The report indicates that up to 50% of birthing people retain 10 pounds or more, and up to 25% retain more than 20 pounds.

Being proactive about your patient’s PPWR now could avoid the associated comorbidity medical risks such as cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes in the future.

Recognizing the Roadblocks

There is room to improve the postpartum wellness journey and obesity outcomes for your patients who give birth—currently, care often centers around the most visible challenges associated with the post-delivery period. However, that period is extensive, and patients need instruction on caring for their mind and body during that time.

A review published in Heylion found that “When communicating with patients from different cultural backgrounds, physicians were found to be authoritarian, biomedical-focused, and not involved with patients in decision-making.” Perceptions like these create roadblocks to effective obesity treatment.

Why Cultural Sensitivity Matters

Leah Hairston, a birth and postpartum doula who earned the recognition of John Hopkins Social Innovation Lab and as a semifinalist for Pharell Williams’ Black Ambition Prize last year, Sweet Bee Services, spoke to the need for professionals who understand the cultural sensitivity challenges faced in postpartum.

“There’s a dearth of access to Black dietitians and nutritionists,” she told Black Health Matters.

The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition states, “Reproduction has been identified as an important factor for long-term weight gain among women.”

Hairston and her team offer solutions to the people they serve. “People feel a lot more at ease because there’s somebody who looks like them who also understands,” she explained.

Hairston gave an example of the need for cultural sensitivity in postpartum nutrition: “My family’s Caribbean. So, I’m gonna eat plantains and rice and beans. I don’t want to feel like rice and beans are a punitive meal,” she explained. But I might not need to eat six helpings of rice and beans.”

She values practitioners who are “able to honor the things that are important to me and my family while also honoring our budgetary restrictions and any other needs that we might have.” She brings that awareness to her work.

Rethinking Postpartum Evaluations

Birthing persons require support far beyond the first few months of the postpartum era, but an article from Nutrition Research Reviews reported that “much less attention is being given to the postpartum period beyond 18 months.”

Postpartum patients need thorough evaluations to determine if they have obesity. These evaluations need to go beyond the sparse required check-ins for birthing persons.

“There is a great need for postpartum women to identify the implications of postpartum obesity. There is also a need for healthcare professionals to treat postpartum women with greater competency, having a structured postpartum follow-up with counseling and motivation for weight loss and investigations like hemoglobin, TSH, and blood sugars at follow-up,” according to a 2022 article published by the Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology of India.

The Annals of Hematology noted that “postpartum anemia has been linked to several important postpartum morbidities, including depression, reduced cognition, and fatigue.” Still, it is critical to learn how it plays into postpartum obesity.

Dr. Danielle Wright-Terre, founder of the Honey, a postpartum community and app, commented on gaps in the postpartum care process that begin earlier than that. “Regarding check-ins for the mom, there are gaps,” she said. “There needs to be more guidance on the physical recovery aspect.”

Many doctors focus on ruling out issues for new mothers instead of being evaluated for ways they can thrive.

“The postpartum phase is just to make sure mom is doing well from a mental health standpoint. After that visit, if nothing is identified, her next visit is at 12 months, and that’s the annual visit. So, there’s not a lot of check-ins,” Dr. Wright-Terrell continued.

Key Factors Impacting PPWR

According to the Journal of Clinical Medicine, “Irregular sleep and mealtimes during the postpartum period could also interfere with body weight. Emerging evidence suggests that the misalignment of eating and fasting patterns with the body’s circadian rhythm could impact metabolic function and consequently body weight.”

Irregular sleep can also contribute to an individual becoming obese.

“Individuals who regularly slept less than seven hours per night were more likely to have higher average body mass indexes and develop obesity than those who slept more,” in a study published by BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine.

Current Obesity Reports states, “Epigenetic programming that occurs at conception and throughout pregnancy predisposes children born to mothers with obesity to a range of chronic metabolic conditions including type 2 diabetes and heart disease.”

Taking an Individualized Approach

Healthcare practitioners must individualize their engagement with birthing people. Not all people who give birth are the same, and they do not all come from the same culture.

An informed perspective can help a practitioner be more effective.

Dr. Wright-Terrell pointed out that people who deliver without complications might not need to wait the widely recommended six weeks before engaging in movement that might help their mind and body. She said sometimes they “can start moving and gentle exercise as soon as 72 hours after delivery.”

Talking to your patients to determine what is best for them can help you make recommendations that suit their goals best.

“I try not to restrict my patients in terms of movement because movement is really powerful and healthy overall, and it can help you feel more like yourself.”

Referrals are crucial in helping people with uteruses re-engage with their fitness plans. Hairston uses referrals to help her clients understand the resources available to them.

“A nutritionist is covered under your insurance when you’re pregnant and usually in the first couple weeks of postpartum, and so it should be pretty easy to find somebody in-network,” she said.

Dr. Wright-Terrell explained the importance of educating patients on how their fitness goals can be achieved through seeking specific care to prevent sustained weight gain. For example, physical therapy can help build core strength, which is essential to pursuing weight loss through physical exercise. “Another great resource that I feel is underutilized is physical therapists, specifically pelvic floor physical therapists,” she said.

Dr. Wright-Terrell states, “Every OB should have a low threshold to send out the referral” for a specialist to accommodate them.

When HCPs approach patients holistically, we may have a better chance of reducing PPWR in our community.

Supported by an educational grant from Novo Nordisk Inc.

The post A Holistic Approach to Postpartum Weight Gain Benefits Patients appeared first on Black Health Matters.

1. Breathe Again: Go with Breathable Fabrics

Natural fabrics like cotton, linen, and bamboo are great because they are breathable fibers that allow air to circulate, letting your skin breathe and keeping you cool and comfortable all day.

Cotton is soft and breathable, while linen is super airy. Think breezy maxi dresses and loose, oversized tops from Madewell and Banana Republic for eye-catching silhouettes that are equally cool on the body and the budget.

Care tip: Fine linens range from lightweight to heavyweight, with quality linens having a more substantial weight and drape. Check the care labels, as some linen styles may require hand washing or dry cleaning.

2) Loosen Up: Wear Loose-Fitting Clothes

It’s time to put those skinny jeans away (you can always come back to them in the Fall). Tight clothes trap heat, making you feel hotter, but loose-fitting ones allow air to circulate, keeping you cooler.

Anthropologie and Zara are favorites for their collections of fabulous, flowy dresses and comfy yet flattering trousers—perfect for summer BBQs or picnics in the park.>

3) Stay Sun Smart with UPF Clothing & Accessories

Clothing and accessories with a high UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) protect the skin from harmful UV rays, reducing the risk of sunburn and skin cancer.

Most of us are familiar with UV-blocking sunglasses, but brands like Eleven by Venus Williams and Athleta feature stylish pieces like casual tanks, skirts, and dresses to shield you from harmful UV rays. Protect your skin and wear yours to those weekend street fairs or rooftop day parties.

4) Stay Dry: Embrace Moisture-Wicking Fabrics

Wear fabrics that pull moisture away from the skin and wick away sweat. They are great for your skin and your overall health!

The Spacedye Squared Bra from Beyond Yoga features moisture-wicking material and a 4-way stretch to keep you dry and comfortable. It is ideal for active days like outdoor workouts or family days at the amusement park. Complete the look with the matching Spacedye In The Mix Biker Shorts.

5) Cool Tech: Keep it Chill with Cooling Technology

Clothing designed with unique cooling technology helps to regulate your body temperature, making them super light and airy.

And for outfits that require a little more support, shapewear brands like Maidenform and Thigh Society are leveling up, offering lightweight, hi-tech shapewear designed to keep you smooth and cool in the sweltering heat. These are perfect under-dress and skirt selections for those outdoor garden or dinner parties!

6) Lighten Up: Opt for White or Light Colors

If you haven’t already been to a white party this Summer, you know the invitations are coming! Besides being a cultural mainstay in our community, wearing whites, pastels, and other light colors is better for your hot weather. They reflect sunlight instead of absorbing it, helping you stay cool.

If you need new options, Nigerian-born designer Damie Idowu’s label, Mie, offers elegant white dresses and separates that transition seamlessly from balmy days to breezy summer nights. Wear them along with your summer brights to outdoor concerts and festivals alike.

7) Accessorize Wisely.

Along with your UV-protective sunglasses, keep a cool head in wide-brimmed hats or scarves to protect your skin and hair from excessive heat. Pair your looks with breathable sandals or espadrilles to maintain the cool vibes from head to toe.

Hairbrella’s All-Weather ‘Sun Hat’ is perfect for whatever weather conditions the day may bring. And don’t miss the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale for hot deals on some of your favorite footwear brands.

No matter where your summer adventures take you – be it the beach, the boat, or just chilling with friends and family in the sun, staying cool and stylish is all about making smart wardrobe choices. Mix and match these tips for fresh, vibrant looks. Wearing comfortable and appropriate clothing can also boost your mood and reduce stress. Let’s make this summer season your most stylish and comfortable one yet!

The post 7 Ways to Dress Cooler This Summer appeared first on Black Health Matters.

Techniques like braiding, weaving, and twisting showcase our creativity, flyness, style, and resilience. However, the desire for these styles can lead to the overuse of “heavy” hair products like hair fibers/extensions, edge control, and mousse/foam. While these products may achieve the initial look, they can have unintended consequences for your scalp’s health. Let’s take a deep dive into how these products affect your hair follicles and pores while exploring healthier alternatives to achieve beautiful, healthy summer hair.

Drowning in Heavy Products

Overusing “heavy” products like braid gels, mousses/foams, and thick edge controls can disrupt the scalp’s delicate ecosystem. They leave behind white flakes and buildup and can also clog pores, hindering sebum production (natural oil) and causing dryness and irritation. The constant strain from tight braiding or extensions and product buildup can cause traction alopecia and scarring, resulting in permanent hair loss. Check out this video for an extreme example of the overuse of mousse/foam—scroll to the end.

In this video, Susan L. Peterkin – co-founder of the @naturalhairindustry (N.H.I.C.) and@thestrandnetwork (S.T.R.A.N.D.), discusses how the over-manipulation of edges and baby hairs can cause progressive hair loss. Peterkin says in the video, “And I’m predicting this is (talking about baby hair): What’s going to happen. Each time you go in, you are going to pull some more out because this part is going to keep burning off and then shorter.”

The Ripple Effect & Scalp Distress

• Clogged Pores: Thick layers of product can suffocate hair follicles by blocking oxygen and nutrient flow and hindering sebum production. This can weaken hair, increase shedding, and even lead to permanent hair loss in extreme cases.
• Microbiome Imbalance: Harsh chemicals, fragrances, sweat combined with product buildup can disrupt the scalp’s natural bacteria balance, promoting scalp conditions like seborrheic dermatitis (dandruff), fungus like candida (yeast infection) and trichomycosis (mold).

Creating a Healthy Hair Climate

Use Lighter Products

Opt for lightweight, water-soluble (capable of dissolving in water without leaving scalp buildup or residue) styling products that allow your scalp to breathe. Be generous with your product usage—there is no need to cake it on.

Minimize Fragrance

 Choose products with little to no fragrance. Fragrance can cause allergic reactions to the scalp, one of your body’s most sensitive skin areas.

Here are three products without the buildup or flaking and have minimal fragrance:

1. Vontae Edge Effects, $14

2. KeraCare Styling Hair Wax Stick $20.50

3. MyGel by Joi Naturals.

Gentle Styling

Prioritize healthy practices like regular cleanses and gentle detangling. Use the right styling tools for your hair type and texture, minimize heat styling, and avoid high-tension styles and irritating hair fibers/extensions. Nourish your hair and scalp with steam and moisturizing products.

Clean & Disinfect

Wash your hair and edge brush, comb, and clips regularly to avoid residue buildup, which can be a breeding ground for bacteria. Do not share hair tools—everyone in the home should have their own hair care tools.

Here’s a step-by-step on how to disinfect your tools at home:

Step 1. Clean any excess hair or product buildup from your hair tools.

Step 2. Scrub with soapy hot water, Dr. Bronner’s castile soap, and a nail cleaning/toothbrush until clean.

Step 3. Lay them out to dry on a clean hand or paper towel.

Step 4. After they dry thoroughly, douse them with 70-90% alcohol using a spray bottle—this last step is crucial as it will kill any unwanted bacteria.

Pro Tip: Clean your hair tools every time you wash your hair.

Taking the Plunge for Healthy Hair

• Don’t Forget Your H20: Drink plenty of water to keep your hair, skin, and body hydrated.
• Eat a Balanced Diet: Support hair growth with Essential Vitamins A, B, C, D, & E. You can also juice for healthier hair.
• Seek Professional Help: If you experience chronic scalp issues, consult a dermatologist specializing in scalp disorders. If these issues impact your mental or emotional well-being connect with a therapist.

Remember, scalp health isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s the foundation for unlocking the full potential of YOU and your hair this summer and every season after that.

The post Summer Hair SOS: Is Your Style Causing Scalp Issues? appeared first on Black Health Matters.

“Despite the prevalent misconception that melanin-rich skin doesn’t need sunscreen, it’s crucial for everyone to use it. While melanin provides some natural protection against UV radiation, it is insufficient to prevent skin damage, premature aging, or skin cancer. Sunscreen shields the skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays, which can cause hyperpigmentation, photoaging, and skin cancer. Daily use of sunscreen is vital in maintaining healthy skin and preventing long-term damage, ensuring that your skin remains radiant and protected.”

So, don’t consider sunscreen a summertime staple but an everyday essential. Sitting in front of a computer screen all day exposes your skin to blue light. And the best one is the sunscreen you continually use!

With so many to choose from, where does one start, and what does one look for?

We’ve removed some guesswork by answering your biggest questions and creating these guide to sunscreens for darker skin tones:

What are the benefits of using sunscreen?

Sunscreen can block UV rays that stimulate melanin production. While significantly reducing and preventing uneven skin tone and hyperpigmentation, maintains Ginille Brown, a Los Angeles-based Aesthetic Nurse Practitioner and Founder of Ginille Beauty Aesthetic. “Many of my Black and brown patients see improvement in hyperpigmentation once they incorporate daily sunscreen into their routine. Moreover, treatments like laser, microneedling, facials, and chemical peels are more effective and safer when combined with diligent sun protection,” she states. In addition to sunscreen, using sun-protective clothing such as hats and gloves and avoiding the sun can enhance protection.

What should those with melanin-rich skin look for in sunscreen?

Dr. Stephens states that when selecting a sunscreen, individuals with melanin-rich skin should seek products that offer broad-spectrum protection with an SPF of 30 or higher. Broad spectrum means the sunscreen protects you from both UVA and UVB rays. Choosing a sunscreen that doesn’t leave a white caste is essential, which is a common issue with many mineral-based sunscreens (more on that below). Opt for formulations with micronized zinc oxide or chemical/organic sunscreens that blend seamlessly into the skin. Hydrating ingredients and antioxidants can also be incredibly beneficial, helping maintain skin health and prevent hyperpigmentation. Look for sunscreens enriched with nourishing components like hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, and Niacinamide, which protect the skin and enhance its overall appearance and texture.

What is the difference between mineral sunscreens and chemical sunscreens?

Brown explains that mineral sunscreens contain active ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide that sit on the skin’s surface and physically block UV rays. Chemical sunscreens contain organic compounds like Oxybenzone or avobenzone that absorb UV radiation and convert it into heat, which is then released from the skin. She also suggests that those with sensitive skin should use mineral sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide as they are less likely to irritate.

Two to try: Check out Brown’s brand, Jasi Skin Crystal Clear Mineral SPF 45, $64, or CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 Body Lotion.

Wait a minute. Are all chemicals safe to use?

According to the Environmental Working Group, out of 1,700 products tested, which included recreational sunscreens and daily-use SPF products, nearly 300 contain Oxybenzone, octinoxate, or both; half of the products raise significant concerns about allergies. Avoid Oxybenzone and octinoxate, both found in many chemical sunscreens, which are harmful to human health and the environment. The National Institutes of Health reports that they are known to cause allergies in people and disrupt hormones, while in nature, they harm coral reefs and fish, causing bleaching and even death.

What is an SPF? What number should we be looking for?

Cosmetic chemist Nongdo Bougouma says according to the FDA, SPF is a measure that indicates how long it takes for UV rays to redden protected skin (i.e., skin with sunscreen) compared to unprotected skin (i.e., skin without sunscreen). For example, if it takes 10 minutes to sunburn without sunscreen, with an SPF of 50, it will now take 500 minutes. Nurse Practitioner Brown adds that a higher SPF offers more protection, but only to a certain extent. SPF 30 blocks about 97% of UVB rays, while SPF 50 blocks about 98%. Beyond SPF 50, the increase in protection is minimal.

An SPF of at least 30 is recommended for everyday use. An SPF of 50 or higher should provide additional protection against intense UV exposure for extended outdoor activities, such as a day at the beach. Look for sweat— and waterproof sunscreens or water-resistant sunscreens to ensure long-lasting protection. Using moisturizers or makeup with SPF is not enough. It’s essential to use sunscreen in addition to other skincare products and makeup, even if they contain SPF.

Help me start my journey. Which sunscreens are meeting melanated needs?

Black Girl Sunscreen Ultra Sheer SPF 30 Moisturizing Sunscreen, $19, is an excellent place to start if you have normal to dry skin. But if you have oily skin, try Black Girl Sunscreen, Make it Matte, SPF 45, $17.99.

Supergoop! Play Everyday Lotion SPF 50, $36,  Lightweight, sweat and water-resistant.

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Broad Spectrum SPF 55, $13.99, is a tried-and-true sunscreen for all-over use and long sunny days at the beach.

Face card approved: Tinted sunscreens come to the rescue in deeper shades that convert a bevy of hues and go the distance as a protectant and makeup. Expect a glow-up as they all include good-for-skin ingredients like hyaluronic acid to provide hydration and retain moisture.

Reach for:

EltaMD Skincare UV Daily Broad Spectrum 40 Deep Tint, $45 (but don’t sleep on the transp option, UV Clear SPF 46), contains Niacinamide, which helps reduce the appearance of discoloration and blemishes.

Live Tinted Hueguard Skin Tint SPF 50, $42. Natural ingredients like Butterfly Bush Flower Extract prevent collagen breakdown and encourage skin repair.

Fenty Beauty Hydra Vizor Huez SPF 30 Refillable Tinted Moisturizer Set, $48. It comes in 10 shades. Rich in antioxidants, it reduces the appearance of pores, dark spots, and fine lines.

Clear formulas: SEKKISEI, Herbal UV Defense Gel Broad Spectrum SPF 40 Sunscreen, $30, is the perfect marriage of ancient herbal ingredients and modern technology in a clear formula that works for our skin. Ingredients include licorice root to reduce irritation, Angelica Gingas root, which reduces hyperpigmentation and keeps skin hydrated, and Job’s Tear Seed Extract. The formula is encapsulated in an oil-in-water emulsion that absorbs quickly into the skin so the sunscreen doesn’t feel greasy.

Then glow and protect your body with these two perfect picks:

Kopari Sun Shield Body Glow Sunscreen, $42, is a lightweight gel sunscreen infused with vitamin E, macadamia, and hibiscus oils available in SPF 30-50 in shades of amber, gold, or rose with UVA and UVB coverage.

 Cay Skin Nourishing Body Mist SPF 50 with Sea Moss and Hyaluronic Acid, $26. It is easy to apply spray. It offers broad-spectrum UV protection, is silicone-free, and is safe for sensitive skin. It is non-comedogenic, vegan, and non-comedogenic. Model Winnie Harlow has built a winning formula with this line!

And then there are those products that are multitaskers or are perfect for on-the-go. Here are two sun protectors to try:

The Multitasker: Undefined Beauty R&R Sun Elixir, SPF 30 Glow Oil, $22  A fast-absorbing waterless formula infused with Vitamin C, Rosehip, Milk Thistle, and Moringa that offers broad spectrum protection and can be applied to skin, scalp, hair, and body.

Colorscience Sunforgettable Total Protection Brush-On Shield SPF 50 in Deep, $69. It is the best way to reapply sunscreen over your makeup daily. It is infused with hyaluronic acid to restore moisture to the skin and antioxidants. It is safe for sensitive skin and adds protection without disrupting your look.

How long does your sunscreen last?

These days, sunscreen generally has an expiration date. But it typically lasts about three years from the time you purchase it. If you use it the way you should, it probably won’t last that long. If you don’t see an expiration date, use a Sharpie to write the date of purchase on it.

To keep it in optimal condition, follow these tips from the Mayo Clinic:

• Don’t leave sunscreen out in the heat or direct sunlight.
• Wrap it in a towel, keep it in the shade, or place it in a cooler.
• If the color or texture of your sunscreen changes significantly, toss it.

The post Our 2024 Guide to Sunscreens: 16 Picks for Darker Skin appeared first on Black Health Matters.

It allows you to determine what you want your experience to look like. You can spend four hours people-watching at a Parisian cafe or wander through the Jardins do Palácio de Cristal grounds in Porto without thinking about someone else’s needs.

It also opens you to the dangers that can occur to someone on a journey abroad alone.

Here are some tips for enjoying your summer solo travel safely.

Take The First “STEP”

The United States Department of State has the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program to allow citizens to remain informed about the places that they are traveling to. The program sends alerts about the status of the country you are traveling to. Sometimes, they arrive in real-time as short bursts of average information. Other times, they offer a broader perspective on the landscape in the area that could impact your long-term plans.

This program also allows travelers to register their trips with the department so that the nearest U.S. Embassy or consulate knows their trip to the area. This is helpful in case of an unexpected obstacle.

You do not need to visit an office and stand online to achieve this. There is an online enrollment process.

Research The Area You Are Traveling To Thoroughly

Staying up at night and scrolling through pictures of the hotel balcony you plan to snap selfies on is excellent, but don’t forget to look up the surrounding areas. Memorize street names and landmarks so you can move around confidently and not scream “vulnerable tourist” with your mannerisms.

Share Your Ride Details With A Loved One

Many rideshare apps that operate abroad allow you to share your ride route with a designated person. You can do it manually with each ride you choose or do it automatically so that every ride you take is followed. This feature lets you know someone is paying attention to your whereabouts.

Research the rideshare service you choose before heading out to your next destination.

Use Theft Proof Bags To Stay Protected

Anti-theft bags allow you to carry the essentials close to you so that a pickpocket cannot snip the cord on your bag without you noticing.

Be Mindful Of Your Surroundings

Even the most picturesque and quaint corners of the world can have pitfalls. Keep an eye out when you are moving, especially in a big city, and it is always good to check in with other groups who have recommendations or warnings about the city you’re in. The same dangers exist in any dense area, even a beautiful one.

Skip The Bling

Those layers of necklaces might look cute on social media, but skip them as you walk on the street alone. Even the cheapest jewelry can draw attention if it is loud and clunky. If you are moving on foot, consider leaving your chunky baubles behind.

Prepare For The Worst And The Almost Worst

It would be ideal if everything went smoothly with your body while traveling, but just as it does at home, your physical self decides when it wants to act up. Travel also often leads to experimenting with new cuisine that may not agree with your body.

Prepare for minor emergencies by stashing items you might need in your bag. Purchase over-the-counter items like diarrhea medication, allergy pills, and sleep gummies. Update the emergency contact information on your smartphone so that if there is a larger emergency, the attending first responder can contact the people in your life who need to know what happened.

Looking for a place to go? Check out the top destinations for Black female solo travelers on TravelNoire.

The post The Black Woman’s Guide to Safe Summer Solo Traveling appeared first on Black Health Matters.

Probiotics and prebiotic beverages have increased in popularity in recent years. Several companies have begun offering over-the-counter probiotic and prebiotic products boasting benefits ranging from digestive improvements and improved mental health to cardiac wellness and clearer skin. Some even theorize that they can curb the likelihood of contracting common viruses.

Emphasis on gut health has swept the wellness world by storm. There are even lines of celebrity supplements with probiotic and prebiotic SKUs. People fill their coolers with brightly covered wellness drinks thinking they are a cure-all, but their advantages are complicated.

A 2020 article from Foods clarified that “The term” “health “benefit,” (often” stated on the label) is not a regulated specificity, nor has a clear medical meaning.” This has not stopped consumers from chasing after them by purchasing probiotics and prebiotic beverages (like Oilpop, Culture Pop, and Poppi). They are the cornerstone of the functional beverage market, joining protein shakes and collagen concussions as perceived miracle potions.

“The public awareness of diet-related issues and ever-increasing evidence about probiotic health benefits have increased consumer interest in probiotic foods,” according to a 2023 article in Frontiers in Microbiology.

That article expressed the importance of probiotics being administered in “adequate” quality.” Poppi,” a major player in the beverage industry, is facing legal challenges for their health claims in the form of a class-action suit that alleges that they did not infuse an adequate amount into each of their cans. Still, the amount of “adequate” can vary for each person.

The market has swelled to over ninety billion dollars despite this. “From an”industrial perspective, there are always challenges related to adding health-enhancing components, including probiotics, to food matrix,” according to Foods.

Not only are the benefits of probiotic beverages difficult to determine but there are potential risks associated with prebiotics and probiotics being examined by researchers. These can potentially be increased in select marginalized publics like those late in their pregnancies, immunocompromised individuals, and chronically ill children.

Dr. Janese S. Laster, a board-certified doctor in Internal Medicine, Gastroenterology, Obesity Medicine, and Nutrition and the founder of Gut Theory Total Digestive Care in Washington, D.C., explained that probiotics and prebiotics are best introduced to a regimen that includes physicians.

She also said that more information is coming to the public about probiotics and prebiotics as efforts to design and execute productive studies are expanding.

We don’t have enough data and so there’s a bunch of research going on,” explained Dr. Laster. “But right now, we don’t have enough information to make a determination.”

What do you need to know about probiotics and prebiotics before using them?

Their usage affects everyone differently.

“We don’t know what that perfect makeup is. The only thing we know currently is that people who tend to be the healthiest people, people who have no GI symptoms, tend to have a really, really high diversity of all types,” said Dr. Laster. “We don’t know which is the perfect one each person needs. So that’s the big issue and what we’re trying to figure out and determine.”

There are different kinds of probiotics.

“Not all of them are created equal,” said Dr. Laster. “Most things won’t make it through to your small bowel where they can actually have some effects.”

Research the strain you are considering and discuss it with your doctors before working it into your diet.

Probiotics can be affected by heat.

The way you store your probiotics matters. Research best practices for how to store the probiotics you are taking so that you can obtain the most benefits from them.

Probiotics don’t outweigh a poor diet.

Chugging probiotic-infused soft drinks will not undo the damage caused by an unbalanced diet. (Think about integrating these 10 prebiotic foods into your diet.)

Dr. Laster declared that foods that are high in fiber, like certain fruits and leafy vegetables, are still crucial to achieving one’s health goals. “These are things that we know actually change the microbiome,” she said.

“If you put fertilizer on the ground with Cheetos, nothing’s growing,” she said. “But if you put it there with apple seeds, you’ll get an apple tree at some point. So it’s about sort of what you’re feeding your gut, and just having a probiotic on top of a diet that is completely processed isn’t going to do anything.

It’s difficult to tell what probiotics you lack.

Tests claiming to identify the perfect probiotic cocktail for you might not be entirely accurate. “There’s no real good ways to test that at this point,” said Dr. Laster. She noted that it’s important to understand that many of these tests have legal disclaimers explaining that they can not be used for medical management.

“People will go online and come and see us and say oh, I got this test done that I wasted $700 on, now you tell me what to do with it.”

The post Probiotic & Prebiotic Drinks Like Poppi Soda: Are They Worth The Hype? appeared first on Black Health Matters.

Claudia:
All right, so my name is Claudia Lopez.

00:00:15:19 – 00:00:45:18
Unknown
I am the digital marketing and operations manager at Black Health Matters. And today I am here with Miss M. Marcia Lee. She is a fitness and wellness guide. A mentor and I am inspired very deeply by her journey and her story. And I wanted to make sure we gave air and space for her journey and allowed her to share with other people because, really, in today’s day and age, we need inspiration.

00:00:45:20 – 00:01:10:04

We need to be able to see ourselves within other people. And we need to understand that there is, a path forward and that there is positivity to look forward to and growth to look forward to. So, Miss M, would you like to introduce yourself and tell people how your journey started? Thank you, Claudia, for having me on.

00:01:10:06 – 00:01:33:13
Marcia
So my journey began in 2009 when I went to the doctor for my hanging physical, and she said, Miss Lee, you are a borderline diabetic. And I’m like, I say, our family picks up everything but money. Mind you, everybody in my family is a diabetic but me. I didn’t want to become a statistic. So she asked me what it was.

00:01:33:13 – 00:01:57:23
Unknown
I know as far as my diet and exercise regimen. I said the only thing I was doing was going to a happy hour, mostly eating chicken wings and French fries and having cocktails. But it wasn’t until I. I was taking my car home, and I had seen this as a free fitness class setup, so I dropped her off and circled back to the rec center to sign up.

00:01:58:01 – 00:02:24:04
Unknown
But while I was waiting to sign up, I saw a flier that said that in D.C. residents, if they lose 20% of their body weight, they can start the onset of chronic diseases like diabetes and hypertension. I said yes; where do I sign up? I signed up for the first day of orientation. We got to the orientation process, and the dietitian gave us these books.

00:02:24:04 – 00:02:47:08
Unknown
I said, what are these books for? She says, a food journal. I’m like, what? What food? You’re gonna say you’re buying my food, right? I don’t want you to know what I’m eating. But eventually, I understood the assignment. It was necessary for me to be successful in the program. So what we did was try. I had tracked what I ate and my exercise regimen.

00:02:47:08 – 00:03:09:06
Unknown
So the weights have reached a plateau. She was able to review every day. She was able to review the journal, do my exercise, and review my exercise regimen, and we were able to come together, and it actually worked out. But at the end of the 16 week program, I had lost four dress sizes. I wasn’t close with alphabets to close to numbers.

00:03:09:06 – 00:03:35:09
Unknown
You know how good that feel I was. My class was. I had to change my entire wardrobe. It took me six months to get rid of all those clothes I had, and I had all the clothes. But during that process, I actually started exercising, too. I went from not exercising at all to exercising daily. To this day, I’m still exercising regularly, and I have kept my weight off for 15 years.

00:03:35:10 – 00:03:54:00
Unknown
This was the first time in my life that I was able to put a handle on the weight. I never let myself go 5 or 10 pounds over at all. I do a reset spot oversee; I think it is focused and disciplined, and it’s very work. Clearly, a lot of people don’t realize that this whole weight loss journey is work.

00:03:54:02 – 00:04:27:00
Unknown
And this was man, this was this was free. We go to the exhibit, and bam, and all of that. This was hard work, determination, and will. They will want to put in the work. It really is putting in the work. It’s changing your whole way of thinking about food. And then I look at food as medicine. So I went from making pharmaceutical companies rich as far as buying assets and laxatives because when I was bigger, all that stuff I was put in my body was no good.

00:04:27:02 – 00:04:52:18
Unknown
So now I don’t even take I haven’t taken a laxative. You or antacid in years. I rarely have to even do it as it’s so, so rare, so infrequent in my life now. But the exercise journey has been really, really phenomenal as well. I would like to thank my DC Parks and Rec family for all the free, low, and no-cost fitness and wellness classes.

00:04:52:20 – 00:05:14:10
Unknown
Then I’m able to partake in and I still partake until this day. I’m also an ambassador for the DC, a wellness initiative that may have thousands of hours of started. So I am one of the community ambassadors also, every Wednesday for health and wellness. I love it. So, like I say, I’ve done like I say nothing.

00:05:14:10 – 00:05:39:21
Unknown
Now I do. I didn’t like walking cloudy and wouldn’t walk like two inches. Now I walk all the time, I walk, I hike, and do yoga. I do Zumba, I do freestyle dance, I do can I do everything wellness now? Claudia? I’m always trying new things. When I go on vacation, it feels good, Claudia, that I don’t have to sit back because I’m too tired, because I’m winded.

00:05:39:23 – 00:06:02:06
Unknown
I keep up with the best of me already. I love it, so that’s my journey. But in 2019, my brother Michael, that. And you know what? He had to suffer from depression. But he had been depressed for years. But he didn’t say anything. It wasn’t until the day before he passed when he told my brother, I’m depressed and I need help.

00:06:02:08 – 00:06:26:09
Unknown
We’re Claudia. He was there within 24 hours. And I’m like, you know what? Let me let me put some light to the darkness that I was feeling at that time. So I decided I wanted to be an advocate for health and wellness, especially in communities of color. Claudia, because we’re very, shy about our well-being. We don’t want to talk about it.

00:06:26:10 – 00:06:45:09
Unknown
So I’m a I’m a big advocate of therapy. I could be the poster girl on any or any signage that I do or not. I could be the poster girl for therapy because for me, therapy worked. You have to want to put in the work, find the right therapist, be ready. Be very. Be ready to do a deep dive in your life.

00:06:45:11 – 00:07:08:02
Unknown
Be ready to have a breakthrough because of you. Once the breakthrough comes, you can see things for what they are. And then you, you can, you know, you can be active, Courtney. You can play in your life. You can change your how to be of your mental health and well-being. So, I also teach people how to cook healthily on a budget.

00:07:08:02 – 00:07:27:17
Unknown
I don’t keep your income levels until people are always about preparation and planning. And that’s it. I say you can eat very well. And my goal my long-term goal, Claudia, is to get people to get them to do it so that it will be eaten, ask, whatever. Because there’s too much, you know, how much money are you spending? It’s like 60 bucks for one meal.

00:07:27:17 – 00:07:48:19
Unknown
You know how much food you can buy. And we’re lucky, Claudia, we are in, I’m in DC with, DC Department of Parks and access to my community gardens. And they give out free vegetables every week from May through the end of November. Do you know how good I eat? I eat well, anyway, but I’m eating fresh. And I’m so sad during the winter months when it’s not as robust.

00:07:48:21 – 00:08:10:07
Unknown
But I take advantage of that. I usually go home and cook it; sometimes, I see people on social media. What I’m cool with is the vegetables. I’ve gotten some from the different markets and you know how you know how it, no, cause these to make these yourself. So that’s my goal, Claudia. That is my goal to be and just to teach people how to live the best version of themselves.

00:08:10:09 – 00:08:26:11
Unknown
And they could be the best version of themselves. And they put in the work. And it’s not as hard as people think. Once you start doing it, Claudia, it becomes a routine, and you’re not going to want to go. I hear all the time I say that you know, you cannot go out to eat, but don’t make that habitual.

00:08:26:13 – 00:08:52:19
Unknown
It kind of matters what we eat because, well, processed foods are sugars and starches. And I say, you know, keep things to animals. That’s my goal to teach people how to do that. Claudia, I think one one aspect of what you spoke on that is extremely important for people that they can lack when it comes to a physical journey or a mental journey or, you know, anything really in their walk of life is motivation.

00:08:52:21 – 00:09:19:10
Unknown
And how do we stay motivated in order to be able to create these changes within our lives? So what would you say to someone who wants to start a journey or is thinking about starting a journey but maybe isn’t finding the motivation within themselves right now to be able to begin? Well, it’s not what I say because a lot of people don’t like me, you know, some people don’t like being around other people, and that’s fine.

00:09:19:15 – 00:09:38:23
Unknown
But as a quality, become your best friend when you do. I said, you have so many different exercises for all when I tell you all levels by all levels. But, and I always tell people then you can, you can find an accountability partner. It doesn’t have to be a process. You can find a virtual accountability partner.

00:09:39:01 – 00:09:56:21
Unknown
You can meet somebody. Hey, let’s do a FaceTime. Let’s do a Google Meet. Let’s do a zoom. Let’s do it; when I type a digital platform that you may have, or even those who don’t want to, take a virtual digital platform and do a phone check. Hey, how are you doing them? What? You don’t know? Hey, guys, I know, let’s have a call.

00:09:57:02 – 00:10:14:03
Unknown
Let’s get a check-in. But for me, it says I like to be outdoors. My fitness family. Trust me, it was a wellness check. It was. It was a check-in regular accountability was like, oh, where are you at today? Why do you like it? You know, it was always it was always group text. Okay, we’re doing this today.

00:10:14:03 – 00:10:35:06
Unknown
We’re doing that today. So, for me and for anybody, you can have accountability partners, whoever is in person or virtual, because you understand people. People are where they are. And I’m willing if you work with me, I can meet you where you are because everybody, you know, no two people are the same. And I respect that. That’s very true.

00:10:35:08 – 00:10:37:08
Unknown
One other thing that I think,

00:10:37:08 – 00:11:02:09
Unknown
is important that you mention was what we consume and how you treat food and how you view food. So what do you think? For one, what are some foods that are positive contributors to our lives, and what are some foods that maybe we should try to cut out a little bit more or just lessen to improve that journey to wellness?

00:11:02:09 – 00:11:20:17
Unknown
so for the average person, you know, and, you know, bad Claudia, all that junk food, potato chips and all that potatoes are the worst. And I know when I was on that page of trying for a while, the weight came on quick and I said, you have this potato chip. So nad cut that out and processed foods.

00:11:20:17 – 00:11:21:13
Unknown
Claudia.

00:11:21:13 – 00:11:24:11
Unknown
Because the processed foods, processed foods are a killer.

00:11:24:11 – 00:11:42:01
Unknown
And you know Claudia, and when I go in the stores, I know how to leave food labels. And I look at all the ingredients they have, all these ingredients. You need to have spent a year in that. But now, any time you don’t know how to pronounce it, most of the time, bait is not it not, is not as good for you.

00:11:42:03 – 00:12:08:18
Unknown
But as far as like like the healthy things, you know, summertime is good for blueberries and strawberries and blackberries, all the things down. Those are superfoods and healthy foods. No. Avocados. Because all the different lettuce and cucumbers are king, are white, and people are, but what it is, is all a preparation is all it going how you prepared food eggs?

00:12:08:18 – 00:12:29:08
Unknown
At first, I was a big fat a big fan of airplanes. Now I’m the airplane queen. Everybody was they made this like curry recipe, you know because I tried different things because for me it’s. And always tried things once. And I think Claudia the air because I’m vegan people always say, oh again is vegan. I lose weight.

00:12:29:09 – 00:12:56:03
Unknown
Is this food for everybody who’s listening? Attention, listeners, being bored is food. It’s food. It’s real food. It’s just no animal products or no dairy. But being food is food. You will not go hungry. Isn’t that weird? Quiet. Come out of your comfort zone. You don’t have to eat meat all day, every day. You don’t have to eat a piece of meat in your mouth.

00:12:56:03 – 00:13:05:12
Unknown
You don’t try different things. And I tell people, just try this, try, different things. You don’t do meat every day, do meat maybe every other day, or maybe do meat,

00:13:05:12 – 00:13:12:02
Unknown
maybe one once a week. Or do you do meat this Monday or whatever? This try to come and switch it up a little bit

00:13:12:02 – 00:13:14:18
Unknown
and be open to try new things.

00:13:14:21 – 00:13:38:17
Unknown
Definitely. I know it’s cookout season, right? So we’re about to enter that time when everyone wants to grill and they want to have all the sweets, and they may be doing the pie competitions and whatever else they can get their hands on. So it is going to be vital to to look at Whole Foods, the types of whole foods that you can bring to your family events to,

00:13:38:17 – 00:13:46:04
Unknown
contribute and how, you know, that’s going to impact everyone in your family and your journey and how you share that, that part of your journey with each other.

00:13:46:04 – 00:14:03:12
Unknown
so one of the things that you mentioned was the mental health journey and how we navigate things like depression and how the men in our lives navigate things like depression.

00:14:03:16 – 00:14:10:07
Unknown
So how do we how do we start to have those conversations with the men in our life

00:14:10:07 – 00:14:13:03
Unknown
It’s men’s health awareness. So I want to make sure that,

00:14:13:03 – 00:14:20:12
Unknown
we share with other women how they can be or be present for the men in their lives.

00:14:20:18 – 00:14:25:08
Unknown
But that’s a great question for you. Thank you for asking that. So women,

00:14:25:08 – 00:14:45:21
Unknown
let the men be vulnerable. Let them have the space to be vulnerable because people think that men’s poses is real; they don’t have any emotion. And all of that. But, you know, clearly they just like us, they human and they’ve always been taught, take it like a man, you know, don’t show any emotion.

00:14:45:21 – 00:15:05:14
Unknown
But it’s okay to show emotion. And I’m loving this generation them to be a they are embracing that. They are doing therapy. The younger generation, Gen Z, is a millennial. I love how God is doing, and they are really. Thank you for showing your vulnerability. And I always say to them, Claudia, they don’t want to talk to you.

00:15:05:16 – 00:15:23:11
Unknown
It’s a lot of men’s groups. It’s a lot of great men support group, you know, virtual and in-person. Whatever you do, that is probably talking to other men that are willing to some, you know, that are wanted to process that. I want to know some some of the similar journeys. But we have to understand that we have to let men be vulnerable.

00:15:23:13 – 00:15:45:20
Unknown
If a man wants to cry, let them cry. And when I see a man, for I have seen men in my life, I love it. I’ve had men reach out to me. When can I see therapy? Do you know how good that makes me feel? They say. They said no. I say where can I go for therapy? So I’ve given people references and I think that I think, I think that’s phenomenal that, that that’s phenomenal.

00:15:45:20 – 00:16:11:09
Unknown
But again, and even for women, I don’t want to discount women because sometimes women are to be hard to that black woman strong. But I want a strong. You know what? I’m sorry. I’m sorry.  I’m sorry. Sometimes everybody has everybody has a right to break down, to have a break through men, women, men, and women.

00:16:11:10 – 00:16:39:04
Unknown
Because sometimes it takes a breakdown to have a breakthrough. And we have to respect that and allow that. We have to have a place to be safe. We have to have a space to be vulnerable, and we have to have a space where they can talk and be themselves without any type of repercussions or any type of perception that they can’t because they sought help.

00:16:39:06 – 00:16:53:02
Unknown
Man it, you know, what’s up with that? We have to really allow that. And I’m glad the younger generation is doing that now, as the generation is really being taken, pay and paying attention to that. And I’m glad they have more resources.

00:16:53:02 – 00:16:59:10
Unknown
so I love that you mentioned that maybe it’s, it’s coming a little bit easier for the younger generation.

00:16:59:13 – 00:17:12:02
Unknown
and I want to know, you know, as someone I have I have two fathers, I have my step father and I have my biological father. And I often try to have these conversations with them. Right.

00:17:12:02 – 00:17:13:12
Unknown
And I’m wondering

00:17:13:12 – 00:17:16:06
Unknown
how I can almost meet them on their level,

00:17:16:06 – 00:17:22:21
Unknown
because it is more of a challenge to try to convince them,

00:17:22:21 – 00:17:24:12
Unknown
being able to be vulnerable

00:17:24:12 – 00:17:26:14
Unknown
So, how do we bridge that gap with

00:17:26:14 – 00:17:35:05
Unknown
our older generations? How do we bring them into this wider awareness that maybe it’s easier for the younger generations to get Ahold of?

00:17:35:05 – 00:17:43:06
Unknown
Well, I could be speaking of being a baby boomer, but, Claudia, you know what? We have to start having authentic conversations.

00:17:43:08 – 00:18:10:00
Unknown
a lot of the older generation is so much stuff on the road. A lot of stuff is available. And I my suggestion to you as far as your dating wisdom day, sit them down. Maybe you could sit down. sit down with them. Just say tell me. Tell me your story. Sometimes it just does. Is is not as simple, but maybe a question, but tell me about the story of what you know.

00:18:10:00 – 00:18:30:17
Unknown
Well, what were some of your challenges? What do you want to know? You know what I mean? Because a lot of times, Claudia, nobody has asked them how they grew up, you know, what was their story? You think about it. So for me, the men of my family, my, my oh, I mean, my uncle founded tell me the same thing.

00:18:30:17 – 00:18:50:12
Unknown
You know, later in life, you know, a lot of times, Claudia, the men, they were more vulnerable later, my Uncle George, you know, he’s passed away, but he was born of a vulnerable. And I said, thanks for being vulnerable because if because quality, number one, they have to feel, you have to make them feel comfortable is speaking first and foremost.

00:18:50:12 – 00:19:19:09
Unknown
You gotta you gotta make that make make that set uncomfortable. Just can’t come at them. Just be natural. Hey, you know what? You see how up for real? This this is this is like this just, you know, just just make it comfortable. Or even Claudia, maybe give him a book, a journal. So they lay down and, you know, want to talk my device of things down, and we can go over.

00:19:19:11 – 00:19:42:03
Unknown
Maybe we could discuss that. Or, like you don’t us don’t we? Could they talk about you, Mom? I hear you like. Yeah, maybe you like it. You can keep that between the two of you, but that this is not going out here in the YouTube universe. This is what our universe. Because I want to see, you know, how you grew up.

00:19:42:05 – 00:20:19:11
Unknown
What would you what were your challenges? What do you see for me in the future? Because a lot of times, Claudia, men and boys, followed by example. So if they’re seeing men, they dads, uncles, fathers, I mean, that is being uptight and now vulnerable and not showing. And they have to say anything that’s been, you know, like you say, showing a vulnerability, how you think they want me now think about it.

00:20:19:13 – 00:20:40:19
Unknown
And it is generational, the trauma, because you don’t even know what’s going to come out. And a lot of people have gone through trauma like generational. Yeah. That, that, that is still that is still locked in their hearts and locked in they soul and locked in a spirit. And maybe you can one that can open that.

00:20:40:23 – 00:20:41:15
Unknown
Future.

00:20:41:15 – 00:20:42:19
Unknown
So I have

00:20:42:19 – 00:20:45:01
Unknown
I have one final question for you.

00:20:45:01 – 00:20:49:08
Unknown
and then if you have any takeaways that you want to make sure that the audience receives,

00:20:49:08 – 00:21:03:20
Unknown
what importance and value do you see when it comes to sisterhood? I think is often there’s the perception of like the hardened or the tough or the strong black woman.

00:21:03:22 – 00:21:18:23
Unknown
But I think there’s also, especially in the younger generation, I see this, this perception of women often being pitted against each other or extremely competitive with each other rather than elevating each other. There’s,

00:21:18:23 – 00:21:31:04
Unknown
the withholding of information and care and storytelling and journey telling because it this is for me, you know, and it’s hard for people to share.

00:21:31:06 – 00:21:49:03
Unknown
So what has been your journey when I’ve just come to sisterhood, how has that impacted your journey and how can we support the women in our community? That is that’s an excellent question with Claudia. You know, coming up, we don’t have social media.

00:21:49:03 – 00:21:56:20
Unknown
First and foremost, we do not have social media. So our whole communication was different. Everything was impersonal on the phone.

00:21:56:20 – 00:22:22:21
Unknown
It wasn’t the that absent what we do is the Facebook or Tik Tok and all of that due to it wasn’t all that, it was the actual human interaction for me personally, I do have a sisterhood. I’m very I’m extremely fortunate to have sisterhood in my life. I have I have groups, I have different groups of sisterhood. I have women I’ve grown, I’ve grown up with.

00:22:22:21 – 00:22:46:15
Unknown
I have my fitness community, I have people, I have friends who have formed a decade. You know, this is just for me. And I have the leading me who have become my friends now. But, Claudia, unfortunately, as I say, unfortunately, social media sometimes is a fraud, and people can’t be authentic to that because they have the Hannah post.

00:22:46:17 – 00:23:00:20
Unknown
So that’s going to be it’s not hard, but we just have to teach. We have to just show people that we all are in this journey together. And, like I said, that strong black woman,

00:23:00:20 – 00:23:09:19
Unknown
situation that goes for black women. So we got to get rid of that, that dialog because yes, we can we can pull it out.

00:23:09:21 – 00:23:33:13
Unknown
but it’s also okay to be vulnerable, and it’s also okay for us to be in a group. It’s okay for us to cry is okay for us to laugh together. It is okay for us to share our stories is okay for us. And, you know, and with the younger people. To Claudia again, the sisterhood, a lot of times I see I grew up with my mother, and they have friends.

00:23:33:15 – 00:23:57:12
Unknown
They always have circles of friends. So a lot of times, Claudia, I grew up with that. So for me, I had a circle. So a lot of people did not see their cards with circles of friends. So a lot of times and then with a lot of times with the anxiety and depression and different other types of social illnesses, mental health situations, you know, it’s going to be a little difficult.

00:23:57:15 – 00:24:20:23
Unknown
And then the bullying aspect is real, the bullying aspect. So a lot of people now are not going to feel comfortable really going out to reach out because of their vulnerabilities. And maybe they might be bullied or not. Like for whatever reason or not, in the clique. Yeah. So we just have to teach. We just have to teach them what we have.

00:24:21:01 – 00:24:45:21
Unknown
We have to teach our ladies. Love yourself first so that you are loved. You are loved by yourself, with yourself, and for yourself. And once you have to have those affirmations. You have to say those affirmations for you. Do affirmations, maybe add some meditation, maybe add some breathwork, add some things that have been not additional in the past.

00:24:45:22 – 00:25:16:15
Unknown
Have some things to make to be focused. Focus on pulling your inner being and maybe instead, you know, keep your journal, start the drawing that you’re doing is don’t keep your journals, write down things, and maybe, start a club. You could even start if you don’t want to give; you want to be in person. You understand? Do journey, do x y and leverage majority, or do like like if you want to be more intimate, do a zone, do a go, do something, or do some type of virtual journaling classes.

00:25:16:16 – 00:25:35:00
Unknown
Don’t do like do like a rap session. Hey girls, this girl’s rap time, ladies’ rap time was had, you know, different things than we have to think we have. We have to go. We have. We have to hit the mediums and the platforms and where they are and where you think they were. They were the best. We seem to have information,

00:25:35:00 – 00:25:50:04
Unknown
Is there anything that you would like to make sure our audience like? Key takeaways. What specifically should our audience take away from this call? What should they carry with them? What should be their next move?

00:25:50:08 – 00:25:51:22
Unknown
Your next move is

00:25:51:22 – 00:26:09:14
Unknown
where do you see yourself? But sometimes people always, you know, you go on job interviews and people talking about people always ask, where do you want to be in five years? Well, you know, I say when I tell them, I mean, I don’t even know where I want to be in five days. This. See this; see where you want to be.

00:26:09:16 – 00:26:28:06
Unknown
Set yourself up, do goals. But don’t I always say, don’t make goals so unrealistic that they’re not attainable? What do you want to be in a week? What do you want to be in a month? When you want to be a three month, three months, what do you want to be in that months? But clearly, everybody’s journey is not designed that.

00:26:28:08 – 00:27:07:13
Unknown
And I recognize that. And I know for me, like you, it clearly I made that U-turn when I dropped my car. That was that was that was it for me. And I tell people everybody has a different body at that moment than you. Term was my bottom, the rise to the top. So I tell people, when you are ready, you will know when you’re ready. You will take action, but know when you’re ready, there are support systems out here that can help you attain your wellness journey, your health journey, your fitness journey, and your eating journey we have looked at food as medicine.

00:27:07:13 – 00:27:30:00
Unknown
Food is the way to heal our soul and our body and not just to eat. Think of it like that and think of exercise as oh my gosh, I gotta exercise. But think of exercise as a as a part of your movement, of your movement active of your mental movement. It is, it is, it is or not. Also visible is a mental movement.

00:27:30:04 – 00:27:51:05
Unknown
The exercise begins like that. And you can start slow and work your way up. Because I think a lot of times people see people working out like they have lost their mind. But no sudden slow is levels for everybody to be successful in their journey. Thank you for all you, thank you, thank you so much. Medicine.

The post BHM Talks to Marcia Lee About Her Journey to Better Health, Food as Medicine and & Choosing Vulnerability appeared first on Black Health Matters.

• A child’s body temperature rises three to five times faster than an adult’s. When a child is left in a vehicle, that child’s temperature can rise quickly — and the situation can quickly become dangerous.
• Heatstroke begins when the core body temperature reaches about 104 degrees.
• A child can die when their body temperature reaches 107 degrees.
• When temperatures are in the 60s, a car can heat up to more than 110 degrees, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
• Parents should never leave their children alone in a car. Rolling a window down or leaving the air conditioning on while the motor runs is not enough to keep them safe.
• Young children can’t express they are too hot or thirsty, and “often they don’t have the awareness of how to cool themselves off.
• If you see a child in a car suffering from heat stroke, you should immediately remove the child from the vehicle and take her or him into a nearby air-conditioned building.  If you can’t open the car, call the police immediately.
• If you notice that the child is either lethargic or unresponsive, then, of course, you want to call 911. But while you’re waiting you can also cool the child down by pouring cold water over them or fanning them. You just want to get them out of the hot environment as soon as possible.”

Sometimes, when kids are left behind in cars, it’s because parents have forgotten they are there. Luckily, there are steps you can take to remind yourself. Among them:

• Make a habit of checking your vehicle from front to back before you lock the door and leave your vehicle.
• Place something you know you’ll need, such as a purse or briefcase, in the back seat of the car so you’ll remember to see your child there, too.
• Leave a note in your car where you know you’ll check it before leaving.
•  Ask your childcare provider to call you if your child does not show up. Because, in some cases, a child may be left in a vehicle or bus carrying many children.
• The risk of hot car death is just as high when children have access to unlocked car doors in their driveway or parking lot.
• Noe says it’s important to teach your kids not to play in or around cars.
• Make sure to keep your car doors and trunk locked and to store your car keys so they’re out of your child’s reach.

Furry family members inside a hot car are in just as much danger as your kids. Your pets could suffer organ damage or die after being left in a hot vehicle, according to the Humane Society of the United States. Call the police or a shelter if you see an animal that may be suffering from the heat inside a parked vehicle.

What happens during heat stroke?

Heat stroke occurs when your body can’t control its temperature, which can rise to 106 degrees or higher within 10 to 15 minutes, says CDC. Young kids are at high risk because their bodies heat up quickly. When a child’s temperature reaches 107 degrees, it can be fatal, says NHTSA. On average, one child dies every 10 days in the U.S. due to heat stroke after being left unattended inside of a car, according to Safe Kids Worldwide.

Signs that someone may be suffering a heat stroke are dizziness, a rapid pulse and skin that is hot and dry without signs of sweat.

Reprinted with permission from The Nation’s Health, APHA.

The post Check that Backseat (Preventing Child Hot Car Deaths This Summer) appeared first on Black Health Matters.

The American Council on Exercises says it best, “Fitness myths have always and will likely continue to plague the industry and confuse even the most experienced fitness fan. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.”

Myth 1: Wearing a waist trainer or plastic suit helps you lose weight.

While waist trainers can temporarily slim the waist, they don’t cause permanent changes or lead to meaningful weight loss. Any weight loss may be due to sweating out fluids instead of fat or because the trainer compresses your stomach and makes you eat less. This is not a viable, sustainable way to lose weight. Waist trainers can also cause breathing difficulties, digestion issues, and organ damage if worn long-term. However, Harvard Health says that waist trainers can be helpful if a doctor recommends temporary use after certain surgeries to help rebuild core muscles.

According to Boxing Science, wearing a sauna suit won’t increase your metabolism, especially while resting. When you wear a sauna suit you will sweat to maintain your body temperature and possibly lose water weight, but you won’t burn any more fat than without it.

FACT: Waist trainers/sauna suits will make you sweat, but they do not help you lose fat.

Myth 2: Lifting heavy weights makes you bulky.

According to the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), “Nothing could be further from the truth.” Research confirms that women can and should lift weights (including heavy ones) without fearing becoming more than healthy, toned and strong.”

Women have lower testosterone levels than men, making it harder to build muscle mass. The key is to focus on lifting heavy weights with low reps. This type of lifting activates muscle growth without triggering the release of excess testosterone. Unlike cardio, building strength and lean muscle mass increases your metabolic rate at rest, your body’s ability to burn more calories.

Fact: Lifting heavy weight does increase muscle mass, strength, and size. However, excessive body fat is to blame for men’s and women’s “bulky” looks. Heavy weight training helps build muscle, increase metabolism, and lose body fat.

Myth 3: Crunches/Sit-ups (or spot training/targeted workouts) help you lose belly fat.

As much as we want to believe it, you cannot target fat loss in specific areas of your body. When you lose weight, you lose it from all over your body, not just one specific area. Exercises targeting a specific area, such as crunches for abs, can help strengthen and tone that part of your core, but it will not necessarily reduce fat in that area.

There’s a saying: Abs are made in the kitchen, not in the gym. It’s simply impossible to “burn off” fat in one body part by exercising.

If you want to reveal hidden abs, your best bet is to reduce your body fat percentage through sustainable healthy eating habits and a strength training exercise routine. You will have to do various exercises that target muscles around your entire trunk, including in your core, abdominals, and back.

FACT: Crunches are a popular exercise for strengthening your core, but they are not the best way to get those fab abs. Doing too many crunches can lead to back pain and poor posture.

Myth 4: Muscle weighs more than fat.

Lean tissue weighs more than fat tissue is a common misstatement. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), 1 lb of lean muscle tissue weighs 16 oz, as does 1 lb of fat tissue.

FACT: Muscle tissue is dense; fat tissue takes up more space or volume than muscle, but their weight is the same.

Myth 5: My muscle turns to fat if I stop working out.

Nope. Muscles do not turn fat when you stop exercising. Simply put, muscle and fat cells are entirely different tissues. More specifically, muscle tissue is more metabolically active than fat tissue and functions differently in the body.

The National Association of Sports Medicine (NASM) helps clarify this common misconception. “Without consistent regular strength training and proper nutrition to build muscle, there is a much greater chance of body fat increasing. This is not because your muscles turned to fat. It’s because the ideal environment was created for fat stores to grow and the worst opportunity for the muscle to develop.”

FACT: When you stop exercising, your muscles can shrink and weaken (atrophy), leaving room for fat tissue to replace them. It can cause a shift of fat-to-muscle ratio in your body, but the muscle does not become fat.

Myth#6: Early morning is the best time to work out.

This myth that early morning exercise is the gold standard is compelling. But if you’re more of a night owl than an early bird, having the energy output for an effective morning may not be best for you.

The most important part of developing an effective exercise routine is to find a time of day that works for you and stick to it.

The NIH explains that consistent exercise timing, especially morning exercise, may facilitate greater exercise intensity, help to protect your exercise time, make planning easier, and foster good exercise habits.

While few studies definitively prove that exercising in the morning increases your metabolism more than other times of the day, some people choose to start the day with a workout for the myriad health benefits: body & mind, elevate their mood, reach step goals or because it just makes them feel great for the rest of the day.

FACT: The best time to work out is the time that works for you.

Myth 7: Squats are bad for the knees.

Squats are highly effective at strengthening the knee joint and surrounding muscles when executed with proper form and without pain. Lower body strength can help prevent and recover from common knee injuries.

However, squats can be painful and irritating for people with conditions like a runner’s knee, osteoarthritis, or meniscus tears. Poor execution can also increase the strain on your knees and lead to injury.

NASM breaks it down for us. “Although many variations of the squat exist, some truths will always prevail – maintain your knee/foot alignment, ensure hinging and timing of forward knee translation, facilitate adequate ankle mobility to avoid dysfunction, maintain a rigid pelvis (sacrum, thoracic spine, and head) and aim to achieve parallel alignment between your tibia and trunk.”

Finding the best squat for you is what’s important. Consider gradual progression from seated squats to ball or wall squats to develop the strength required to perform the stand-alone version.

FACT: Squats are not bad for your knees. Improper squat form is bad for your knees.

Myth 8: Running will make you fit.

The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) defines health-related physical fitness as a set of attributes people have or achieve that allow them to perform physical activity. It also includes the ability to perform daily activities with vigor and alertness, without undue fatigue, and with enough energy to enjoy leisure activities and handle emergencies.

Running is an excellent way to improve cardiovascular health and burn calories efficiently, but just running won’t necessarily make you fit.

Not only that, running is not for everyone and not the only way to achieve whatever your definition of being fit may be.

FACT: Running or other cardiovascular activities combined with strength training and a proper nutrition plan create a well-rounded fitness routine for optimal fitness.

Myth 9: Stretching before a workout will prevent injuries and soreness.

Are you surprised? It turns out that stretching a healthy muscle before exercise does not prevent injury or soreness. Harvard researchers found no evidence that static stretching before or after a workout prevented injuries or sped recovery (or did anything useful).

Theoretically, stretching before exercises should make the muscles more pliable and less likely to tear. However, studies that compared injury or muscle soreness rates in people who stretch before exercise and those who don’t found little benefit to stretching. Studies suggest stretching a cold, tight muscle could lead to injury.

FACT: The most effective type of stretching before a workout is a dynamic series of exercises involving the whole body, large muscles, and multiple joints. The goal is to activate the muscles you will use during the workout. It is worth mentioning that there is no evidence that static stretching at the end of the workout, during the cool-down portion, does any harm.

Myth 10: Longer workouts are more effective than short ones.

The quality of a workout is more important than its length. Pushing yourself to do longer workouts can lead to overtraining, which can cause injuries, imbalances, and a loss of motivation.

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends a combination of vigorous and moderate aerobic activity and two or more muscle-strengthening workouts weekly.

FACT: A consistent, balanced approach to fitness that includes strength training, cardio, rest, and recovery is critical to achieving your personal fitness goal.

The post Stop Believing These 10 Exercise Myths appeared first on Black Health Matters.

Kelly Larson, Injury Prevention Lead at Bloomberg Philanthropies, says, “The increase in drowning deaths in the United States, as well as drowning being the leading cause of death among 1-4 year-olds, led us to expand our investment to include drowning, prevention efforts here.” The focus will be on data collection in the ten states that make up half of the drowning tragedies: Alaska, Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Michigan, New York, Oklahoma, and Texas.

Larson points out that children under five are at the highest risk of drowning. In the U.S., they have focused their swim education efforts on an older demographic. “In the United States, we plan to provide swim instruction to 20,000 children ages 6-15, being very diligent in identifying local organizations who can offer swim lessons to those who need it most,” the Prevention Lead says. “Bloomberg Philanthropies will support the CDC Foundation in partnership with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to work in select, high-burden states to provide basic swim and water safety skills instruction in most affected populations. We are working with local organizations in these communities to offer the lessons.”

The $60M investment is expected to fund programs globally through 2027. “As part of this commitment, we are also evaluating safety policies, including pool fencing and personal flotation devices here in the United States, to see how we may advocate for stronger laws,”  Larson says. “We recognize that drowning is the leading cause of death for 1-4-year-olds and want to take a hard look at some of the drowning prevention policies in each state. We want to understand better what policies are in place and identify opportunities to strengthen policies that will reduce drowning.”

The post Bloomberg Philanthropies Donates $60M to Prevent Drownings appeared first on Black Health Matters.

The Turbaned Diva’s honors are many, including awards from GMHHC NYC, The DC Center for the LGBTQ+ Community, DC Councilmember Anita Bonds, DC Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, Empowerment Liberation Cathedral Church, and the Community Church of Washington. A perennial fave of The Washington Blade, the oldest LGBTQ+ newspaper in the United States, Rayceen has been a cover subject and regularly featured as a local hero, activist, and Clergy (despite not being ordained or ministering in a traditional capacity) . And if that isn’t enough, she is hosting numerous LGBTQ+ Pride celebrations in DC.

The Empress of Pride shares her thoughts on the state of the black LGBTQ+ community, what we all need to consider this election season, and the importance of giving a damn:

BHM: Tell us briefly how you became an activist in the LGBTQ+ and Black communities.

Rayceen: Activism is in my DNA. Growing up with a mother who had a career as a social worker, I was always encouraged to help people and uplift my community. I was born in Freeman’s Hospital, which was the Colored Hospital. I am not far removed from my ancestors, who lived their lives under segregation, Jim Crow, and slavery. Being an activist was less of a choice and more of a necessity. As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I’ve also faced and witnessed discrimination, so being an activist has always been about fighting for all of my freedoms.

BHM: School us. What are the key issues in the black LGBTQ+ community need to be addressed, particularly in an election year?

Rayceen: The key issue is the Supreme Court. Regardless of how you might feel about the candidates, we know what will happen depending on who is in the White House next year. Our rights as Black people and as LGBTQ+ people are on the line. But, people need to be vigilant every year in all elections, especially local elections, because those are the politicians who can enact or repeal laws about ballot access, employment discrimination, housing discrimination, banning books, police brutality, bail access, prison reform, healthcare, and much more.

BHM: Due to breakthroughs in AIDS research and medicine, AIDS is no longer a death sentence. What are the new concerns in a post-AIDS world?

Rayceen: The good news is that although I’ve known many people who died in their youth due to HIV/AIDS, I now know many people who are long-term survivors who are thriving. Because of our years of activism, systems have been put in place to address everyone’s physical, mental, and financial needs, including those people who have HIV and aging gracefully. What has definitely changed is that there are more LGBTQ+ people who are aging, living out, and proud. Systems must be ready to support that, particularly concerning healthcare and housing.

BHM: Why does Pride Month matter?

Rayceen: There are many things happening during Pride Month, but as the Empress of Pride, I must remind everyone that Pride is more than a party; it is an act of resistance and a demonstration of our resilience. As the Queen of the Shameless Plug, I want to encourage people to join me for Silver Pride on June 20th at the Pepco Edison Place Gallery and the District of Pride Showcase on June 27th at the Lincoln Theatre.

BHM: What does the future hold for Rayceen, and what is your wish for all of us?

Rayceen: We are celebrating ten years of Team Rayceen Productions this year. I hope we continue to connect with new people, add new co-hosts to our roster, and create safe spaces for LGBTQ+ people, allies, youth, seniors, and all the people who have supported us over the years. I look forward to continuing to host annual events and participate in new events in DC and beyond. My wish for everyone is peace, stability, prosperity, and love. I hope all those things are possible, but that depends on what happens between now and Election Day, November 5th. It’s do or die. Potentially, the last 70+ years of progress could be dismantled. What I, my contemporaries, my elders, and my ancestors accomplished could be destroyed and not regained in my lifetime or until the next century.

Want to learn more? Rayceen is active on social media, co-hosts on the Team Rayceen YouTube channel, and holds court on An Audience with the Queen of the Shameless Plug, the new monthly livestream series. For the latest information, please visit Rayceen.com.

The post Rayceen Pendarvis On Why Advocating for the Black LGBTQIA+ Community is Critical in 2024 appeared first on Black Health Matters.

Obesity disproportionately affects our community as we have some of the highest rates of obesity or being overweight compared to other groups in the United States. The CDC states that Black adults in the United States have an obesity prevalence of 38 percent among 48 states and D.C. There are a multitude of reasons why obesity is heightened within the U.S., and the array of unhealthy food choices on every corner and highway surely doesn’t help.

Of course, the first step to progress is recognizing the issue and learning about the specifics, and hopefully, this can lead us down the path to finding personal ways to mend obesity within the nation. Below are the top twenty overweight and obese cities in the U.S. for 2024. Put together by WalletHub; this rundown used 19 key metrics across 100 of the most populated cities. Is your city ranked among these 20?

While this isn’t a personal attack on any of the cities mentioned, it is a call for awareness. We should strive to improve the health of our cities. Although there is no one-size-fits-all solution for combating obesity, being vocal about this issue can make a difference, whether amongst ourselves, our loved ones, or a broader community.

The post Most Overweight and Obese Cities in the U.S. 2024 appeared first on Black Health Matters.

The Centers for Disease Control reports that residents in the area had a higher-than-average incidence of obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. But at the same time, a study by the Atlanta Regional Commission found that some residents reported limited access to healthy food options while others couldn’t afford them. It’s the same catch-22 we see in every urban neighborhood. Unhealthy food is cheaper and at our fingertips. But this program seeks to combat those norms.

The Community Market is spearheaded with a commitment of $1 million from the City of Atlanta’s Economic Opportunity Fund-Food Access. It is anchored by a Goodr Grocery store, one of Goodr’s Core Relief Hunger Solutions, which invites 300 local families in District 10 to shop each month at no cost. However, the goal is to give them access to fresh produce, meat, and shelf-stable goods and the ability to shop with dignity. District 10 City Council member Andrea Boone and other leaders in Fulton County will work together to identify families. As the program gets its footing, Goodr is optimistic that it can increase the number of families it can accommodate by year two.

But the project’s genius is that they didn’t stop at the grocery store alone.

“There are a lot of Black people in our community that need access to health resources and education. We are grateful to have partners excited to work with us and provide better resources to our community,” Jasmine Crowe-Houston, Goodr’s Founder and CEO, says. “Goodr has leveraged existing partnerships with organizations such as Grady Hospital, the American Heart Association, and Eat Urban Fresh. These partnerships will provide monthly resources such as healthcare screenings and healthy meal preparation.”

However, the holistic approach to the project gives us even more hope for its success. Goodr goes beyond providing the neighborhood access to healthy food and teaching folks how to prepare meals, offering preventative screenings and one of our favorite parts, a wellness room. “Goodr has also included a “wellness room” that allows a safe space for people to meditate or decompress,” Crowe-Houston explains. “Our goal is to normalize taking care of not only your physical health but also your mental health.”

The post Goodr’s Community Market Is An Investment in Atlanta’s Health and Wellness appeared first on Black Health Matters.

Last year, the American Medical Association addressed the prickly past of the BMI’s ascent from the gold standard in evaluating body composition, acknowledging it as an imperfect clinical measure that shouldn’t be used as the lone assessment tool. “The AMA recognizes issues with using BMI as a measurement due to its historical harm, its use for racist exclusion, and because BMI is based primarily on data collected from previous generations of non-Hispanic white populations,” they declared.

However, many physicians still use BMI as a metric in their charting. The BMI not only fails to maintain predictability when it is employed on an individual level, but it also has historical issues baked into its conception. It was not mindfully designed to consider diversity.

Acknowledging that BMI measures height and weight but does not evaluate fat distribution in a person’s body is helpful. Someone with an especially muscular frame could be miscategorized due to the failure of BMI to account for weight that does not fit its narrow limitations. Yale Medicine confirmed that “a person with lots of muscle and minimal body fat can have the same BMI as a person with obesity who has much less muscle.”

Dr. Scott-Winful noted theoretically that BMI may be a good place to begin a diagnosis. They are not comprehensive labels that require no explanation. “These broad categories of underweight, healthy weight, overweight can help serve as a starting point to be able to stratify if a patient potentially has a problem,” the physician certified in gastroenterology and obesity medicine explained.

The AMA recommended that physicians combine BMI with other measurements to assess the health of their patients fully. Doctors can also explain that while BMI is a widely adopted standard against which patient progress is measured, other options can help them understand their health.

Studies show that patients with higher BMIs are less respected than patients with a healthy weight, and physicians report seeing patients who are obese as less compliant and self-disciplined,” according to the British Journal of General Practice. Discussing the merits and the value of the BMI could help promote more effective dialogues.

Body Fat

One of the other measurement tools Dr Scott-Winful uses is body fat. This index changes for males versus females. “What’s acceptable for a female patient may be considered increased body fat in a male patient,” Dr Scott-Winful pointed out. “But it’s also important to note that you can have a normal Body Mass Index and have an elevated body fat percentage and still be pretty unhealthy.”

Waist Circumference

Dr. Scott-Winful’s third assessment with her patients is measuring their waist circumference. “Waist circumference is also an index that it’s important to look at primarily because this is one of the metrics associated with metabolic disease,” said Dr. Scott-Winful.

“Having a waist circumference in general of 35 in women and 40 in men can be associated with increased risk of diabetes, heart disease, and high cholesterol. But it’s also important to note that that changes based on ethnic background,” she continued. So, for black patients, having a lower waist circumference is a cutoff as well as Latino and Asian patients, and this has been demonstrated in studies.”

But there are also some additional diagnostic tools worth exploring that will help physicians assess the health of their patients:

Waist-To-Hip Ratio

The Journal of American Medical Association established that “some individuals store proportionally more fat around their visceral organs (abdominal adiposity) than on their thighs and hip.” Research reported at Stockholm’s European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) in Stockholm, Sweden, suggested that an individual’s waist circumference might better indicate their overall health than their BMI.

This research is still being conducted, but it is a helpful way to illustrate a patient’s challenges. It’s also easy to measure.

Focusing on waist circumference also provides patients with information about visceral fat, which clings to one’s midsection.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Harvard’s School of Public Health labeled magnetic resonance imaging, also referred to as dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, as a more sophisticated option for obtaining accurate body measurements. It provides the nuance that the BMI is missing by accounting for the “measurement of specific body fat compartments, such as abdominal fat and subcutaneous fat.”

There are detractors for this method. It requires expensive equipment, and it can not be conducted on pregnant people. Explain this to your patient if it is inappropriate and suggest other alternatives.

Relative Fat Mass

Scientific Reports published a study “compared with BMI, RFM had a more linear relationship with DXA (dual-energy X-ray) whole-body fat percentage among women.” This makes it a potential tool that could replace the BMI.

Moving beyond BMI will allow you to provide even better healthcare solutions for your patients.

Supported by an educational grant from Novo Nordisk Inc. 

The post Weight and Measures: Accessing Patients Health Beyond BMI appeared first on Black Health Matters.

Check out our chat here or read the full transcript below:

CC  00:00

Hi, this is Corynne Corbett, Editorial Director for Black Health Matters. And I’m talking to Reshona Jessamy, founder and CEO of Novara, about the intersection of mental health with beauty and why this is important. So, talk to me about mental health. Tell me why mental health and beauty are so important to you, and talk about why you started Novara.

Reshona Jessamy  00:33

Mental Health and Beauty really go hand in hand. I think when you feel good on the inside, you shop differently with confidence, and grit. But I think also too, when you apply products that also make you feel good. And you’re taking that time to really self care and treat yourself and it’s a treat for you, as you apply your moisturizer. As you apply your serum. I think those two are really important because then you start your day off on the best footing. And

CC  01:02

let’s talk about rituals of self care rituals, the times that you take to wash your face to apply moisturizer, to apply serum, that those moments of quiet those moments of application, those moments are good for soul. Those moments are good for the spirit. I bet

01:28

they are. And I think those moments recharges you. I think for me, I’m really big on my faith. And I think in those moments, you can be still. And you can literally take two minutes to be grateful to get on the line of gratitude. And so mentally prepare yourself in those two minutes or five minutes as you do your routine for your day.

CC  01:50

So tell us what’s in your line.

Reshona Jessamy  01:52

So the line contains six products is called the waterfall collection. It’s named the Waterfall Collection because it focuses heavily on hydration. And those six products are a cleanser, an essence, to serums and two moisturizers. So I love the cleanser because having a cleanser is more important than people think it really creates the canvas for the rest of the products to follow. And our cleanser. It’s gentle, but it’s really really effective at just removing the dirt and impurities from your skin. When you’re done, your skin isn’t feeling tight and dry like it’s stripped of all the oils. It’s really got a lot of centella asiatica extract in there. And hyaluronic acid to really add the hydration, while cleansing. So I think that’s really important.

CC  02:42

Key Ingredients and moisturizer. In your essence, I know you have an essence too. So we don’t often think as black women of the importance of an essence in a product in our routine.

Reshona Jessamy  02:56

We don’t and it was important to me to formulate an essence and not a toner. And so an essence is important because what it does is it floods your face with moisture, going into the deeper layers of the skin, preparing it to absorb the other products that you will apply after and that’s why that’s so important. Once again, you’re creating the base. It’s like putting on tile, you have to put your stuff first and then you add the tile. So I think it’s really important to have an essence in your routine. key ingredients in our essence. So Santelli is yada extract. It’s just a miraculous plant. I was told about this plant when I traveled to China. They actually have been using it in their culture for over 2000 years. So it helps with the production of cream asides. It helps to stimulate collagen production. More importantly, it helps with hydration, it gives to skin intense hydration. And so one of the reasons why this is one of our hero ingredients is because the line focuses on hydration. So key ingredients in the essence centella asiatica extract to Manu extract which is really important Aloe which will help to smooth the skin help with any sort of irritations but it also has hyaluronic acid and lactic acids to really help remove some of the dead skin cells. It also has peptides in there so I think it’s just an overall great product. If you were to just get too out of the line, I will recommend the essence and the theorem.Talk about the serum what’s in the serum. So the serum oh I love the serum. I don’t have a favorite child out of the collection. The serum has triple hyaluronic acid. It has basil extract. It also has centella asiatica extract in there also because like I said we want it to follow through with our hearin ingredient. It also has lotus flower. So in India, this is just a skincare jam. It really helps with cream asides, pre Maasai production. It helps to keep fine lines and wrinkles at bay. And it really helps to give your skin the soft suppleness and triple hyaluronic acid. So high low and medium molecular weights to really go into the deeper layers of the skin flooding your skin with hydration.

CC  05:19

Excellent. Moisturizing, right? Yes,

Reshona Jessamy  05:23

there are two types of moisturizers. So one of the moisturizers has oil and the other ones is not 30% of women in the US suffer from oily skin. So we wanted to accommodate everyone. And the moisturizer is just an overall gem A little goes a long way. And it just deeply nourishes and hydrates the skin with hydration.

CC  05:44

Love it sounds so luscious.

05:48

It is it feels velvety to the touches you put on the moisturizer. It just feels like your skin is saying yes, yes,

CC  05:56

yes. Yes. So Novara a luxury skincare line from a black woman now. It’s coming soon. Yes,

Reshona Jessamy  06:07

it’s coming soon. I don’t think I answered the other question. Why did start the line? You want me to go there?

CC  06:14

Yes. So why did you start alive? For us, and for everyone. But it really answers the need for us because we need hydration. We really did. Everyone

Reshona Jessamy  06:29

needs hydration. That’s the thing. A lot of people think that there is a magic ingredient or surgery that really will help with fine lines and wrinkles or helping you with healthy skin. But it’s hydration, hydrating your skin will give you healthy skin. And hydration will really help to give you radiance, and glow. And really reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Obviously, that’s in addition to the science backed ingredients in botanicals, but it’s really the basis of the ingredients that gives the skin hydration that it needs. But you’re right, I think we all need hydration, the products are for everyone. My mental health journey is not only unique to me, because as we know mental health does not discriminate based on status, or race or socioeconomic status. So I thought it was important to create a line for all skin types and skin tones. But what really led me to create the line was after losing my dream job, a really big law firm, depression resurface and I spiraled into a really dark place. Because all my life I’d worked to get this dream job, I knew I wanted to be an attorney. And so I kind of really put my head down and focused really hard on finishing school and landing the dream job. And it wasn’t just the fact that I was unjustly fired from a job. It was really that my identity and my self worth was tied to this dream job. So after I started working in the firm, the workplace started to become really toxic. The way that I was treated compared to my white counterparts, male specifically, was just not the same treatment. And so then I was unjustly fired. And that caused me to spiral I felt like my entire world crumbled, and depression resurface. And I spiraled into a dark place. I didn’t see a way out, I honestly could not see a way out. And I attempted suicide. After I attempted suicide. I went to therapy for the first time, I went back to the old hobby of formulating, and I really leaned into my faith, I leaned into my faith stronger than I was leaning in before. And I’m a really big proponent in everything that happens to you in life. There’s a lesson to be learned from it. So once I overcame depression, I started really reflecting on what is the lesson that I was supposed to learn from this, I had a newfound appreciation for life and living. And I knew that there was a lesson a bigger lesson that I need to learn from this. And so I just started doing a lot of reflecting. One evening, I was sitting on the couch and I was talking to my boyfriend. He’s now my husband. And I was just telling him, you know, the reasons why I really attempted suicide was because I felt that I wasn’t enough. I felt unloved. I felt I wasn’t worthy. And I just wish the other women knew that their lives matter, and that they are loved. And he said to me, they just need to hear it. They just need to hear that you are loved that you are enough that we love you. And someone needs to tell them and I let that sit for a few days. And as I started to think about it more, I thought to myself, I can be the one to tell them. I thought to myself, this is the purpose. This is the lesson that I was supposed to get from the suicide attempt and It was an aha moment, it was a literal lightbulb moment. I can be the one to tell women. And I can do it through skincare. So I started mixing formulas in my kitchen. I used to do it in high school. And it became a happy place. It was a getaway. For me, it was so therapeutic, similar to how people do knitting, I look forward to like, what am I going to buy the market today, as I came home to mix, it made me so happy. And I thought I can use skincare, what I found my happiness in as a vehicle to accomplish the mission of really empowering women. Because this is a journey, a lot of people traverse. They might not say to you and to be really candid. Whenever I tell my story, I would say two and three people tell me, I’ve had those thoughts. I feel that way. I’ve been there. And so for me, that was really the conversation with my boyfriend at the time. That led me to think about creating the line,

CC  11:05

such a beautiful story, purposeful story, and it is going to help so many people because it is real.

Reshona Jessamy  11:15

Yes, that was my life. We’re

CC  11:19

talking about black health matters, that mental health matters. We’re talking about skincare, but it’s like using mental health and skin care together to help people to live purposefully.

Reshona Jessamy  11:34

That’s my dream.

CC  11:36

So it’s the transparency that I so appreciate you. Thank you so much, letting yourself be used in this way. Because it’s not easy to do that. No,

Reshona Jessamy  11:51

I will be the first to tell you it is not easy to get on a podcast with someone you’ve never known. And talk about such a difficult time that I experienced and talk about suicide. Mental health, I think, is now more of a part of the conversation. But I think suicide is still not at the forefront of the conversation, and we don’t talk about it enough. And so yes, it’s really difficult to share my story and to continue to share my story. But I think once I realize the purpose is bigger than me. I then became more encouraged to be able to share my story because I really think it’s important to use it as a beacon of light to help other women to know I was there. I know what it feels like. But you know what, even in your hardest times, there’s a light at the end of the tunnel.

CC  12:46

Thank you, my darling. I really, really so appreciate you.

Reshona Jessamy  12:51

Thank you so much for having me him so grateful that I got a chance to connect.

CC  12:55

You have a wonderful day. You too.

The post BHM Talks to Novara Beauty Founder Reshona Jessamy on Beauty Meeting Mental Health appeared first on Black Health Matters.

Always have these tools on hand.

You probably already have a wide-tooth comb, a detangling brush, a diffuser attachment for a blow dryer, a microfiber towel, or an old T-shirt for drying after washing. Heron says level up with a focus on the scalp. Add a scalp scrubber to your arsenal to increase blood circulation. Invest in a hair steamer to help conditioning and treatments penetrate the hair and the scalp.

Make pre-poo optional (except in one special instance).

If you fell down the rabbit hole of black hair care influencers, you would think pre-poo, adding oil or conditioner to the hair before shampooing, was the holy grail of healthy hair and, therefore, an essential step. Not so, explains Lynch; it is helpful if you have difficulty detangling or coming out of a protective style because it adds more moisture.

Enhance your wash technique.

For the best wash experience, detangle your hair before wetting. Wet hair thoroughly. Begin with a clarifying shampoo (we love 4U by Tia’s Clarifying Shampoo with Apple Cider Vinegar ), gently massage into the scalp in circular motions, and work your way down. Follow with a moisturizing shampoo like Pattern Hydration Shampoo to replenish moisture. Wash every seven to ten days. Be gentle with wet hair, as it is vulnerable to breakage.

Make gray great.

Gray hair requires special attention due to its unique characteristics, maintains Chappelle. The pigment has evaporated from the hair strand, leaving it opaque; use clear gloss and violet shampoos. These products help protect and seal the cuticles, making the hair structure flexible against damaging UV rays, which can tarnish gray hair. Play up silver strands with Maison 276 Hydrate Shampoo.

Save a weave.

Sounds daunting, but the key to cleansing a weave or extensions is prioritizing the scalp. Chappelle suggests before and after installing them, consider scalp exfoliation to remove dead skin cells, allowing scalp and hair follicles to breathe. Ensure thorough drying of braids underneath extensions or weaves to prevent bacterial growth; reach for TPH Maskin & Relaxing Scalp Mask to break down scaly buildup.

Work with a wardrobe of conditioners.

Having a wardrobe of conditioners can be beneficial depending on your hair needs. Lynch recommends rotating conditioners to keep hair from getting used to the product, which decreases efficiency and causes build-up. Keep your hair hydrated and strong with a protein-strengthening conditioner like African Pride Feel It Formula Peppermint, Rosemary & Sage Strengthening Mask. Rotate with a moisturizing conditioner (coddle strands with Cecred Moisturizing Deep Conditioner ). Both boost strands’ shine, suppleness, and strength. Maintain during the week with a spritz of Leave-in Conditioner Spray like As I Am Rosemary Water, which is great for temporary moisture and detangling. Note it’s not a stand-in for the deep conditioners, as leave-in conditioning alone will eventually lead to dryness, dullness, and loss of curl pattern.

Moisturize by the minutes.

It is not necessary to leave a conditioner on overnight. Experts recommend following the manufacturer’s instructions and, in lieu of instructions, keeping the conditioner no longer than 30 minutes. Leaving a conditioner in too long can make your hair limp and may affect how styling products work.

Set up for successful styling.

Gone are the days when it took a spritz of water, a hooded drier, and a blue grease finish to style your hair. Healthy, relaxed, and natural hair go-to products include setting mousse for a smooth roller set. Get The Doux Crazy Sexy CurlHoney Setting Foam. Look to a curl cream to add body and fight frizz. Try 4U BY Tia Soft Curl Defining Mousse. Round out your hair essentials with a heat protectant, a gel for sleek styles, and hydrating oil to finish. Braids and loc girlies shouldn’t be without a natural lightweight oil, rosemary oil, or African Pride Feel It Formula Peppermint, Rosemary & Sage Strengthening Oil. Keep scalp buildup down by hitting your parts with a scalp soothing treatment like Briogeo Scalp Revival Buildup Detox Spray To quell the itch.

The post Want to Create Salon-Worthy Hair at Home? Try These 8 Tips appeared first on Black Health Matters.

According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), alcohol use has been shown to have links to head, mouth and throat, esophagus, liver, colorectal, and stomach cancers. It has also been shown to increase the risk of breast cancer in women. There is also evidence that drinking alcohol increases the risk of prostate and pancreatic cancer.

They estimate that 5.5 percent of new cancer diagnoses and 5.8 percent of cancer deaths worldwide are attributable to alcohol consumption. While data suggests that Caucasians consume more alcoholic beverages than any other racial and ethnic group in the US, Black Americans have a greater rate of alcohol-related cancers.

Jennifer Edwards Johnson, DO, MPH, Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, says, “We have known for a while that moderate alcohol consumption has been linked to cancer.” According to Dr. Edwards Johnson, the more drinks consumed seem to have more impact on risks than the type of liquor you drink. The NCI data suggests that all alcoholic beverages, including red and white wine, beer, and liquor, are linked with cancer. Their studies show that just one drink a day can raise your risks. Data from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) shows that nearly 5.5 percent of all new cancer diagnoses and 5.8 percent of all deaths from cancer can be attributed to alcohol consumption.

How Much is Too Much?

Dr. Edwards Johnson says the standard consumption for women is one drink per day. Two drinks per day is considered standard consumption for men. “Nothing is risk-free,” she adds. Dr. Edwards Johnson says that the risks are less associated with the kind of alcohol consumed and more tied to the amount and frequency over time.

According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, a standard alcoholic drink in the United States contains 14.0 grams (0.6 ounces) of pure alcohol. Generally, this amount of pure alcohol is found in:

• 12 ounces of beer
• 8–10 ounces of malt liquor
• 5 ounces of wine
• 1.5 ounces, or a “shot,” of 80-proof distilled spirits (liquor)

However, the level of consumption and frequency can raise a woman’s risk. According to the  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), if a man and woman drink the same amount of alcohol, the woman will usually have a higher blood alcohol level. And not only do women typically experience the immediate effects of alcohol more quickly than men.

But stopping cold turkey won’t necessarily stop your cancer risks—at least not right away. Most studies found that stopping alcohol consumption is not a guarantee of immediate reductions in cancer risk. It may take years for the risks of cancer to return to those of never-drinkers.

If you want to reduce your risks, Dr. Edwards Johnson says,” the best thing is to avoid alcohol consumption altogether.” And if that doesn’t suit your lifestyle, she suggests that you “uncouple your drinking from your habits and rituals.” And she says it is essential to look at why you are drinking.

“Some people report that they drink because it helps them relax. For others, it is a part of their culture and socialization,” she says. “You must weigh out the risks versus the benefits of drinking. Dr. Edwards Johnson says that if you can break the habit of moderate to high alcohol consumption, not only will you reduce your cancer risks, “you will also reduce the liquid calories you take in and reduce your risk for diabetes, obesity, heart disease, and stroke as well. “

The post Does That Glass of Wine Raise Your Cancer Risks? appeared first on Black Health Matters.

Here are the ten things we do not like about our doctors and how we would like them to improve.

They withhold the context of information.

A patient’s test results may be part of the doctor’s job, but they can be life-changing for the person on the other end of the call. The 21st Century Cures Act may have forced practitioners to offer results sooner, but delivering them without context can be jarring for recipients. Relying on digital portals without taking care to add a human component is a huge mistake.

They only focus on one aspect of your health.

It has been documented that a preoccupation with one condition can lead to misdiagnosis. For example, some healthcare practitioners are so focused on patient weight that they ignore complaints in other areas. Sometimes, their refusal to see what impacts a patient’s health can stop them from progressing in the area they are focused on. Making recommendations requires considering the whole picture to be safe.

They lack empathy.

Bedside manners are crucial to creating and maintaining a solid doctor-patient relationship, especially if that patient is managing a chronic condition, whether they have obesity or prediabetes. What works for a doctor may not work for a patient, so doctors must find a way to empathize with their patients to treat them properly. Judging a patient for non-compliance without taking the time to consider what their day-to-day life is like is ineffective and demoralizing. Without empathy, it is hard to establish trust. “Doctors are the only people on the planet who have the idea that you can tell people, ‘Here, work on this every day, and I’ll see you in two or three months,” said Dr. Steven Feldman, MD, PhD, in a study published by the Association of American Medical Colleges.

They are dismissive.

There is nothing worse than pouring out your struggles to have them dismissed. Black people, and Black women in particular, are commonly misdiagnosed even when their symptoms are glaring. Dismissing patient concerns is not how to gain their trust and resolve their issue.

They don’t explain themselves.

Spending your life around medical jargon can make you immune to how it sounds to a layperson. Doctors need to practice relaying information digestibly so patients can understand them clearly. The need for healthcare literacy is so personal. Northwestern and the CDC have created programs designed for professionals to learn how to speak with their audiences.

They don’t listen to us.

A study published by the Irish Journal of Medical Science found that perceiving their physician as unwilling to listen to them was a significant reason that people opted to change caretakers. The doctor might be the medical expert, but we are the experts on ourselves, so our voices must be heard.

They show their biases.

Systemic issues start at the person-to-person level. Everyone is entitled to their opinions, but placing them front and center can be alienating regarding patient care. However, doctors must ask themselves if invisible bias impacts their medical advice.

They lack availability.

Work-life balance is important, but failing to have options for your patients can lead to them skipping out on essential appointments or seeking other options. It is highly stressful to schedule a follow-up with your physician only to learn they are not available for months. Failing to create flexible patient scheduling options means you do not value their time.

They are often behind schedule.

When patients finally book an appointment, they are treated to the joy of squatting in a waiting room until the doctor is available. According to a report from CBS News, “The average time you spend waiting at the doctor’s office is 24 minutes.” The courtesy we’re expected to extend to doctors goes the other way to us. There are instances where we have been turned away when we’ve been ten minutes late. Punctuality is part of professionalism, even for doctors in the medical field.

They have an inefficient office culture.

If everyone in a doctor’s office is not on the same page, it creates patient issues. It is not uncommon for patients to fill out all the necessary paperwork for their appointment ahead of time, but they are asked to do it again when they reach the office. One person taking a sick day or being unable to navigate a system should not completely upend the patient’s experience with your office. This needs to change.

The post 10 Things Patients Don’t Like About Their Doctors appeared first on Black Health Matters.

“The practice of “doctor shopping” among overweight patients may be a result of negative experiences with the health care system, whether that be off-putting comments by office staff, unsolicited weight loss advice by providers, or improperly sized medical equipment and office furniture, says Kimberly A. Gudzune, M.D. M.P.H., an associate professor of medicine at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, led the study.

In subsequent research, Gudzune noted that clinicians might avoid performing exams on patients with obesity, encounter technical difficulties, and feel unprepared when it comes to training to treat patients with obesity, and as a result, weight loss counseling became a lower priority when talking to their patients. These further impact patients who avoid screenings for cancers, from pap tests to mammograms to colonoscopies.

To find the right provider, patients might have to research before committing. The doctor-patient relationship is integral to the pursuit of their overall health. As a doctor, you should help foster a safe space to manage their healthcare concerns and your goals for them. This safe space must include all people, including those who have obesity.

Conduct a SWOT analysis to determine if your practice can be someone’s healthcare home. They are generally used to evaluate a business’ pitfalls and successes. However, this tool can be applied to any decision. In this case, it helps you approach the process methodically and dispassionately to consider what is most important to your patient.

Any patient-doctor relationship can be measured using it. This SWOT analysis will help you estimate your practice and its ability to treat different types of patients. Here’s what to consider in your SWOT analysis:

Strengths

Presenting yourself as an open slate is a strength. Please don’t make assumptions about your patient feelings or self-esteem.

• Black women have embraced their curves for years and feel more confident. Don’t detract from that. Focus on the facts instead. “Compared to women of other racial/ethnic groups, overweight and obese Black women exhibit acceptance of a larger body size,” according to Current Cardiovascular Risk Reports. Acknowledge that and use it to connect with them. Be congenial without being overly familiar.
• Learn how to market your empathy as a plus to potential patients.
• Your knowledge is a strength as well. Share the kinds of things you have learned in continuing education.
• Is there clinical equipment or a soothing environment that can make your space feel more comfortable and inviting for patients?
• Can you ensure that some chairs and robes fit them?
• Is your location convenient for the type of patients you treat?
• Do you have hours that will work with their schedule?

Start to think about the demographics of the people you treat and how you can show your support for them through consideration.

• Ask them what their communication style is. Learn how different styles work with your own.
• Work to ensure patients feel comfortable talking to you about everything, including their weight. A joint study by the Monash Business School and the Texas A&M University found that patients have difficulty asserting themselves due to a perceived “imbalance of power between the patient and medical staff.”
• Ask them if they feel like there are subjects they want to discuss. They want to tell you but can’t. Ask them if they would like someone else in the room, a friend or family member, or on FaceTime. Or offer one of your nurses. It will lead to more effective treatment.

Weaknesses

The use of the words obese and obesity can be triggering, and according to one study, it felt discriminatory to Black patients.

• Those who have obesity have seen how it leads to stigma when it comes to healthcare.
• Providers spend up to 28% less time with overweight patients, limiting patients’ ability to relay symptoms and seek solutions. That fact should inform your care.
• It’s important to know what you know and don’t know as a doctor, especially when treating someone facing stigmas. Before accepting a new patient, ask yourself if you are familiar with treating patients who share their lifestyle and concerns. Ask yourself if you give this advice to anyone in their circumstance or if you are jumping to conclusions based on looks.
• Ask your patient what their preferred language choices are and stick to them.
• Consider your language carefully. Familiarize yourself with the ways that terms and tools are evolving. This is particularly useful when discussing weight with patients.
• Before referring to the Body Mass Index, consider how it was created and who informed the research. Acknowledge its limitations so that you can establish trust. An Oxford University study found that “subtle aspects of communication, like word choice and tone of voice, influenced patient outcomes” in the weight loss arena. The AMSA has recommended physicians reconsider how they discuss weight. Exercise caution and consider your patient’s viewpoint.

How can you make this doctor-patient relationship benefit your patient’s life? Are you doing everything you need to ensure information flows two ways? How can you grow as a healthcare provider?

Dr. Courtney Whittle, MD, M.S.W. Diplomate of ABOM, acknowledges how patients react to doctors bluntly and rudely discussing their weight. Because culturally, our thickness might be celebrated in some circles while it may be deemed unhealthy in others, the shift can be jarring. “How many of us have gone to the doctor, heard someone bring up our weight, and been ready to take our earrings off,” she asked the audience during the Black Health Matters Winter 2024 Health Summit & Expo, who swiftly recognized the scenario.

“Weight is personal, and although you may be their physician, your questions can seem invasive,” the doctor continued. When listening to patient complaints about their ailments, do not dismiss them with a terse instruction to do more cardio or cut carbs. Listen closely and make sure you are doing so consistently and respectfully. The patient is not the enemy. You’re supposed to be working together.

If you sense your patient suspects bias, ask your patient if they are comfortable sharing their concerns with you and trusting that you will take them seriously. Most importantly, you must listen to them and take in any evidence they provide with an open mind. Please don’t belittle them.

Opportunities

Recent research reveals the importance of the 5A model (ask, assess, advise, agree, assist/arrange) in delivering meaningful consultations in weight management for patients with obesity. The study authors note patients with obesity often want to help set goals of losing 5 to 10% but have difficulty talking about their weight.  “The 5A model also effectively improves physician-patient communication, patient motivation, and healthcare practitioner confidence in counseling patients.”

The 5A model is multifaceted and would require training if you want to incorporate it into your practice, but it is something to consider if you have a large percentage of patients who have obesity.

When audio tapes were analyzed in the University of Oxford study, they found it was not just the words that mattered but tone and delivery when talking to patients with obesity. When weight loss referrals were given with neutrality or highlighted health issues, only 50% of participants participated in a weight loss program offered. But when it was framed as good news, there was 83% program participation.

Threats

Ask yourself what issues arise from working with you as a healthcare provider.

Review your previous charts and highlight any notes you made that could be misconstrued. Patients have access to these notes. They are a helpful tool but “may also cause patients to feel judged or offended.”

• The New York Times reported that an analysis of outpatient clinic records published in JAMA Open Network on stigmatizing language with terms that used combative, argumentative, failed, and noncompliant on charts of diabetic patients, 3.15 percent of those terms were in charts of Black patients versus 2.6 of them of white patients.
• Revisit remarks you make that are taken out of context. Keep a file of comments and complaints and check them regularly. Learn how you can do better.

These can stem from complicated factors like a potential lack of cultural competency to more practical issues like their office’s distance from your home or workplace.

• Will they struggle with parking, filling them with dread every time they have to pop over for a follow-up?
•  Are there unconscious biases you are unaware you and your staff need to uncover when it comes to obesity?

According to Gudzune, patients with obesity have a 68% greater incidence of emergency room visits, not because it leads to hospitalization, but because they don’t have the continuous care of a primary care physician.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists found that “weight bias often is implicit and beyond physicians’ immediate awareness, making it difficult to identify and remedy.

Current Psychology reports, “Empathy is crucial in healthcare required to develop healthy and effective patient communication.” This is more crucial in larger patients.

With the right perspective and environment, your obese patients will be more likely to view their unhealthy weight as a medical concern and work with you toward solutions.

Supported by an educational grant from Novo Nordisk Inc. 

The post SWOT Analysis: How To Identify the Power and Pitfalls of Your Medical Practice appeared first on Black Health Matters.

We decided to dive into the topic of whole-body deodorants and get professional guidance to help you determine if it is worth trying. We turned to a board-certified dermatologist and dermatologic surgeon, Dr. Brooke A. Jackson, for insight into whole-body deodorants.

BHM: On a molecular level, how do whole-body deodorants work?

Dr. Jackson: Let’s discuss deodorant versus antiperspirant. Deodorants minimize odor through antibacterial properties and fragrance of some sort. Antiperspirants reduce sweat and odor. Often, chemicals such as aluminum are used to minimize sweat. Aluminum salts dissolve on your skin, blocking your pores from secreting sweat.

Over the past few years there has been some concern over the use of aluminum in antiperspirants as a potential link to cancer.

Because aluminum prevents you from sweating, some proponents of aluminum-free products believe that the action of aluminum-containing products that prevent you from sweating out toxins could eventually lead to cancer. Scientific evidence to support this claim is lacking.

According to the American Cancer Society, no clear link between antiperspirants and breast cancer has been established, and breast cancer tissue has not been proven to contain higher concentrations of aluminum. Toxins are excreted from the body through the liver and the kidneys, not through sweat.

BHM: Are whole-body deodorants safe?

Dr. Jackson: Generally, yes, let’s drill down on that. Most whole-body deodorants do not contain aluminum. However, they contain potential irritants such as fragrance, alcohol, and astringents, which change the skin’s pH, making it less hospitable to odor-causing bacteria. Patients who have eczema or sensitive skin may find these products problematic. While aluminum absorption is minimal, the effect of whole-body aluminum-containing products has not been studied.

BHM: Can whole-body deodorant be used everywhere?

Dr. Jackson: Theoretically, yes, but practically, why would you need to? These products are not intended to be body lotions. The use should be limited to those areas on your body prone to odor or excessive sweat. These products are for external use only.

BHM: Are there any potential side effects of whole-body deodorants? If so, how can people reduce them?

Dr. Jackson: Alcohol, astringents, and fragrance can be issues. Approach with caution if you have sensitive skin

BHM: In your experience, are natural whole-body deodorants safer or more effective than their counterparts?

Dr. Jackson: natural deodorants often contain botanicals and fragrances, which can also be irritating.

BHM: Do you have any product recommendations for whole-body deodorants?

Dr. Jackson: Wear breathable wicking fabrics such as Coolmax, dri-fit, and Under Armor. Try going commando at night and maintain a healthy weight, as moisture, sweat, and bacteria tend to be more of an issue in those who are overweight.

If you are considering trying this new hygiene trend, look into our list of the top 3 whole-body deodorants.

1. Dove is our first choice as it promises freshness for up to 72 hours and prioritizes odor control and skin health. This whole-body deodorant can go beyond your underarms and even alleviate chafing. Infused with shea butter and vitamins B3 and E and coming in at $11 -$13 1Dove’s unscented whole-body deodorant could be perfect for you.

2. Lume is another versatile product for odor control, as it also guarantees 72 hours of protection. Depending on the type of formula, it can be found for $20 or below; we suggest the unscented formula as it is free from essential oils and fragrance oils and fully embraces the aspects of its natural ingredients.

3. Next up, we have Native. This brand is quite famous for bringing natural alternatives to the deodorant aisles, but now, they have also joined the whole-body deodorant market. According to their website, their unscented whole-body deodorant is clinically proven to provide 72 hours of protection. It is also made without aluminum, parabens, baking soda, or talc. For $13, you can give Native a try.

The post Are Whole Body Deodorants Worth Trying? appeared first on Black Health Matters.

Beyoncé’s recent unveiling of her natural hair entered the chat, and Pandora’s box opened. For years, the singer’s hair fueled endless rumors and speculation, highlighting a troubling gap in our understanding of hair health and care. This gap has led to misinformation within our community and contributed to the increase in hair loss. Our community is bombarded with an overwhelming array of hair growth remedies. Often, these products promise exponential growth and flawless retention. However, the reality is more complex.

Everyone’s Hair is Not The Same (Not Even on Own Heads)

Various combinations of hair types and textures make up one head of hair. Shaped by oval follicles, textured hair naturally grows outward and upward in a curved, coily, or wiry pattern. This unique growth pattern is a flat helical twist that defines the curl. Textured hair often struggles with dryness and length retention. The natural oils (sebum) produced by the scalp have difficulty traveling down the hair shaft due to the bends and curves, leaving the hair drier, brittle, and prone to breakage, especially on the ends.

Next time you do a length check, keep these factors in mind. If your hair grows out and not down, you most likely have an oval-shaped follicle, and your length may look like an afro or coils and curls that stack on top of each other v. straight and wavy hair that tends to grow flat and down. Genetics plays a leading role in determining how our natural hair grows.

Locs, for example, thrive with minimal manipulation due to their structure. Relaxed hair faces a different reality. The new growth at the root has a different texture than the relaxed strands, creating weak points prone to breakage. This is due to the relaxer altering the hair’s chemical structure and weakening the natural (disulfide) bonds that strengthen hair. Braids can also promote growth by minimizing manipulation, similar to locs. However, leaving them in too long, product build up on the scalp, using too much synthetic hair or braiding sections too tight can lead to breakage and scalp irritation(folliculitis). It’s important to remember that long hair isn’t achievable for everyone.

Diet & Lifestyle

Beyond the growth cycle, diet, medical diagnosis, and lifestyle choices significantly
impact hair health. A balanced diet rich in essential nutrients like vitamins A, B, C, D, E,
iron, and protein provides the building blocks for strong hair growth. Some medical
diagnoses like thyroid disease and high blood pressure medications can
disrupt hair health.

Rethinking the Growth “Fixes”

Some of the oils can cause the hair to dry as most oils are sealants and will seal in the hair’s condition; for example, if you put oil on dry hair, the oil will seal the dryness. To keep hair healthy, it needs moisture. Humectants, like vegetable glycerin that attract water to hair strands, are ideal for moisture retention. Emollients, like shea butter, coat hair to prevent dryness and itching. However, occlusives, like coconut oil, can build up on the hair shaft and clog the scalp. Not all oils are created equally. Some can contribute to hair loss and thinning. To find customized solutions for your hair, check out myavana.com.

How to Hold On to What You Grow

Length retention refers to minimizing breakage and retaining the hair that grows. The goal is to nurture healthy growth and prevent split ends from traveling up the hair shaft, compromising length. Contrary to popular belief, regular trims don’t hinder hair growth. A minimum commitment of a year and consistent care from a trained professional can yield positive growth and healthy hair results. Patience is vital. Hair growth is a slow and steady process. Unrealistic expectations can lead to frustration and disconnection from your hair’s natural path.

Embrace the  Journey

The key to healthy hair growth and length retention is a holistic approach. This means understanding your hair’s natural growth phases, incorporating a balanced diet, awareness of medical conditions and medications, managing stress, and embracing your genetic makeup. Remember, hair growth is a journey, not a destination; let us embrace and celebrate the beauty of diverse hair textures and lengths within the Black community.

3 Strategies for Hair Length Retention

1. Regular Trims:

Split ends are like tip burns on a plant leaf; they travel up the hair shaft, causing breakage. Prioritizing regular trims every 4-6, 6-8, or 8-10 weeks (depending on your growth cycle) to remove split ends and encourage healthy growth.

2. Gentle Styling.

Rough handling and harsh combing or brushing can lead to breakage. Use a wide-tooth comb or detangling brush, starting from the ends and working your way up. Low-tension versatile styles without added hair like braids, twists, and bantu knots that can minimize manipulation and reduce breakage. Use satin or silk pillowcases, scarves, or bonnets to prevent friction from resources like GlowbyDaye.

3. Moisturize.

Dryness makes hair brittle and prone to breakage. Steam/Hydration treatments with conditioners specifically for your hair’s unique needs, regular use of a leave-in, and drinking water are essential for maintaining moisture. Remember the hair type, texture, and porosity will determine the hair-specific moisturizing need

The post Length Check: The Myths and Realities of Growing Long Hair appeared first on Black Health Matters.

People of Color in Tech reported, “In past business cycles, Black workers have been the last to be hired during expansions and first fired during contractions, so an increase in the Black unemployment rate is eye-catching to forecasters,” from Comerica Bank.

But if you look closely, we are represented in every industry where layoffs occur.

DEI Is Under Fire

Last summer, we saw three high-profile Black female Hollywood executives who happened to be DEI chiefs at major studios (Netflix, Warner Brothers Discovery, Disney) and the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences all lose their jobs over a ten-day period. According to Inc., companies including Zoom, Snap, Meta, Tesla, DoorDash, Lyft, Home Depot, and Wayfair cut DEI teams amid broader layoff plans. Even hospitals, like Johns Hopkins, bowed to the pressure, which led to the departure of Dr. Sherita Golden.

Tech Layoffs Hit Us Hard Too

According to Layoff. Fyi, in 2023, 1186 tech companies laid off 262,682 employees, and so far this year, 168 tech companies have already laid off 42,324. Although we only make up about 7% of the tech workforce, the layoffs disproportionately impacted us. Surprised, no. Okay, neither were we.

Last winter, Congresswoman Barbara Lee and the CBC sent a letter to the acting US Secretary of Labor,  Julie Su. “We write to express our concerns with recent reports highlighting the impacts of widespread layoffs within the tech industry and its disproportionate impacts on the African American community and women,” the group wrote.

Bloomberg News revealed “that people of color accounted for 94% of new hires at the US’ largest public companies in the year after the Black Lives Matter protests.” The latest findings show that organizations find a way to do it when pressured to hire and promote qualified, diverse talent.

Our take: sometimes, these moves are performative. You can tell when companies revoke programs when no one after a few years.

Others find the environment less than ideal and are happy to leave when the time comes. “Black people, especially Black women, have reported experiencing discrimination and bias in the tech industry, which can impact their career advancement and overall job satisfaction.” according to Forbes. They choose entrepreneurship instead.

The Healthcare Sector Took a Hit, Too

According to Challenger, Gray & Christmas, the healthcare category, which includes hospitals, medical technology, health insurers, and medical clinics, cut 58,560 jobs last year. An almost 100% increase over the year before. This year, Pfizer, Thermo Fisher Scientific,  Sanofi, Catalent, GSK, and Novartis will all restructure or reduce staff. And the healthcare industry employs more than 23% of Black women or more than one in five of us.

The Incredible Shrinking Media Business

Paramount handed out pink slips to over 800 employees across Paramount+ and Showtime. BET, Nickelodeon, and all their other networks. Sports Illustrated’s editorial team was gutted. Vice Media shut down, laying off hundreds of workers. And more than 3,000 jobs this year, plus those coming from Condé Nast. (Add that to the 21,400 media jobs lost last year).

Watch Out For a Change of Mood

When you are unemployed for a period of time, you may develop a form of situational depression. According to Medical News Today, symptoms might include:

• Feelings of emptiness, sadness, or hopelessness
• decreased interest in favorite activities
• irritability or frustration
• reduced energy levels or motivation
• appetite or weight changes
• sleeping more or less than usual
• forgetfulness or indecisiveness

Additional Symptoms can include:

• low self-esteem
• reduced focus and motivation
• feelings of stress, anxiety, or overwhelm

(Financial stress may trigger symptoms)

Consider Entrepreneurship

However, as we are pushed out of lucrative positions, many of us have no choice but to try entrepreneurship. According to The Brookings Institute, between 2017 and 2020, the number of Black women-owned businesses increased by nearly 20%, far exceeding the growth of women-owned and Black-owned businesses.

If you decide to strike out your own, check out serial entrepreneur Kathryn Finney’s tips on avoiding entrepreneurial overwhelm.

The post Why Are Black Women Losing Their Jobs? appeared first on Black Health Matters.

BHM: How does access to nutritious food directly correlate to our health conditions?

Johane Filemon: Our community has experienced health disparities since the genesis of this country. Today, access to basic medical needs and a qualified and licensed nutritionist is hard for many in our community, primarily due to their financial capabilities and access to health insurance. Others have poor access to nutrient-dense foods due to the food deserts surrounding them. Because of this, you will find that many are experiencing more health conditions linked to the foods they eat and the lack of nutrients they provide. They lack knowledge of nutrition and have to eat what they have access to.

BHM: Are there any specific vitamin or mineral deficiencies that impact us as a collective?

JF: Vitamin D deficiency is often prevalent in our community. The pigmentation or melanin in our skin reduces Vitamin D production. The fact that most of us are indoors most of the time does not help. Low Vitamin D levels have been associated with decreased immune system function. It is essential to consume foods high in Vitamin D and take daily Vitamin D supplementation to maintain adequate Vitamin D levels.

BHM: Which vitamins and supplements are essential for our overall health, and what are the best ways to ensure their safe and effective use?

JF: There are 13 essential vitamins that our bodies require to function daily. Food is the first place we should aim to get them. Vitamins A, B, C, E, and K come from various foods. This is why consuming a diet of colorful plant-based foods is important, so we often consume these various nutrients. Supplements should come in second to support what we cannot get from the foods we eat, which can be due to various reasons.

BHM: What are your top tips regarding prioritizing our health and wellness while limiting the risk of getting overwhelmed?

J F: Making changes that benefit our health and wellness doesn’t happen overnight and can take baby steps. Stressing over these changes can be counterproductive for our overall health. This is why we need to give ourselves a lot of grace as we make these changes. This does not mean we should not be proactive; it is okay to make one change at a time. Start with consuming more colorful plant-based foods. A diet that consists predominantly of various plant-based foods allows for more consumption of different vitamins and minerals, promoting good gut health by feeding the good bacteria in our gut and our overall body.

BHM: As research often suggests, Black people have higher rates of diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease. What are the best ways within nutritional wellness to combat these conditions?

J F: Start with the basics! Consuming a predominantly plant-based diet where 1/2 of your plate is non-starchy vegetables and fruits as tolerated, 1/4 of your plate a protein, and 1/4 a starch. When managing diabetes and hypertension, tolerance of different foods can be person-specific. It is essential to get the recommendation of a dietitian nutritionist who can evaluate a person’s current health status when making recommendations for better success.

BHM: How can people verify their quality and purity when taking supplements? Are there any red flags they should look for when choosing them?

JF: Unfortunately, supplements are not regulated. I recommend always asking an expert for advice on which supplements are best, especially if a medical diagnosis and prescription medications are also being consumed. Look for supplements that have minimal extra ingredients. Any supplements that claim to heal or make extreme changes “overnight” and “it’s all you will need” to get the results you are looking for should be a big red flag.

Eating a well-balanced diet is the primary source of good nutrition. Still, Supplements and wellness products can be helpful for an additional wellness boost. BHM has created a list of a few Black-owned wellness and health brands.

Veev Nutrition

Veev Nutrition is a brand that focuses on gut health and well-being. Our Johane Filemon founded it! Veev Nutrition is a supplement line created with premium ingredients with a proven history of fighting inflammation, building a diverse gut microbiome, and repairing the damage caused by toxins in our environment and food. An additional bonus of this brand is that it is black and woman-owned, so not only will your support aid in your health, but it will also contribute to our community.

Body Complete Rx

Body Complete Rx, founded by Samia Gore in 2017, is a black and woman-owned wellness brand offering plant-based supplements designed to support many health and fitness goals. Body Complete Rx worked with renowned nutritionist Dr. Ruby Lathon to formulate and launch five product lines, each prioritizing a different wellness goal to support a well-rounded, healthier life.

Peak + Valley

Peak + Valley, founded in 2015 by Nadine Joseph, is known for its supplements for brain and skin health and stress support. Nadine traveled worldwide to source herbs to support and uplift the global herbal community through direct sourcing practices. Nadine’s brand reflects her upbringing, as she looks for natural remedies at the intersection of science and traditional medicine. With Peak and Valley, she hopes to build a better herbal trade with transparent sourcing, unquestionably high-quality ingredients, and science-backed knowledge.

Black Girl Vitamins

Black Girl Vitamins is another excellent brand for those seeking support for vitamin deficiencies. The founder, Maxine, created Black Girl Vitamins to address the nutritional needs of underserved Black women and the scientifically proven nutritional deficiencies common within our community. According to their website, some of the areas that they focus on include:

•  Vitamin D, 82% of black women are deficient.
•  Iron, Black women are 3x more likely to have anemia.
• Cholesterol, the highest prevalence of heart disease, occurs in the black community.
•  Pregnancy, the highest infant and maternal mortality, as well as PCOS, occurs among black women.

Black Girl Vitamins carefully crafts products to nourish and empower Black women so that they can thrive on their wellness journeys.

Golde

Golde is Black and Japanese-owned and was founded in 2017 by Trinity Mouzon Wofford and Issey Kobori. Golde is making wellness accessible, fun, and easy for everyone, providing its supporters with healthy superfood essentials. Their product lineup focuses on superfoods that address common health needs, including stress relief, gut health, skin hydration, and immune support. Of all their products, their matcha additives are immensely popular and have other products that can benefit unique needs.

Before trying any of these products, please speak to your healthcare provider to ensure they will be safe and effective. Remember, it is never too late to prioritize your health, nutrition, and wellness.

The post RDN Johane Filemon on How Supplements Fit into to Your Nutrition Plan appeared first on Black Health Matters.

While the wig market booms (projected at $15.27 billion by 2034, according to futuremarketinginsights.com, prioritizing health remains critical.

Wigs offer endless possibilities for self-expression and convenience. However, some online sellers prioritize affordability over quality. This can lead to wigs with unknown materials, poor sanitation, and potential scalp irritation to cause infection.

 An Informed Shopping for Healthy Hair

• Beware Bargains: Good wigs require quality materials. Super-cheap wigs, often made from synthetic materials, can irritate, tangle, and look cheap.
• Question Reviews: Glowing reviews in broken English raise red flags. Seek detailed reviews with pictures from verified buyers mentioning hair texture, cap construction, and wearability for textured hair like ours.
• See Clearly to Buy Wisely: Blurry photos hide imperfections. Reputable sellers showcase high-resolution images from various angles for examining wig construction and texture. Don’t hesitate to zoom in.
• Know Your Material, Know Your Care: A good description details the wig material (human hair, synthetic blend) and cap construction (lace front, full lace). Most importantly, look for care instructions. Proper washing extends lifespan and keeps your scalp healthy.
• Look For The Return Policy: It Is Your Safety Net: Sometimes things go wrong. Ensure a clear return policy if the wig doesn’t work out. A good return policy signals confidence in their product and customer satisfaction.

Prioritizing Wellness Beyond Beauty

• Research Beyond the Seller’s Facade: Don’t just focus on the wig; research the seller’s reputation. Look for reviews on independent platforms or social media to get a well-rounded picture of their customer service, product quality, and overall experience.
• Search for Customer Photos and Videos: Want to see the wig styled on Black women? Search for customer photos and videos using the wig’s name or brand. This reveals how the wig performs in different lighting and styling scenarios.
• Embrace Customization: Some sellers offer customization options like adjusting the length, pre-plucking the hairline for a natural look, or adding color.
• Don’t Be Shy, Ask Away! Reputable sellers are happy to answer your questions. From sizing to care instructions, don’t hesitate to contact their customer service.
• Invest Wisely for Style & Health While a licensed hairstylist specializing in wigs might be safest, these tips empower informed online wig purchases. Invest in your confidence, health, and style by becoming a savvy online wig shopper.

Bonus Tip: Look for Black-owned wig companies like trueandpuretextures.com that cater to Black hair textures and needs. They often understand the importance of quality materials and prioritize healthy hair journeys.

 Additional Resources

A Guide to Hair Fibers

Virgin hair vs. Remy hair

Writer: Erin H. Maybin is a licensed Cosmetologist in NY, PA & CA, Educator, Advocate, and influential member of the NYS Appearance Enhancement Advisory Committee. As EVP of Education Development and co-founder of the Natural Hairstyle & Braid Coalition, Erin spearheads the transformation of textured hair education in both private and public sectors.

Her groundbreaking initiative, Hair S.T.E.A.M. LAB, is an education platform that explores the science and artistry of hair using steam.

Erin is also the co-author of Laid to the Side: Disrupting the Silence of Black Girls Hair Stories in School.

For more information: www.erinhmaybin.com

The post How to Safely Buy Wigs Online: A Black Women’s Guide appeared first on Black Health Matters.

Start With a Simple Idea

Just because you have an idea you love, you shouldn’t necessarily invest your life savings right away. Finney, the author of Build the Damn Thing: How to Start a Successful Business, says, “The”best way to know if your idea is good is to create a very simple version of the idea and put it out there for real feedback from potential customers.

She further explains, “That feedback will give you a sense of whether there is a valid market for your idea before you spend a lot of time and money on it. You can then use that feedback to iterate on your idea and make it even better with the confidence of knowing that your idea creates a solution that people will pay for.”

Develop a Set of Core Values

According to Finney, the first year of business can be overwhelming, especially if this is your first company. “You can get so caught up in all the initial steps you need to transform your idea into a viable product that you forget that you also have to have a sustainable way to keep making that product,” she explains. You may have been so focused on how to raise the money you needed that you neglected to set up financial management systems to keep track of the money as it comes in so that you can manage it better. Or maybe you concentrated so much on hiring the right people that you haven’t thought about how they will all work together to help you execute your vision.”

“Instead of getting overwhelmed by present challenges, she suggests having a long-term strategy. “When I was starting Genius Guild, one of the first things I did was to create a set of core values, which served as a kind of North Star, for what I wanted my company to be,” she explains. “By having those values to fall back on, I was able to make sure I kept my focus on the next few years of my company rather than just the next two weeks.”

The Risk and Reward of Entrepreneurship

When someone decides to start a business, they are taking a risk. However, there are creative rewards that are immeasurable. “Building your own company is a way to have a creative life you control. Imagine creating something you truly believe in, watching it succeed beyond your wildest dreams, and then getting paid for the value you’ve created,” Finney says.”That’s the promise of building your own damn thing. For me, deciding what to do with my capital and money from time to time was very liberating and worth the risk of possible failure.”

Personally, Finney loves running her current company. “I also love that running my own venture firm, Genius Guild, allows me to look for investment opportunities that are solid businesses that also contribute to the betterment of the community they serve. I want to help build a world where everyone can win, and creating Genius Guild allows me to do just that.

Smart, Successful Entrepreneurs Have Balanced Lives

Finney stresses that entrepreneurship is hard. It’s It’s easy, tough, or exhausting. And because it’s hard, losing yourself entirely in your company can be tempting. She says to decide that you don’t have time for your personal well-being, health, or family because you feel like all you should be doing is working.

This is a recipe for disaster. Remember that the company will not be good if you’re not good. So, taking time to get yourself in a good place is the most important thing you can do to ensure your company’s success before you build it.

“Smart, successful entrepreneurs have no problem spending time on their mental and spiritual health because they know that getting their mind right is crucial to getting their company right,” she” says. That means finding what works for you, getting home for dinner at night, getting to the gym, and practicing consistent meditation.

Finney says, “Because you are the hub of your company, your self-care is also your company’s self-care.”

The post Kathryn Finney’s Tips For Avoiding Entrepreneurial Overwhelm appeared first on Black Health Matters.

Maya Feller, a registered dietitian, is making wellness inclusive and accessible for all. Learn how she found this passion, what inclusive nutrition means, and three wellness tips you can start using today.

Finding Her Purpose

Feller first learned how important personalized nutrition was while training for a marathon.

“My running partner ended up in the hospital twice. The first time, she was over-hydrated. Then, she was under-hydrated. I researched running nutrition and found an entire field dedicated to it. I decided to become a dietitian and fell in love with nutrition science,” said Feller. “When I started working in the community, I felt such a sense of purpose. I decided to focus on inclusive nutrition. No community deserves to be left out of the wellness conversation.”

She turned this dream into a reality by opening a practice to help people of all backgrounds manage or revert chronic conditions. Feller considers social determinants of health in her day-to-day work with patients.

“Wellness looks different for everyone. Everything from your zip code to education and finances impacts the ability to live your best life,” said Feller. “Wellness doesn’t mean free from disease. If you have a chronic condition, wellness means managing it well.”

NKF is here to help no matter where you are in your kidney health journey. Join the Kidney Learning Center to find the online course you need to take the next step with confidence.

Providing Inclusive Nutrition

Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) is at the core of Feller’s practice. These evidence-based protocols help people manage conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes, two leading causes of kidney disease. In some cases, MNT involves medication and lifestyle changes like exercising more.

Lifestyle changes can be hard enough, but for some, they may feel insurmountable.

“If you don’t have access to affordable, nourishing foods, you may have to rely on items with excess added sugar, salt, and fat. These items can increase chronic conditions like diabetes and cardiovascular disease. If you’re tired from working multiple jobs, what can you put on the table that is easy, affordable, and nutritious?” Feller asked, “How do we work in that framework to put food on the plate that supports metabolic health?”

The answer to this difficult question is getting creative and starting small.

“Start by buying frozen or canned vegetables. Incorporate shelf-stable, nutrient-rich items like beans and rice into your diet,” said Feller. “If it’s safe, go out and move your body even if only for ten minutes. Take a few minutes to leave your office building or house to go sit in the sun and stretch your body.”

Over time, these smaller changes can add up and make even big goals like lowering blood pressure more achievable.

“If you can, reach out to a trauma-educated mental healthcare provider. You deserve the help.” Feller said, “The emotional component of this work is just as important as the nutritional and physical.”

Do you need support? NKF Peers may help. We can connect you with another experienced kidney patient to talk about kidney disease, dialysis, transplant, or living kidney donation.

Feller’s Top Nutrition Tips

Inspired to improve your own health and wellness? Feller has three tips to get started: rest, hydrate, and add more plant-based foods to your diet.

1. Focus on rest

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, getting enough sleep has many benefits.

The benefits of sleep include:

• Getting sick less often
• Staying at a healthy weight
• Lowering the risk of chronic conditions like diabetes and heart disease
• Reducing stress
• Improving mood

But rest involves more than sleep.

“Prioritizing emotional well-being is imperative when thinking about health and wellness. That can look like taking the space to rest and relax,” said Feller. “Look at how rest fits into your life and determine what it looks like to you.”

Rest takes many forms, including doing a hobby you enjoy, moving your body, or meditating. It depends on what activities you enjoy and the types of experiences that fill up your cup.

Here are eight stress-management techniques to try.

2. Hydrate properly

As Feller learned early in her journey, drinking the right amount of water is crucial. Too much or too little can impact how the body works and even cause kidney damage. There’s no fixed rule for how much water everyone should drink. It depends on many factors, including;

• Age
• Climate
• Amount of exercise
• Pregnancy
• Chronic conditions

“Everyone’s hydration needs are different but be mindful of sugar-sweetened beverages and alcohol.” Feller said, “These two things can impact anyone’s blood sugar and pressure. Speak with a healthcare provider to determine what proper hydration looks like to you.”

Learn how to be water-wise.

3. Eat more plant-based foods

A recent study found that eating more plant- and less animal-based foods can lower the risk of or slow the decline of kidney disease.

“Lean into the fiber and nutrient-rich foods from your childhood. What is recognizable, enjoyable, and accessible to you? This could be anything from jicama, plantains, or beans.” Feller said, “Eat the rainbow. Berries, nuts, and seeds are fantastic, but there are many more options, like quinoa, millet, teff, and red, black, or wild rice.”

Check with a healthcare provider before changing your diet–especially if you have kidney disease or other chronic conditions. They will help you determine which plant-based foods are right for you.

Find a registered kidney dietitian near you.

This story appears through our partnership with The National Kidney Foundation.

The post Registered Dietician Maya Feller On Inclusive Wellness and Nutrition appeared first on Black Health Matters.

In her book, Dr. Harden Bradford has given us a contemplative roadmap that allows us to slow down, do some inner reflection, and learn from the insights so we can find healing, but it is an experience we can also do with our friends.

We discussed how our true sister-friendships add to our lives, allowing us to take off the masks we use as protection and be vulnerable. But our attachment styles (one of four ways we connect with our parents) also appear in our adult relationships and factor into our friendships. Helping us understand that we all approach relationships differently.

She also provides insight into friendship breakups and why they can be as devastating as relationships ending. And how to have a productive conversation with a friend who seems to make everything about her.

Finding a therapist can be challenging. Dr Harden Bradford tells us when we might be ready to explore therapy. She gives us some keys to navigating the process and empowers us to feel no obligation to stay with a therapist who doesn’t work for us. And gives us some realistic ways to navigate our progress.

She also believes that we shouldn’t shy away from group therapy. One reason is that the hurts we experience are often within our community, and we should use community to heal. Often, we think we are alone with our challenges, but the experiences of others can offer us new insights.

She delves into how and why the bonds between Black women have cultural, historical, and emotional significance.

Listen to our full chat here.

The post Dr. Joy Harden Bradford on Sisterhood, Healing and The Power of Community appeared first on Black Health Matters.

Sienna Naturals

You may be familiar with Sienna Natural because founder Hannah Diop’s partner in this clean haircare brand is actress, producer, and woman who roots for Everybody Black, Issa Rae. But this line should not be confused with a celebrity haircare brand. But its Rooted Technology, a clean approach to chemistry and formulation, makes this brand worth exploring. We love that you can shop by hair needs (dryness, hair loss, definition, or damage) or by individual products. All their offerings, including the Daily Elixir Scalp Oil, $28,  are responsibly sourced, vegan, cruelty-free, and dermatology-tested.

Rebundle

We love protective styles, but many of us have reactions to the synthetic braiding hair we are using, from itching to breakouts. Rinsing braiding hair with apple cider vinegar has been the go-to, but another option exists. And where is all that hair going when we are done? Enter Rebundle, founded by Ciara Imani, who has created the braidbetter solution created with ReGen Hair Fiber “using repurposed biopolymers, which makes it 97 percent biobased, earning the USDA’s Certified Biobased Product label.” This alternative is better for the scalp. Their line is available in Earth Tones and Sun Tones (our fave) for $45. They have a recycling program, and they accept any hair that isn’t attached to a weft.

People of Color Nail Polish

Jacqueline Carrington, founder of People of Color Nail Polish, created shades that look great on our skin tones. One of her goals was to change the narrative of what she saw growing up and nail visuals that never reflected us. So, she has created shades with a range of brown skin tones in mind that are non-toxic, vegan, and cruelty-free in shades, including Brown Sugar Babe, Geechee Blue, and Mother of Earth, which cost $12.

Marie Hunter Beauty

It took five years for Marie Hunter Beauty’s founder, KeNisha Ruff, to find the ethically sourced ingredients she needed to design her line, which includes lipsticks, skincare, haircare, home fragrance, and leather goods. Her Matte Lipsticks,$40,  for example, are formulated with moisturizing oils like Argan, Olive, Grapeseed, Meadowfoam, Camelina, Murumuru, plus Mango and Shea Butter, to help deliver long-lasting color without drying the lips out.

SkinMuse

When you want a taste of luxury, look at SkinMuse, which blends West African beauty practices and rich ingredients to create products that help you create your skin ritual. The founder, Ezinne Iroanaya, has created a line that blends luxurious benefits with clean beauty and a beauty-first ethos. Her Devine Body Oil, $50, is made with  Egyptian Honey, Moroccan Oil, Rosehip Oil, and Vitamin E. It moisturizes the skin while a soft, powdery scent lingers.

The post 5 Black-Owned Clean Beauty Brands To Cover You From Head to Toe appeared first on Black Health Matters.

A recent report from McKinsey called The State of Black Resident’s Report examines where we live and the factors that improve or impede our economic prospects. According to their research, 30% of us live in twelve megacities (urban centers), 7% of us live in high-growth hubs (think Austin, Charlotte, Minneapolis, and Silicon Valley), 12% of us reside in the suburbs, and 19% make our homes in what is categorized as stable cities (Jacksonville, Cincinnati, St. Louis) and independent economies (like Lancaster, PA and Winston-Salem, North Carolina).

According to McKinsey’s findings, “Black outcomes are generally better in suburban and high-growth areas where Black residents are underrepresented.”

Why is this the case, you might ask?

Across the U.S., suburban neighborhoods have the highest overall Black outcome scores. These areas are reported to be the top indicator of the critical metrics, “such as median household income ($79,000), workers in management roles (36 percent), life expectancy (78 years), and bachelor’s degree attainment (29 percent).” However, only 52% of Black suburban dwellers own their homes compared to 62% of white residents.

Coming in second are high-growth hubs like Seattle, Las Vegas, and Silicon Valley, where few live. But while there is great potential there, our underrepresentation in tech jobs and the high cost of living, including exorbitant housing, makes it a less financially stable option for us.

Interestingly, we outearn our peers nationally when we live in megacities. When we chose these urban and urban-adjacent areas, we faced longer commutes and high housing costs. And we are paid “roughly 60 percent of what white megacity residents do.”

For all our communities to reach the same economic outcomes as those living in suburban communities would take 10 to 30 years.

Where has the Black population decreased in the past decade?

“Over the past decade, the Black population declined in large cities and rural counties while growing in the suburbs,” according to McKinsey. This type of movement is something that has been happening for decades. The Black population has been moving out of urban areas and into the suburbs since the 1960s when the Civil Rights Movement began to dismantle segregation laws. This shift was accelerated by white flight from cities in response to desegregation efforts.

Despite moving from urban cities to the suburbs, “Less than 0.1 percent of the Black population lives in a county close to parity.”

This research reminds us that the racial wealth gap is not just an issue of income inequality but also one of opportunity. It is essential to recognize that our community faces unique challenges in our pursuit of economic mobility, and it is critical to address those challenges head-on. Without change, the report indicates it would take 300 years for all the communities we live in to reach parity with our white counterparts.

The post Cities or Suburbs: Where Do We Thrive Economically? appeared first on Black Health Matters.

What makes this book a standout read is that he meets his readers where they are and doesn’t prescribe that they walk his exact path but instead find what works best for them. It is divided into four sections: The Food, The Body, The Mind, and the Soul, which represent dimensions of self-care—physical, mental, soul, and community. In each part, he gives us access to the experts who have been integral to his evolution—an integrative medical doctor, a chef, a personal trainer, a therapist, and a pastor.

In The Food section, for example, he writes about how our elders prepared our foods in certain ways because there weren’t many choices available. And we now have to unlearn the things that were passed down because they were a means of survival. We are surrounded by processed food, whereas our ancestors were closer to the land. And he reminds us, “Factory food is designed to make money, not create health.” But he cautions us not to expect overnight success. Real change can take years.

In The Body section, he advises us to approach fitness with the idea that improvement is possible instead of seeking perfection. And the importance of being present in our bodies, loving them as they change, and embracing their flaws.

In The Mind section, Common shares how Muhammad Ali’s theory of self-belief crystallized for him, helping him understand the difference between bragging and self-appreciation.

In The Soul section, he shares the spiritual practices that keep him grounded.

Peppered throughout are actionable tips that can start the reader on their path to wellness, including recipes, a workout plan (complete with a playlist), and a set of questions to ask ourselves.

The post Common Wants Us to Put Self-Care into Action appeared first on Black Health Matters.

Your healthcare provider may have referred you to physical therapy if the pain was acute. But now, stretch therapy studios are popping up nationwide to help those who need to improve flexibility and mobility. We talked to Michael Okech, co-founder of New York Stretch, about the value of stretch therapy and how it can improve the quality of our lives as we age.

 Stretching Essential for Good Health

Our day-to-day aches and pains, including shoulder and neck discomfort and lower back pain, impact our mobility. Okech, a Postural Restoration practitioner, says, “When you don’t have good mobility, you can’t move well. It can decrease the quality of your workouts. reduce your activity levels and affect your cardiovascular health and blood sugar,” he explains. “In our sessions, we work on increasing joint mobility and improving tissue health.”

Decreased mobility also increases the physical signs of aging. “Mobility is a big marker for age. The key things that I look at are cardiovascular health, mobility, and muscle and bone density,” he says. “But if someone moves well, you probably will think they are younger.”

When We Don’t Have Good Mobility, We Compensate in Other Ways

The areas most needing stretching are the lower back, hips, neck, and shoulders, which sometimes causes migraines. But Okech points out that when there’s dysfunctional movement elsewhere, you tend to compensate by using your lower back.

But we often overlook our feet. “There’s a lot of tightness in the ankles and feet because we use them a lot,” he explains. “Wearing shoes and boots, especially in winter, will lock your feet and ankles. You get less sensation and strength.”

What to Expect During a Stretch Therapy Session

Stretch therapy is also known as table-based assisted stretching. You wear workout clothes for the session, but unlike physical therapy, this is a passive experience (you don’t do anything). Okech explains that practitioners start with an assessment with the client on their back. They look at their client’s range of motion. Then, they measure what they see versus how their clients describe their feelings and restrictions before beginning the session, which could last up to one hour.

Okech says stretch therapists use certain principles or techniques during the session:

• Traction, which involves pulling on the body to create joint space. It calms the nervous system and prepares the body to relax.
• Oscillation Shaking is another technique that calms the body.
• Circumduction moves the limb in circular patterns, which gets the joints to relax further.
• Full-body three-dimensional stretch.

“When I say three-dimensional, we’re looking at every range of movement,” Okech explains. “We view the body as a spiral. We are trying to unwind it and get the tissue to almost massage itself.”

One Session Won’t Get You Lasting Results

Okech notes that stretch therapy is like working out or making nutritional changes to your diet. It is a long-term, continuous wellness practice. How often you want to do it could depend on your age and willingness to supplement the assisted stretching with at-home practices. So, while stretch therapy sessions are passive, you must do the homework.

“For the work to stick, you must do a lot on your own,” he says. “The goal is to build your own program.”

But if you are looking for a place to start before you get to assisted stretching, Okech recommends walking as a starting point to improve function. “We’re born to walk and run,” he says. “It’s simple, it’s cheap, it’s free. The more you move, the more range of motion you have.”

The post 4 Things You Should Know About Stretch Therapy appeared first on Black Health Matters.

Why Some Balms Dry Out Your Lips

The American Academy of Dermatology suggests that we check the label of our go-to balms. Ingredients that include camphor, eucalyptus, menthol, lanolin, salicylic acid, fragrance, and flavors like cinnamon, citrus, mint, and peppermint may be irritating. Cooling, plumping, or exfoliating products can worsen matters. Even balms that are formulated with glycerin and hyaluronic acid can be problematic because they also attract moisture to the skin. But in low humidity, they pull moisture out of your skin, leaving lips drier than they were before.

The Ingredients That Work Best

Dermatologists recommend looking for lip products that strengthen the skin with emollients like ceramides or are occlusive, which means they seal in moisture —like petroleum jelly, coconut oil, or beeswax. Other hydrating ingredients include castor seed oil, hemp seed oil, mineral oil, shea butter, and dimethicone.

Traditional Balm Picks

Aquaphor Lip Protectant & Sunscreen, $7.54, offers SPF 30 protection, is fragrance-free, doesn’t contain dyes, and is paraben-free.

L’Occictane Shea Butter Ultra Rich Lip Balm, $13, has Shea Butter, Sunflower Oil, Vitamin E, and Beeswax.

Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm in Vanilla, $24, is 100% vegan, contains Shea and Murumuru Seed Butters and vegan waxes, and offers cruelty-free hydration.

Vaseline Advanced Healing Lip Therapy is ideal if petroleum jelly has always been your go-to.

Lip Oil Picks

A lip oil can be a great choice if you want hydration and sometimes want a hint of color.

Burt’s Bees Hydrating Lip Oil with Sweet Almond Oil, $6.59, is a 100% natural formula that contains responsibly sourced ingredients that hydrate and help retain moisture.

Ami Colé Lip Treatment Oil, $20 (each), combines Baobab Seed. Camellia and Passionfruit Oil with a light wash of color. Available in six shades.

Fenty Skin Fenty Treatz Hydrating and Strengthening Lip Oil, $24, mixes Sweet Cherry, Jojoba, and Rose Hip Fruit Oils, and Barbados and Wild Cherry Extracts to nourish, soothe, and condition lips.

In addition to using a product that offers hydrating properties to our lips, we also need to ensure we get our H20.

The post 7 Moisturizing Lip Products We Love appeared first on Black Health Matters.

That means much of the weight loss rhetoric we’ve been fed in high doses hasn’t only been confusing and misguided. Still, it has also been expensive, driving Americans to spend billions on gym memberships and exercise equipment guaranteed to help us lose weight.

We Are Following Some Outdated Advice

Dr. Fatima Cody Stanford, MD, MPH, MPA, Associate Professor of Medicine, Mass General Hospital, Pediatrician, and Obesity Medicine Physician Scientist, urges us to forget everything we think we know about losing weight, specifically what she calls an oversimplified idea suggesting to lose weight, we must burn more calories than we consume.

In an article on the Harvard Health website, she insists, “This idea of ‘a calorie in, a calorie out’ when it comes to weight loss is not only antiquated, it’s just wrong.” The archaic claim seems to ignore that how effectively the body burns calories depends on its metabolic rate, gut health, and the quality of food intake. Now that makes sense.

The Mayo Clinic reports, “Sometimes the effectiveness of exercise for weight loss is oversold, and people may overestimate how effective it will be toward their goal of losing weight. And for most people, conflicting theories like this that contradict everything they’ve ever been told about how to lose weight is extremely difficult just to accept.”

Curious about how others might react to this information, we reached out to Andrea Farquharson, who has lost weight, burning loads of calories with exercise in the past, to find out where she is on her weight loss journey. “I just celebrated my 50th and have minimal motivation to work out, especially dealing with bursitis in my left hip,” she laments. She works out four days weekly with trainers, seeing no results. We know she’s not alone.

What Do Doctors, Nutritionists, and Psychologists Have to Say?

To shed some light on the dichotomy of exercise vs weight loss, I turned to medical doctors, registered dietician nutritionists, and psychologists to hear their take on what exercise Can & Can’t do for weight loss. If exercise doesn’t significantly impact weight loss, then what does? Dr. William D. Stanley, MD, FASAM, who specializes in internal medicine & addiction, tells us that as a primary care physician, he takes the responsibility of seriously conveying to patients the importance of maintaining a healthy weight. He says, “It is just as important as exercise is to prevent weight gain. Practicing healthy, balanced eating habits may matter more.” Dr. Cody Stanford agrees that improving the quality of foods and making sustainable lifestyle improvements are crucial to achieving and maintaining a healthy weight.

We now know that eating well is important more important than ever, resulting in weight loss as a symptom of intentional lifestyle changes.

Researchers at NIH & CDC agree that exercise can have profound effects on preventing chronic disease, reducing cancer risk, improving mobility and quality of life, preventing injuries, improving sleep, and increasing longevity. Exercise may delay and, in some cases, prevent mental and physical impairment, like Alzheimer’s and dementia, supporting the ultimate goal of living a happier, healthier life in mind, body, and soul. Exercise cannot compensate for an unhealthy diet, lifestyle choices, or a toxic relationship with food. It can’t effectively treat eating disorders.

Katrice Mayo, MS, RDN, CLT, is passionate about developing healthy lifestyle changes with her clients over time that nourish and fuel the body and build muscle while prioritizing adequate rest and reducing stress. She says, “Chronic stress and the stress response will (negatively) impact what you choose to eat, why and how you’re eating.”

Rather than focusing on the number on the scale, Mayo maintains that an essential part of sustainable weight loss is eating more quality whole foods and less processed food with trans fat and little or no nutritional value. She cautions people to choose real food for energy and to think twice before choosing processed protein or energy bars or protein bars over nutrient-dense, whole food.

Experts, we hear you. Weight loss is unique for all of us.” Embracing exercise and learning how to nourish the body—paying attention to hunger cues, learning to stop eating when you’re full, and frequently evaluating when and why will help you learn more about your nutritional needs and help with maintaining your weight loss.

Where Should You Begin?

Dr. Radisha Brown, Psychologist and CEO of IThrive Therapy believes, “On any weight loss journey, the most important relationship is the relationship with ourselves. This dynamic sets the tone for all other relationships, including our connection to exercise & food.

If you want to lose weight, ask yourself if you’re ready. Be honest about what you’re willing to start changing. Seek counseling if you think you need emotional support around food, and get support and create your community.

The post Should You Focus On Exercise When You Want to Lose Weight? appeared first on Black Health Matters.

An article in Frontiers in Genetics reported that after a yo-yo dieting style cycle, “Weight regain often starts within the first year, and the pre-intervention weight is reached or even surpassed in the subsequent 2 to 5 years.” It also stated, “Limiting or preferentially avoiding weight cycling in the first year after weight loss appears crucially important for sustainable long-term weight maintenance.” Another article published by the American Diabetes Association suggested that the practice “exacerbates the risk for T2D and cardiovascular disease.”

“Accumulating evidence suggests the existence of an autoregulatory adaptive mechanism or ‘famine reaction’ that predisposes to obesity following a period of starvation,” it reported. “While self-reflection and making goals can help us feel more focused and accomplished, restrictive dieting, excessive exercise, or other sudden behavioral changes that are characteristics of New Year’s resolution around weight loss are often an attempt to feel in control when other aspects of our lives feel out of control,” explained Taryn Crosby, LCSW, a psychotherapist and Founding Partner of MCMCollab. “Ultimately, yo-yo dieting, in addition to having potential medical health consequences, can affect our mental health.”

Dr. Dominique Pritchett, PsyD, LCSW,  considers participating in yo-yo dieting symptomatic of other issues. “That trickles to other parts of our life,” she told Black Health Matters. “I’m a big strategy person. If we’re approaching anything without a strategy, we will likely fail or hurt badly going through it,” she continued. “I believe people can be more successful with creating changes in their life, getting off the yo-yo, and sustaining their wellness with a solid strategy.” Dr. Pritchett suggested working with a professional to settle on sustainable tactics. “Chances are, it’s just not showing up in the diet, but it’s shown up in other places in your life. So, go talk to a professional,” she said. “That objective perspective has to come from someone.” Working with a professional can help you accurately assess your habits instead of focusing on what you think they should be. “Shoulding is an unrealistic fantasy belief,” said Dr. Pritchett. If limited access to care prevents you from seeking professional assistance, you can observe and document your habits to try and stop the yo-yo approach.

Dr. Janel Gordon, M.D., DipABOM, DipABLM, a Triple Board Certified Family, Obesity & Lifestyle Medicine Physician, believes “people intend to stay on the wagon when they slide into yo-yo-ing.”

Action Tips

Learn What Works For You

“Look at what you’re doing really, really well,” Dr. Pritchett advised. She recommends asking yourself, “What do you feel good doing? What are you getting results from?” “Replicate what’s working, but make sure it matches your personality,” she added.

Do Your Research

Dr. Gordon advocates for balancing out your diet instead of diving into extremes. “Maybe you’re trying to cut back on carbs, but carbs are not evil. We need all the macronutrients. We need carbohydrates. We need fat, we need protein,” she said.

Avoid Comparing Yourself To Others

Just because the latest diet craze worked for your friend or co-workers doesn’t mean it will work for you. “People respond differently to different tactics,” said Dr. Gordon. Think about what is feasible for your schedule and your circumstances. If you’re working with a healthcare professional, tell them what your day-to-day looks like so they can recommend the appropriate options. “If I’m talking to a male high school student versus if I’m talking to a single mother of three who has to catch a bus, drop her kids off at their daycare, and still figure out what’s nutritious to eat for herself and her kids, I’m going to be giving different recommendations.”

Supported by an educational grant from Novo Nordisk Inc. 

The post Yo-Yo Dieting Doesn’t Work: So Why Do We Keep Doing It? appeared first on Black Health Matters.

This study looked at the habits of those 18 and younger. It analyzed 90 studies involving more than 600,000 participants. Regarding girls, 1 in 10 didn’t just use a nonprescription weight loss remedy in their lifetime; they’ve used them in the past year.

Why is this dangerous? Here’s the issue: use of diet pills and other weight loss medicines can result in other health issues. Experts warn that in the long term, unhealthy weight control behaviors, including weight loss products without a doctor’s prescription, can contribute to increased body weight. Using these products can also put youth at risk for developing eating disorders within just a few years. According to StatNews, studies have also found that the use of the products is associated with low self-esteem, depression, and substance use. And young people have died from using these solutions.

“The incidence of eating disorders has increased pretty dramatically after the pandemic. We’ve seen the numbers skyrocket,” Dr. Paula Cody, medical director of adolescent medicine at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, told CNN. “So I think that the concern I had before was not a small matter then — I’m even more concerned now.”

According to an article written on the subject. You are probably thinking eating disorders are not an issue in our community, but we are not immune. 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.”

Rachel Goode, an assistant professor in the School of Social Work at the University of North Carolina Nutrition Research Institute and an adjunct assistant professor in the Center for Eating Disorder Excellence, says looking at eating disorders in our community is complex. And what you should know is that eating disorders from our community are often associated with the strong Black women syndrome.

The good news is that states are making moves to regulate the sale of the supplements. New York, for example, New York State has banned over-the-counter diet pills. Lawmakers have also introduced legislation to regulate them in California, Maryland, Massachusetts, Missouri, and New Jersey.

What do you need to do? Find out if your teens, especially your daughters, know  about “budget Ozempic.” Share the dangers. If you suspect they have body image issues, check out resources like About Face and The National Alliance for Eating Disorders.

The post Budget Ozempic: Talk to Your Teens About This Dangerous Trend appeared first on Black Health Matters.

We asked Shenelle Mays-Smith, a makeup artist and skincare expert, to guide us on when to toss our makeup. “It is important to keep track of how old your cosmetics are because you are putting these products on your skin, which is our largest organ,” she explains. “And we are applying makeup near our mouths and eyes that secrete fluids, so we must be hygienic and sanitary.”

Your products can be compromised by how you use and store them. For example, if you dip your fingers into a product, preservatives guard against microorganisms for only so long before bacteria and fungi grow. And if you are storing your beauty stash in the bathroom, the moisture accelerates bacteria growth. In addition, expired products may clog pores and trigger breakouts.

Check out her advice below and some picks of products you might want to add this year.

Eye Products

Maybelline Volum’ Express The Falsie Mascara, $7.99

This category includes mascara, eyeliner (pencils and liquid), and eyeshadow (powder, cream, and liquid).

Mascara

“When you pump your mascara wand before applying it, you pump in air and bacteria,” Mays-Smith explains. It is safe to use for up to three months. But you can also tell it’s time to replace it when the product clumps.

Eyeliner

Mays-Smith points out that liquid and gel eyeliners have a shelf life similar to mascara, even if they are retractable. Replace it after two to three months. “Eyeliner pencils are different because we sharpen them. Each time we do, we are revealing a new product.” Are you sharpening your pencils? Mays-Smith says you don’t have to do it with each use, but you should do it often.

Eyeshadow

Cream eyeshadow lasts three to six months. Since it is often applied with the fingertips, please wash your hands before using it, or bacteria may grow on it over time. Powder eyeshadow has more longevity than other eye products. It can last a year or more. But if the product is cracked or falling apart, or you have had an eye infection, replace it.

Naja Hall Peacock Paint Cool Night Duochrome Shadow, $34

Face

This category includes foundations (liquid, stick, cream, and cream to powder), Concealer, and Powder.

Foundation

Water-based liquid foundations can last up to a year. Cream-based stick foundations have a similar shelf life. But if your product contains organic ingredients, May-Smith says it may be good for three to six months if you keep it refrigerated.

Oil-based formulas last a little longer, up to 18 months. The product may separate between uses, but if the formula doesn’t reconstitute effortlessly, it is time to replace it. She says, “It’s like ketchup. If it is very watery at the top, toss it.”

According to Mays-Smith, packaging may impact the longevity of your face products. Squeeze tubes and pump bottles allow you to control how much of the product is applied, and there is less room for cross-contamination. Cream foundations are good for between six months and a year. She recommends keeping a pancake-style cream-to-powder foundation for no longer than a year. “It can go rancid and oxidize on the skin (changing how the product appears),” Mays-Smith says.

Loose powder has one of the best shelf lives because it is oil-free and is packaged with a sifter top that reduces contamination. They can be good up to two years from opening. Pressed powder can also last a year or more, but if it cracks and crumbles before that, toss it.

How long you can keep a concealer depends on its formula. Cream concealers last three to six months; liquid concealers can last up to a year, and powder concealers last even longer.

Cheeks

How often you replace your blush depends on its formulation, Mays-Smith points out. Like a cream-based foundation, replace your cream blush every six months to a year. Depending on your hygienic practices, powder blushes can last a year, maybe more. The only caveat is blushes and highlighters that contain glitter, light-reflecting particles. She suggests tossing them when you see a film or it starts to separate and doesn’t come back together quickly.

 Lips

If you want to know if your lipstick is still good, smell it, according to Mays-Smith. “Lipsticks get a waxy smell when they are going bad, like crayons,” she explains. “The color won’t go as smoothly, and its texture may change too.”

Lipglosses are suitable for a year, maybe longer. But formulation matters here, too; if your matte lipgloss starts to dry out, it is time to toss it.

Brushes

You can tell your brushes need to be replaced by looking at them. Are the hairs of the brushes coming out? Are the bristles stiff or mishappen? But Mays-Smith says a tell-tale sign is when there is soot on the color you are trying to apply because the previous product altered the brush hairs. Washing your brushes weekly with Dial Antibacterial soap is the best way to keep them in tip-top shape.

Keep Your Makeup Clean

Mays-Smith suggests adding this simple routine to keep your make safe and bacterial-free. Once a week, spray your eyeshadow palettes, powders, blush, and twist-top lipsticks with 75% alcohol and let them dry.

The post Check Your Makeup Bag: What Cosmetics Should You Keep or Toss? appeared first on Black Health Matters.

Every day, a news item explores these prescriptions’ benefits, side effects, and potential risks. CEOs and influencers have sung their praises. There is even a trendy TikTok song inspired by their popularity. Even traditional weight management brands have gotten in on the action.

WeightWatchers now rebranded as WW, a staple in the weight loss industry, has begun offering access to medical interventions, including semaglutide, via their WeightWatchers Clinic’s launch. Last year, the company acquired Sequence, a digital health platform for clinical weight management. WW offers one-on-one clinician care, insurance coordination, and other membership privileges through their clinic. Noom, an industry newcomer, has launched the Noom Med program, where consumers can access medical advice for their mental and physical health and prescriptions for GLP-1 obesity drugs after being evaluated by professionals who will determine their eligibility.

If you are considering prescription weight loss options, here’s what you need to know.

What Are Your Options?

Injectables

Injectables have become an increasingly visible option for prescription-aided weight loss. They are approved for weight loss for those who have been categorized as clinically obese (BMI >30) or are overweight with medical conditions like high blood pressure or high weekly at gradually increasing doses. Some of the options on the market include Ozempic and Wegovy (semaglutide), Mojourno and Zepbound (tirzepatide), Saxenda (liraglutide), and Imcivree (setmelanotide). Familiarize yourself with the non-brand name versions of the medications so that you can ask your healthcare provider the necessary questions.

How Do They Work?

Injectable drugs behave similarly. “Dulaglutide, liraglutide, semaglutide were designed to act the same way as GLP-1,” according to Reviews in Endocrine & Metabolic Disorders. Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists are a class of medications utilized to treat type 2 diabetes and obesity.

What this means: When we use these drugs, they slow down food digestion and make us feel fuller longer. we eat less, and our appetites are reduced, and we lose weight as a result.

What are The Common Side Effects?

There are a variety of common side effects associated with these medications. “A lot of people will experience upset stomach, nausea, indigestion, sometimes, constipation, heartburn,” according to Dr. Danielle Timmons, a family medicine doctor in Decatur, GA. Injection site reactions and hyperpigmentation are common as well. However, these side effects are not universal.

“Everybody reacts differently,” said Dr. Timmons. “Some people will have more profound side effects than others.”

“Some people can have more severe reactions,” she explained. These include “persistent vomiting and severe nausea.” Side effects are not necessarily permanent, either. A study found that when it came to liraglutide, for example, “The most common adverse effects were gastrointestinal and primarily occurred early in the treatment course.”

Dr. Timmons noted that there can be an “uptick in those symptoms” associated with “going up to the next higher dose.” “Your body’s just trying to get used to that new dose,” she said. Some patients, however, have more serious gastrointestinal issues, including pancreatitis, gastroparesis (stomach paralysis), and bowel obstruction.

While GLP-1 drugs result in rapid weight loss, there is no such thing as a quick fix. Understand that these injectables are designed to be used long-term, with you eventually moving into a maintenance phase to maintain their effect. If you stop taking these drugs, you could regain some of the weight you’ve lost.

Pills

If you aren’t interested in injectable medications, you can explore the weight loss prescriptions available in pill form. Some of the names of these options include Metformin, Bupropion-naltrexone (Contrave), Orlistat (Xenical, Alli) – sometimes available over the counter, Phentermine-topiramate (Qsymia), and phentermine (Adipex, Lomaira) are pill options.

How Do They Work?

“Metformin works by helping to restore the body’s response to insulin. It decreases the amount of blood sugar the liver produces, and the intestines or stomach absorb,” according to the Journal of Research in Medical Sciences. Depending on the dosage given by your doctor, you can take it once or more daily with food. While phentermine decreases appetite, topiramate also does so and makes you feel fuller longer after eating.

What Are The Risks?

Beware of starting an over-the-counter option without consulting your physician. A study published in 2021 noted, “Phentermine-topiramate is not recommended for patients with significant cardiac history such as coronary disease and uncontrolled hypertension.” Patients in clinical trials also experienced insomnia, irritability, anxiety, headache, attention disturbances, depression, dry mouth, and kidney stones.

Certain patients can also have adverse reactions to metformin. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warned that lactic acidosis was a possible side effect.

“Lactic acidosis is a rare but serious metabolic complication that can occur because of metformin accumulation during treatment with metformin,” wrote the organization. Metformin has come under scrutiny for other reasons as well.

When Do The Side Effects Require Intervention?

If you’re taking these medications and the side effects are impacting your day-to-day life, medical intervention may be needed. “Are you getting up from your cubicle multiple times daily because you must run to the toilet? Are you unable to hang out with your friends?” According to Dr. Timmons, that’s an issue you must address immediately. “It’s important to discuss the issues with your PCP (primary care physician) so that the symptoms can be monitored,” Dr. Timmons added.

Diet and Exercise Still Matter

If you decide to explore prescription weight loss medicine, don’t be under the mistaken impression that you can eat anything you want. These medications work best with lifestyle changes like staying hydrated, eating a healthy diet, and exercising.

Exercise is particularly essential when taking GLP-1 medications because of the possibility you will lose muscle mass and bone density.

You must consider adding strength training and cardio to your lifestyle. Because injectables, in particular, lead to rapid weight loss, you can get a condition that usually impacts older people called sarcopenia ( the gradual loss of muscle mass, strength, and function). But there are also Ozempic butt and Ozempic face, which we are not immune to because “Black don’t crack.”

Now that you have some background, you can discuss your options with your physician to see what weight loss treatment might work best for you. Take note of the questions below to prepare for a discussion with your HCP. Then, make the decision that you believe will work best for you.

What To Ask Your Doctor Before Committing To Prescription Weight Loss Meds

• Am I a candidate for prescription-aided weight loss?
• How does this medication work?
• How many studies have included patients with [insert your specific medical condition here]?
• What are the most common side effects of this medication?
• What are the rarest side effects of this medication?
• How will this medication affect my nutrient intake?
• How would you suggest I alter my lifestyle to fit this medication?
• How will this medication interact with my current medication(s)?
• What is the lowest maintenance dose for this medication?

Supported by an educational grant from Novo Nordisk Inc. 

The post The BHM Guide to Rx Weight Loss Medicines appeared first on Black Health Matters.

Many Black men don’t think being obese is a big deal. For them, it is not a fatal health condition like cancer or heart disease. But that is not true. Dr. Chika Anekwe, an obesity medicine physician at Massachusetts General Hospital, says research has found 195 diseases influenced by excess weight. While Black women have a higher obesity rate at nearly 55%, more than one-third of Black men, 36.9%, are also challenged by obesity.

 Browner’s experience was a wake-up call. His condition was so severe the hospital would not release him for another three months.

During that time, he was forced to change his diet. “It was hospital food, so no salt, protein and vegetables, sugar-free applesauce. When I was first admitted to the hospital, I couldn’t wait to get out and eat some real food. But after spending so much time in that hospital bed, I’ll do whatever I can to never go back.”

Browner admits he doesn’t always adhere to his diet but has made profound lifestyle changes that have stuck.” I eat a lot more fruit and vegetables, go to the gym three times a week, and drink a lot more water. I never want to go through that again.”

Taking a Proactive Approach

While Browner’s health scare forced some changes, other Black men have seen the warning signs and decided to be proactive. Robert Thompson, 47, was motivated to make a change when, during his annual checkup, he noticed the scale was getting too close to 300 pounds. “While I cut off soda and sweets, the main factor was exercise. I started by going on long walks, which turned into working out with weights and runs. Just moving around more helped out a lot with my weight. I ended up going down to 220 pounds,” Thompson said.

“It’s the little changes that can help and you will see that they start to add up. What you eat matters too. You don’t have to cut out anything but you do have to consume less of it and add more beneficial calories,” Thompson explained.

The Impact of Pandemic Pounds

COVID-19 caused an uptick in obesity, especially in the black community. Rafael Mendez, 52, saw a rapid weight gain in just a few short months in 2020. “I work in an office, so  I wasn’t physically active every day before the shut-down,” he said. “But being in the house and having 24-hour access to my kitchen did a number on me. It started with just light snacking during the day, and before I knew it, I ate a bowl of cereal every hour during the workday.” In three months, he gained 15 pounds.

Since Mendez couldn’t get to a gym, he needed to get innovative about exercise. “I started out taking walks on my lunch break, and eventually, I was able to turn walking into jogging. Then, I researched exercises I could do in my home or backyard. I also had to break the habit of eating all day. I found healthier snacks like rice cakes and pita chips. It took me a little while, but I was able to lose the weight I gained.”

Beware of Belly Fat

Brothers must also be aware of the dangers of excess fat around the abdominal area. We often consider it excess padding, limited to subcutaneous fat just below the skin. However, the fat that lies deeper in the abdomen can be more problematic. Visceral fat can surround their internal organs. The Mayo Clinic says it can contribute to the following conditions:

• High blood pressure.
• An unhealthy amount of fat in the blood.
• Sleep apnea.
• Heart disease.
• High blood sugar and diabetes.
• Certain cancers.
• Stroke.
• Fatty liver.

Making a Mindset Shift

So, how can we get our men to take obesity seriously? Florida A&M Nutrition professor Dr. Jenelle Robinson believes we must first change our thinking about eating healthier foods. “You need to get away from the word, ‘I’m on a diet’ and say, ‘this is my dietary lifestyle,'” said Robinson.  “My dietary lifestyle is x, y, or z, and I live that way.”

Six Steps That Help Lead to a Healthier Lifestyle

Consult with your HCP About the Risks.

Not only should you consult with your physician, but you should consult with them about an action plan that is tailored to you specifically. A Journal of General Internal Medicine study found that some African Americans reported that it was only after they developed a condition such as diabetes or heart disease and their physician discussed the connection to their weight that they finally understood what their health risks were.

Talk With Your Village or Circle

Like many issues with black men, our obesity/ health is often an issue that we keep to ourselves. But people in our communities often deal with the same things as us. Having an open forum with each other can be mutually beneficial. What questions are you asking your doctor? What are some methods people around you are using to manage their weight?

Hire a Dietician or Nutritionist

Being healthy is not a one-size-fits-all type of deal. Everything needs to be personalized to your needs. One person may need to eat more fruits and vegetables, while another may need to incorporate more protein into their diet. Having a nutritionist tailor a diet that is right for you can help you reach your goals more quickly.

Work With a Personal Trainer

When it comes to weight loss, a healthy diet and exercise regimen go hand in hand. And just like dieting, exercise is not one size fits all. For example, if you have problems with your feet, running on the treadmill might not be ideal. Or if you have issues with your back, you may want to ease off doing heavy weightlifting. That’s why hiring a personal trainer is a great idea. Not only can they give you a personalized exercise regimen to help you reach your goals, but they can also give you tips on what foods you should be consuming for your body type and your nutritionist.

Team Up With An Accountability Partner

Goals are always more challenging to reach alone. So consider linking up with an accountability partner or perhaps a group of accountability partners. The journey to a healthier lifestyle had as much to do with your mental and physical health. Having an accountability partner gives you an outlet to express yourself. Share the challenges you are going through that have worked well and not so well. Sharing these things can help everyone reach their goals faster.

Set Realistic Goals

You didn’t gain the weight overnight, so you should not expect to lose the weight overnight. There is no microwave solution for weight loss, and if there is one out there, chances are it will not be sustainable over a long period. By setting unrealistic goals, you risk getting discouraged when you don’t reach them. Set attainable goals and crush them. Rome was not built in a day. Slow and steady wins the race. So pace yourself. You’ve got this!

Supported by an educational grant from Novo Nordisk Inc. 

The post Black Men & Obesity: It’s Time Our Brothers Take Their Weight Seriously appeared first on Black Health Matters.

Unfortunately, when we are stressed, our cortisol levels are higher, and we can pack on pounds much easier,” said Jeanine Downie, M.D., director of Image Dermatology. She labeled risks associated with obesity particularly harmful to Black people. “African-Americans, both males and females, are consistently more overweight than their white counterparts,” continued Dr. Downie. “Obesity has a huge role in the destabilization of our health as a people. It can lead to diabetes, high blood pressure, cancer, stroke, heart attack and more.”

A Korean Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology study identified cortisol as “a biochemical marker of chronic stress.” The same study stated that “Stress is now recognized as a universal premorbid factor associated with many risk factors of various chronic diseases,” and “chronic, excessive stress causes cumulative negative impacts on health outcomes.”

The Journal of Molecular Biochemistry suggested that “stress management could be adopted as an adjunct to traditional methods of treating obesity, namely lifestyle interventions, drugs, and bariatric surgery.”

The Journal of Obesity found that “the more stress one has, the greater amount of cortisol is produced in the body leading to accumulation of fat in the abdominal area, namely abdominal or visceral obesity.”

“Cortisol can then impact the regulation of other hormones,” explained Pernell. She cited ghrelin, leptin, and adrenaline as examples of hormones impacted by stress. Visceral fat, often in the mid-section, is often associated with high cortisol levels. “If we think about stress through acute versus chronic stressors, we can see different impacts on the body,” said Dr. Pernell.

Stress Can Impact Your Diet

Dr. Downie mentioned the importance of finding healthy ways to manage chronic stress. Stress “primarily interferes with cognitive processes such as self-regulation,” according to Dr. Taylor C. Wallace, PhD, CFS, FACN CEO, Think Healthy Group. “It can affect behavior by inducing overeating and consuming foods high in calories, saturated fat, and added sugars,” he told Black Health Matters in a statement.

A study published in the Health Psychology Review found that “stress was associated with increased consumption of unhealthy foods.” Still, it indicated that further research was required to examine the “stress-eating relationship.”

Stress Can Impact Sleep Patterns

Stress levels also impact the ability to rest and recover, a vital part of improving one’s fitness level. “Shortened sleep time and decreased physical activity are common behaviors in individuals experiencing significant stress,” added Dr. Wallace.

Action Steps For Managing The Stress and Weight Connection

Exposure to stress can be involuntary. “There are certain triggers that are outside of a person’s control, especially triggers that are in their environment,” said Dr. Pernell. There are methods to combat the effects of chronic stress and pursue the healthiest lifestyle you’re capable of. “How you will respond to the stress or the triggers in your environment is important,” Dr. Pernell added.

Take Advantage Of Any Quiet Moments

Meditation does not have to sit crisscross with a completely clear mind for forty-five minutes in a dimly lit studio full of Lululemon-wearing baddies. You can take a few seconds to reset anytime at any place with quick breathing exercises. “Mindful breathing exercises can help with your cortisol level,” said Dr. Downie.

Rest Up

Time spent doom scrolling at night might make it harder to get your desired results from that gym session. Both doctors advise taking adequate time for quality rest. “Sleep deprivation can reduce leptins,” warned Dr. Pernell. “Sleeping decreases your stress level,” explained Dr. Downie.

Prioritize Exercise

The post Stress & Your Weight: Here’s What You Need to Know appeared first on Black Health Matters.

Do Your Research

Do your research on any concerns you have. Consult authenticated sources and write down connections to what you are experiencing. Anytime you have your doctor’s undivided attention, it is a chance to ask questions. Please write down your questions and go through them one by one. Make it clear where your questions are coming from so your provider does not dismiss them as hypochondria or “WebMD-itis.”

Sample Language:

• I have a list of questions I’d like to ask based on what I am experiencing.
• We have limited time, but I’d like to focus on these concerns.
• Can you explain how my BMI interacts with this issue directly?

Present Your Receipts

Have your receipts ready at all times! Weight concerns ultimately lead to conversations about lifestyle. Prepare your answers for your doctor so you are not caught off guard. They might have several questions about how often you exercise and what type of exercises you do. Wearable technology is a great way to track this information. Your smartphone might also have access to a step counter that can shed light on your movement habits. If you do not have access to technology for this task, try journaling your habits before your appointment. Write down your stress levels, how long you sleep each night, and other relevant information that impacts weight. Knowing your full insurance benefits, including nutrition and alternative health methods, is also helpful.

Sample Language:

• Thank you for bringing up your concerns about my weight. I want to share some information about my habits and resources with you.
•  I’d like to know how best to proceed, considering my lifestyle.
• That won’t work for me, considering my day-to-day schedule and obligations. Can we discuss other options?

Enlist A Friend or Family Member

Everyone deserves competent care, and “standardized communication and educational strategies to achieve patient empowerment are challenging because patients’ support needs are complex” and “influenced by health literacy level and social and cultural differences.” If these factors erect barriers in your case, bring a friend or family member to advocate for you effectively.

Sample Language:

• This is my [Insert relationship here]. I’d like them to stay and help me navigate this conversation.
• It would be helpful if [Insert relationship here] could help me express my thoughts and concerns.

Master Redirection

If your healthcare provider is harping on weight and ignoring your other concerns, use redirection to ensure you can express what you want to focus on.

Sample Language:

• I have heard your concerns about my weight. Can we spend some time reviewing the symptoms that I have concerns about?
•  I want to focus on these specific things.
• Would you make this same recommendation if I were a patient with a lower BMI? Why or why not?

Record Your Interactions

Always ask for documentation! If you suspect your doctor is more focused on the number on the scale than the connective tissue fusing your health, ensure you record everything.

Sample Language:

• Thank you for sharing your recommendation. Can we move on?
• Please document that information in my chart so that I can ensure my records are accurate.
• How can I get a copy of your recommendations for my records?

Supported by an educational grant from Novo Nordisk Inc. 

The post How to Talk to Your Doctor About Weight (5 Tips & Sample Scripts) appeared first on Black Health Matters.

Board-certified dermatologist Brooke Jackson, MD, of Skin Wellness Dermatology Associates in Durham, North Carolina, adds that when you want to start using them it depends on your particular skin concerns, which may change as you age. “Skin brighteners such as vitamin C can be started in the 20s.  Serums that target dry skin aging and discoloration may be started in the late 30s/40s,” she says. “Not all serums are created the same. Prices vary widely, as does efficacy, which is related to the formulation and the concentration of active ingredients.”

What is a serum, and when should it be applied?

Ginger King, a cosmetic chemist and founder of Grace Kingdom Beauty, explains that we should consider serums as treatments. “A serum usually means it is a treatment loaded with active ingredients. It can come as a liquid, gel, or milk lotion,” she says.  It is richer than an essence or toner in viscosity, but because it is thinner than a lotion, it penetrates better and can use more active ingredients.” The lightweight formula makes them easily absorbed into the skin.

For those women who use a toner after cleansing their faces to remove residues, the next step should be to apply the serum. But when toner is not part of the regimen, serum should be applied after cleansing and before moisturizer or sunscreen. Dr. Jackson points out that serums are designed to spread easily on the face. Using one or two drops of the concentrated treatment is enough. Whether the serum is applied in the morning, at night, or both depends upon the formula’s active ingredients.

What are some of the key ingredients that are effective for specific conditions?

Many skincare companies utilize many of these ingredients to address specific conditions, but others will also develop proprietary solutions to address specific concerns.

Oiliness: Bell likes products containing hyaluronic acid, alpha hydroxy acids, niacinamide, papaya, witch hazel, and retinol.

Dullness/Dryness: Dr. Jackson suggests looking for serums with Vitamin C, vitamin E, and hyaluronic acid. In addition, King likes alpha hydroxy and beta hydroxy acids. And Bell adds CoQ10, ceramides, retinol, green tea, and ferulic acid.

Fine Lines/Wrinkles: King suggests products with peptides. Dr. Jackson also likes products with retinol and its derivatives. Bell favors hyaluronic acid, alpha-hydroxy acid, retinol, vitamin C, vitamin E, peptides, growth factors, green tea, ceramides, and ferulic acid.

Hyperpigmentation: Dr. Jackson suggests serums that contain niacinamide, vitamin C, and kojic acid. An additional ingredient that King prefers is licorice. While Bell also adds azelaic acid, arbutin, and green tea.

Mature Skin. Bell suggests hyaluronic acid, alpha-hydroxy acid, vitamin C, retinol, niacinamide, peptides, ceramides, ferulic acid, green tea, alpha lipoic acid, and CoQ10. King says peptides and ceramides also work well. Dr. Jackson points out that bakuchiol, retinol, antioxidants, polyphenols, and reservatrol are also effective.

Sensitive Skin. Dr. Jackson says to look for serums with hyaluronic acid and niacinamide.

A Few Things to Keep in Mind

Dr. Jackson says that it is important to note that some serums may irritate underlying conditions. “Layering or mixing serums can also cause irritation,” she explains. “Concentrated ingredients in serums can irritate skin. Be cautious when combining with other ingredients in your skincare regime, whether they are over-the-counter or prescription products.” Always consult your board-certified dermatologist for guidance.

12 Serums We Love

*Pholk Featherlight Cucumber SkinNectar, $30

Tula Sensitive Skin Calming Vitamin B Serum, $48

*BeautyStat Universal C Brightening Vitamin C Serum, $85

*Kadalys Pink Banana Glow Booster Serum, $90

*Eadem Milk Marvel Dark Spot Serum, $68

*4.5.6 Skin Sevenly Delight Brightening Serum, $85

Korres Black Pine Scupt & Lift Serum, $65

Caudalie Reservatrol Lift Instant Firming Retinol Alternative Serum, $84 

Decorté Liposome Advanced Repair Serum, $75

*Caire Theorem ‘Serum Boost, $56, and Serum with Body Roller, $80

*Buttah Skin Retinol Sterling Silver Everlasting Oil, $49

*Absolute Joi Retinol Plus Vitamin C Skin Refining Night Oil, $64

(*Black-owned brands)

The post The BHM Guide to Facial Serums (Plus 12 We Love) appeared first on Black Health Matters.

Oprah isn’t alone. Last year, doctors wrote 9 million prescriptions for the medication. A one-month supply could cost up to $1,000 if it isn’t covered by insurance. Your physician sets the dosage amount, which may increase over time. When you are on these medications, you are responsible for the injections. And that is where some people have been reporting issues. Poison Centers nationwide are reporting a large uptick in calls by 1500%. Patients have called because of errors with dosing, taking the wrong amount, or accidentally double dosing.

Increased calls may be happening because people have turned to alternatives like Medispas and online sellers to get weight loss solutions at more affordable prices. However, the medications received may not be semiglutides, but a version containing semiglutide sodium, which the FDA hasn’t tested or approved as safe, or a compounded version with a dosage that hasn’t been approved.

Ozempic and Wegovy, prescribed by a medical professional, come in injectable pens with a dial to manage the dosage. With compounded versions, you may be given a glass vial and syringes. Patients have called the poison center when using the latter version when they have accidentally taken 10x of the recommended dosage.

Novo Nordisk, who manufacturers Ozempic, has taken legal action against illegal sellers, and the FDA has said, “Patients should only obtain drugs containing semaglutide with a prescription from a licensed health care provider, and only obtain medicines from state-licensed pharmacies or outsourcing facilities registered with FDA.” And has written letters to the National Association of Board of Pharmacies and Federation of State Medical Boards warning them about the compounded medicines.

And if you are already on the weight loss drug, know the signs of an overdose.

According to the Missouri Poison Center, signs of a semaglutide overdose include:

If you think you have overdosed on a weight loss drug,  call your local poison control center or the national hotline at 800-222-1222.

And, if you are considering one of these weight loss solutions, do your research, get your prescription from a doctor, and do not look for a hookup to save money.

The post Why Are People Taking Weight Loss Medicines Calling Poison Centers? appeared first on Black Health Matters.

Maya’s Cookies, San Diego

Maya Masden has been baking delicious gourmet, soft-vegan cookies for eight years. Her popularity among vegans and nonvegans has won her the distinction of being America’s #1 Black-owned Vegan Cookie Company. While many of her offerings contain soy and wheat, this Wheat-Free Candy Cane Chocolate Chip Cookie is among her comprehensive collection of cookies. The Holiday Tin, $39, includes six 3-ounce cookies. Maya’s Cookies ships Monday – Thursday, but orders must be received by Wednesday noon PST to go out that week.

Southern Roots Bakery, San Antonio

Marcus and Cara Pitts’s vegan journey was inspired by wanting to create healthier options for a family member. A business was born when Marcus developed a Vegan donut recipe that became a hit with family and friends. Many of the desserts are available. The couple has adapted their offerings to include the Gluten Free Cake Donut ($48.99 for a half dozen). It is nut-free, made with rice flour, and available in  Original Vanilla, Lemon Drop, and Red Velvet, or you can order a mix. This item ships free nationwide.

Plant Based Sweets by Lotus, Baton Rouge

If you are planning a gathering for New Year’s Eve or Day. Now is the time to check out the offerings at Plant Based Sweets by Lotus. The baking business, started by Marla and Allen Howard, was inspired after the couple transitioned to a vegan lifestyle in March 2019. The goal was to put a vegan spin on some of their favorite recipes. Through their business, they hope to contribute to building a healthier community. Some recipes, like this Vegan Chocolate Cake, $74.99, are offered in Vegan or Vegan Gluten-Free. This double-layer 8″ cake is also nut-free upon request.

Mo’Pweeze, Denville, NJ

Christine Miller, founder and head baker at Mo’Pweeze, began her baking business in 2013 which is a plant-based, small-batch destination where all of its products are free of the top 10 allergens (dairy, eggs, tree-nut, peanut, gluten, soy, fish, shellfish, sesame, and mustard), and both vegan and kosher. She is doing something right because USA Today recognized her spot in their Readers’ Choice Awards as one of the 10 Best Gluten-Free Bakeries. The bakery sells breads, cookies, donuts, cakes, and muffins. But the Brookies, $30 for 6, a hybrid between a brownie and cookie, are unique. Mo’Pweeze orders are shipped within 24 hours but order ahead to ensure you receive your treats in time.

Cutie As a Cupcakes, Schererville, IN

Owner Michelle A. Wainwright started Cute as a Cupcake as a cupcakery destination in 2015. Her food trucks sell over 30 sweet treat flavors, including Salted Carmel, Coconut, and Turtle. Plus, she sells gluten-free and vegan options of some of her most popular flavors. But because they are challenging to travel with, let alone ship, Wainwright has developed a perfect portable option with her Cutie Cupcakes in a Jar. The individual flavors come in two sizes, four oz.($5.00) and eight oz. ($8.50) each, or you can order a gift pack of six for $57. This is ideal for accommodating one or many individuals with gluten-free options.

The post 5 Black-Owned Bakeries With Gluten-Free Goodies appeared first on Black Health Matters.

The hustle and bustle of the holidays can bring unexpected medical concerns, including a syndrome known as holiday heart. The National Institute of Health says, “Holiday heart syndrome typically refers to atrial fibrillation induced by binge alcohol consumption, frequently observed during long weekends, vacations, and holidays. The most common symptom that patients present with is palpitations. Symptoms of palpitations can be transient or persistent.”

But beyond this particular syndrome, several studies have shown that the incidence of heart attack and stroke increases in December and January. The top three days for heart attacks are Christmas Day, December 26th, and New Year’s Day. In addition, it is also stroke season. Most occur between November and February, which also includes the holidays.

It’s the time of year when we often find ourselves at holiday parties where plenty of alcohol and high-fat foods are offered. Overindulging in spiked eggnog and rich buttery cookies can lead to more than indigestion; it can lead to holiday heart syndrome when overeating and overindulging in alcohol leads to an irregular heartbeat. And it’s not just one meal or one party but a round of eating, drinking, and being merry that sets this time of year apart from the rest of the year.

To minimize the risk of an unexpected visit to the emergency room, Kevin Barrett, M.D., vascular neurologist at Mayo Clinic in Florida and co-director of the Mayo Clinic Primary Stroke Center, offers these tips:

•     Reduce stress.
•     Eat and drink in moderation. Have a small snack or meal before a gathering to help avoid overindulgence.
•     Be vigilant with medication.
•     Exercise—and get rest.
•     Know the symptoms of heart attack (which may include the common chest pain but also more subtle signs, such as unusual fatigue, shortness of breath, and neck, back, or shoulder pain, especially in women) and stroke, and don’t delay in seeking medical attention.

Taking time to be mindful of stress, heart attack, and stroke triggers can hopefully help safeguard an enjoyable and pleasant holiday season.

The post Beware of Holiday Heart appeared first on Black Health Matters.

1. Jenné Claiborne — @sweetopotatosoul

Inspired by her nana, Jenné combined her love for experimenting with food and her conscious decision to go vegan to whip up delicious recipes that don’t skimp on flavor.  To make this holiday season as seamless as possible, read through the curated collection of classic recipes like mac and cheese and a smokey collard greens recipe on Instagram here.

And if you’re looking for more cozy and comforting recipes, grab a copy of her book,  Sweet Potato Soul:100 Vegan Recipes For The Southern Flavors of Smoke, Sugar, Spice, and Soul.

2. Bryant Terry — @bryantterry

Although he currently resides in Oakland, CA, Bryant Terry was raised in Memphis, TN, in a family that owns farms across several states. Today, Terry is a multidisciplinary artist and chef who has authored several cookbooks that carefully marry food and activism to offer a range of dishes perfect for the holidays. For example, try this Warm Butter Bean side dish, which can be found in his cookbook entitled ‘Vegetable Kingdom: The Abundant World of Vegan Recipes.

Check out ‘Vegetable Kingdom: The Abundant World of Vegan Recipes’ and more on Terry’s website.

3. Kim — @sodeliciouslyvegan

Atlanta-based YouTube creator turned vegan chef Kim of ‘The Chic Natural’ has a collection of 90 simple, easy-to-replicate recipes for various occasions. Her beginner-friendly recipes are perfect for reducing stress during the holidays.  Kim’s cookbook includes recipes for our favorite soul food dishes, like cornbread mac and cheese. You can look at her Instagram here or pick up Kim’s cookbook, Deliciously Vegan.

Kim, The Chic Natural’s Vegan Soul Food

4. Charity Morgan — @charitymorgan

As a chef to some of your favorite celebrities and athletes, Charity Morgan is passionate about showing others how they can easily transition to a plant-based diet. Formally trained at Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts and with over 15 years of culinary experience, Morgan strives to create recipes that are easy to follow, filled with ingredients your body will thank you for, and, above all, delicious.

If you’re looking for a vegan rendition of a few crowd-pleasers this holiday season, you can find inspiration on her Instagram and in her cookbook, Unbelievably Vegan: 100+ Life-Changing Plant-Based Recipes.

5. Todd Anderson — @TurnipVegan

Todd Anderson is a San Diego-based vegan cook, co-owner of Spoiled Vegans Cafe, and author of the It’s All About Plantz and Mushrooms cookbook. Todd believes that the key to vegan cooking is following your heart.  If you’re looking for a perfect vegan dessert to satiate your sweet tooth, Todd offers a recipe for the classic, nutty pie—a combination of sweet, salty, crunchy, and creamy. Todd’s Salted Chocolate Walnut Pie delivers a whole-mouth feel that perfectly matches a vegan ice cream.

Follow Todd for inspiration on Instagram @TurnipVegan, or pick up his cookbook here.

These choices offer something for everyone. We hope you enjoy them during this holiday season. Cheers to hearts and bellies filled with love and goodness.

The post Do You Want to Go Vegan For the Holidays? These Chefs Will Inspire You appeared first on Black Health Matters.

Change products.

Switch from the lightweight cleansers and moisturizers that got you through the spring and summer to bath and body items that are more substantial. Go for creamy, moisturizing bar or liquid soaps. Look to lotions and creams containing humectants like hyaluronic acid, glycerin and urea that draw in moisture, and emollients like lactic acid, lanolin, shea butter, silicone and mineral and plant oils to protect and lubricate skin.=

Make it quick.

Take short baths and showers and keep the water temperature comfortably warm rather than steaming hot. Apply lotions and creams to your skin while it’s damp to lock in moisture.

Exfoliate.

Sloughing off dry skin once or twice a week actually helps moisturizers to better penetrate your skin.

Hydrate Often.

Moisturize skin throughout the day, particularly hands and lips, which are the most susceptible to dryness and chapping from being exposed to the elements.

Zap dry indoor air.

Invest in a humidifier. Or if you have radiators, try placing containers of water on them for the same hydrating effect.

Layer comfortably.

Wool sweaters, socks and gloves absorb moisture and can aggravate sensitive skin. To avoid it, layer silk or soft cotton fabrics under you woolens to help skin breathe and wick away perspiration while adding a lightweight layer of warmth.

Drink up.

Getting plenty of H2O is just as important during the colder months as it is when it’s warm. Staying properly hydrated diminishes the appearance of dry, dull-looking skin.

Our Product Picks:

The post 7 Winter Skin Moisturizing Tips (Plus Products That Keep You Hydrated) appeared first on Black Health Matters.

The study looked at routines including straightening, curling, waving, and oiling our hair and the products and appliances used. It examined their potential impact on our health as well as the environment. When we use hair products like shampoo or conditioner, the exposure to the compounds is small.

But the risk increases when we use protectant or smoothing sprays and follow that with heat from a curling iron or flat iron. And the higher the temperature of our tools, the higher the emissions we are inhaling. 

If you have been following the news, you know about the potential ban on keratin treatments designed to straighten hair and the controversy surrounding relaxers. This study also impacts those of us wearing wigs. We use flat irons and curling irons when we style them, too.

The news is not all bad. However, there are habits we can adopt to minimize exposure to the emissions:

• Cut back on the use of heated tools. Get out of the habit of relying on them daily.
• When you use a flat or curling iron, work with the lowest temperature possible.
• If the bathroom has an extractor fan, turn it on. (According to the study, the emissions will clear in about 20 minutes.)
• Switch to hairstyles that don’t require heat (even if it is occasionally).

The post Is Your Hair Routine Causing You Harm? appeared first on Black Health Matters.

Karen Good Marable and Nailah Elridge were brought together through the shared caregiving experience. Both Karen and Nailah were caregivers for their parents with dementia—an illness that causes a decline in mental ability and is not a normal part of aging. Through sharing their stories, the new friends recognized the relief of having someone to talk to and the role of this support in healing. This is what sparked the creation of the Refresh My Memory podcast.

‘Refresh My Memory’ is an ongoing conversation that digs deep into what life looks like from the lens of a caregiver.

Multi-hyphenate hosts Karen and Nailah take you through their journeys, from noticing the small changes in their parents to getting and living with official diagnoses.

Within our community, it isn’t uncommon that we often put off, ignore, or deny concerns about our health due to historical marginalization and disparities in healthcare spaces. By opening the door to conversations around health, caregiving, and dementia, Karen and Nailah are raising awareness while building a community we can rely on for support, advice, and healing.

With the holidays at our front door, managing all our roles while caregiving for our loved ones can be challenging. When asked for tips and advice for managing the holidays as a caregiver, Karen and Nailah had this to offer:

Keep gatherings early in the day.

Sundowning is a set of dementia symptoms that include anxiety, disorientation, and agitation. Making the most of the daytime hours can mean getting the best from your loved one without interrupting their evening routine.

Enroll everyone in helping.

Caring for a loved one is a shared responsibility. Ask friends and family to step in when and where necessary to help spread the love. This can ensure no one person is overwhelmed or left out. And if possible, Karen says including your loved one in activities can also help them feel included.

Keep it small and make everyone aware of the diagnosis.

An inner-circle-only gathering reduces sensory overload. You want your loved one to feel supported and comfortable. Karen suggests ensuring guests are aware of any diagnosis to communicate respectfully and avoid trigger phrases such as, “Remember when…”

Make time for yourself.

Take some moments for yourself, “even if it’s an hour alone to sit in the bathtub and read or have a glass of wine,” Nailah says. You can’t pour from an empty cup, so be sure to replenish yourself.

Take pictures and enjoy the moment.

Holidays are synonymous with family time. Appreciate every moment at hand. Taking it up a notch with pictures is a tip Nailah says helped their family during their first post-diagnosis holiday season. Putting pictures of their family at her dad’s bedside was a way to include him in the festivities and bring him comfort.

Keep traditions alive.

Karen emphasizes keeping traditions as close to “normal” as possible. From gift exchanges to favorite foods, keeping the environment familiar to your loved one may help ease them from any anxiety, confusion, or irritation they may experience. And while you’re gifting, keep those as practical as possible.

Caregiving is an experience that can be swept under the rug or buried under the many hats that we all wear. Too often, even the position of caregiver is assumed based on birth order, geographical proximity, financial status, and more. Though we may not talk about it, many of us can relate. For a parent, child, and everyone in between, caregiving is an ever-changing responsibility that affects many. It’s not an easy job, and it deserves to be recognized this month and every month. Happy National Family Caregivers Month.

Join Karen, Nailah, and their community in spreading awareness about life as a caregiver. Season one of ‘Refresh My Memory’ is available for streaming now. Stay tuned for more in the new year as Karen and Nailah gear up for Season 2, where they hope to expand to include voices from all experience backgrounds.

“When you’re in the thick of it, you think you’re alone. But you’re not alone.”

You can also find Refresh My Memory on Instagram or visit their website.

The post 6 Tips For Navigating Caregiving During the Holidays appeared first on Black Health Matters.

Consider Budget

“Whenever you’re doing an event, you have got to start with the numbers first, whether that’s a large-scale event or an intimate event in your own home,” said Johnson.

Make a Realistic Guest List

It’s tempting to throw a grand shindig where everyone you’ve ever double-tapped on Instagram is welcome, but that is only feasible for some people. “If you have a smaller number, you can create a more elevated experience for those in that room of a few,” Johnson pointed out.

The ideal number of guests is determined by your setup.

“For a sit-down, you do a hundred percent seating, meaning that if you have ten seats, then you invite ten people,” she continued. The seating requirements for gatherings that do not require place settings are a bit more lax. “If it’s a cocktail or more of a house party style, you can do as low as 50 percent [seating]. That’s the minimum that will typically do,” Johnson explained. The seating sweet spot for most affairs is between “50 and 75 percent.”

Divide The Labor…In Advance

“Parties are great, but clean up can be a heavy lift,” said Johnson. “If you already have a housekeeper, just notify them you’re having a party.” Keeping your housekeeper informed can help get your home back on track quicker. “They can adjust their schedule around what you’re having in your home,” she explained. If this is not a service you usually splurge on, you can still get help on the fly. “If you don’t normally have a cleaning team, you can use services like TaskRabbit,” said Johnson. If enlisting hired help is not an option, you can ask those “dearest and closest to you.” “If hiring is not an option, just get some help in advance so that you’re not overwhelmed,” said Johnson. Avoid awkward interactions by designating responsibilities ahead of time. “Usually, people don’t mind, but you don’t want to spring it on people,” Johnson advised.

Plan The Menu Thoughtfully

Inclusion is always in style. Please remember to ask your guests about any dietary restrictions before the event so that you can make sure they’re comfortable.

Do not assume that because someone was drinking alcohol and eating meat or cheese the last time you saw them, they will still be doing so on the day of your function.

Labeling items on a table or passed tray helps avoid issues as well. Everyone will be informed about their options to make the right decision.

Pick Unique Post Dinner Activities

Instead of pulling out the card games, cigars, and cognac, try something new by adding a charitable element to your party this holiday season. “Social impact is the new black,” declared Johnson. “So post dinner. I see that as a great opportunity to make baskets that can be taken down to food shelters or given to groups already collecting holiday items.” “You can wrap toys,” she added. “As we know, this economy has created a scenario where the food pantries have more demand than they can even supply, and many people are losing their jobs. So, as a part of your invitation, ask people to bring a gift or an item aside after dinner,” she continued. “What’s better than a Friendsgiving but by blessing others?”

The post 6 Steps To Planning a Memorable Friendsgiving appeared first on Black Health Matters.

What exactly is being proposed?

In an Instagram post, FDA Chief Scientist Namandjé N. Bumpus, Ph.D., explained that the agency plans to propose a rule to remove formaldehyde and formaldehyde-releasing chemicals as ingredients in hair straightening products. Dr. Aguh, who specializes in our hair and scalp conditions, says, “This ban includes keratin and keratin-like treatments. It does not include conventional hair relaxers.” She further explains that the FDA is using these terms because brands may call the treatments different names and tout them as formaldehyde-free, but they can still release the gas when combined with heat.

While some in our community have relied on relaxers, others switched to keratin treatments, sometimes referred to as Brazilian blowouts, because they believed that they were safer. But, apparently, that is not the case for us as clients or for the hairstylist performing the service, who is exposed to these ingredients.

What is the difference between a keratin treatment, a  texturizer, and a relaxer?

“Keratin treatments results are semi-permanent and last for a few weeks.” Aguh says. In addition to being a board-certified specialist, she is a member of the Skin of Color Society, which promotes the awareness of, and excellence within, skin of color dermatology.

 “Formaldehyde, when mixed with liquid keratin, can link with the keratin in our hair shaft and lock into a straight formation with it is activated with a heat source like a flat iron.”

Relaxers permanently break down the disulfide bonds of the hair whether they use sodium hydroxide (lye) or lithium, potassium, or guanidiine hydroxide (no lye), according to Erin H. Maybin, Executive Vice President of Education Development and co-founder of the Natural Hairstyle & Braid Coalition. “Texturizers are the use of a ‘mild relaxer’ applied to the hair (typically done to define curls, omit frizz, and create a curly hair look) combed through the hair for a short period of time to not break down the bonds of the hair completely like a traditional relaxer.”

But traditional relaxers have issues of their own. More than 7,000 lawsuits have been filed claiming the chemical service caused cancer, according to Reuters.

Why is formaldehyde dangerous?

According to Dr. Aguh, “The data linking formaldehyde to cancer is indisputable, and it is unfortunate that, despite this large body of evidence, it has continued to find its way into our hair and skin products.” She points out that the ban is long overdue. Can you believe The New York Times reported that the FDA acknowledged the ingredient was unsafe as early as 2016, yet the ban never happened?

What changed? 

Black women took action. According to CNN, Representatives Ayanna Pressley and Shontell Brown wrote to the FDA Commission, Dr. Robert Califf, asking for an investigation into hair straighteners’ link to cancer. And Dr. Bumpus started leading the FDA’s efforts in the cosmetics category in February. One of the things she was interested in was health disparities and using science to improve everyone’s overall health. But she also wanted to consider “the diverse cultural needs in the development and marketing of FDA-regulated products, including cosmetics.”

Bumpus points out that these formaldehyde-producing products are often marketed to us. When combined with heat, the risks of upper respiratory tract cancers and myleoid lukemia increase. She found that unacceptable.

But this proposed ban is in the early stages, and there will be hearings and hurdles to overcome before anything is final.

Is a silk press a better option if I still want to wear a straight style?

Well, it depends. Maybin points out that when done correctly, the straightening technique will have you looking fly. But the con is if you have silk presses done too often, it may cause mechanical damage that can only be remedied by cutting your hair. “Mechanical damage happens when too much heat is applied to the hair in one sitting or over time through multi-pass straightening or a setting that is too high.” She also cautions that heat level adjustment may also be needed around the hairline.

Maybin says the key to keeping your healthy is in your blowdrying technique:

• Use a concentrator to control the airflow.
• Make sure the heat runs parallel to the hair shaft.
• Start at the roots, move to the mid-shaft, and do your ends last. (Your ends are very fragile, and it is also the place where damage starts).
• When using a flatiron on your hair, divide it into 1/4″  sections and do the one-pass method.

Maybin points out that the technology of your tools is critical. Her choices are tools from Ergo and FHI. Your tools may be the difference between maintaining healthy hair and damaging it. But proper maintenance must also include regular trims.

What are my styling options if I want to grow the keratin out?

“I have a client who is currently embracing her natural hair and growing out her keratin treatment,” Maybin says. “We gently blow her hair, smooth it out with a flatiron, or sometimes curl it. The heat is few and far between because we don’t want to damage her newly embraced hair.” Other styling options include braids, twists, or faux loc extensions.

The bottom line: yes, you can still rock your straight bob but be aware of the risks with chemical straighteners, be aware of the temperature and frequency associated with your heat tools and get regular trims.

The post Do You Wear Your Hair Straight? What the Keratin Ban Might Mean For You appeared first on Black Health Matters.

The timing of the alleged abuse coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic, which intensified violence against women and girls, according to the United Nations. Other information in the filing accused Jackson of berating Palmer and destroying her personal property. The filing also confirmed that the former couple had split up. The term “Intimate Partner” refers to current and former spouses and dating partners in the Center for Disease Control’s definition. Their interpersonal issues first courted public attention when Jackson drew ire on social media for publicly criticizing Palmer’s outfit for Usher’s Las Vegas residency. Former Spice Girl Mel B told Cosmopolitan how coercive control impacted her fashion choices during her former marriage to Stephen Belafonte in 2021. “I didn’t even know what color I liked anymore because those choices were taken away from me for so long. And I just accepted it,” said Mel B.

Women facing abuse from intimate partners are often painted as penniless victims without any resources or options.

Scene after scene of them fleeing, while clutching nothing more than a diaper bag and fear, have played out in popular culture. But they’ve excluded the many powerful women, like Palmer, who have suffered as a result of intimate partner violence. This happens to women on stages, courts, and in boardrooms. Dr. Angela Mailis published Smart, Successful & Abused: The Unspoken Problem of Domestic Violence and High-Achieving Women in 2019. “Just as many ‘smart and successful’ women are victims as the stereotype of an ‘un-empowered’ female,” said former Liz Claiborne CEO Jana Kasperkevic in a 2014 piece for The Guardian. Academy award-winner Halle Berry, Grammy award-winning singer-songwriter Kelly Rowland, and former WNBA player and two-time Olympic gold medalist, “Mighty Ruthie” Bolton have each publicly addressed their experiences with intimate partner violence.

Palmer’s situation is another disturbing example of how domestic violence can penetrate even the most prosperous circles. A Journal of Population Economics study published in September found that “women who earn more than their male partners are subject to a 33% increase in partner violence and a 20% increase in emotional abuse compared to mean levels.” Psychologist and executive coach Perpetua Neo explained how powerful women can be inclined to invest time and energy into abusive relationships. “High-performance women tend to be highly conscientious too,” she said in a 2019 interview with INSIDER. “It means they work really hard for their relationship. So they’re likely just to keep giving and giving and giving.

To learn more about intimate partner violence, contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-SAFE (800-799-7233; toll-free).

The post It’s Not Just Keke Palmer: High-Achieving Women Are Not Immune To Domestic Violence appeared first on Black Health Matters.

CKD impacts over 37 million U.S. adults, but African Americans, Hispanics, American Indians, and Alaska Natives are at higher risk and more likely to develop the condition. This is likely due to higher rates of some chronic conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure that exist in these communities. Additional research is needed to better understand the exact cause of these disparities.

Your heart and kidneys may appear far apart but are intricately linked through your blood vessels. Any condition that affects one of them can affect the other too. There is a direct link between heart disease and kidney disease; having one greatly increases your risk of having the other. Understanding the relationship between these two conditions is essential to managing them.

The Link Between CKD and Heart Disease

Chronic kidney disease can cause or worsen heart disease. Both conditions share similar risk factors, including age, excess weight, diabetes, and high blood pressure.

Heart disease includes several heart conditions, with coronary artery disease being the most common. Other conditions include heart attack, arrhythmias, and heart failure.

Ways to Lower Your Risk

Your care team can help you manage kidney disease effectively to minimize complications, slow down disease progression, and reduce your risk of developing heart disease. Here are practical steps you can take to lower your risk:

• Follow up with your healthcare provider regularly. Regular medical checkups promote early detection of kidney and heart disease. Your provider may monitor your blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol.
• Maintain a healthy weight. Maintaining a healthy weight helps lower your risk of other health conditions.
• Adopt a healthy diet. A diet rich in vegetables, fruits, and fiber helps keep your protein and potassium levels stable and your kidneys working well. You should work closely with your healthcare team to assist you with planning healthy meals.
• Exercise regularly. Aim for 30 minutes of exercise per day such as going for a brisk walk around your neighborhood.

Why You Should Consider a Clinical Trial

The progression of kidney disease can lead to kidney failure. More than 30% of people with kidney failure are Black. Alarmingly, less than 10% of participants in clinical research represent the Black community. Historically, clinical trials do not appropriately represent the minority populations who are most at risk of being negatively impacted. The bottom line: clinical trials need diverse participants.

Clinical trial diversity is important to help researchers better understand how different groups may react or respond to treatment. You can make a difference. Participating in a clinical research study allows you to be actively involved in your healthcare, have access to investigational medication, and help others by progressing medical research. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are interested in clinical research to determine if it is a good option for you.

There is an ongoing study testing whether an investigational medication can reduce the risk of stroke, heart attack, and death from cardiovascular causes. Click here to learn more.

This article is sponsored by Novo Nordisk.

References

1. Cardiovascular Disease in Chronic Kidney Disease | Circulation
2. What Is Chronic Kidney Disease? – NIDDK.
3. Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD): Practice Essentials, Pathophysiology, Etiology
4. Chronic Kidney Disease and Cardiovascular Disease: Is there Any Relationship? – PMC
5. The Surprising Link Between Chronic Kidney Disease, Diabetes, and Heart Disease.
6. Coronary Artery Disease – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf
7. Heart Disease & Kidney Disease – NIDDK
8. Diversity in Clinical Trials – American Kidney Fund

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After a lifetime of facing racial and health inequities, Black seniors are confronted with the daunting prospect of spending their twilight years with declining health, limited income, and virtually no savings. The disparities in health outcomes, economic opportunities, and access to quality care have placed them at greater risk, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. This article explores the critical issues surrounding elder care in the Black community, including the alarming health disparities, cultural norms, and challenges that impact the quality of life for older Black Americans.

Health Disparities

1. Chronic Health Conditions: Numerous studies have shown that Black Americans suffer from a higher prevalence of chronic health conditions, including high blood pressure, diabetes, cancer, and Alzheimer’s disease. These conditions not only reduce their life expectancy but also lead to a diminished quality of life.
2. Healthcare Access: Generations of racial discrimination have resulted in limited access to quality healthcare for Black individuals. They often receive lower-quality care and face barriers in accessing essential medical services.
3. COVID-19 Impact: The COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionately affected older Black Americans, resulting in higher infection and mortality rates. Lack of access to healthcare, distrust of institutions, and comorbidities have compounded the crisis.

Economic Inequities:

1. Wealth Gap: Historical economic racism has left many Black seniors with low wages, low homeownership rates, and minimal savings or investments. The wealth gap between Black and white Americans is substantial and continues to grow.
2. Retirement Savings: Many older Black Americans lack retirement savings, with fewer participating in employer-sponsored retirement accounts like 401(k) plans. This leads to reduced financial security in their later years.
3. Social Security Reliance: A significant portion of Black seniors heavily relies on Social Security as their primary source of income. However, the average Social Security benefit is insufficient to cover essential expenses.

Cultural Norms and Family Dynamics:

1. Cultural Values: Providing care for elderly family members is deeply ingrained in Black culture. Many Black caregivers view it as a duty and privilege, to find meaning and purpose in caring for their aging loved ones.
2. Strong Community Networks: Historically, Black families have relied on strong community networks, including churches and extended family, to provide eldercare support. This has shaped cultural norms around caregiving.
3. Distrust of Institutions: Deep-seated mistrust of healthcare and government institutions, rooted in historical injustices such as the Tuskegee syphilis study, leads many older Black Americans to be hesitant about seeking outside help or institutional care.

Challenges and Solutions:

1. Increased Outreach: Healthcare providers and community organizations must engage in targeted outreach to build trust and provide culturally competent care to older Black individuals.
2. Economic Empowerment: Initiatives to address economic disparities, improve access to education, and promote financial literacy can help Black seniors accumulate wealth and retirement savings.
3. Caregiver Support: Acknowledging the vital role of caregivers, particularly in the Black community, and offering support services, respite care, and educational resources can ease the caregiving burden.
4. Culturally Relevant Healthcare: Healthcare professionals should receive cultural sensitivity training to better understand the unique needs and concerns of older Black patients.

Addressing these issues surrounding elder care in our community requires a comprehensive approach that prioritizes healthcare access, economic empowerment, and culturally sensitive support systems. As we strive for equity and justice, it is crucial to ensure that older Black Americans receive the care, dignity, and respect they deserve in their later years.

The post Respect For The Aged Day: Why Elder Care Is Vital To The Black Community appeared first on Black Health Matters.

A Changing Dining Landscape

The COVID-19 pandemic had a profound impact on dining habits worldwide. As people increasingly favored drive-thru, delivery, or takeout options over dining in, McDonald’s experienced a surge in business through these channels. Consequently, the need for self-serve soda machines in its dining areas dwindled. With digital sales, including orders placed via the McDonald’s app and third-party partners like Uber, now accounting for 40% of total sales, McDonald’s is adapting its restaurant designs accordingly.

In addition to phasing out self-serve soda machines, McDonald’s has introduced the “CosMc’s” concept, which emphasizes smaller dining areas and enhanced convenience. This concept mirrors a broader industry trend, where fast-food chains like Chipotle, Taco Bell, and Starbucks are reimagining their layouts to cater to shifting consumer preferences.

Prioritizing Health and Hygiene

From a health and hygiene standpoint, the removal of self-serve soda machines aligns with the broader aim of minimizing human contact in post-pandemic dining experiences. These machines posed challenges related to hygiene, as customers could inadvertently spread germs by handling the equipment and dispensing their drinks. In this context, ensuring a safer dining environment has become a paramount concern for restaurants.

While discontinuing a service that contributed to the bottom line may seem counterintuitive, the economics of self-serve soda machines are multifaceted. McDonald’s serves Coca-Cola products, and it’s widely believed that the cost of the cup often surpasses that of the beverage itself. When customers enjoy free refills via self-serve stations, profit margins can be squeezed. Moreover, customers may take multiple drinks, increasing the likelihood of spills and machine wear and tear, resulting in higher maintenance costs.

McDonald’s franchise owners have taken proactive steps to address these concerns. Some restaurants have ceased offering empty cups to customers, opting instead for crew members to fill orders and deliver meals and soft drinks directly to dining tables. While this transition requires adjustments for both customers and staff, initial feedback has generally been positive.

The Future of Beverage Service

McDonald’s franchise owners are exploring various approaches to beverage service. Some locations plan to install new, behind-the-counter soda machines, reducing customer interaction with the equipment. An “automated crew pour” system is also in development, allowing beverages to be dispensed without customers needing to touch a button. This system promises to enhance hygiene, decrease theft, and create a more seamless dining experience.

The removal of self-serve soda machines at McDonald’s is emblematic of the broader shift in the fast-food industry towards enhanced convenience, digital service, and heightened hygiene standards. While some may lament the end of an era, this transformation aligns with evolving consumer preferences and addresses concerns about cleanliness and safety.

So raise your paper cups in the air. You have until 2032 to fill ’em up.

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Dr. Opal Lee, the “Grandmother of Juneteenth,” played a pivotal role in Juneteenth’s recognition in Texas 45 years ago. In 2016, she made history again by capturing national attention. At age 89, embarked on a 1,400-mile trek from Fort Worth to Washington, D.C., petitioning for the official recognition of Juneteenth as a national holiday.

This year is just as important to her.  Dr. Lee says, “Juneteenth represents freedom for all, yet we are not truly free. Too many disparities persist, such as homelessness, unemployment, and unequal access to healthcare. You, the young people, have the power to change this—so get active and make a difference.”

Jubilee Day

While many consider Jubilee Day and Juneteenth interchangeable, it’s important to recognize that without the former, our national holiday might not have gained the widespread recognition it has today. In 1865, freedmen in Texas initiated “Jubilee Day,” celebrations held annually on June 19. These gatherings were rich with the tapestry of our heritage and featured music, barbecues, prayer services, and other joyful activities. As Black individuals migrated across the nation, Juneteenth became woven into our cultural fabric. It was a matter of tradition. Texas led the way by making it a state holiday in 1979, and in June 2021, Congress declared it a federal holiday. Now, on a national level, every June 19^th, we honor our ancestors and celebrate the profound impact of our collective journey.

2024 Celebrations Around the Country

Washington D.C.

While we all have different ways of celebrating Juneteenth, we want to highlight how various parts of the country embrace the holiday.

To start off, the South Lawn of the White House was packed with people and vibrant energy on Monday, June 10th. The 2024 White House Juneteenth Concert had an array of talent, with legends like Patti LaBelle, Gladys Knight, Charlie Wilson, and many more. The concert also coincided with Black Music Month. It was a space for honoring our culture and the art forms that helped shape America. People of all generations enjoyed the event as it bridged the past and present and symbolized our progress.

If you want to attend an upcoming event in the lovely D.C. area, consider visiting the National Museum of African American History and Culture on June 15th. From 11:00 to 4:30 p.m., the museum will host an event themed “Freedom, Movement, and Migration.” It will be the perfect time for families to engage in a meaningful celebration of our history, freedom, and cultural impact, commemorating Juneteenth’s significance in American history.

Atlanta, Georgia

It’s almost time for the Juneteenth Atlanta Parade & Music Festival, which will be held in Piedmont Park from June 21st to 23rd. Atlanta has hosted this event since 2011; it’s a celebration that fills the streets and immerses you in the beauty of our culture. Most attendees look forward to live music, various vendors, and good cuisine, but the festival is definitely a family space. On the 21st, the parade will feature captivating floats, dance troops, and marching bands.

Tulsa, Oklahoma

Tulsa Juneteenth is a community-funded festival on historic Greenwood Avenue, also known as Black Wall Street. The festival serves as a safe space for the community and a time to embody the liberation and resilience that characterizes our culture. Whether it be a 5k run, art exhibitions, wellness sessions, or live music, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Galveston, Texas

If you want to go to where it all began, the birthplace of Juneteenth, then Galveston, Texas, should be on your destination list. The city is filled with historic sites, and there is always an opportunity to partake in their tours, which immerse you in the history and celebration of such a historic moment. Their annual Juneteenth Festival is coming up soon, on the 15th; it is the perfect mix of art, music, fitness, cuisine, and, most importantly, community.

Jersey City, New Jersey

For the second annual All About Us Festival at Liberty State Park on June 19th. Festival organizers have partnered with the National Juneteenth Museum in Fort Worth, Texas. The All About Us festival celebrates Black culture by blending music, heritage, history, and education into an immersive experience for all age groups. If you’re interested in musical talent, you may look forward to seeing their impressive line-up of performers, including artists like Musiq Soulchild and Crystal Waters. The event will feature exhibits on the history of Black hair, Black cinema, vendors, tasty food, live music, and access to healthcare and wellness resources. “Juneteenth serves as a day for reflection and recommitment to the values of freedom and equity, urging us to confront contemporary challenges and work towards a society where everyone’s rights are truly respected and upheld,” said Shannon Mitchell, festival co-founder.

The National Juneteenth Museum

As we celebrate Juneteenth, we are celebrating the preservation of our past and the current global impact of our culture, yet there is still much to look forward to in our future. We can anticipate the grand opening of the National Juneteenth Museum. This institution will commemorate the formerly enslaved’s historic journey and become a captivating tourist destination and a space for collaborative education.

Dr. Opal Lee, a founding board member, is affectionately known as the “Grandmother of Juneteenth.” She played a pivotal role in Juneteenth’s recognition in Texas 45 years ago, and in 2016, she made history again by capturing national attention. At age 89, she embarked on a 1,400-mile trek from Fort Worth to Washington, D.C., petitioning for the official recognition of Juneteenth as a national holiday. Her visionary thinking is a key catalyst behind Juneteenth’s national recognition in 2021 and the establishment of the National Juneteenth Museum.

The museum will be in the Historic Southside neighborhood on the corner of Rosedale Street and Evans Avenue in Fort Worth, Texas, and is expected to open in 2026. It will be an epicenter for preserving Juneteenth’s history and a space to foster transformative conversations. If you want to incorporate some of Dr. Lee’s revolutionary spirit into your life. She will complete her annual 2.5-mile walk at the African American Museum of Dallas to recognize the time it took for the news and enforcement of freedom to reach the enslaved people in Texas.

Registration is not limited to those nearby; you can also register virtually to participate. Juneteenth is a time to come together and uplift the voices and stories within our community. Consider looking into events near you. A transformative experience may be closer than you think. As we embrace the spirit of Juneteenth, let’s continue to honor our past, celebrate our present, and hold joy in our hearts for the bright future ahead.

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However, music can do much more than sing gospel and narrow racial divides. Music can heal us physically and mentally, improving heart health and lifting our moods. Below, we look at many of the ways music can boost our health and then bring us together for Black Music Month.

Music And Your Health

Our physical, psychological, and mental health can be affected in various ways by the music we listen to. From music therapy now offered in many school districts based on sound research to music artists visiting patients in hospitals, songs can be healing and even prevent long-term illness.

Physical Health

Listening to music affects our physical health in many ways, from calming our heart rate and blood pressure to reducing pain. Even singing a song to an infant as they fall asleep can help them get through the night peacefully.

• Balance: Many older adults experience uneven gait or will fall at some point during their lifetime. Those with conditions such as Parkinson’s are at even higher risk for falls. Walking with music has been shown to improve gait when balance training during physical therapy.
• Heart Rate: A study published in 2022 by Cereus found that classical music affects the autonomic nervous system, triggering a calming reaction that can reduce the heart rate. This is especially beneficial for those with heart disease.
• Blood Pressure: The same study noted a decrease in blood pressure. Over 80% of those taking part in the study found that fast-paced dance music had a positive impact on mood, lowering their stress level and blood pressure.
• Pain: In a meta-analysis of nearly 100 studies, a researcher from Ewha Womans University in Seoul, Korea found that music had a significant impact on chronic pain relief. It seemed to help more than some opioid and non-opioid pain medications in some instances.
• Endurance: It’s believed that music may help stimulate the body during cardio and strength-building exercise to help increase endurance. This could possibly be affected by increased motivation, a psychological effect of listening to music.
• Sleep: Sleep quality is significantly improved in both children and adults when listening to calming music before bed. Relaxing music prior to sleep results in less sleep disturbance throughout the night for a more restful night.

Psychological Health

Music also affects our psychological health, helping to increase our brain’s functioning and improve performance, from learning to creativity to motivation.

• Cognitive Performance: Interestingly, not everyone performs better during mental tasks while listening to music. If you are one of the many who learns better while enjoying the amplified sounds through your headphones, it could be that music helps to improve your cognitive performance.
• Creativity: The same way music affects cognitive performance, it can enhance divergent thinking, which is a key element of creativity, especially when it comes to artistic work.
• Motivation: Music affects the entire brain, making it work more efficiently and strengthening the neural pathways that connect the various areas, such as the cerebellum and limbic system. In other words, music gives your brain a mental boost.

Mental Health

When we think about listening to music and how it affects us, most of us think about our mental health. Listening to the music a little too loud on the ride home from work can be cathartic if you’ve had a hard day. A breakup playlist might be just what you need if you’ve had your heart broken. Or perhaps you have an exciting road trip playlist ready for that long drive to visit a friend. Pressing play on the right song might be just what you need if you find yourself in need of a mental health boost.

• Mood: Music can influence your moods by either playing into the emotions you are feeling, allowing you to release them, or giving you a way to disengage from the mood of the moment, distracting you for a moment so you can process them later. This is a healthy way of coping with strong emotions so long as you come back to revisit them when you are able.
• Stress: The University of Nevada describes the scientific reasons music helps us relax from stressful situations. Certain songs may help the brain’s alpha brainwaves sync to the beat, creating a rhythmic flow that is only present when we are conscious but relaxed.
• Depression: Medical News Today reports that music therapy helps to support medication and talk therapy for those experiencing depression, making them more effective at lifting mood by increasing levels of dopamine.
• Anxiety: The same article explains that music therapy can reduce the levels of stress hormones, which can reduce symptoms of anxiety. Results can be seen immediately whereas other anxiety treatments could take weeks or months to be effective.
• Serious Mental Illness (SMI): SMI includes such diagnoses as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, PTSD, and borderline personality disorder. Nearly 350 studies reviewed by Frontiers in Psychology showed music to be beneficial in treating severe mental illness.. It has far-reaching benefits when treating them alongside medication management and talk therapy.

The History of Black Music Month

President Jimmy Carter first designated June as Black Music Month in 1979. It was later updated to African American Music Month by President Barack Obama. The month-long celebration of the sound, song, and stories of what has become the Black music industry began with a presidential proclamation but has become something much more. Today, Black music is used to address social concerns, spread cultural pride, and reach new, young audiences regardless of race.

Music Genres Created and Influenced by Black Musicians

Black music started from the beginning and grew from the sounds and turmoil facing the slaves of the South. From such strife came the songs and lyrics we still listen to today. Let’s take a closer look at the genres inspired by some of the most prominent African American musicians.

• Sacred Music: Gospel music plays during many services even today but has its roots in the musical traditions of enslaved African Americans of the South. This music often inspired other genres.
• Folk Music: These lyrics are also inspired by cultural traditions rooted in slavery and were the beginnings of the hip hop and rap movement of today.
• The Blues: The Blues form a solid foundation for modern music in America. It was also geographically different. Listening to the Blues in Chicago was very different from Southern Texas, as the lyrics spoke of both the troubles and the cultural uniqueness of each location.
• Military Music: While African American music was unique back home, it became unique on the front lines as Black countrymen incorporated their own style into traditional military tunes.
• Jazz: Jazz was a “musical innovation” that began in New Orleans as an instrumental form of expression. It is often made up on the spot with elaborate solos from talented band performers.
• Rhythm and Blues: Gospel, the Blues, and Jazz all influence R&B music, which began in the 1940s. It helped to spread African American culture to new audiences. Today, it also incorporates elements of Soul and Funk.
• Rock and Roll: African Americans have claimed their own special place in the Rock and Roll Hall of fame with many big musicians. The genre is one of the largest today and blends country music, Pop, and others.
• Hip Hop and Rap: Today, hip hop and rap are a billboard for social and political issues facing African American culture. Black musicians share their views through streaming services, radio, and other creative ways.
• Others: There are many other genres of music that should be recognized, such as Funk and Motown, Boogie Woogie, and Soul. African American music has touched on nearly every genre throughout the genrations.

African American Musicians

National Black Music Month is founded on the musicians of the past, including such names as Diana Ross, Tina Turner, and the classical composer Florence Price. There are too many key figures to list, but we can start with a few of the most notable ones who laid the foundation for the Black artists of today.

• Aretha Franklin
• Ella Fitzgerald
• Ray Charles
• Jimi Hendrix
• James Brown
• Stevie Wonder
• Michael Jackson
• Prince
• Little Richard
• Tina Turner

Today, African American musicians touch every genre, from country music to hip hop. In their music, you’ll find cultural pride expressed, paying homage to the musicians of the past, and many examples of what’s made their music what it is today.

• Lizzo
• Usher
• Alicia Keys
• Rihanna
• Darius Rucker
• John Legend
• The Weeknd
• Khalid

Black Music Month and Your Health

June is National Black Music Month and Black Health Matters wants to celebrate with you. Our story starts with you, so choose your favorite African American artists and give a listen, then make it a part of your daily self care. Why not try experiencing something new as well?There’s no shortage of amazing artists to listen to.

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With her electrifying performances and powerful vocals, Tina Turner left an indelible mark on the music industry and became a role model for generations to come.

Born Anna Mae Bullock on November 26, 1939, in Nutbush, Tennessee, Turner rose to fame in the late 1960s as part of the Ike and Tina Turner duo. After emerging from her tumultuous relationship, Tina embarked on an iconic solo career that cemented her place as one of the most successful female pioneers in music history.

During the 1980s, Tina Turner’s comeback became the stuff of legends. She released a string of chart-topping hits, including “What’s Love Got To Do With It,” “Private Dancer,” and “The Best.” Her dynamic voice captured the hearts of millions of fans globally. With over 180 million albums sold and 12 Grammy Awards to her name, Turner’s impact on the music industry is immeasurable.

Tina Turner’s influence extended far beyond the music industry. Her life story was portrayed in the critically acclaimed 1993 biographical film “What’s Love Got To Do With It” and the 2021 Broadway musical “Tina – The Tina Turner Musical.” These productions brought her journey to a wider audience, spreading her message of strength and empowerment even further.

Beyond her musical and theatrical achievements, Tina Turner became an inspiration and role model, especially for the black community. Her resilience and determination in overcoming personal hardships resonated with many people, demonstrating that it is possible to rise above adversity and achieve success on one’s own terms. and empowerment to countless individuals.

In recent years, Tina Turner openly discussed her experiences of abuse, shedding light on an important issue and encouraging others to speak out against domestic violence. By sharing her story, she became a beacon of strength for survivors and an advocate for change. Her courage in confronting her past demonstrated the power of resilience and inspired others to find their own voices.

With her passing, the world has lost a true music legend and a cultural icon. Tina Turner’s impact on the black community and the music industry will continue to be felt for generations to come.

As the world mourns the loss of a musical icon, we celebrate the incredible legacy left behind by Tina Turner and the enduring impact she had on the black community and beyond. Rest in peace, Tina Turner. You will be dearly missed.

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What is chronic kidney disease? What are these healthcare disparities? What gene mutations make Blacks more susceptible to this disease? Read on for these answers and more.

What is Kidney Disease?

Kidney damage causing chronic kidney disease (CKD) is more common than you think. Diabetes and high blood pressure are the two most common causes, but many autoimmune disorders (like Lupus) also target the kidneys. Becoming severely dehydrated often or recurring urinary tract or bladder infections can contribute to kidney disease over time. Polycystic kidney disease is one type of this disease that is usually genetic, causes more kidney damage over time, and affects how well the kidneys filter blood.

When kidney function is compromised, one or both kidneys cannot filter blood as efficiently as necessary to keep you healthy. Toxins build up in the blood, making you feel sick and possibly damaging other organs. The condition may be temporary while you recover from an illness, but more often, the disease is long-term with a gradual loss of function.

Common Symptoms

Some signs of chronic kidney disease are easy to overlook because they can mimic symptoms of minor illnesses like dehydration. This could be feeling tired or having dark urine. If you already have diabetes, you may be used to swelling in your lower legs. However, some symptoms are a warning sign of chronic kidney disease, and you should address these with a healthcare provider as soon as possible.

• Nausea or vomiting
• Cramps or muscle spasms, especially in the lower legs
• Confusion or trouble concentrating
• Trouble sleeping
• Dry, itchy skin
• Metallic taste or poor appetite

Risk Factors for CKD

Many people are at increased risk of developing chronic kidney disease and aren’t aware, while many others already have lowered kidney function without realizing it. Kidney disease progresses quickly without treatment. If you have one or more risk factors listed below, you should discuss them with your healthcare provider.

• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Heart disease
• Over age 60
• Long-term use of pain relievers (particularly NSAIDs)
• Family history
• Ethnic background

Kidney Disease Treatment

The five stages of kidney disease range from very little damage and normal function in the early stages to end-stage kidney disease with little to no function. Complete kidney failure requires dialysis to remove the waste product from your blood and an eventual kidney transplant. CKD treatment will vary depending on kidney function, co-existing health conditions, and other factors. You will work closely with your kidney doctor, any other specialists needed, and your primary provider to ensure you can manage the progression of the disease as best as possible.

Why is Kidney Disease Different for Black People?

Any chronic illness brings many challenges, but Blacks facing CKD experience more of them. From biology and DNA to racism within the healthcare system, kidney disease differs for the Black community.

Systemic Racism

Racism has been ingrained within the healthcare system for decades. There are several ways in which Blacks experience systemic prejudice, including accessing or being offered healthcare resources or services.

Access to Healthcare

It is widely reported by research organizations, university publications, and others that healthcare disparities exist within the black community. Those living in poorer neighborhoods may not have access to well-equipped medical clinics or adequate health insurance. Many black Americans don’t have a primary healthcare provider for preventative care, even for such conditions as high blood pressure, or access to specialists like a kidney doctor, so early detection of most chronic illnesses is challenging.

The black population is less likely to receive testing for chronic illness if suspected, even routine urine tests, or be referred for advanced care if warranted. These healthcare access disparities are being addressed, but change has been slow, and has led to lower quality of life for many suffering from a long list of diseases and not just those affecting the kidneys.

Diagnosing Kidney Failure in African Americans

GFR is a standard blood test that measures the glomerular filtration rate, giving healthcare providers an estimate of how well your kidneys function. A long-standing belief within the medical community was that GFR results were higher for African American adults. There weren’t many clinical studies to support this theory, so a task force was created to reassess the notion. After ten months, no evidence was found, and the task force recommended that all healthcare providers immediately apply the same GFR equations to both African American and Caucasian patients. These tests are now more accurate and early detection is much easier.

Racial Bias in Transplants

NBC reported in February 2023 that changes had been made to how patients’ priority is determined when added to the kidney transplant waiting list. According to the report, Dr. Martha Pavlakis says that “the inclusion of race variables is inaccurate,” and the outdated GFR lab test is now banned. African Americans on the list will be credited with time, meaning they could receive a kidney transplant one to two years sooner than expected. Before this change, the average wait time for an African American was 64 months compared to 37 months for a non-Hispanic white person.

A study published by Current Transplantation Reports supports this, citing “structural racism” as a leading cause of Blacks’ lower access to living donor kidney transplantation (LDKT).

Co-existing Conditions

Diabetes and hypertension (high blood pressure) are the leading causes of kidney diseases. The Office of Minority Health at the US Department of Health and Human Services reports that there are nearly twice as many black Americans with diabetes than non-Hispanic white people. According to the American Heart Association, over half have high blood pressure. It is more likely to develop early and become more severe. Many fall into both categories as one is a risk factor for the other.

Other conditions are also risk factors for kidney disease, like cardiovascular diseases, disproportionately affecting the black community. Black women are especially vulnerable to autoimmune diseases, like Lupus, that attack the kidneys and sometimes lead to using NSAIDs to control joint pain.

Treatment for chronic kidney disease often requires treatment of underlying health conditions, which requires access to consistent healthcare and medications. In some communities experiencing economic disparities, this can create many challenges.

Genetic Predisposition

In addition to underlying medical conditions, a common gene mutation may increase their risk. Dr. Opeyemi Olabisi of Duke University describes this mutation and its effects for the New York Times. The APOL1 gene is found in the DNA of those with sub-Saharan or Afro-Caribbean ancestry as a defense against African trypanosomiasis. This disease, also called sleeping sickness, is caused by a parasite. While the normal gene has been helpful for millennia, those that inherit two copies of the mutated gene are much more likely to develop kidney disease. This is similar to a gene that naturally developed an immune response against malaria but made current generations more usceptible to sickle cell disease.

Medications currently being tested could help target these gene mutations to help treat chronic kidney disease in the black community at its source. Genetic testing may help determine who is at risk, but there’s no guarantee that a person with both mutations will develop the disease. However, knowing about their vulnerability could lead to high blood pressure and added stress, leading to another risk factor.

How Are Things Changing?

Thankfully, the healthcare system is slowly changing to ensure everyone gets the care they deserve regardless of race or income level. These changes are slow but happening nonetheless. Just a few of the transformations we’ve seen so far include the following:

• Addressing Social and Economic Disparities
• Better Access to Culturally-Competent Care
• Healthcare Education
• Preventative Medicine
• Better Understanding of Kidney Function
• Faster Referrals for Kidney Transplant
• Less Bias in Receiving a Transplant
• Genetic Testing When Appropriate
• Targeting of the APOL1 Gene

Chronic Kidney Disease in African Americans

It may take time for every community to see the effects of reform. Still, we hope that more awareness of these disparities will soon affect even more positive change, allowing those suffering from kidney disease to experience a better quality of life through every stage of the condition. Black Health Matters has the privilege of working with amazing people and organizations to help spread this awareness.

If you or someone you know is diagnosed with chronic kidney disease, know that there are studies and tests underway for new treatments and changes within healthcare every day to make getting those treatments easier once they are available.

The post The Realities of Kidney Disease Within the Black Community appeared first on Black Health Matters.

The Statistics

A 2018 study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology found that nearly 10% of women seen at Kaiser Permanente Washington in 2014 were diagnosed with uterine fibroids. Women age 50-54 had higher risk with nearly 16% diagnosed. However, Black women were most susceptible with over 18% of the diagnoses among all ethnic groups.

It’s important to note that many cases are asymptomatic and go undiagnosed. Researchers estimate that up to 80% could develop fibroids by age 50 and African Americans are up to three times more likely to develop them than White people. In addition, they are seven times more likely to require surgery to treat them.

What Are Uterine Fibroids?

Fibroids grow in various locations on, in, or around the uterus. This includes the wall of the uterus, the uterine lining, near the fallopian tubes, or nearby internal organs. Some locations are more common than others.

Types of Fibroids:

• Intramural fibroids develop inside the muscular wall of the uterus and are often the most difficult to treat.
• Submucosal fibroids grow in the uterine cavity.
• Subserosal fibroids develop close to the muscular wall on the outside of the uterus.
• Pedunculated fibroids develop on the outside of the uterus but not as closely as the subserosal fibroids. They connect with a stem and sit farther away. This is the least common type of uterine fibroid.

Symptoms of Uterine Fibroids

Fibroids are quite common, but most women aren’t aware they have them. Those with symptoms could experience a wide range of things depending on how many there are, where they are located, and their size. While very heavy bleeding and pelvic pain are the most common signs of fibroids, every person’s experience will be unique, which is why personalized attention from a knowledgeable provider is essential.

Possible Signs of Uterine Fibroids:

• Pelvic pain
• Painful periods
• Pain during sex
• Heavy menstrual bleeding
• Long menstrual cycle
• Frequent urination
• Inability to urinate or empty your bladder
• Constipation
• Low back pain
• Leg pains

Possible Complications

With very heavy menstrual bleeding or bleeding between periods comes the risk for anemia, a condition in which your body does not have enough healthy red blood cells. Symptoms of anemia include lethargy, dizziness, and shortness of breath. Close management by a physician is necessary if fibroids cause anemia to become life-threatening.

Some fibroids may twist at the stem and cause severe pain and symptoms that mimic illness. They may also grow quickly, requiring surgical intervention if medication does not slow their growth. If fibroid tumors begin to break down, the body may react with fever or nausea. Treating the fibroids can often resolve infertility, which is one of the more common complications of uterine fibroids.

Fibroids Causes and Risk Factors

It’s still unknown what causes uterine fibroids, but research suggests that there are several risk factors for them. One of the biggest risk factors is hormones. Those who take hormones or who have natural hormone imbalances seem to be at higher risk of developing fibroids. This is only one of many contributors, however, and those at risk of developing fibroids should discuss their concerns with their healthcare provider.

Risk Factors for Uterine Fibroids:

• Age
• Black women
• Weight
• Family history of fibroids
• High blood pressure
• Food additive consumption
• Diet high in red meat
• Vitamin D deficiency
• Never being pregnant
• Chronic stress
• Major stress events

Diagnosing Fibroids

Because many uterine fibroids are first detected through a routine pelvic exam, it may be difficult to detect them in very heavy women. However, if your provider suspects them or notices changes in the size or shape of your uterus, they may order additional diagnostic tests to determine their presence, size, and location.

Diagnostic Tests for Uterine Fibroids:

• Ultrasound: An ultrasound probe uses sound waves to view internal organs. Your provider may order a sonohysterography test in which they inject saline into the uterus during an ultrasound so that it is easier to see the uterine cavity.
• MRI: Magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI, can be much more effective at visualizing uterine fibroids once they’ve been detected with ultrasound.
• Hysteroscopy: A lighted scope is used to view this inside of the uterus. This is a minimally invasive procedure done in the clinic.
• Endometrial Biopsy: While nearly all fibroids are benign (non-cancerous), your provider may suggest a biopsy to confirm it with a diagnostic fibroid biopsy.

Treatment Options for Uterine Fibroids

There are many treatments available for uterine fibroids, including things you can do at home to complement your doctor’s care, making it more effective, to medications and even surgery to help manage your symptoms depending on severity. Because there are so many options, it’s important to discuss them with your health care provider so you can make the most informed and best choice for your care.

Best Home Care

Many home remedies are simple and you may already do them, such as a heating pad and over-the-counter pain relievers. However, there is more you can do to help manage your pain without or in addition to the help of your medical provider.

Diet

A mostly vegetarian diet may help those with uterine fibroids, although cold-water fish like salmon and tuna that are high in omega-3 fatty acids are beneficial. You may choose to supplement your diet with fish oil. Many women with fibroids find that avoiding high-calorie foods can help reduce symptoms as well, instead choosing green vegetables, apples, and citrus fruits that all contain high levels of flavonoids. You may decide to work with a dietician or nutritionist if you are overweight, as weight management is a large part of managing symptomatic uterine fibroids.

Stress

There are many ways stress levels affect the female reproductive system and this is especially true for those with fibroids. One study by the Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill found that significant and stressful life events seemed to be a contributing factor in the presence and growth of uterine fibroids. To help control stress, you may choose to work with a therapist, get regular massage, exercise regularly, or meditate. Certain types of yoga can both manage stress and offer exercise benefits to help manage weight loss.

Available Medications

Taking over-the-counter pain relievers may help reduce the pain and control heavy bleeding because they also act as anti-inflammatories. However, they won’t treat fibroids long term because they don’t shrink them. Birth control pills or an intrauterine device (IUD) may work the same way. However, medications that regulate hormones could help shrink fibroids over time so long as you continue taking the medication. Your physician may recommend medication as one of the first treatment options.

Non- or Minimally Invasive Procedures

Some procedures are minimally invasive, or not invasive at all, and would be the next step in treating fibroids. These procedures are often very effective at treating fibroids that haven’t responded as well to medication alone or your doctor feels your fibroids need more aggressive therapy to control your symptoms.

• Forced Ultrasound Surgery: A specialized MRI machine targets high-energy, high frequency sound waves at each fibroid to destroy them.
• Myolysis or Cryomyolysis: These procedures use either extreme heat or cold as water, electric current, laser, or other form to destroy the uterine lining.
• Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE): A plastic or gel material is placed into the fibroid blood vessels, cutting off blood supply and causing them to shrink.

Surgery to Treat Fibroids

It may be necessary to remove fibroids surgically through myomectomy. If uterine fibroids return frequently or no other treatments have been successful at managing symptoms, the last treatment option is usually a hysterectomy to remove the uterus completely. This is a permanent solution and many healthcare providers will exhaust all other treatments or consider it only for those nearing menopause.

Questions to Ask Your Provider

The US Department of Health and Human Services Office on Women’s Health answers many questions that women may have about uterine fibroids, especially for those recently diagnosed. They also provide a list of questions to ask your provider that can help you better understand the condition and how it affects you, such as how many fibroids you have and what size they are.

Other questions you may want to ask are:

• Where are the fibroids located?
• Will they grow larger and how will you know if they do?
• What potential problems could they cause?
• Are there any future tests needed to monitor the fibroids?
• Do the fibroids require treatment immediately?
• What treatment options do you suggest?

If you feel uncomfortable with your doctor’s answers or wish to verify the results or suggested treatment, be sure to schedule a second opinion with another provider. This is another way you can take control of your health.

The Final Word On Fibroids

Although not all fibroids cause symptoms, some women may only experience inconvenient, heavy bleeding while others require extensive treatment like surgical intervention. Those of reproductive age are at a higher risk of developing fibroids. Black women are even more susceptible. Black Health Matters is working to spread awareness of conditions affecting the Black community by sharing information and solutions. However, all women should know their risk of uterine fibroids and discuss the possibility and treatment options with their provider.

The post Empowering Women: Understanding Fibroids and Taking Control of Your Health appeared first on Black Health Matters.

What is Food Insecurity?

First, we should define food insecurity. The definitions are relatively simple, but the concepts have profound effects on various populations throughout the country. These definitions are provided by the US Department of Agriculture Economic Research Service.

• Low food security is the “reduced quality, variety, or desirability of diet.” There may be “little or no indication of reduced food intake.” This used to be called “food insecurity without hunger.”
• Very low food security is “multiple indications of disrupted eating patterns and reduced food intake.” This used to be called “food insecurity with hunger.”

The Committee on National Statistics recommended the changes to these definitions to better represent the problems many Americans face every day. The committee also helps to oversee the methods used to measure food insecurity. Studies typically consider economic and social factors on nutrition, as well as other factors determined by nutritionists, statisticians, and others who may offer valuable insight.

What Factors Affect Food Insecurity?

The US Department of Health and Human Services promotes Healthy People 2030. This initiative has several objectives, all designed to call attention to issues with the highest public health burden. One of those objectives is food insecurity. They have determined several factors affecting food insecurity and aim to reduce their impact on those most affected by them.

Income

Income affects food insecurity in several key ways, from the inability to afford groceries to lack of access in addition to the stress placed on breadwinners to provide for their families with fewer resources. Let’s take a closer look.

Low-income neighborhoods may not have as many grocery stores that are regularly stocked with fresh produce or larger retail outlets offering a wider variety of affordable food options. With fewer food stores to shop from, prices at such stores are typically higher. They can also force residents to shop at discount retailers that don’t specialize in food sales or convenience stores with higher food prices. Some food support programs like WIC (the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children) only cover specific types or brands of foods. If these are not available, substitutions are rarely allowed.

Transportation also becomes a factor for those with low income. Many families without access to personal transportation rely on public transit, even to get their groceries. This limits the amount of food they can purchase at any one time and also the types of food, as transporting food long distances can take time. Cold foods can easily spoil or melt, especially in warm weather, on a crowded bus. Children may not have fresh milk and other foods recommended for healthy growth and development, both physical and mental.

With lower income comes the stress of stretching the dollar, including paying the bills and feeding the family. Added stress can affect your mental health and mental health struggles can make it harder to manage your money, creating a spiral from which many have a hard time breaking free.

Employment

Employment is a direct reflection of income and therefore has a significant impact on food insecurity. Low-income neighborhoods rarely have enough job opportunities to support the number of working-age residents in the area. The job opportunities that are available rarely pay a livable wage, sometimes requiring multiple members of the same household to work several jobs in order to support everyone in the family. With long hours in jobs that may be hazardous to one’s health, workers feel the effects both short- and long-term, increasing their risk factors for various health conditions.

For example, during the Covid-19 pandemic, many low-wage workers faced some of the most dangerous conditions, frequently working as cashiers, cooks, laborers, or in various healthcare positions. Many of those who lost their jobs worked in such low-wage positions and faced job and food insecurity as a result.

Residents in low-income neighborhoods must travel well outside of their immediate area for work, especially for higher-paying positions, adding to the time spent away from home to earn income. Families affected by food insecurity must spend money on public transportation or ride-sharing, instead of food.

Disability

The CDC is responsible for the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey conducted each year. An analysis of the surveys over a span of six years revealed that women with a disability were more likely to report that they’ve also experienced food insecurity at some point prior or concurrent to their disability. Those that reported disability, as well as a poor diet and low or very low food security, were more likely to receive some type of food assistance.

The connection between food insecurity and disability is not new. However, the extent of the problem and what can be done to correct it are still being evaluated by the CDC and other agencies. This is another objective of Healthy People 2030 and will most likely continue to be a primary goal in the next iteration of the program in 2040 and beyond.

Who is Most Likely to Be Affected?

The disparities in income, employment, and disability disproportionately affect some people with low food security. As recently as 2020, the percentage of US households experiencing low or very low food security was just over 10 percent. While this is a staggering number of people affected by hunger, 17.2% of Hispanic households experience hunger and the number of Black households is over twice the national average at 21.7 percent.

What Are the Medical Consequences of Food Insecurity?

Hunger and food insecurity go beyond the stress of being unable to afford nutritious food. For children, physical and mental development can be affected. For adults, risk factors for chronic health conditions increase. Hunger affects the mental, emotional, and physical health of anyone experiencing food insecurity.

Children

The odds that a child under 36 months will experience fair or poor health because of food insecurity is 95% higher than in children living in homes reported without hunger. This is a startling statistic and one that must change if we are to give children the best odds at mental and physical health stability as they grow.

Young children may experience developmental delays when not receiving adequate food nutrition. Poorer cognitive function was reported for children in grades 1, 3, and 5 during a study conducted from 1999 to 2003 by the Economics of Education Review. A large part of poor performance in school may be traced to behavioral challenges caused by both lack of nutrition and a more stressful home environment. They may also be affected by the mental health of others in the home, most notably a child’s mother. Higher rates of depression and anxiety in parents have been proven to affect children of all ages, but most especially adolescents between the ages of 14 and 25.

Adults and Seniors

For adults, the risk factors of food insecurity on chronic health conditions are much more wide-ranging and no less profound. This is especially true if food insecurity began early in life as a child and continued for many years. For those populations most at risks, like African Americans, this causes the most health problems.

The conditions most likely to arise because of food insecurity include:

• Poor oral health
• Depression and anxiety
• Iron deficiency
• Poor maternal health
• Diabetes
• Hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Obesity

What Are the Financial Costs of Food Insecurity?

Feeding America has calculated the additional healthcare costs associated with hunger. Through their own research and by compiling data from Medicaid/Medicare and other sources, they have been able to accurately map the annual costs at the county and state level and per adult. For example, the lowest increase in healthcare costs due to low food insecurity is in North Dakota with $57 million, but the highest is in California with just over $7 billion. This is a large disparity in cost increase and the size of the population alone is not enough to explain the difference.

Another study compiled data from the Survey of Income and Program Participation in two statistical models to determine the probability of medical debt. Nearly 20% of households carry some form of medical debt. Of those, around half had private insurance. The average amount of that medical debt was nearly $22,000. The highest risk factors for medical debt were having no health insurance, a private health insurance with a high deductible, or a disability. Carrying medical debt, especially high medical debt, was found to contribute to low food security, especially for those who are already at risk, such as the Black population and others who live in low-income areas.

Conclusion

While anyone in the US can be affected by food insecurity, some populations are more at risk than others. African Americans struggle more than most and Black Health Matters helps to raise awareness by sharing the disproportionate effects that many face every day. If you experience hunger and food insecurity, know that there is access to food resources and education about support systems near you. Reach out to healthcare providers, case workers, and other social supports to learn more about what services are available in your area.

The post From Hospital Bills to Hunger Pains: The Costly Toll of Medical Care on Food Security appeared first on Black Health Matters.

Types of Oral Cancers

As with most conditions, there are several types of mouth cancer. It may be in a specific place initially, and possibly spread to other locations within the mouth, to the lymph nodes, and throughout the body. Much like breast cancer and other forms, the risk of spreading is abundant and should be monitored.

Most oral cancers are squamous cells that line the tissues of the mouth. Other common types of mouth cancer include lymphoma, which typically affects the lymph nodes and the tonsils, while minor salivary gland carcinomas affect the salivary glands of the mouth and throat.

Common locations for oral cancers include:

• Lip Cancer: This is the most common type of mouth cancer and typically has a positive prognosis when caught early.
• Gum Cancer: Typically linked to chewing tobacco and alcohol use, this cancer can quickly spread to the jaw.
• Tongue Cancer: When in the front two-thirds of the tongue, it can quickly spread to the lymph nodes.
• Doctors classify cancer at the back of the tongue, tonsils, and back of the mouth as throat cancer.

Determining Severity

Cancer Research UK breaks down the stages and grades of oral cancers. Determining the severity of the cancer is an essential first step for diagnosis before treatment can begin. It helps to ensure that treatment is as effective as possible.

Oral Cancer Staging

Doctors can use two methods for determining the stage of your oral cancer. The first is clinical staging, using results from tests and scans. They typically perform pathological staging if you will have surgery to remove the cancer and they will send part of the removed tissue to the lab for testing. It is more precise and can help determine the type of cancer as well as the cancer’s location if it has spread.

There are two ways to stage mouth cancer:

• TNM: Your doctor will consider the size and depth of the tumor, whether it has spread to the lymph nodes, and whether it has spread to another part of the body.
• Number Stages: Your doctor will assign a number zero (pre-cancer) through 4 A, B, or C based on how invasive the cancer has become.

Mouth Cancer Grades

Oral cancer grading differs from staging. This step involves the appearance of cancer cells, from looking like typical, healthy cells to abnormal cells well differentiated from the healthy cells around the tumor. Your doctor will assess them and assign a grade 1, 2 or 3. A “Gx” grade means it can’t be determined.

Oral Cancer Risk Factors

There are many lifestyle choices, health conditions, and other variables that may increase your chances of developing oral cancer. Remember that you have some control over several factors, like smoking cigarettes, that could improve your health and risk, while not others.

• Nicotine Products: The most common cause of mouth cancer is tobacco use, especially smoking or chewing tobacco. While those who use nicotine themselves are at highest risk, even secondhand exposure can lead to cancer.
• Alcohol Use: Drinking alcohol is one of the top risk factors for mouth cancer and heavy drinkers or those who drink and use nicotine products are most susceptible.
• Human papillomavirus (HPV): Not all types of HPV cause cancer, but some are high risk. For example, HPV16 causes approximately 70% of all cases of oral cancers.
• Gender: Oral cancer is twice as common in men than women. Researchers believe smoking causes the higher rates of oral cancer in men.
• Age: Most cases of mouth cancer occur in those over the age of 50 unless caused by an HPV-related infection. This is because it takes time for cells to mutate and develop.
• Weight: Based on statistical research, weight has some effect on your likelihood of developing oral cancer.
• Diet: People who eat a diet low in vegetables and fruits seem to be at a much higher risk. Eating a well-balanced diet may help improve risk factors for many health conditions like diabetes.
• UV Light: Sunlight contributes to skin cancer and may also affect rates of lip cancer, a form of mouth cancer.
• Co-Existing Health Conditions: Those who have Fanconi anemia or Dyskeratosis congenita are also at higher risk of developing oral cancer because of their predisposition to blood diseases.

Possible Treatment Options

Your primary care physician will refer you to a specialist who will evaluate your condition and recommend the best treatment plan. It could include surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy, depending on the type, location and severity of the cancer. You will probably work with a team of providers, including one or more of those listed here.

• Otolaryngologist
• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon
• Radiation Oncologist
• Medical Oncologist
• Plastic Surgeon

Detecting Oral Cancer Early

An early diagnosis is important for improving survival rates. Healthcare professionals can easily spot signs of mouth cancer by looking for lesions within the oral cavity, feeling for enlarged lymph nodes, asking about family history, and referring a patient to a specialist for any suspect symptoms.

Symptoms of oral cancer may include:

• Changes in the skin
• Lumps
• Numbness
• Pain or tenderness
• Change in bite
• Problems swallowing
• Difficulty chewing
• Hoarseness
• Feeling like something is caught in the throat
• Sore throat
• Ringing in the ears or ear pain

Mouth Cancer in African Americans

There are many barriers for Black men and women with mouth cancer, from biological differences affecting successful treatment to the number of people who use nicotine products to access to health care resources ensuring early detection and proper cancer treatment.

Genetic Differences

Two recent studies have shown that a Black person with oral cancer will likely respond differently to treatment. The first, published in 2021 in JCO Oncology Practice, showed that African Americans have fewer immune cells within oral cancer tumors and they don’t respond as effectively to the same treatments as Caucasian patients. Tumors may also show more instances of mutations. The second, published in 2022 in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, reviewed the treatment outcomes of both the Black population and white people enrolled in clinical trials. In clinical trials, all patients receive the same cancer treatment, so socioeconomic factors are minimized. The results showed that biological factors still play a large role in survival rates.

Lifestyle Choices

The Oral Cancer Foundation reports that those living below the poverty line are more likely to smoke than those that don’t. Given that many African Americans live in poorer neighborhoods and are more likely to suffer from un- or underemployment, this puts them at higher risk of smoking, using chewing tobacco, or using other forms of nicotine-based products. Some states within the US also have higher rates of smoking than others. The states with the highest rates of smokers are Nevada, Kentucky, and Ohio, while those with the lowest rates are Utah, Hawaii, and California. Compared to others, Blacks or multiracial people self-identifying as African American are more likely to smoke than Caucasians or Hispanics.

Related Conditions

There are more than 100 types of human papillomavirus (HPV). While not all of them cause cancer, some strains are more common within the Black community may explain why mouth cancer is so much more prevalent. Some types of HPV infections were more common in Caucasians, like types 16 and 51, while others were more common in Blacks. Type 35 is one of the highest risk factors for mouth cancer.

Access to Resources

Why is access to resources so important? Researchers have well documented that early detection is less likely with minimal access to resources, such as adequate health insurance and local medical providers. Studies show that if cases are discovered early, the 5-year survival rate can reach 85%, but only 28% of all cases are found early. However, more than half of all oral cancers are diagnosed after having spread to local tissues such as the lymph nodes. The survival rate at this point drops to 68%. If the cancer has spread further, it drops to just 40%.

According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, Black people are less likely to have health insurance because of a financial barrier. They are also more likely to live below the poverty line but not qualify for state financial aid or not be able to utilize those resources if they do because of lack of transportation. Food insecurity may lead families to focus more on day-to-day needs and not long-term care like their health. This reduces the chance they will receive a routine dental exam with an accompanied oral cancer exam.

It’s also clear that Blacks do not receive the same level of care that white Americans do. Brigham and Women’s Hospital recently found that race, among other factors, played a role in whether a dentist even screened for mouth cancer during a routine dental exam. Dentists may also not provide education about the risk factors and the steps they can take to help prevent oral cancer, especially smoking and human papillomavirus.

Oral Cancer Awareness Month: Recognizing Black Americans

The first step in improving oral health and bettering the survival rates of mouth cancer, especially for Black Americans, is to acknowledge the problem. The American Cancer Society reports that cancer rates for Black people have decreased since the 1990s and this is a trend we wish to see continue. Black Health Matters will do our part by raising awareness of the effects of mouth cancer on the African American population.

The post A Hidden Danger: What You Should Know About Oral Cancer appeared first on Black Health Matters.

How many women die every day because of preventable childbirth or other pregnancy-related events or conditions? The CDC estimates around 800. This startling statistic is just one of the many reasons maternal health, both in the Black community and overall, is taken so seriously, with various related objectives from top agencies like the World Health Organization (WHO), the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).

Let’s look at the most common issues that pregnant women face, the many risk factors for preventable complications, some sobering statistics, and what is being done on the national and global levels to improve maternal mortality rates.

Common Pregnancy Health Concerns

There are a few discomforts women can expect during their pregnancy. Women can avoid acidic foods to aid heartburn and eat more fiber to help treat constipation, especially early on, to easily treat some discomforts at home. Women often turn to family or friends for advice to help treat such things, finding unique ways to ease soreness or dry skin. Even expected symptoms of pregnancy can affect maternal health, however, and easing them can increase mood and help expectant mothers look forward to the birth of their child.

Other Symptoms You Might Experience:

• Cramps

• Feeling faint

• Hot flashes

• Incontinent

• Dry skin

• Back pain

• Headache

• Pelvic pain

• Stretch marks

• Tiredness

• Morning sickness

Risk Factors for Pregnancy-Related Complications

The Office of the Surgeon General published a “Call to Action” acknowledging the higher-than-average maternal mortality rates in the United States. In it, they call attention to the disparities within the Black population, suggest what should be done to reduce mortality rates for all mothers, and lay out a long-term plan with strategies to affect this and future generations.

But when do symptoms become risk factors and dangerous for both mothers and the child? Therefore, it’s critical to work closely with an OB/GYN or other health services throughout your pregnancy, so risk they can identify risk factors, monitored, and treated as early as possible.

High Blood Pressure

More women are at risk of high blood pressure (hypertension) prior to pregnancy, mainly due to increased obesity rates. Many women are waiting until later in life to start a family, also contributing to the probability they will begin their pregnancy with high blood pressure, develop it during, or experience a spike during delivery that may all lead to complications. High blood pressure during pregnancy is called preeclampsia.

Diabetes

If a woman did not previously have signs of diabetes but develops it during her pregnancy, they will diagnose her with gestational diabetes. Diabetes significantly increases the chance for complications and it closely related to preeclampsia. Managing maternal health in this condition is vital, as it can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, preterm birth, birth defects, and more.

Obesity

With higher rates of obesity, it is becoming a more common risk factor for maternal health in the United States especially. An unhealthy weight can contribute to other conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, and mental health that can contribute to other maternal health concerns, compounding the risk of pregnancy complications.

Illness and Infection

From Covid-19 to a common cold to more serious infections like chlamydia or HIV, illnesses and infections can affect maternal health and the health of the infant. A mother should work closely with a physician if they are diagnosed with an illness or infection prior to or while pregnant. Most times, there are ways to mitigate the risk to the baby before and after birth. However, many of these risks are preventable causes and can be reduced through education and other community resources, such as sexual and reproductive health.

Substance Use Disorders

A substance use disorder can describe everything from nicotine and alcohol to methamphetamine and cocaine. According to the Surgeon General’s report, 12% of the pregnant women polled reported using some type of nicotine product within the last month and 10% reported drinking alcohol. Another 5% reported drug use. Not only does substance use affect maternal health, but it increases health risk to the baby because of pregnancy complications.

Mental Health

Maternal health and mental health are closely linked. This can include pre-existing mood diseases, such as depression or anxiety, or postpartum depression which affects up to 20% of new mothers. In fact, over a ten-year period, they found that nearly 10% of all pregnancy-related deaths were because of a mental health condition. Only by addressing mental health stigma and offering more patient-centered care in the United States can we support maternal health as well.

Domestic Violence

In some states, especially in the south, domestic violence is the single most common cause of maternal deaths for the Black population. This violence often begins during pregnancy or soon after it. Intimate partner violence among Black Americans is one of several preventable causes of maternal and child deaths in the US, especially when addressed at a socioeconomic level.

More Maternal Health Statistics

The United Nations Population Fund offers insight into the global importance of maternal health and that women everywhere are susceptible to preventable causes of maternal mortality. Around the world, nearly 300,000 women died in 2017 alone, mostly due to:

• Severe bleeding

• Obstructed labor

• Sepsis

• Unsafe abortion

• Eclampsia

These deaths are significantly lower than those recorded in 2000, but are still unacceptable. Many of these deaths occur in sub-Saharan Africa or Southern Asia, and global efforts are making an impact.

The Commonwealth Fund analyzed data from the WHO, National Center for Health Statistics, and other studies to get a better picture of who is at the highest risk. In the United States, mortality rates are getting worse year after year, starting in 2000, and worsening significantly since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic. The current maternal mortality rates are three times that of the country with the next highest death rate, New Zealand. The hardest hit are African Americans, who account for more than half of all maternal deaths.

A National and Global Response

Maternal health is a concern not only in the United States, where it affects the Black population and multiracial people disproportionately but the world over. What is being done to improve health outcomes?

US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)

Health and Human Services has formed a workgroup comprised of four US federal agencies working together to address maternal health as a national crisis and the disparity affecting the non-Hispanic Black population. The workgroup has focused not only on supporting women and infants directly but also by addressing other emerging health concerns that affect maternal death, such as drug use and sexually transmitted diseases.

American Public Health Association (APHA)

The American Public Health Association is focused on addressing preventable causes of maternal death. They do this by investing in sexual and reproductive health education, preventative health care for women, and more. Like other agencies, they have focused their efforts on the disproportionate affects of poor maternal health on Black Americans, partnering with the Center for Reproductive Rights for “Black Mamas Matter” and the World Federation of Public Health Associations for “Reducing Maternal Mortality as a Human Right.”

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)

The focus of the United National Population Fund is sexual and reproductive health care, promoting basic health standards around the world, especially where maternal deaths are most common. Working in sub-Saharan Africa, Southern Asia, and other regions, the UNFPA supports programs that train providers in preventative care during pregnancy, emergency birth response, and critical care for newborns. These initiatives have improved health outcomes over the last two decades and more improvement is expected.

The World Health Organization (WHO)

The World Health Organization helps to support all members with their individual efforts to address maternal health, especially maternal deaths. They closely monitor the progress being made and how effective initiatives are at supporting those that are most vulnerable. This includes the United States, where the majority of those affected are Black people and deaths continue to increase.

Maternal Health: Disparity in Preventable Deaths

Yes, women experience common symptoms during pregnancy. Most will agree that these symptoms are well worth the discomfort once their child is born healthy. However, many women don’t have the same access to care or are at risk for miscarriage, preterm labor, cesarian birth, birth defects, other birth complications or even maternal death because of an increase in risk factors that could be preventable.

Maternal mortality rates have only worsened over the last two decades in the US and this trend will only change with more education about maternal health and better access to care for those disproportionately affected. Black Health Matters is helping to do just that by raising awareness, challenging the system, and bringing more resources to the Black population most vulnerable.

The post Understanding The Importance Of Maternal Health appeared first on Black Health Matters.

Endometriosis is a disease in which the endometrium—the tissue that lines the inside of the uterus or womb—is present outside of the uterus. Endometriosis most commonly occurs in the lower abdomen or pelvis, but it can appear anywhere in the body.

Symptoms of endometriosis include lower abdominal pain, pain with menstrual periods, pain with sexual intercourse, and difficulty getting pregnant. On the other hand, some women with endometriosis may not have any symptoms at all.

Endometriosis is a common health problem for women. Researchers think that at least 11% of women, or more than 6.5 million women in the U.S., have endometriosis.

Endometriosis most commonly impacts women between the ages of 25 and 40. It can also happen to younger women during their teenage years. Although many will find relief from endometriosis symptoms after menopause, it can still cause discomfort and pain.

There’s no clearly understood cause for endometriosis, so at this point there is no known way to prevent it.

Diagnosing endometriosis is also complicated as not every person has every symptom, and the severity of the symptoms varies from person to person. The “gold standard” for diagnosis is surgery to look inside the abdomen and pelvis; it can not be officially diagnosed from a lab test or imaging. Women in the U.S., on average, will suffer from endometriosis for 10 years before receiving a proper diagnosis.

According to a recent study, Black women are 49% less likely to get an endometriosis diagnosis compared to White women. That’s largely because of health disparities that exist, says Jessica Shepherd, MD, an ob-gyn and women’s health expert.

“This can be due to the fact that black women are often overlooked when it comes to pain and pain management and are more likely to be misdiagnosed, often with providers thinking pain is due to something else,” said Dr. Shepherd.

The actress Tia Mowry wrote in a 2018 Women’s Health article that she didn’t know why she had been experiencing extreme pelvic pain until she saw a Black physician who immediately knew she had endometriosis. Others had told her not to worry about her symptoms.

When there has been an endometriosis diagnosis, treatment usually involves a combination of medication or surgery. Because endometriosis is usually a lifelong condition, patients will usually try surgery and several different medications over their lifetime. The approaches you and your doctor choose will depend on how severe your signs and symptoms are and your current and future plans for pregnancy.

Doctors typically recommend trying conservative treatment approaches first, opting for surgery if initial treatment fails. For many people, endometriosis needs to be continuously treated with medicine to control symptoms like pain. It’s important to maintain a regular appointment schedule with your healthcare provider so that you can work together on managing your condition long-term.

If you are a woman with moderate to severe pain associated with endometriosis and seeking contraception, you could be qualified to participate in the SERENE study. The SERENE study is evaluating whether the drug relugolix combination therapy (Rel-CT) can prevent pregnancy when used in premenopausal women with endometriosis. Relugolix-CT has been FDA-approved to manage symptoms of moderate to severe pain associated with endometriosis. To find out more about the SERENE study, please follow this link.

Sponsored by Myovant Sciences, GmbH

The post Suffering from Endometriosis? Learn About the Serene Study appeared first on Black Health Matters.

Living Beyond Breast Cancer, a Philadelphia nonprofit that connects people with trusted information and a community of support, offers these tips on how to tell partners, children, and parents about your diagnosis.

Talking to your partner or spouse about your metastatic breast cancer diagnosis

When you tell your partner or spouse about your diagnosis, they may understandably be shocked, overwhelmed, or scared about what life will be like now. This is a significant change for your life and theirs, and each of you needs time to adjust in whatever way works for you.

Here are some common partner concerns, and ways to talk about them together:

• Let your partner know what you need. If you can, try to be as specific as possible. For instance, maybe you need help with laundry or preparing meals.

• If you haven’t already, invite your partner or spouse to go with you to a doctor appointment so they can understand more about your diagnosis, the kinds of treatment you may have, and side effects that you may experience.

• Your partner or spouse may also be concerned about physical intimacy and how that may change. It can help to talk honestly with your partner about how treatment affects your desire for and experience of sex, and to explore new ways to stay physically and emotionally connected.

• Schedule regular time to just be together and talk honestly with each other about what’s happening. Let your partner know how you’re feeling emotionally and physically and ask them how they’re feeling.

• Sometimes the changes that come with a serious diagnosis can trigger fear or anger in a partner or spouse. If your partner is not responding in a way that feels supportive to you, suggest that the two of you meet with a therapist who works with couples affected by serious illness.

How to talk to your children about your metastatic breast cancer diagnosis

For many parents, it’s a first instinct to try to protect children from news about a difficult diagnosis. One of the hardest parts of telling children about a metastatic breast cancer diagnosis is that it is not curable, and that treatment is ongoing. But it’s important to be as honest as possible.

Experts say that there is no right or wrong way to talk to children about a diagnosis, although there are tips to guide the conversation:

• Don’t assume children, even very young ones, won’t find out if you don’t tell them.
• Use accurate, specific words that are age- and developmentally appropriate. Since you know your child best, you may already know what will work well.
• Be honest but emphasize that your doctors have medicines that they hope will help you.
• Let them know what they can expect in their day-to-day experience. For example: “On treatment days, I’ll be tired, so Uncle Mark will pick you up from softball practice.”

• Tell them you will let them know if there are changes in your health situation.
• Invite them to ask questions and check in with them for regular follow-up conversations.
• Particularly for young children, consider sharing your diagnosis with their teachers and additional caregivers so that they can best support your child’s social and emotional needs.

How to talk to your parents about your metastatic breast cancer diagnosis

Telling a parent that you’ve been diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer can bring up many extreme emotions for all of you. Still, it’s important to be honest and let them know.

Here are some ways to have the conversation:

• Schedule some uninterrupted time to talk with your parents about your diagnosis.
• It can help to rehearse what you’re going to say ahead of time. If it’s comfortable, try role-playing what you want to say with a sibling or your partner.
• Share your honest feelings with your parents and let them know what you need.
• Stop, listen, and observe their body language from time to time to see if they’re understanding what you’re telling them.
• Encourage them to ask you any questions they may have.

While all of these tips can be very useful in telling your loved ones about your metastatic breast cancer diagnosis, it can still be an emotionally and mentally difficult process. Especially if family members react poorly. Joining and national or local cancer patient support group, whether virtual or in-person, can be a great way to connect with other people who are facing similar situations.

The post Talking to Your Family About Your Metastatic Breast Cancer Diagnosis appeared first on Black Health Matters.

Every so often an opinion poll goes around on social media asking if folks would want to know in advance if they carry genetic material that could cause a fatal disease. Most people say no. Some of these diseases are terrifying, and advanced knowledge about something for which there is no cure? No thanks.

I’ve been a health reporter for years and know full well that early detection is crucial. But I’ve never taken any of these polls. Honestly, I’ve never felt the need.

That stance was called into question when my mom contracted pneumonia.

While in the hospital being treated, her medical team noticed fluid buildup caused by a leaking valve. A cardiac catheterization showed no blockage in her arteries (“she has the arteries of a 17-year-old,” one cardiologist said in amazement). A trans-esophageal echocardiogram was equally uninformative. Yes, her mitral valve was leaking. No, they didn’t know why.

But maybe she was a candidate for a relatively new procedure to repair the valve. If so, she’d be good as new. To prepare for the new procedure, she needed an MRI.

The MRI showed Mom’s heart muscle was thicker than it should be. This led to a heart biopsy. And finally, a diagnosis: something called amyloidosis. My mom struggled to pronounce it for a while. It could cause heart failure, they said.

We learned that there are several types of amyloidosis, so we needed to find out which type of amyloidosis she had. There is light chain amyloidosis, which sounded suspiciously akin to a blood cancer to my health journalist’s ears. I couldn’t get a straight answer about this, even when the recommended therapy for this type of amyloidosis included chemotherapy. There is wild-type ATTR amyloidosis, which the doctors said typically occurs later in life. And hereditary ATTR (hATTR) amyloidosis, a genetic and rare form of the disease that affects about 50,000 people worldwide with about 3-4% of African Americans carrying a TTR gene variant (i.e., mutation) called Val122Ile (V122I).

There were a lot of tests involved to determine which kind of amyloidosis she had. One night she had to produce nine huge tubes of blood. Then there was the three-gallon jug to collect a week’s worth of urine; this was to test Mom’s kidneys. She was also scheduled to have a bone marrow biopsy and a body X-ray.

There were also lots of questions about family history. Both my maternal grandparents suffered from congestive heart failure (CHF). My grandmother, who passed away at age 76, had diabetes, and though the link between diabetes and heart disease wasn’t discussed with her during her lifetime, CHF was listed as the cause of death on her death certificate. Granddaddy, once a smoker, battled emphysema and CHF the last two years of his life. Though he’d quit smoking before I was born, and had been nicotine free for nearly 40 years, his tobacco habit exacted a high price in the end. When he died at age 85, there’d been no mention of amyloidosis.

Knowing Family Medical History Is Key

While we waited for test results, a genetic counselor charted our family medical tree as best as she could. But as in many African American families, figuring out the tangled branches is a tall order. Even before being diagnosed with a disease we’d never heard of, there were gigantic holes in our family health history.

There’s the great-aunt who blamed her daughter’s death from asthma on a blister. High blood pressure and diabetes had run roughshod through generations of relatives, but nobody talked about the connection to heart disease. Scads of ancestors died without ever sharing their diagnoses. And this is all without taking into account the limitations 400 years of slavery and the difficulty African American families have in gathering complete medical knowledge.

Fortunately, blood test results solved the four-month-long mystery. My mom tested positive for a TTR gene variant associated with hATTR amyloidosis less than 12 hours before her bone marrow biopsy, rendering that painful test unnecessary.

I must note a couple of things so I don’t sound whiny and ungrateful: 1) Mom had been through so many tests—some invasive, a few pretty painful—so we were relieved to have a name for what ailed her, and 2) though four months of tests and questions seemed like a lot to us, her diagnosis came relatively quickly. hATTR amyloidosis often stumps folks in the medical community because its symptoms mimic so many other conditions, sometimes leaving patients suffering for years without a diagnosis.

It’s in the Genes

Our genetic counselor stressed the importance of understanding how hATTR amyloidosis can be passed down through families. Genetic counseling can help folks understand their chances of developing the condition, as well as make them familiar with the testing process and implications of a diagnosis. Genetic counselors also can help people understand the issues related to genetic testing—from personal risk to possible insurance impact— and can help determine if a genetic test may be right for them.

hATTR amyloidosis is caused by a variant or change in the TTR gene. This gene change affects the function of a protein called transthyretin (TTR). The condition is inherited in an autosomal dominant fashion, meaning a person needs to inherit only one copy of the affected gene from one parent in order to develop the disease. Everybody gets two copies of the TTR gene, one inherited from each parent. When one parent carries a variant in the TTR gene, each child will have a 50 percent chance of inheriting that variant. However, inheriting the TTR gene with a variant does not necessarily mean that he or she will develop hATTR amyloidosis.

My mom, one of six children, would need to discuss this with her siblings in the hopes they’d all get tested. She’d done the heavy lifting; they would need to have only a blood or saliva test to find out if they’d inherited the variant.

Our genetic counselor made it even easier. She supplied us with detailed information about hATTR amyloidosis and included geneticists in every city where family members reside. She also noted that a family member can inherit the TTR gene with a variant but having the variant does not mean hATTR amyloidosis is a given. Put simply: A person can carry the variant without ever developing the disease.

Still, only one of Mom’s siblings—her youngest sister—was tested (she doesn’t have the variant, so her only child, a son, doesn’t need the test). The remaining brothers and sisters have dragged their feet about testing, even though they all have young adult grandchildren on the verge of building lives and families. This information could be vital in their decision to have children—or not.

As much as I hate needles, I was tested last fall. What’s that saying? Knowing is half the battle. While I’m not showing any symptoms of hATTR amyloidosis, I did test positive for the genetic variant. The way I see it, my dark cloud is lined with a double layer of silver: I don’t have children, so this branch of the variant stops with me, and by knowing the results now, I’m better prepared should I start seeing signs of this disease down the road.

Genetic Testing 101

One option for genetic testing is through the Alnylam Act® program. Alnylam Pharmaceuticals is sponsoring no-charge, third-party genetic testing and counseling for individuals who may carry one of the 120 or more gene variants known to be associated with hATTR amyloidosis. The Alnylam Act program was created to provide access to genetic testing and counseling to patients as a way to help people make more informed decisions about their health. While Alnylam provides financial support for this program, tests and services are performed by independent third parties. Healthcare professionals must confirm that patients meet certain criteria to use the program. Alnylam receives de-identified patient data from this program, but at no time does Alnylam receive patient-identifiable information. Alnylam may use healthcare professional contact information for research purposes. Both genetic testing and genetic counseling are available in the U.S. and Canada. Healthcare professionals or patients who use this program have no obligation to recommend, purchase, order, prescribe, promote, administer, use or support any Alnylam product. In addition, no patients, healthcare professionals, or payers, including government payers, are billed for this program.

For more information about hATTR amyloidosis and genetic testing, please visit Alnylam’s The Bridge® and Alnylam Act.

For additional information and support check these resources:
o Amyloidosis Foundation: amyloidosis.org
o Amyloidosis Support Groups: amyloidosissupport.org
o Amyloidosis Research Consortium: arci.org
o The Foundation for Peripheral Neuropathy: www.foundationforpn.org/
o National Organization for Rare Disorders: rarediseases.org
o Global Genes: globalgenes.org

Alnylam Pharmaceuticals does not endorse and is not responsible for the content on sites that are not owned and operated by Alnylam Pharmaceuticals.

Content sponsored and provided by Alnylam Pharmaceuticals. Intended for U.S. audiences only.

The Bridge and Alnylam Act are registered trademarks of Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc. © 2023 Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc. All rights reserved.

TTR02-USA-01004-V3

The post We Have What? hATTR Amyloidosis: My Family’s Journey appeared first on Black Health Matters.

African Americans are More Susceptible to Risk Factors

You may not be surprised that the African American population typically has more risk factors for dementia. Even those they share with different ethnicities and multiracial people, affect the race disproportionately. Some risk factors lead to others. Many are unavoidable, but some could be lessened with better education and resources within mainly black communities.

• Age: The risk of developing Alzheimer’s increases as you get older, with the highest risk after age 85. We should note that caucasians still have a longer lifespan, on average, compared to blacks, but that the life-expectancy gap has narrowed significantly in recent years.
• High Blood Pressure: More black men are diagnosed with hypertension than white males. The disparity between black and white women is even more significant.
• Vascular Conditions: While this is still being studied, those with chronic vascular conditions may be at higher risk.
• Stress and Depression: It’s well documented that African American communities experience higher rates of depression and related symptoms of stress due to racism, segregation, socioeconomic barriers, and more. Stress directly contributes to cognitive decline later in life.
• Diabetes: Stress and many of the same risk factors can lead to diabetes, which creates another risk factor for dementia.
• Heart Disease and Stroke: Vascular dementia is typically caused by a stroke but may be caused by any condition that reduces or blocks blood flow to parts of the brain, damaging brain tissue.
• Obesity: It hasn’t yet been proven that weight contributes directly to the risk of developing dementia. However, obesity does increase your risk of diabetes and heart disease. All three can be decreased with a healthy lifestyle.
• Family History: There appears to be DNA unique to African American populations making them more susceptible to dementia. If you have a family member with Alzheimer’s Disease, you should be screened regularly and limit your risk factors.
• Exposure to Pollution: One study suggests that those living in neighborhoods with higher levels of environmental pollution are at higher risk of developing dementia.

Many View Dementia and Aging Differently

African American adults perceive their health and the health care system differently than others, especially compared to white men. Some misperceptions may come from a lack of health education, and others from previous experiences, either their own or people they know. However, the Alzheimer’s Association reports that more than half of black people believe that significant memory loss is natural as they get older, and only about a third are concerned as symptoms develop. Even more startling is that these numbers are despite nearly two-thirds of Black Americans knowing someone with some form of dementia and severe memory problems.

Healthcare Discrimination Affects Patients and Caregivers

Discrimination is a significant part of black history. Healthcare disparity is one of the ways in which black communities are still affected by it, and there are several reasons these racial inequalities persist. Neighborhoods comprised mainly of African Americans often don’t have enough clinics or hospitals. If they do, they may not have access to the latest technology, or those who live there might not be able to afford it. The rates of low-income health insurance are higher in primarily black communities, which can limit the care received.

Even within these neighborhoods, there is a lack of diversity among providers, making it challenging for patients and caregivers to find a doctor with the same ethnic background. Caregivers may find navigating the healthcare system more difficult, especially with some types of insurance, like Medicare, because they haven’t done it before, and the processes can be confusing. Finding a caseworker or other advocate is a hurdle that many family members face when a loved one is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease or dementia.

Blacks are Less Likely to Receive an Early Diagnosis

Even though black people are up to two times more likely to develop Alzheimer’s Disease than the general population, only a third will receive a correct dementia diagnosis and begin a treatment plan on the first visit compared to white patients. In total, African American patients are 10% less likely to receive a diagnosis of dementia at all even as the disease progresses and the first symptoms develop.

Cultural perceptions delay care for memory problems because many believe it to be a natural part of aging. Black people often won’t see a doctor until more severe signs of dementia develop, like hallucinations and behavioral symptoms. This makes it less likely they will be diagnosed early on. Discrimination may play a factor, as it seems that many patients need to exhibit more severe symptoms to warrant a dementia diagnosis than white patients. Some people may not have access to health care due to socioeconomic status, even with low-income options and the Affordable Care Act (ACA). In 2018, it was reported that 9.7 percent of black racial groups were uninsured compared to only 5.4 percent of Caucasians.

The Cost of Care is Typically Higher

The cost of medical care for those in the early stages of dementia is much lower. Many patients can still live at home with a family member as long as they have supervision until the disease progresses and memory loss worsens. However, this assumes a treatment plan only for mild cognitive impairment. Managing behavioral symptoms can be much more costly, including in-patient care in a facility designed for more advanced cognitive decline. According to UsAgainstAlzheimer’s, the cost of treatment of dementia and dementia-related illnesses in the United States for African Americans was over $71 billion in 2012. With the number of cases of dementia estimated to double overall by 2060, these costs will become astronomical, especially for those seeking care for more advanced stages of the disease.

Survival Rates Vary Among Ethnic Groups

It’s difficult to find a consistent answer when determining how long individuals living with dementia will live past their diagnosis. A study by the University of Southern California School of Gerontology found that the African American population with dementia had one of the shortest survival rates, only slightly longer than caucasians. One published by the National Institutes of Health places black people above both white and indigenous populations. However, we should note that many develop Alzheimer’s much earlier than they seek treatment, so their survival rates would be much longer had they received an early diagnosis at the onset of memory problems.

The Black Population is Under-Represented in Studies

Rena A.S. Robinson has been studying Alzheimer’s Disease on a molecular level, looking for a biological reason for the disproportional number of African Americans with dementia. While this research is vital, and you can read more about it below, she found something equally as significant regarding understanding how these statistics could be misinterpreted. Her research shows that most clinical trials rarely represent the actual U.S. population. On average, these studies include approximately 5% blacks, yet they comprise around 13% of the total population. This could lead to skewed results.

There is a Possible Biological Vulnerability

A recent study began by evaluating past medical research reports including over 1,200 people ranging from age 43 to 104. Researchers discovered that approximately one-third had symptoms of the early stages of dementia-related memory loss. They then used brain scans and spinal fluid samples to test for two biological markers indicating Alzheimer’s Disease. Amyloid plaques were the same regardless of ethnic background. However, in the study, spinal fluid from African Americans showed significantly lower levels of tau proteins. These levels seemed to correlate to the APOE4 gene directly. In other studies, this gene has shown an increased risk of developing Alzheimer’s Disease even in those who are white, but the risk factor may not be as profound in black people. Still, tau proteins may mean that the African American population has a higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s or other related dementias.

What is Being Done to Address These Disparities?

More Diverse Medical Research

Based on previous studies, new ones are underway to dive deeper into the reasons behind these staggering statistics. One example is the Health and Aging Brain Study by the HSC Institute for Translational Research. This study has been funded by several prominent organizations, including the National Institutes of Health, to understand better how Alzheimer’s Disease affects those with various ethnic backgrounds. Other studies continue to research amyloid plaques and tau proteins to better understand how they affect brain changes by race.

Health Education Programs

Education is becoming available at every level of health care, from neighborhood clinics to large universities like the University of Kansas Medical Center. At this university, a free program offers resources and tools for those most impacted by memory loss and encourages participation in their clinical trials. The community benefits from access to more resources like promoting a healthy lifestyle, and the research studies benefit from more engagement with the community. Programs like this are available or being developed around the country.

Caregiver Support Groups

Being a caregiver for a family member with memory loss is hard, even when you don’t face the additional challenges of discrimination and socioeconomic hardship. Caregiver support groups like the African American Dementia Caregiver Support Program and others near you or online may help you deal with everyday struggles and learn about additional resources available. If you support someone with impaired thinking skills, there are people available to support you as well.

Fighting the Disparities in Dementia

There are still many challenges, especially as the number of Americans with dementia symptoms rises. However, with continued efforts to combat risk factors, more clinical trials being funded, and additional resources being made available for vulnerable neighborhoods and socioeconomic groups, our black communities can defy the projections and become stronger against Alzheimer’s Disease and related dementias. Support is available for people living with dementia, caregivers of any age, and even providers educating their patients.

The post Surprising Facts About Alzheimer’s And Black People appeared first on Black Health Matters.

Don’t let these five common misconceptions about cold weather health trick you:

1. Cold temperatures make you sick. If I had a dime for every time an older adult in my family said this, I could buy my own island. Temperature isn’t to blame for you catching a cold or the flu. Yes, some research suggests the virus that causes the flu may survive better in cold dry weather, but that’s not why you get sick. Winter usually means spending more time inside in close quarters with others who may be sick, which makes it easier to spread germs that lead to the flu or a cold.

To keep the sneezes and sniffles at bay, strengthen your resistance to wintertime illness:

• Get the flu shot. The CDC recommends everyone 6 months of age and older should get the flu shot.
• Wash your hands. This helps kill germs and prevents infections.
• Eat healthy foods. Load up on fruits and vegetables rich in nutrients and vitamins like vitamin C, which is good for your immune system.
• Exercise. It can help boost your immune system so you can better fight off infections.
• Get the right amount of sleep. Adults ages 18 to 64 should get 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night. Pre-school and middle school-aged children need 9 to 10 hours each night, while your teens should get 10 hours.

2. You lose most of your body heat through your head. Do you grab a hat before heading out during winter months because you’ve been told most of your body heat escapes through you head? It’s not true. Heat loss depends on what body part is exposed. But you should wear a hat outdoors because prolonged exposure to cold temperatures could lead to frostbite or hypothermia. Make sure you keep your core body temperature above 95 degrees, by wearing:

• Several layers of loose-fitting clothing
• A hat (Try the satin-lined Warm Collection from Grace Eleyae)
• A scarf or mask that covers your face and mouth (If you want to wear a wool scarf, layer a silk scarf underneath to minimize the rubbing on your hairline that might cause damage.)
• Mittens or gloves (If you like an added layer of warmth try the Soundtouch Heatwave Glove Liner from Seirus)
• A water-resistant coat  Our Amazon picks are perfect if you are allergic to down: For Her and For Him.  
• Water resistant boots. Our Amazon picks.For Her and For Him. 

3. Lack of sunlight causes seasonal affective disorder. Long, dreary winter months can spark feelings of sadness, known as seasonal affective disorder. But it’s not just because days are shorter and we don’t see as much sun. Wintertime can mean busy schedules, family drama and post-holiday bills, which all can trigger SAD. If you think you have SAD, talk to your doctor, who will evaluate you and provide treatment options. Consider some lifestyle and home remedies to help reduce stress and improve your mood:

• • Let the sunshine in. Open your blinds to let as much natural sunlight as possible into your home.
  • Exercise. When you work out, your body releases endorphins, which help fight stress and trigger positive feelings.
  • Go outside. Take a walk or sit on a park bench. Even when it’s cold, being surrounded by nature has an almost immediate beneficial impact on stress. Just remember to bundle up!
  • Practice mindfulness. Yoga and meditation may help you cope with SAD.

5. You don’t need sunscreen. During the dog days of summer, you likely have your sunscreen close at hand (or you should!), but you need it in the winter, too. UV rays don’t know anything about seasons changing, and they can damage your skin year-round. In fact, they may be even more harmful when the sun reflects off the snow and ice; snow reflects up to 80 percent of the sun’s UV light, so the rays could hit you twice. To reduce your risk of skin cancer in the cold:

• • • Apply a moisturizing sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher. Bonus: It might help relieve dry skin, too.
    • Cover up with UV-blocking sunglasses, a hat and scarf when you go outside.
    • Avoid peak sun hours between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when you can.

4. Take a hot bath after being freezing cold. Your first instinct after coming in from the cold is probably to get warm as fast as you can. But don’t jump into a scorching hot tub because it could cause your blood pressure to drop too quickly, which could make you feel faint or even lose consciousness. Instead, let your body warm up gradually. Slip your feet into your fuzzy socks, cuddle up by the fire and sip a some hot tea.

Armed with this cold weather health wisdom, hopefully you’ll stay warmer and healthier until it’s time to peel off the layers and enjoy spring!

The post Stay on Top of Cold Weather Health appeared first on Black Health Matters.

“I was trying so hard to keep it on the down-low ’cause I got a lot of stuff going on,” she said. “You know, people kept coming up to me, ‘Congratulations,’ and I’m like, ‘Shh, can y’all stop? I got a liquor sponsorship on the line.'” Keke shared that she’s “so excited” to become a mom and said it’s the “biggest blessing.”

We send our congratulations to Keke Palmer!

The post Keke Palmer Announces Pregnancy While Hosting ‘SNL’ appeared first on Black Health Matters.

• Aid in digestion
• cleans our blood
• helps metabolizes medicines
• detoxify chemicals

The liver and our kidneys are major filtration systems for toxins. Lastly, our liver impacts our hormones, vision, nails, and skin. Therefore, we must keep our livers strong, and one way is by fueling our bodies with the right foods. Unfortunately, modern lifestyles heavily depend on the liver because of fatty foods, drugs (including medications), alcohol, and diets heavy on animal products.

Black Health Matters provides three recipes that protect the functions of our liver. Keep scrolling below to find out what they are!

3 Liver-Friendly Recipes

Steel Cut Oatmeal with Flax & Fruit

Ingredients:

Green Smoothie

Ingredients:

• 1 medium ripe banana, sliced
• 1 medium pear, seeded and diced
• 2/3 cup almond milk
• 2 to 4 slices fresh peeled ginger, or to taste
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon, or to taste
• 1 1/2 cups coarsely chopped kale (washed)
• 1 cup of ice

Blend and enjoy!

Sauteed Broccoli

Ingredients:

• 1 pound prepackaged, precut broccoli florets
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt, more to taste
• 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Place the prepared broccoli in a large pot and add water to cover and about 1 teaspoon of salt. Bring the broccoli and water in the pot to a boil over high heat. Then reduce the heat to low and simmer the broccoli for 3 to 4 minutes or until the broccoli is just crisp-tender. Drain the broccoli thoroughly in a colander in the sink, shaking it to remove most of the water. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and cook the garlic for 1 minute until it is fragrant. Add the drained broccoli to the skillet with the garlic and oil and cook for 3 to 5 minutes, frequently stirring, until the broccoli is glazed and tender. Sprinkle the broccoli with lemon juice and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately.

Which recipe are you trying? Comment below!

The post 3 Liver-Friendly Recipes appeared first on Black Health Matters.

No cause of death has been listed, but the information will be released when it is available. For now, funeral services are pending, and the publicist added a memorial for the singer’s fans would be planned at a future date.

Lastly, Cara’s rep added she and Cara’s manager are now “working on amazing projects that would have made her and her fans incredibly happy. Her manager and I will finish them. She’d want that.”

The Legacy of Irene Cara

Irene Cara rose to fame in the 1980 musical “Fame.” Cara sang the title track and starred as Coco Hernandez. Her performance earned her two Grammy nominations for Best New Artist and Best Pop Vocal Performance, Female. Cara later sang and co-wrote “Flashdance… What A Feeling” for the soundtrack of the blockbuster “Flashdance.” “Flashdance… What a Feeling” scored the starlet two wins at the 26th Annual Grammy Awards in 1984.

We condolence to Cara’s family and loved ones during this challenging time.

The post Beloved Singer Irene Cara Passes Away At 63 appeared first on Black Health Matters.

Keep scrolling to learn how Zena made her mouthwatering appetizer.

Check Out Zena’s Bread Dipping Oil Recipe

@zenaskitchen

Bread dipping oil shoutout to @saltochtahini for the inspo!

♬ Chill Vibes – Tollan Kim

Ingredients:

• 100ml extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 1 tbsp pomegranate molasses
• 1 heaped tbsp sundrenched/sun-soaked tomatoes, finely chopped
• 1 heaped tbsp chargrilled artichokes, finely chopped
• 1 heaped tbsp olives, finely chopped
• 1 heaped tbsp fresh flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped
• ½ garlic clove, minced (optional)
• 1 tsp sumac
• 1 tsp Aleppo Chili

Mix everything and enjoy!

Health Benefits of Aleppo Chili

As delicious as this bread dipping oil is, you’ll love it more when you learn about the benefits of the Aleppo Chili pepper. This pepper contains multiple nutritional values. A study concluded that Aleppo pepper contains mainly vitamins and minerals like common vegetables and fruits. Among the beneficial values, some of them are:

• Dietary fiber
• Sodium
• Potassium
• Calcium
• Iron
• Manganese
• Folic acid
• Vitamin A
• Vitamin C

But the goodness doesn’t stop there. The Aleppo Chili pepper helps with the following things:

• Improves vision
• Boost the immune system
• Prevent macular degeneration diseases
• Aid digestion
• Maintain a healthy heart
• Boost metabolism
• Aid in weight loss
• Relieve a common cold

These are just several health benefits; however, the list goes on.

What your favorite appetizers to serve to friends and family? Comment below!

The post A Bread Dipping Oil Perfect For The Holidays appeared first on Black Health Matters.

First, what does a face toner do? And is it a necessary step in our skincare routine? A toner’s job is to gently refresh your skin without stripping it of its natural moisture. This means toner won’t irritate sensitive skin or cause excessive dryness. Toner also prepares the skin to drink up your post-cleansing moisturizer and any other treatments you may apply. A face toner is our skin’s secret weapon; it has real benefits. It would be best if you look for a gentle skin toner. Search for soothing ingredients that’ll balance out your skin’s pH level, such as rose water, jojoba oil, and other vitamins.

Keep scrolling to learn about the ten best toners for sensitive skin.

Top Toners for Sensitive Skin

1. Best Overall: Paula’s Choice Skin Recovery Enriched Calming Toner
2. Best Hydrating: CeraVe Hydrating Toner 
3. Most Soothing: First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Wild Oat Toner
4. Best Toning Lotion: Avene Gentle Toning Lotion
5. Budget-Friendly: Dickinson’s Enhanced Witch Hazel Hydrating Toner
6. Most Refreshing: Kiehl’s Calendula Herbal Extract Alcohol-Free Toner
7. Best Aloe Vera Toner: Mario Badescu Aloe Vera Toner
8. Luxury Buy for Aging Skin: SK-II Facial Treatment Lotion
9. Best Mist: Knours Double Duty Mist
10. Best Glow: Pixi Glow Tonic

Don’t worry, beauties. There are toners out there perfect for your sensitive skin. You’ll be good to go if you research and find the products that work out for your skin.

What is your favorite toner? Comment below!

The post 10 Best Toners For Sensitive Skin appeared first on Black Health Matters.

Today, BHM brings you another simple and delicious recipe. It’s a super-simple one-pan dish with almost no measuring involved, and the only thing you’ll have to cut is a lemon.

Check Out the Crispy Lemon Chicken Thighs Recipe Below

@jusslin_

Lemon Crusted Chicken Thighs ????????‍???????????? Ingredients: – Chicken Thighs – Olive Oil – Garlic Powder – Lemon Pepper – Black Pepper – Crushed Red Pepper – Onion Powder – Lemon – Parsley Marinate chicken in the listed ingredients above. Put in an oven safe dish and add some sliced lemons around the chicken. Bake at 400 degrees for 40 minutes. Broil for 5 minutes on low until golden brown. **Get a spoon to scoop the juices in the pan and rebase the chicken so it has an even golden brown color. #lemoncrustedchicken #lemonpepperwings #lemonpepperchicken #bakedchicken #chickenthighs #bakedchickenthighs #lemonchicken #easychickenrecipes #mealpreprecipes #fyp #healthyrecipes #chickenbake

♬ original sound – jusslin_

Ingredients:

• Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• Olive oil
• Garlic Powder
• Mrs. Dash Lemon Pepper Seasoning
• Black Pepper
• Crushed Red Pepper
• Onion Powder
• Lemon
• Parsley

Clean and trim your chicken, then marinate them in the abovementioned ingredients. While your chicken is marinating, preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Place your marinated chicken thighs in an oven-safe baking dish and add some sliced lemons around the chicken—Bake for 40 minutes. Then broil for 5 mins on low until the skin is golden brown. Before broiling your chicken, scoop some juices onto the chicken for an even golden brown color.

It pairs perfectly with sauteed zucchini and rice or garlic mashed potatoes. And the best thing about this recipe is it perfect for meal prep. Give this recipe a try, and tell us what you think in the comments below!

The post Easy Crispy Lemon Chicken Thighs appeared first on Black Health Matters.

If you’re suffering from large pores, it may be because of the following:

• acne
• increased sebum production, which causes oily skin
• sun damage
• noncomedogenic makeup

Although you can’t change the size of your pores, four products can help minimize their appearance. And NO, these pore strips are NOT included (put those down)! Now, let’s get shopping.

5 Products To Reduce Large, Dilated Congested Pores

AHA/BHA Facial Cleanser

Start with an exfoliating cleanser. The best ones contain either AHA or BHA or both. Effaclar Gel Facial Wash for oily skin with zinc pidolate effectively cleanses away dirt and oil while respecting the skin’s pH balance. It cleanses without over-drying your skin. Great for all skin types, including sensitive skin.

Niacinamide is a Must!

Next, you will need a niacinamide serum. Most dermatologists recommend 2%-5% for our skin; however, the oilier your skin, the higher percentage of niacinamide is recommended. The Ordinary’s Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% is an excellent serum for everyday use. You can add retinol with your niacinamide, but please add it slowly.

Niacinamide reduces inflammation, which may help ease redness from eczema, acne, and other inflammatory skin conditions. It helps minimize pore appearance. Keeping your skin smooth and moisturized may have a secondary benefit — a natural reduction in pore size over time. Too much niacinamide can irritate, especially if you have sensitive skin.

Lightweight Moisturizer

Follow up with a lightweight moisturizer. A daily moisturizer is essential. We recommend looking for ingredients like hyaluronic acid and ceramides to help restore and maintain the skin’s protective barrier. CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion is a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer that helps hydrate the skin and restore its natural barrier.

Sunscreen with High SPF

Lastly, WEAR YOUR SUNSCREEN! Sunscreen is vital for keeping your skin healthy and protected from the sun’s harsh UV rays. Aveeno’s Hydrate + Protect Broad Spectrum Sunscreen is perfect for your sunscreen needs. Formulated with SPF 60 & prebiotic oat, the facial sunscreen helps leave skin feeling soft & hydrated.

Another “bonus” step that many of us forget is not to go to sleep in our makeup. Double cleansing is a great way to ensure your face is cleared of all residue. How do you handle your pesky pores? Comment below!

The post How To Reduce Large, Dilated Congested Pores appeared first on Black Health Matters.

There are scents for every season, and most believe fall fragrances can only be worn. However, a good fall scent can be worn year-round and, if layered correctly, transformed. Fall perfumes contain spicier, intense aromas like cinnamon, nutmeg, black pepper, saffron, clove, and cardamom.

Today, we have taken away the stress of researching a lovely fragrance for autumn. Here are our top five fall fragrances for women in no particular order.

Top Fall Fragrances

The Angels’ Share by Kilian

The first pick is a favorite to so many, including myself. The Angels‘ Share Eau De Parfum is part of The Liquors collection. Kilian Hennessy wanted to pay tribute to his heritage as heir to the renowned French cognac family. She retails between $45 – $210, depending on size.

Fragrance Family: Warm & Spicy

Scent Type: Warm & Sweet Gourmands

Key Notes: Cognac, Tonka Bean, and Oak Wood

Kayali Lovefest Burning Cherry

The next on our list is Kayali Lovefest Burning Cherry. She is a juicy yet spicy queen. The enticing contrast of succulent burning cherries and raspberries accompanied by the sweetest caramelized notes of praline against the smoky, earthy notes of palo santo, guaiac wood, and patchouli makes this a genuinely mesmerizing and euphoric fragrance.

Fragrance Family: Warm & Spicy

Scent Type: Warm & Sweet Gourmands

Key Notes: Black Cherry, Rose Damascena, and Palo Santo

YSL Libre

YSL Libre is timeless and perfect for fall timeless, and signature notes of lavender essence from France and Moroccan orange blossom combined with radiant orchids and warm vanilla push this perfume to the extreme. It is a long-lasting sensual twist on the floral fragrance.

Fragrance Family: Florals

Scent Type: Warm Florals

Key Notes: Lavender Essence, Orange Blossom, Orchid Accord

Juliette Has A Gun

I never knew I liked a clean-smelling perfume until I met Juliette Has A Gun. This minimalist, fresh, and clean fragrance is hypoallergenic and ideal for those who don’t usually wear perfume. It is composed of a single note called cetalox, which is usually used in perfumery as a base note. Here it plays the lead role for a fragrance that will quickly satisfy the most demanding tastes, particularly those preferring discretion over complexity.

Fragrance Family: Warm & Spicy

Scent Type: Warm & Sheer

Key Notes: Cetalox (Synthetic Ambergris)

Kayali Vanilla 28

Kayali made a list again. And when you hear about Kayali Vanilla 28, you’ll understand why. Your sense will be captivated by VANILLA | 28. She is a refined and cultivated nuanced masterpiece. A time-honored union of creamy jasmine and rich Madagascan vanilla orchid draws out the sweet softness of Brazilian Tonka. Beautifully balanced oriental notes of musk, amber, patchouli, and brown sugar form the distinguished wood base of this utterly sublime scent. The number 28 indicates the 28 rounds of formulations it took to achieve the perfect balance of sweet and warm.

Fragrance Family: Warm & Spicy

Scent Type: Warm & Sweet Gourmands

Key Notes: Vanilla Orchids, Tonka Absolute, Amber Woods

Here are our top five fall scents! Are you enjoying our fall series? In need of a fall recipe, hairstyle, or more? Then make sure you check out the rest of our articles. Which scent is your new obsession? Comment below!

The post The 5 Best Fall Fragrances For Women appeared first on Black Health Matters.

Breakfast skillets are always a fun meal to eat. You can throw in your favorite vegetables, meats, and more and top it with an egg. The warm, toasty notes with fresh herbs are why this recipe will quickly become your family’s favorite. All you need is thirty minutes to bring this dish together. And you can even make it ahead of time and cook the egg when you’re ready to eat.

Fall Breakfast Skillet Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 cups of butternut squash cubes (about 1 inch)
• 1 Tbsp ghee or preferred cooking fat, melted
• sea salt and pepper
• 1 Tbsp ghee for frying
• 1 package Jones Dairy Farm Antibiotic Free No Sugar Chicken Sausage Links cut into bite-size pieces
• 1 large apple honey crisp or pink lady, chopped (peeling optional)
• 1 med onion chopped
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1 Tbsp minced fresh poultry herbs – sage, thyme, etc.
• 4 eggs

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 425 degrees and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper (optional). In a large bowl, toss butternut squash cubes with melted ghee and sea salt to coat evenly, then spread out in a single layer on the baking sheet.
2. Roast for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and soft.
3. Meanwhile, heat a large cast iron skillet (or heavy nonstick skillet) over med-hi heat. Add 1 TBSP of ghee once hot.
4. Add cut-up chicken sausage and cook, stirring for 2 minutes or until it begins to brown.
5. Add in the onions and reduce heat to medium. Cook until the onions are translucent and the sausage is toasty.
6. Add the apples and sprinkle the mixture with salt, pepper, cinnamon, and herbs. Cook and stir the apples until soft, about 2-4 minutes, adjusting the heat to prevent burning if necessary.
7. Add butternut squash cubes into the pain (drain butternut squash if you want) and gently mix. Turn off the heat temporarily while you add the eggs.
8. Create four grooves in the hash and carefully crack each egg into one. Return skillet to medium heat, sprinkle eggs with salt, pepper, and herbs, and cover. Cook, covered, until eggs are cooked to preference, 5-10 mins. Serve right away and enjoy!

I told you it was easy! Were you looking for more fall recipes? Then check out our fall salads, oatmeal, and more. What do you put in your favorite breakfast skillet? Comment below!

The post Start Your Mornings Off With This Fall Breakfast Skillet appeared first on Black Health Matters.

There are multiple types of facial brushes to suit your skincare needs.

• Manual – The simplest facial cleansing brushes are textured pads or poufs. These won’t clean your skin as deeply as electric brushes, but they still offer some exfoliation and help to work your cleanser into your pores for a good wash. They’re the best option for those with sensitive skin.
• Electronic – These brushes use energy to vibrate or oscillate — motions that help make your cleanser sudsy and loosen up debris deep in your pores for a thorough clean. Electric options generally deliver more exfoliation than manual alternatives, so they’re great for resurfacing skin, decreasing dullness, and clearing excess oiliness.
• Sonic – Some electric facial cleansing brushes employ sonic technology to improve your cleanse quality. Sonic cleansing devices use rapidly moving bristles to help lift away grease, makeup, and grime when you massage the brush head onto your complexion.
• Oscillating – You’ll typically find oscillating facial cleansing brushes in tools with round brush heads. The brush head moves rapidly in a circular motion, offering a 360-degree cleanse for your pores.

So, which one is the best one to use? Well, here are ten of the best cleansing facial brushes of 2022.

Best Cleansing Facial Brushes

1. Best Overall: PMD Clean Smart
2. Best Budget: EcoTools Deep Cleansing Brush
3. Best Drugstore Purchase: Olay Regenerist Face Cleansing Device
4. High-End: FOREO Luna 3
5. Best Luxury: Michael Todd Cleansing System
6. Best Manual: Naturopathica Facial Cleansing Brush
7. Best for Dry Skin: Buttah Skin Vibe Brush
8. Best for Oily Skin: Conair True Glow Sonic Facial Beauty Kit
9. Best for Acne-Prone Skin: Proactiv Charcoal Pore Cleansing Brush
10. Best for Blackheads: Shiseido Cleansing Massage Brush

Facial brushes are safe to use frequently by almost everyone. However, if you have sensitive skin or acne should be mindful of their tool and consult with your dermatologist beforehand.

Which brush do you plan on adding to your skincare routine? Comment below!

The post The 10 Best Cleansing Facial Brushes of 2022 appeared first on Black Health Matters.

Oatmeal Breakfast Cookie Recipe:

• 1/2 cup of oats
• 1/2 mashed bananas
• 3/4 scoop of vanilla protein powder
• 1 to 2 tsp of brown sugar (based on desired sweetness)
• 2 tsp of neutral oil
• sprinkle cinnamon
• chocolate chunks, raisins, craisins, etc. (optional)

Preheat your air fryer to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Mix all your ingredients except *chocolate chunks. Cut out a small piece of parchment paper that can fit in your air fryer. Form the dough into a ball and press flat on the parchment paper to make a cookie—Cook for five minutes. If you’re using your oven, cook for six minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

The protein powder helps you feel fuller longer, which is excellent. And if not for breakfast, this cooking is an excellent pre or post-workout snack. What is your favorite quick breakfast meal? Comment below!

The post 5-Minute Oatmeal Breakfast Cookie Recipe appeared first on Black Health Matters.

The church announced his passing early this morning, stating he passed away peacefully. Reverend Dr. Calvin Butts impacted so many lives. He was a staple of the historic church. They were getting ready to celebrate his milestone in a few weeks. Today has been an emotional-filled and sad day in front of the church as parishioners learned about the news of his passing.

Rev. Butts was an outstanding preacher, [and] minister. He cared about his parishioners.

Reverend Butts was born in Bridgeport, Connecticut, before his family relocated to Queens. He graduated from Flushing High School in 1967 and earned his degree from Morehouse College. In 1972, Reverend Butts joined Abyssinian as a youth minister and became a trusted faith leader to the public and politicians. He established a relationship with the most prominent figures across the country. In a statement, Rev. Al Sharpton said, “Rev. Butts was a major pillar in the Harlem community and is irreplaceable… He will be tremendously missed.”

He became the pastor in 1989, continuing the Abyssinian’s mission, which included feeding the poor, building affordable housing, and adding new schools in Harlem. “We’ve been doing marvelous things socially, politically, economically, and of course, religiously, spiritually,” he told CBS2’s Dana Tyler in a 2008 interview. Reverend Butts was also called “president emeritus of SUNY Old Westbury.” He also served as a visiting professor at the Fordham University Graduate School of Education.

Rev. Butts leaves behind three children and six grandchildren. We send our condolences to his family and loved ones.

To learn more about pancreatic cancer and the warning signs, click here.

The post Reverend Dr. Calvin Butts Passes Away At 73 appeared first on Black Health Matters.

However, salads deserve their moment to shine this fall. Salads usually fall in the summer category, but nope, fall salads are just as lovely! Sweet, tart vinaigrettes paired with seasonal fruit are the perfect combination.

Here are four fall salad recipes you and your loved ones can enjoy together! They’re all beautifully bright, healthy, and delicious, from leafy greens to root veggies.

4 Fall Salads You’ll Love

Sweet Potato Salad

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds sweet potatoes (about four medium)
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• Fresh ground black pepper
• 6 tablespoons Orange Vinaigrette (ingredients listed below)
• 2 cups baby arugula
• 1/2 medium shallot, thinly sliced into half moons
• ¼ cup dried cranberries or cherries
• ¼ cup pepitas
• ¼ cup feta or goat cheese crumbles (optional)

Dressing:

• 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon orange zest
• 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ cup olive oil

Wash and dice the sweet potato. Dice the sweet potatoes into 3/4” cubes, leaving the skin on. Mix the sweet potatoes in a large bowl with olive oil, garlic powder, and kosher salt. Place seasoned cubes on a pan lined with parchment paper and roast at 450 degrees Fahrenheit for 25 mins. Assemble dressing. Cool the sweet potato cubes to room temperature before mixing the salad with the ingredients. Serve and enjoy!

Tuscan Kale Salad

Ingredients:

• 1 large bunch of Tuscan kale (about 8 ounces)*
• 1/2 teaspoon of minced garlic
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 lemon (3 to 4 tablespoons juice, plus zest)
• ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• ⅛ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• Fresh ground black pepper
• Homemade or store-brought croutons (optional)

Wash and prep kale – destem and cut kale. Sprinkle minced garlic with kosher salt, and scrape the sharp part of your blade over the mixture. Place the paste in a mixing bowl and add the olive oil, lemon juice, red pepper flakes, fresh ground black pepper, and whisk to combine. Add the Parmesan cheese and stir to combine. Toss kale with dressing. Add croutons (optional).

Brussel Sprouts Salad

Ingredients:

• 1 pound Brussels sprouts, enough for 4 cups shredded (or 8 ounces shredded)
• 1 ½ cups chopped escarole or other crunchy leafy greens, optional
• 1 large crisp tart red apple (like Honeycrisp)
• ½ cup dried tart cherries
• ½ cup almonds (Marcona almonds, if possible)
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 recipe of Dijon Mustard Dressing
• Feta cheese crumbles (optional)

Wash and cut vegetables and fruit. Toss with 1/2 cup of dressing (please add more if you’d like). Top with feta cheese.

Apple and Goat Cheese Salad

Ingredients:

• 1 recipe of Balsamic Dressing (listed below) or Dijon Dressing
• 1 crisp apple
• 1 shallot
• 8 cups of baby arugula
• ¼ cup pecans, roughly chopped (toasted, if desired)
• 2 ounces soft goat cheese (chevre), crumbled
• Sea salt

Dressing:

• 2 tablespoons aged balsamic vinegar
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon honey (or maple syrup for vegan)
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
• 6 tablespoons olive oil

In a medium bowl, make the dressing. Thinly slice the apple and shallot. Place the greens on a plate. Top with the sliced shallot, apple, pecans, and soft goat cheese crumbles. Drizzle with dressing and top with a sprinkle of sea salt.

Let us know what you think about these fall salad recipes below!

The post 4 Fall Salads You’ll Want To Try appeared first on Black Health Matters.

Now that you know what it does for your face (and neck), let’s tap into all it can do. Glycolic acid is a magical ingredient that you’ll always want to have in your medicine cabinet.

5 Ways to Use Glycolic Acid (Besides for Your Face)

1. Strawberry Legs – Also known as Keratosis Pilaris, some of us experience ingrown hair and red bumps post-shave that never seem to stop coming. This exfoliating treatment, paired with religious moisturizing, will help shrink the look of your pores and give you smooth, glowing skin!
2. Soften Elbows and Feet – If you have rough elbows and feet, this acid can help soften your skin and allow for better penetration of your moisturizers. For example, if you’re using 7% glycolic acid on your face, consider using a more potent concentration for those areas.
3. Deodorant Alternative – Are you looking for an alternative to a deodorant? Applying glycolic acid to your underarm doesn’t naturally make your underarms smell pleasant, but it does help remove the bacteria that interact with your sweat to produce a smell. If you have susceptible skin, only apply the day after shaving. Otherwise, it might sting.
4. Lightening Inner Thighs – You know that little uncomfortable rub you get when you move your thighs around? Friction like these cause discoloration on your inner thighs. Since glycolic acid is excellent at sloughing dead skin cells away, it’ll help lighten and brighten the area.
5. Dandruff – To those with a dry, flaky scalp, this treatment will blow any dandruff shampoo out of the water! It’s a great way to decongest your scalp and make it feel brand new and fresh, keeping the flakiness at bay. But don’t overdo it. Only use it if your scalp feels extra itchy.

Pretty impressive, right? I was shocked when I learned of all its uses. Will you add glycolic acid to your beauty routine? Comment below!

The post 5 Things You Didn’t Know Glycolic Acid Could Do appeared first on Black Health Matters.

Take notes! One of these wipes could be the difference between falling asleep with a perfectly beat face or clean skin.

Top 10 Makeup Remover Wipes

1. Best Overall: Neutrogena Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes
2. Best Drugstore and Hypoallergenic: Burt’s Bees Facial Cleansing Towelettes
3. Best for Oily Skin: Almay Clear Complexion Makeup Remover  
4. Best for All Skin Types: Cetaphil Gentle Makeup Removing Wipes
5. Best for Sensitive Skin: Aveeno Ultra-Calming Makeup Removing Wipes
6. Most Hydrating: Yes to Coconut Facial Wipes 
7. Best Travel-Friendly: La Fresh Makeup Remover Wipes
8. Best Gentle: Honest Beauty Makeup Remover Wipes 
9. Best for Everyday Use: Simple Micellar Make-up Remover Wipes
10. Best for Waterproof Makeup: Garnier SkinActive Micellar Makeup Removing Towelettes

The best thing about this list is all the wipes are available at your local drugstore. I told you, cheaper! You don’t have to go to an expensive store for an item in your skincare routine. Please always read the label to see if the listed ingredients work for your skin. For instance, I will always go for a gentle yet hydrating formula because I have dry, sensitive skin.

Did your favorite makeup remover wipes make our list? Comment below!

The post The 10 Best Makeup Remover Wipes For 2022 appeared first on Black Health Matters.

Previously, we talked about the health benefits of oatmeal. It is nutritious and packed with essential nutrients like iron, magnesium, zinc, and more. Not to mention oatmeal is an excellent source of dietary fiber and antioxidants.

I grew up eating porridge savory or sweet. For instance, my grandmother would make a savory porridge with fried eggs and chili oil. Either way, it is excellent served, sweet or unsweetened.

Banana Chai Oatmeal Porridge

Most of us already own these ingredients and are probably in high rotation this fall.

Oatmeal:

• 1 cup thick-cut Rolled oats, organic
• 1 very ripe banana, mashed
• 2 cups of Almond milk (You can use water or your fave plant-based milk instead!)
• 1 (14 oz.) can full-fat coconut milk/cream (You can sub with your fave plant-based milk; See Notes!)
• 1 (7 oz.) can of dairy-free condensed milk
• ¼ cup organic brown sugar
• ½ teaspoon sea salt

Chai Spice Blend:

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
• ¼ teaspoon ground allspice
• ⅛ teaspoon ground cardamom
• Pinch of ground cloves
• Pinch of black pepper

Toppings (optional):

• Banana slices
• Nuts
• Chia seeds
• Granola, homemade or store-bought

Instructions:

The post Try This Warm & Cozy Banana Chai Oatmeal Porridge For Breakfast appeared first on Black Health Matters.

1. Mocktail Harvest Punch

The first drink comes from the creator of @Blackgirlsmakingdrinks, Nik J. She specializes in refreshing, homemade drinks. Her mocktail harvest punch is the perfect beverage for the fall! And it even tastes good warm…cider, anyone?

@theenikj

𝐇𝐚𝐫𝐯𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐏𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐡⁣ ⁣ 𝘐𝘯𝘨𝘳𝘦𝘥𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘴 ⁣ Apples⁣ Oranges ⁣ Fresh orange juice⁣ Apple juice or apple coder⁣ Spiced cider ice cubes⁣ Gingerale⁣ Sprinkle nutmeg⁣ Cinnamon stick for garnish⁣ .⁣ .⁣ .⁣ .⁣ ⁣ #fallvibes #falldrinks #harvestpunch #applebutter #pumpkinspiceseason #cocktails #athomebarista #fallrecipes #blackgirlmagic #drinkrecipes #blackgirlsmakingdrinks #homecafevideo #homebaristaclub #drinkup #applespice #appleseason thanksgivingrecipes #mocktails #drinkup #drinktok

♬ original sound – DJ Markie Mark

2. Horchata

Whenever I hear the word “horchata,” I think about an iced rice beverage during the summer. However, it can also be enjoyed during the fall. Horchata dates back to the 16th century in North Africa. The refreshing drink made it to Spain, popularized as a mix of Chufa, tiger nut, grains, and spices. As Spanish conquistadors traveled to the Americas, they brought them horchata.

Home chef Marquis gives a simple recipe for the beloved drink.

@lifewithmarq

Horchata #horchatarecipe #aguafresca #refreshing #horchatadefresa #horchatalovers #horchata

♬ Aesthetic – Tollan Kim

3. Brown Sugar Latte

We are calling all coffee lovers because this one is for you! We have a cozy drink you can make for your mornings – a brown sugar latte. Home chef and the author of “One Pot Keto Cooking,” Charlotte Smythe, gives us the perfect recipe.

@cleanfoodiecravings

Brown sugar latte: 2 tsp brown sugar, double shot espresso, ice, ~ cup of milk w/ splash of vanilla #espressotiktok #cleanfoodiecravings #coffeetime

♬ original sound – Charlotte

4. Sweet Potato Latte (Goguma)

I first learned about this vegan, sweet drink while scrolling through Instagram. And unfortunately, none of my favorite Black foodies had a recipe. So, after much digging, I discovered @CafeMaddy and her sweet potato latte. Goguma is a popular Korean drink served in many Korean cafes and perfect for cold days.

This is a new recipe that I cannot wait to try.

@cafemaddy

sweet potato latte #fall #fallrecipe #comfortfood #comfort

♬ original sound – cafemaddy

Now, that we have drinks for everyone this fall, which recipe are you trying? Comment below!

The post 4 Fall Drinks That DON’T Contain Pumpkin Spice appeared first on Black Health Matters.

Go ahead, sneak one of the candy bar minis from your child’s Halloween haul. Just make sure to check this list* to find out how much exercise you’ll need to burn off those stolen calories:

• Butterfinger (85 calories) 10 minutes of Zumba
• Heath bar (77 calories) 12 minutes of aerobics
• Hershey’s milk chocolate bar (67 calories) 15 minutes of dancing
• Kit Kat (70 calories) 10 minutes of moderate rowing
• Milky Way, Mounds, Snickers, Twix (80 calories each) 9 minutes on the elliptical
• York Peppermint Patty (60 calories) 25 minutes of yoga
• Mr. Goodbar (90 calories) 13 minutes of hiking
• Plain M&M’s (67 calories) 9 minutes of jumping jacks
• Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup (110 calories) 7 minutes of jogging
• 3 Musketeers (63 calories) 26 minutes of Pilates
• 100 Grand (95 calories) 10 minutes of kickboxing

*calorie counts based on a 130-pound woman

The post Treat at Your Own Risk appeared first on Black Health Matters.

Tina Turner went from a young girl singing in her rural church choir in Nutbush, TN, to a legendary performer. Barbie celebrates the phenomenal music career and journey of the superstar. She is a Grammy-winning, chart-topping singer ad one of the best-selling recording artists of all time. “What’s Love Got to Do With It” received three awards at the 1985 Grammys and was later inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2012.

The Tina Turner doll is available for $55 on Mattel’s website. In addition, she joins other trailblazing women honored with Barbies. Women such as Madam C.J. Walker, Jane Goodall, and Laverne Cox. 

The post Rock and Roll Icon Tina Turner Gets Her Own Barbie appeared first on Black Health Matters.

The first hint of a possible COVID-19 surge is what’s been happening in Europe. Infection numbers have risen in many European countries. “In the past, what’s happened in Europe often has been a harbinger for what’s about to happen in the United States,” says Michael Osterholm, director of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy at the University of Minnesota. “So I think the bottom line message for us in this country is: We have to be prepared for what they are beginning to see in Europe.”

Several computer models project that coronavirus infections will continue to recede until the end of the year. But researchers stress there are too many uncertainties range the projection numbers. For instance, whether more infectious variants start to spread throughout the U.S. is a factor they review. Scientists notice that the new omicron subvariants are even better at dodging immunity.

“We look around the world and see countries such as Germany and France are seeing increases as we speak,” says Lauren Ancel Meyers, director of the UT COVID-19 Modeling Consortium at the University of Texas at Austin. “That gives me pause. It adds uncertainty about what we can expect in the coming weeks and months.”

Researchers don’t know if people’s susceptibility to new subvariants they haven’t been exposed to is the reason for rising numbers in Europe. Plus, there are different levels of immunity in different countries. “If it is mostly just behavioral changes and climate, we might be able to avoid similar upticks if there is broad uptake of the bivalent vaccine,” Lessler says. “If it is immune escape across several variants with convergent evolution, the outlook for the U.S. may be more concerning.”

COVID-19 Surge Factors

Some researchers say the U.S. is already seeing signs of a possible COVID-19 surge. For example, virus levels were detected in the country’s northeastern part of wastewater. That could be an early warning sign of what’s coming, though the virus is declining nationally. Also, infections and hospitalizations are rising in some parts of the region, according to Dr. David Rubin. “We’re seeing the northern rim of the country beginning to show some evidence of increasing transmission,” Rubin says. “The winter resurgence is beginning.”

But if a dramatically different new variant doesn’t emerge, the U.S. can avoid a winter surge this year. “We have a lot more immunity in the population than we did later,” says Jennifer Nuzzo, who runs the Pandemic Center at the Brown University School of Public Health. Another crucial variable that could affect the ct of a rise in infections is how many people get one of the new bivalent omicron boosters to shore up their waning immunity.

The booster uptake in the U.S. is sluggish. About 50% of individuals who are eligible for a booster haven’t received one. In addition, the demand for the updated booster isn’t high. Fewer than 8 million people received one of the new boosters out of the more than 200 million eligible.

The post Early Signs Of COVID-19 Surge On Its Way appeared first on Black Health Matters.

Toni’s pumpkin spice Tres Leche cake is the perfect bite of fall. Keep scrolling to learn how she created this decadent masterpiece.

Toni’s Pumpkin Spice Tres Leche Cake

@tasty

Make this delicious Pumpkin Spice Tres Leche with @Toni #pumpkin #pumpkintiramisu #tiramisu #falldessert #fallrecipe

♬ original sound – Tasty

Ingredients:

Cake

• 4 eggs
• 1 cup of sugar
• 3/4 cup oil
• 1 can of pumpkin puree
• 2 cups of flour
• 2 tsps baking powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp of salt

Tres Leche Mixture (non-dairy options included) 

• 1 cup of whole milk (soy, oat, or almond milk)
• 1 can of sweet condensed milk (Nature’s Charm sweetened condensed coconut milk)
• 1 cup of evaporated milk (1 cup of Nature Charm’s evaporated coconut milk)
• 1 tsp of vanilla extract
• 1 tsp of pumpkin pie seasoning

Whipped Topping (non-dairy options included) 

• 1 cup of heavy cream (Nature’s Charm coconut whipping cream; omit powdered sugar)
• 2/3 cup of powdered sugar

Isn’t this cake divine? I promise if you try this recipe, then you will fall in love with this popular season. In addition, don’t be afraid to find alternative ingredients that work for you. For instance, dairy and I are arch enemies; therefore, Nature’s Charm is the perfect brand for me.

Are you going to give this recipe a try? Comment below!

The post Recreate This Pumpkin Spice Tres Leche Cake For The Holidays appeared first on Black Health Matters.

When I think about pizza, Pizza Hut often comes to mind. I know that cheese and grease aren’t good for me. And let’s not discuss the convenience of fast food. However, Holloway layers her pizza with all the ingredients needed to make a healthy meal. You can assemble it the night before, freeze or refrigerate it, and pop it in the oven in the morning before work.

Naomi’s Pita Pizza

@lonafit

Quick lil lunch for the gworls Pizza… but make it at home and make it healthy #fittok #gymgirl #onlinefitnesscoach #blackgirltiktok #foryou #blackgirltiktok #healthyeats

♬ original sound – liluziwrld__

Ingredients:

• 1 Whole Wheat Pita Bread
• Marinara Sauce
• Shredded Low-fat Mozzarella Cheese
• Baby Bella Mushrooms
• Spinach
• Turkey Pepperoni
• Seasoning to taste – garlic powder, pepper, and salt.

The perfect low-calorie meal your stomach will love. The pita acts as a great vessel for all of our favorite toppings. For instance, turkey sausages crumbles, onions and peppers, and vegan cheese would be my go to. How would you top your pita pizza? Comment below!

The post Try This Pita Pizza Recipe For Quick & Healthy Lunch appeared first on Black Health Matters.

One way I learned to cut costs is by using home products. For instance, I do an apple cider vinegar rinse bi-weekly to keep my hair healthy. Most natural hair companies started to bottle their version of this rinse, but all you need is three tablespoons of ACV (I prefer Bragg) to one and three-quarters cups of filtered water mixed in a bottle with a nozzle top. And saturate your hair (after shampooing). ACV is one ingredient that keeps your curls popping.

We have listed four of the best at-home hair rinses for natural hair. The results are instant, and your hair will thank us later.

Top 5 Hair Rinses for Natural Hair

1. Apple cider vinegar rinse – ACV is one of the more traditional rinses naturalistas everywhere use. Your scalp has a natural pH of about 5, which is slightly acidic. This acidity level is essential in keeping the cuticle layer of your hair flat and closed. A flat cuticle layer corresponds to shiny, smooth, soft hair with less frizz. It prevents tangling, breakage, dryness, and hair loss by helping each hair strand retain moisture and making them smooth and less likely to catch on each other. ACV helps with the following things:
   1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. balancing scalp pH
                  2. provides hair nutrients
                  3. clarifies and exfoliates hair
                  4. adds volume and definition to curls
                  5. stimulates hair growth
2. Rice water rinse – Rice water rinses are another popular hair rinse in the natural hair community. Rice water is the milky liquid left over after soaking, washing, or boiling rice. Rice water is believed to benefit both the skin as a toner and the hair as a conditioner. It promotes hair growth, protects from hair damage, increases shine and hair elasticity, and detangles. Clean 1/2 cup of rice and soak it in two to three cups of water at room temperature; the longer, the better. Strain the rice and rinse the hair.
3. Green tea rinse – Green tea rinses are a color girl’s best friend, especially regarding excessive shedding! Green tea adds moisture, aids scalp conditions, and promotes hair growth. Boil a pot of water and add green tea bags. Allow to steep for several minutes, then completely cool before applying to your hair.
4. Onion juice rinse – Although no one wants to walk around smelling like onions, onion juice is a powerful agent on your hair’s side. Studies show that onion contains methylsulfonylmethane, a highly absorbable source of sulfur that helps form keratin in hair, leading to hair growth. This sulfur also improves blood circulation and provides the hair follicles with the rich amount of nourishment needed. Slice up five onions, add them to a liter of water, and boil for about 15 minutes. Allow it to cool, strain it and use this mixture to rinse your hair. Shampoo and condition after.

Use these rinses after you shampoo and condition your hair, except for the onion juice rinse; some rinses can replace shampoo altogether. I love rinses because you can also add your favorite essential oils to give the rinse a boost your scalp will love. What is your favorite type of hair rinse? Comment below!

The post Best At-Home Hair Rinses For Natural Hair appeared first on Black Health Matters.

Every skin is different; therefore, we curated a list of nine must-have eye creams that will improve the look of your eyes and work well for darker skin tones.

Top Eye Creams for African-American Skin

1. OLEHENRIKSEN Banana Bright Eye Crème
2. Mario Badescu Hyaluronic Eye Cream
3. Skinception Eyelastcity 
4. Organys Spark Rejuvenating Eye Formula
5. AHAVA Dead Sea Osmoter Eye Concentrate
6. The Body Shop Drops of Youth Eye Concentrate
7. LilyAna Naturals Eye Cream 
8. CeraVe Eye Repair 
9. BaeBody Eye Gel

Finding the best eye cream for your skin can be tricky, primarily due to the lack of diversity in the beauty industry. However, these tips are perfect for finding the best eye cream to suit your skin’s needs. Did your eye cream make our list? Comment below!

The post 9 Must Have Eye Creams For Women Of Color appeared first on Black Health Matters.

What can you do if you experience this? Tanya S. Lane, a cosmetic chemist, teaches her followers three ways to combat it. According to Lane, when you’re dealing with excessive hair shedding, you should try the following:

1. Green tea rinses – Green tea contains catechins, organic compounds that promote hair growth and inhibit hormones associated with hair loss.
2. Increase Vitamin D – Many individuals who experience excessive shedding are usually Vitamin D deficient. Adding a Vitamin D supplement can improve shedding. Lane recommends that you go to your doctor to have your levels tested.
3. Reduce stress – If you can reduce stress, you can reduce excessive shedding.

Watch Tanya S. Lane’s Advice for Excessive Hair Shedding Below

@curlychemistry

3 WAYS TO REDUCE EXCESSIVE HAIR SHEDDING!

♬ original sound – Curly Chemistry

Those simple steps are perfect at-remedies to excessive shedding. Follow Lane for more hair care tips and advice via Instagram (@Sharmaine369).

The post 3 Ways To Reduce Excessive Hair Shedding appeared first on Black Health Matters.

Unfortunately, the highly coveted sneaker isn’t an easy snag. Only current students with their school ID can purchase the shoes with a limit on purchases. Earlier, WishATL held a raffle for former panthers, but you must be in Atlanta physically. However, the exclusive kicks are expected to drop sometime during the middle of the week (Oct 12th) via SNKRS.

Hail CAU

In 1988, Clark College and Atlanta University consolidated, forming Clark Atlanta University. Established in 1865 by the American Missionary Association, Atlanta University was the nation’s first institution to award African-American graduate degrees. Founded in 1869, Clark College was the nation’s first four-year liberal arts college to serve African-Americans primarily. Today, CAU is the largest institution and only university in the Atlanta University Center (AUC). In addition, it is the largest of the 37-member UNCF institutions.

The post Nike Drops Nike Dunk Low ‘CAU’ appeared first on Black Health Matters.

According to the sorority, the SGRho X New Balance shoe collaboration will be available in Summer 2023. They also stated that sales from the partnership would directly benefit the organization. “We are excited for this opportunity to take Sigma Image to a new level,” the sorority stated.

The post Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. Teams Up With New Balance appeared first on Black Health Matters.

Usually, when I search for a Black-owned product, I start with Target – online or in-store. The store does a great job at carrying products produced by POC. However, retailers like Amazon, Walmart, etc., carry black-owned deodorant brands. Keep scrolling to review our top six choices of Black-owned deodorants you should roll with (pun intended).

Top Black-Owned Deodorant Brands

1. Play Pitts – There’s a reason why thousands of families worldwide love our non-toxic natural deodorant: it’s perfect for sensitive skin, smells glorious, and keeps the entire family smelling fresh.
2. Art of Sport – Aluminum-free deodorant in a high-performance, motion-activated formula infused with natural botanicals Matcha and Arrowroot. Glides on clear; no stains or marks. Stay calm, fresh, and on your grind all day.
3. Alaffia Everyday Coconut – Alaffia’s tropical coconut-activated deodorant, with soothing coconut, purifying neem, odor-neutralizing charcoal, protective shea, and nourishing reishi, will leave you fresh all day.
4. Garner’s Garden Activated Charcoal Natural Deodorant – We have now added activated charcoal to our deodorants for extra protection and less irritation.  Our all-natural activated charcoal deodorant will keep odors at bay for 12+ hours! From everyday usage to sporting activities, this activated charcoal natural deodorant will protect you against odors all day by using powerful clays, powders, aluminum-free baking soda, and therapeutic-grade essential oils. Our organic charcoal deodorant is safe for adults and kids!
5. Nubian Heritage Venture Out Deodorant Collection – Raw Shea Butter 24-Hour Deodorant from Nubian Heritage brings the scent of kings to your daily routine. Feel empowered daily with the regal aroma of frankincense and myrrh while raw shea butter and aloe pamper delicate underarm skin.
6. Iyoba – Our natural baking soda-free and aluminum-free deodorant contains special natural enzymes that help eliminate body odor by fighting odor-causing bacteria. Skin moisturizing aloe vera imparts a silky smooth quality.

In addition to being Black-owned, all-natural deodorants do the same as regular deodorants. Not only do organic deodorants help prevent smelly pits, but they also don’t clog our pores. The best thing about this list is it doesn’t end here. There are more brands that our community is just waiting to discover! What is your favorite deodorant brand? Comment below!

The post 6 Black-Owned Deodorant Brands You Should Try appeared first on Black Health Matters.

Keep scrolling below for the recipe!

Check Out Air Fryer Papi’s Salmon Tacos Below

@airfrypapi

Air Fryer Salmon Tacos w/ Lemon Garlic Slaw! Did someone say Taco Tuesday? What’s your favorite type of tacos? I make this recipe often when using seafood. I may switch up the slaw recipe from time to time. Can’t go wrong with Baja in my opinion. #airfryerpapi Free Recipe… Click the link above the caption! . . . . . aairfryeraairfryerrecipesttacotuesdayssalmontacosttacosaairfryercookingaairfryersalmonggourmiaairfryeraairfryeeverythingssalsaairfryerrecipe

♬ original sound – Air Fryer Papi

The post Try These Air Fryer Salmon Tacos With Lemon Garlic Slaw For National Taco Day appeared first on Black Health Matters.

Check Out Chef Keyshawn’s Turkey Chili Recipe Below

@chefkeysh

#chefkeysh

♬ original sound – Chef Keysh

Ingredients

• 1 onion
• 2 red chili peppers
• 1lb of ground turkey
• 2 jalapenos
• 5 garlic cloves
• 1 can of black beans
• 1 can kidney beans
• 12 oz tomato paste
• 14 oz of diced tomatoes
• 4 cups of water

Seasoning Mix

• 2 Tsp chili powder
• 2 Tsp seasoned Salt
• 1 Tsp garlic powder
• 1 Tsp onion powder
• 1 Tsp chicken bouillon
• 1 Tsp smoked paprika
• 1 Tsp ground mustard
• 1 Tsp cumin
• 1 Tsp cayenne

If ground turkey isn’t your protein choice, you can substitute it with lean ground beef or omit meat completely. What is your chili recipe? Comment below!

The post Chef Keyshawn Brings Us A Healthy Turkey Chili Recipe In Time For Fall appeared first on Black Health Matters.

Antioxidants – polyphenol antioxidants called flavanols that come from cacao. These antioxidants lower blood pressure, improve blood flow and fight cell damage.

Electrolytes – sodium, potassium, and magnesium to support nerve and muscle functions, regulate fluid balance, and hydrate the body during rigorous sports.

Vitamins – B12 and D3 support energy, physical performance, and functionality.

While Amoo worked in sports and training youth, he realized a problem in the sports drinks industry – most sports drinks were high in sugar, lacked nutritional value, and used artificial ingredients. Unfortunately, daily consumption of these drinks could lead to poor athletic performance, weight gain, and overall long-term health issues. Therefore, Amoo wanted to address those concerns for athletes of all ages. Amoo credits one of his dreams for the idea. In August, Amoo launched his crowdfunding campaign on Indiegogo to bring AMO to market.

Benefits of Cacao in AMO

Most people don’t think about sports drinks when they hear the word cacao. It is used in AMO for antioxidant support. However, the sugar-free drink doesn’t taste like a chocolate drink. Most people wouldn’t even know it contains cacao. It tastes natural fruit flavors and possesses the exact texture of an ordinary sports drink.

Cacao also contains magnesium, iron, calcium, potassium, and phosphorous. Cacao helps with the following:

• Heart Production
• Stress
• Improved digestive system
• Lower risk of diabetes
• Improved cognitive function

You can support Amoo’s campaign by donating at www.igg.me/at/amo.

The post Howard Alum Launches AMO A New Generation Sports Drink appeared first on Black Health Matters.

Coolio, whose legal name is Artis Leon Ivey Jr.,  was one of the most prominent hip-hop artists in the ’90s. He was born in Monessen, Pennsylvania. Coolio moved to Compton, CA, where he attended community college. He worked as a volunteer firefighter and airport security before transitioning to hip-hop. In 1994, Coolio’s career took off with his debut album on Tommy Boy Records, “It Takes a Thief.” The opening track, “Fantastic Voyage,” reached No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100. The following year “Gangsta’s Paradise” would become a No. 1 single.

He won a Grammy for “Best Solo Rap Performance” for his hit single “Gangsta’s Paradise.” The single was sampled from Stevie Wonder’s 1976 song “Pastime Paradise” and was a part of the “Dangerous Mind” soundtrack. Coolio was nominated for five other Grammys during his career that started in the late ’80s.

Many took to Twitter to send their condolences. “This is sad news,” Ice Cube tweeted. “I witness this man’s grind to the top of the industry. Rest In Peace, @Coolio.”

The post Rapper Coolio Dies At 59 appeared first on Black Health Matters.