiratory illness alongside influenza and RSV.

Clinicians are also noting shifts in how COVID is showing up this season. In an interview with Parade, infectious disease experts reported that recent variants are causing more upper respiratory, cold-like symptoms rather than lower-respiratory pneumonia that was more common early in the pandemic.

COVID-19 Symptoms

The CDC notes that people with COVID-19 can experience a wide range of symptoms, from mild to severe. Symptoms may appear 2 to 14 days after exposure and can include:

• Fever or chills
• Cough
• Shortness of breath and difficulty breathing
• Fatigue
• Muscle or body aches
• Headache
• New loss of taste or smell
• Sore throat
• Congestion or runny nose
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea

COVID-19 Vaccination

COVID-19 can still be serious, especially for older adults, people with underlying health conditions, and those who are immunocompromised. The CDC recommends a 2025-2026 COVID-19 vaccine for people ages 6 months and older, based on individual decision-making, and emphasizes that vaccination is particularly important for adults 65 and older and others at higher risk for severe disease.

Influenza (Flu) 

Seasonal influenza activity remains elevated across the United States and continues to rise, according to the CDC’s latest surveillance data. The 2025-2026 flu season is shaping up to be rather severe, with widespread illness and rising hospitalizations reported across the country. Many states are reporting high or very high flu activity, and several regions are seeing sharp increases in emergency department visits and flu-related hospital stays.

The World Health Organization (WHO) notes that influenza A (H3N2) is one of the major strains circulating globally this season, and it has been associated with increased illness in several regions.

Flu Symptoms

Yale Medicine notes that flu symptoms can range from mild to severe and often begin suddenly. Common symptoms include:

• Fever
• Chills
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Muscle or body aches
• Headaches
• Fatigue
•  Vomiting
• Diarrhea

Flu Vaccination

The CDC recommends a flu vaccine for everyone 6 months and older, with extra importance for adults 65+, young children, pregnant people, and those with underlying conditions. For 2025-2026, the Food and Drug Administration and the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices introduced updates to flu vaccine options, including expanded age approvals.

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)

RSV is a common respiratory virus that can affect people of all ages, but it tends to cause the most severe illness in infants, young children, and older adults. According to the CDC, RSV activity is elevated in many parts of the country, with emergency department visits and hospitalizations increasing among children ages 0-4 this season.

RSV Symptoms

Symptoms usually appear four to six days after infection and may include:

• Runny nose
• Decrease in appetite
• Coughing
• Sneezing
• Fever
• Wheezing

RSV Vaccination

For the 2025-2026 season, the CDC recommends RSV vaccination for adults 75 and older, adults 50-74 at increased risk, and protection for infants through maternal vaccination or a one-time RSV monoclonal antibody dose before their first RSV season.

Protecting Yourself and Others

The symptoms of these viruses can overlap; to be accurately diagnosed, concerned patients should consult their medical professionals for laboratory tests. In addition to getting vaccinated, people can do a few things to protect themselves, such as:

• Wearing a well-fitting mask in higher-risk situations to reduce the spread of respiratory droplets.
• Utilizing air filters and promoting air circulation by opening windows.
• Cleaning frequently touched surfaces to reduce the spread of germs.
• Washing hands regularly with soap and water.

When trying to prevent the onset of respiratory diseases, the quality of being proactive should not be undervalued. Using one’s discernment is a priceless tool, as it is imperative to stay away from people who are sick; close proximity to illnesses can significantly increase the chances of exposure to a respiratory virus.

 Resources:

Respiratory Illnesses Data Channel | Respiratory Illnesses | CDC

Most Common COVID-19 Symptoms Right Now (January 2026) – Parade

Symptoms of COVID-19 | COVID-19 | CDC

Staying Up to Date with COVID-19 Vaccines | Covid | CDC

Weekly US Influenza Surveillance Report: Key Updates for Week 52, ending December 27, 2025 | FluView | CDC

New influenza variant is surging, but vaccination still our best bet: WHO | UN News

Influenza (Flu) | Fact Sheets | Yale Medicine

Prevention and Control of Seasonal Influenza with Vaccines: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices — United States, 2025–26 Influenza Season | MMWR

Respiratory Illnesses Data Channel | Respiratory Illnesses | CDC

RSV Vaccine Guidance for Adults | RSV | CDC

Immunizations to Protect Infants | RSV | CDC

The post COVID-19, Influenza and RSV: Respiratory Triad Prevention & Peaks appeared first on Black Health Matters.

Your body is always speaking, and Superpower helps you finally understand what it’s saying. Superpower is a health and wellness company focused on making advanced biomarker testing simple, accessible, and actionable for everyone. Their mission is to give people clear insights into their bodies without the complexity or cost of traditional medical testing.  

How it Works 

With a simple 15-minute blood draw, either at one of over 2,000 partner labs nationwide or from the comfort of your own home, Superpower measures 100+ biomarkers that influence your energy, hormones, stress, sleep, and overall well-being. This includes metabolic health (including blood sugar, insulin, and A1C), heart and vascular health (like cholesterol, triglycerides, and ApoB), hormone balance (including estrogen, testosterone, SHBG, and cortisol), thyroid function (TSH, T3, and T4), liver and kidney health, inflammation levels, nutrient status (such as vitamin D, iron, and B12), immune system markers, and key indicators of energy and longevity. 

What the Results Will Tell You 

In 5–10 days, you will receive a simple, easy-to-read wellness report that highlights what is supporting your health and what may need more care. There is no medical jargon because your results are explained in a way that matches your comfort level and gives you real clarity. 

Once your sample is analyzed, you will receive an easy-to-understand report and personalized health plan that includes tailored recommendations for diet, lifestyle changes, and supplements. Beyond testing, Superpower offers a connected ecosystem that allows you to book additional diagnostics, purchase curated supplements at members-only discounts, and manage everything through your Superpower dashboard.  

How Much Does This Cost? 

It is a subscription-based service. For the $17/month fee (HSA/FSA eligible), you get continuous access to your dashboard, ongoing support, and new tests whenever you need them. You also gain access to Superpower AI, which is a tool that helps explain your results and answer questions in plain, supportive language. 

Superpower is one of several companies that are leading the way in personalized health solutions. Biomarker testing and wellness tracking are becoming increasingly common as people look for more control and clarity over their health and wellness.  

Whether you are tracking long-term health, addressing symptoms, or simply want a deeper understanding of your body, Superpower gives you the data and the confidence to take the next step. 

The post Unlock Your Wellness with Superpower  appeared first on Black Health Matters.

But here is the thing we do not always admit out loud. Sometimes, the stress is not just what is happening around us. It is how hard we judge ourselves for feeling anything other than cheerful.

Why Holiday Stress Feels So Intense

Holiday stress is a reality for many. A report from the American Psychological Association found that 89 percent of adults feel stressed during the holiday season due to money concerns, missing loved ones, or anticipating family conflict. When you are carrying all of that at once, the season can feel heavier than expected. For Black families and caregivers, these demands often sit on top of year-round responsibilities and cultural expectations to stay strong for everyone, which can make the pressure feel even more intense.

When stress rises, the body’s alarm system stays switched on. Sleep becomes lighter, patience gets shorter, and small frustrations feel bigger. None of this means you are doing anything wrong. It means your nervous system is carrying more than usual.

Researchers also note that emotional self-judgment makes stress heavier. People who criticize themselves for feeling sad, anxious, or overwhelmed tend to stay stressed longer. Those who accept their emotions as normal human responses recover more quickly.

The Pressure to Get It Right

Many of us walk into the holidays with an invisible checklist. Perfect meals. Perfect gifts. Perfect behavior from everyone involved. Social media, family traditions, and cultural norms all feed the idea that joy must look a certain way.

Many Americans feel pressure to create meaningful holiday experiences even when they are tired or financially stretched. When you are the one holding the season together, it is easy to believe that one misstep will ruin everything.

The truth is that most families remember connection more than perfection. They remember who made them laugh, who listened, and who created a moment of calm. They rarely remember whether the table settings matched or the desserts looked flawless.

What Your Feelings Are Saying

Psychologists often describe emotions as signals. Sadness can be a support request. Frustration can be a sign that a boundary has been crossed. Anxiety can be a reminder that you need rest or clarity. When you treat emotions as information rather than problems, you create space to respond rather than react.

The National Alliance on Mental Illness notes that acknowledging emotions early can prevent them from building into something heavier.

This is especially important during the holidays, when many people feel pressure to push through discomfort for the sake of tradition.

You can accept an emotion without accepting the situation that caused it. You can feel irritated and still decide to set a boundary. You can feel lonely and still reach out for connection. You can even feel overwhelmed and still choose to slow down.

How to Take Care of Yourself This Season

Sometimes the most challenging part of the holidays is knowing where to start. These small shifts can help you protect your energy and move through the season with more ease.

Keep It Simple

Overscheduling is one of the most significant sources of holiday burnout. Choose the gatherings that genuinely bring you joy and let the rest go. Protecting your time is part of protecting your well-being.

Make Travel Easier

Holiday travel is stressful for almost everyone. If you are flying, choose the simplest route you can. If you are driving, limit the number of stops and events you commit to. The goal is to arrive with your peace intact.

Spend Mindfully

Financial stress is one of the top holiday triggers. A simple budget can make a real difference. Small, thoughtful gifts are just as meaningful as expensive ones. Homemade treats or shared experiences often mean more than anything you can buy.

Eat and Drink with Care

The holidays come with plenty of opportunities to overdo it. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention encourages moderation with both food and alcohol. Enjoy what you love, stay hydrated, and listen to your body.

Enjoy Family Your Way

Family time can be beautiful and complicated. If you need a breather, take one. A short walk or a quiet moment can help you reset. Caring for yourself is not disrespectful, it is necessary.

Find Common Ground

Differences can feel louder during the holidays. Try to center the things you share rather than the things that divide you. If a conversation becomes tense, it is okay to step away or set a boundary.

Take a Moment

Rest is essential. Give yourself pockets of time to read, nap, stretch, or simply be still. Even ten minutes of quiet can help your nervous system settle.

Honor Your Grief

The holidays can make loss feel sharper. Make space for your feelings, light a candle, or maybe share a story. Create a small ritual that keeps your loved one close.

Keep Your Rhythm

Your body thrives on consistency. Regular meals, enough sleep, and a little movement each day can help you feel more grounded.

Reach Out

If this season is hard for you, you do not have to carry that alone. Lean on your community. Talk to someone you trust. Let people show up for you. The holidays don’t require perfection. They require presence, honesty about what you can and cannot do, and compassion for yourself and the people you love.

You deserve a season that feels like yours, not one where you’re performing for everyone else. The holidays are gentler when people are comfortable, and comfort starts with taking care of yourself in small, real ways. Permit yourself to do that this year.

Resources:

Even a joyous holiday season can cause stress for most Americans

Critical Things to Know About Emotions for Mental Health and Healing | NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness

Alcohol Use and Your Health | Alcohol Use | CDC

The post The Secret to a Stress‑Free Holiday Season appeared first on Black Health Matters.

People don’t always talk about it, but grief has its own calendar. It doesn’t care that the world is covered in lights or that everyone else seems to be in a matching pajama mood. It arrives when it wants to, sometimes softly, sometimes like a wave that knocks the wind out of you.

And if you are feeling that this year, you are far from alone.

How Grief Colors the Holidays

The holidays intensify emotional stress, especially for people who are grieving. In a 2023 national survey by the American Psychological Association, 38 percent of U.S. adults said that missing family or loved ones is one of the biggest sources of holiday stress. That number sits right alongside financial pressure and family conflict, which shows how deeply loss shapes the season. The number reflects how rituals, traditions, and family gatherings are built around connection. When someone is missing, the whole season feels rearranged.

For many people, the weight can feel even heavier when they are not only grieving someone they have already lost but also preparing for the loss of someone they still have. Anticipatory grief can be its own kind of heartbreak. You find yourself trying to memorize the sound of their voice, the way they laugh, the small details of who they are in this moment. You hold on tightly to the present, knowing that soon these moments will become memories. Living in that in-between space can make the holidays feel tender in a way that is hard to explain, and even harder to carry.

How Grief Sneaks Up on You

Grief does not always arrive in the same way. Sometimes it drifts in slowly, something you can almost steady yourself against. Other times it rushes in all at once, sharp and overwhelming, leaving you confused by how quickly everything inside you can change.

You may find yourself exhausted for reasons you can’t name, avoiding certain songs or certain stores without fully realizing why. A scent, a recipe, or a familiar melody can stop you mid-step. A memory you didn’t ask for can rise up out of nowhere. It’s the quiet kind of grief that settles into your days and your body before you even have the language for it.

None of this means you’re failing or falling apart. It means your heart is carrying something it never wanted, and if we’re being honest, something no one can ever truly prepare for.

You Don’t Have to Pretend You’re Okay

Grief can make you feel out of rhythm with the world, especially during the holidays. In the American Psychiatric Association’s 2024 Healthy Minds Monthly Poll, 47% of Americans said that grieving a loss or missing a loved one was one of their top sources of holiday stress, and 28% said they felt more stressed than the previous year.

So, if everyone else seems to be celebrating while you’re just trying to get through the day without breaking down in the middle of the grocery store, you’re not imagining it; the season really does hit differently when you’re grieving.

Ways to Care for Yourself This Season

There is no single right way to move through grief during the holidays, but there are practices that can make the season feel a little more manageable. Here are a few options you can reach out to when you need support.

Let yourself feel what you feel.

Grief is unpredictable. You may feel heavy one moment and surprisingly okay the next. Both experiences are normal. Permitting yourself to feel what is true for you can ease some of the pressure you may be carrying.

Name what is coming up for you.

Writing down the emotions you expect to feel or those already showing up can make the season feel less overwhelming. Naming things often makes them easier to hold.

Allow the grief to move.

Trying to push grief away usually makes it stronger. Letting it rise and fall in its own rhythm can reduce the intensity of the pain.

Practice self-compassion

If you have the energy to join a gathering, go. If you do not, it is okay to stay home. You are not letting anyone down by honoring your limits.

Take care of your body.

Grief affects sleep, appetite, energy, and concentration. Rest when you need to. Move when it helps. Step outside for light and air. Small acts of care matter more than you think.

Ask for support

The holidays add extra weight to everyone’s plate. If you need help with errands, childcare, cooking, or simply company, reach out to someone you trust. You do not have to carry everything alone.

Tell people what you need.

If certain traditions feel too painful, say so. If you want someone to mention your loved one’s name, say that too. Clarity helps others show up for you in the right way.

Create a small ritual of remembrance.

Light a candle, pour libations, make their favorite dish, play a song they loved, or share a story; rituals do not have to be elaborate to be meaningful.

Start new traditions (if you need to).

If recreating past holidays feels impossible, allow yourself to do things differently this year. Change can be a form of care.

Be around people who feel safe.

You do not have to be cheerful or “on.” You need to be with people who let you be exactly where you are in this moment.

For those who are facing the anticipated loss of a loved one, the holidays can carry a different kind of weight. Try to stay close to what feels meaningful right now instead of worrying about how you think you should feel. Spend time with your loved one in ways that feel natural, take breaks when emotions run high, and let others help with the practical things. It’s okay to feel sadness, fear, gratitude, and love all at once. You don’t have to hold everything together. You only have to move through this season at a pace your heart can manage.

A Few Things to Keep in Mind

Grief shows up differently for everyone, but these are some of the experiences many people share:

• changes in sleep or appetite
• difficulty concentrating or feeling mentally foggy
• waves of sadness, anger, guilt, or numbness
• fatigue or low energy
• withdrawal from social activities
• irritability or restlessness
• physical tension, headaches, or stomach discomfort
• trouble feeling connected to things that once brought joy

If you notice these signs in yourself, you’re not doing anything wrong. They’re common responses to loss, and they often shift over time.

You might also find it helpful to talk with a mental health professional if the grief feels overwhelming or complicated to navigate alone. Therapy can offer a steady place to process what you’re carrying and get support that fits your needs.

There is no magical cure for grief. It finds its way into your core, often defying your requests for peace. While that may feel unsettling, remember that grief is natural, your feelings are valid, and your path through this season is uniquely yours. You are allowed to move at your own pace. That in itself is an act of strength.

Resources:

Even a joyous holiday season can cause stress for most Americans

Psychiatry.org – One Quarter of Americans Say They Are More Stressed This Holiday Season Than in 2023, Citing Financial

The post Finding Your Way Through Holiday Blues & Grief appeared first on Black Health Matters.

Your Doctor Will Prescribe a Specific Delivery Method

Chemotherapy isn’t one size fits all. Your oncologist may recommend a specific delivery method based on the type and stage of your cancer.  

Types of Chemotherapy Delivery

• IV chemo Injected directly into a vein 

• Oral chemo taken as pills or capsules 

• Intramuscular IM chemo injected into the muscle 

• Subcutaneous (SQ) chemo injected into the fatty tissue under the skin 

• Intra-arterial (IA) chemo directly into an artery that feeds blood to the tumor 

You May Experience Side Effects

Because chemotherapy also affects healthy cells in the body, such as those in the hair and skin, it may affect them as well, leading to side effects. 

According to the American Cancer Society, common side effects include: 

• Fatigue 

• Hair Loss 

• Nausea and vomiting 

• Appetite changes 

• Anxiety 

• Depression 

• Fertility problems 

• Skin and nail changes 

• Constipation 

• Diarrhea 

• Infection risk 

• Peripheral neuropathy  

Four Tips for Managing Side Effects

• Fatigue: take short naps and ask for help from your loved ones to complete tasks 

• Hair loss: consider using a cold cap to prevent too much hair loss 

• Infection risk: practice good hygiene and distance from those who are sick 

• Mental health: join support groups or participate in counseling  

When to call your cancer team about side effects: 

• Fever above 100.5–101°F (or as instructed by your team) 

• Bleeding or unexplained bruising 

• Rash or signs of allergic reaction (swelling, severe itching, trouble swallowing) 

• Intense chills 

• Pain or soreness at the chemo injection or catheter site 

• Unusual or severe pain, including intense headaches 

• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing (If your symptoms are severe, call 911 immediately.)

• Persistent diarrhea or vomiting 

• Blood in stool or urine 

Black Patients May Experience Chemotherapy Differently

Side effects of chemotherapy are not the same for everybody and can vary significantly by race. According to a study published in Cancer Epidemiology Biomarkers and Prevention in 2023, “among individual symptoms, Black women reported a higher prevalence of sweating, itching, numbness, change in taste and appetite, and hair loss.”  

These findings emphasize the need for more inclusive clinical trials to identify chemotherapy drugs that are both effective and better tolerated across diverse populations. While these findings can feel discouraging, it is important to know that no one has to face this journey alone. Across the country, various organizations work to close gaps in cancer care and provide resources to help those navigating this journey. 

How to Prepare For Your Chemo Day

Here are some things you can do to make coping with treatment side effects easier. 

1. Pack a chemo bag 

Bring a bag with items that can bring comfort on treatment day, such as snacks, a book, headphones, a blanket, nausea medication, phone chargers, water, comfy socks etc. 

2. Freeze Meals

Cooking during chemotherapy can be challenging due to fatigue, so preparing meals ahead of time can be helpful. 

3. Take care of yourself 

Get lots of rest, drink water, get enough sleep, exercise, and eat balanced meals 

4. Organize your calendar  

Plan your schedule around your treatment days. Give yourself time to rest afterward in order to recover. 

Organizations Supporting Black Breast Cancer Patients:

1. The Tigerlily Foundation 

The Tigerlily Foundation, founded by breast cancer survivor Maimah Karmo, empowers young women throughout their cancer journeys with education, advocacy, and support services, ultimately striving to end disparities.  

2. Sisters Network Inc. 

Sisters Network Inc. is the only black breast cancer survivorship organization founded by four-time breast cancer survivor Karen Eubanks Jackson. This organization aims to assist thousands of women battling breast cancer through education, support, empowerment, and outreach.  

3. African American Breast Cancer Alliance 

The African American Breast Cancer Alliance was founded in 1990 by a group of black women survivors who recognized the lack of breast cancer awareness and support in their community. Their mission involves creating a supportive space for black women facing breast cancer.

4. The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network’s Black Volunteer Caucus  

The Black Volunteer Caucus focuses on policy change and equity ultimately working to decrease death and suffering in the Black community.  

Resources 

American Cancer Society: Types of Chemotherapy 

American Cancer Society: Chemotherapy Side Effects 

Cancer Epidemiology Biomarkers and Prevention: Race Differences in Patient-Reported Symptoms during Chemotherapy among Women with Early-Stage Hormone Receptor–Positive Breast Cancer  

The post Understanding Chemotherapy: Side Effects, Preparation, and Racial Disparities 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.

The Reality of HS

Frank is one of the 1 in 100 Americans living with HS, based on prevalence estimates reported in JAMA Dermatology. It is a chronic immune-related skin condition that causes painful bumps, lesions, and flare-ups in areas where skin rubs together. These flare-ups can make holiday travel unbearable, turn festive outfits into sources of dread, and transform simple gatherings into moments of physical stress. HS is often invisible to others, but its impact is constant.

How HS Shapes the Holidays

“Living with HS has always made the holidays feel different for me,” Frank said. “While others focused on the excitement, I was constantly wondering if a flare-up would hit. I felt pressure to show up looking and feeling fine even when I was not.”

Instead of slipping easily into celebration, he found himself quietly calculating pain levels, comfort, and how much his body could handle.

“So, instead of simply enjoying the moment, I often had to prepare myself both physically and emotionally in ways my peers did not.”

When Joy and Pain Collide

Frank remembers one holiday in particular. It was a moment that should have been simple and warm.

“I remember spending parts of the holidays feeling really uncomfortable, even when everything around me was joyful,” he said. “On the outside, I looked fine, but inside, I was fighting through discomfort that made even simple moments feel heavy.”

It is the kind of invisible burden many people with chronic illnesses carry, especially during a season that expects cheerfulness.

Adjusting Traditions and Expectations

Over time, Frank learned to adapt holiday traditions in ways that protected his body and energy.

“I choose clothing that will not irritate my skin. I try to avoid long stretches of sitting in uncomfortable chairs or tight spaces. I build in moments to step away and rest if I need to,” he explained. “I enjoy the holidays, but I just participate at a pace that honors where my body is.”

Balancing Participation and Pain

The desire to be fully present does not disappear, but neither does the unpredictability of HS.

“I had to learn that giving myself grace is not the same as missing out,” he said. “Some years I could do everything, and some years I needed to move slower or say no. My worth is not tied to how much I can physically do.”

What He Wishes Others Understood

Frank wishes that people could see the whole picture.

“I wish people understood that even when I look fine, I may still be dealing with real discomfort,” he said. “I am not being distant or disengaged if I need to sit something out. I am still grateful to be there. I am just listening to my body.”

Strategies That Help

Managing HS during the holidays often means focusing on what can be controlled.

“I take Cosentyx to help manage my symptoms,” Frank said. “Rest is a big one. Staying mindful of stress and protecting my peace is another. I stick to a gentle routine that keeps my body supported, even when my schedule gets busy. And honestly, asking for help or slowing down when I need to has made a huge difference.”

The Power of Community

“Recently, I was part of a Cosentyx event. That was a turning point for me,” Frank said. “Sitting in a room with people who understood this condition on a personal level reminded me of the power of community. Hearing our stories side by side made it clear that none of us are walking this alone.”

During a season when many people with chronic conditions feel isolated, that sense of connection matters.

A Message to Others Living With HS

For people navigating HS or any chronic condition during the holidays, Frank offers a message rooted in compassion and truth.

“You are not behind, you are not broken, and you are not alone,” he said. “Your body may move differently, but your light is still just as strong. Take things at your own pace, protect your peace, and know that there is a whole community of people who understand exactly what you are carrying. You belong in every room you enter, exactly as you are.”

Resources:

Frank Grimsley (@franknthecity) • Instagram photos and videos

The Circle Netflix (@thecirclenetflix) • Instagram photos and videos

Prevalence of Hidradenitis Suppurativa: A Systematic Review and Meta-regression Analysis | Dermatology | JAMA Dermatology | JAMA Network

Hidradenitis Suppurativa | COSENTYX® (secukinumab)

The post Frank Grimsley of The Circle on Living With HS During the Holidays! appeared first on Black Health Matters.

The 2025 State of the Period report shows just how common these moments are. Board-certified OB-GYN Dr. Fran Haydanek, partnering with Thinx, a company known for its reusable period underwear, says the findings reveal the weight of stigma and the urgent need for support.

Basic Menstrual Health Screenings Are Not Always Available to Black Teens,

“From the 2025 State of the Period findings, it’s clear that period shame is showing up in the smaller, everyday moments for Black teens,” Dr. Haydanek explains. Eighty-three percent report tucking pads or tampons away when they leave class. More than half avoid specific movements or activities due to concerns about leakage. She says these patterns show how many teens feel they must manage their periods quietly, without the support or understanding they deserve.

The survey also found that nearly one in five Black teens has never received a basic menstrual health screening. Many are navigating their symptoms without guidance, leaving them vulnerable to misinformation and isolation.

A Lack of Support and Preparation

Teens want products they can count on, honest, accurate education, and adults who understand menstrual health and take their pain seriously. Yet only three in ten feel their school supports them.

“Even though access to free products has improved in some places, stigma has grown since 2023,” Dr. Haydanek says. That gap is why she partnered with Thinx to share practical tips for parents, coaches, and after-school instructors.

The disconnect also shows up in education. Many teens report that they first experienced their period before they learned about the menstrual cycle. That lack of preparation leaves them feeling unready and unsupported at a critical moment.

Creating Safe Spaces

Dr. Haydanek believes adults play a central role in shifting stigma. “It is up to parents, teachers, coaches, and mentors to shift the stigmas associated with periods by normalizing and helping teens to feel safe asking for support,” she says.

Her advice is straightforward. She urges adults to create judgment-free zones, empower teens with education, encourage open communication, and suggest products designed for teens. She points to Thinx Teens period underwear, which offers up to twelve hours of leakproof protection, as one option that helps teens move through their day with less worry.

The findings also show that when teens feel supported, they are more likely to ask questions. When asked who they would turn to with a private health concern, many said they would go to a parent or trusted adult rather than a teacher or health professional. That trust is an opportunity for families and mentors to step in with accurate information.

The High Cost of Access

“For a lot of families, it comes down to cost and inconsistent access,” Dr. Haydanek says.

Teens spend about forty dollars a month on products, which can strain tight budgets. Nearly half of Black teens say their families have had to adjust what they buy because of financial pressure. That often means wearing products longer than recommended or relying on friends.

Economic pressure also affects participation in sports and extracurricular activities. Teens report missing activities because of cramping, fatigue, irritability, or fear of spotting. These experiences show how stigma and cost combine to limit opportunities.

Where Brand Messaging Stops Short

“We need to have more discussions about warning signs when it comes to menstrual health,” she says. Periods can signal what is happening inside the body. Irregular cycles, pain that causes missed school or work, or the disappearance of periods altogether should be evaluated by an OB-GYN.

Yet brand messaging often focuses only on empowerment without addressing these health realities. Teens need clear information about when to seek care, not just slogans.

They Are Ready to Break Taboos

The findings also show teens are pushing for change themselves. Eighty-two percent want more advocacy around menstrual health in 2025. Even though only 62% feel in control of their periods, 81% say they have helped someone feel more comfortable talking about theirs. Peer support is reshaping the conversation and breaking the silence.

Measuring Impact

Dr. Haydanek says awareness is not enough. “We need to continue to push for things like the removal of the pink tax on items like menstrual products, because they are not a luxury good. We need access to menstrual products in schools, especially for populations with limited resources. And most importantly, I am pushing for continued funding for gynecologic research.”

The survey makes clear that stigma is real, but so is resilience. Teens are speaking up, supporting one another, and asking for change. With adults who listen and policies that prioritize menstrual health, the next generation can move through their lives with confidence instead of shame.

Resources:

PERIOD SOTP 2025 Report_10.20.25_SHARED

Period and Bladder Leak Underwear | Thinx

Shop All: Teen Period Underwear | Thinx

The post Black Teens Are Confronting Period Stigma appeared first on Black Health Matters.

Dr. Annelle Primm, M.D., MPH, Senior Medical Director of the Steve Fund, has spent her career addressing mental health disparities. She explains how the break between semesters can be both restorative and isolating, and what families and communities can do to help students feel supported.

Independence Meets Family Traditions

“College students who have grown accustomed to independence may have to readjust to their family environment when they come home for the holidays,” Dr. Primm says. That shift can spark conflicts over routines or even political beliefs. For students without supportive home environments, the break can feel isolating rather than restorative.

Signs Your Student May Be Struggling

Families should pay close attention to changes in behavior. Dr. Primm points to withdrawal from activities, sleeping much more or less than usual, or significant shifts in appetite. “Persistent sadness, hopelessness, or frequent tearfulness are important signals,” she explains. More concerning signs include talk of being a burden, reckless behavior, or giving away meaningful possessions.

The Extra Burdens Black Students May Carry

While all students face stress, Black students often shoulder additional burdens. “Financial concerns may affect Black students disproportionately,” Dr. Primm notes, pointing to the ripple effects of job losses among Black families. Grief also weighs heavily, as shorter life spans in Black communities mean young people often face losses earlier.

“These pressures converge during the holidays, when financial strain intensifies, and family absences feel most acute,” she says.

Belonging Can Feel Complicated

Returning home can strengthen a sense of belonging through cultural traditions and family connections. But for some, it highlights differences. “If the student’s family is conflicted about them attending college and the student has adopted new ways of thinking, they may feel out of place or estranged,” Dr. Primm observes.

For those staying on campus, an empty environment can amplify loneliness. Social media often compounds the feeling, showing peers surrounded by family and celebration.

Family Moves That Make a Difference

Dr. Primm recommends mindfulness meditation as a way to reduce stress. “Take one step at a time so as to focus on the here and now,” she says. She also urges families to start open, judgment-free conversations, validate students’ experiences, and respect their independence while maintaining connection.

The Steve Fund’s Holiday Mental Health Toolkit offers practical tips and reflection tools to help families navigate this season.

Faith and Community as Healing Spaces

Churches and community groups can play a vital role in reducing stigma. “It is important for people to know that mental health concerns do not signify a failure of faith,” Dr. Primm explains. Trusted messengers can reassure students that seeking help is not a weakness but a strength.

Tech Can Connect or Disconnect

Platforms like My Digital Sanctuary foster community through love, hope, and creativity. But Dr. Primm cautions, “Anything in excess can be problematic. Exclusive reliance on technology without in-person connection may be a barrier to strong mental health.”

Building Year-Round Support

Dr. Primm stresses that support cannot be seasonal. “Creating cultures of care on campus that take into consideration lived experiences should be a goal of the administration, faculty, and staff,” she says. Sustained change requires transparent reporting, inclusion of Black student voices, and dedicated funding.

The holidays should be more than getting through the challenging moments. With care, honesty, and lasting commitment, families and communities can create spaces where students feel seen, supported, and embraced not only during the season of celebration but throughout the year.

Resources:

The Steve Fund

Holiday Mental Health Toolkit – The Steve Fund

My Digital Sanctuary – The Steve Fund

The post College Students Home for the Holidays May Need Mental Health Support appeared first on Black Health Matters.

Here are some foods and beverages that may worsen urinary urgency — and why cutting back could offer real relief:

Beverages

Coffee and Other Caffeinated Drinks

Caffeine doesn’t just wake you up—it wakes your bladder up, too. Caffeine acts as both a diuretic (increasing urine output) and a bladder irritant (enhancing bladder sensitivity). That espresso shot, cup of tea, or even hot cocoa can send your bladder into overdrive.

Soda and Carbonated Beverages

Carbonation can stimulate the bladder lining, which causes urgency. Additionally, sodas often contain caffeine, sugar, or artificial sweeteners, each of which can trigger symptoms on its own.

Alcoholic Beverages

Alcohol dehydrates and irritates the bladder, while also increasing urine production. Even one drink may increase bathroom visits. Consider limiting yourself to a single serving if you’re dealing with OAB.

Too Much (or Too Little) Water

Hydration is essential, but overdoing it can overwhelm the bladder. Drinking too little concentrates your urine, which irritates the bladder. It is recommended to consume 6–8 glasses of fluids per day, letting thirst guide you.

Foods

Cranberries

While cranberry juice may help prevent UTIs, its acidity and diuretic effects can worsen urgency in people with OAB. It flushes the system but may cause more frequent bathroom trips.

Spicy Foods

That spice from hot sauce, wasabi, or pepper flakes doesn’t just ignite your mouth; it may also inflame your bladder lining. This irritation can worsen urgency and frequency. If you love spice and flavor, try cooking with herbs instead of heat-heavy spices.

Processed Foods

Highly processed foods often contain artificial preservatives, sweeteners, and additives. These are ingredients known to aggravate bladder symptoms. Choosing whole and minimally processed foods is a safer alternative for bladder comfort.

Chocolate

Chocolate contains caffeine and can increase bladder sensitivity. If it’s your go-to treat, consider switching to white chocolate (no caffeine) or dark chocolate (more cocoa, less sugar) to minimize irritation.

Citrus Fruits and Other Acidic Foods

Grapefruits, oranges, cranberry juice, and tomatoes are all acidic enough to irritate the bladder. While citrus provides nutrients, the acidity can increase urgency for people with OAB. You can opt for gentler fruits like apples, pears, or blueberries.

Ingredients

Sugar and Artificial Sweeteners

Both real sugar and sugar substitutes such as Splenda, Equal, Sweet’N Low, and even honey can irritate the urinary system and worsen OAB symptoms. Cutting back on or eliminating sweeteners may provide noticeable relief.

Raw Onions

For some individuals, consuming raw onions can irritate the bladder. Cooking them makes them milder and easier to tolerate, and shallots are a gentler alternative.

Tomatoes

Tomatoes and tomato-based sauces are naturally acidic and may irritate the bladder. Reducing acidity in sauces may make it easier to tolerate. Try adding shredded carrots, a splash of cream, or a tiny pinch of baking soda to neutralize the acidity. Overall, small changes to your diet can make a big difference in bladder comfort. Paying attention to your triggers and adjusting what you eat and drink can help you regain control and reduce frequent bathroom trips.

The post Here Are 11 Foods That Trigger An Overactive Bladder appeared first on Black Health Matters.

The Association of Black Cardiologists (ABC), led by President Anthony Fletcher, MD, is confronting this crisis through its Every Heart Counts: ABC Cardiology Deserts Campaign.

What Are Cardiology Deserts

Dr. Fletcher describes a cardiology desert as “a community where people don’t have reliable, timely access to cardiologists or preventive cardiovascular care.” These deserts exist in both rural and urban settings. In rural areas, patients may travel long distances to see a specialist, while in cities, socioeconomic barriers and overburdened health systems often block access.

Barriers Beyond Distance

Even proximity to a clinic does not guarantee care. A recent ABC survey found that:

• One in four adults must travel 10 to 20 miles to see a heart specialist, particularly in Louisiana, Arkansas, Georgia, and Mississippi.
• Twenty two percent of respondents said they tried but could not secure a cardiology appointment.
• Nearly one in five Black adults have never received a basic heart screening.

Knowledge gaps add to the challenge. Forty percent of Americans surveyed had no prior awareness of the two major types of cholesterol. HDL is commonly referred to as good cholesterol, and LDL is commonly referred to as bad cholesterol. Among Black respondents, that number rose to 54 percent. Only about one third of adults know their own cholesterol levels.

Changing Perceptions Through Trusted Voices

Dr. Fletcher notes that heart health involves more than treatment after a diagnosis; prevention is essential. Survey findings show that one in five adults believe they do not need heart care, with an emphasized prevalence among older adults, rural residents, and women. In response, ABC works with local leaders, churches, and community organizations to encourage screenings and preventive care. Fletcher explains that these community voices help make heart health feel safe and achievable.

Supporting Primary Care Providers

In many under-resourced areas, primary care providers are the only option for heart health. ABC equips them with training, tools, and resources to identify risks earlier and connect patients to appropriate care. With seed sponsorship support from Amgen, the campaign is already active in Arkansas, Georgia, Louisiana, and Mississippi, states where the need for preventive care is most urgent.

Building Long Term Change

For communities historically excluded from heart health conversations, long term change means breaking cycles of crisis care. ABC’s goal is to move from emergency interventions to sustained, equitable access to preventive screenings and education that reflect lived experiences.

A Call to Black Families

The numbers are shocking, nearly one in five Black adults have never received a cardiovascular screening. That means millions may be living with hidden risks. Dr. Fletcher urges families to learn their heart health history, schedule annual screenings, and regularly check blood pressure and cholesterol. These simple steps, he says, “can be lifesaving.”

Cardiology deserts are a national crisis, but they do not have to be permanent. With trusted voices and equitable access, ABC’s Every Heart Counts campaign is working to ensure that every heart truly counts.

Resources:

Association of Black Cardiologists – Saving the hearts and minds of a diverse america

FILE_4757.pdf

Missing Coordinates: America’s Cardiology Deserts | Amgen

The post Every Heart Counts: Tackling Cardiology Deserts appeared first on Black Health Matters.

What Are the Symptoms of SAD?

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

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

Who Experiences SAD?

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

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

Top Ten Cities Where SAD Hits Hardest

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

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

The Best Treatments for SAD

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

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

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

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

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

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

Resources

John Hopkins: What is Seasonal Affective Disorder?

Cleveland Clinic

National Institute of Mental Health

ThriveWorks:Seasonal Affective Disorder

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

The Big Beautiful Bill Has a Long Rollout

The US Congress passed and signed H.R. 1, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, into law. This new federal law will cut $1 trillion in healthcare spending through 2034 and potentially result in up to 15 million more people living without health insurance by 2034. The estimated impact of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, or the 2025 Budget Reconciliation Act, does not seem to reflect the desires of most US citizens, who believe that access to healthcare is a right that the government should provide.

How These Benefits Have Helped Black and Brown Communities

According to The Urban Institute, ‘Enrollment in the nongroup market in 2025, which includes the Marketplace, is estimated to be substantially higher across all racial and ethnic groups with enhanced PTCs relative to a scenario without enhanced PTCs. Enrollment increases among Black people (79 percent higher) and Hispanic people (61 percent higher) with enhanced PTCs are greater than enrollment increases among White people (42 percent higher).

A report by Oliver Wyman estimates that there may be a slow reversal of the gains we’ve made in insuring our families. The report predicts that up to 1.3 million Black enrollees and 2.4 million Hispanic/Latino enrollees will leave the ACA marketplace by 2027. A decline of 52% and 48% respectively, if the PTCs expire.

The Healthcare Marketplace Premiums Are Very Different for 2026

Earlier this month, millions of previously eligible people began applying for, or attempting to renew, their health insurance policies through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Health Insurance Marketplace. They got sticker shock.  As a result of federal budget cuts to healthcare spending approved by Congress, they are no longer eligible for the same low-cost coverage initially provided by legislation signed into law under the Obama administration.

Changes to the ACA Health Insurance Marketplace will be gradual, but being aware of how these policy shifts will impact you and your household could be critical in preserving your access to affordable healthcare in the future.

 The Enhanced Premium Tax Credits (PTCs) Will Expire

Earlier laws provided additional PTCs, allowing for enhanced subsidies that made health insurance more affordable for many middle-income people and those above 400% of the federal poverty level. As a result, beginning with health insurance plans after 2025 (or in some cases after 2026), people who benefited from these enhanced subsidies could see a significant reduction in subsidy amounts, leading to higher out-of-pocket insurance premium costs and cost-sharing.

What this Could Look Like:

A 40-year-old woman with an annual income of $28,000 (138% of the federal poverty level for one person in many states) purchased a Silver-level insurance policy on the ACA marketplace that is heavily subsidized.

She pays $325 for the year (1% of her annual income) after the PTC is applied. According to an analysis by KFF (an independent source for health policy research, polling, and news), if the PTCs expire, her payment could rise to $ 1,562 (6% of her annual income).

If you are someone in the upper income range (for example, above 400% federal poverty level) and previously benefited from enhanced subsidies tailored for that income range, you are especially at risk of seeing a drop in support, making your coverage more expensive.

What this Could Look Like:

According to a KFF analysis, a 60-year-old couple earning about $85,000 annually (402% of the poverty level) could see an annual premium increase of over $22,600 in some states if the PTCs expire.

 Changes to the Enrollment Process and Verification

The new law requires additional, more frequent verification of eligibility for lower-cost insurance premiums, such as income documentation or proof of citizenship.

What this Could Look Like: According to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, people who previously self-reported their income may now have to provide official documentation, such as pay stubs or employer letters. For someone with an income that can vary throughout the year, like seasonal workers, gig workers, or the self-employed, this could be particularly difficult. They’ll have to collect pay records, possibly explaining income swings.

It will also require anyone who receives health insurance through the ACA Marketplace to manually re-enroll each year to maintain their coverage. Unlike before, policyholders will not be automatically re-enrolled for the following calendar year.

It reduces or eliminates specific special enrollment periods for low-income enrollees or other people seeking to enroll outside the standard enrollment period. If your income changes or you have a significant life event and want to enroll outside the typical open enrollment window, you may have fewer opportunities to do so.

The standard open enrollment period for most states will be from November 1, 2025, to January 15, 2026.

State-specific Exceptions Reported by healthinsurance.org and KFF:

1. California: November 1 – January 31, 2026

2. New Jersey: November 1 – January 31, 2026

3. New York: November 1 – January 31, 2026

4. Rhode Island: November 1 – January 31, 2026

5. District of Columbia (D.C.): November 1 – January 31, 2026

6. Massachusetts: November 1 – January 23, 2026

7. Idaho: October 15 – December 15, 2025

8. Virginia: November 1 – January 30, 2026

More Restrictions on Eligibility for Immigrants

The law creates stricter eligibility requirements for certain lawfully present immigrants, causing previously eligible immigrants to lose their Medicaid/CHIP benefits and access to lower-cost Marketplace premiums.

What this Could Look Like: The rule removes DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) recipients from the definition of “lawfully present” for ACA eligibility. DACA recipients could lose eligibility for ACA Marketplace plans and the associated premium tax credits.

Changes to access affordable health insurance, for now, are inevitable. And because many of these shifts have been placed in the hands of your state lawmakers, the rules will vary. It is imperative that everyone, even those with employer-sponsored private insurance, carefully review their health insurance options at the very beginning of the open enrollment period. Do not wait. Plan for how you and your family will offset a potential increase in premium cost or changes to your eligibility. Do your research now. The ACA Health Insurance Marketplace is live at healthcare.gov, and the open enrollment period has begun.

For eligible US citizens who are struggling with the federal government’s decision to cut healthcare spending and create even more barriers to affordable, adequate healthcare, a simple yet powerful form of defense is to use your voice in upcoming elections. It was our elected officials who voted to pass the 2025 Budget Reconciliation Act that created the now-lawful reductions to healthcare subsidies that millions of us need.

Allow your voice to be heard among the collective. Your next opportunity to elect lawmakers who will work in the interest and desire of you and your community will be in early 2026.

In the words of one of our greatest civil rights leaders and creative minds, “The proof that one truly believes is in action.” -Bayard Rustin

The post What You Need to Know About Health Insurance Now! appeared first on Black Health Matters.

They are often brushed off as routine, but in older adults they can masquerade as something else entirely. That is what makes them tricky, and sometimes dangerous.

When a UTI Looks Like Something Else

Doctors and caregivers know that UTIs in seniors rarely follow the textbook. Instead of the familiar burning sensation or urgency, the infection can show up as:

• Sudden confusion or delirium, often mistaken for dementia progression.
• Excessive sleepiness or fatigue, dismissed as “just aging”.
• Loss of appetite, confused with depression or medication side effects.
• Dizziness and falls, attributed to balance problems or frailty.
• Bed-wetting or incontinence, assumed to be a bladder control issue.

According to Harvard Health, these atypical signs are especially common in postmenopausal women, whose hormonal changes leave urinary tissues more vulnerable. And as UCSF clinicians point out, delirium caused by infection is often mistaken for dementia, a misdiagnosis that can delay treatment until the infection becomes severe.

Why Risk Rises With Age

Several factors make UTIs more common in older adults:

• Weakened immunity with age.
• Chronic conditions like diabetes or kidney disease.
• Catheter use in hospitals or nursing homes.
• Functional disability that limits self-care.
• Exposure to bacteria in long-term care facilities.

According to Cleveland Clinic, urinary tract infections are among the most commonly diagnosed infections in older adults. For women over age 65, the incidence rate is over 10 percent, and it rises to almost 30 percent for women over age 85. Misdiagnosis rates in hospitalized older adults may be as high as 40 percent.

The Treatment Puzzle

Treating UTIs in older adults is not always straightforward. Doctors often need to be careful about which antibiotics they prescribe, because many seniors are already taking medications for diabetes or kidney problems. Some antibiotics can interfere with those medicines or make side effects worse.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises using targeted antibiotics such as nitrofurantoin or fosfomycin. These are drugs that specifically attack the bacteria most likely to cause UTIs. On the other hand, the CDC warns against using fluoroquinolones in people with advanced kidney disease.

Fluoroquinolones are a powerful class of antibiotics, but in older adults they can sometimes trigger confusion, known medically as delirium, dangerously low blood sugar, or even problems with blood vessels.

In 2025, the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) published its first set of guidelines for what doctors call “complicated UTIs.” A complicated UTI is one that happens in someone with other health issues, or one that does not respond to standard treatment. According to the IDSA, certain bacteria are now resistant to many of the usual antibiotics. “Resistance” means the bacteria have adapted so the drugs no longer kill them effectively. As a result, doctors often have to turn to stronger medications, which can clear the infection but also carry more side effects.

What Happens If It’s Missed

In many older adults, a UTI may not cause a fever. Without that obvious warning sign, the infection can go unnoticed and untreated for a long time. When bacteria are left to multiply, they can travel from the bladder up into the kidneys. This more serious infection is called pyelonephritis, which simply means a kidney infection.

A kidney infection can cause urine that looks cloudy or smells bad, sharp pain in the back or side, fever with chills, and nausea or vomiting. If the infection continues to spread, it can enter the bloodstream and affect the whole body. This stage is called urosepsis. Sepsis is the body’s extreme reaction to infection, and in this case it starts in the urinary tract.

Urosepsis is a medical emergency. It can cause dangerously low blood pressure, damage to organs, and in severe cases, death. Early signs include confusion, rapid breathing, and swelling in the tissues. That is why recognizing a UTI early, even when it does not look typical, is so important for older adults.

Prevention That Works

While UTIs are common, there are practical steps that can reduce risk:

• Stay hydrated with plain water. Drinking enough fluids helps flush bacteria from the urinary tract.
• Practice good hygiene. Wipe from front to back after using the bathroom, and choose showers instead of long baths to limit exposure to bacteria.
• Urinate regularly. Avoid holding urine in, which allows bacteria to multiply and weakens the bladder over time.
• Consider vaginal estrogen. For postmenopausal women, this can restore tissue health and lower infection risk.
• Explore methenamine. This non-antibiotic option is gaining attention for preventing recurrent infections, according to JAMA Network Open.

The Core Message

UTIs in older adults are common, but their disguises make them easy to miss. Families and caregivers should pay attention to sudden changes in mood, appetite, or cognition, which may be signs of infection rather than aging. With smarter prevention and careful treatment, older adults can avoid the complications that turn a simple infection into a serious health crisis.

References:

UTI in older women: Why postmenopausal women are susceptible to urinary tract infection, and what to do about it – Harvard Health

1015-Degesys- UTI in the Elderly HREM 2025 Final pdf.pdf

The Truth about UTIs in Older Adults

Outpatient Clinical Care for Adults | Antibiotic Prescribing and Use | CDC

Complicated Urinary Tract Infections (cUTI): Clinical Guidelines for Treatment and Management

Guidelines for the Prevention, Diagnosis, and Management of Urinary Tract Infections in Pediatrics and Adults: A WikiGuidelines Group Consensus Statement | Infectious Diseases | JAMA Network Open | JAMA Network

The post UTIs in Older Adults: The Hidden Confusion Behind a Common Infection appeared first on Black Health Matters.

Glover Had a Very Bad Headache

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

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

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

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

Symptoms of a Stroke

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

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

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

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

If you experience any of these symptoms, call 911.

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

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

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

Glover had two surgeries to treat the issues.

A Second Chance

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

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

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

— Dat (@DatDaDatty) November 23, 2025

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

Resources

American Stroke Association Stroke Symptoms and Warning Signs

Mayo Clinic Patent foramen ovale

The post Donald Glover Revealed He Suffered a Stroke appeared first on Black Health Matters.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 10% of people with type 2 diabetes are of normal weight. That means weight alone does not determine your risk.

We May Need to Adjust Our Understanding of What Healthy Means

This misconception is so common that researchers say it’s time to rethink our understanding of “healthy.” “Being at a healthy weight may not necessarily be healthy,” said Arch Mainous, a professor of health services research, management, and policy at the University of Florida. “We have some strong data that says we need to rethink our model of what we think is healthy. This may require a paradigm shift so that we’re not just looking for diabetes in the overweight and obese.”

Even before type 2 diabetes develops, many normal-weight people enter a stage called prediabetes. This is where blood glucose levels are elevated but not yet in the diabetes range. This stage can last for years without symptoms. However, prediabetes still damages the body and raises the risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes later on.

Understanding Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is a condition where the body becomes resistant to insulin or does not produce enough of it to regulate blood sugar. Insulin’s job is to help glucose get into your cells for energy. When insulin does not work properly, blood sugar builds up in the bloodstream.

Over time, uncontrolled blood sugar can lead to:

• Heart disease
• Kidney damage
• Nerve damage
• Vision problems

Understanding your risk beyond weight is crucial.

Why Normal-Weight People Still Develop Type 2 Diabetes

1. Genetics Family history is one of the strongest predictors.

•  One parent with diabetes:40% risk
•  Both parents with diabetes: 70% risk

Keep in mind that genetics can override body size. Additionally, certain ethnic groups also carry a higher genetic risk regardless of weight. This includes African Americans, South Asians, Native Americans, and Hispanics.

2. Visceral Fat (“TOFI”—Thin Outside, Fat Inside)

You can look thin on the outside and still carry harmful visceral fat around the organs. This hidden fat produces inflammatory chemicals that lead to insulin resistance. Simply, this means a person can weigh less but still be metabolically unhealthy.

3. Sedentary Lifestyle

Even when you are at a normal weight, being inactive affects how your body processes glucose. As Mainous put it: “Saying that sitting is the new smoking sounds trite, but there’s a certain level of truth to it.” The lack of bodily movement reduces insulin sensitivity, ultimately making blood sugar harder to regulate.

4. Diet

A thin body does not protect you from the effects of:

•  Sugary drinks
•  Refined carbs
• Processed foods

These foods spike blood sugar and force the pancreas to work overtime. This can gradually lead to insulin resistance, regardless of your weight.

5. Age

As we age, our metabolism slows and insulin sensitivity decreases. That’s why the American Diabetes Association recommends routine screening beginning at age 35, regardless of weight.

6. Gestational Diabetes

Even thin, healthy women can develop diabetes during pregnancy. Nearly half of the women who experience gestational diabetes will develop type 2 diabetes later in life.

What You Can Do — Despite Size and Prediabetes

•  Ask for blood sugar screening (A1C)
• Move regularly, even 10-minute walks
• Improve diet quality, not just calorie count
• Know your family history
• Watch for symptoms, no matter your weight

Since prediabetes is silent and can occur at any body size, experts stress that everyone should know their numbers. A simple A1C test can detect prediabetes early, which is when lifestyle changes are most effective.

The bottom line: Your health is not defined by the number on the scale; it is what is happening beneath the surface that matters the most. The real question is: what is happening beneath yours?

Resources

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Can people with normal weight get type 2 diabetes

American Diabetes Association: Prediabetes

American Diabetes Association: Early Screening and Risk Monitoring

Gestational Diabetes

The post Are You Too Thin to Have Prediabetes? appeared first on Black Health Matters.

Sanchez’s Symptoms Seemed to Come Out of the Blue

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

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

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

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

What Are the Treatment Options for FSGS?

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

Medications may include:

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

Lifestyle changes you need to keep in mind:

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

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

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

Why Treating Genetic FSGS May Be Different

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

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

FSGS Clinical Trials

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

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

When Tweens and Teens Do Not See Themselves

“The biggest challenge I see among my patients is when they go online and don’t feel a sense of belonging. For many Black and Brown youth, scrolling through social media means constantly viewing beauty products marketed primarily for white complexions and rarely seeing themselves authentically reflected in wellness or beauty content,” Dr. Hartman explains.

“This lack of representation sends a harmful message that their natural features aren’t valued or ‘standard.’ When teens can’t find themselves in the images that define beauty and health, it has a profound impact on how they perceive themselves. They’re left feeling like outsiders, which is especially harmful in spaces that claim to be about self-care and confidence.”

The Sephora Kid Phenomenon

It may have been a rite of passage for teenagers to get their first skincare system from Clinique decades ago, but today, skincare is being marketed to younger and younger audiences.  An article in the journal Pediatric Dermatology, “This new obsession has been coined the ‘Sephora Kid’ trend, where young children engage in complex, multistep skincare regimens, spurred on by influencers on social media.”

“However, the increasing use of skincare products poses real physical dangers to young people, and the impact of unrealistic beauty ideals and social pressures is mounting. Social media has dramatically increased opportunities for comparison outside of one’s peer group.”

The article mentions the psychological impact of two things: highly-edited, and unrealistic images, combined with stealth advertising dominating their social feeds. They give teenagers, tweens, and those even younger “distorted realities that challenge their self-esteem.”

What the Research Shows

Recent studies confirm what many Black families already know. Social media can be both empowering and harmful, depending on what teens see and how they interpret it.

A 2024 study from the University of Southern California (USC) found that online platforms can support identity development for Black youth, but only when they see themselves reflected in affirming ways. Without that, constant exposure to Eurocentric beauty standards and curated perfection can erode self-esteem.

The 2025 USC follow-up study found that daily exposure to exclusionary content, limited representation, and online racism, including algorithmic bias, was linked to increased symptoms of anxiety and depression in Black adolescents. Algorithms are the behind-the-scenes systems that decide what content shows up in your feed. If those systems favor certain beauty standards or viral videos, they can reinforce harmful patterns without teens even realizing it.

Excessive screen time and symptoms of depression and anxiety, especially among girls and Black youth, were among the findings of a 2025 CDC report. Teens who reported feeling less attractive or less confident after scrolling were more likely to experience sleep disruption, disordered eating, and social withdrawal.

These findings support what Dr. Hartman sees in her practice. When Black teens do not see themselves reflected or feel pressured to conform to narrow standards, they are more vulnerable to self-doubt and digital burnout.

Watch For the Red Flags

Dr. Hartman encourages parents to watch for two major red flags. She says increased time on their phone, coupled with a noticeable decline in mood, is a key signal.

“If your teen is spending more hours scrolling but seems increasingly withdrawn, anxious, or down afterward, that’s a signal something isn’t sitting right. You might also notice them constantly checking for likes or comments, seeming preoccupied with how posts perform, or making negative comments about their appearance after being online.”

Boundaries That Build Trust

“It’s helpful, and encouraged, to establish clear boundaries around social media, and parents shouldn’t be afraid to set them,” Dr. Hartman explains. “I think sometimes parents worry so much about being liked by their teen that they lose sight of the fact that parenting is our job, not friendship.”

She recommends setting guidelines such as time limits on social media, no phone use after 9 PM, deciding which apps are acceptable or off-limits, and actively monitoring accounts. “Here’s something important to remember. Just because their friends are on certain platforms doesn’t mean your child needs to be.”

Dr. Hartman also urges parents to go beyond rules and talk about how social media works.

“Help your teen understand how social media works behind the scenes. Talk with them about how algorithms are designed to keep them scrolling, how influencers are often paid to promote products or lifestyles, and how many posts are carefully curated or edited, and aren’t real life,” she says.

“When teens recognize they’re being marketed to, often in ways designed to make them feel inadequate so they’ll buy something, they feel more empowered to think critically about what they’re seeing. This shifts the conversation from ‘you can’t use this’ to ‘let’s talk about what’s really happening here and how to protect yourself.’”

Cultivate Habits That Instill Confidence

Dr. Hartman recommends starting with phone-free zones and times. “No devices at mealtime, during family time, or late at night. These boundaries create natural pauses and protect sleep, connection, and presence.”

She also emphasizes emotional awareness.

“Encourage your teen to notice how social media makes them feel. After scrolling, do they feel energized or drained? Inspired or inadequate? Building this self-awareness helps them become more intentional users, not just passive victims of the algorithms. They can learn to curate their feeds by unfollowing accounts that trigger negative feelings.”

Diet Culture is Back

“Diet culture is having a major resurgence right now, and it’s showing up across social media platforms with different, and often dangerous, trends,” Dr. Hartman warns. “The good news is that parents don’t need to keep up with every viral trend. But parents can notice whether their teen’s relationship with food has changed.”

She lists warning signs to watch for.

“Skipping meals or significantly decreasing portion sizes, making excuses to avoid eating, eliminating entire food groups, using the bathroom during or immediately after meals, or dramatically increasing exercise. If you notice these behaviors, I’d suggest a conversation with them and considering reaching out for professional support with a doctor, school counselor or therapist.”

Model What You Want to See

“The most important thing, and admittedly the hardest, is to model the behavior you hope to see in your teen,” says Dr. Hartman.

“This means setting time limits for yourself, not scrolling at the dinner table, putting your phone away at night, and being fully present during family time. Teens are incredibly perceptive. If they see you constantly on your device, while you’re also telling them to limit screen time, it isn’t going to be as effective. When you demonstrate healthy boundaries with technology, you’re showing them it’s not only possible but that you find it valuable.”

Resources:

Lauren Hartman, MD – Aspen Grove Adolescent & Young Adult Medicine | Adolescent medicine | California, USA

New study finds that Black and Latinx youth online engagement can foster a positive sense of self | USC Rossier School of Education

Pediatric Dermatology

USC Rossier study links online racism, including algorithmic bias, to negative impacts on Black adolescents’ mental health | USC Rossier School of Education

Associations Between Screen Time Use and Health Outcomes Among US Teenagers

The post Perceptions of Beauty: Social Media’s Impact on Our Teens appeared first on Black Health Matters.

Let’s break down the myths and get to the facts.

Myth 1: Eating too much sugar causes diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes develops from a mix of genetics, insulin resistance, and lifestyle factors. Insulin resistance means your body doesn’t respond well to insulin, the hormone that helps move sugar from your blood into your cells. Eating a lot of sugar doesn’t directly cause diabetes, but it can contribute to weight gain, which increases your risk. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) confirms that excess calories from any source, not just sugar, can lead to obesity, a major risk factor.

FACT: Sugar doesn’t cause diabetes, but too much of it can raise your risk if it leads to weight gain.

Myth 2: Type 1 diabetes is more serious than type 2.

Both types are serious and require lifelong management. Type 1 is an autoimmune condition and is usually diagnosed in childhood. Type 2 diabetes is more common and often linked to lifestyle, but both can lead to complications like kidney failure, heart disease, and vision loss if not managed properly. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) emphasizes that neither type should be minimized.

FACT: All types of diabetes are serious and deserve proper care.

Myth 3: If you don’t take medication, your diabetes must not be that bad.

Some people manage type 2 diabetes with diet and exercise alone, especially early on. But diabetes can change over time. Even if you’re not on medications now, that could shift later. Regular monitoring is key.

FACT: Medication isn’t a measure of severity. It’s one of many tools to manage diabetes.

Myth 4: Insulin cures diabetes.

Insulin helps control blood sugar, but it’s not a cure. There is currently no cure for diabetes, though research is ongoing. The ADA notes that insulin is essential for many people, but it’s part of a broader management plan.

FACT: Insulin is a treatment, not a cure.

Myth 5: You’ll eventually lose your sight or limbs if you have diabetes.

Complications are real, but they’re not inevitable. With regular checkups, blood sugar control, and healthy habits, many people with diabetes live full lives without major complications.

FACT: Managing your diabetes can help prevent serious complications.

Myth 6: You can’t eat dessert if you have diabetes.

You can enjoy sweets in moderation. The key is balance. If you’re having cake, cut back on other carbs that day. The Joslin Diabetes Center recommends counting desserts as part of your total carbohydrate intake.

FACT: Dessert isn’t off-limits. It just needs to fit into your overall carb count.

Myth 7: Carbs such as bread and pasta are off-limits.

Carbohydrates are part of a healthy diet. The trick is portion control and choosing whole grains when possible. The ADA encourages people with diabetes to include carbs thoughtfully, not avoid them entirely.

FACT: You can eat carbs. Just be mindful of portions and pair them with fiber and protein.

Myth 8: Certain foods like grapefruit or cabbage soup burn fat.

There’s no magic food that melts fat. Only a calorie deficit and physical activity lead to weight loss. The National Institutes of Health confirms that while some foods may slightly boost metabolism, they don’t cause fat loss.

FACT: No food burns fat. Exercise and balanced eating do.

Myth 9: Eating after 8 p.m. causes weight gain.

It’s not about the clock. It’s about how much you eat and how active you are overall. The CDC notes that late-night eating only leads to weight gain if it pushes your daily calories over your needs.

FACT: Timing doesn’t cause weight gain. Extra calories do.

Myth 10: Skipping meals helps you lose weight.

Skipping meals can backfire, especially for people with diabetes. It can lead to overeating later or dangerous blood sugar drops. That drop is called hypoglycemia, and it can cause symptoms that include shakiness, confusion, dizziness, or even fainting. The ADA warns that skipping meals can increase your risk of hypoglycemia if you’re on insulin or other medications.

FACT: Eating regular, balanced meals supports better blood sugar and appetite control.

Myth 11: Managing diabetes means you have to follow a super restrictive diet.

Diabetes requires thoughtful eating, but that doesn’t mean your meals have to be bland or joyless. You don’t need to cut out entire food groups. Instead, focus on portion control, choosing whole grains over refined carbs, and pairing carbohydrates with fiber, protein, or healthy fats to slow down blood sugar spikes.

The CDC also recommends building meals around foods you enjoy, using smart swaps, and consistent meal timing. Restrictive diets often backfire. They can lead to frustration or binge eating. A sustainable approach includes fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and even occasional treats, just planned with intention.

FACT: Diabetes management does involve boundaries, but it doesn’t mean cutting out everything you love. Smart planning and balance are key.

Managing diabetes isn’t about perfection. It’s about staying informed and refusing to let myths shape your care. Whether you’re newly diagnosed or supporting a loved one, you deserve clear information and a plan that fits your life. The science continues to evolve, and so can your approach.

If you’ve heard these myths before, now you know better. If you’ve lived by them, now you can move forward with truth.

Resources:

National Diabetes Statistics Report | Diabetes | CDC

Know Your Facts About Diabetes | American Diabetes Association

What Is Diabetes? – NIDDK

Managing Diabetes During Rosh Hashanah | Joslin Diabetes Center

Dietary Supplements for Weight Loss – Consumer

Tips for Maintaining Healthy Weight | Healthy Weight and Growth | CDC

Causes and How to Prevent Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Glucose) | American Diabetes Association

Diabetes Meal Planning | Diabetes | CDC

The post Stop Believing These 11 Diabetes Myths appeared first on Black Health Matters.

A Trio of Losses

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

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

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

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

Grief Is a Multilayered Process

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

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

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

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

A Personal Project Becomes a Public Tribute

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

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

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

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

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

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

Big Love, Big Loss, Big Impact

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Language of Grief

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

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

The Widow Song

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

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

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

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

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

What followed changed everything. The pace of her days. The demands on her body. Her sense of control. But now she’s telling the story herself. She’s a breast cancer survivor, and she’s still here.

The Moment She Feared Had Arrived

Toks had gone years without a full mammogram. Between breastfeeding and the demands of daily life, it stayed on the back burner. After several reminders, her OBGYN became more direct and told her it was time to stop waiting. So, she went.

During the scan, doctors found calcifications. These are tiny calcium deposits that can form in breast tissue. While often harmless, certain patterns can signal early signs of cancer. A biopsy confirmed it in August 2022.

“I was told I had stage zero triple negative breast cancer,” she said.

Triple-negative breast cancer is one of the most aggressive types. According to the American Cancer Society, it grows quickly and does not respond to hormone therapies because it lacks three common receptors. That limits treatment options and increases the risk of recurrence. Within three weeks, her cancer had already advanced to stage one.

Toks had always feared cancer. It ran deep on her mother’s side with diagnoses across generations. Her father’s side, rooted in Nigeria, had fewer known cases, though she believes there may have been more that went unnamed. So when the biopsy confirmed triple-negative breast cancer, she wasn’t shocked.

“I had been terrified to get cancer my whole life,” she said. “I was almost relieved, honestly, to just know which one it was and get it done.”

Then Came the Reality Check

At just 46 years old, Toks had to shift into survival mode. In September, weeks after her diagnosis, she began treatment with a lumpectomy and radiation. A lumpectomy removes the tumor and a small amount of surrounding tissue. But when the pathology came back, the margins were not clear. That meant cancer cells were still present at the edges. She would need more surgery and chemotherapy.

Before starting chemo, she tried one round of egg fertilization. She and her husband had hoped for a second child. But her gynecologist stepped in.

“He’s like, stop it. Triple negative moves so quickly you’re gonna die,” she said. “I was like, okay, all right, Jesus.”

From Lumpectomy to Mastectomy

After another surgery with no clean margins, her oncological surgeon recommended a mastectomy. A mastectomy removes the entire breast to prevent further spread. Toks chose to remove both.

“She was like, listen, none of this is showing in any of the imaging we did,” she recalled. “We’re not seeing any of what we’re taking out of your body, so it’s making us really nervous.”

She began chemotherapy in early November, just after wrapping Fatal Attraction. The treatment was intense. Every three weeks, she returned for another round.

“I did four rounds of very strong chemo,” said Toks. “A week after I stopped chemo, I started working on Frasier.”

To help protect her hair, she used cold capping. The process involves cooling the scalp during chemotherapy to reduce hair loss, and it worked. Toks was able to keep about 50 percent of her hair.

The Circle That Held Her

Toks kept working, not to prove anything, but because it helped her feel like herself. Work was also essential to Tok’s healing.

“My husband was picking me up from work. My mother was dropping me off,” she said. “I had tons of people helping me carry things. That was a little difficult because I couldn’t carry my kid for a really long time.”

Her sister, best friend, and nanny helped care for her son. Insurance paperwork was handled by her financial manager. On set, her team made space for her to rest when she needed it.

“Sometimes I was like, I need to go upstairs and just rest for 25 minutes,” she said. “And they’d be like, yeah, no worries, we’ll make time for you.”

Parenting Through Treatment

While navigating surgeries and chemotherapy, Toks was also parenting a young child. Her son was still small and still used to their routines. She had to explain why things were changing, why she couldn’t carry him, why their time together looked different.

“We used to call my boobs my boo boos,” she said. “I said, so we can’t do boo boo time anymore, and he was sad, but he understood.”

She approached those conversations with honesty and compassion. She didn’t hide what was happening, but she didn’t overwhelm him either.

“I keep in mind that my kid is new here,” she explained. “I don’t put things on him that he doesn’t deserve.”

Her son responded with kindness. He would come in to chat, then tuck her into bed.

“He’d be like, Mommy, you need your rest,” he’d say.

She believes children know when something is wrong, even if no one tells them.

“I feel like you’re actually just making them more scared and anxious because they don’t know what the thing is,” she said.

Rest Is a Right

Toks spoke directly to the pressure Black women face to keep going no matter what. She spoke about how Black communities are among the most capable in the world.

“Especially Black women. We are versatile, good at problem solving and hard working. And we are insanely intelligent.”

She knows how deeply that pressure can affect health.

“One of the reasons that Black people get sick so much is that we don’t rest,” she said. “We have to stop believing the myth that rest equals laziness.”

A Community Lifeline

For Toks, healing was never just about her body. It was about being part of something larger. She spoke openly about the realities Black people face, and the strength that comes from community.

“I feel like Black people are placed in a position of being stressed out and not being able to give our families what they need,” she said. “We are placed in a position of not being able to live in clean areas, not being able to afford healthy food, not being able to afford health care, not being able to afford to take time off work.”

She named the systems that create those conditions. But she also named the power our communities hold.

“I think that we need to start talking to each other,” she said. “We need to start asking questions. We need to start sharing information.”

Advocacy Begins with Access

Toks now works with the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. She is using her voice to push for better access, better care, and better outcomes for Black women.

“Almost half of the women who are diagnosed with breast cancer are going to be Black women,” she said. “And one of the reasons for that is the disparity in what is available to us. We are placed in a position of being stressed out and not being able to give our families what they need.”

She has seen the consequences of delayed care and poor insurance firsthand. People she loves have waited far too long for the imaging and procedures they needed. She knows how quickly diseases can spread and how dangerous those delays can be.
She encourages people to ask questions, share what they learn, and help each other navigate the system.

“You need to figure out, as young as you possibly can, what your plan for your health care is,” she said. “If you’re going to somebody and you don’t feel heard, or you feel dismissed, or you feel like you can never get an appointment, find somebody else.”

And she wants Black women to know they matter.

“You need to see yourself and your life as precious,” she said. “We take care of so many other people. We have to be healthy too. Otherwise, we can’t take care of everybody else.”

Resources:

Triple-negative Breast Cancer | Details, Diagnosis, and Signs | American Cancer Society

Breast Cancer Research Foundation | BCRF

Will Scalp Cooling Save Your Hair During Cancer Treatment?

The post Actress & Activist Toks Olagundoye on Surviving Breast Cancer appeared first on Black Health Matters.

A Nonstop Schedule

Her fiancé Jesse Collins, who runs his eponymous production company, Jesse Collins Entertainment, has overseen mega events including the Super Bowl Halftime Show, the BET Awards, and more. Together, they’ve built careers on precision and performance.

“We both work hard and don’t always take care of ourselves the way we should,” she explained to People. “And sad to say, several of our friends have dropped dead of heart attacks because it’s a high-stress world. Jesse started his own company after his boss, John Cossette, died of a massive heart attack, so there’s always been that fear.”

So when she saw the post, she looked up the company and booked an appointment for the two of them.

Prenuvo’s scans range from $2,500 to $4,500, and appointments can take months to secure. Dionne booked two, one for herself and one for Jesse. At the time, she was more concerned about him.

They got scanned in March 2024. Jesse’s came back healthy. Unfortunately, Dionne did not.

Dionne Had No Symptoms

Her scan revealed a large mass in her right lung. The technician told her to contact a pulmonologist right away. A pulmonologist is a doctor who specializes in lung health, and even they were initially skeptical. Dionne had no symptoms. She didn’t smoke. It didn’t add up.

Still, she followed through. First came a chest X-ray, then a PET/CT scan. Unlike a regular scan, this one shows how tissues and organs are functioning, not just how they look. The results confirmed that the mass was active, and that meant cancer was likely. She was sent for a biopsy, where doctors removed a small piece of tissue to test under a microscope.

The diagnosis was confirmed by Dr. Graeme Rosenberg, a thoracic surgeon at USC. It was lung cancer, Stage 3.

“Most lung cancers are found by accident in the non-smoking population,” Rosenberg told People.

During surgery, doctors found that the cancer had already reached one of Dionne’s lymph nodes. The spread was microscopic, too small to appear on scans, but it changed her diagnosis. She was officially considered stage 3, despite having no symptoms and no visible warning signs.

Her surgeon told her they had acted just in time. A few months later, the cancer might have moved further, limiting her treatment options or removing them altogether.

“If you had found this six months later, we’d be talking about how to make the rest of your life comfortable,” Dionne recalled being told. “I would’ve died, for sure.”

She underwent robotic-assisted surgery using the Da Vinci system, which resulted in part of her lung being removed. The operation was a turning point. It gave her a chance to recover before the cancer could spread further.

Why Lung Cancer Gets Missed

Dionne’s story isn’t rare. It’s just rarely caught. Lung cancer is still widely seen as a smoker’s disease, but that assumption leaves too many people overlooked. According to the American Cancer Society, early-stage lung cancer often comes without symptoms. And when signs do appear, they’re easy to dismiss. A lingering cough. A little wheezing. Fatigue that feels like stress. For Dionne, there was nothing. No warning. Just a scan that saw what she couldn’t feel.

If There Had Been a Sign

Some of the earliest signs of lung cancer can include:

• A persistent cough.
• Chest pain that worsens with deep breathing or laughing.
• Shortness of breath or wheezing.
• Hoarseness or voice changes.
• Frequent respiratory infections.
• Unexplained fatigue or weight loss.

Dionne had none of these. No cough, no fatigue, no unexplained weight loss. By all accounts, she was fine until the scan said otherwise.

Recovery Wasn’t Pretty

The surgery was successful, but the recovery was difficult. Dionne, known for her independence and Type-A energy, had to rely on her mother for basic care. “My mom having to help me in the bathroom and wipe me was insane,” she recalled. Her fiancé Jesse became her full-time support system, keeping everything running while she healed. “It was amazing how he instantly went into support mode. Nothing mattered besides making sure I was okay and got through this.”

Instead of chemotherapy, Dionne qualified for a targeted drug therapy. She swallows one pill daily and schedules lung scans every six months. So far, everything has been clear.

In April 2025, Dionne ran the Paris Marathon. It was her way of reclaiming her body and her life.

“I was like, ‘I’m going to run this Paris marathon,'” she said, “just to prove to myself that I could, a year after my surgery and with [only a portion] of my right lung.”

From Survivor to Advocate

Now, Dionne is working with Rosenberg to launch a foundation focused on early lung cancer detection. She also got the chance to thank Kardashian directly. Her team reached out, and Kardashian responded with a post and a kind message. For Dionne, it was a meaningful moment. She told People that the post had ultimately led to her diagnosis and treatment, and she considers it life-saving.

A Warning to Black Women

The experience reshaped how Dionne thinks about health and visibility. She had always pushed through, showing up even when rest might have served her better. But this time, she paused and listened to her body. And it made all the difference.

Resources:

Emmy Producer Discovers Stage 3 Cancer After Prenuvo Body Scan (Exclusive)

Comprehensive whole body MRI scan for preventative care | Prenuvo

Lung Cancer Signs & Symptoms | American Cancer Society

The post A Full Body Scan Found Lung Cancer & Saved Her Life appeared first on Black Health Matters.

What is an Endemic?

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

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

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

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

The New Variants Keep Coming

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

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

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

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

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

There Are Three COVID Boosters

3. There are three COVID boosters available. 

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

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

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

Here’s What You Should Know About Getting Vaccinated

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The COVID-19 Vaccine and Cancer

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

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

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

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

You Still Need to Stay Vigilant

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

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

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

Resources

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

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

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

Your Fall Vaccine Guide

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

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

VaccineInformation.org

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

What Is COPD and Why Does It Matter

COPD is an umbrella term for lung diseases like emphysema and chronic bronchitis. It makes breathing harder over time, and there’s no cure.

• Emphysema damages the air sacs in the lungs, making it harder to take in oxygen.
• Chronic bronchitis causes swelling and mucus buildup in the airways, leading to a persistent cough and breathing difficulties.

In 2023, COPD was the fifth leading cause of death in the U.S., claiming over 141,000 lives, as reported by the CDC in its 2025 Data Brief.

To make matters worse, Black Americans are less likely to be diagnosed with COPD, even when they have symptoms. That means fewer chances for early treatment and more risk when pneumonia enters the picture.

The Dangerous Duo: COPD and Pneumonia

Pneumonia is an infection that inflames the air sacs in the lungs. For someone with COPD, pneumonia can be life-threatening. The lungs are already compromised, and the infection adds fuel to the fire. According to the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) 2025 report, pneumonia is one of the most common causes of hospitalization and death among people with COPD.

The pneumonia vaccine is an essential tool for managing COPD, yet it’s not reaching our community equally. That shortfall leads to more complications and more loss, as documented by the CHEST Foundation in 2023.

A Look at the Numbers

In 2023, the age-adjusted prevalence of COPD among Black adults was 3.5%, compared to 4.4% in White adults, according to the CDC. At first glance, that might seem like good news. But experts warn that underdiagnosis is a major issue in Black communities. A study published by the Journal of the COPD Foundation found that race and gender disparities are evident across all severities of airflow obstruction. In plain terms? Too many Black patients with COPD are left undiagnosed and unheard. And when pneumonia hits someone with undiagnosed COPD, the outcome can be devastating.

Why the Disparities?

These disparities reflect systems that haven’t been built with Black communities in mind. The gaps in care, diagnosis, and trust are real and reinforced in everyday clinical settings.

• Delayed diagnosis: Black patients are less likely to be referred for lung function tests. Symptoms are overlooked. Screenings get skipped. The result is missed opportunities for early treatment and a higher risk during flare-ups.
• Lower vaccination rates: Pneumonia and flu vaccines are essential for COPD management, but they are reaching Black adults at lower rates. That shortfall increases complications and leads to more hospital visits.
• Barriers to care access: Limited insurance coverage, long commutes to clinics, and under-resourced neighborhoods make accessing basic care more challenging. And once patients do reach the doctor, they often face shorter appointments, fewer referrals, and lower chances of seeing a specialist. As reported by Healthgrades, Black Americans with COPD are less likely to see a pulmonologist and more likely to be managed solely by primary care providers, where only 19% recommend pulmonary rehab, compared to 54% of specialists.
• Broken trust with health systems: Black patients have endured dismissal, bias, and neglect within medical spaces for decades. That history shows up in rushed visits, poor follow-up, and misdiagnoses. The system has earned mistrust. Rebuilding trust means delivering care that’s culturally competent, designed with equity in mind, and backed by accountability.

CHEST also reports that, over the last two decades, Black Americans have experienced the smallest decline in COPD mortality, just 0.7 per 100,000, compared to 5.5 among White Americans.

Spotting Pneumonia in COPD

COPD and pneumonia share similar symptoms, including cough, shortness of breath, and fatigue; however, they’re not interchangeable. For someone living with COPD, pneumonia can slip in, disguised as a routine flare-up. But sure signs stand out:

• Fever or chills: COPD rarely causes fever or chills. If it spikes, think infection.
• Sharp chest pain when breathing: Not typical of COPD alone.
• Sudden changes in mucus color or volume: Green or yellow may indicate an infection.
• Rapid breathing or heart rate: A sign the body’s under stress.
• Nausea, vomiting, or dizziness: Red flags like these often indicate that it’s more than just COPD.

Spirometry, also known as a lung function test, is often overlooked or misread in primary care. A 2024 study published in PLOS ONE found that many patients diagnosed with COPD were actually dealing with asthma or had normal lung function. At the same time, people who truly have COPD often go undiagnosed and face their symptoms without medical support, which raises the risk of serious complications like pneumonia being mistaken for a routine flare-up.

For caregivers and loved ones, noticing these changes can be the difference between early treatment and a dangerous spiral. You don’t need a medical degree, just awareness and trust in your instincts.

What You Can Do

If you or someone you love has a chronic cough, shortness of breath, or frequent respiratory infections, take it seriously. Ask your doctor about COPD and ensure that lung function testing is part of the conversation. Misdiagnosis can delay treatment and put lives at risk, especially when pneumonia is mistaken for something less urgent.

Get vaccinated against pneumonia and the flu, and lean on trusted resources like community clinics and health fairs for support. COPD and pneumonia continue to disproportionately affect our community. With awareness and advocacy, that reality can change. Breathing is a biological right, but too often it’s treated like a resource only some can afford to protect. Striving to know more is the first step in the right direction.

Resources

Products – Data Briefs – Number 528 – April 2025

2025 GOLD Report – Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease – GOLD

Partnering With the African American Community to Curb COPD – American College of Chest Physicians

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases | Journal of the COPD Foundation

COPD in Black Americans | Black People and COPD

Exploring the causes of COPD misdiagnosis in primary care: A mixed methods study | PLOS One

The post When Breathing Gets Harder (COPD and Pneumonia) appeared first on Black Health Matters.

Despite its alarming toll, lung cancer remains overlooked, under-screened, and underfunded. Black women have higher death rates despite lower smoking rates. While lung cancer rates are declining among men, they continue to rise in women. And it’s no longer just about smoking.

Why Lung Cancer Deserves More Attention

According to the American Lung Association, lung cancer causes more deaths than breast, colon, and pancreatic cancers combined. Yet public awareness remains low, and many women still believe they’re too young or too healthy to be at risk.

Black Americans are disproportionately affected. As reported by the American Cancer Society, systemic barriers in screening, diagnosis, and treatment contribute to worse outcomes, even though Black communities smoke less on average.

Here’s what every woman needs to know about lung cancer.

Lung Cancer Doesn’t Care How Old You Are

Many women in their 20s and 30s still believe lung cancer is an older person’s disease. But that’s not the full story. While most diagnoses occur between ages 55 and 65, women under 50 are now being diagnosed at higher rates than men in the same age group. In fact, women younger than 45 are more likely than men to develop lung cancer, according to a report published by the American Cancer Society.

You Don’t Have to Smoke to Be at Risk

Smoking remains the biggest risk factor, but it’s not the only one. According to the CDC, about 1 in 10 lung cancer cases occur in people who’ve never smoked. And women who’ve never smoked are still more likely than men to develop the disease. Exposure to radon, air pollution, and certain processed foods may also increase risk.

If you do smoke, quitting is still the most powerful step you can take. But don’t assume that being a nonsmoker means you’re in the clear.

Survival Rates Aren’t Improving Fast Enough

Here’s the good news: five-year survival rates have doubled, rising from 13% to 27%, according to the Lung Cancer Initiative. That’s thanks to better screening, targeted therapies, and immunotherapy. But lung cancer still causes more deaths than any other cancer in the U.S.

Women with lung cancer often face worse outcomes than men, especially when diagnosed late. Symptoms can be subtle or mistaken for other conditions. Watch for:

• A persistent cough.
• Shortness of breath.
• Hoarseness.
• Chest pain.
• Coughing up blood.

If something feels off, don’t wait.

You Might Need to Advocate for Screening

Low-dose CT scans can detect lung cancer early, before symptoms appear. But access and awareness remain uneven. Updated guidelines from the American Cancer Society now recommend screening for adults aged 50 to 80 with a 20-pack-year smoking history. Still, fewer than half of eligible people are getting screened.

If you’re at risk, ask your doctor directly. And if you’re uninsured or underinsured, look into community screening programs or patient navigators who can help.

Treatment Is Evolving and You Have Options

Today’s lung cancer care looks very different than it did even five years ago. Advances include:

• Targeted therapies for specific genetic mutations like KRAS, EGFR, and ALK.
• Immunotherapy that activates your immune system to fight cancer cells.
• Minimally invasive surgeries and robotic techniques that reduce recovery time.
• Same-day diagnosis and treatment in some centers, reducing delays.

If you’re diagnosed, your care team may recommend surgery, radiation, medication, or a combination. You may also qualify for a clinical trial offering cutting-edge treatments.

The Bottom Line

Lung cancer is still the deadliest cancer for women, but it doesn’t have to be. Awareness, early detection, and access to care can change the outcome. Whether you’re a smoker, a nonsmoker, young, or older, your risk is real, and your health is worth protecting.
If you’re concerned, speak up. If you’re eligible, get screened. And if you’re diagnosed, know that you are not alone, and you are not without options.

Resources:

Lung Cancer Trends Brief | American Lung Association

Cancer Disparities in the Black Community | American Cancer Society

Cancer Incidence Rate for Women Under 50 Rises Above Men’s | American Cancer Society

Lung Cancer Among People Who Never Smoked | Lung Cancer | CDC

ACS Cancer Updates 2025 | Lung Cancer Initiative

Lung Cancer Screening Guidelines | American Cancer Society

The post What Women Should Know About Lung Cancer 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.

Chronic illness affects millions, and more health experts now treat sleep as a key part of prevention and recovery. The CDC links sleep deprivation and sleep disorders to serious long-term health outcomes.

Diabetes

Studies show that short or disrupted sleep can raise the risk of type 2 diabetes. Sleep affects how the body regulates blood sugar, and poor sleep can lead to higher levels of hemoglobin A1c, a marker for long-term glucose control. Improving sleep quality may help people with diabetes manage their condition more effectively. Harvard Health notes that sleep loss disrupts insulin sensitivity and increases inflammation, both of which play a role in diabetes.

Heart Disease

Sleep apnea is a condition where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. It can make the body work harder overnight and raise the risk of high blood pressure, stoke, and irregular heartbeats. The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute reports that treating sleep apnea can lower the chance of cardiovascular risk and improve survival. One common treatment is a CPAP machine, which helps keep airways open while you sleep. Studies show that using a CPAP can reduce the risk of dying from heart-related issues in people with moderate to severe sleep apnea.

Obesity

Sleep affects metabolism and appetite. Children and adults who sleep less tend to gain more weight. The CDC highlights that sleep loss can disrupt the hypothalamus, the part of the brain that controls hunger and energy use. This is especially important for kids, whose brains are still developing. Kids who sleep less are more likely to gain excess weight, and those patterns can carry into adulthood.

Depression

Sleep and mental health are closely linked. People who don’t sleep well are more likely to feel anxious, overwhelmed, or depressed. Another common sleep disorder is insomnia, which means having trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up too early without feeling rested. In fact, sleep problems often show up before a mental health diagnosis. The same Harvard Health review found that teenagers with sleep issues developed depression 69 percent of the time and anxiety 27 percent of the time. Another study of young adults ages 21 to 30 showed that those with a history of insomnia were four times more likely to develop major depression within three years. Treating sleep disorders like apnea or insomnia can help ease symptoms and improve mood. That’s why sleep is now considered a key part of mental health care.

Emerging Insight

A global study of over 88,000 adults found that irregular sleep schedules, such as going to bed at different times or having a disrupted body clock, are linked to higher risks for dozens of diseases. These include liver damage and even gangrene.

Researchers say it is time to rethink what “good sleep” means. It is not about how many hours you get. It’s also about keeping a steady rhythm. That rhythm is called your circadian rhythm. It is your body’s natural 24-hour cycle that helps regulate sleep, energy, digestion, and immune function. When this rhythm is thrown off, it can trigger inflammation and raise the risk for chronic illness.

If you have been feeling off beat and restless, it may be time to take sleep seriously. Getting good rest is not a luxury. It is part of staying well. Talk to your doctor and consider tracking your sleep. Small changes can help your body recover what it’s been missing.

Resoruces:

Sleep Deprivation, Sleep Disorders, and Chronic Disease

How sleep deprivation can harm your health – Harvard Health

Advancing Heart, Lung, Blood, and Sleep Research

Phenome-wide Analysis of Diseases in Relation to Objectively Measured Sleep Traits and Comparison with Subjective Sleep Traits in 88,461 Adults

The post How Sleep Affects Chronic Disease appeared first on Black Health Matters.

The Wake-Up Call

In 2011, Rick Ross suffered two seizures within six hours. One happened mid-flight and forced his private jet to make an emergency landing. At the time, he reportedly 350 pounds, slept just three hours a night, and was eating 24-ounce steaks a 4 a.m., according to PEOPLE. His doctor told him that if he did not change his lifestyle, he might not survive.

Building a Routine That Worked

Ross began working with a Reebok trainer and developed a CrossFit-inspired workout that he called “RossFit.” His routine includes a warm-up jog followed by five exercise stations such as deadlifts and pushups. He trains for 30 minutes, four days a week. He also started working out with friends to stay motivated.

According to XXL, Ross told Men’s Health, “I’m happy. I’m still losing weight, and now I’m starting to build hard muscle in places.”

Ross didn’t cut everything out at once. He knew that quitting all the foods he loved would only backfire, so he made gradual changes instead. That approach helped him stick with it and avoid falling back into old habits.

Eating With Intention

Ross did not eliminate fast food entirely. He told PEOPLE that he still eats at places like Checkers and Wingstop, but only between noon and 5 p.m., and only two or three days a week. The rest of the time, he works with a chef to prepare meals that are healthy and satisfying.

“My advice for anyone looking to lose weight is to not make it feel like a job,” he said. “You’ve got to enjoy it.”

Sleep became a priority as well. Ross realized that rest was just as important as food and movement, especially after years of pushing through exhaustion.

More Than a Decade Later

By 2025, Ross has maintained a weight loss of at least 75 pounds. Some estimates place the total closer to 100. He continues to train, eat intentionally, and speak publicly about the importance of health. His transformation has sparked broader conversations about wellness among Black men, especially in communities where structural barriers delay diagnosis and treatment.

Ross’s journey began with fear and moved through trial and error. He didn’t set out to meet a goal on the scale. He focused on building a routine that felt possible. Over time, that routine became a life that supports him and it’s still unfolding.

Resources:

Rapper Rick Ross Reveals How He Lost 75 Lbs. to Save His Life After His Seizures

Rick Ross Reveals How Much Weight He Lost to Avoid Seizures

The post Inside Rick Ross’s Health Transformation appeared first on Black Health Matters.

What She Told Cam Newton

K. Michelle joined Cam Newton on his Funky Friday podcast for a conversation that felt honest and unfiltered. They talked about music, body image, and the years she spent recovering from cosmetic procedures.

When Cam asked what she wanted people to know, she didn’t hesitate. “I’m not against plastic surgery. Do your research. Do what you need to do if that is for you,” she said. “But no amount of plastic surgery is going to make you love yourself anymore.”

She described what it was like to have one of the most talked-about bodies in the industry while quietly dealing with pain. “I had the hugest [butt] in life. I could not walk,” she said. “People magazine said I had one of the best bodies ever. That almost cost me my life.”
She explained that once silicone is injected, it doesn’t leave.

“You can take out a breast implant. You can take out things like that. But once you inject silicone shots into your body, that is motor oil that forever lives in your body.” She called it a permanent decision for a temporary fix.

The conversation also touched on shifting beauty standards. K. Michelle is no stranger to shifting trends, especially when it comes to the body types that have been favored over the decades. The truth is, it moves fast and rarely makes room for those who made permanent choices to fit in. These days, she consistently emphasizes the importance of clarity before going on the table.

How It Started

Her honesty didn’t start with Funky Friday. K. Michelle has long been vocal about what her body’s been through.

“I had just got a new record deal, and I felt like the bigger the butt, the bigger the career,” she told Essence in 2022. “I already had a big butt. It was just ridiculous.”

In 2012, she underwent illegal silicone injections to enhance her hips and butt. “I wanted to look like a Coke bottle,” she told PEOPLE. She had already had her breasts augmented and fat transferred from her stomach to her rear. When she learned that one of her favorite rappers had done it, she decided to go through with the injections, despite knowing the man in Atlanta offering them wasn’t a licensed doctor.

For a while, she was happy with the results. Her career gained momentum, and she was cast on Love and Hip Hop. But in 2017, her body began to break down. She experienced migraines, fatigue, and pain in her back and legs. Doctors initially suspected lupus before discovering that the silicone had spread through her tissue and was threatening her ability to walk.

She tried liposuction, hoping it would remove the material. Instead, it pushed the silicone further. After a few performances on tour, she was rushed to the emergency room.

Rebuilding Her Body, Reclaiming Her Voice

What followed was a long and painful recovery including multiple surgeries, two blood transfusions, and the removal of dead tissue. Speaking with PEOPLE, she explained, “I had these lumps, and I was very disfigured.

Her body was inflamed, her mobility was compromised, and the procedures were physically and emotionally draining. She spent months healing, adjusting to a body that no longer matched the image she once pursued. The experience forced her to slow down, reflect, and begin speaking publicly about what she had endured.

In her 2022 appearance on the Tamron Hall Show, K. Michelle described the physical toll of removing illegal silicone injections. She began the process of reclaiming her health and removing the foreign substances from her body, a journey that would span years and multiple surgeries.

“It took me about 13 surgeries later in three years.” she said.

Filming Her Truth

In 2022, K. Michelle launched My Killer Body with K. Michelle on Lifetime. The show featured real people dealing with botched procedures, emotional trauma, and the aftermath of chasing beauty. It also documented her own recovery and the realities of living with permanent damage.

The show challenges how beauty is presented online, where final images rarely reflect the risk or recovery behind them.

Healing With Honesty

Recovery is ongoing. K. Michelle still struggles with the physical and emotional impact of her surgeries. “Some days, I’m like, I’m never getting back on that table,” she told Essence. “But then I might put on something, and a dent from my reconstruction is there, and I say, I’m going to get this fixed. I’m human. I go back and forth.”

She’s faced speculation about her appearance, with fans assuming she’s had more work done. But she emphasizes that her focus is on health, not perfection.

“I feel hopeful, and I feel happy to be healthy and able to function,” she said. “I think that brings another beauty within itself.”

Beauty Isn’t Always Easy

K. Michelle’s story reframes the idea of beauty. She isn’t opposed to cosmetic surgery. What she challenges is the misinformation and lack of transparency that often surround it. Her experience has become a platform for pushing safer, more honest conversations about body modification, especially in communities where access to safe care is limited. She urges people to look beyond the polished results and understand the risks, recovery, and the emotional toll.

For her, surgery is not a casual choice. It requires research, preparation, and a clear understanding of what’s at stake. You only get one body, and it deserves to be protected.

Resources:

K. Michelle & Cam get BRUTALLY honest about Love, Regret, Dating Mistakes & Country Music Truths

With ‘My Killer Body,’ K. Michelle Wants To Tell ‘The Whole Truth’ About Plastic Surgery | Essence

K. Michelle Says Removing Butt Injections Was ‘Scary’

K. Michelle Had to Get 13 Operations to Remove Botched Silicone Injections

Watch My Killer Body with K. Michelle Full Episodes, Video & More | Lifetime

The post K. Michelle Opens Up About the Toll of Cosmetic Surgery appeared first on Black Health Matters.

The Rise of True Crime Culture

True crime has gone mainstream. Once a niche genre, it now streams alongside rom-coms and dramas, drawing millions with every release. Each new series sparks online buzz, Reddit threads, and amateur investigations. Viewers dig into case files, map timelines, and debate motives. While that scavenger hunt can be informative and sometimes empowering, it also prompts a deeper look at why we turn to tragedy for entertainment.

Audio platforms have followed suit. True crime podcasts now dominate listening charts, pulling audiences with suspenseful storytelling and the promise of answers. But experts say that comfort might not be what it seems.

Why Do We Relax to Violence?

In a 2023 interview on The Mel Robbins Podcast, clinical psychologist Dr. Thema Bryant warned that watching true crime to relax may signal unresolved trauma. “If your idea of relaxing before bed is watching three episodes of Law & Order,” she said, “then I would encourage you to think about why is trauma relaxing to you.”

@melrobbins If your idea of “relaxing” before bed is watching a few episodes of Law & Order (or any other true crime show), listen up. @dr.thema has a really important question for you to ask yourself: “Why is trauma relaxing to me?” This was just ONE of the many incredible mic drop moments and knowledge bombs that Dr. Thema, the current president of the American Psychological Association, drops in this episode. Listen now! “6 Signs You’re Disconnected From Your Power and How to Get It Back: Life-Changing Advice From the Remarkable Dr. Thema Bryant” #melrobbins #melrobbinspodcast #truecrime #truecrimepodcasts ♬ original sound – Mel Robbins

This goes beyond personal preference. It reflects patterns of emotional regulation. According to Dr. Chivonna Childs of the Cleveland Clinic, repeated exposure to violent content can increase anxiety, skew our perception of danger, and desensitize us to real-world harm. What starts as curiosity can turn into a coping mechanism, one that numbs rather than heals.

What Happens in the Brain?

True crime doesn’t just entertain. It stimulates the brain in specific ways. According to a recent article from NeuroLaunch, watching true crime can activate the brain’s reward system. Each twist, clue, or reveal may trigger a release of dopamine, the chemical that helps us feel pleasure and motivation. That’s part of why the genre feels satisfying or even addictive.

But there’s another side. Cortisol, the body’s stress hormone, can spike during intense or disturbing scenes. This can lead to sleep disruption, emotional fatigue, or increased anxiety, especially when the content is consumed regularly or late at night.

Experts also point out that our brains are wired to scan for threats. True crime taps into that instinct, offering a sense of control or preparedness. But when consumed too often, it can reinforce fear rather than reduce it.

In short, true crime can feel rewarding and informative. But it also has the potential to overstimulate the nervous system, particularly when it becomes part of a nightly routine.

True Crime, True Fixation

In 2025, Boston University researcher and assistant professor Dr. Kathryn Coduto, published a peer-reviewed study that helps explain why true crime feels so immersive and why it can be hard to stop watching, scrolling, or posting about it.

Her research looked at how people engage with crime stories online, especially when those stories are still unfolding. She found that many viewers experience something called cognitive preoccupation, which means they can’t stop thinking about the case. That mental pull often leads to compulsive behavior, like constantly checking for updates or posting theories on social media.

Coduto also introduced the term forensic fandom, a detective-like mindset where everyday people try to solve crimes using online clues. Social media platforms make this easy by offering visibility, shareability, and real-time updates. But the easier it is to engage, the harder it becomes to disconnect. Her study found that:

• People who felt emotionally connected to victims or perpetrators (called parasocial relationships) were more likely to post compulsively about the case.
• Compulsive posting and scrolling were linked to negative outcomes, including emotional distress, disrupted sleep, and difficulty focusing on work or school.
• Women were especially likely to experience emotional strain, often because they saw themselves in the victims or felt a need to stay informed for safety.

Whose Stories Get Seen and Whose Don’t

Most of the cases participants follow involve missing or murdered white women. These stories often receive widespread media coverage, which makes them easier to follow and more visible across platforms.

But this pattern is not random. Research has consistently shown that white victims, especially women, are more likely to receive national attention compared to Black, Indigenous, or other marginalized victims. This imbalance influences which stories people see, share, and emotionally invest in. It also means that many cases involving people of color are overlooked, underreported, or forgotten entirely.

The visibility of a case often determines how deeply people engage with it. When there is more information available, such as news updates, social media posts, or podcasts, it becomes easier for viewers to follow along, form opinions, and feel involved. However, that visibility is often shaped by race, gender, and perceived relatability rather than the facts of the case alone.

This raises a deeper question about whether we’re engaging with the full spectrum of harm or only the stories that are most visible.

What We Can Do Differently

True crime isn’t going away. But how we engage with it can change. Experts suggest setting boundaries around when and how we consume this content. That might mean avoiding it before bed, taking breaks from social media speculation, or choosing stories that honor victims, not exploit them.

It also means being mindful of whose stories we follow. If certain victims are always visible and others are not, we can ask why and seek out coverage that reflects a fuller picture.

True crime can inform and even inspire action. But it can also overwhelm, distort the truth and be distracting. The difference lies in how we choose to engage and whether we’re willing to step back when the story starts to take over.

Resources:

Conquer Overwhelm: Your Ultima… – The Mel Robbins Podcast – Apple Podcasts

How True Crime can Impact your Mental Health

True Crime’s Psychological Impact: Mental Health Effects Explored

Compulsive use of social media in emerging crime news stories: Perceived channel affordances and forensic fandom.

The post What Finding Comfort in True Crime May Cost Us appeared first on Black Health Matters.

How to spot signs of mental distress in your children before they begin to escalate.

BHM: How can parents stay present when a child insists, they’re fine?

Dr. McClure: Stay close without pushing. You might say, “I hear you saying you’re fine. I’ll be right here if you want to talk.” That steady presence, even without words, can speak louder than questions. It shows your child they’re not alone, even if they’re not ready to open up.

BHM: What does emotional pain look like when it’s masked by silence or composure?

Dr. McClure: It can look like you are doing everything right on the outside while shutting down on the inside. Some children learn to hide their distress to avoid judgment or protect themselves. Watch for subtle shifts such as less eye contact, irritability, pulling back from friends, or a kind of calm that feels rehearsed. These changes often mean it’s time to check in and connect them with support.

BHM: How can parents tell when stress becomes something deeper?

Dr. McClure: Stress comes and goes. Deeper pain sticks around and starts to disrupt daily life. If you notice significant changes in sleep, appetite, mood, or interest, or hear talk about hopelessness, don’t wait. These are warning signs. Act quickly and get help in place.

Advice on having conversations about suicidal thoughts, saying they’re fine when they’re not and finding support systems

BHM: How can parents ask about suicidal thoughts with care?

Dr. McClure: Be clear and speak with care. You might say, “Sometimes kids feel overwhelmed and think about not wanting to be here. Has that ever happened to you?” Asking directly doesn’t plant the idea. It opens the door for honesty and shows your child you’re strong enough to hear the truth and ready to help.

BHM: If a child insists they’re fine, how can parents keep the door open without pushing them away?

Dr. McClure: Respect what they say, but keep space open. You can respond with, “Okay, I’ll respect that. Just know you don’t have to go through this alone. I’m here when you’re ready.” That balance of space and support builds trust and lets your child know you’re not going anywhere.

BHM: What support systems outside of therapy can parents lean on?

Dr. McClure: Look for trusted anchors, mentors, coaches, faith leaders, extended family, and community groups. These adults can offer another safe place for your child to turn. Parents don’t have to carry everything alone. Building a circle of care makes a real difference.

How distress shows up in younger kids versus teens, and how we can support our youth better in the future.

BHM: How do signs of distress differ between younger kids and teens?

Dr. McClure: Younger children often show distress through behavior, like acting out, regressing, or clinging. Teens may withdraw, isolate, or take risks. Younger kids need reassurance and stability. Teens need space and respect for their independence, along with consistent check-ins and presence from their parents.

BHM: What gives you hope in supporting Black youth mental health?

Dr. McClure: I see more families and schools talking about mental health early, not waiting for a crisis. That gives me hope. Parents should hold onto the truth that early help works. Building mental health through strength, routines, and safe connections matters just as much as preventing illness.

BHM: What would you change about how we care for Black children’s mental health?

Dr. McClure: I would rewrite systems that focus on deficits first. Care should begin with strengths and proactive support, not just reactions when problems show up. Every parent should know their child is not a problem to be fixed. They are a whole person with gifts, and early support helps those gifts shine.

Resources:

Dr. Byron McClure – 7 Mindsets

The post How to Know When Your Child’s Not Okay appeared first on Black Health Matters.

For many, though, autumn still feels busy. The calendar fills, and expectations pile up. But this season can be something else, a reset, a return to yourself, a chance to feel more grounded.

We spoke with clinical pharmacist Dr. Christina Madison and therapist Nedra Glover Tawwab, a New York Times bestselling author, to explore how to navigate this season with greater ease and clarity.

Calm Mornings

Picture a morning that doesn’t start with a screen. The blinds are cracked just enough to let in the light. There’s a warm drink in your hands, and nowhere you need to be just yet.

“Honoring rest without guilt means recognizing that productivity isn’t just measured by constant action,” said Nedra Tawwab. “It’s also about our ability to recharge and reflect.”

That kind of intentional rest can be a cue to check in with your health. According to Aflac’s Wellness Matters Survey, 9 out of 10 Americans have delayed routine checkups and screenings that could help catch issues early. Slowing down is actually a form of self-care.

She encourages people to listen to their natural inclination to slow down, especially when they feel run down or overworked. “Giving ourselves permission to pause, savor quiet moments, and trust that rest is an essential part of growth” is key, she said.

Dr. Christina Madison agrees that fall is a good time to check in. “Shorter days and quieter weekends can be a great opportunity to check in on both your mental and physical health,” she said. “Consider pursuing mindful activities that can help manage stress and pass the time when you’re not able to get outdoors or see friends and family as much, such as reading, cooking, yoga, or journaling.”

Feel-Good Movement

Movement in fall doesn’t have to be intense. It can be restorative. You can make your movement meet you. Stretch in the living room. Dance while dinner simmers. Stroll through a park with leaves crunching underfoot.

“As the colder months approach, one of the first healthy habits people often falter on is their workout routines,” said Dr. Madison. “It’s easy to feel lazy about our physical fitness as the temperatures start to drop and the days are shorter, but the key is to stay on top of it and make movement enjoyable.”

She recommends indoor movement options, such as yoga or walking, to keep your body active without facing the cold. “Moving your body is not only good for your physical health but also your mental health,” she said.

Tawwab adds that rest is not a sign of weakness. “We should reach out for support from trusted friends, family, a therapist, or even a primary care physician to talk about how we are feeling,” she said. “Above all, we should remember that it is ok to move at our own pace.”

If you’re feeling unusually tired or burned out, it may be worthwhile to consult a healthcare provider. Remember, your physical, mental, and emotional health are all connected.

Eat What Supports You

Yes, nutrients matter. But what matters just as much is how they show up in meals that support you.

Dr. Madison recommends leaning into seasonal vegetables like carrots, sweet potatoes, and leafy greens. “They’re packed with nutrients that naturally support your overall health,” she said.

If you’re considering new supplements or experiencing changes in your energy levels, it’s a good idea to consult with your healthcare provider. Fall can be a time when underlying issues surface, and early conversations can help you feel more informed and prepared.

It’s not only what’s in the dish, but how it supports you. That could mean adding grains like brown rice, oats, or quinoa to your meals. Try cooked vegetables like sweet potatoes, carrots, or squash. Leafy greens, such as those with lemon or vinegar, can support digestion. Garlic, turmeric, and olive oil also offer benefits, especially when paired with something warm and filling. These ingredients can work together to support energy, mood, and immunity.

Hydration is essential in the fall, but it can manifest differently than in summer. Alongside water, try warm drinks that support digestion and circulation. Herbal teas, such as ginger, cinnamon, or nettle, can be soothing. Broths made from vegetables, bones, or mushrooms offer minerals and warmth. Sipping them slowly can help calm the nervous system and support gut health.

This is all about eating in a way that feels good for you this season.

Elevate Your Space

This is the season to soften your space. Think warm lighting, cozy textures, and scents that evoke a sense of calm.

“To stay grounded in the fall, I recommend creating a space in your home or office that feels calm and comfortable,” said Dr. Madison. “Your home should be your sanctuary.”

She suggests cozy lighting, relaxing scents from candles or oil diffusers, and even creating a reading nook. “Many studies have shown that when your space is more cluttered, it can directly impact your mood and productivity,” she said.

Try layering blankets, switching to warmer bulbs, or placing a favorite book within reach. Even small changes can shift the energy of a room.

Protect Your Peace

Life doesn’t slow down just because the season changes. That’s when boundaries matter most.

“During the fall, animals hibernate to recover and restore their energy,” said Tawwab. “Perhaps we can take a cue from nature and practice wisdom regarding how we use our energy during the fall months.”

She recommends setting limits on work hours, saying no to extra commitments, and prioritizing physical health. “Boundaries around technology and social obligations are important for us when it comes to ensuring we have time to recharge after a busy day or week,” she said.

For those navigating grief or emotional fatigue, Tawwab suggests simple grounding practices. “Try to get outside to breathe in some fresh air, go for a walk, or even just open the blinds to consume as much natural light as possible.”

Let It Go, Let It In

Fall can be a season of release. Nedra Tawwab encourages us to let go of the pressure to perform and embrace who we are. “Let go of the expectations you have about how you ‘should’ show up,” she encourages. “Instead, embrace who you are during this season.”

Connection may look different right now, but it still matters. “We are the stewards of our mental, physical, and emotional health, and we are more empowered than we think.”

With intention and grace, this season can feel softer, more honest, and more yours.

Resources:

The Public Health Pharmacist

Nedra Tawwab

Wellness Matters | Aflac

The post Your Guide to a Fall Reset appeared first on Black Health Matters.

The Stats And Their Impact On Our Community

Death by suicide is now one of the leading causes of death in the United States, with troubling increases among Black youth in particular. While the subject is complex, it is also preventable—when communities are equipped to recognize the warning signs, talk openly about mental health, and connect loved ones to lifesaving support.

But what does a moment like this mean for suicide prevention, especially in Black communities where stigma and mistrust often run deep?

Vic Armstrong, VP Health Equity and Engagement at the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, Answers Our Questions

To answer that question, Black Health Matters spoke with Vic Armstrong, Vice President for Health Equity and Engagement at the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP). Armstrong has dedicated his career to making suicide prevention resources accessible, culturally relevant, and rooted in community trust.

In this conversation, he shares what everyone should know about suicide warning signs, the importance of 988, and why representation from public figures like Caleb Williams can help save lives.

BHM: Can you share how your personal background has shaped the way you approach this field of work today?

I grew up in a rural community in North Carolina. We didn’t talk about mental health at all. We didn’t see therapists—it just wasn’t part of the culture. If someone were struggling, we’d say they were “going through something” or “just having a hard time.” But therapy wasn’t seen as an option, and even if it was, there weren’t many providers who looked like us or understood our experiences.

On top of that, there’s mistrust. We’ve seen how medical institutions have mistreated Black communities—Tuskegee [Syphilis Experiment], Henrietta Lacks, and others. That history doesn’t just disappear. It creates barriers where people think, “I don’t know if I can trust this system.”

So, for me, this work is personal. I know what it’s like to grow up without resources, without seeing mental health as a real option. That’s why I believe in ensuring that people see themselves reflected in this work and know there are safe spaces where they can discuss and receive support.

BHM: Could you talk about what health equity means in the context of mental health and suicide prevention, and why it’s such an important part of the conversation?

Vic Armstrong: That’s a great question. People often confuse health equity with DEI. They’re related, but different. DEI focuses on the internal environment of an organization—creating diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. Health equity, however, focuses on population health. It’s about ensuring everyone has the opportunity to live their healthiest life.

In suicide prevention, health equity means creating resources that truly reach all communities. Think of it like a business: if your product isn’t reaching a segment of the population, you ask, “Why not?” and adjust. We approach health equity in the same way—what do we need to do to reach communities that are being left behind?

Many think of health equity only in terms of race and ethnicity, but it’s broader. For example, rural communities face unique challenges compared to urban ones. First responders—more die by suicide than in the line of duty. Veterans: In the past 10 years, we’ve lost more to suicide than soldiers killed in the entire Vietnam War. Construction workers also face disproportionately high suicide rates. Therefore, health equity is about creating resources for all communities disproportionately impacted, not just one segment.

Addressing Some Common Misconceptions Associated With Mental Health Crises/Suicide Attempts

BHM: Can you explain how the 988 Suicide & Crisis line works, and address some common misconceptions about it?

Vic Armstrong: Absolutely. 988 is the national three-digit dialing code for suicide prevention and mental health crisis. Think of it like 911, but for mental health. Anyone in the United States can dial or text 988, and they’ll be connected to a trained crisis counselor.

One of the misconceptions is that calling 988 will automatically summon the police to your door. That is not true.

In fact, in the majority of cases—over 98%—crises are resolved over the phone without the need for law enforcement. The goal is to de-escalate, provide immediate support, and connect people to local resources.

Another misconception is that it’s only for people who are actively suicidal. That’s also not true. You can call 988 if you’re just overwhelmed, anxious, or worried about a loved one. It’s for anyone experiencing emotional distress. So, 988 is really about making mental health support more accessible. Instead of trying to remember a 1-800 number, people now have an easy, three-digit number to call in times of crisis.

Black Men’s Reactions to Caleb Williams’ Message

BHM: Recently, Caleb Williams, the NFL quarterback for the Chicago Bears, publicly displayed 988 on his fingernails. How significant is it when public figures like him use their platform to raise awareness?

Vic Armstrong: It’s huge. When someone like Caleb Williams, who’s young, successful, and admired, openly talks about 988, it normalizes the conversation. Especially for Black men, who often face stereotypes about being “strong” and “tough,” seeing a Black male athlete talk about mental health sends a powerful message: It’s okay to ask for help.

It chips away at stigma. It makes young men think, “If he can talk about this, maybe I can too.” We’ve seen a similar impact when other athletes and entertainers speak up, but Caleb’s timing is especially important given the rising suicide rates among Black youth.

BHM: Considering the stigma around Black men and mental health, some may see painted nails as nontraditional masculinity. Do you think men will connect with his message?

Vic Armstrong: I do. Celebrities and athletes are performers. For Caleb, it was about impact. Black men have often been socialized to stay silent, avoid showing weakness, and equate vulnerability with failure. Caleb’s message helps counter that—it shows it’s okay to ask for help. I think more men are beginning to embrace that truth.

BHM: What can other athletes and public figures learn from Caleb Williams’ example?

Vic Armstrong: Speaking out about mental health doesn’t bring backlash—it elevates you. Charlamagne tha God, Megan Thee Stallion—they’ve all used their platforms to normalize mental health conversations, and it resonates with youth. For Black youth, especially, there’s fear of being perceived as flawed. However, when successful athletes and entertainers display vulnerability, it creates a sense of permission and hope. Caleb’s example can inspire others.

What to Do When You Recognize Potential Suicidal Behavior in Others

BHM: What should people look out for in terms of suicide warning signs, and how should they start that conversation?

Vic Armstrong: I always tell people to think of warning signs in three categories: changes in talk, mood, and behavior.

Changes in talk might sound like someone saying, “I’m thinking of killing myself.” You should always take that seriously. It could also be things like, “I don’t want to be here anymore,” or “I’m tired of living like this.” In those moments, ask directly, “Are you thinking of killing yourself?” Asking doesn’t put the idea in their head—it opens the door to talk.

Mood changes could be if someone who’s usually upbeat becomes depressed, agitated, or irritable, or if they suddenly seem overwhelmingly sad. Look for changes from their normal baseline.

Behavioral changes might include risk-taking, substance use, or withdrawal. For example, I worked with a father whose son started driving at dangerously high speeds—later, we learned it was suicidal behavior. You should also pay attention to situational changes, such as grief, loss, and becoming an empty nester.

When starting a conversation, get the person alone and calmly point out what you’ve noticed: “I’ve seen you withdrawing. Do you want to talk about it?” Give them space. Your role isn’t to fix them—it’s to listen. If you’re concerned, ask directly about suicide. Be calm, confident, and straightforward. Don’t phrase it in a way that pressures them to say “no,” like “You’re not thinking about suicide, are you?” Suicide is complex. Listening without judgment can create a sense of safety.

BHM: For anyone reading this who may be struggling—or who has a loved one struggling—what would you want them to know?

Vic Armstrong: I’d want them to know that you matter. Your life has value. No matter how heavy things feel right now, there is help and there is hope. If you’re struggling, reach out—call or text 988. If you’re worried about someone else, don’t be afraid to check in. Asking directly, “Are you thinking about suicide?” can open the door to a life-saving conversation. And finally, don’t underestimate the power of community. Sometimes healing begins when we feel seen, heard, and understood

BHM: Thank you for breaking that down. On the topic of resources, what are some that AFSP offers?

Vic Armstrong: I encourage everyone to visit AFSP.org. One of my favorite resources there is “Talk Away the Dark,” which offers tips on starting tough conversations. We also have guides for supporting people who are hesitant about therapy, and resources for suicide loss survivors.

Our Talk Saves Lives program is an introduction to suicide prevention. We’ve adapted it into culturally relevant versions, like Let’s Save Lives for the Black community (Listening, Empathy, Trust, Support). There are also tailored versions for Hispanic communities.

The post Bears QB Caleb Williams Put Suicide Prevention in the NFL appeared first on Black Health Matters.

•  Red blood cells, which carry oxygen throughout your body
• White blood cells, which fight infection
• Platelets, which control bleeding, are regularly generated in a healthy body to replace old, dying ones. The excessive production of white blood cells in the bone marrow leads to blood cancers.

There Are Different Types of Blood Cancer

Leukemia, lymphoma, and Myeloma are some of the most common types of blood cancer.

Leukemia

• Leukemia is the most common blood cancer in the U.S. and the most common form of childhood cancer. There are many types of leukemia, but in general, it occurs in the bone marrow when abnormal white blood cells are produced at an abnormally high rate. This interferes with the bone marrow’s ability to produce red blood cells and platelets.

Subcategories of leukemia:

• Acute erythroid leukemia, Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), Acute megakaryoblastic leukemia, Acute myeloid leukemia (AML), Acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL), Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), Chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML), Childhood leukemia, Hairy cell leukemia (HCL), Large granular lymphocytic leukemia (LGLL), Mast cell leukaemia (MCL).

Lymphoma

•  Lymphoma is a type of cancer that affects the lymphatic system, which plays a crucial role in the body’s immune response to infection. Lymphoma cells can form tumors in areas such as your lymph nodes. There are two primary forms: Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Subcategories of lymphoma

• Burkitt lymphoma, Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), Double-hit lymphoma Follicular lymphoma, Grey zone lymphoma, High-grade B-cell lymphoma not otherwise specified (NOS), Hodgkin lymphoma, MALT lymphoma, Mantle cell lymphoma, Nodal marginal zone lymphoma, Nodular lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin lymphoma (NLPHL), Non-Hodgkin lymphoma, Peripheral T cell lymphoma (PTCL), Primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL), Skin lymphoma (cutaneous lymphoma), Small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL), Splenic marginal zone lymphoma, Triple-hit lymphoma, Waldenström macroglobulinemia (WM).

Myeloma

• Myeloma originates in the bone marrow and affects white blood cells called plasma cells, a type of white blood cell that plays a crucial role in the immune system by producing antibodies to combat germs. Multiple Myeloma is the most common subtype of plasma cell neoplasms. Symptoms usually don’t appear until the cancer is widespread and advanced. Rarer forms of blood cancer include:
  • Myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN). In this type of cancer, the bone marrow produces an excessive number of white blood cells, red blood cells, or platelets.
  • Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). With MDS, your bone marrow makes abnormal blood cells. Sometimes, blood cells are abnormal because they fail to develop fully. Immature cells are called blasts.

• Non-cancerous blood conditions: MGUS

Risk Factors

For Blood Cancer

• Certain factors may play a role in increasing your blood cancer risk, including:
• Age. Your risk of developing a condition increases as you age.
•  Sex. Blood cancers are more common in males.
• Smoking. A smoking history or exposure to secondhand smoke may increase your risk.
• Exposure to toxic chemicals. Long-term exposure to benzene and formaldehyde can increase your risk of specific health issues. You’re more likely to encounter them if you work in an industry like manufacturing.
• Previous cancer treatment. Previous chemotherapy or radiation therapy may increase your risk of developing blood cancer.
• Biological family history. Some types of blood cancers may run in families. But most people who receive a diagnosis don’t have a family member with blood cancer.
•  Several autoimmune diseases, genetic disorders, and conditions that cause long-term inflammation are associated with increased blood cancer risk. Blood cancers aren’t avoidable.

But even someone with a clean bill of health can develop blood cancer. However, you can lower your risk by avoiding certain risk factors, such as smoking.

Additional Risk Factors for Leukemia, Lymphoma, and Myeloma

Leukemia: Advancing age, being male, family history of blood cancer, smoking, genetic disorders like Down syndrome, Chronic exposure to high doses of radiation or industrial chemicals, and a History of chemotherapy or radiation cancer treatment.

Lymphoma: advancing age, although people between the ages of 15 and 35 are at risk for Hodgkin lymphoma; being male; a family history of blood cancer; and a History of infection and disease. For example, the Epstein-Barr virus, which causes mono, can increase the risk for Hodgkin and autoimmune disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis, a weakened immune system, Chronic exposure to certain industrial chemicals, and radiation.

Myeloma: Advancing age, being male, being African American, Family history of blood cancer or other plasma cell diseases, such as monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) or solitary plasmacytoma, being overweight or obese, and Chronic exposure to radiation and chemicals.

Symptoms

People with blood cancer may experience a range of symptoms, including:

• Fatigue
• Shortness of breath
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Frequent infections

Other symptoms include: Bone pain, Drenching night sweats, Enlarged liver or spleen, Joint pain, Persistent fever, Unexplained weight loss, Unusual bruising or bleeding (warning signs include tiny red skin spots or purplish skin patches), rash, or itchy skin that is unexplained. Learn more about the symptoms of blood cancer.

Bruises: On lighter skin, bruises start red and gradually darken. However, on darker skin, bruises may be hard to see at first but become darker than the surrounding skin over time.

Rashes: They often appear as clusters of tiny spots or larger blotches. On lighter skin, rashes look red or purple. On Black and brown skin, they appear as dark purple or darker spots. These spots don’t fade when pressed.

Paleness (A Loss of Pallor): Easier to spot in light skin as unusual paleness. In individuals with Black or brown skin, pallor may appear grayish or manifest as paler palms, lips, gums, tongue, or nail beds. For all skin types, pale inner eyelids can also be a sign.

How is Blood Cancer Diagnosed?

• Leukemia: Your doctor will order a complete blood count (CBC) test, which can help identify abnormal levels of white blood cells in relation to red blood cells and platelets.
• Lymphoma: Your doctor will need to perform a biopsy, which involves removing a small portion of tissue for examination under a microscope. In some cases, your doctor may also order an X-ray, CT, or PET scan to detect swollen lymph nodes.
• Myeloma: Your doctor will order a CBC, as well as other blood or urine tests, to detect chemicals or proteins produced as a result of myeloma development. In some cases, bone marrow biopsy, X-ray, MRI, PET, and CT scans can be used to confirm the presence and extent of the spread.

How is Blood Cancer Treated?

Common treatments for blood cancer include:

• Chemotherapy. Chemotherapy is a primary treatment for blood cancer. It kills cancer cells to either slow down the disease’s progress or eliminate the cancer. Healthcare providers use various types of chemotherapy drugs to treat different blood cancers.
•  Radiation therapy. This treatment uses radiation to damage the DNA in abnormal cells, preventing them from replicating. Providers may use radiation to ease symptoms (palliative care). They often combine radiation therapy with other forms of treatment.
•  Immunotherapy. This treatment improves your immune system’s ability to fight cancer. Some of the most commonly used immunotherapies for blood cancer are monoclonal antibodies and CAR T-cell therapy.
• Targeted therapy. These treatments target weaknesses in cancer cells related to abnormal genetic mutations.
• Autologous stem cell transplant. Providers can collect bone marrow stem cells from your body before giving you high doses of chemotherapy. Once chemotherapy kills the cancer cells, they’ll give your healthy stem cells back to you. They’ll develop into healthy blood cells.
• Allogeneic stem cell transplant. Sometimes, damaged bone marrow needs to be replaced with healthy bone marrow. Providers identify a suitable bone marrow donor and use the donor’s cells to replace your damaged ones.
•  Stem cell transplantation: Healthy stem cells can be infused into your body to help resume healthy blood production following therapy to destroy malignant blood cells.

Resources

Blood Cancer United.org

Yale Medicine: Blood Cancers

Summa Health: Leukemia Risk Factors

Blood Cancer UK symptoms and signs

International Myeloma Foundation

Race and Ethnicity Risk Factors for Leukemia

Cleveland Clinic

The post Understanding Blood Cancers 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.

Suicide is now the second leading cause of death among U.S. adolescents. For teens living with bipolar disorder, the risk is even higher. But recent studies are revealing how brain development, emotional pain, and social pressure collide. Early, responsive care could change everything.

The Risks We Can’t Ignore

Suicide attempts among teens are disturbingly common. The CDC reports that nearly 1 in 10 high school students tried to take their own lives in the past year. For youth with bipolar disorder, the risk climbs even higher.

A 2023 review in FOCUS: The Journal of Lifelong Learning in Psychiatry found that suicide death rates in this group are up to 20 times higher than in the general population.

Between 5 and 8 percent will die by suicide. The numbers speak for themselves and for the kids behind them. Early support can make all the difference.

Their Brains Tell The Story

There is a scientific reason behind the increased risks among this population. MRI scans have revealed distinct brain differences in bipolar teens who’ve attempted suicide. These youth often show reduced volume and weaker connections in the frontal-limbic system. In other words, the areas regulating impulse control and emotions.

If they are acting out or overly emotional, they may not be able to control their behavior.

The changes are especially pronounced in the frontal cortex, a region still under construction during adolescence. A study led by Yale researchers found these structural shifts may help explain why some teens are more vulnerable to impulsive, high-risk behaviors, even when they’re receiving care.

Where Teens with Bipolar Disorder Live Impacts Their Access to Support (and So Much More)

While brain scans show how bipolar disorder can affect emotion and impulse control, the environment around a teen plays a significant role, too. A recent study from Weill Cornell and Columbia University used machine learning to map suicide risk across thousands of U.S. counties. Instead of focusing on individual traits, the researchers examined social conditions, including poverty, housing quality, pollution, and access to healthcare.

They found three distinct community profiles, each with its own pattern of suicide rates. Rural areas struggled with isolation and aging infrastructure. Stressed communities faced family strain and environmental hardship.

In diverse urban regions, income gaps and cultural barriers to care were more common.

For teens living with bipolar disorder, these findings matter. The places they grow up in can shape how easy it is to get help, how safe they feel, and how much support is available when things get hard.

Symptoms May Look Different in Our Teens

Black youth are often underrepresented in mental health research and underserved in clinical care. Misdiagnosis, stigma, and systemic bias delay treatment and hide early warning signs.

As reported by the Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, Black adolescents are less likely to receive timely psychiatric care and more likely to be misclassified or criminalized for symptoms of mania or depression.

According to the Child Mind Institute, providers often miss signs of depression in Black teens because their symptoms don’t match the narrow clinical scripts built around white youth. Instead of sadness or withdrawal, some teens may show irritability, fatigue, or behavioral changes. Without cultural context or training, these signs are misread as defiance or aggression.

The same report notes that Black teens are more likely to be diagnosed with conduct disorders or schizophrenia, while white teens with similar symptoms are more often diagnosed with depression. This gap in recognition leads to missed opportunities for early intervention and appropriate care.

What Real Prevention Looks Like

Science is evolving, and so is the strategy. By identifying vulnerable brain circuits, tracking behavior, and removing barriers to care, researchers and clinicians are developing more effective interventions.

For families, this means pushing for care that sees the whole child. It means demanding research that reflects real life. And it means listening to teens who are already showing us what they need.

Prevention is possible. But it starts with paying attention to what bipolar teens are teaching us, about pain, about strength, and about the kind of care that meets them where they are.

Resources:

Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance — United States, 2023

Suicide Assessment and Prevention in Bipolar Disorder: How Current Evidence Can Inform Clinical Practice

Gray and white matter differences in adolescents and young adults with prior suicide attempts across bipolar and major depressive disorders – ScienceDirect

Machine Learning Uncovers Social Risk Clusters Linked to Suicide Across U.S. | Newsroom | Weill Cornell Medicine

43.4 BLACK AND BLUE: UNDERSTANDING STIGMA AND DIAGNOSTIC BARRIERS TO INCREASE TREATMENT RECEIPT FOR AFRICAN AMERICAN YOUTH WITH DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY DISORDERS – Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry

Misdiagnosis of Mood Disorders in Black Teenagers – Child Mind Institute

The post Understanding Suicide Risk in Bipolar Teens 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.

Did Mimi Cause More People to Tune In?

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

Her Speech Was Lighthearted, Funny, and Sincere

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

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

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

Mariah Carey Has Earned the Right to be Called a Diva

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

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

The Past Year Has Also Been Tough

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

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

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

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

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

Mariah detailed her complicated family dynamics in her memoir.

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

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

Tillman’s Speech

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

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

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

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

 

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What You Should Know About Severance

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

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

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

Even Tillman Doesn’t Know That Much about Milchick

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ovarian Cancer By the Numbers

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

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

How Ovarian Cancer Impacts Black Women

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

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

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

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

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

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

Who is at Risk For Ovarian Cancer?

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

Other risk factors include:

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

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

 What is Ovarian Cancer?

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

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

Types of Ovarian Cancer

Epithelial Ovarian Cancer

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

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

Primary Peritoneal Carcinoma

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

Fallopian Tube Cancer

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

Ovarian Sex Cord-Stromal Tumors

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

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

Ovarian Germ Cell Tumors

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

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

What Are the Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer?

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

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

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

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

Getting Evaluated By Your HCP

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

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

If Your Results Come Back Positive

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

Getting Diagnosed

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

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

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

Partner With Your HCP

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

Treatment Options May Include:

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

Consider Genetic Testing

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Five Preventive Strategies to Fight Ovarian Cancer

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

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

Resources:

American Cancer Society: Types of Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian Research Alliance: Prevention and Risks 

Mayo Clinic: Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer

Health Disparities in Ovarian Care

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

The Question That Started It All

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

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

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

I Am Going to Answer Anyway

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

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

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

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

Some Journalists (Still) Just Don’t Understand

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

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

But Edebiri Will Be Moving On to Her Next Big Thing

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

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

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

 

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

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

The answer is not simple, but it is evolving. While no single ingredient can stop cancer, research continues to show that diet may influence how prostate cancer behaves, especially in its early stages. In a healthcare system that often misses the mark for Black men, food offers a way to take back some control.

What the MEAL Study Taught Us

The Men’s Eating and Living (MEAL) study was one of the first large-scale trials to explore whether increasing vegetable intake could influence prostate cancer progression. Men with early-stage prostate cancer were randomized to receive counseling aimed at raising their vegetable consumption to at least seven servings per day, with a focus on cruciferous and carotenoid-rich vegetables. The control group received written dietary guidance without structured support.

After two years, researchers found no significant difference in tumor progression. However, the study demonstrated that men can change how they eat and maintain those changes. That foundation has shaped newer studies with stronger outcomes.

What We Know Now About Diet and Prostate Cancer

Recent research from Johns Hopkins has added clarity to how diet may shape prostate cancer outcomes. In a study of 886 men with low-grade prostate cancer on active surveillance, researchers found that those with higher Healthy Eating Index scores were less likely to see their cancer progress. For every 12.5-point increase in HEI score, the risk of moving to a more aggressive stage dropped—15 percent for grade group 2, and 30 percent for grade group 3.

The Healthy Eating Index is a way to measure how well someone’s diet aligns with national nutrition guidelines. It doesn’t require strict meal plans or expensive ingredients. Instead, it favors everyday foods that support the body and reduce inflammation. That can include familiar staples like collards, black-eyed peas, sweet potatoes, okra, brown rice, and leafy greens. It’s not about cutting everything out. It’s about building meals that work with your body, not against it.

Foods That Support Prostate Health

Certain foods may help the body respond better to prostate cancer. They won’t cure it, but they can support your health in ways that matter.

Tomatoes, especially when cooked, release a compound called lycopene. It’s an antioxidant that may help slow cancer growth. Think tomato sauce, stews, or roasted tomatoes. Heat makes it easier for your body to absorb and use.

Vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts contain natural chemicals that help clear out toxins. These are easy to steam, sauté, or toss into a stir-fry.

Fish like salmon, sardines, and mackerel are rich in healthy fats that calm inflammation. Two servings a week is a good place to start.

Green tea and pomegranate juice are packed with antioxidants that may help protect prostate cells. Some studies suggest they can help lower PSA levels, which is one way doctors track prostate cancer. PSA stands for prostate-specific antigen, a protein made by the prostate. When levels rise, it can be a sign that cancer is growing or becoming more aggressive.

Pumpkin seeds offer zinc, which supports prostate function. They’re easy to sprinkle on oatmeal, salads, or roasted vegetables.

Berries such as blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries are full of nutrients that fight stress in the body. Fresh or frozen, they’re simple to add to breakfast or snacks.

Leafy greens like spinach and kale help reduce inflammation and support overall health. You can blend them into smoothies, cook them down with garlic, or serve them with grains.

For a more detailed breakdown of foods to eat and avoid, explore the University of California, San Francisco’s Diet Recommendations Pamphlet.

Why This Matters for Black Men

Black men are more than twice as likely to die from prostate cancer as white men. According to the American Cancer Society’s 2025 report, they face a 16 percent higher mortality rate despite only a 4 percent higher incidence. This gap reflects systemic failures in early detection, access to guideline-based care, and inclusion in clinical trials.

Between 1991 and 2022, cancer mortality among Black men aged 40 to 59 declined by up to 67 percent. That progress is real, but it is not universal. It stems from reduced smoking rates and treatment advances, not from structural change. Black men continue to be diagnosed later, treated less aggressively, and excluded from the research that shapes care.

Lifestyle shifts offer a form of agency in a system that rarely prioritizes Black health. Food is not a replacement for treatment, but it can be a powerful ally.

Steps You Can Take Today

If you or someone you love is navigating prostate cancer, here are shifts worth considering:

• Add fatty fish like salmon or sardines twice a week.
• Use olive or avocado oil instead of seed oils.
• Incorporate beans, lentils, and whole grains regularly.
• Cut back on fried and ultra-processed foods.
• Include cooked tomatoes, cruciferous vegetables, and berries in weekly meals.
• Sprinkle in flaxseed or chia for plant-based omega-3s.

Always consult your care team before starting supplements or making major dietary changes.

Changing your diet will not erase a diagnosis. But it can support your body, your treatment, and your future. For Black men facing higher risks and fewer resources, food is care. It’s a way to stay present, stay grounded, and stay involved in your own healing.

Resources:

A Randomized Trial of Diet in Men with Early Stage Prostate Cancer on Active Surveillance: Rationale and Design of the Men’s Eating and Living (MEAL) Study (CALGB 70807 [Alliance]) – PMC

Slowing Cancer Through Better Eating | Johns Hopkins Medicine

P8-II-Diet_Guide_web [2].pdf

Cancer statistics for African American and Black people, 2025

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Here’s what you might not hear enough: what you do after a diagnosis matters. And movement, the kind you do every day, can help you live longer.

What the Science Says

According to a 2025 report from the American Cancer Society (ACS), prostate cancer is now the most diagnosed cancer among men in the U.S. More than 313,000 cases are expected this year. And while early-stage cases often have high survival rates, advanced-stage diagnoses are rising, especially among Black men.

Research shows that movement can make a real difference. A 2021 study published in JAMA Oncology found that men with prostate cancer who engaged in high-intensity interval training (HIIT) during active surveillance saw improvements in cardiorespiratory fitness and in markers linked to slower disease progression.

At Memorial Sloan Kettering, researchers studied whether exercise could affect prostate cancer directly. This study examined how men perceived their condition and how their tumors behaved.

Men scheduled for surgery walked on treadmills at home for about four weeks. Those who exercised at least 225 minutes a week showed changes in two key biomarkers:

•  Ki-67, which tracks how fast cancer cells are dividing.
•  PSA, which signals prostate cancer activity and risk.

Lower levels of both suggest slower tumor growth. Most participants were inactive before the trial, and more than a third identified as nonwhite. The exercise was safe, consistent, and done entirely at home.

While the trial didn’t measure survival, it showed that movement can influence the biology of the disease.

What Black Men Are Up Against

Prostate cancer affects Black men more severely because of delayed diagnoses, limited access, and medical systems that don’t always respond with urgency or equity.

In our community, people aren’t always told what to watch for. Screenings come late. Treatment isn’t always aggressive, and research often leaves us out. Movement won’t fix everything, but it helps. It supports sleep, stress, strength, and survival. It’s something we can do while the rest catch up.

Move With Purpose

You don’t need to run miles or lift heavy. The CDC recommends:

• 150 minutes of moderate activity per week, like walking, dancing, or yard work.
• 75 minutes of vigorous activity like jogging or cycling.
• Two days of strength training for major muscle groups.

For people with prostate cancer, these guidelines still apply. They should be adjusted based on energy levels, treatment stage, and safety. Movement doesn’t have to be intense. It can be light, structured, or flexible. Even seated stretches, short walks, or using household items for resistance count.

If treatment side effects are slowing you down, start where you are. Stretch in the morning. Walk at lunch. Dance with your kids. What matters is consistency and paying attention to what your body can handle.

Talk to your doctor or a physical therapist about what’s safe for you. Ask about programs that understand your needs. Some hospitals offer exercise oncology support, and many community centers now host classes designed for survivors.

Your Strongest Resource

The journey won’t look the same for everyone. Some find peace in morning jogs. Others prefer walking, stretching, or lifting light weights. Exercise helps, but it’s not just about routines. It’s about intention. About finding what motivates you, what feels good, and what fits into your life.

If you’re wondering what to carry with you, bring purpose, trust in your body, and the instinct to keep moving when things feel uncertain.

That’s where the progress can begin.

Resources:

Key Statistics for Prostate Cancer | Prostate Cancer Facts | American Cancer Society

Effects of Exercise on Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Biochemical Progression in Men With Localized Prostate Cancer Under Active Surveillance: The ERASE Randomized Clinical Trial | Cardiology | JAMA Oncology | JAMA Network

Can Exercise Impact Prostate Cancer? A First of its Kind Clinical Trial | Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

Adult Activity: An Overview | Physical Activity Basics | CDC

The post Regular Exercise May Boost Prostate Cancer Survival 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.

The Cost of Caregiving

The caregivers in our communities are managing medications, coordinating appointments, cooking, cleaning, and offering emotional support. They’re doing all this while working jobs, raising children, and navigating a healthcare system that often fails them. And they’re doing it with little rest, little recognition, and almost no room to breathe.

In 2025, more than 63 million Americans are family caregivers, according to a report by AARP and the National Alliance for Caregiving. But Black caregivers are carrying more than their share of the weight. As stated by The Senior Alliance, Black caregivers spend about 1.3 more years in caregiving roles than the national average and devote over nine extra hours per week to caregiving tasks. The percentage of Black women in caregiving roles is 6% higher than the national average.

And while Black caregivers are just as likely as others to be caring for a relative, those relatives are 25% less likely to be their parents. That matters. It shows how caregiving in our communities isn’t only about caring for mom or dad, it’s about stepping in for siblings, cousins, aunties, or elders who aren’t blood but are still family. Being there for others, not just those who raised you. It’s who needs you.

The Toll on Body and Mind

Caregiving is often framed as noble, but rarely as depleting. That needs to change.
According to Forbes, caregivers experience significantly higher rates of health problems than non-caregivers. These include elevated blood pressure, heart disease, sleep disorders, and chronic stress-related illnesses. Depression and anxiety rates among caregivers are two to three times higher than in the general population.

And the longer the caregiving continues, the deeper the toll. As reported by AARP, one in five caregivers now rates their own health as “fair” or “poor.” A quarter are taking on debt, and one in five cannot afford basic needs like food.

This is not sustainable. And for Black caregivers, the stakes are even higher.

Black Women Are Holding It Down, At a Cost

Black women are overrepresented in care work, both paid and unpaid. While Black men also show up as caregivers, the burden falls most heavily on the women in our communities.

According to the National Partnership for Women & Families, if their unpaid caregiving hours were compensated, their labor would be worth $80 billion annually.

Unfortunately, that labor is undervalued. Black women are more likely to be the sole caregiver in their household, more likely to care for multiple people, and more likely to do it without paid leave or outside support. They’re also more likely to delay their own care, push through exhaustion, and internalize the idea that rest is something you earn, not something you need.

The result? Higher rates of stress-related illness. More missed doctor’s appointments. More caregivers are getting sick themselves and have fewer opportunities to recover, reset, or even be seen. Caregiving isn’t the enemy. But ignoring its toll is. By identifying its stressors, we make space for caregivers in our communities to be cared for, not just relied on.

What Self-Care Really Means And Why It’s So Hard

Let’s be clear, self-care isn’t only bubble baths and scented candles. It’s not a marketing slogan. It’s the act of preserving your health, your sanity, and your identity in the face of relentless demands.

For Black caregivers, self-care often feels impossible. There can be guilt and pressure involved.

You might find yourself saying:

• “We take care of our own in this family.”
• “If I don’t do it, who will?”
• “I promised I’d always be there.”

These beliefs are rooted in love, but they can lead to burnout, resentment, and serious health consequences. It’s time to challenge them.

Reclaiming Self-Care

Self-care starts with honesty, not just about what you need, but about what’s getting in the way.

Are you skipping meals? Ignoring your own doctor’s appointments? Feeling resentful but afraid to say it out loud? You’re not alone, and you’re not failing. You’re human.

Recognize That You Matter

You’re not just a caregiver. You’re a whole person. Your health, your joy, your rest. They matter. Don’t postpone them for “someday.” Prioritize them now.

Name What You Need

Just like those you care for, your needs shift. Day to day. Moment to moment. Whether it’s sleep, support, a good meal, time, or silence, you’re allowed to name it, claim it, and act on it.

Ask for Help Without Apology

Be specific. Ask a friend to run errands, ask a sibling to take a shift, or ask your community to show up. People often want to help; they need direction. You’re incredible for stepping into the caregiving role, but no one should expect you to be a superhero. Put down the cape and lean on your community.

Protect Your Health

Schedule your appointments. Take your medications. Eat nourishing food. Drink water. Sleep. Your body isn’t a machine built to serve others. It needs care too. And you already know how to care deeply. That wisdom applies to you as well.

Find Joy in Small Moments

You may not be able to hop on a plane and escape your worries, but joy lives in the everyday. Five minutes of quiet. A walk with your thoughts. A playlist that makes you sing every word. Joy isn’t always prescribed, but it is medicine. And you deserve to feel it.

Join a Support Network

Seek out caregiver groups that reflect your experience. As recommended by The Senior Alliance, culturally affirming support networks offer connection, validation, and practical help.

Challenge the Guilt

Guilt in caregiving is rooted in lies. It tells you rest is wrong. That asking for help means you’re failing and that your worth is tied to how much you overextend. Here’s the truth. You are worthy. Even when you’re resting, or when you’re not “doing,” and especially when you’re simply being.

A Message to Black Caregivers

You are the backbone of so many families. The ones who show up when it’s hard, when it’s thankless, and when no one else does. But you are also human. You’re allowed to be tired. You’re allowed to need care. And you’re absolutely allowed to put yourself first. Because when you do, everyone benefits.

Self-care isn’t a luxury. It’s a necessity that looks different for every individual, and it’s time we treated it that way. You deserve to take up space, not just in caregiving, but in your own life. So today, take one intentional step toward yourself. Trust your voice and honor your needs.

Resources

Caregiving in the US 2025: Key Trends, Strains, and Policy Needs

The Senior Alliance

The Toll Of Caregiver Stress When Caring For Aging Parents

Caregiving in the US 2025 – Research Report

Black Women and the Care Agenda | National Partnership for Women & Families

The post Caregivers, Be Good to Yourself appeared first on Black Health Matters.

This guide covers what’s normal, what’s not, and what to do when things feel off, physically or emotionally.

Why Does Breastfeeding Feel So Hard at First?

Because it is, you’re learning a new skill while recovering from birth, navigating sleep deprivation, and adjusting to a new identity. Breastfeeding is a supply-and-demand system, and in those early weeks, your baby’s frequent nursing helps build your milk supply. But it’s also a dance, one that takes time, patience, and support to learn.

Why Does My Baby Nurse So Often?

Newborns have tiny stomachs, about the size of a cherry on day one, growing to a walnut by week one. Breast milk digests quickly, so babies get hungry fast. Frequent nursing is normal and necessary. Watch for early hunger cues like lip smacking, rooting, or hand-sucking. Crying is a late sign. If you can catch hunger earlier, feedings tend to go more smoothly.

What Should Breastfeeding Feel Like?

A good latch shouldn’t hurt. It might feel unfamiliar at first, like a gentle pull or stretch, but it shouldn’t make you wince. If you’re feeling sharp pain, pinching, or burning, something’s off. And you don’t have to push through it. Painful nursing is uncomfortable, but it can also lead to cracked skin, low milk transfer, and frustration for both you and your baby. Most latch issues are fixable with minor tweaks, and getting help early can make a huge difference.

Talk to a lactation consultant, nurse, or peer counselor. You deserve to feel supported, not punished, for trying to feed your baby.

What Is Engorgement and Why Does It Hurt?

Around day three to five postpartum, your milk “comes in,” and your breasts may feel full, firm, or even rock-hard. That’s engorgement, your body’s way of prepping for demand. But if you wait too long between feedings, inflammation builds, making it harder for your baby to latch. It can feel swollen, tight, or tender, and for some women, even painful.

Frequent nursing helps prevent it, and cold compresses can offer relief. Even if you’re not sure your breasts are full, it’s okay to nurse. Your baby’s cues matter more than the clock.

What to Do When Nursing Feels Hard

If your baby is struggling to latch or your breasts feel too firm, there are ways to make feeding more comfortable. Between sessions, a cool washcloth or gel pack can help reduce swelling. If the area around your nipple feels tight, try gently pressing with your fingertips for about a minute. This softens the tissue and makes it easier for your baby to latch.

You can also ask your provider if ibuprofen is safe for you; it’s often recommended to reduce inflammation. And if you notice fever, chills, or one breast that feels hot, red, or painful, call your doctor. These could be signs of mastitis, a breast infection that needs medical care.

What About Cracked, Sore, or Bleeding Nipples?

It’s common in the first few days, especially if the latch isn’t deep enough. If your nipples are damaged, take your baby off the breast and try again. Use expressed breast milk or purified lanolin to soothe the skin. Keep breastfeeding. Healing happens faster with continued nursing and latch correction.

What If I Have Large, Flat, or Inverted Nipples?

These variations are normal and don’t mean you can’t breastfeed. A lactation consultant can help with positioning and latch techniques. Nipple shields may help temporarily, but they’re not a long-term fix. With support, most women find a rhythm that works.

Will My Breasts Leak?

Maybe. Maybe not. Some leak during pregnancy, others only when feeding or thinking about their baby. Nursing pads can help; change them often to avoid irritation.

Do I Need to Prep My Nipples Before Birth?

No. Your body already has oil glands that keep the skin soft and guide your baby by scent. Skip the soaps, lotions, and perfumes. Plain water is enough.

The Emotional Side of Breastfeeding Pain

Pain isn’t just physical. It’s emotional too. And now, we finally have language for some of the more complex feelings that can show up during breastfeeding.

Dysphoric Milk Ejection Reflex (D-MER)

D-MER is a sudden wave of sadness, anxiety, or even rage that happens just before or during milk letdown. It’s hormonal, not psychological, and usually lasts anywhere from 30 seconds to 10 minutes.

According to a study published in Archives of Women’s Mental Health, about 15.5% of breastfeeding women report symptoms of Dysphoric Milk Ejection Reflex (D-MER). Many describe it as a sudden drop in mood that feels intense but brief, often mistaken for postpartum depression, though it’s a distinct experience.

Breastfeeding Aversion Response (BAR)

Breastfeeding Aversion Response (BAR) shows up as a wave of discomfort, irritation, or even a strong urge to unlatch while nursing. It’s not about disliking your baby or failing at breastfeeding; it’s a physiological reaction that can feel overwhelming and hard to name.

BAR is more common during tandem feeding, nursing through pregnancy, or breastfeeding older babies. A study published in the Journal of Midwifery & Women’s Health found that more than half of women experiencing BAR ended feedings early, and nearly half received no support from their provider. Emotional discomfort during nursing isn’t a mood disorder, but it still deserves recognition, care, and compassion, especially for Black mothers who are often dismissed in clinical spaces.

Mental Health Matters

Breastfeeding can be healing, but it can also be emotionally heavy. A systematic review in the Journal of Women’s Health found that while nursing may reduce anxiety for some, it can increase stress and depressive symptoms for others, especially when pain, pressure, or isolation are involved.

When Black mothers speak about breastfeeding pain, they’re often met with disbelief or blame. The emotional toll includes shame, isolation, and the unraveling of self. It’s rarely named, let alone addressed. But it’s real. And it deserves care that centers the mother’s wellbeing, not just the mechanics of feeding.

Here’s the truth. Feeding your baby isn’t a test. You’re not a bad mom if breastfeeding is hard. You’re not failing if you need help or take a different path. You’re doing what works. That’s love and care.

What If I Choose Not to Breastfeed?

Even if you don’t breastfeed, your body will still produce milk. You may experience fullness or engorgement. Pain management, cold compresses, and gradual weaning techniques can help. Talk to your provider about safe ways to suppress lactation if needed.

When Is Pain Not Normal?

If pain lasts more than a few days, gets worse, or comes with fever, chills, or red streaks on the breast, call your provider. You may have mastitis or a blocked duct. If nursing feels emotionally unbearable, reach out. There’s no shame in asking for help.

A Quick Recap

We get it. You’re busy, tired, maybe overwhelmed. Whether you’re the one nursing or the one helping, here’s a quick recap of what actually helps, so you don’t have to dig for answers when you need relief now.

If It Hurts, Pause and Reassess

Pain during breastfeeding is common, but it’s not something you have to push through. According to the CDC’s Breastfeeding Report Card, latch pain is one of the top reasons women stop breastfeeding early. If it feels sharp, pinching, or burning, unlatch and try again. A good latch should feel like a tug, not a sting.

Don’t Wait for Your Breasts to Feel Full

Engorgement can happen fast, especially in the first week. Your breasts may feel swollen, tight, or hot. That pressure can make it harder for your baby to latch. The U.S. Breastfeeding Committee recommends feeding on demand and using cold compresses between sessions to reduce inflammation. You don’t need to wait for fullness, follow your baby’s cues.

Cracked Nipples Aren’t a Badge of Honor

If your nipples are cracked or bleeding, it’s usually a sign of a shallow latch, not something you need to “tough out.” Expressed breast milk has natural healing properties, and purified lanolin can help soothe the skin. Skip soaps and scented lotions; your body already produces oils that protect and guide your baby.

Your Emotions Matter Just as Much as Your Milk

If you feel dread, sadness, or irritability during letdown, it could be Dysphoric Milk Ejection Reflex (D-MER). If nursing feels emotionally unbearable, pause and get support. You’re not failing, you’re responding to your body. And that’s something to honor.

Support That Meets You Where You Are

Call the National Breastfeeding Hotline at 800-994-9662 on weekdays between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. ET to speak with trained peer counselors through the Office on Women’s Health. You’ll reach people who understand latch pain, emotional overwhelm, and everything in between. Support is free and judgment-free as well.

Also, check out the U.S. Breastfeeding Committee’s resource hub for toolkits, webinars, and updates on breastfeeding protections.

Asking questions about breastfeeding pain doesn’t make you weak; it makes you aware. And that awareness? It’s part of your story, just like it’s part of so many others. From here, you get to decide what comes next. Whether you nurse, pump, wean, or opt for formula, your effort to understand your body and your options is enough. More than enough

Resources:

Dysphoric milk ejection reflex: prevalence and associations with self-reported mental health history | Archives of Women’s Mental Health

Breastfeeding Aversion Response (BAR): A Descriptive Study

The Effects of Breastfeeding on Maternal Mental Health: A Systematic Review | Journal of Women’s Health

Breastfeeding Report Card | Breastfeeding Data | CDC

National Women’s Health and Breastfeeding Helpline

Breastfeeding Resources for Parents

The post Solutions to Your Common Questions About Breastfeeding Pain appeared first on Black Health Matters.

Ayesha Patrick Opens Up About How Psoriasis Has Impacted Her Body & Mind

This lack of representation can make it even harder to recognize, manage, and accept a chronic autoimmune disease that already impacts both the body and mind. In this candid interview, Ayesha Patrick, founder of The PsoriaSis Collective, opens up about her lifelong experience living with psoriasis. She speaks on the challenges of accessing culturally competent care and the ongoing importance of advocacy, education, and community support for patients of color navigating a world that still has much to learn.

Psoriasis Had Been a Life-Long Journey, But the Pandemic Was a Turning Point

BHM: When did you first begin noticing symptoms, and can you share a little about psoriasis as an autoimmune disease in general?

Ayesha Patrick: I’ve had psoriasis my entire life. I just turned 45, so that’s a long time. As a kid, I had no concept of what it was or what it was called. My twin sister and I both had it, but my mom called it “winter-itch” on our skin because in the winter, our legs would get dry patches, and our scalp would have a lot of what we thought was dandruff. She called it “growing dandruff.”

We didn’t know what it was. It wasn’t until college, when I was going to the doctor on my own, that I learned there was a name for it.

Even then, it was pretty mild and manageable. I didn’t give it much thought, and when I did have patches, I wore clothes to hide them. I had my own hair regimen, and that helped.

Everything changed for me at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, around when I turned 40. I had a major flare-up and realized the full extent of psoriasis.

Suddenly, I had patches all over my body, and multiple types of psoriasis—not just the normal patches I was used to.

I had inverse psoriasis and  Guttate psoriasis, which looked like fine bumps. It was scary because I had never experienced it that way. My scalp was so bad, I lost quite a bit of hair at the crown of my head. Even though I knew I had a condition, I didn’t understand the extent of it until that major flare.

The pandemic, another medical issue, and other life stresses pushed my body into this major flare. That was when I had to rely on virtual visits with my dermatologist and learn more about what I was facing.

The Most Common Type of Psoriasis

BHM: You mentioned two different types. Can you explain the different types you’ve experienced?

Ayesha Patrick: Plaque psoriasis is what most people see, with raised, dry patches on the skin and scalp. Scalp psoriasis can look like dandruff, but it doesn’t go away easily. Psoriasis makes your skin regenerate much faster than normal, which is what creates the scales. That was especially hard because I lost most of my hair, which was very difficult to manage as a Black woman. Having to explain it to people was tough, too.

Can Psoriasis Be Mistaken For Other Conditions?

BHM: In the early stages, did you confuse psoriasis with other pre-existing marks, like birthmarks, or with other skin conditions?

Ayesha Patrick: When I was a kid, before I realized what it was, people thought it was ringworm, because the scales sometimes looked like that. It was hard because, as a kid, you don’t want people to think you have ringworm.

A lot of people would say, “Your skin is just dry, just use Vaseline, use cocoa butter.” You try those things, but they come back or don’t fully heal. It’s common for people to mistake it for something else.

She Knew She Had a Condition, But Was Not Formally Diagnosed Until Later

BHM: Were you ever misdiagnosed, or did you experience delays in your diagnosis because of how your symptoms appeared, especially considering your skin color?

Ayesha Patrick: I always knew I had a condition, so there was never a formal misdiagnosis by a doctor. The only misdiagnoses came from people making assumptions about what they thought I had, but not from medical professionals.

Finding a Community She Could Relate to

BHM: Once you were diagnosed, did your psoriasis look different on your skin compared to images you had seen in brochures or online? How was your research process as you tried to learn more and find others who could relate?

Ayesha Patrick: Because I knew what plaque psoriasis was, I was familiar with it on my skin. But with the inverse type under my breasts, that was completely new. Even the guttate type, the fine bumps, looked different too.

On my skin, the plaques are dark, gray, or sometimes purplish, whereas Google shows red, scaly patches.

Most information isn’t tailored for people of color; unless you search specifically for “psoriasis on Black skin,” you won’t see what it looks like.

Taking photos for my doctor helped me notice that my psoriasis didn’t look red—under my breasts, it looked dark. Online images and others’ descriptions of “red and scaly” didn’t match me. There’s an absolute lack of diversity in how psoriasis is represented in medical literature and online.

Navigating the Challenges of this Chronic Condition

BHM: What has been one of the most challenging aspects of your condition—socially, economically, or regarding barriers to care, like insurance and access to medications?

Ayesha Patrick: One of the biggest challenges was not being heard by my dermatologist. When I was finally able to go into her office, she looked at my scalp and told me to use medication and wash my hair every day.

I explained that as a Black woman with natural hair, I don’t wash my hair daily, and it wasn’t something I could do.

She didn’t seem open to understanding. My daughter was with me, and I realized this relationship wasn’t going to work.

I had to find a new dermatologist, which is always tricky because you have to build trust with someone new and hope they’ll create a treatment plan that works for you. I reached out to Facebook groups to find recommendations, looking for someone who would listen.

Thankfully, my healthcare through my job made access to care easier, but I learned about step therapy and other barriers many people face in receiving the medication that they need. Even though I didn’t experience all those barriers, knowing they exist made me more determined to help others advocate for themselves.

Education and Advocacy are Needed for Patients and Doctors

BHM:  Do you believe more research on people of color with psoriasis is needed? How can healthcare providers improve their care for these patients?

Ayesha Patrick: Absolutely, there should be more research. There are historic issues of trust that make it harder for our community to participate in clinical research. Still, unless we’re included, there’s a limit to what can be done specifically for us.

My new dermatologist—who is not a woman of color but works in a diverse practice—told me they didn’t see images of Black skin in medical school.

There’s an ongoing need to educate and show dermatologists how psoriasis and other skin conditions look on Black and Brown skin.

Our voices matter. Education, both in our community and in medical training, is crucial. Without that knowledge, we won’t get the early care and support we need. For example, I now have psoriatic arthritis, which causes irreversible damage if not caught early. The lack of awareness and education can make conditions progress faster. Collaboration, patient partnership, and education are essential.

Good Medicine Can Mean Many Things

BHM: Can you talk about some treatments that you have found helpful, both initially and now?

Ayesha Patrick: Prescribed topicals have been very helpful. Beyond that, I write and journal a lot because stress and anxiety can trigger flare-ups for me. Taking walks, reading, and making changes to my environment help, too.

It’s not all just medication. If a prescribed medication isn’t working anymore, there are always new options to consider—though it can be overwhelming to read about side effects online.

Changing my diet—reducing carbs and sugar, drinking less alcohol, even trying gluten-free—has also helped a lot.

Since I have psoriatic arthritis, movement is my medicine. Getting vitamin D naturally from sunlight helps too. Medicine can mean many things, not just prescriptions—playing music, caring for your mental health, and finding joy have all helped in my journey.

BHM: Lastly, could you tell us about your Sisters with Psoriasis support group? What inspired you, and what is its mission and impact? Also, do you have any advice for patients of color experiencing unexplained skin changes?

Ayesha Patrick: Sisters with Psoriasis came about when I was searching online for support and couldn’t find anyone who looked like me. I thought, “It’s impossible that no one else is experiencing this.”

One day, I felt called to start my group, so I created an Instagram page and a private Facebook group. I wanted to get support but also offer it to other women like myself. I also connected early on with the National Psoriasis Foundation (NPF), received mentorship, and worked as an advocate, which gave me the tools to create a safe space for others.

The Foundation made a real impact on my life. As the group grew, I expanded it into the Psoriasis Collective, bringing together patients, advocates, physicians, and others to share resources beyond the Facebook group.

I’m still involved with NPF as a mentor and patient research partner, where I am working on clinical trials and spreading awareness so that we can bring together more information and support for our community. My advice for any patients out there: your voice matters, and your feelings are valid. Trust yourself and know that.

Ayesha Patrick’s story underscores the importance of culturally competent healthcare, community, and self-advocacy for those living with psoriasis and other autoimmune diseases. By sharing her experiences and creating spaces like Sisters with Psoriasis, she continues to inspire others to raise their voices and seek the care they deserve. For more resources, support, or information about psoriasis, visit the National Psoriasis Foundation.

Resources:

National Psoriasis Foundation: Guttate Psoriasis

Cleveland Clinic: Inverse Psoriasis

Mayo Clinic: Plaque Psoriasis

National Psoriasis Foundation

The post Ayesha Patrick, Creating Community with The PsoriaSis Collective appeared first on Black Health Matters.

We spoke to Dr. Lonna Gordon, a physician who’s spent her career helping families have the kinds of conversations she knows can shape trust, confidence, and emotional safety.

Why These Conversations Matter for Emotional Wellness

Dr. Gordon is a quadruple-boarded physician with expertise in adolescent medicine, obesity care, pediatrics, and culinary wellness. Her work centers on the emotional and developmental needs of young people, especially Black girls, and she’s known for helping caregivers build trust through honest dialogue.

“Even if you feel nervous about starting the conversation, have it, because it can make a huge difference in a girl’s emotional well-being,” she says.

She explains that when parents talk openly about sexual health, they help daughters build self-esteem, trust their choices, and feel more confident in their relationships.

“Having ‘the talk’ can help young women build self-esteem by showing them they can trust their own choices and set their own boundaries,” she says. “It also helps reduce the negative feelings they may have about their bodies when a parent reassures them that their bodies are beautiful, and that beauty is just one of many qualities they bring to the table.”

Approach the Conversation With an Open Mind

For caregivers who didn’t grow up with these conversations, Dr. Gordon encourages a shift in thinking. It’s not a single talk; it’s a series that builds over time. She encourages parents to approach the topic with curiosity and a willingness to listen.

“Parents should go into these conversations with an open mind, a curiosity for what their child wants to talk about, and be ready to listen,” she says.

“They may not have all the answers. But it’s important to emphasize that they’re always willing to hear what their child wants to talk about,” Dr. Gordon continues. “Even if the subject may be hard to hear or difficult to talk about.”

Choose a neutral and relaxed setting. Such as a car ride, so the conversation doesn’t feel too intense.

There Are Stages When These Talks Will Resonate

Dr. Gordon points to key developmental stages when these conversations matter. Early childhood curiosity sets the tone for trust. During puberty, it’s essential to talk about body changes and emotional shifts. In high school, the focus expands to sexual identity and decision-making.

“If you keep the lines of communication open through all these stages, you can trust that when your child leaves home, for college or career, she is set up to make informed decisions about her body,” she says.

Help Your Daughter Navigate Mixed Messages

As girls receive conflicting messages from school, peers, and media, Dr. Gordon urges parents to be a reliable source of information or to help daughters build relationships with trusted healthcare providers.

“If parents don’t feel like they can provide this information or have a reliable source, they should advocate for private time and a trusting relationship between daughters and their healthcare providers,” she says.

Challenge Harmful Narratives About Black Girls

In her work with Black families, Dr. Gordon emphasizes the importance of rejecting stereotypes that label curiosity as promiscuity. She also calls attention to the adultification of Black girls, which often denies them the space to make mistakes and learn from them.

“Making mistakes in an environment that is safe enough to learn from is the task of adolescence and so important for growing into an emotionally healthy adult,” she says. “Parents are critical in creating that safe space.”

“Embracing that sexual and reproductive health curiosity does not imply a young person is ‘fast’ or promiscuous,” she adds. “It is important for their children to know about their reproductive and sexual health and to seek out accurate and reliable information.”

What the Opill Survey Reveals About Changing Attitudes

A recent survey commissioned by Perrigo, the maker of Opill, shows how attitudes are shifting. Conducted in July 2025, the Opill Back to School Survey polled nearly 1,200 mothers of college-bound daughters across the U.S. Two in three said they plan to send their daughters to college with birth control. Sixty-six percent said it’s extremely important to have a sexual wellness conversation before their daughters leave home for college.

Still, many mothers expressed concern about side effects, proper use, and the risk of pregnancy. The findings show that caregivers want their daughters to have knowledge and protection they can trust, along with access that feels safe and reliable.

Supporting Autonomy and Access

Dr. Gordon sees this shift as an opportunity to expand the conversation beyond contraception.

“It also opens up space for more comprehensive conversations about sex that include contraception, consent, emotional connection, mutual respect, and pleasure,” she says.

She points to Opill, the first FDA-approved daily birth control available over the counter, as one option that can help remove barriers to access.

“If a college-bound girl can’t easily see a healthcare provider, it’s good to know she still has access to a range of birth control options, including Opill,” she says.

Passing Down Knowledge That Protects

Dr. Gordon describes these conversations as a way to equip daughters with tools that shape their futures. When families talk openly about sexual wellness, they’re not only sharing information, they’re creating conditions for safety, choice, and long-term wellbeing.

“Having these conversations is its own kind of generational wealth, passing down not just knowledge, but opportunities to future generations,” she says.

You Already Know More Than You Think

You may have noticed we didn’t offer a step-by-step script for how to talk to your daughter about sexual health. That’s intentional. There’s no single roadmap that fits every family, and no one knows your child better than you do.

What you bring to the table, your instincts, your care, your lived experience, is already powerful. When paired with Dr. Gordon’s guidance on setting, tone, and intention, those maternal gifts can open space for trust, clarity, and connection.

Whether the conversation starts in a car ride, a quiet moment at home, or a question that catches you off guard, what matters most is that it starts and that your daughter knows she can keep coming back to you.

Resources:

Havas Red and Atomik Research, “Opill Back to School Survey Findings,” commissioned by Perrigo, July 2025.

Opill®: The First FDA-Approved OTC Daily Birth Control Pill | Opill®

The post How Black Mothers Can Lead Sexual Health Conversations with Confidence appeared first on Black Health Matters.

What Happens If You Don’t Vaccinate Your Kids?

Not vaccinating your child can have serious health impacts. For example, infections such as measles can cause severe complications such as pneumonia, encephalitis, subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE), and death. Polio can also cause serious complications, including paralysis and post-polio syndrome.

Furthermore, not giving your child the HPV vaccine can lead to them developing cancers later in life, including cervical, anal, and penile cancers. In addition, not only will not vaccinating your child hurt your child, but it will also impact the community.

If people do not vaccinate their kids, herd immunity weakens. Herd immunity is a phenomenon where enough people are immune to a disease, so it cannot spread from one person to another. Vaccines are one way to achieve herd immunity, making it harder for diseases to spread from one person to another.

The increase in measles in 2025 is a clear example of weakened herd immunity. According to an article, “The average county-level vaccination rate fell from 93.92% pre-pandemic to 91.26% post-pandemic.” This illustrates the importance of vaccines in establishing herd immunity.

Why are People Skeptical About Vaccines?

Thimerosal

Thimerosal is a mercury-based preservative used in some vaccines. Thimerosal is essential to add to vaccines because it helps prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi in the vaccine vials.

• It contains ethyl mercury, which is quickly removed from the body
• Seafood and other foods contain methylmercury, which can build up to dangerous levels in the body
• These are not the same and affect the body very differently.

According to the CDC and NIH, there is no evidence that thimerosal in vaccines causes harm.

 According to the FDA, the use of thimerosal as a preservative in U.S. FDA-licensed vaccines has significantly declined due to reformulation and development of vaccines presented in single-dose containers.

All vaccines routinely recommended for children 6 years of age and younger in the U.S. are available in formulations that do not contain thimerosal.

The only exception would apply to adolescents. Tetanus and Diphtheria Toxoids Adsorbed, single-dose presentation, manufactured by Mass Biologics, utilizes thimerosal as part of its manufacturing process..

 Autism Myths

According to Dr. Josh Sharfstein, the concerns about vaccines and autism started when an article published in 1998 described 12 children who received the MMR vaccine and later developed autism. This paper was deeply flawed and taken down, but the false connection between vaccines and autism still exists.

One reason this false connection exists is that the MMR vaccine is given around 12 and 18 months old, which is around the same time early autism starts to appear. So people think that since the vaccine comes before the autism diagnosis, the vaccine must be the cause- the cause-and-effect myth. There is numerous strong scientific evidence to disprove this myth. In a large-scale study of 95,000 children, researchers found no association between the MMR vaccine and autism.

 Fear of Severe Reactions

Another reason why people fear vaccines is the severe side effects, including seizures, anaphylaxis, and myocarditis. According to an article in Frontiers in Microbiology, vaccines undergo rigorous safety and efficacy studies to ensure their safety. In fact, many serious side effects are extremely rare.

When Guidelines Shift, So Does Trust

• The Hepatitis B birth shot, which pediatricians say is crucial to have. An AAP article says that “infants infected with hepatitis B at birth face a 90% likelihood of developing chronic infection.”
•  The MMR vaccine, Pediatricians warn that with the U.S. facing a growing measles outbreak, maintaining high MMR vaccination coverage is critical, and any attempt to question it could endanger lives.

Click this link for the complete schedule: BHM VACCINE SHEET copy 2

Adapted from CDC.gov

Resources:

Measles: Signs and Symptoms

Polio: Symptoms and Causes

HPV: Reasons to Get the Vaccine

Herd Immunity

Vaccine Safety

NIH

The Evidence on Vaccines and Autism

Cause and Effect Myth

The post Why You Should Vaccinate Your Kids appeared first on Black Health Matters.

It’s Not Just Adults, 1 in 3 Teens is Prediabetic

According to the CDC, 32.7%, an estimated 8.4 million teens ages 12-17 are prediabetic. This data was collected from the 2023 National Health and Nutrition Survey, the most recent time information was gathered.

In a statement to ABC News, Dr. Christopher Holliday, the CDC’s top official in charge of diabetes prevention, said Type 2 diabetes poses a “significant threat” to young people’s health.

What is Diabetes?

Diabetes occurs when the level of sugar in the blood is too high. That happens because of a problem with the hormone insulin, which is made in the pancreas. When you eat, the pancreas releases insulin into the bloodstream. This allows sugar to enter your cells, lowering the amount of sugar in your blood.

In type 2 diabetes, the pancreas does not make enough insulin, and the body can’t use insulin as well as it should. That means sugar cannot move into the cells, and it builds up in the blood.

What is Prediabetes?

Prediabetes is a condition in which blood sugar is higher than normal, but it’s not high enough to be considered type 2 diabetes. People who have prediabetes are at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

A person’s blood sugar can be at a prediabetes level for quite some time. Although it doesn’t carry all the risks of the full disease, prediabetes isn’t harmless. The damage diabetes can do to your body may start in the prediabetes stage, particularly complications that affect the blood vessels, heart, and kidneys.

What Changes You Need to Make to Reverse Prediabetes

The good news is that there are ways to reverse this condition. Specific lifestyle changes can lower your blood sugar level and decrease your risk of developing diabetes.

 Maintain a healthy weight.

The root cause of type 2 diabetes is not completely clear, but weight does play a role. In people who have obesity, the body may need two to three times more insulin than it would at a healthy weight. When the pancreas tries to produce that much additional insulin, it can be pushed beyond its capacity, and insulin-producing cells start to die. That worsens the situation because the pancreas then has even fewer cells with which to make insulin.

Eat a Diet Rich in Vegetables, Fruits, and Whole Grains

Changes in eating habits are often necessary. Eat a healthy diet that’s rich in vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. For guidance, consider talking with a dietitian. Maintaining a healthy weight is essential for exercise.

Get 30 Minutes of Exercise a Day, 150 minutes Per Week. 

Get 150 minutes or more of moderate aerobic physical activity a week or at least 30 minutes most days. If you count steps as a way to monitor activity, you will likely need to take 10,000 to 15,000 steps per day to maintain a lower weight. Another benefit of physical activity is that muscles can take up and burn sugar without the need for insulin, thereby taking pressure off the pancreas.

Control Your Blood Pressure, Cholesterol, and Don’t Smoke

Controlling high blood pressure and high cholesterol can also reduce your risk of future diseases. And because smoking can worsen insulin resistance in the body, don’t smoke. For help quitting, talk to your health care provider.

Preventing prediabetes from progressing to type 2 diabetes is vital for your long-term health. Over time, Type 2 diabetes can affect nearly every major organ in your body, including the blood vessels, nerves, eyes, and kidneys. If left untreated, diabetes complications may be disabling or even life-threatening. But if you lower your blood sugar level, your risk of type 2 diabetes and its potential complications decreases dramatically.

Resources

CDC: Prediabetes: Could It Be You?

CDC National Health and Nutrition Survey

The post Can You Reverse Prediabetes? appeared first on Black Health Matters.

Spencer’s First Role Was in the Movie Serpico

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

The Young Actress Was a Breakout Star

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

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

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

A Tragic Car Accident Left Her in a Coma

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

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

Becoming Doctor Spencer

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

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

Dr.Spencer’s Health Challenges

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

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

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

 

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The post Dr. Danielle Spencer, aka Dee From “What’s Happening” Has Died appeared first on Black Health Matters.

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

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

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

Why Health Matters Are Personal for Westbrook

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

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

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

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

Diseases Like Colon and Prostate Cancer Are Impacting Younger People

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

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

Westbrook Says Social Media Can Be a Powerful Teaching Tool

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

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

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

Why Westbrook Keeps Coming Back to the Harlem Summit

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

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

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

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

Westbrook Wants to See His Peers There

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

Early Prostate Cancer Detection Can Save Your Life

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

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

When Should You Get Screened?

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

Partner With Your HCP For More Positive Outcomes

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

Why Prostate Cancer Screenings Are Critical

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

Preventing Prostate Cancer With Healthier Lifestyle Choices

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

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

Resources for Education and Empowerment

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

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

Post-Dinner Discussions

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

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

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

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

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

Conclusion

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

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

This makes it easier for infections to occur, ultimately leading to more severe symptoms. Fortunately, staying up to date on vaccines can help protect seniors from many preventable illnesses and complications.

Here’s an overview of the recommended vaccines for older adults in 2025:

Ages 50–64

• COVID-19: Updated vaccine recommended for all adults 18+ (annual 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine).
• Flu: Annual vaccine.
• Pneumococcal pneumonia: Recommended if you have never received it before and you are 50+
• Shingles: Two doses for all adults 50+.
• Td/Tdap: Td (tetanus, diphtheria) booster every 10 years, or Tdap once if you never had it as a child; Tdap also during each pregnancy.

Ages 60 and Up

•  COVID-19: At 65+, recommended to receive 2 doses of any 2024-25 COVID-19 vaccine, 6 months apart.
• Flu: Annual vaccine.
• Pneumococcal: Recommended if you have never received it before and you are 50+
• Shingles: Two doses for adults 50+.
• RSV: Adults 60–74 are at increased risk, and all adults 75+ should get one dose.
• Td/Tdap: Booster every 10 years; Tdap once if never received as a child; Tdap in each pregnancy.

Other Guidance

•  If you were born before 1957, you are assumed to be immune to measles, mumps, and rubella and do not need the MMR vaccine.
•  The COVID-19 vaccine is still recommended for all adults 18 and older, especially since protection decreases over time and new variants can appear (this is why the 2024-2025 vaccine is suggested).

Tips if You Can’t Find Your Vaccine Records

• Ask previous healthcare providers, schools, or jobs for records.
•  Check your state’s immunization registry.
•  If you cannot find your records, it is safe to get vaccines again; extra doses are not harmful.

Addressing Common Concerns

The CDC continues to recommend immunizations for adults, especially seniors, to prevent severe disease.

According to Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, RSV vaccines are now available for adults 60 and older, with three approved options in the U.S. (Arexvy, Abrysvo, and mResvia). One dose protects against severe RSV for up to two years and is recommended for all adults 75+, as well as adults 60–74 who are at increased risk.

You may have heard conflicting information about vaccines from public figures and in the news. For example, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (RFK Jr.) has questioned the safety or necessity of certain vaccines. In 2025, Secretary Kennedy replaced members of a key CDC vaccine advisory committee with individuals known for vaccine skepticism. This move has been criticized by former committee members and many in the scientific community. They warn that it could undermine rigorous, evidence-based review and public confidence in vaccinations.

Age-Appropriate Vaccines Are Still Recommended

Despite these policy shifts, leading medical organizations, including the CDC, continue to strongly recommend age-appropriate vaccinations for adults and seniors. Research consistently shows vaccines are safe and help prevent serious disease.

The COVID-19 vaccine remains on the recommended schedule for adults because protection decreases over time and new variants appear.

The post 2025 Vaccine Immunization Guidance for Seniors 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.

To explore the cultural and structural forces behind this crisis, we spoke with Dr. LaToya Lewis, a nationally recognized nursing professor and healthcare equity strategist.

Why Black Women Carry the Heaviest Caregiving Load

While broader analysis on Black Caregiving includes many experiences, Black women often carry the heaviest load.

Dr. Lewis describes how the stigma surrounds even basic expressions of need. “There is a taboo surrounding the need for support in raising a family and managing multiple responsibilities,” she explained.

“Black women are expected to do everything and be everything to everyone, yet no one accounts for how they are to be cared for in return or allowed to need rest.”

If Being Tired is Unacceptable, Burnout is Inevitable

In these environments, being tired or needing help becomes unacceptable. This contributes to silence around mental health challenges, reduces help-seeking behaviors, and erodes safe spaces for caregivers to advocate for their wellness.

Aside from personal impact, caregiver burnout is also a systemic health equity issue. “Primary prevention activities, such as wellness checkups, follow-up care, or managing underlying illnesses, are often neglected because most of their efforts go toward caring for loved ones,” Dr. Lewis said.

Caregivers Sacrifice Their Health

According to the AARP Caregiving in the U.S. 2025 report, nearly 1 in 4 caregivers struggle to care for their health due to caregiving responsibilities. Black caregivers are also more likely to give up paid employment to care for loved ones, citing a lack of affordable and quality care options.

Among caregivers under age 50, 36% of Black caregivers are part of the “sandwich generation,” simultaneously caring for children and aging adults.

Fragmented healthcare, limited access to culturally competent mental health providers, and a lack of training for family caregivers further deepen this divide. “Black and brown communities are at higher risk due to economic divides and systemic barriers in healthcare and mental health support,” she added.

Counting the Emotional and Psychological Costs of Caregiving

Dr. Lewis confirms what data also shows: Black women disproportionately take on intense caregiving roles with fewer supports. “This aligns with my experience interacting with caregivers involved with end-of-life care and palliative care,” she noted.

“These individuals manage the tasks of caregiving, working, and the expectation to perform at a high level,” Dr. Lewis shared. “This can lead to a wearing ‘mask’ at work as they put on a high-performing act, continue to meet objectives, and neglect their needs.”

Behind professional success, many are managing high-functioning anxiety and depression with little rest or reprieve.

The 2025 report found that 64% of caregivers report high emotional stress, and 45% report heavy physical strain, with Black women caregivers disproportionately affected.

Organizations Need Leaders With Emotional Insight

Supporting caregivers requires organizational leadership that prioritizes care, not just output. “Leadership that honors emotional well-being, cultural wisdom, and care-driven values requires emotional intelligence, cultural responsiveness, and cultural sensitivity,” Dr. Lewis explained.

She advocates for leaders who initiate check-ins, anticipate needs, and recognize when cultural norms may discourage vulnerability. “Being proactive, not just reactive, lets staff know you care about their holistic well-being,” she said. “Employees who feel supported by leaders focused on overall well-being will take better care of themselves and understand they are valued beyond being a number.”

Organization Need to Create Safe Spaces to Discuss These Issues

Dr. Lewis’s leadership reflects this philosophy across settings. Whether in the ICU or the classroom, she centers mentorship, emotional safety, and community uplift. “What redefined my understanding of leadership was realizing that my role extended far beyond managing operations and patient care deliverables,” she shared.

Now, she supports future nurses and doctoral students not just with academic guidance, but personal care. “Students who aren’t in my class often reach out to me for career advice or guidance,” she said.

“I strive to create a non-judgmental, empowering environment that focuses on what is most important to them, helping support them in their journey.”

Provide Caregivers With Tangible Support

As caregiving demands intensify, advocates are calling for targeted policy solutions. These include federal caregiver tax credits, expanded paid leave, and respite services that reflect the actual time and emotional toll of care. According to the 2025 report, 69% of caregivers support tax credits, and 55% support paid leave programs.

Dr. Lewis believes recognition is the first step. “We have to stop treating care as a personal problem to solve and start seeing it as a public responsibility.”

Resources

FINAL Caregiving in the Black Community

Caregiving Crisis in America Keeps Growing

The post Who’s Caring for Black Caregivers? appeared first on Black Health Matters.

To help us see things clearly, we tapped into the expertise of Utenzi Miller, an acclaimed optician, visual stylist, and owner of Elegant Eyes, Inc., an optical center dedicated to offering high-quality, fashionable eyewear, based in East Orange, New Jersey. Miller understands and operates in her mission to help people “Discover their EYE-dentity” with stylish frames fit for everyone.

The Perfect Pair: Summer Eyewear Trends

When it comes to Summer’s eyewear trends, she points us directly to the perfect blend of style and substance – highlighting that transitional lenses – “especially those with match tints or polarized lenses” – are a key trend. Miller explains, “These aren’t just practical; they’re all about personalizing your look, letting clients pick gradient or ombré shades from cool to warm to fit their ‘EYEdentity perfectly.'”

The protective power of transitions here comes from photochromic technology, which shields eyes from UV light by quickly transforming into sunglasses (in at least 60 seconds or less). Beyond the lenses, the “bigger the better” philosophy applies to frames this season. Oversized designs— think square, round, or geometric shapes—not only make a bold, fashion statement, but also provide ample coverage and excellent UV protection.

Utenzi Miller – Coltrane by Valley Eyewear $299

Elisa Johnson Lyric Leigh Sunglasses $150

DIFF Kylo Ren Sunglasses $59

Miller emphasizes that while summer eyewear is about expressing individual style, it’s essential to stay mindful of eye health – ensuring lenses provide adequate UV protection and considering features like polarization or blue light filters to meet specific lifestyle needs.

From Glares to Stares: What Your Lenses Need

Beyond just being a style statement, the real power of your summer eyewear lies within the lenses themselves. Miller highly recommends wearing summer eyewear with polarized lenses. She explains, “Polarized lenses reduce glare and significantly improve visual clarity in high UV or bright light environments. This adds more protection for your eyes and allows for clear sight, reducing eye strain due to light sensitivity.”

Other key coatings include Anti-Reflective (AR) Coating, which reduces reflections on the lens surface to improve clarity and reduce glare, especially in bright conditions. Scratch-Resistant Coating is also essential, helping to protect your lenses from daily wear and tear, which ultimately extends the lifespan of your sunglasses. Utenzi Miller restates looking beyond sunglasses to consider blue light filtering options if you spend a lot of time on screens, helping to combat digital eye strain.

livho High Tech Blue Light Glasses $15.99

Warby Parker Whitten Glasses $195

Shield Up – For Your Active Lifestyle

For those with active lifestyles, from outdoor sports and long days in the sun, to even a routine dental appointment, specialized eyewear is key. Miller reiterates that polarized lenses are a game-changer. “Polarized lenses reduce harsh glare from reflective surfaces like water, snow, and roads,” she explains, “and they also can enhance contrast and improve visual clarity.” Making them beneficial for extended outdoor activities such as fishing, boating, skiing, and even long drives, reducing eye strain and improving safety.

Specialized Protective Eyewear for Sports is Essential

Beyond lens technology, the frame design plays a key role in eye protection. Wraparound-style frames are ideal as they can protect the delicate eye area from sunlight, wind, and debris. They’re also designed to stay in place during physical activity, a significant benefit when you’re on the go. For summer activities like swimming and racquet sports, specialized protective eyewear isn’t just an option—it’s essential, especially if you typically wear eyeglasses or sunglasses for vision correction.

The American Academy of Ophthalmology makes it clear: about 90% of sports-related eye injuries are preventable with the proper eyewear. Meaning your regular glasses or fashion sunnies won’t cut it, and can make an eye injury worse.

If You Are a Swimmer or Diver, Rx Goggles are a Game Changer

For swimmers, prescription (Rx) swim goggles are a game-changer, offering crystal-clear underwater vision, plus anti-fog and 100% UV protection (yes, even underwater!). And for the athletes hitting the courts for tennis, racquet, or pickleball, you’ll also need protective sports glasses or goggles designed to take a hit. Whether you opt for clear lenses for indoor play or tinted prescription sunglasses for sunny outdoor matches, look for shatterproof polycarbonate or Trivex lenses that meet the same high safety standards and stay securely in place through every intense moment.

Look For Eyewear That Meet Industry Standards

The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends checking for eyewear that meets recognized industry safety standards for impact protection, such as those set by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), with specific standards for general sports and even tougher ones specifically for racquet sports.

Most high-quality sports frames are designed to take your custom Rx lenses directly, whether you need clear glasses or tinted protective sunglasses, or they offer secure inserts. Investing in the proper certified eyewear means you’re getting both clear vision and peace of mind so that you can enjoy your summer activities safely.

Speedo- Fastskin Hyper Elite Mirrored Goggles $78

Shaq Eye Gear 104Z Sport Goggles $99

Invest in Quality Protective Eyewear

When it comes to seeing the importance of spending money on quality protective eyewear, Miller has some clear recommendations. Miller names Oakley as a standout brand, known for specializing in sunglasses, goggles, and optical frames across sports, military, and lifestyle categories. “Oakley specializes in high-quality and durable products, making them a reliable investment for longevity and ultimate eye protection,” she adds.

Oakley- Hex Jector Introspect Collection Sport Glasses $187

Oakley- Sphaera Wrap Sunglasses $248

This Summer, don’t just throw some shade, throw on the right shades! As the days shine bright, remember that your eyewear is more than an accessory. Prioritize selecting styles with 100% UV protection, understand special lens features, and choose the correct frame sizes to fit your lifestyle and make wise decisions about your long-term eye health. Step outside with confidence, knowing you’ve got your vision covered with every bright moment in the sun.

Resources

The American Academy of Ophthalmology

American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)

The post Shade, No Shade: Your Guide to Stylish & Safe Summer Eyewear 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.

Several videos include “body checking,” which is when a person repeatedly and excessively examines their body and measures their weight.

@dailyedthoughts I feel so discussting, but I’ll be better tomorrow #modivation #wl #fyp #binge #wieiad ♬ Child Psychology – Black Box Recorder

@bones_and_nothing_else Healthy meals #dietcoke #love #fyp #lifestyle #hungry #zerosugar #ednotedsheerannn #healthy #yummy ♬ original sound – 𝘮𝘪𝘢 ༅࿐

@propessor_igat ITS HARD THO#PropFit #gymrat #MYWORKOUTOUTFIT ♬ Coco Jamboo – Mr. President

Content That Highlights Dangerous Habits

Other videos include unhealthy eating habits, such as consuming a very low number of calories, which can be observed in the “What I eat in a day” videos. They may also include excessive exercising, the use of non-prescribed weight loss pills, weight loss transformations, and low-calorie recipes.

Several terms have been adopted to promote excessive skinniness, including “nothing tastes better than being skinny,” “is it an outfit or are you just skinny,” and “be the smallest in the room.”

 These Videos Can Promote Unhealthy Practices

These videos are often masked as inspirational, featuring inspirational music in the background or captions. These inspirational captions can make it seem like these behaviors are healthy and positive when they are very dangerous. One can internalize these habits and continue engaging in disordered eating or obsessive patterns.

There is a concern that these videos can cause depression or anxiety, or even cause or exacerbate eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa or bulimia. Eating disorders are unfortunately not something that can be easily controlled and can have a long-lasting negative impact on one’s life.

These eating disorders have become much more prevalent in recent years, as one study shows a 15.3% increase in eating disorders during the pandemic.

We Are Impacted by Eating Disorders Too

While eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa have been stereotyped as issues only affecting white people, this idea is highly flawed. According to the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA), eating disorders “affect people from all demographics of all ethnicities at similar rates. People of color — especially African Americans — are significantly less likely to receive help for their eating issues.”

According to a study published in the International Journal of Eating Disorders, “Black teenagers are 50% more likely than white teenagers to display bulimic behavior such as bingeing or purging. Though this is true, treatment rates for black teenagers were substantially lower than for white teenagers.

According to a study performed, of 76 women who have had an eating disorder, 28.1% of the white women received treatment while 5.3% of the black women received treatment for the eating disorder. These disparities highlight just how vital it is to both address inequalities in healthcare and to stop harmful social media trends such as #Skinnytok. #Skinnytok can lead to disordered eating behaviors, especially amongst underrepresented groups who may not see themselves in the mainstream narratives of recovering from eating disorders.

What is TikTok Doing to Help?

As of June 2, 2025, TikTok has removed the hashtag #SkinnyTok to protect children online. If the hashtag is searched, TikTok will provide a link to resources that can be visited for help, such as the phone number for the National Alliance for Eating Disorders: 866-622-1635.

Here’s What To Do When You See a Video.

Though TikTok has removed the hashtag #skinnytok, there are still ways that people can post these videos and avoid having them taken down. For example, people have used the captions to bypass the hashtag removal, including misspelling skinnytok as “skinnyt0k” or “sk1nnytok” or referencing eating disorders in some way.

• If you come across this video, there is a feature on TikTok where you can click “not interested.” When you do, TikTok can remove videos like these from your FYP, for your page feed.
• You can also report the video or block the creator of the video.

Resources

Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) and Eating Disorders, National Eating Association.org

International Journal of Eating Disorder, : Binge Eating and Binge-Eating Disorder in Black Women: A Systematic Review.”

The post The Scary Truth about #Skinnytok appeared first on Black Health Matters.

We Grew Our Own Food

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

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

My Grandmother Was The Doctor

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

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

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

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

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

I Got Intentional About My Weight Management

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Podcast as Talk Therapy

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

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

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

Getting to Glowissima

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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When Hypertension Goes Untreated

She explains how stress, discrimination, limited access to preventive care, and diets high in sodium contribute to early-onset hypertension. Left untreated, it increases the risk of stroke and contributes to brain damage. “Regular checks of blood pressure are critical, and anyone with high blood pressure should get treatment to help protect their brain.”

Defining Lack of Access to Care

When people talk about limited access to care, it can sound vague, but Dr. Brangman breaks it down in concrete terms. “Limited access to care can occur in a variety of ways, whether that’s a lack of health insurance, long wait times for an appointment, issues with transportation, or the inability to take time off from work to go to the doctor.” For someone navigating mental health concerns, these barriers aren’t minor. They can be the reason help isn’t reached in time.

The Struggle For Us is Real

The disparities Dr. Brangman describes reflect broader national trends. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), only 37.9% of Black adults with any mental illness received mental health treatment in 2022, compared to 56.1% of white adults.

In cognitive health, delays in diagnosis remain common. The Alzheimer’s Association reports that Black Americans are nearly twice as likely to develop Alzheimer’s or other dementias. However, a study from the National Institute on Aging noted that Black participants were 35% less likely to be diagnosed compared to their white counterparts, often entering care later when fewer options remain.

For many Black families, navigating dementia care means facing a system shaped by inequity. Whether it’s delayed diagnoses, limited access to specialists, or feeling dismissed in clinical settings, the barriers can be challenging to overcome.

What Change Looks Like on the Ground

Changing habits takes time and support, but Dr. Brangman has seen progress happen. “It can sometimes be a challenge to adjust long-term habits we may have, such as eating fast food or getting very little sleep,” she notes. “However, with the right information and support, many adults can make the changes that are needed to improve their brain health.”

She recommends starting with just one or two goals, such as switching from sweetened beverages to water or seltzer, and establishing a bedtime routine that helps people wind down gradually without the use of screens. These efforts are manageable and have made a difference in the patients and communities she’s worked with.

Meeting People Where They Are

Dr. Brangman pushes back on the notion that communities aren’t interested in brain health. She has found that engagement is high when the message fits the audience. Community is a vital force in shaping mental and brain health. “In general, people in the Black community are very interested in learning about health issues,” she says. “It is important to develop a trusting relationship and adjust the discussion to meet the needs of the person.”

Whether through one-on-one conversations or community workshops, she sees the most impact when the information reflects real challenges and respects lived experiences.

Building Representation into Brain Health Research

Progress in research hasn’t kept pace with the needs of diverse populations. Dr. Brangman sees this clearly in geriatric and brain health studies. “There is still much work to do to improve the participation of women, older adults, and non-white individuals in brain health and aging research,” she says.

Her team at Upstate Medical University created a Community Research Liaison role to address that gap—someone who steps into neighborhoods, builds trust, and invites people into research opportunities designed with them in mind. Because at the end of the day, good healthcare is shaped by compassion, not bias.

Brain Health Habits That Fit Different Lives

For those in under-resourced areas, practical steps matter most. Dr. Brangman encourages regular walking, starting with 15 minutes and gradually increasing to 30 minutes. “If you live in a neighborhood without sidewalks or a safe place to walk, you can try walking at a mall or maybe on the track at a local high school,” she says.

She also suggests pairing physical activity with social interaction, like walking with a friend. Other recommendations include quitting smoking with support, reducing alcohol consumption, and finding ways to learn something new, such as a hobby, music, or reading.

Making Prevention a Priority

The interest in brain health is growing, and Dr. Brangman finds it encouraging. “One of the most surprising things I’ve learned recently is how eager people are to learn about ways to improve their health,” she says.

She stresses that people shouldn’t wait until signs of decline appear. Discussing healthcare options with providers early can lay the groundwork for better outcomes in the future. For those ready to begin, she recommends the Brain Works campaign, a free resource hub created by the McKnight Brain Research Foundation, which offers clear steps and trusted information about cognitive aging.

Closing the Loop

Your mental health, physical wellness, and cognitive function aren’t separate tracks; they are interconnected. Protecting brain health means paying attention to all aspects of health, not just during times of crisis, but in day-to-day life. Let this be a quiet reminder to pause, reflect, and take care with intention.

Resources

Mental Health by the Numbers | National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)

Still Ringing the Alarm: AN ENDURING CALL TO ACTION FOR BLACK YOUTH SUICIDE PREVENTION

– MBRF

Highlights by Race/Ethnicity for the 2022 National Survey on Drug Use and Health

Race, Ethnicity, and Alzheimer’s

Data shows racial disparities in Alzheimer’s disease diagnosis between Black and white research study participants | National Institute on Aging

BrainWorks – MBRF

The post What Aging Reveals About Mental Health 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.

Anxiety and Depression Rates Are On the Rise

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

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

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

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

Black Children as Young as Five are Attempting Suicide

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

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

What Should Parents Do?

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

Look for Changes in Their Patterns

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

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

Monitor Their Academic Performance & Social Circles

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

We Need to Be Open About Our Positive Mental Health Experiences

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

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

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

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

Cultural Heritage and its Connection to Health

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

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

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

Healthy Remedies From the Earth

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

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

The Lessons He Learned Still Apply

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

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

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

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

The Work of The Brownsville Community Culinary Center

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

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

The Programs

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

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

What They Did During the Pandemic

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

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

Cooking to Manage Chronic Disease

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

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

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

Join us at the BHM Harlem Week 2025 Summit & Expo

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

 

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It is a severe viral infection that attacks the liver and often goes undetected for years. Without treatment, hepatitis C can lead to chronic liver disease, cirrhosis, and is known to be a leading cause of liver cancer in the United States.

How Hepatitis C is Transmitted

Often, the virus spreads through contact with infected blood. This can include:

• The reuse or inadequate sterilization of medical equipment (like syringes and needles in healthcare settings)
• The transfusion of unscreened blood and blood products
• Sharing needles or injection equipment from drug use

Symptoms of Hepatitis C

Most people newly infected with hepatitis C don’t experience symptoms at first. When symptoms do occur, they may include:

• Fever
• Feeling very tired
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea and vomiting
• Abdominal page
• Dark urine
• Joint pain
• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)

How Hepatitis C Impacts the Black Community

An estimated 4 million Americans are living with hepatitis C, and many remain unaware of their infection. Unfortunately, Black Americans experience higher hepatitis C-related death rates than the overall population. According to the CDC, in 2023, the hepatitis C-related death rate among non-Hispanic Black individuals was 4.03 per 100,000—much higher than the general population rate of 2.52.

What Are the Best Treatment Options?

Timely screening and access to medical care are crucial in reversing this trend. Today, hepatitis C is highly curable with new oral medications—like Direct-acting antivirals (DAA).

This medication is highly effective and generally well-tolerated. These medications have significantly improved success rates, often curing hepatitis C in as little as eight to twelve weeks with fewer side effects compared to older treatments.

The exact treatment plan varies depending on the hepatitis C genotype, the amount of liver damage, previous treatments, and other health conditions.

How Often Should You Get Tested for Hep C?

The CDC now recommends that all adults aged 18 and older get tested for hepatitis C at least once in their lifetime. However, every pregnant woman should be tested during each pregnancy. And those with ongoing risk factors (like injection drug use) should be tested periodically.

Early detection saves lives. But a few essential steps could improve survival rates for hepatitis C, including lowering or eliminating costs, reducing barriers (such as prior authorization requirements), providing culturally competent public health campaigns, and integrating hepatitis C testing and treatment into routine primary care.

Implementing these changes can save lives, reduce disparities, and help prevent high death rates in Black communities.

Don’t let hepatitis C remain a silent killer. Know your risk, get tested, and spread the word. To determine if you should be tested, take this hepatitis C risk assessment and consult with your healthcare provider.

Resources

World Health Organization: Hepatitis C: Key Facts

World Health Organization: Hepatitis C: Fact Sheet

Hepvu Testing Day Toolkit

CDC: Hepatitis C Virus – Reduce Deaths Among Non-Hispanic Black Persons

CDC: Clinical Care of Hepatitis C

CDC: Clinical Screening and Diagnosis of Hepatitis C

The post Hepatitis C: A Silent Threat to the Black Community 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.

A Mother Who Spoke Up

One of the earliest voices for change was the late Bebe Moore Campbell. She was a bestselling author and someone who used her storytelling to ensure that mental health in our communities couldn’t be ignored. Her passion came from a personal place.

Her daughter, actress Maia Campbell, gained fame in the 1990s for her role on In the House. But away from the cameras, she was navigating life with bipolar disorder. At times, personal moments were shared without her consent or consideration. The headlines rarely told the full story. Through it all, Bebe never stopped advocating, not just for Maia, but for everyone lacking access to proper mental health support.

72 Hour Hold and Maia’s Return

In 2005, Bebe published “72 Hour Hold,” a novel about a mother’s fight to get her daughter the help she needs. The system in the book mirrors real life, with families struggling, institutions overwhelmed, and love often running up against numerous barriers. While fictional, the story reflects truths that still ring loud today. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health, suicide was the third leading cause of death for Black youth ages 10 to 24 in 2022. That statistic alone tells us there’s so much more to be done, especially when it comes to mental health care that reflects our lived experiences.

Now, Maia is rejoining the conversation. After several years out of the public eye, she’s returned to social media with renewed energy. In a recent video, she shared her hope to see “72 Hour Hold” adapted for the screen, ideally with Tyler Perry helping to bring it to life. “It was a monumental book for me,” she said. “And July is Mental Health Awareness Month, so I’m still on that campaign. Keep me in prayer.”

 

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Healing and Creativity

Maia Campbell’s return shows growth and purpose. Her message was simple but powerful. She looked healthy. She sounded centered. More than anything, she seemed ready to explore mental health in a public way, this time pairing it with creativity by bringing her mother’s bestselling prose to life. It also reminds us that progress can look like many things, including just showing up and sharing your truth.

If 72 Hour Hold does become a film, it won’t just be a tribute to Bebe Moore Campbell’s impact. It will be a continuation of a shared legacy. Through advocacy, art, and storytelling, both women have pushed the conversation forward. In a world that often misunderstands or overlooks our pain, visibility like this can plant the seeds for something better. Sometimes, real change starts with one voice, brave enough to speak up, and generous enough to make space for others to do the same.

Resources

72 Hour Hold by Bebe Moore Campbell, Paperback | Barnes & Noble®

Mental and Behavioral Health – Black/African Americans | Office of Minority Health

The post The Return of Maia Campbell appeared first on Black Health Matters.

Her First Experience With Out-of-Pocket Expenses

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

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

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

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

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

From the Stage to Comedy

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

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

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

Opening Comedy in Harlem

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

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

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

Even Creative People Can Fall Through the Cracks in the System

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

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

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

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

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

Laughter as Medicine

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

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

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

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

The post Nicky Sunshine: On Laughter as Medicine appeared first on Black Health Matters.

The temporary policies that allowed broad telehealth access and coverage across state lines were set to expire in 2024, with an extension of some services through March of this year. The purpose of this paper is to advocate for the expanded use of telehealth beyond 2025 in the management of blood cancer. Advocates warn that this critical resource may soon disappear unless action is taken.

Why This Matters

“Telehealth wasn’t just about convenience. It lifted real burdens for people who couldn’t easily get to a doctor’s office,” said study co-author Deanna Darlington, a health equity expert and advocate. “It became a lifeline. Taking it away now would only further restrict access to care.” Blood cancers like leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma disproportionately affect Black communities. Black Americans are twice as likely to develop and experience poorer outcomes from multiple myeloma specifically. Telemedicine removes two big barriers: travel distance and time out of work or caregiving.

The benefits of telehealth are clear, but the stakes are high for Black Americans. Multiple myeloma, a cancer of plasma cells, disproportionately affects individuals of African ancestry, who face a significantly higher risk of developing the disease compared to those of European descent.

“This increased risk is thought to be influenced by a combination of genetic and environmental factors,” explained co-author Mimi Choon Quinones. “Research suggests that genetic differences, particularly in white blood cell traits, and the prevalence of conditions like MGUS, may play a role. Obesity and chronic infections, which are more common in some African populations, may also contribute to the higher incidence and mortality rates.”

While the science is still evolving, Choon-Quinones emphasized that telemedicine offers a critical path forward, not just for treatment, but also for early detection. “We see telehealth as a tool to help identify who may be at risk, even before a diagnosis, and especially for those who don’t live near a specialist,” she said.

How Telehealth Works

The study team conducted a combination of scientific review and direct engagement with blood cancer advocates, reflecting real-world experiences.

They found that telemedicine:

• Helped patients stick to their treatment plans
• Improved quality of life and emotional well-being
• Reduced time and financial burdens from traveling long distances
• Allowed earlier access to expert consultations, which sometimes occurred across state lines
• Was well accepted by clinicians, especially for follow-up visits and care management

Darlington points out that many of the patients most impacted by blood cancers, especially Black patients, are also the most likely to face access barriers. “You might live in Kansas, and the expert is in New York. Before COVID, state laws prevented you from doing a virtual consultation across state lines, but during the pandemic, those barriers came down. People were finally able to talk to the experts they needed,” she said. “Think about how many people don’t have access to specialists. This gave everyday people that access.”

Times Are Changing

“Right now, there’s no permanent provision to keep telehealth reimbursed,” said Darlington. “If we lose this, we lose the progress we’ve made. This is especially damaging to communities that are already underserved.”

Choon-Quinones agrees and emphasizes that this issue should be a community-wide call to action. “The focus needs to be on how we, as a community, can leverage the regulations that still exist. If they expire, we need to rally, go to Capitol Hill, and raise a strong voice,” she said. “We’ve already engaged with the chairman of the health committee once to extend coverage and succeeded. But I don’t know that we’ll be able to count on this administration to do it again.”

The Passion Behind the Paper

Choon-Quinones joined this project while working on her systematic review of blood cancers, as other co-authors had already spent much time collaborating prior. But she quickly realized that science alone wasn’t enough. By collaborating with advocates, she created a combined evidence base that is both scientifically informed and community-driven.

“I’m passionate about this because it could make an enormous difference to the families and communities that blood cancers like multiple myeloma impact,” she said. “This is a real chance to reduce disparities.”

Darlington echoes that sentiment and urges people to think about the daily realities patients face. “When people are working full-time, caring for family, and managing other chronic conditions, the ability to have a telehealth visit can mean the difference between getting care and going without,” she said. “This is especially true in communities of color, where people are often further away from specialized care, less aware of available resources, and facing more barriers to better health.”

What’s Next?

Telehealth expansion was born out of a nationwide pandemic. It has opened doors that have long been shut for many people.

Telemedicine shouldn’t just be a pandemic-era convenience. It’s a chance to redefine equity in blood cancer care. Initial evidence suggests promise in improving outcomes, reducing costs, and overcoming longstanding racial disparities. For Black Americans, who face higher disease rates and access challenges, virtual care opens a path toward more timely and patient-centered care.

Telemedicine is more than a temporary fix. It’s a vital tool for closing healthcare gaps. For Black Americans living with blood cancers, it can mean earlier diagnoses, easier access to experts, and fewer financial and logistical hurdles. The question now is not whether telehealth works, but what we can do to protect our access to it.

References

 Mikhael, J., Darlington, D., Howell, B., Hydren, J., Hernandez, T., Werner, S., … Choon-Quinones, M. (2025). The benefits of telehealth in promoting equity in blood cancer care – results of a multi-stakeholder forum and systematic literature review. Journal of Medical Economics, 28(1), 788–802.

American Cancer Society. What Is Multiple Myeloma?

The post How Telehealth Can Help Us Fight Blood Cancer appeared first on Black Health Matters.

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

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

Nyong’o Realized She Wasn’t Alone

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

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

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

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

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

Nyong’o is Teaming Up With Others to Take Action

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Click here for more information on her grant.

 

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A post shared by Lupita Nyong’o (@lupitanyongo)

Resources

The post Lupita Nyong’o Had 30 Fibroids Removed (Now She’s Taking Action) appeared first on Black Health Matters.

What Is Familial Hypercholesterolemia?

Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is one of the most common inherited conditions in the United States, affecting roughly 1 in 250 adults, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Unlike traditional high cholesterol, FH begins at birth and causes dangerously elevated LDL (low-density lipoprotein) levels that clog arteries early and aggressively.

What Is LDL and Why Is It Called “Bad”?

LDL stands for low-density lipoprotein, which is a type of particle that carries cholesterol through your bloodstream. Cholesterol itself isn’t all bad; it helps build cells and produce hormones. But when LDL carries more cholesterol than your body needs, and if there’s too much, it starts to stick to the walls of your arteries.

Over time, this buildup forms plaque, which narrows the arteries and makes it harder for blood to flow. That’s how LDL contributes to heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular problems. It’s not “bad” because of what it is, it’s “bad” because of what it does when it’s out of balance.

The American College of Cardiology recommends that individuals without heart disease aim for LDL levels of 100 mg/dL or lower. For those at high risk, including people with FH, they suggest even lower targets:

• Under 70 mg/dL for individuals with prior cardiovascular events.
• Under 55 mg/dL for those at very high risk.

Our Community is Living the Consequences

Research continues to show that FH outcomes differ sharply across racial groups. Black Americans, in particular, are underdiagnosed and undertreated, leading to a higher risk of severe outcomes like heart attacks and stroke.

A recent study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that only 61% of Black patients with FH are prescribed cholesterol-lowering medications, compared to 73% of white patients. That disparity matters, and unfortunately, cholesterol doesn’t wait for equity.

The same study highlighted additional challenges:

• 82% of Black adults with FH also have high blood pressure (vs. 50% of white patients).
• 39% live with diabetes (compared to 15%).
• 16% are current smokers, nearly double that of their white counterparts.

A Larger Pattern of Risk

High cholesterol is one thread in a much larger fabric of cardiovascular risk in our community. The American Heart Association’s 2025 Statistical Update reveals that:

• Almost 60% of Black adults live with some form of cardiovascular disease.
• Over half of all heart failure hospitalizations in adults under 50 involve Black patients.
• Stroke rates are highest among Black men and women, with 5.4% of Black women and 4.8% of Black men affected.

It’s not that these numbers are inevitable; it’s that FH isn’t being caught early, and many providers still rely solely on lifestyle assumptions instead of screening for genetics.

Kids Are Being Missed Too

FH doesn’t just show up in adulthood; it’s there from the start. The CDC recommends screening children between the ages of nine and 11 if there’s a family history of early heart disease or cholesterol issues. But only 30% of kids born with FH are diagnosed early, and for Black children, the delays are even longer.

When a parent has FH, each child has a 50% chance of inheriting it. That means genetic testing and early cholesterol panels should be routine, but they’re not.

Getting the Right Treatment Isn’t Always Easy

For most people with high cholesterol, doctors prescribe statins, medications that help lower those numbers and reduce the risk of heart problems. But when cholesterol stays high because of a genetic condition like FH, statins often aren’t enough.

That’s where newer treatments come in. Medications like Praluent and Repatha are part of a group called PCSK9 inhibitors. They’re designed to help the body remove stubborn LDL cholesterol, the kind that clogs arteries even when people eat healthy and exercise. These drugs can make a real difference for people with FH, but without a confirmed case of FH, especially through genetic testing, doctors often won’t prescribe them. And that’s where the gap widens.

A 2025 study published in The American Journal of Human Genetics found that only 27.7% of Black patients received a documented genetic diagnosis, compared to 63.1% of white patients, suggesting that our community is routinely overlooked for the very testing that opens the door to these advanced medications.

Breaking the Cycle

Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is often overlooked, especially in Black communities, where delays in diagnosis are common and access to advanced treatment is inconsistent. Knowing your numbers and being proactive can make a real difference. Here’s where to begin:

• Getting a full lipid panel, including LDL, HDL, triglycerides, and, if available, apolipoprotein B.
• Asking about FH directly, not all providers bring it up.
• Encourage your family to get screened, especially younger relatives.
• Pushing for genetic testing if cholesterol levels are high, even with a healthy lifestyle.

The silence surrounding FH isn’t solely a medical issue; it’s systemic. And it’s time to name it, track it, and treat it with the urgency it deserves. Your numbers matter. Your family history matters. And your voice in the exam room can change everything.

Resources

About Familial Hypercholesterolemia | Heart Disease, Family Health History, and Familial Hypercholesterolemia | CDC

2022 ACC Expert Consensus Decision Pathway on the Role of Nonstatin Therapies for LDL-Cholesterol Lowering in the Management of Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease Risk: A Report of the American College of Cardiology Solution Set Oversight Committee | JACC

Racial Disparities in Modifiable Risk Factors and Statin Usage in Black Patients With Familial Hypercholesterolemia

Cardiovascular health risks continue to grow within Black communities, action needed | American Heart Association

Testing for Cholesterol | Cholesterol | CDC

Exclusion-based exome sequencing in critically ill adults 18–40 years old has a 24% diagnostic rate and finds racial disparities in access to genetic testing: The American Journal of Human Genetics

The post There Are Racial Differences in Inherited High Cholesterol appeared first on Black Health Matters.

That kind of gap didn’t happen overnight, and closing it takes more than awareness. It means making tools that meet people where they are. That’s why we put together this guide, to break down what foods to avoid, what to focus on, and why it all matters when you’re living with this disease.

Foods to Avoid (and Why)

Certain foods can worsen your condition. Here are a few things to be aware of.

High-Risk Animal Products

Raw or Undercooked Seafood

Sushi and oysters might be trendy, but they’re risky for anyone with liver disease. Raw shellfish can carry bacteria like Vibrio vulnificus, which the CDC warns can cause life-threatening infections in people with liver conditions.

Organ Meats (Especially Liver)

It sounds ironic, but eating liver when you have liver disease is a bad idea. Organ meats are rich in heme iron, which can accumulate in the liver and exacerbate oxidative stress. According to the National Library of Medicine, excess iron is linked to faster progression of liver fibrosis in people with hepatitis C.

Processed Foods and Inflammatory Beverages

High-Sodium Foods

Not only does salt raise blood pressure, but it also contributes to fluid retention and swelling, especially in advanced liver disease. Most experts recommend limiting sodium to no more than 2,300 mg per day and ideally closer to 1,500 mg, especially for people with liver disease, where fluid retention can become a serious complication. That’s in line with guidance from the American Heart Association, and it’s echoed by liver specialists when managing conditions like cirrhosis or hepatitis C.

Alcohol

There is no sugarcoating for this one; alcohol is directly toxic to liver cells. Even small amounts can accelerate liver damage. Researchers believe alcohol may weaken the immune system and make it easier for the virus to take hold.

But the bigger issue is what happens after the infection. Alcohol accelerates liver scarring, also known as fibrosis, increases the risk of cirrhosis, and can interfere with hepatitis C treatment. One study from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs found that people with hepatitis C who drink heavily have 16 times the risk of developing cirrhosis compared to those who don’t drink at all.

Sugary and Ultra-Processed Foods

Refined sugars and trans fats promote insulin resistance and fatty liver disease, both of which make hepatitis C harder to manage. Think of pastries, soda, fast food, and packaged snacks. These foods also contribute to obesity, which raises the risk of fat buildup in the liver. This condition is known as hepatic steatosis.

Iron-Dense Supplements and Vitamins

Multivitamins with iron or high-dose vitamin A can be harmful. The liver stores excess amounts, and in people with hepatitis C, this can lead to toxicity. Always consult your healthcare provider before taking supplements.

What You Should Consider Eating

There’s no official “hepatitis C diet,” but research supports the following:

Vegetables: Especially leafy greens, cruciferous veggies, and berries. Leafy greens, such as spinach, kale, collard greens, and arugula, are rich in antioxidants, fiber, and chlorophyll, all of which support the liver’s function more effectively. Chlorophyll may help flush out toxins and heavy metals, while fiber supports digestion and reduces the buildup of waste that can stress the liver.

Fruits: Blueberries, strawberries, and cranberries contain anthocyanins that protect liver cells from oxidative stress and may even help slow the progression of fibrosis.

High-Fiber Foods: Whole grains, legumes, and nuts promote regular digestion and improve insulin sensitivity. Those are two vital factors in preventing fat buildup in the liver.

Healthy fats, such as avocados, fatty fish (like salmon), and olive oil, provide omega-3s and monounsaturated fats that help reduce liver inflammation and support cell repair.

Your Liver May Love Coffee

Believe it or not, your morning cup of coffee might do more than wake you up; it could also help protect your liver.

A 2022 study published in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology found that drinking more than three cups of coffee per day was associated with lower liver stiffness, a marker of liver fibrosis. The effect held true even for people with chronic liver conditions like hepatitis C, and it applied to both caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee. Researchers have pointed to compounds such as chlorogenic acids and polyphenols, which may help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in liver tissue.

For people managing hepatitis C, coffee isn’t a cure, but it may be a helpful addition to a liver-supportive lifestyle. As always, moderation matters, and it’s best to talk with a healthcare provider about what’s right for you.

Why Diet Matters in Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C causes chronic inflammation in the liver, which can lead to scarring (fibrosis), cirrhosis, or even liver cancer. A poor diet, especially one high in alcohol, sugar, or saturated fats, can accelerate this process. However, a nutrient-rich, anti-inflammatory diet can help slow down the progression, support immune function, and enhance treatment outcomes. Making better lifestyle choices is key to managing hepatitis C.

Think of your diet as a daily investment in your liver’s future. You and your liver deserve the very best.

Resources

Hepatitis C in Black Individuals in the US: A Review | Health Disparities | JAMA | JAMA Network

About Vibrio Infection | Vibrio Infection | CDC

Iron and liver fibrosis: Mechanistic and clinical aspects – PMC

How much sodium should I eat per day? | American Heart Association

Alcohol and cirrhosis – Viral Hepatitis and Liver Disease

Coffee Consumption Is Associated With Lower Liver Stiffness: A Nationally Representative Study

The post What Not to Eat If You Have Hepatitis C appeared first on Black Health Matters.

To unpack what’s behind that gap, we spoke with Tomás León, President and Executive Director of the Equality Health Foundation, which developed the Zip Code Exam to help communities identify and address the everyday conditions that shape health outcomes.

Beneath the Stats

BHM: Why do racial gaps in life expectancy persist, even after years of awareness?

Tomás León: The ZIP code you’re born into still has more influence on your life expectancy than your genetic code. It’s all rooted in systemic inequalities that have gone unaddressed for too long. The pandemic exacerbated these issues and still has a lingering effect.
These disparities persist because the social determinants of health—education, healthcare, housing, food, air, and opportunity—are still distributed unequally. Structural racism, disinvestment in communities of color, and policy decisions that ignore lived realities all contribute.

BHM: What made this the right moment to launch the Zip Code Exam?

Tomás León: We said, “We need a tool like the Zip Code Exam now.” It’s not enough to raise awareness—we need something to spark actionable, community-driven solutions. It helps uncover the invisible, non-medical forces shaping health and empowers grassroots action. With safety nets unraveling, we need to reignite awareness and point people to solutions. It’s a tool for empowerment, advocacy, and change.

BHM: How do you make the data reflect the real experiences of Black communities?

Tomás León: Data often speaks in averages, and averages erase the lived experiences of people outside the norm. We built a listening and communication tool.

The platform reflects community specificity through hyperlocal data and user-defined priorities. It’s not just about what the data says, it’s about what the community says. We consider cultural context, language access, trusted partners, and relevant resources to meet people where they are. The Zip Code Exam restores agency by saying: your story matters, your neighborhood matters, and your health is not an average, it’s personal.

What Your ZIP Code Says

In 2025, your address can still shape your access to health and even how long you live. In many of our neighborhoods, that impact is baked into the environment.

According to the USDA Food Access Research Atlas, grocery stores are harder to reach in areas with high Black populations. The USDA Economic Research Service reports that 22% of Black households are food insecure, more than twice the rate for white households.

The EPA has shown that Black Americans face higher exposure to air pollution, even when income and region are the same. And the CDC’s USALEEP project maps out ZIP codes in states like Mississippi and Louisiana where the life expectancy difference between neighborhoods just 10 miles apart can be as high as 15 years.

These statistics aren’t solely built on personal choices and coincidence; they’re the results of decades of policy. To go even further, we decided to ask León about how mental health connects to the broader discussion.

Collaborative Health

BHM: You’ve worked in public health, mental health, and policy. How does the Zip Code Exam connect to them?

Tomás León: Bridging mental health, public health, and policy is a moral imperative. Health is not siloed. You can’t achieve physical health without mental health, or improve mental health without addressing the social and environmental conditions people live in.

That’s why the Zip Code Exam doesn’t just visualize disparities, it helps dismantle them. It reflects the full spectrum of health, including care, housing, trauma, stress, and resilience. It connects people to local resources and gives leaders data to push for systemic change. We’re mapping possibilities.

Change in Real Time

BHM: Over 200,000 people have already engaged with the site. Can you share a moment that shows what’s at stake when health becomes a matter of geography?

Tomás León: When over 200,000 people engage with a platform like the Zip Code Exam, it’s a chorus of voices telling us where the system is failing and where hope still lives. One ZIP code that really hit home for me was 85004 in South Phoenix, Arizona. This is where the seed for the Zip Code Exam idea was planted. Arizona became the blueprint. And now, we’re scaling it to help more communities take their health into their own hands.

In that community, life expectancy is fourteen years lower than in more affluent neighborhoods like North Scottsdale, just a few miles away. The exam aids residents, they can bring the data to neighborhood meetings, share it with their elected officials, partner with local community-based organizations, churches, and businesses, and begin advocating for better access to healthcare, affordable housing, healthy food, safer streets, employment opportunities, and walkable space. That’s what’s at stake when health becomes a matter of geography. It’s about the opportunity to reclaim power and rewrite the narrative for the next generation.

Redefining Structural Barriers

BHM: In 2022, only 55% of people were projected to live to age 80. The probability of survival from age 20 to 85 was even lower for Black men. Does the platform offer a kind of digital reckoning with structural risk?

Tomás León: Yes, the Zip Code Exam is absolutely a digital reckoning with that reality. It’s designed to expose the invisible architecture of inequality—how where you live, work, and grow up can shape how long and how well you live. But it’s also a tool for action. It helps individuals understand the risks in their environment, connects them to local resources, and empowers communities to advocate for change.

I want policymakers to see this data and realize these outcomes are not inevitable; they’re the result of choices. And we can make different ones.

Earning Trust

BHM: Some folks may see this as just another dashboard. What do you say to Black families who feel like they’ve seen the numbers, the charts, the promises, but not enough change?

Tomás León: That skepticism is real, and it’s earned. The Black community has heard speeches about equity while living through generations of inequity. So, when someone says, “Here’s another tool,” I understand why the first reaction might be, “So what?” I learned from our well-being work in South Phoenix, Arizona that collective impact and transformation happen at the speed of trust.

What makes the Zip Code Exam different is that it wasn’t built for institutions, it was built for community members and leaders. It shows the numbers and helps you act on them. And we know it’s not perfect. That’s why we welcome feedback from families, organizers, and anyone using the platform. We’re committed to improving it so it truly works with and for communities. Because the only way this tool succeeds is if it reflects the voices and needs of the people it’s meant to serve.

I want community members to use this tool to organize, demand investment, and build healthier futures—ZIP code by ZIP code. We know that behind every data point, there is a life. And behind every life, there is a story worth fighting for.

Resources

ZIP CODE EXAM: Calculate your life expectancy based on your ZIP Code

National Vital Statistics Reports Volume 74, Number 2 April 8, 2025 United States Life Tables, 2022

Equality Health Foundation – Equality Health Foundation

USDA Food Access Research Atlas

Food Security in the U.S. – Key Statistics & Graphics | Economic Research Service

CDC’s USALEEP project

The post Does Your ZIP Code Determine Your Life Expectancy? appeared first on Black Health Matters.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Durrett’s Roots on the South Side of Chicago

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

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

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

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

Preparation to Excel As a Student Athlete and an Actor

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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The post Timon Kyle Durrett Shares His Health Philosophy appeared first on Black Health Matters.

Types of strokes

Hemorrhagic: caused by a weakened blood vessel that ruptures and bleeds into the brain.

Ischemic: caused by a blockage, like a clot in a blood vessel

The three types of heat strokes

Exertional heat stroke: caused by strenuous physical activity in hot and humid conditions

Non-exertional heat stroke: caused by the body’s ability to cool itself being overwhelmed by environmental heat.

Vehicular heatstroke: most commonly found in kids, caused by being trapped in a vehicle under extreme heat conditions.

Who is at risk for heat stroke?

Age: Older adults aged 65+, pregnant individuals, kids

Sex: Female

Ethnicity: Between 2005 and 2015, emergency department visits for heat-related causes increased the most by African Americans at 67%, followed closely by 63% for Hispanics,  and 53% for Asian Americans. Just  27% of white individuals visited the emergency room during that same period, according to a report in the Wilderness and Environmental Medicine journal.

Health conditions: chronic conditions such as heart disease, obesity, and diabetes.

How to tell the difference between a heat stroke and a stroke?

Symptoms of a stroke

• Numbness or weakness in one side of the body
• Arm weakness
• Trouble speaking
• Vision problems
•  Difficulty maintaining balance
• Severe headache

Symptoms of heat stroke

• Fever of 104°F or greater
• Hot and dry skin
• Fainting
• Changes in mental status, such as confusion
• Nausea and vomiting
• Flushed skin
• Coma
•  Seizures
•  Rapid breathing

What to do if somebody is showing symptoms?

Stroke: When somebody is suspected to have a stroke, it is essential to act F.A.S.T.

F.A.S.T. stands for facial drooping, arm weakness, speech difficulties, and time to call 911.

To test for facial drooping, ask the person to smile and see if one side of the face droops.

To test arm weakness, ask the person to raise both arms and see if one arm drifts down.

To test for speech difficulties, ask them to repeat a simple phrase and see if they can say the phrase clearly.

Finally, if someone is showing one or more of these symptoms, call 911 immediately.

It is important to keep F.A.S.T. in mind, as the CDC states that only 38% of American adults knew to call 911 when somebody was showing signs of a stroke.