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.

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 official #Titcheck website offers additional educational resources for young women about breast cancer awareness. Resources include how to do a proper self-breast examination, what to look for, and how to initiate the conversation with your doctor. The Young Survival Coalition reported that 80% of young women diagnosed with breast cancer discover an abnormality while getting dressed.

The campaign helps young women detect early-onset breast cancer by searching for lumps or unusual breast changes.

Abnormalities include:

• a change in a breast’s size or nipple’s appearance
• development of a hard lump or knot near your underarm
• variance in your breast’s skin texture or tone
• nipple discharge or blood
• arrival of a rash or any breast redness or swelling.

YITTY commits to driving social change. “Our goal as a #TitCheck partner is to educate our community on the risks of breast cancer at a young age and help them understand how easy it is to check themselves and take control of their breast health,” says YITTY President Kristen Dykstra. YITTY will promote the #TITcheck campaign across all their platforms throughout October to drive early detection and improve survival rates.

The post YITTY Partners With Young Survival Coalition For A #TitCheck 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.

“Our goal is to reduce the hundreds of miles that people are having to travel now in order to access care…and meet them where they are,” said Yamelsie Rodriguez, President of Planned Parenthood of the St. Louis Region and Southwest Missouri, said in an interview with NPR.

The mobile clinic will offer abortion services when opened later this year. It will operate within Illinois, where abortions are still legal. However, the mobile clinic will travel closer to neighboring states’ borders, reducing travel distance for potential patients. “It gives us a lot of flexibility about where to be,” Rodriguez said.

Like California, Illinois has become a sanctuary for those in the Midwest and South who need abortions. In 2019, Planned Parenthood opened a large clinic in Fairview Heights, across the state line from St. Louis, Missouri. Missouri had some of the nation’s strictest abortion laws before the court released the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization decision. State officials moved almost immediately to implement abortion bans in response to it.

The Fairview Heights clinic is projected to receive about 14,000 patients traveling from across the region each year. It is an increase that “is materializing much, much faster than anticipated,” Rodriguez said. “We just need more access points.”

Planned Parenthood’s Mobile Clinic Set-up

The mobile clinic is set up inside an RV. It will house a small waiting area, a laboratory, and exam rooms. Initially, it will provide abortion medication up to 11 weeks gestation. Eventually, the clinic will offer surgical abortions, projected sometime at the beginning of next year.

According to Dr. Colleen McNicholas, chief medical officer for Planned Parenthood in that region, patients seeking services at the clinic will follow the same protocol as being in the office. They take mifepristone – the first in a two-drug protocol approved by the Food and Drug Administration – on-site. They’re offered to counsel about the other drug, misoprostol, which is taken later.

“The only thing that will change is that now they might only have to drive five hours instead of nine hours,” she said.

The first task of the clinic is to determine the best routes. Planned Parenthood is reviewing data to determine where patients are coming from—in addition to assessing healthcare facilities, churches, and other locations as potential stopping-off points. Another significant consideration will be safety and security for patients and staff.

There’s a possibility of additional mobile units in the future if this concept succeeds. This is a part of a larger strategy to find new ways to reach patients seeking abortions post-Roe v. Wade. Furthermore, an organization called Just the Pill announced it would provide mobile-based medication abortion care to patients in the Western and Midwestern regions of the U.S.

“We are all trying to work together to meet the exponential increase in the number of patients that are traveling from banned states to what we’re calling ‘haven states’ for abortion care,” Yamelsie Rodriguez said. “It’s an all-hands-on-deck moment.”

The post Planned Parenthood Mobile Clinic Will Bring Services To Red-State Borders 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.

Unfortunately, there isn’t a concrete way to predict if the U.S. will experience the same hit. “Last year, we were going into flu season not knowing if flu was around or not. This year we know flu is back,” said influenza specialist Richard Webby of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis.

Flu shots are recommended in individuals as young as six months. However, the flu is the most dangerous for people 65 and older, young children, pregnant women, and people with compromised immune systems. As people age, their immune system doesn’t respond as strongly to the standard flu vaccination; thus, extra-strength doses being available.

Different Types of Revved-Up Flu Shots

Currently, there are three choices – Fluzone High Dose, Flublok, and Fluad Adjuvanted. Fluzone High Dose and Flublok contain higher doses of the main anti-flu ingredient. Fluad Adjuvanted contains a regular dose and a special ingredient that helps boost people’s immune systems.

Seniors can inquire about which kind their doctor’s office carries. But most flu vaccinations are administered at pharmacies and drugstores, such as CVS. These locations automatically offer senior doses if the patient’s birth date shows they qualify. Even if revved-up flu shots aren’t available, it’s better to get the standard dose than skip vaccination.

All flu vaccines in the U.S. are “quadrivalent.” This means they guard against four different flu strains. Younger people have choices, too, including shots for those with egg allergies and a nasal spray version called FluMist.

Revised Flu Shots in the Future

Moderna and Pfizer are testing flu shots made with the same technology as their COVID-19 vaccinations. When influenza mutates, the recipes of so-called mRNA vaccines could be updated more quickly than today’s flu shots, most of which are made by growing the influenza virus in chicken eggs.

Presently, Pfizer is recruiting 25,000 healthy U.S. adults to receive its experimental flu shot or the regular kind. In contrast, Moderna tested its version on about 6,000 people in Australia, Argentina, and other countries during their flu seasons.

The post Revved-up Flu Shots Recommended For Adults 65 & Up This Flu Season 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.

“These new data provide us with a level of cautious optimism that the vaccine is working as intended,” Rochelle Walensky, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said. Walensky mentioned how lab studies showed the highest level of immunity from the virus is reached after receiving the second dose. Thus making it “really important.”

About 800,000 doses have been administered nationwide to people considered high risk. Currently, the CDC shows that unvaccinated men between 18 to 49 who are eligible for the vaccine are 14 times more likely to become infected than those with one dose. The data came from 32 states between July 31 through September 3.

The U.S. leads the world in monkeypox cases. There are more than 25,000 infections of the virus. The monkeypox virus causes rash, fever, body aches, and chills. Unfortunately, the U.S. suffered from early problems due to the lack of vaccination distribution. Some cities and counties stretched their limited supply by no longer offering the second dose of the vaccine.

Monkeypox Vaccine Update

Public officials are reminding people to get their second dose. According to the CDC, about 150,000-second doses have been administered since September 17th. “We’re really asking providers to do outreach to get people their second doses,” Walensky said.

In addition, public health officials announced changes to who will be eligible for the vaccine and how they can get it. The new CDC guidance intends to reach more people who might be at risk of the virus. The guidance makes gay, bisexual men, and transgender people who have had more than one sexual partner in the past six months eligible for the vaccine. The number of new cases has declined in recent weeks. However, cases shed light on racial disparities. Black people make up about 47% of new cases in early September.

The post Monkeypox Vaccine Appears To Protect Against Virus 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.

Unfortunately, supplies are tight around the nation. In a report, officials say demand is outpacing supplies in the West, where producers are on reduced production schedules. Meanwhile, butter makers in the Midwest say, “spot loads of cream are very tight to unavailable.” “In the Northeast, retail butter demand is picking up, but tight inventories are causing some producers to regulate supplies across existing orders.”

The Cost of Butter Raises

As supplies dwindle, the price of the product has surged. It has outpaced all other food on the Consumer Price Index. In August, the cost of groceries rose 13.5%, but butter prices rose 24.6%. Earlier this summer, Tanner Ehmke, lead economist for dairy and specialty crops at CoBank, projected that “historically high butter prices are all but certain to continue for the remainder of 2022.” Per Ehmke, the supply problem results from U.S. dairy farmers and butter processors struggling to increase production due to increased feed, energy, cows, and labor costs. “Some churns are slowing production due to tight US milk supplies and short staffing at plants,” Ehmke said.

According to the USDA, monthly milk production dropped in the past several months. U.S. milk production was down by almost 1% this year from January through June. In addition, labor shortages only “aggravated existing supply issues,” Ehmke added. And with tight milk and cream supplies, Ehmke warned that cheesemakers might start to face production issues as a result. “Competition for scarce milk will put cheese makers at a disadvantage to butter manufacturers better positioned to pay higher milk prices,” Ehmke said.

The post U.S. Faces Butter Shortage Ahead Of The Holidays appeared first on Black Health Matters.

In addition, Pfizer announced a new study of the Omicron-focused booster in even younger children – six months through 4 years old. Earlier this month, Pfizer and its rival Moderna rolled out their updated booster for people ages 12 and up. The updated booster is a revision to the vaccines that have saved millions of lives. The bivalent shot contains half of the original COVID-19 vaccine and half of the protection against the BA.4 and BA.5 omicron relatives. Both subvariants are responsible for most of the coronavirus cases today.

Medical professionals hope the updated boosters help reduce continuing COVID-19 cases and prevent another winter surge. Last week, the CDC said that 4.4 million Americans had received the updated booster.

The post Pfizer Plans To Expand Updated Booster to 5 to 11 Years Old 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.

Like other common STDs such as chlamydia and gonorrhea, M. genitalium sometimes presents asymptomatic. Sometimes people carry it for years without realizing they are infected; however, the complications can be severe. It can be passed through genital-to-genital sex and unborn babies through mother-to-baby transmission. A study published in the Sexually Transmitted Infections journals in May reported that the risk of preterm birth increased nearly double in women with M. gen.

Furthermore, it is difficult to identify the demographic of people the disease affects most or all the symptoms of M. gen. Some of the identified symptoms include:

• Pain and discomfort while urinating.
• Abnormal discharge for both men and women.
• Women might also experience pain in the lower abdomen and bleeding after sex.

Currently, the CDC doesn’t recommend routine tests for M. genitalium. A test called the Aptima nucleic acid amplification test is the only test to identify the STI and was approved in 2019. Therefore, the test isn’t available everywhere. Patients will only be tested for M. gen if they test negative for other STIs and have persistent symptoms.

The post Untreatable STI M. Genitalium Causes Infertility And Miscarriages appeared first on Black Health Matters.

Tangela discusses how to treat headaches located in different regions of the head. There are several types of headaches. And the ones Tangela talks about are:

• Forehead
• Back of the head
• Top of the head
• Front of your head (Sinus Headache)
• Tight band (Tension Headache)
• Pain around the eye (Cluster Headache)

Let’s check out the ways to relieve these headaches below!

Nurse Tangela’s Advice for Different Types of Headaches

@nurse_tangela_crna

DON’T LET A HEADACHE GET YOU DOWN#compressionsocks #legacycompressions #nursetok #nursesoftiktok #headacherelief #headachehacks

♬ original sound – Nurse Tangela CRNA

Do any of these headaches sound familiar? Nurse Tangela’s advice is perfect if you don’t want to take medication to relieve your headache. Sometimes all it takes is sleep, food, or reduced screentime to relieve your headache. Most headaches go away with simple treatments – OTC medicines, etc. Always consult your doctor if your headache lasts longer than 48 hours or intensifies.

What is one lesson that you learned from social media and used regularly? Comment below!

The post Nurse Teaches How to Identify & Relieve Different Types of Headaches 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.

Researchers created a digital model of aging, revealing the importance of psychological health. “Your body and soul are connected – this is our main message,” said Fedor Galkin, a co-author of the study and lead scientist at the Hong Kong startup Deep Longevity. The “aging clock” is based on data collected from 4,846 adults in 2015. This included 16 blood biomarkers, including cholesterol and glucose levels, participants’ sex, BP, BMI, and measures of lung function.

Model of Aging

The team compared the chronological age of individuals predicted by the model with their actual age. The results suggested a difference of almost 5.7 years over or under the participant’s actual age. The team found that when the model was applied to CHARLS data from a further 2,617 Chinese adults with aging-associated diseases – those with a history of stroke, liver disease, and lung conditions were predicted to be older than 4,451 healthy adults matched to them by chronological age, sex, and living area. The average effect of these conditions didn’t add more than 18 months to the predicted age.

“We demonstrate that psychological factors, such as feeling unhappy or being lonely, add up to 1.65 years to one’s biological age,” they wrote. Galkin stated that the figure is an estimate. However, the study highlighted the importance of the psychological state in how fast we age. “Taking care of your psychological health is the greatest contributor you can have to slow down your pace of aging,” he said.

Furthermore, the team reported that the individuals who smoked were predicted to be 15 months older than their non-smoking peers. Additionally, being married reduces biological age by around seven months. People living in rural areas are almost five months older than their urban peers.

The post Depression and Loneliness Speeds Up The Process of Aging appeared first on Black Health Matters.

“Everybody has gone through their own trauma in their own way, and to me, ‘Traumazine’ is me facing the things that I’ve been running from about myself,” she said. “It’s comforting to know that other people are going through the same thing that you might be feeling.” August.

Megan’s Mental Health Website

An animated video of “Anxiety” greets users when they visit the website. “Bad B—-s Have Bad Days Too” was announced via a tweet shared by a fan named Shea Jordan Smith. In the Twitter thread, Smith included Megan’s message: “Hotties! You know how much mental wellness means to me, so I created a hub with resources that can help when you might need a hand.”

The post Rapper Megan Thee Stallion Launches Mental Health Website 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.

“In the Alzheimer’s brain, the pathology starts to build up about 20 years before the symptoms begin,” said Dr. David Holtzman. However, researchers need decades of monitoring after a COVID-19 infection to determine a cause.

“The brain has its immune response to the pathology involved in [Alzheimer’s] disease progressing,” said Holtzman, who was not part of the new study. “When there are other things that cause inflammation in the body that can affect the brain, likely what happens is that can even amplify the process that’s already going on.”

Unfortunately, other viruses can cause similar inflammation. COVID is just another potential risk factor. This is another reason why vaccination is essential, not just against COVID.

The latest study by the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease showed about seven new diagnoses of Alzheimer’s disease for 1,000 seniors who had contracted COVID in the past year. The recent findings call for more research on the underlying mechanisms of Alzheimer’s disease. Thus, explaining the association. However, in this new study, the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s was “mostly tentative,” said Dr. Eliezer Masliah, director of the Division of Neuroscience at the National Institutes of Health’s National Institute on Aging.

Alzheimer’s Statistics

About 6.5 million people over the age of 65 with the condition. And in 2020, it was the seventh leading cause of death in the U.S.

“Alzheimer’s disease is a serious and challenging disease, and we thought we had turned some of the tides on it by reducing general risk factors such as hypertension, heart disease, obesity, and a sedentary lifestyle,” said Dr. Pamela Davis, a research professor at Case Western Reserve University and co-author of the new study.

“Now, so many people in the US have had Covid, and the long-term consequences of Covid are still emerging. It is important to continue monitoring this disease’s impact on future disability.”

The post New Alzheimer’s Diagnosis Common Among Older People Who Had COVID-19 appeared first on Black Health Matters.

“We are sliding backward,” Dr. Jonathan Mermin, the director of the CDC’s National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, said. “It is evident the systems that identify, treat, and ultimately prevent STDs are strained to near-breaking point.”

Health officials are calling the current STD situation “out of control.” Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Syphilis, Gonorrhea, and Chlamydia cases reached a record high for four consecutive years. In 2017, nearly 2.3 million individuals diagnosed cases of the three STDs, a 200,000 increase compared to 2016.

“It is imperative that we…work to rebuild, innovate, and expand (STD) prevention in the U.S.,” Dr. Leandro Mena of the U.S. CDC said during a medical conference on sexually transmitted diseases.

According to the CDC, STDs in the U.S. decreased during the pandemic in the early months but resurged by the end of 2020. Unfortunately, there was no guarantee the numbers were accurate then because STD screening and diagnosis likely decreased during the pandemic.

The post STD Rates in The U.S. Are ‘Out of Control’ – Syphilis & HIV On The Rise appeared first on Black Health Matters.

Straight or body wave wigs are cute, but sometimes you want something that mimics your natural hair texture. But like most things involving the hair world, finding the perfect wig is tricky and expensive if you don’t know where to look. Whether you are new to this or true to this wig game, we have selected five of the best natural wig brands (in no particular order) for you to choose from.

Top Natural Wig Brands

1. My First Wig – Best Curly Wigs
2. Knappy Hair Wigs – Best Quality (Human Hair)
3. Sam’s Beauty – Most Affordable
4. Natural Girl Wigs – Best for Afro-textured Hair (locs, braids, etc.)
5. HerGiven Hair – Best Lace Front

Recognize any of the listed brands? I know I am a frequent shopper of Sam’s Beauty for their wigs, crochet hair, and more. Your first or next natural wig doesn’t have to be complicated. These natural wig brands can meet all of your needs. Who is your favorite natural hair wig brand? Comment below!

The post 5 Best Natural Wig Brands appeared first on Black Health Matters.

“To address the critical need for supporting the mental health of adults in primary care, the Task Force reviewed the evidence on screening for anxiety, depression, and suicide risk,” said task force member Lori Pbert.” “The good news is that screening all adults for depression, including those who are pregnant and postpartum, and screening adults younger than 65 for anxiety, can help identify these conditions early so people can be connected to care.”

Anxiety is categorized as generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, separation anxiety disorder, phobias, and selective mutism. The agency stated that routine screening and follow-up care reduce the symptoms of anxiety and depression. However, more research is needed on its importance regarding suicide.

“The Task Force cares deeply about the mental health of people nationwide. Unfortunately, evidence is limited on screening adults 65 or older for anxiety and screening all adults for suicide risk, so we are urgently calling for more research,” said Gbenga Ogedegbe, M.D., a task force member. “In the absence of evidence, health care professionals should use their judgment based on individual patient circumstances when determining whether or not to screen.”

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force consists of volunteer medical experts. They make evidence-based suggestions involving screenings, counseling, and preventative medications to improve the health of Americans. Furthermore, the task force’s position doesn’t represent the official position of the Department of Health and Human Services.

The post Routine Anxiety Screenings Recommended for Adults Under 65 appeared first on Black Health Matters.

In the spirit and support of a fun and healthy orgasm, we have listed the best sex toys for women over 50. Don’t worry if you’re a beginner or have only ever tried one type of sex toy. The list includes options for newbies and experts alike.

Top Sex Toys for Women Over 50

Power Palm Massager – The Power Palm Massager is highly recommended for women with arthritis. It has one button, which is held to increase intensity. It is lightweight, and the long handle absorbs the vibrations; therefore, it won’t hurt to hold. It’s ideal for newcomers.

Iroha Rechargeable Silicone Vibrator (Yuki) – This is one of the cutest toys I have ever seen. This vibrator is best for women who experience pain or discomfort from penetration. Yuki’s shape allows for minimal insertion. It is soft, squishy, cute, and *discreet.

Eroscillator 2 – The Eroscillator 2 isn’t like any other toy. It comes with the endorsement of a sex therapist Dr. Ruth Westheimer. It oscillates rather than vibrates, making it the ideal device for women with arthritis.

We-Vibe Touch X Vibrator – The We-Vibe Touch X Vibrator is the go-to travel vibrator for many women that comes in the colors: Crave Coral or Green Velvet. It is sleek and completely waterproof. It has 8-intensity settings and 7-pulse patterns.

Volta by Fun Factory – The Volta by Fun Factory is the perfect toy for those who find traditional vibrators boring. It possesses 6-intensity levels, and the fluttering split-tips can pleasure your body (or your partner’s body, regardless of gender).

Patchy Paul G5 Vibrator by Fun Factory – Don’t be afraid of the size! Made by the same company that brought us the Volta, the Patchy Paul G% Vibrator’s tip begins at a 1.1-inch diameter and slowly increases for your comfort.

Limba Flex Dildo – The Limba Flex Dildo is for the ones who want to go the non-tech route and is perfect for beginners. It is made of body-safe silicon with a suction-cup end. It can bend into any position efficiently.

Magic Wand – The Magic Wand is a classic! It is a cordless option with simple buttons, making it uncomplicated to operate.

Je Joue Mimi Soft Luxury Rechargeable Clitoral Vibrator – The Je Joue Mimi Soft Luxury Rechargeable Clitoral Vibrator is one sensual toy. It delivers powerful vibrations in 5-6 speed patterns. This clitoral vibrator is ideal for women who experience postmenopausal symptoms or cannot orgasm from vaginal penetration.

We-Vibe Melt Clitoral Stimulator – This beauty provides clitoral stimulation through suction. The shape makes it easy to grip, and the extra suction means less vibrating, and adjustment is necessary.

Choose Your Pleasurable Experience

And there you have it! The top ten sex toys for women over 50. These are some of the top-selling brands and the highest quality. And the best part? These items are perfect for solo or with a partner. Which toy will you pick? Comment below!

The post Best Sex Toys For Women Over 50 appeared first on Black Health Matters.

Here are five natural ways to manage your dry eyes at home.

1. Limit screen time – dry eyes are the most common reason behind digital eye strain. On average, a person blinks 12 times per minute, but we only blink five times while using our computers. As a result, our wide-open eyes are more prone to dryness, experiencing eye strain, developing headaches, and irritation. Try practicing the 20-20-20 rule, which allows your eyes time and space away from the screen.
2. Warm compress – Using a warm compress helps treat symptoms of many eye conditions. Additionally, it may also stimulate the meibomian gland to produce more tears. It’s also a chance to close your eyes and allow them some rest.
3. Humidifier – If the room is dry, it might affect your eyes. A humidifier adds moisture into the air and can ease symptoms caused by dryness.
4. Clean Eyes – Keeping your eyelids, eyelashes, and ocular area clean is essential in protecting your eye health. It can prevent the buildup of bacteria which can cause eye conditions or eye diseases to develop.
5. Better sleep – Sleep is crucial for resting your mind and body. It’s the only time your eyes stay closed for an extended time, giving them protection and rest. Sleep is crucial if your dry eyes result from an immune disorder, as sleep regulates inflammation. Adults need 7-9 hours of sleep per day.

Knowing these home remedies is crucial for management. However, your optometrist can help you find more options if your symptoms progress. How do you manage your dry eyes? Comment below!

The post Dry Eyes And How To Defeat Them appeared first on Black Health Matters.

Vitamin C is an essential nutrient primarily found in fruits and vegetables. The best sources of Vitamin C include foods like oranges, strawberries, bell peppers, tomatoes, cantaloupe, and more. Since fruits and vegetables are common, Vitamin C deficiency is rare in the U.S. However, individuals with dietary restrictions or specific gastrointestinal issues can benefit from a Vitamin C supplement.

Vitamin C supplements come in various forms, from capsules, gummies, or even powder. Each offers a different amount of Vitamin C and may contain other vitamins for a more significant health boost. But which one is right for you? Here are seven of the best Vitamin C supplements for 2022.

Top Vitamin C Supplements

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), most people need 75-90 mg of Vitamin C daily.

1. Best for vegans: Care/of Vitamin C
2. Best for a multivitamin: Ritual Postnatal
3. Best for most dietary requirements: Persona Vitamin C with Bioflavonoids
4. Best for a liquid vitamin: Pure Encapsulations Liposomal Vitamin C Liquid
5. Best for a powder vitamin: Life Extension Buffered Vitamin C Powder
6. Best for a chewable vitamin: NOW Supplements Orange Chewable Vitamin C-500
7. Best for a gummy: Nordic Naturals Vitamin C Gummies

This list is a great start to jumpstart your Vitamin C supplement journey. Always consider the quality of the ingredients, the dosage needed, and potential interactions. In addition, a Vitamin C dose of over 2,000 mg per day may cause the following side effects:

• diarrhea
• nausea
• abdominal cramps

How do you get your recommended amount of Vitamin C? Comment below!

The post 7 Of The Best Vitamin C Supplements appeared first on Black Health Matters.

1. Hugging can reduce inflammation. Inflammation is a physiological response to an illness. Higher inflammation scores are indicative of your body trying to fight off infection. In one study, 20 adults recorded the number of hugs they received in 14 days. The results showed that those who received more hugs had less inflammation.
2. Hugging promotes the “cuddle hormone.” This one is pretty self-explanatory. We all possess the “cuddle hormone” or Oxytocin. Oxytocin is associated with happiness and less stress. Levels rise when we hug, touch, or sit close to someone. In a study of 34 married couples, increased hugging between spouses over a four-week study was related to increased scores of oxytocin.
3. Hugs reduce stress. Research proves that giving another individual support through touch reduces the stress of the person being comforted. It also helps reduce stress for the individual who is doing the comforting.
4. Hugs help reduce the severity of a common cold. In a study of 404 adults, the number of hugs over 14 days reduced the effects of interpersonal conflict on the severity of the common cold infection. The hugs worked as a stress buffer.

We are seeing how powerful a hug can make them even more valuable. Not only do they benefit our physical health, but they improve our mental health as well. Have you hugged someone today?

The post Hug Your Way To A Healthier Life appeared first on Black Health Matters.

The post Chanel Porchia-Albert: A Doula’s Fight For Black Maternal Health appeared first on Black Health Matters.

As of now, there is no clear indication of what impacted the ruling. However, it could determine whether the rest of the law’s preventive care coverage requirements will remain. The Texas employers who challenged the provision argued it violated the Religious Freedom Restoration Act. It forced people to pay for coverage that conflicts with their faith and personal values.

They specifically stated that paying for health plans that cover PrEP makes them “complicit in facilitating homosexual behavior, drug use, and sexual activity outside of marriage between one man and one woman.” PrEP reduces the risk of contracting HIV by 99% when taken as recommended. There are two pills approved for use as PrEP: Truvada and Descovy.

Furthermore, O’Connor ruled against the broader preventive services covered under the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. These preventive services included colorectal and other cancer screenings, depression screenings, and hypertension screenings, among many others. He said the task force’s system for deciding which services should be fully covered was “unconstitutional.” Shockingly, O’Connor did uphold some requirements for immunizations and specific services for women and children. Many worries that stopping such preventive measures could threaten access to life-saving care for nearly 168 million Americans covered under private employer health plans and the ACA’s market plans.

The post Federal Judge Rules Against HIV Prevention Drug appeared first on Black Health Matters.

The Good Morning America co-anchor admits, “I’ve always been into my skin.” However, he never prioritized it until his career shifted from the football field to the TV studio. “As an athlete, you’re just putting the helmet on, taking a helmet off, and using soap and whatever — you don’t have time for a routine. Now, [because of] the career that I am in and the makeup that I have to wear, I have one that I stick to.”

One reason for his new business venture was to boost confidence in himself and others. Strahan launched a successful clothing line; therefore, skincare only made sense. “Clothes are about confidence. We’ve done that. Skin is about confidence, too. So it was the next evolutionary step,” he says.

Strahan thanks the women in his life for his skin and grooming care venture. “The women in my life take care of their skin and have always said, ‘you should do this, and you should do that.’ But when searching products, I found that there was a missing link in that market.”

Michael Strahan Daily Defense

Michael Strahan wanted a collection that didn’t take much time out of his day yet gave the TV personality everything he needed. He partnered with Evolved by Nature to provide premium ingredients in his formulas. For instance, one ingredient is Activated Silk technology, which uses silk proteins to improve the skin’s outer barrier.

Strahan also wanted products that were good for you. “I take what I’m putting onto my skin very seriously. It’s kind of like in sports ­— I didn’t do or take anything to aid my performance or recovery because I want to live a long life without doing something that’s going to catch up to me later. So that’s what our products are about — making your skin healthy first and foremost, and giving you a great quality second to that.” He adds, “is about how we tackle every day and defend our skin.”

The post Michael Strahan Launches Skincare And Grooming Line appeared first on Black Health Matters.

Like always, Black Health Matters has your snack needs covered. We have rounded up 4 Black-owned healthy snack brands that your kitchen needs. Keep scrolling to see what items you’ll add to your grocery list.

Top Black-Owned Healthy Snack Brands

Oh-mazing Foods – Stephanie Williams founded Oh-mazing Foods because she always believed in making all-natural, from-scratch meals for her family to promote a healthy lifestyle. Regarding snacks, she wanted something more; therefore, she developed her granola recipe. Her granola comes in five flavors, including vegan options.

Partake Foods – This next brand is a personal favorite! Denise Woodward created Partake Foods in 2016 when her daughter was diagnosed with multiple food allergies. Partake offers a selection of delicious, allergy-friendly foods you can enjoy and share confidently with and without food restrictions. All offerings are certified gluten-free, non-GMO, vegan, and free of the top 9 allergens (wheat, tree nuts, peanuts, milk, eggs, soy, fish, sesame, and shellfish).

Project Pop – Founder Chauniqua Major-Louis started Project Pop after realizing that most commercial popcorn contained unhealthy additives. Her kettle popcorn is made from organic, non-GMO kernels with easy-to-pronounce ingredients such as coconut oil, Himalayan pink salt, and organic cane sugar.

Sanaia Applesauce – Founder Keisha Smith-Jeremie set off to create a healthy snack involving one of her favorite indulgences – fruit. Sanai Applesauce offers plant-based, allergen-free applesauce in various exotic (and healthy) flavors such as guava, hibiscus, ginger, and lavender pear.

I think the best thing about these brands is they each have an item perfect for the fall. Which item are you adding to your shopping list? Comment below!

The post 4 Black-Owned Healthy Snack Brands Your Kitchen Needs appeared first on Black Health Matters.

“It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our beloved son, brother, and uncle Jesse Powell. He passed away peacefully in his Los Angeles home,” reads Tamara’s Instagram post. “The family asks for privacy at this time as we mourn this tremendous loss and celebrate his everlasting legacy. Jesse loved music, and he especially loved his fans who supported him throughout his career.”

“We want you all to know that you meant the world to him,” concluded the post (which Trina also shared on Facebook), signing off, “The Powell Family.”

Earlier today, Tamara shared a second Instagram video of her late brother performing his hit single “You.” “That voice!” Tamara wrote. “Aside from being one of the best R&B male vocalists out there, you were the best big brother ever. I loved you so much.” “ I’m thankful that we were so close; a whole mess all the time. ,” she added. “We absolutely adored you, “Jet,” & our family will not be the same without you.”

About Jesse Powell

Jesse Powell was born in Gary, Indiana, on September 12th, 1971. Powell grew up performing in local talent shows with his sisters. In 1993, he started working with producer Carl Roland and earned his big break in the music industry when record executive Louis Silas Jr. discovered Powell at an artist showcase.

Powell released four albums between 1996 and 2003, and his second album, “Bout It,” became certified Gold by the Recording Industry Association of America in 1999. One of his biggest hits was “You,” initially released on his debut album but rereleased as a single in 1999. The single peaked at number 10 on Billboard’s Hot 100 Chart. In addition, the single garnered nearly 13 million lifetimes of Spotify streams. Powell’s third album, “JP,” noted that Powell had a four-octave vocal range, which is extremely rare for singers. On July 1st, Powell released his single “Addison Walker” on Spotify, a 58-second long instrumental track.

The music industry has lost a true talent and we condolences to his family and close friends.

The post R&B Singer Jesse Powell Passes Away At Age 51 appeared first on Black Health Matters.

For our natural hair divas, we have five fall-inspired hairstyles for your tresses. Save your favorite look and call your stylist up now!

Top Fall-Inspired Hairstyles

1. Locs/Faux Locs 

Protective styles are everything and perfect for transitioning into the cooler months. And locs are at the top of the list for many people. They’re versatile because they can be styled anyway and come in any length you want. All you need to keep your locs fresh between retwists or takedown is your satin bonnet and your edge control tools to keep those edges fresh.

Currently, my favorite style is soft locs. They’re easy on my edges and lightweight.

2. Stitch Braids 

First, braids are timeless. One can never go wrong with a braided style. And one form of popular braids is stitch braids. Stitch braids switch things from traditional cornrows by adding horizontal partings into the rows. Make sure to keep your hair moisturized, a silk scarf, and your edge control tools, and you’ll be good to go.

3. Curls

You can never go wrong rocking your natural curls. Sometimes you want to give your hair a break and rock a wash and go. Letting your tresses flow is perfect for the fall. The LOC Method is a great way to add definition and shine. The pineapple method and a satin bonnet will keep your curls intact, or you can twist/braid up your tresses and put on a satin bonnet.

4. Boho Goddess Braids 

Add a flare to one of our favorite styles with these Boho Goddess Braids. This style consists of a box or knotless braids with curly ends and free curly pieces throughout the head. This is a great style using your natural hair or braiding hair and deep wave/twist (crochet) hair. Remember to wrap your hair up at night with a satin scarf or bonnet to minimize frizz. Mousse can help with the curly pieces. And don’t forget to keep your scalp moisturized as needed.

5. Bob 

A bob is one hairstyle that looks great in all textures – straight, curly, etc. It is a super chic hairstyle and perfect for the fall. The best way to maintain your straight bob is by wrapping your hair in a circular motion and using pins to hold it in place. Lastly, wrap it with a silk scarf at night, and you’ll be good to go.

Are you in love with these styles like me? Which look are you booking for your fall go-to? Comment below!

The post 5 Trendy Fall-Inspired Hairstyles for Natural Hair appeared first on Black Health Matters.

In addition, the organization determined that a Soul Cap doesn’t “[follow] the natural form of the head,” a rule outlined in FINA’s requirements for approved swimwear. The ban sparked a conversation about the inclusivity and existing barriers within the competitive world of swimming.

Last year Danielle Obe,  chair of the Black Swimming Association, told Sky Sports that “by and large, hair is a significant barrier to aquatics for many women especially and many people of color from our communities. So [the Soul Cap] should be considered a product that overcomes this barrier.”

FINA and the Soul Cap creators reevaluated last year’s rejection. “Promoting diversity and inclusivity is at the heart of FINA’s work, and all aquatic athletes must have access to the appropriate swimwear.” Many people were excited to hear the news, including British Olympic swimmer and Soul Cap ambassador Alice Dearing. Dearing is the first Black swimmer who represented Great Britain at the Olympic level last year. Furthermore, she was the co-founder of the Black Swimming Association in 2020.

“I know that many people value the option this cap brings them when going swimming. Knowing that it is acceptable to compete in this cap at the highest level of sport sends a message that hair should not be a barrier that stops people from participating,” Dearing said.

The post Swim Caps Designed For Natural Hair Approved Following Olympic Ban appeared first on Black Health Matters.

“This water system broke over several years, and it would be inaccurate to claim it is solved in less than a week.” Gov. Tate Reeves (R) said in an update earlier this week. “There may be more bad days in the future. We have, however, reached a place where people in Jackson can trust that water will come out of the faucet, toilets can be flushed, and fires can be put out.”

Public schools opened on Friday after spending a week at home. Water quality testing is still in the early stages. Two days of successful testing at numerous sites across the city are needed for health officials to declare Jackson’s water safe to drink.

What We Need To Know About the Water Crisis In Jackson

Earlier this month, the residents of Jackson, MI, lost access to safe drinking water. Unfortunately, the water system in Jackson had been failing for years, and in 2021, a harsh winter storm knocked the water system out for a month. Even when the water is running, residents have periodical boil-water advisories and extreme water bills for water that isn’t safe for consumption. However, due to severe floods, the treatment plant failed utterly. Thus, leaving residents without safe water to drink, bathe, or flush toilets.

Gov. Tate Reeves declared the ongoing water crisis an “immediate health threat.” Health experts said the crisis was years in the making due to inadequate funding for essential infrastructure upgrades. Previously, predominantly Black leaders have pushed for additional funding, but with little luck. State Officials announced that tractor-trailers filled with water bottles were on their way to Jackson. In addition, Reeves deployed 600 Mississippi National Guard troops to seven water distribution sites. Lastly, the governor hoped for at least one of the water pumps to be fixed soon.

The post Running Water Returns To Jackson, MI, Amid Water Crisis – But Still Undrinkable appeared first on Black Health Matters.

“There’s research to support the decrease in the incidence of chronic pain with the addition of exercise,” says Christopher Bise, a professor at the University of Pittsburgh’s School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences. “Exercises that are going to balance the body front to back [such as mobility training] are going to be the ones that help over time.”

One form of bad posture most of us deal with is computer slouching. Computer slouching is hunching over computers, tablets, and laptops, which causes your head to come down and forward and your shoulders rounded. You probably slouch without realizing it, especially if most of your day is behind a computer. Computer slouching causes bad posture because the muscles in the front of your shoulders become tighter and shorter, and the muscles in the upper back become overstretched and weaker.

Here are Pham’s top exercises to prevent and relieve computer slouching pain.

Top 4 Exercises to Prevent and Relieve Computer Slouching Pain

Rotate Your Spine – This movement seeks to relieve that stress and encourage flexibility by mimicking the natural movements of the spine — side bending, bending backward, and rotating.

Floss Your Spine – This exercise also helps to relieve the stress of the slouch position you may find yourself in a while working at your desk. But instead of rotating your spine, as you did in the last movement, you’re going to move your upper torso forward and backward — exposing your spine to the opposite motion of hunching over.

Teach Your Body How to Bend Safely – This exercise aims to protect the lower back from those movements by mobilizing your hamstrings and your sciatic nerve, which runs from your lower back down your hips and hamstrings.

Extend Your Big Toe – This exercise, called the Big Toe Extension, aims to relieve or guard against discomfort you might feel in your foot and calf.

The post 4 Exercises That Can Prevent And Relieve Pain From Computer Slouching appeared first on Black Health Matters.

As of August 31, 2022, only 48.5% of people eligible received their first booster shot. Under 34% of those eligible received their second. One reason these numbers are low is that people could’ve possibly been waiting on the updated booster. However, people should understand that booster shots proved an essential layer of protection against COVID-19.

What Are The Differences Between Updated COVID Booster?

The newly authorized shots are the first updates to the original COVID-19 vaccines, which were introduced in late 2020. They used the same mRNA technology as the original vaccines. The new “bivalent” version consists of mRNA that encodes the spike proteins of both the SARS-CoV-2 virus and the more recent omicron subvariants, BA.4 and BA.5.

As of last month, the BA.4 and BA.5 omicron subvariants are dominant worldwide. In the U.S., 89% of COVID-19 infections are caused by BA.5, and 11% are caused by BA.4.The inability of the original vaccine strains to prevent reinfection and trigger long-term protective immunity prompted the need for the reformulated vaccines.

How Protective Are The New Shots Against Infection?

Currently, there aren’t human studies on the efficacy of the new bivalent vaccine at preventing reinfections and providing long-term immune protection. But in human clinical trials and laboratory studies, Pfizer and Moderna found that their initial version of the new vaccine induced a robust immune response and extended protection against the original strain and the BA.1 variant. Furthermore, the companies reported that the same early combination generated a significant antibody response against the newest omicron subvariants, BA.4 and BA.5. However, this antibody response was lower than that seen against subvariant BA.1.

Based on those results, the FDA rejected the BA.1 bivalent boosters. The agency believed the boosters would’ve fallen short of providing enough protection against the newest strains. Therefore, the FDA asked Pfizer and Moderna to develop bivalent vaccines targeting BA.4 and BA.5 instead of BA.1.

Since clinical trials are time-consuming, the FDA considered animal studies and other laboratory findings. Unfortunately, that decision has riled up controversy on whether it was appropriate for the agency to approve a booster without direct human data to support it. The FDA stated that millions have safely received the mRNA vaccines, and the changes in the mRNA sequences in the vaccines do not affect vaccine safety. Thus, the bivalent vaccines were deemed safe, and there’s no need to wait for human clinical trials.

Lastly, many wonder how the bivalent vaccines will work against future variants. The new shot will provide excellent protection if it is a minor mutation or set of mutations compared to the original strain or the BA.4 and BA.5 variants. Sadly, if the new strain were to possess highly unique mutations in its spike protein, then it’s likely that it could dodge immune protection.

The post Updated COVID Booster Now Available appeared first on Black Health Matters.

The Arnold family issued a statement confirming the death. “It is with great sadness that we confirm the untimely passing of our husband, father, brother, and friend, David A. Arnold. David passed away peacefully today in his home, and doctors have ruled the cause of death due to natural causes. Please keep our family in prayer and respect our privacy now, as we are all shocked and devastated by this loss.”

Arnold’s best friend, Chris Spencer, issued a statement. “Our closely knit comedy community mourns the loss of one of the greatest to ever do it. He was admired by his peers, respected by other veterans, and looked up to by the burgeoning comedians he mentored. He will be deeply missed, especially by his comedy fraternity.”

The Legacy of David A. Arnold

Arnold started as a stand-up comic. He performed at the Montreal Comedy Festival and Jamie Foxx’s Laffapalooza on Comedy Central. Furthermore, he wrote for multiple comedy series, including “Meet The Browns,” “The Rickey Smiley Show,” “Raising Whitley,” and “Tyler Perry’s House of Payne.”

At the time of his sudden death, Arnold was three stops into a four-month national comedy tour. Arnold’s first stand-up comedy special on Netflix, David A. Arnold: Fat Ballerina, debuted in 2019. His follow-up comedy special on the streamer, It Ain’t For The Weak, premiered July 19.

“We are shocked and incredibly saddened by the sudden passing of our dear friend and creative partner, David A. Arnold,” Nickelodeon said in a statement. “David was an immense talent and a gifted storyteller with a wide range of fans, from adults through his stand-up to kids and families through the Nickelodeon show he created and executive produced for us, That Girl Lay Lay. On behalf of everyone at Nickelodeon, we send our thoughts and condolences to his family, his friends, and his fans.”

The post Comedian and Producer David A. Arnold Passes Away At 54 appeared first on Black Health Matters.

“If fevers are going undetected, then alerts are not being activated,” said Dr. Sivasubramanium Bhavani, lead author of the study and an assistant professor at Emory. “The differences in detection of fevers could lead to delays in antibiotics and medical care for Black patients.”

Researchers worry that the difference could lead to an increased death rate in Black patients. In a sample study, oral and forehead temperatures were taken in 2,031 Black and 2,344 white patients. Each reading was taken within an hour of each other on the patient’s first day in the hospital. White patients’ temperatures didn’t vary significantly like Black patients.

Why are the reading differences happening? There could be two reasons. Forehead thermometers measure temperatures through infrared radiation. Unfortunately, skin pigmentation could affect its ability to emit light, radiation, or heat. This concept is known as skin emissivity. However, the National Institutes of Health published a study that did not find significant variance in skin emissivity between skin tones. The second reason was less complex. There is a possibility that the temperatures aren’t scanned correctly while using the forehead thermometers.

The post Forehead Thermometers May Not Accurately Detect Fevers In Black Patients appeared first on Black Health Matters.

Kimberly Seals Allers, Kiddada Green, and Anayah Sangodele-Ayoka launched Black Breastfeeding Week ten years ago and celebrated everywhere from Aug 25th to the 31st. And this year, the week was to celebrate the countless stories and families – past, present & future. The narrative has shifted to support and uplift each other. The new foundation of lactation support is built on racial equity, cultural empowerment, and community engagement and is powered by our collective resilience.

Top Reasons Why Black Women’s Breastfeeding Week is Important

1. The high black infant mortality rate: Black babies are dying twice the rate of white babies. These issues are rampant in our communities, from upper respiratory infections and Type II diabetes to asthma, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, and childhood obesity, disproportionately born too small, too sick, or too soon. These babies need breast milk’s immunity properties and nutritional benefits most. According to the CDC, increased breastfeeding among black women could decrease infant mortality rates by as much as 50%.
2. Lack of diversity in the lactation field: There are blatant racial disparities in breastfeeding rates. It is also present in breastfeeding leadership. Breastfeeding advocacy is white female-led. This is a problem. Unfortunately, it perpetuates the common misconception that black women don’t breastfeed. It also means that many lactation professionals are not culturally competent, sensitive, or relevant enough to deal with African American moms properly.
3. Unique cultural barriers among black women: The historical role of Black women as wet nurses in enslavement and beyond, the lack of role models and multi-generational support for breastfeeding, and a woeful lack of diversity in lactation education and support have contributed to fewer black women breastfeeding.
4. Desert-Like Conditions in Our Communities: Black communities may be “first food deserts.” Meaning access to healthy food that supports breastfeeding may be limited.

What started as a way to raise awareness is international. There are events across Canada and the U.S. celebrating Black peoples’ experiences. It also provides community grants for those who wish to host events. Visit blackbreastfeedingweek.org for more information, including resources for Black people seeking information and support about breastfeeding.

The post Black Breastfeeding Week and Why It Is Important? appeared first on Black Health Matters.

Keep scrolling below for a recipe you don’t want to miss!

Check Out Amanda’s Cajun Chicken Gyro Recipe Below:

@mandajesspanda

Drop a if this looks good to you! Cajun Style Gyros my way using @Tony Chachere seasonings and marinade!!!! These were unforgettably delicious!!! Tony’s seasonings work magic EVERY TIME! Full recipe is up on the Tony’s website. Link is in their bio. #Ad #PassAGoodTime #Tonychacheres #50yearsofflavor

♬ original sound – Amanda

How good does it look? And not only do these Cajun chicken gyros taste good, but they are healthy and great for meal prep. All you have to do is cook the chicken and prepare the Tzatziki sauce ahead of time, and you are good to go. We already know sauteed, baked, or grilled skinless chicken is healthy for us, but the real magic is in the Tzatziki dip. It can be made with fat-free Greek yogurt, fresh herbs, garlic, and lemon juice. A perfect low-calorie dip everyone will love.

You can check out the full recipe on Tony’s. What are your favorite things to put on your gyros? Comment below!

The post Try Out This Cajun Chicken Gyro Recipe For National Gyro Day appeared first on Black Health Matters.

“Intermittent standing breaks throughout the day and after meals reduced glucose on average by 9.51% compared to prolonged sitting. However, intermittent light-intensity walking throughout the day saw a greater glucose reduction by an average of 17.01% compared to prolonged sitting,” Aidan Buffey, a doctoral student in the physical education and sport sciences department at the University of Limerick in Ireland.

Benefits of A Short Walk

Will you add a two-minute walk as an after-meal activity? Comment below!

The post A 2 Minute Walk After Eating Can Improve Blood Sugar appeared first on Black Health Matters.

What is one thing that relaxed hair needs? MOISTURE! Therefore, if you aren’t careful, you can experience increased breakage or dullness from damage. Unfortunately, adverse effects of relaxers are widespread. Thus, a good moisturizer will protect and reverse damage from the chemicals.

We all know that picking the right product can be tricky and slightly exhausting. As a result, we have put together a guide for the best moisturizers for relaxed hair.

Top Moisturizers for Relaxed Hair

1. Best Overall: Design Essentials Botanical Oils Hair And Body Moisturizer -This mineral oil-free product is great for medium to coarse textures in different hair types. This moisturizer is a great overall product for relaxed hair.
2. Best for Fighting Breakage: Design Essentials Almond and Avocado Hair Moisturizer – Made from almond, avocado, jojoba, wheat protein, and olive oils. It keeps your hair moisturized for days and safe for color-treated tresses.
3. Best for Preventing Dryness: Shea Moisture Manuka Honey & Yogurt Hydrate -This hydrate from Shea Moisture is made from a honey and yogurt formula that uses the natural properties of honey as a humectant to prevent dryness from setting in and keeping moisture from escaping the hair follicles.
4. Best for Detangling: Dove Amplified Textures Deep Moisture Detangler – This moisturizer is infused with coconut milk, which makes it great at detangling hair and amplifying the already existing texture in your hair.
5. Best for Shine: Dove Amplified Textures Curls & Waves Finishing Gel – This is made from buttercream and is a great way to get some extra shine out of your relaxed hair. Users loved its ability to activate curls and provide a smooth slip that is easy to rinse.

It is vital to your hair’s health to keep your hair moisturized. One sign of damaged hair is dry hair. Leaving it like that too long creates permanent damage. Hair moisturizers are the most accessible and ordinary lifestyle change needed.

What is your favorite hair moisturizer? Comment below!

The post Top 5 Moisturizers for Relaxed Hair appeared first on Black Health Matters.

In addition, American Girl collaborated with Harlem’s Fashion Row and NY designer Samantha Black. Black designed three special edition outfits paying homage to 1920s glamour. Claudie’s accessory line includes a plush version of her dog, Dizzy Dot, a kick scooter, and an elaborate ’20s bakery with 60 pieces.

About the Newest American Girl Claudie Wells

The 18-inch doll has brown eyes and dark shoulder-length hair styled to the period with ringlets and a hair bow. American Girl designed a brand-new doll sculpt — including an all-new face mold — for the release. Claudie comes dressed in a woven blue-and-white plaid dress and knit cardigan with black Mary Janes, a heart-shaped necklace, and a cloche hat. Also included with the doll are a journal and a Baby Ruth candy bar.

Claudia is a 9-year-old navigating the booming cultural growth in her neighborhood in 1922. Along the way, she meets talented artists who inspire her to discover her unique talents, and she explores her family’s history as she finds her voice. Meet Claudie is a paperback that comes with Claudie. Bennet was a lifelong American Girl fan and attributes her childhood love for the dolls, specifically Addy Walker. This marks Bennett’s first venture into middle-grade fiction.

“As a girl, I always loved studying the Harlem Renaissance — an outpouring of Black artistry that emerged alongside larger struggles for equal rights,” Bennett added. “I hope readers will enjoy exploring this fascinating era through Claudie’s eyes.”

The Claudie collection is available now on AmericanGirl.com and at all U.S. American Girl retail locations. A particular hardcover version of Meet Claudie is available on Amazon and in bookstores nationwide. A second Claudie book is anticipated in spring 2023.

The post Meet Newest American Girl Doll Claudie Wells appeared first on Black Health Matters.

Earlier this year, the vegan dip line did a test run in Atlanta-based Targets, which went exceptionally well. Now, Slutty Vegan dips are available at Costco locations across the Midwest and Southeast. The initial release focuses on Slutty Vegan’s Spinach and Artichoke dip, but Cole plans to add more bold flavors to more stores. She plans to open an additional 20 locations by 2023 so that more people will have the opportunity to experience her delicious, plant-based food. If the dips aren’t available in your area, you can always purchase Cole’s first cookbook, “Eat Plants, B*itch,” which is dropping this November.

The post Slutty Vegan Dips Now Available at Costco appeared first on Black Health Matters.

“I’m thrilled that Mattel reached out to me for Madam to be part of this Inspiring Women’s series,” said Bundles, explaining that she’d been closely involved in the process over the past year. “We talked about what she should wear and the message we should have,” she continued. “And so I was in those creative meetings in terms of figuring out hairstyle and skin color…Those things are very important, and that’s what this Inspiring Women series is about, is really to be authentic. So I was thrilled to be a part of that.”

The Importance of the Madam C.J. Walker Inspired Barbie

The doll needed the right features – dark brown skin and the correct textured hair. Inside the packaging, which features a backdrop of Walker’s Irvington, N.Y., estate, Villa Lewaro, the doll holds a miniature reproduction of that product, which was the foundation of Walker’s real-life empire. However, Bundles wants the world to know her great-great-grandmother was more than just the beauty industry.

“There are so many dimensions to her,” she said. “We can talk about her as an entrepreneur, as a person who employed thousands of African American women, who helped them become economically independent; but also as a philanthropist and a patron of the arts and a political activist who was working for social justice. So there’s just a lot for a little girl to work with in Madam Walker’s story.”

Unfortunately, Black history, in particular, is under attack. Therefore, the creation of this Barbie and others like it holds even more significance for Bundles. “I love that Mattel is really leaning into this — especially at a time when there are some people who kind of don’t want our stories to be told,” she said. “But we have to make sure those stories are told … With the Inspiring Women series for Barbie and with [sister brand] American Girl telling those stories, Mattel has really committed to that…We have to keep that story alive.”

The Madam C.J. Walker Inspiring Women Barbie is available now at Target, Amazon, Mattel Creations, and Walmart.

The post Mattel Releases New Barbie Honoring Madam C.J. Walker’s Legacy appeared first on Black Health Matters.

At the end of June, the FDA directed Moderna and Pfizer to make vaccines for the upcoming winter. This work has been underway, and the next step is for the two agencies to review the data from each company. However, neither the FDA nor the CDC has announced a specific timeline.

Will The Updated COVID Booster Be Available Sooner Than Later?

The rollout was expected in September, but Jha’s estimate on Tuesday was the most specific to date. “We’re going to know more about this in the upcoming weeks, and these vaccines will become available by early to mid-September,” he said. “But the big picture, bottom line, is these are substantial upgrades in our vaccines,” Jha said. “And those vaccines are coming very, very soon.”

In addition, Jha is hopeful there will eventually be enough vaccines for any adult who wants the new booster. “We’re still working on trying to pull more resources from other places. I would like to get to a point where every adult in America who wants a vaccine can get one. I’m hopeful we will be there. We’re not quite there yet in terms of how many vaccine doses we’ve been able to buy,” Jha said.

So far, the U.S. has contracted over 100 million doses of the updated booster from Pfizer and 66 million doses from Moderna. Both contracts with the leading COVID vaccine manufacturers include an option for hundreds of million doses in the future. Assuming that both companies can complete their orders, the U.S. would have about 171 million doses of the updated COVID booster.

The post Updated COVID Booster Could Be Available Soon appeared first on Black Health Matters.

“Based on this information, Wendy’s is taking the precautionary measure of removing the romaine lettuce being used in sandwiches from restaurants in that region,” the CDC said. Wendy’s confirmed it uses a different type of romaine lettuce for salads and has not yet pulled those menu items.

“The lettuce we use in our salads is different and is not affected by this action. As a company, we are committed to upholding our high standards of food safety and quality,” the statement read.

Symptoms of E. Coli

There are hundreds of varieties of E. Coli. According to the CDC, most people experience severe stomach cramps, diarrhea (often bloody), and vomiting. Symptoms usually come on within four days after consuming the bacteria, and most recover from treatment within a week. In severe cases, people might develop kidney failure and require hospitalization.

Therefore the CDC advises people to contact their healthcare provider immediately if they have any severe symptoms. In addition, officials instructed anyone experiencing symptoms to assist public health officials by recording what they ate a week before they got sick.

“Investigators are working to confirm whether romaine lettuce is the source of this outbreak and whether romaine lettuce used in Wendy’s sandwiches was served or sold at other businesses,” the CDC continued, adding that the restaurant “is fully cooperating with the investigation.”

Recently, Wendy’s released a statement on its website confirming they’re “fully cooperating with public health authorities on their ongoing investigation of the regional E. coli outbreak reported in certain midwestern states.” Furthermore, they are “taking the precaution of discarding and replacing the sandwich lettuce at some regional restaurants.”

Meanwhile, the CDC claims “romaine lettuce sold in grocery stores, served in other restaurants, or people’s homes” isn’t linked to the outbreak.

The post E. Coli Outbreaks Prompts Wendy’s to Remove Romaine Lettuce from Menu appeared first on Black Health Matters.

Hart broke the news last week and has two locations under construction. We can expect ten Hart Houses over the next year. Hart joins a list of other celebrities to open a restaurant in LA. Although the “Fatherhood” actor isn’t a total vegetarian, he’s always been open to a diet that works for him. He eventually started looking at a plant-based lifestyle. Furthermore, he wondered about accessibility for those who typically can’t afford to dine out at most vegetarian options.

“We wanted a price that doesn’t turn customers away,” says Hart. “It was extremely important to us from the beginning to make [affordability] a massive priority.”

Hart was thoughtful about breaking into a new industry. “For me, it’s about getting the customers that aren’t necessarily your target or your demographic,” says Hart. “You’re trying to appeal to all. [Hart House] is plant-based, but it’s really good. How can we get everybody to say, ‘I want Hart House today.’ That’s something I’ve been able to do in my career. I’ve been able to travel the globe and do my job at a very high level by appealing to everyone. So for Hart House, I want [it] to match the world of me and what I’ve done, and have that same global appeal as we grow and as we go.”

Hart House Recruits

Hart recruited restaurateur Andy Hooper and Chef Mike Salem to keep the prices affordable and menu appealing. Salem is the former head of culinary innovation at Burger King and helped launch the Impossible Whopper. Salem developed all of the Hart House menu items.

Customers can indulge in burgers, chick’n sandwiches, chick’n nuggets with various dipping sauces, salads, French fries, and more. Oh, and there will also be milkshakes made from an oat and soy milk blend. Hart House sandwiches and burgers are in the $5 to $7 price range.

Hooper shared that the second location will open in Hollywood and will be Hart House’s flagship and drive-thru location. It will be located directly across from Hollywood High School and Chick-fil-A. They were strategic in picking locations with heavy traffic and on famous streets.

Hart House will be open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.

The post Kevin Hart Opens Plant-Based Fast Food Restaurant Called ‘Hart House’ appeared first on Black Health Matters.

It’s National Potato Day, Low-Calorie, and we refuse to allow you to miss out. Keep scrolling for the recipe.

Check Out Jalal’s Low-Calorie Garlic Parmesan Fries Recipe

@jalalsamfit

Low Calorie Garlic Parmesan Fries! ONLY 276 calories, they’re incredible! #frenchfries #fries #healthyrecipes #lowcalorie #tiktokfood #weightloss #lowcalorierecipe #easyrecipe

♬ Vibing – Chrispy Beats

If you try this recipe out, please let us know your thoughts below!

Health Benefits of Potatoes

A lot of the time, people looking to get healthier are told to cut out carbs completely. However, that is the opposite of what someone should do. A balanced meal includes protein, carbohydrates, healthy fats, and vegetables. One carbohydrate you shouldn’t avoid is potatoes. And I don’t mean just sweet potatoes, purple potatoes, etc. You can eat a regular potato and not feel bad about it.

Potatoes have numerous health benefits that we cannot simply overlook. Some of those health benefits include:

• Packed with nutrients
• Contain antioxidants
• Can help improve blood sugar
• May improve digestion
• Naturally gluten-free

So, don’t avoid the spuds the next time you’re in the kitchen.

Health Benefits of Garlic

Garlic is one of the main ingredients in these low-calorie garlic parmesan fries. Therefore, we could not avoid discussing the health benefits it provides. Now, if you’re a regular here, you’re already aware of our love for garlic. But don’t mind us while we inform the new readers.

• Garlic has numerous proven health benefits. Some of those include:
• Reduces blood pressure
• Contains medicinal properties making it effective against certain bacteria, fungi, and viruses
• Improves cholesterol
• Contains antioxidant that helps prevent dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease

The list of health benefits of garlic is a very long one. So if you can, add it to your meals.

What is your favorite potato recipe? Comment below!

The post Celebrate National Potato Day With These Low-Calorie Garlic Parmesan Fries appeared first on Black Health Matters.

So we must gather brands that wouldn’t cause harm to our readers but have your nails look fabulous this summer. Here are five Black-owned, clean nail polish brands we all need!

Black-owned Clean Nail Polish Brands

Here are our top five brands that you and your nails will not get enough of. There’s a color for every occasion.

1. OOO Polish – Symantha Wechie-Onyechi is the creator and founder of OOO Polish. The vibrance of the brand is just a reflection of her vibrant personality and knowledge of Africa.
2. Mischo Beauty – Kitiya Mischo King developed her formula for bold and non-toxic nail polish. She was pregnant with her son when she couldn’t find any existing brands that would do that for her. Mischo Beauty was born in 2013, and in 2021, it made the list of Oprah’s Favorite Things! Their philosophy of not harming has been there from the beginning and still rings true.
3. Rooted Woman – India D. Williams founded Rooted Woman after a six-month hiatus from work while she took a journey to improve her wellness. Traditional Woman nail polishes promote self-care through ethical and non-toxic ingredients and make polishes in small batches.
4. Habit Cosmetics – Founder Aja Frierson wanted to fill a void in the beauty space – a lot of brands were doing a few things well, but she still couldn’t find everything she needed in one product. Habit cosmetics delivers non-toxic, vegan, and cruelty-free products in sustainable packaging with multi-tasking formulas and colors that are on trend for all skin tones.
5. Pear Nova – Founder Rachel James used her love of luxurious items as inspiration to create the Pear Nova nail polish brand. The Pear Nova colors are bold and inviting, the formula is non-toxic and vegan, and the process is cruelty-free.

Don’t worry because there are more brands that our community is just waiting to discover! What is your favorite Black-owned, clean nail polish? Comment below!

The post 5 Black-Owned Clean Nail Polish Brands We All Need appeared first on Black Health Matters.

Jones partnered with a prominent Black-owned toy company, Purpose Toys, to release the dolls. The collection of three 18-inch dolls with natural hairstyles and interchangeable outfits representing different HBCUs. The dolls aim to give children ages three and up a “sense of ethnic familiarity and be an aspirational role model – who dreams big, sets goals,  work hard, and manifests a rewarding future for herself.”

The HBCyoU Dolls are Purpose Toys’ latest toy release. DeeDee Wright-Ward founded the toy company to support emerging Black toy entrepreneurs. She wanted to help create toys that represent and align with the modern Black experience.

The post Hampton University Alum Creates Line of HBCyoU Dolls appeared first on Black Health Matters.

Air Fryer Papi shares his air-fried salmon bites with garlic sauce. Due to dietary restrictions, I substituted the heavy cream and butter from the sauce, but everything turned out delicious. In addition, the cook paired his salmon bites with mashed potatoes, but other pairings can include cauliflower rice, brown rice, or steamed vegetables.

Check Out The Salmon Bites Recipe Below

@airfrypapi

Air Fryer Salmon Bites w/Garlic Lemon Sauce! Ya’ll should make this for dinner one day this week. If you’re not feeling mashed potatoes, you can sub for rice, cauliflower rice or a vegetable! #airfryerpapi Intgredients: 1lb Salmon (Cubed) 2 Tbsp Garlic Powder 2 Tbsp Onion Powder 1 Tbsp Paprika 2 Tsp Sea Salt 2 Tsp Black Pepper Garlic Lemon Sauce: 1/2 Stick Butter 1/4 Heavy Cream 1/2 Lemon (Juiced) 2 Tbsp Garlic (Minced) 1 Tsp Sea Salt 1 Tsp Black Pepper Follow video for directions. Air Fry Salmon at 400 Degrees for 10min. Flip halfway. Heat sauce ingredients over medium heat for 5-7min. Enjoy! . . . . . #airfryerrecipes #airfryersalmon #airfryercooking #airfryerchicken #airfryerlife #airfryerrecipe #cruxgg

♬ original sound – Air Fryer Papi

Simple, right? And the best thing is most of us have the items needed to make this dish. In addition, one of the best things a home cook can do is invest in a good air fryer.

Salmon Benefits

One of the best fish to include in your diet is salmon. It is a superfood because salmon is excellent for your heart and brain. Salmon is rich in long-chain omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to reduce inflammation, lower blood pressure, and decrease risk factors for disease.

What is your favorite way to cook salmon? Comment below!

The post Salmon Bites Are The Perfect Addition To Your Weekly Meal Prep appeared first on Black Health Matters.

Johnson & Johnson will do away with talc-based baby powder by next year. Instead, they will make their baby powder with cornstarch. The company’s talc-based powder hasn’t been sold in the U.S. and Canada since 2020 but is at the center of thousands of lawsuits. The lawsuits were filed by women who developed ovarian cancer after using regular talcum powder.

Although Johnson & Johnson remains confident in its product safety, it decided to stop selling the talc-based product globally.

Talc-Based Baby Powder Lawsuits

Multiple companies slapped warning labels on their talcum powder products, but Johnson & Johnson argued that the labels would be confusing. Johnson & Johnson believed that because they stood by their products. However, some studies have shown that women who used talc-based products in the genital areas have an increased risk of ovarian cancer.

As stated previously, Johnson & Johnson faces tens of thousands of lawsuits from women affected by their product. The lawsuits allege that asbestos in its talcum powder causes cancer. In 2018, a St. Louis jury delivered a $4.7 billion verdict against the company. They said the company was negligent and did not warn consumers about possible health risks from its baby powder.

“Our position on the safety of our cosmetic talc remains unchanged. We stand firmly behind the decades of independent scientific analysis by medical experts worldwide that confirms talc-based Johnson’s Baby Powder is safe, does not contain asbestos, and does not cause cancer,” the company said on Friday.

The post Johnson & Johnson to Do Away With Talc-Based Baby Powder by 2023 appeared first on Black Health Matters.

Unfortunately, the latest finding comes just weeks after officials announced paralytic polio was detected in a Rockland County resident. Similar virus detections in waterwaste samples were collected earlier this year from neighboring counties.

What the Polio Virus Findings Mean

According to NY health officials, these detections are alarming but not surprising. “For every one case of paralytic polio identified, hundreds more may be undetected,” State Health Commissioner Dr. Mary T. Bassett said in a statement. In addition, Bassett said the State Health Department is working with local and federal partners. “Responding urgently, continuing case investigation, and aggressively assessing spread. The best way to keep adults and children polio-free is through safe and effective immunization – New Yorkers’ greatest protection against the worst outcomes of polio, including permanent paralysis and even death.”

How Can We Stay Safe?

Honestly, get vaccinated. “The risk to New Yorkers is real, but the defense is so simple – get vaccinated against polio,” New York City Health Commissioner Dr. Ashwin Vasan said.

“With polio circulating in our communities, there is simply nothing more essential than vaccinating our children to protect them from this virus. If you’re unvaccinated or incompletely vaccinated adult, please choose now to get the vaccine,” Vasan said. “Polio is entirely preventable, and its reappearance should be a call to action for all of us.”

According to the CDC, the inactivated poliovirus vaccine (IPV) is the only polio immunization. It has been given out in the U.S. since 2000 and protects 99% of children who get all four doses. Most adults received who received vaccines as children received their IPV shots. The CDC says adults at higher risk for exposure after their vaccines can get one lifetime IPV booster. However, the CDC recommends any adults who were not vaccinated should get their IPV doses.

If you are unsure, you can always check your vaccination history at Immunize.org.

The post Polio Virus Detected In New York Wastewater appeared first on Black Health Matters.

The agency still recommends indoor masking in counties with high community transmission. In addition, the CDC no longer recommends testing in most cases and ended the “test-to-stay” programs in school. This program allowed students exposed to COVID to avoid quarantine as long as they were asymptomatic and continued to receive a negative test. It is doubtful that if you’re vaccinated and boosted, you will become severely ill or die from COVID.

The pandemic started over two years ago; more than 92 million people have contracted COVID, and one million have died. Fortunately, we have surpassed the time of running out of ventilators, and fewer Americans are dying. There are still more than 34,000 hospitalizations and about 400 deaths per day, and those numbers remain constant.

Are The Updated Guidelines Good for the Immunocompromised?

Since the updated guidelines were released, the CDC has received mixed reviews. Is it too soon? This pandemic shook the nation, so when is the “right time” to return to a new normal? There are over seven million people in the country who are immunocompromised. Therefore, many wonder how these updated guidelines affect those with weakened immune systems. When the pandemic first hit, special shopping hours and accommodations were made for those at greater risk. And unfortunately, the relaxed criteria could leave behind chronically ill people.

Furthermore, the guidelines come at a critical time – schools are opening up, and COVID funding is drying up. They now leave the responsibility of staying safe against COVID up to the people. Sadly, individuals who continue to wear masks and isolate themselves may be subjected to increased ridicule.

Hopefully, everyone continues to do their part to prevent another surge and lockdown. That means to continue monitoring infections, hospitalizations, and death. Lastly, people should continue to give officials support to protect everyone in the community.

The post CDC Eases Guidelines on COVID-19 appeared first on Black Health Matters.

“I want to take this moment to thank our friends and family for all the love and prayers. It is with a very heavy heart that I inform everyone that my sister, Denise Dowse, has gone forward to meet our family in eternal life,” she shared. “Denise Yvonne Dowse was the most amazing sister, a consummate, illustrious actress, mentor, and director. She was my very best friend and final family member.”

Sadly, the news comes after Dowse’s sister shared that the “Insecure” star was hospitalized and was in a coma due to meningitis.

The Legacy of Denise Dowse

Denise Dowse was born in Honolulu, Hawaii, on Feb. 21, 1958. She graduated from Norfolk State University before starting her acting career. Her first credit came in 1989 with a one-episode appearance in the series “Almost There!”

As Dowse’s career progressed, she starred in the iconic teen drama “Beverly Hills 90210,” Insecure, “The Guardian,” and numerous other roles on TV. In addition to her career in television, the actress starred in multiple films, including the musical drama “Ray.” She also starred in films like “Pleasantville” and “Requiem for a Dream” and “Coach Carter.” Dowse directed the upcoming historical biopic “Remember Me: The Mahalia Jackson Story.”

We send our condolences to Dowse’s family and loved ones.

The post Actress Denise Dowse Passes Away at 64 appeared first on Black Health Matters.

“This recall is being conducted due to the potential for microbial contamination, including from the organisms Cronobacter sakazakii and Clostridium botulinum,” the FDA said in a release. “Although Clostridium botulinum has not been found in products, consumers are warned not to consume recalled products even if they do not look or smell spoiled.”

In addition, consumers shouldn’t drink any products passed their sell-by-date. 

What is Clostridium Botulinum and its Symptoms

Clostridium botulinum is an anaerobic, rod-shaped spore-forming bacterium that produces a protein with characteristic neurotoxicity. According to the FDA, Clostridium botulinum can bring on severe food poisoning anywhere from six hours to two weeks after consumption of a contaminated product.

Symptoms may include:

• Double or blurred vision
• Drooping eyelids
• Slurred speech
• Difficulty swallowing
• Muscle weakness

Botulism poisoning can result in death from respiratory paralysis.

What is Cronobacter and its Symptoms

Cronobacter (formerly Enterobacter sakazakii) is a bacteria found in various dry foods, including powdered infant formula, powdered milk, herbal teas, and starches. It has also been found in water. The FDA warns that Cronobacter sakazakii causes bloodstream infections and meningitis. According to the CDC, infants, seniors over 65, and individuals with weakened immune systems are the most susceptible to serious illness.

Illness from Coronbacter looks different depending on the person. For instance, infants will experience fever, excessive crying, and low energy. Adults will typically experience diarrhea and UTIs.

Newest Items Added to Recall List (As of Aug. 10th)

• Cafe Grumpy Ready to Drink Cold Brew Coffee
• Ensure Harvest 1.2 Cal For Tube Feeding
• Kate Farms Pediatric Peptide 1.0 Vanilla
• Kate Farms Standard 1.0 Vanilla
• Kate Farms Nutrition Shake Coffee
• Kate Farms Nutrition Shake Coffee Chocolate
• Kate Farms Nutrition Shake Vanilla
• Kate Farms Standard 1.4 Plain
• Kate Farms Peptide 1.5 Plain
• Kate Farms Pediatric Peptide 1.5 Vanilla
• Lyons Barista Style Sweet Cream Frappé Base
• Oatly Oat-Milk Barista Edition
• Oatly Oat-Milk Chocolate
• Oatly Oat-Milk
• Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey Vanilla
• Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey Chocolate
• Organic Valley Organic 1% Milkfat Lowfat Chocolate Milk
• Organic Valley Organic 1% Milkfat Lowfat Milk
• PediaSure Harvest 1.0 Cal For Tube Feeding
• Premier Protein Café Latte
• Sweetie Pie Organics Organic Lactation Smoothie Mango Banana
• Sweetie Pie Organics Organic Lactation Smoothie Apple Pear
• Sweetie Pie Organics Mango Banana Smoothie
• Sweetie Pie Organics Apple Pear Smoothie
• Rejuvenate Muscle Health+ Vanilla
• Rejuvenate Muscle Health+ Chocolate
• Sated Complete Keto Meal Shake Chocolate Flavor
• Tone It Up Plant-Based Protein Shake Chocolate
• Tone It Up Plant-Based Protein Shake Vanilla
• Uproot Oatmilk Organic Oats
• Uproot Peamilk Chocolate

Previously Announced List

• Lyons Ready Care
• Lyons ready Care 2.0 High-Calorie High Protein Nutritional Drink: Butter Pecan, Chocolate, Vanilla
• Lyons Barista Style: Almond, Coconut, Oat, non-dairy beverages
• Pirq Plant Protein: Decadent Chocolate, Caramel Coffee, Golden Vanilla, Very Strawberry
• Glucerna Original (sold only at Costco, BJ’s, and Sam’s Club): Chocolate, Strawberry, Vanilla
• Aloha Plant-Based Protein: Chocolate Sea Salt, Coconut, Vanilla, Iced Coffee
• Intelligensia: Cold Coffee, Oat Latte
• Kate Farms Pediatric Standard: Vanilla
• Oatly: Oat Milk Barista Edition
• Premier Protein: Chocolate, Vanilla, Cafe Latte
• MRE protein shakes: Cookies & Cream, Chocolate, Salted Caramel, Vanilla
• Stumptown Cold Brew Coffee With Oat Milk: Original, Horchata, Chocolate, Cream & Sugar Original
• Imperial: Med Plus 2.0: Vanilla, Butter Pecan

Customers with questions about the recall are instructed to call Lyons’ 24-hour Recall Support Center line at 1-800-627-0557. Products can be returned to the place of purchase for a refund.

The post Lyons Magnus Recalls 30+ Nutrition Drinks appeared first on Black Health Matters.

Gibson’s love for Aya and Aya’s unwavering strength is such an inspiration to readers everywhere. Together the mother and daughter duo show the world anything is possible.

About Tyrene Gibson

Tyrene Gibson is a native of Baltimore, MD, and attended The American College in London, England. Gibson majored in Fashion Merchandising & Business Administration. After graduation, Gibson moved to NYC and started her career in the fashion industry, where she landed a job with J. Michael Bloom at Ford Modeling Agency.

Currently, Gibson works as a real estate agent ad title producer in NJ. She serves as the NJ Ambassador for the Be The Match National Marrow Donor Program and advocates for children in her school district.

You can purchase “Mothering the Crescent Moons” at Amazon.com.

The post Tyrene Gibson Releases ‘Mothering the Crescent Moons’ Detailing Her Journey As A Mother and Caregiver Of A Child With Sickle Cell Anemia appeared first on Black Health Matters.

In October 2019, 30-year-old Shamony Gibson died thirteen days after her son’s death. Two months later, filmmakers Tonya Lewis Lee and Paula Eiselt began filming Gibson’s surviving mother and partner. Viewers see how Shawnee Benton Gibson and Omari Maynard earn a new normal. Unfortunately, less than a year later, viewers meet the family of 26-year-old Amber Rose Isaac. She died from an emergency c-section, and Omari reaches out to her surviving partner, Bruce McIntyre. Omari forms a lifelong bond with Bruce as they fight for justice for their partners. They have their community’s support the entire step of the way during the process.

Throughout the “Aftershock,” the two families seek justice through legislation, medical accountability, community, and the power of art. During their journey, we meet a growing brotherhood of surviving Black fathers and the work of midwives and doctors fighting for institutional reform.

Check Out “Aftershock” Trailer Below:

“Aftershock” is now streaming on HULU.

The post New Documentary ‘Aftershock’ Addresses Death Rates of Black Women During Childbirth appeared first on Black Health Matters.

“In light of  June 24, 2022, U.S. Supreme Court ruling in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization and July 20, 2022, 11th Circuit Court of Appeals ruling in Sistersong v. Kemp, the Department will recognize any unborn child with a detectable human heartbeat…as eligible for the Georgia individual income tax dependent exemption,” the department said in a statement.

Last month, the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that “Georgia’s prohibition on abortions after a detectable human heartbeat is rational.” Georgia’s Living Infants and Fairness Equality Act defines a “natural person” as “any human being including an unborn child,” the court ruled.

Therefore, any taxpayer with an “unborn child (or children) with a detectable human heartbeat” after July 20th can claim a dependent or dependents on 2022 taxes. Residents will receive $3000 for each unborn child.

“Similar to any other deduction claimed on an income tax return, relevant medical records or other supporting documentation shall be provided to support the dependent deduction claimed if requested by the Department,” the state said.

An embryo is the early stage of human development. Organs form during this stage. Heartbeats can be detected as early as six weeks into pregnancy and often before people know they are pregnant. An embryo is termed a fetus at the beginning of the 11th week of pregnancy.

The post Georgia Residents Can Claim An Embryo As Dependent on State Taxes appeared first on Black Health Matters.

The Biden Administration declared the monkeypox outbreak a public health emergency on Thursday. The decision comes from the rise in cases throughout the U.S. Since mid-May, more than 6,600 probable or confirmed cases have been detected in the U.S. Montana and Wyoming are the only states in the country without confirmed cases.

The announcement was made during a briefing with the Department of Health and Human Services. The administration was criticized for handling the monkeypox outbreak when it first emerged. Many called for the government to declare a national emergency without hesitation. WHO announced last month that the monkeypox outbreak is a public health emergency of international concern. The agency defines a public health emergency of international concern, or PHEIC, as “an extraordinary event” that constitutes a “public health risk to other States through the international spread of disease” and “to potentially require a coordinated international response.”

Cities and States’ Responses to Monkeypox Outbreak

Major cities and states have already declared monkeypox an emergency. This allows them to free up funding and resources to respond to the outbreak. Earlier this week, President Biden named Robert Fenton as the White House’s national monkeypox response coordinator. Fenton oversees Arizona, California, Hawaii, and Nevada as a regional Federal Emergency Management Agency administrator. He will coordinate the federal government’s response to the outbreak. In addition, Dr. Demetre Daskalakis, the U.S. CDC director of the Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, serves as the deputy coordinator.

Criticism of Administration’s Response to Monkeypox

The post The U.S. Declares Monkeypox Outbreak A Public Health Emergency appeared first on Black Health Matters.

Alena Analeigh Wicker Wants to Leave Her Mark on the World

UAB informed Alena that she was selected for the school’s Burroughs Welcome Scholars Early Assurance Program. The program partners with several Black schools in Alabama to offer students early acceptance as they plan to enter medical school.

“I really want to leave my mark on the world. And lead a group of girls that know what they can do,” she said in an interview. Initially, the young scholar wanted to pursue engineering. However, she fell in love with biology after a trip to Jordan with The Brown STEM Girl Foundation.

“It actually took one class in engineering for me to say this is kind of not where I wanted to go,” she said. “I think viral immunology really came from my passion for volunteering and going out there engaging with the world.”

“What I want from healthcare is to really show these underrepresented communities that we can help, that we can find cures for these viruses,” she added.

After Alena received her acceptance letter, she took to her Instagram to thank her mother for all her support.

Congratulations again to Alena, and we wish her much success in medical school.

The post Alena Analeigh Wicker Becomes the Youngest African American Accepted into Medical School appeared first on Black Health Matters.

Scroll down to read the eight scientifically-backed health benefits kissing your partner can provide.

Health Benefits of Kissing

1. Reduces blood pressure: a smooch session gives your heart a workout. It can get your heartbeat going in a healthy way, which helps lower your blood pressure.
2. Fights cavities: Making out gets your saliva flowing! And that additional saliva washes away the plaque on your teeth that can lead to cavities.
3. Boosts self-esteem: A German study revealed that men who received kisses from their wives before leaving for work made more money. Kissing has much to do with your self-esteem and feeling loved and connected.
4. Burns calories: Don’t expect to burn the same amount of calories as you during a 30-minute jog, but you can burn up to 16 calories per smooch.
5. Workouts the facial muscle: Think of this benefit as a facelift…kind of. Deep kissing can shape the neck and jawline, which are often trouble spots for those concerned about looking older.
6. Zaps cramps and headaches: Kissing helps with cramps and headaches. You may be inclined to wave away advances when you’re curled into an achy ball, but the blood-vessel dilation brought on by a good long smooching session can help ease your pain.
7. Releases happy hormones: Kissing can put you in the perfect mood. It releases feel-good chemicals such as serotonin, dopamine, and oxytocin.
8. Reveals compatibility: A simple kiss can reveal a lot—for instance, the compatibility of a potential partner before getting emotionally involved. But just in case the first kiss didn’t reveal much, it is recommended to try one more time.

Knowing what we know now, don’t hesitate to land a big kiss on your partner’s lips. What is your favorite health benefit of kissing? Comment below!

The post 8 Health Benefits of Kissing appeared first on Black Health Matters.

Although systemic racism and bias in medicine are the main reasons we see differences in outcomes for Black people—and tackling these issues is critical to achieving equity—awareness and education may also help narrow the gap by promoting earlier detection and prevention.

What is non-Hodgkin lymphoma?

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (also known as NHL or just lymphoma) is a type of cancer that begins in infection-fighting white blood cells called lymphocytes. Lymphocytes are part of the lymphatic system, a network of organs (including lymph nodes) and vessels that filter body fluids of toxins and transports infection-fighting cells throughout the body.

Lymphocytes are tasked with distinguishing normal healthy cells from potentially dangerous invaders. But in patients who develop NHL, lymphocytes become abnormal themselves, multiplying out of control and collecting in lymph nodes and other tissues.

According to the American Cancer Society, non-Hodgkin lymphoma is one of the most common cancers in the United States, accounting for about 4% of all cancers. The health organization estimates that in 2022, about 80,470 will be diagnosed with NHL (including both adults and children) and 20,250 will die from this cancer (11,700 males and 8,550 females).

There are many different types of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and they are categorized by how the cells look under a microscope and how they behave. Most types of NHL are either B-cell lymphoma or T-cell lymphoma. According to the American Cancer Society, B-cell lymphomas make up most (about 85%) of the non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas in the U.S. B-cell and T-cell lymphomas can further be divided into one of two categories based on how quickly the cancer cells are growing: aggressive (fast-growing) or indolent (slow-growing).

How do you know if you have non-Hodgkin lymphoma?

Signs and symptoms of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma may include:

• Swollen lymph nodes in your neck, armpits, or groin (a main symptom that leads to an NHL diagnosis)
• Fever
• Night sweats
• Unexplained weight loss
• Persistent fatigue (feeling very tired)

What are the risk factors for developing non-Hodgkin lymphoma?

NHL can occur at any age. In fact, it is one of the more common cancers among children, teens, and young adults. Still, the risk of developing NHL increases throughout life, and more than half of patients are 65 or older at the time of diagnosis. The aging of the American population is likely to lead to an increase in NHL cases during the coming years. In the U.S., Whites more likely than Blacks and Asian Americans to develop NHL. Worldwide, NHL is more common in developed countries, with the U.S. and Europe having some of the highest rates. Some types of lymphoma are linked to certain infections that are more common in some parts of the world.

The exact cause of NHL is not known, but there are risk factors that may increase the likelihood of developing the disease. Factors affecting people’s risk of developing NHL have been studied extensively. Some of these factors are immune disorders, certain medicines, infections, lifestyle, family history, and occupational factors. For example, the risk of developing lymphoma and other cancers may be higher for butchers, car repair workers, gasoline station workers, agricultural and chemical workers, radiation-exposed groups such as uranium mine workers, nuclear industry workers, nuclear test site workers and “downwinders” (residents of cancer “hot spots” or other contaminated areas), according to this study.

How can I reduce my risk of developing non-Hodgkin lymphoma?

In 2008-2009, The President’s Cancer Panel issued “Reducing Environmental Cancer Risk: What We Can Do  “ with recommendations that can be taken to reduce cancer risk related to environmental contaminants, excess radiation, and other harmful exposures. Additionally, viral infections (particularly HIV) can lead to lymphoma. Avoidance of infection and high-risk practices is advisable. It is also recommended that you eat a healthy, nutritious diet, remain physically active, and exercise regularly.

What should I do if I suspect I might have non-Hodgkin lymphoma?

First of all, please keep in mind that the signs and symptoms of NHL are also associated with a number of other less serious diseases. Even if you have all the symptoms listed above, you may not have lymphoma or cancer. Nevertheless, if you have signs or symptoms that suggest the possibility of NHL, you should be seen by your doctor as soon as possible. If the doctor suspects lymphoma, additional tests, and possibly a tissue biopsy, may be ordered to make a diagnosis.  You may also be referred to a blood cancer specialist called a hematologist-oncologist, which is the type of doctor who treats lymphoma.

What treatments are available for non-Hodgkin lymphoma?

Several NHL treatments are available. Which treatment or combination of treatments is best for the patient will depend on the particulars of their lymphoma, such as the types of cells involved and how fast the lymphoma is growing (whether it is indolent or aggressive). A doctor also considers the patient’s overall health and preferences. If a person’s lymphoma appears to be slow-growing (indolent) and does not cause symptoms, treatment might not be needed right away. Instead, a doctor may recommend regular checkups every few months to monitor the patient’s condition and whether the cancer is advancing. If a patient’s NHL is fast-growing (aggressive) or causes symptoms, a doctor may recommend treatment right away. Options may include chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted drug therapy, bone marrow transplant, and radiation.

Taking part in a clinical trial may be the best therapy for some NHL patients, according to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Clinical trials are underway to develop treatments that increase the remission and/or cure rate of the disease. Click here to read more about clinical trials.

The post Why African Americans Should Discuss Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma appeared first on Black Health Matters.

The FDA plans on deciding by the end of the week. The agency is facing the dilemma that the immunity many have gotten from getting vaccinated or infected is wearing off. Furthermore, the subvariant BA.5 makes people more vulnerable. Therefore, as COVID becomes more severe and most adults under 50 aren’t eligible for a second booster, the FDA is considering opening up eligibility for a second booster for everyone.

Unfortunately, letting individuals get another booster with the original vaccine could interfere with plans for them to get the updated vaccine booster. Hopefully, the updated vaccines in the fall will help alleviate the blow of a possible winter surge. But the administration is still considering shifting the focus to the next generation of boosters.

Bivalent Vaccine Boosters to Combat COVID-19

Moderna and Pfizer scrambled to comply with the FDA’s request for the updated boosters by October or November. The agency wants the companies to make the shots available sooner. If availability is accelerated, the FDA will skip opening up fourth shots to younger adults.

Once again, the decision is receiving mixed reviews. Some think it is a rushed strategy, while others think it is the smartest option. It’s also unclear whether the new boosters can be ready by September. And who knows if BA.5 will even be the primary virus by the fall and winter? Some people believe that people younger than 50 should at least have the option to protect themselves now, especially with BA.5 already surging.

The post Reformulated COVID-19 Vaccines May Be Available Sooner Than Expected appeared first on Black Health Matters.

“CDC will continue to publish guidance to help cruise ships continue to provide a safer and healthier environment for passengers, crew, and communities going forward,” the agency said on its website.

Some of the earliest outbreaks took place on cruise ships. Cruise lines severely affected businesses during the pandemic, primarily before vaccines existed. In addition, the number of people booking cruises dropped over the last two years. Sadly, in 2020 and 2021, cruise companies lost a collective $63 billion and removed thousands of jobs.

Cruise Ships Still Moving Forward

Luckily, the cruise industry has ramped up its operations, and the CDC will continue to publish cruise-specific guidance on how to mitigate the risks of spreading the disease while at sea. However, the agency believed the cruise industry is capable of managing the risks on its own.

“CDC has determined that the cruise industry has access to the necessary tools (e.g., cruise-specific recommendations and guidance, vaccinations, testing instruments, treatment modalities, and non-pharmaceutical interventions) to prevent and mitigate COVID-19 on board,” an agency spokesperson said in a statement to CBS MoneyWatch. “Therefore, CDC’s COVID-19 Program for Cruise Ships is no longer in effect today.”

Furthermore, individual cruise lines can set their policies related to COVID-19. Those protocols may include travel requirements for passengers and staff. The CDC urges travelers to contact cruise operators for information about their policies and safety measures. They will continue to reiterate that cruise-line travel poses “some risk of COVID-19 transmission,” but the decision to cruise or not to cruise and whether to get vaccinated and tested is in the hands of individuals.

The post CDC No Longer Monitors COVID-19 Cases on Cruise Ships appeared first on Black Health Matters.

We all can agree that African American culture influences everything. From our fashion, food, hairstyles, and African American Vernacular English (AAVE) language or Ebonics. We already have an online Urban Dictionary individuals can use, but now, there will be an official Oxford Dictionary of African American English.

The new dictionary will have the editorial guidance of Henry Louis Gates, Jr., a Harvard University professor and historian. Gates stated the dictionary won’t just include spellings and definitions but create a historical record. It will also serve as a tribute to the people behind the words. In addition, he also explained, “[that] just the way Louis Armstrong took the trumpet and turned it inside out from the way people played European classical music. Black people took English and ‘reinvented it’ to make it reflect their sensibilities and to make it mirror their cultural selves.”

“Many scholars have compiled dictionaries of African American usage and vocabulary. However, no one has had the resources to undertake a large-scale, systematic study, based on historical principles, of the myriad contributions that African Americans have made to the shape and structure of the English language that Americans speak today.

We can expect words such as crib, kitchen (hair reference), side hustle, diss, hop, and more. The new dictionary releases in 2025.

The post Oxford Dictionary of African American English To Be Released in 2025 appeared first on Black Health Matters.

To find the best one, we have listed the top 10 electric toothbrushes of 2022 that meets all of your oral hygiene needs.

Top 10 Electric Toothbrushes

The Top Four Selections:

The post The Best Electric Toothbrushes of 2022 appeared first on Black Health Matters.

Mary Alice won a Tony Award in 1987 for “Best Featured Actress” in the play “Fences.” In addition, in 1993, she performed on Broadway and won an Emmy award for “Outstanding Supporting Actress” in the drama series “I’ll Fly Away.”

Fans everywhere mourn and pay their tribute to the late icon via Twitter.

My Heart… Mary Alice aka Lettie aka the Oracle aka Maggie. Wow an Icon from “ A Different World,” to “Laurel Avenue,” to “Down in the Delta” and so much more. Rest Well pic.twitter.com/EndGSy6rxh

— Priestess (@YannickTMusic) July 28, 2022

Emmy and Tony award winning actress, Mary Alice has passed. Best known for her roles as Lettie on ‘A Different World’ and as Effie Williams in ‘Sparkle’. She was 84. pic.twitter.com/pcyHchN8CY

— NUFF (@nuffsaidny) July 28, 2022

She's always gazing at something far away. It feels like she's seeing a different world from me. She gazes with a gloomy face, as if she's thinking about someone somewhere else.
Why is that, whenever I looked at her undecipherable side face, I felt my chest tightening?

— . (@moonlightmidday) July 28, 2022

We are sending our condolences to Mary Alice’s family and friends.

The post Legendary Actress Mary Alice Passes Away at 80 appeared first on Black Health Matters.

There have been 3,600 cases since May. Unfortunately, the U.S. only had about a few thousand doses when the outbreak began. American officials have ordered nearly seven million doses of Jynneos, which will arrive in batches over the following months. So far, 320,000 doses have shipped to the states.

Monkeypox Vaccine Distribution

In addition, the FDA completed its inspection of Bavarian Nordic’s manufacturing plants in Denmark earlier this month. The agency determined that the vaccine produced there met its standards. Given the rising need, the agency said it had “facilitated the shipment of manufactured doses” to the United States. Still, it declined to say whether the doses had arrived in the country. “Aggressively responding to the monkeypox outbreak is a critical priority,” Xavier Becerra, secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, said in a statement. “H.H.S. is working to make these doses available to states and jurisdictions as soon as possible to fulfill their needs and will announce allocations tomorrow,” he added.

If the doses are administered quickly, it should lessen some shortages. The supply now is “probably sufficient to meet the most pressing need,” said Tinglong Dai, an expert in vaccine supply at Johns Hopkins University. “I hope it alleviates the burning anxiety thousands of people have been experiencing in recent weeks,” he added.

The post U.S. Distributes 800,000 Monkeypox Vaccines appeared first on Black Health Matters.

Here are five ways that experts would agree will strengthen your natural nails.

Top 5 Ways To Strengthen Natural Nails

The post 5 Ways To Strengthen Your Natural Nails appeared first on Black Health Matters.

The international outbreak popped up two months ago, and there are 2,400 cases in the U.S. Currently, health officials aren’t aware of how quickly the virus spreads because they only have limited data from people diagnosed. In addition, they’re not sure how many infected people could unknowingly be spreading the monkeypox virus. Health officials also don’t know how well the vaccines or treatments work. One issue is Federal health officials do not have the authority to collect and connect data on who has been infected and who has been vaccinated. Predictions about how big the U.S. outbreak will get vary. Some believe 13,000 cases, and others believe the cases will rise ten times. The CDC is hopeful that the monkeypox virus can be contained.

The Origins of the Monkeypox Virus

Monkeypox is commonly found in Africa. People have been infected through bites from rodents or small animals, but it doesn’t usually spread easily among people. Shockingly this year, more than 15,000 cases have been reported in countries that historically don’t encounter the disease. In the U.S., most infections have happened in men who have had sex with other men, but anyone can catch the virus.

Since it is so rare in the U.S., many infected men and even medical professionals might have attributed their rashes to some other illness. And contact tracing wasn’t always practical. Especially since a lot of the infected didn’t know the names of all the people they had sex with. The CDC believes that 1.5 million U.S. men are at high risk for the infection.

The monkeypox virus spreads mainly through skin-to-skin contact or linens used by someone infected. As of now, it has moved like an STD, but officials are keeping an eye out for other ways it could spread.

Monkeypox Symptoms

Symptoms of monkeypox include the following:

• fever
• body aches
• chills
• fatigue
• bumps on parts of the body

So far, the illness has been relatively mild, and no one in the U.S. has died. But people are contagious for weeks, and the lesions are extremely painful. Officials believed they could control the outbreak easily since the bumps would’ve made the infection easy to identify. And as we see now, it didn’t turn out that way.

Vaccination

Luckily, the U.S. government already has a vaccine on hand. The two-dose regimen called Jynneos was licensed in the U.S. in 2019 and recommended last year as a tool against monkeypox. When the virus was first identified in May, U.S. officials only had about 2,000 doses available. Last month more doses became available, and the CDC offered shots to those who recognized they could be infected.

Demand has exceeded supply, with clinics in some cities rapidly running out of vaccine doses and health officials across the country saying they don’t have enough. That will soon change. As many as 780,000 doses will become available as early as next week. Furthermore, testing has also expanded. More than 70,000 people can test each week. The government has embarked on a campaign to educate doctors, gays, and bisexual men about the disease.

The post Monkeypox Virus Might Become The Next STD appeared first on Black Health Matters.

• Hyperpigmentation
• melasma
• dryness (ashy-looking skin)

So, it is so vital that we keep our skin hydrated. We have selected fifteen face and body moisturizers suited for our skin. Scroll below to learn which products seal in moisture, soothe our skin, and when we should apply them.

Top Face & Body Moisturizers

For Face:

1. Cerave AM Face Moisturizer
2.  Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel Moisturizer
3. The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA
4. Cetaphil Rich Hydrating Cream for Face
5. Cerave Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum
6. Skinfix Barrier + Triple Lipid-peptide Lotion
7. Pond’s Dark Spot Corrector B3 Moisturizer
8. Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream

For Body:

1. Eucerin Advanced Repair (dry skin)
2. Aveeno Skin Repair Lotion (eczema-prone skin)
3. Augustinus Bader the Body Cream (aging skin)
4. Cerave Moisturizing Body Lotion (sensitive skin)
5. Vaseline Advanced Repair (best for men)
6. Nivea Essentially Enriched Body Lotion (budget-friendly)
7. Aquaphor Healing Ointment Skin Protectant (dry patches/ashy elbows)

Remember, because our skin tends to lose moisture quicker than other shades, we need products that contain hyaluronic acid. This ingredient helps us hold in moisture. Also, it is essential to note that face moisturizers should be applied in the morning and evening. In contrast, body moisturizers should be generously applied after each shower.

What are your favorite face and body moisturizer? Comment below!

The post Top 15 Moisturizers for Black Skin (Face & Body) appeared first on Black Health Matters.

The Vote for The Right to Contraception Act

The vote was 228-195, with eight Republicans joining the Democrats in voting in favor. In addition, all 195 “no’s” came from Republicans. The following Republican members voted in favor of the bill.

1. Liz Cheney (WY)
2. John Katko (NY)
3. Adam Kinzinger (IL)
4. Nancy mace (SC)
5. Fred Upton (MI)
6. Brian Fitzpatrick (PA)
7. Maria Salazar (FL)
8. Anthony Gonzalez (OH)

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi accused Republicans of trying to roll back the clock for American women. She declared, “we are not going back.” She continued, “This is their moment. Clarence Thomas has made that clear, right down to the fundamentals of privacy they want to erase.” “With this passage, Democrats will make clear we will never quit in the fight against the outrageous right-wing assault on freedom.”

The White House supported the plan to protect the right to contraception. They said in a statement  that access to birth control is “essential to ensuring all people have control over personal decisions about their health, lives, and families.”

Measures to Protect All Rights After Roe v. Wade Was Overturned

Last week, the House passed bills that aim to ensure abortion access and a measure that protects same-sex and interracial marriages. Shortly after the SCOTUS overturned Roe v. Wade, Justice Clarence Thomas released a separate opinion urging his colleagues to reconsider other landmark decisions, including contraception rights and same-sex marriages. Although no other justice joined Thomas, the recent events prompted Democrats to fight back.

“This rallying call by Justice Thomas and the actions of extremist Republican legislators are about one thing: Control,” said Manning, the North Carolina Democrat. “These extremists are working to take away the rights of women, to take away our right to decide when to have children, to take away our right to control our own lives and our bodies, and we will not let this happen.”

On Tuesday, the House passed a bill called the Respect for Marriage Act that would protect marriage equality by repealing the Defense of Marriage Act and providing federal protections for same-sex and interracial couples. The marriage equality legislation was passed with support from all House Democrats and 47 Republicans.

The post House Passes The Right To Contraception Act appeared first on Black Health Matters.

Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) affects the filters in your kidneys. When these filters are scarred, they are unable to filter your blood, which can lead to kidney damage and failure. Treatment for FSGS focuses on treating the symptoms and preventing any additional scarring.

FSGS is not caused by a single disease. It can have many different causes. The scarring may happen because of an infection, or drug, or a disease that affects the entire body, like diabetes, HIV infection, sickle cell disease or lupus. FSGS can also be caused by another kidney-related disease that you had before you got FSGS.

FSGS has different types based on the cause. Primary FSGS is a type of FSGS that means the disease happened on its own without a known or obvious cause. Secondary FSGS is caused by another disease or drug, such as HIV or anabolic steroids that some people use to speed up their muscle growth.

Early stages of FSGS may not cause any symptoms. You may only see some signs on your own, while others may be found by your healthcare provider.

Signs and symptoms of FSGS include:

• Swelling in body parts like your legs, ankles and around your eyes (called edema)
• Weight gain due to extra fluid building in your body
• Foamy urine caused by high protein levels in the urine (called proteinuria)
• High fat levels in the blood (high cholesterol)
• Low levels of protein in the blood

FSGS has no cure. The prognosis varies depending on the person. For some people, FSGS goes away on its own without treatment. For others, the disease continues for many years but does not get worse.

In the U.S., approximately 40,000 patients are living with FSGS, and more than 60% of patients do not have a durable response to current FSGS treatments, which usually include steroids, immunosuppressive drugs, diuretics, and a diet change. Because of this, 50% of patients with FSGS will progress to kidney failure.

Blacks are at least four times more likely to get FSGS in comparison with Whites. Much of this disparity can be attributed to genetic variants of the APOL1 gene found only in individuals with recent African ancestry, according to this study. These variants greatly increase rates of FSGS, among other forms of kidney disease.

Here’s how APOL1 is a factor for Blacks with kidney disease: Forty-five percent of Black Americans under 60 years old on dialysis have the APOL1 genotype. The APOL1 genotype is also found in 75% of Black patients with FSGS.

Many people with the high-risk APOL1 genotype do not show any signs or symptoms of FSGS until kidney failure is approaching. Knowing if you have the APOL1 gene variants is the key to unlocking the mystery of kidney disease in people with African and Caribbean ancestry, medical professionals say.

This awareness is needed in the medical community as well, as providers might not know this link exists, and therefore do not test for it. NephCure is an organization that focuses on raising awareness of FSGS in the Black community. It conducts “culture conversations” with Black kidney doctors and has monthly health fairs where doctors and nurses offer support in some of its locations. NephCure also hosts webinars, educational articles, blog posts, support groups, and its Kidney Health Gateway, which connects people to top nephrologists and research.

“If FSGS is caught early, it’s possible to stop or slow the damage and live a regular life,” says Deja Ivy, NephCure’s associate director of community health. “Our work is important because of the low quality of life with dialysis, but we’re showing that you can be aware and active in your kidney health.”

Black participation in clinical trials could also improve outcomes, as research could determine whether or not drugs being tested for FSGS will work equally as well for Blacks with the APOL1 gene. Clinical trial participation is particularly important for those who are newly diagnosed because FSGS is a rapidly progressing form of disease.

The post Why Are Black People More at Risk to Develop FSGS Kidney Disease? appeared first on Black Health Matters.

Over the weekend, Vibrant Emotional Health, a nonprofit that operates the lifeline on behalf of SAMHSA, launched the 988 dialing code. It is available to everyone throughout the United States. Previously, the dialing code to reach the lifeline was 1-800-273-TALK, which will remain operational. In addition, the three-digit code can receive text messages. Veterans will dial 988 and press 1 to reach the Veteran Crisis Line. 

Dr. Miriam Delphin-Rittmon, the administrator of SAMHSA, shared that the goal of 988 is to get people the help they need. Also, when an individual reaches out to the call line, they will have the opportunity to talk to “a train, compassionate crisis counselor.” And if they’re still in need, the crisis counselor will connect with a local mobile crisis team. Another concern the hotline will try to tackle is “minimizing unnecessary contact or connection with police departments.”

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline started in 2005 and is funded by SAMHSA. However, in 2020, the U.S. Federal Communications Commission’s leaders voted to finalize 988. 988 is a more manageable number to remember for a mental health crisis, similar to how people dial 911 for medical emergencies.

In 2021, the call line received 3.6 million calls, chats, and texts. And unfortunately, that number is expected to double in the first full year after the 988 transitions. Understandably, there is concern about call centers not being fully ready for an anticipated influx of calls.

The federal government and Vibrant are preparing for the nationwide implementation of the three-digit number. They are providing grants to states to support call centers and actively trying to recruit more crisis counselors. For more information or updates about 988, then visit SAMHSA.gov.

The post National Suicide Prevention Lifeline Launches ‘988’ appeared first on Black Health Matters.

After all, diabetes is the primary cause of chronic kidney disease, according to the American Kidney Fund. In fact, one in three adults with diabetes—whether type 1 or type 2—may already have CKD. And Blacks with diabetes develop kidney failure more often than Whites.

Anderson, who saw how diabetes and kidney disease had impacted friends and family, prioritized a healthy diet and regular exercise. A 2017 episode of Black-ish even highlighted his character’s bout with type-2 diabetes. Anderson’s advocacy is most pronounced via Get Real About Diabetes, his awareness campaign in partnership with Novo Nordisk.

Chronic kidney disease is a public health crisis in the U.S., and is far more prevalent in Black people than in White people in the United States, according to the National Kidney Foundation. Black people comprise 13% of the American population but account for about 35% of CKD cases, making them four times as likely as White people to develop the disease.

Given the prevalence of chronic kidney disease, it’s not surprising that there are a number of public figures and celebrities who are living with the chronic illness. And these days, many, from Nick Cannon to Stevie Wonder to the rapper Freeway are open to sharing how they manage their kidney-related ailments—in hopes of inspiring others who might be experiencing the same.

In 2012, Nick Cannon shared that he was diagnosed with lupus nephritis, or lupus kidney disease. His symptoms included fatigue and swelling in his knees, which led to a hospitalization. Then, he learned his kidneys had begun to fail.

Lupus is a disease that can affect any organ system and kidney involvement is one of the most serious manifestations of the disease. Blacks get lupus nephritis more often than other lupus patients. Although most do well with proper medication and lifestyle changes, 10-30% will eventually need regular dialysis or a kidney transplant, according to this study.

Cannon has been vocal about living with lupus nephritis, and how eating low-fat, low-sodium, and low-sugar diets and keeping his blood pressure and blood sugar under control can prevent kidney damage.

He’s raised awareness by serving as the national honorary chair of the National Kidney Foundation’s Kidney Walk, which meant promoting events on traditional and social media and even mounting his own fundraising campaign.

Philadelphia rapper Freeway was diagnosed with End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) in 2015, which resulted in him suffering from kidney failure. “I was running around with three of the leading risk factors for kidney disease, and I was unaware of it,” he told Fox29 in 2020, citing the factors as having hypertension and diabetes, as well as being African-American.

Freeway chronicled the ups and downs of his life through his Instagram account. He was transparent about his time in dialysis, which took four hours a day, three days a week, along with various appointments. In February 2019, Freeway underwent a kidney transplant to save his life and shared updates from his hospital bed as he recovered.

Since then, he has been committed to helping others get and stay healthy. Freeway acts as an ambassador for the National Kidney Foundation to raise awareness of the disease.

NBA hall-of-famer Alonzo Mourning was at the height of his basketball career—he had just won gold in the 2000 Summer Olympics—when he noticed extreme swelling throughout his body and a lack of energy.

A routine physical exam showed abnormalities, and eventually, Mourning received a diagnosis of a rare, protein-spilling kidney disease called focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS). FSGS occurs more commonly in Blacks than in Whites, and the rate of decline of kidney function is generally more rapid in African Americans.

FSGS caused such complications for Mourning that he required, and received, a kidney transplant in 2003. Less than a year after his operation, the future Hall of Famer made the risky decision to return to the NBA, and eventually won a championship with the Miami Heat in 2006.

Last November, Mourning told The Athletic that he’s at peace with his journey with FSGS—and says he feels great. Every day, he takes the medicine he needs to prevent his body from rejecting his transplanted kidney. He eats right. He exercises.

Through his advocacy and education efforts, Mourning has raised more than $50 million for various programs, according to the International Society of Nephrology. He continues to work tirelessly to help those with kidney disease.

The post Famous Black Celebs With Kidney Disease and How They Manage Their Health appeared first on Black Health Matters.

Bladder cancer is the fourth most common cancer in men and occurs mainly in older people, according to the American Cancer Society. About 9 out of 10 people with bladder cancer are over the age of 55. The average age of people when they are diagnosed is 73.

Men are more likely to develop bladder cancer than women. The chance men will develop this cancer during their life is about 1 in 27, according to the American Cancer Society. For women, the chance is about 1 in 89.

Given these statistics, it’s particularly important for Black men over 55 to remain vigilant. The , although smoking cigars and pipes can also increase the risk of developing bladder cancer, according to the American Cancer Society.  Smokers are three times more likely to develop bladder cancer than nonsmokers. Roughly half of all cases of bladder cancer are attributed to smoking, the American Cancer Society also found.

Other risk factors include workplace exposure to chemicals, genetics and family history, certain medicines and herbal supplements, and not drinking enough water, according to the American Cancer Society.

Most bladder cancers are diagnosed at an early stage when the cancer is highly curable. While African Americans are less likely to get bladder cancer than other racial or ethnic groups, they are more likely to die from this form of cancer than other , according to this 2017 National Institutes of Health study.

There are reasons for the more negative outcomes for African Americans when it comes to bladder cancer, particularly for Black men. Socioeconomic factors and lack of access to treatment are often cited. As a result, a highly treatable cancer can turn deadly.

A recent study by the American Society of Clinical Oncology of 36,322 veterans (9% Black and 91% white) with bladder cancer provides an example of this. The study found that the African American veterans were more likely to have comorbidities, live in zip codes with lower median income and education levels, and have more advanced cancer.

It was clear these socioeconomic factors had an impact. “Black veterans presented with more advanced stage [bladder cancer], suggesting a delay in diagnosis,” wrote the study. “Our findings underscore the need to bridge healthcare disparities across racial groups.”

Once diagnosed, bladder cancer can also be expensive to treat, said Dr. Heather Honoré Goltz on a recent webinar for the Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network that focused on the Black family. “We know from research for many years that bladder cancer treatment and surveillance is incredibly expensive. It’s the most expensive cancer per patient,” said Dr. Goltz.

“However, Black men are usually not well represented in clinical trials,” says urologist Firas Abdollah, M.D.

But this could change. How? Study researchers could make an extra effort to reach out to African American communities when recruiting participants. Doctors could also be more proactive in explaining the possible benefits of participating in a clinical trial with their Black patients.

In the meantime, African Americans can take control of their health by knowing the warning signs of bladder cancer and how to reduce their risk:

Possible Warning Signs of Bladder Cancer

• Blood in your urine: Known as hematuria, blood in your urine is the first sign of bladder cancer. There may be enough blood to change the color of the urine to orange, pink, or, less often, dark red.
• Painful or frequent urination: Bladder cancer can sometimes cause changes in urination, such as having to urinate more often than usual or pain or burning during urination.
• Being unable to urinate or pelvic or back pain: Bladder cancers that have grown large or have spread to other parts of the body can sometimes cause these other symptoms.

Again, many of these symptoms are more likely to be caused by something other than bladder cancer, but it’s important to have them checked.

How to Reduce your Risk

• Don’t smoke: This means that cancer-causing chemicals contained in smoke won’t have a chance to collect in your bladder.
• Be careful around chemicals: If you work with or around chemicals, follow all safety rules to avoid exposure.
• Drink water and stay properly hydrated: Drinking water may dilute harmful substances in your urine and flush them out of your bladder faster.
• Eat a well-balanced diet: Eat a diverse variety of fruits and vegetables, nuts and fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids, as well as lean protein; reduce fat and red meat.
• Report any symptoms: You have the best chance of surviving when bladder cancer is in its earliest stages.

Dr. Abdollah added that in one study, over 24% of patients endorsed paying more for cancer care than they can afford. “Bladder cancer can be very toxic in terms of one’s finances, one’s prospects of retiring, one’s financial future, and that of the family,” she added.

You can learn more about bladder cancer and how to get involved in a clinical trial by visiting here.

The post African American Men at Greater Risk of Developing Severe Bladder Cancer appeared first on Black Health Matters.

Before we jump into the list, here are a few facts we want you all to know. Sadly, STD rates are five to eight times higher for Black people than non-Hispanic white people. In addition, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis top the list of most commonly reported new STD infections. These three diseases increased almost 30% from 2015 to 2019.

Top Cities with High STD Rates

1. Jackson, MS – HIV Cases: 2,541; Chlamydia Cases: 3,984; Gonorrhea Cases: 2,081; Syphilis Cases: 100
2. Baltimore, MD – HIV Cases: 9,441; Chlamydia Cases: 8,602; Gonorrhea Cases: 3,982; Syphilis Cases: 312
3. San Francisco, CA – HIV Cases: 12,149; Chlamydia Cases: 9,505; Gonorrhea Cases: 5,593; Syphilis Cases: 579
4. Philadelphia, PA – HIV Cases: 16,917; Chlamydia Cases: 20,354; Gonorrhea Cases: 7,043; Syphilis Cases: 470
5. Washington D.C. – HIV Cases: 62; Chlamydia Cases: 17,589; Gonorrhea Cases: 2,236; Syphilis Cases: 865
6. Augusta, GA – HIV Cases: 1,400; Chlamydia Cases: 2,636; Gonorrhea Cases: 1,100; Syphilis Cases: 97
7. New York, NY – HIV Cases: 97,206; Chlamydia Cases: 74,014; Gonorrhea Cases: 28,394; Syphilis Cases: 1,952
8. Montgomery, AL – HIV Cases: 1,470; Chlamydia Cases: 2,569; Gonorrhea Cases: 1,226; Syphilis Cases: 75
9. Knoxville, TN – HIV Cases: 960; Chlamydia Cases: 3,710; Gonorrhea Cases: 1,626; Syphilis Cases: 34
10. Fayetteville, NC – HIV Cases: 1,368; Chlamydia Cases: 4,337; Gonorrhea Cases: 1,741; Syphilis Cases: 49

As shocking as these numbers are, there is no guarantee that they’re accurate. There is a likely chance that many STD cases weren’t reported. Due to the pandemic, many labs were understaffed or solely focusing on COVID-19. This led to serious under-testing at what amounted to a high-water mark in STD infections nationwide. We cannot assume that people stopped having sex since the world shut down. However, we know that access to STD screenings was lacking.

The CDC warns, “If you are sexually active, getting tested for STDs is one of the most important things you can do to protect your health. Make sure you have an open and honest conversation about your sexual history and STD testing with your doctor.” Researchers hope that more and more people will get tested and more accurate numbers will be reported.

The post Top 10 Cities With The Highest STD Rates in 2022 appeared first on Black Health Matters.

• one papaya
• Strawberries
• Coconut Water (or water)

Remember, if you do not have a juicer, you can use a blender and strain the juice before consumption. And don’t forget to save your papaya seeds for future recipes.

Check Out Charmaine’s Juice Recipe Below:

@wellnesswithcharms

Juice for HEALTHY HAIR #tropicaljuice #coldpressedjuices #naturaljuices #juicerecipe #juicingforhealth #juicingtutorials #foodtutorialhowto #healthycookingforyou #foodismedicine

♬ Stranger In Town (In Dub) – Gregory Isaacs

Strawberries have a rich combination of antioxidants, ellagic acid, and vitamins that could help with hair loss, dandruff, and dry hair. The compounds in papaya, including lycopene, shows a potent hair growth stimulating activity.

I cannot wait to try this recipe! What is your favorite juicing recipe? Comment below!

The post Juice for Healthy Hair appeared first on Black Health Matters.

According to the CDC, the BA.5 variant is the dominant strain of COVID-19 in the country. Currently, it is hard to have an exact count of cases due to people taking at-home tests, but reinfections are increasing. For instance, 31,000 people in the U.S. are hospitalized with COVID. Compared to last week, hospital admissions are up 4.5%, and per data from NY state, reinfections are trending upward.

What You Need to Know About the BA.5 Variant

How dangerous is the BA.5 variant for the vaccinated? There isn’t any evidence that this new variant causes more severe illness. Although infections are rising, a surge like last winter is unlikely, partly because of the number of vaccinated.

On average, there were about 300 deaths per day compared to 3,000 last winter. Dr. Anna Durbin, a professor at John Hopkins University School of Medicine, says the combination of prior infections and vaccinations is still protective.

“Most people have some underlying immunity that helps fight the virus,” she explains. “We have antivirals…And I think that because of that… we do not see a rise in deaths. And that’s very reassuring. It tells me that even this virus, even BA.5, is not so divergent that it is escaping all arms of the immune system.”

She also added that future booster shots targeting omicron should be helpful with prevention.

The Future Risks After Reinfection

A pre-print study published in June suggested that individuals who are reinfected multiple times may have a higher risk of long-COVID symptoms. Thousands of reinfection cases saw a wide range of issues, including:

• respiratory conditions
• cough
• shortness of breath
• fatigue
• brain fog
• metabolic disease
• cardiac disease
• kidney disease
• diabetes

Researchers took blood samples from individuals who were vaccinated and boosted and learned they had a reduced ability to neutralize the BA.5 virus. In addition, blood samples from people who had breakthrough infections from BA.1 also showed reduced neutralization.

The post Newest Omicron Subvariant BA.5 Increases Cases and Reinfection appeared first on Black Health Matters.

The post HRA Pharma Seeks FDA Approval For Over The Counter Birth Control appeared first on Black Health Matters.

The state plans to set aside $100 million from its $308 billion 2022-23 budget. Half of the money would go towards funding a California-based manufacturing facility. In addition, the facility “will provide new, high-paying jobs and a stronger supply chain for the drug.” While the other $50 million will cover the cost of developing insulin products.

The High Cost of Insulin

More than eight million Americans depend on insulin. Unfortunately, the medication is among the prescription drugs experiencing price surges. For instance, one brand of insulin, Humalog, used to cost $21 per vial when it debuted in 1996. It now costs ten times what Kasia Lipska, an associate professor at Yale School of Medicine and the lead author of the study, told Yale News.

Among Americans who use insulin, 14.1% spent at least 40% of what’s left of their income on the drug alone. According to a study published in JAMA Internal Medicine, the high cost has led an estimated 1 in every four people with diabetes to ration or skip doses. Sadly, patients of color are disproportionately affected due to most likely being uninsured or underinsured.

The post California Governor Announces Plans For State To Produce Its Own Low-Cost Insulin appeared first on Black Health Matters.

Is it strong enough? Will it make us look like Casper? Is it budget-friendly? These are all questions you must ask yourself before investing in a good sunscreen. We’ve rounded up some of the best sunscreens for darker skin tones. Our selections cover different price points, are at least SPF 30, and are suitable for different skin types.

Top 9 Sunscreen Selections for Darker Skin Tones

1. Best facial sunscreen – Black Girl Sunscreen ($$)
2. Best acne-friendly sunscreen – EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 Facial Sunscreen ($$$)
3. Best sunscreen for sensitive skin – Alba Botanica Sensitive Sheer Shield Sunscreen ($$)
4. Best powder sunscreen – Colorescience Sun Forgettable Total Protection Brush-On Shield ($$$)
5. Best tinted sunscreen – CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen ($$)
6. Best mineral sunscreen – Farmacy Green Defense Daily Mineral Sunscreen ($$$)
7. Best lightweight sunscreen – La Roche-Posay Anthelios Light Fluid Sunscreen ($$)
8. Best body sunscreen – Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protector Lotion ($$ – $$$)
9. Best sunscreen for dark skin with hyperpigmentation – Fenty Skin Hydra Vizor Invisible Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Sunscreen ($$$)

See, we told you that we have you covered! There are so many other things to worry about this summer, but our sunscreen is not one.

The post Best Sunscreen For Darker Skin Tones appeared first on Black Health Matters.

Listeria Numbers

According to the CDC, ten people out of the group hospitalized lived outside of the state but recently visited last month. The listeria infections occurred over the past six months and affected people aged one to 92. Five individuals fell ill during pregnancy, with one experiencing a fetal loss. The CDC interviewed 17 infected, and 14 stated they consumed ice cream. Six people reported eating ice cream specifically from Big Olaf or having ice cream at a location that sells the brand.

On Friday, Big Olaf contacted retail locations to halt sales of their products. However, the ice cream brand didn’t issue a recall. Big Olaf Creamery representatives were not immediately available for comment.

About Listeria

Listeria bacteria cause illnesses that can be fatal. In the U.S., about 1600 people contract listeriosis yearly from contaminated food. About one in five people with listeriosis die. Infections can cause flu-like symptoms, including:

• fever
• muscle aches
• vomiting
• diarrhea

The post Recent Listeria Outbreak Linked To Big Olaf Ice Cream Products appeared first on Black Health Matters.

Don’t worry if you are a beginner! We have curated a list of nine easy poses for women over 50. These poses will make you feel better and help improve your flexibility.

9 Best Yoga Poses For Women Over 50

1. Downward Facing Dog – This downward dog yoga pose will help stretch your back, arm, and leg muscles. It’s an easy pose and is commonly used in most beginner yoga classes.
2. Triangle Pose – The triangle pose will give you a full-body stretch. It is a great pose to stretch out your ankles, hips, legs, and back.
3. Tree Pose – The tree pose is another good balance pose. If you can hold the pose for at least 30 seconds, you will feel it in your abdominal muscles because it works your core. Your hips and legs will also enjoy a nice stretch.
4. Child’s Pose – The child’s pose will give you the ultimate relaxing stretch as it’s an excellent way to stretch your entire body and relieve tension.
5. Seated Forward Bend Pose – This yoga pose will increase your legs and body circulation. It stretches your hamstrings and hips, which will help you work out any kinks or discomfort you may feel when you walk.
6. Bound Angle Pose – This classic yoga pose stretches your hips, legs, and back. It’s simple to do and will help relieve groin strains and knee pain.
7. Warrior Pose – The Warrior pose is another familiar yoga pose stretching your legs and hips. Make sure to focus on your breathing when you do it.
8. Cobra Pose – The Cobra position is probably one of the best poses if your back is tense and tight. This pose will also tone your arms and your abs.
9. Corpse Pose – After your yoga session, relax and breathe deeply in the Corpse pose to eliminate any tension you have left and to center your mind to proceed with your day. You can do this any time you feel tense and anxious.

The post Best Yoga Poses For Women Over 50 appeared first on Black Health Matters.

Tia’s page is dedicated to creating low-carb, sugar-free versions of our favorite sweets. She has recipes for mini red velvet bunt cakes, coconut cake, and more. In addition, her banana pudding cookies are a part of her Juneteenth series.

Check Out The Banana Pudding Cookies Recipe Video  Below

@tias.sweet.kitchen

Claiming this as my new mantra #themproblem #trend #bakingtiktok

♬ Thats a THEM problem – Jamison Bethea

Ingredients Needed:

• Butter – 4 Tbsp
• Granulated Monkfruit Sweetner – 1/3 C (80g)
• Sour Cream – 1/4 C
• Egg – 1
• Vanilla – 2 tsp
• Almond Flour – 2 Cups (200g)
• Oat Fiber – 1 Tbsp
• Baking Powder – 1 1/2 tsp (6g)
• Kosher Salt – 1/2 tsp
• Cinnamon – 1/4 tsp

1. Add dry ingredients and sweeter to a bowl. Mix
2. Add softened butter and mix until it reaches a crumbly texture
3. Add egg, sour cream, and vanilla. Mix
4. Chill dough for 2 hrs.

*Preheat oven to 350F (180C)

If you prefer not to use actual bananas, add 1/4 tsp – 1/2 tsp banana extract to the pudding.

This recipe will be a hit for everyone at the next family and friend gathering. Let us know if you plan on giving this recipe a try!

What is your favorite dessert to make (or eat) on Juneteenth? Comment below!

The post Keto-Friendly And Sugar-Free Banana Pudding Cookies appeared first on Black Health Matters.

“We are currently testing all-clean ingredients in our batter, breading, and sandwiches in a few U.S. markets, and we expect to be on track to an all-clean menu nationwide by 2025,” the company said in a statement to Bloomberg. “We had hoped to achieve this earlier; however, our process of testing new ingredients and getting extensive guest feedback on recipe changes has been slowed down by a challenging supply-chain environment.”

Chicken is trendy in the fast-food world. Chains like McDonald’s released their Popeyes-style chicken sandwich, which uses MSG in the filet. Same for Chick-Fil-A Inc. However, fast food restaurants are working hard to improve their menus’ health and environmental impact. This includes removing artificial colors and preservatives and serving organic, cage-free eggs. Unfortunately, other chains have also struggled with producing cleaner ingredients because of supply-chain issues. For instance, Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc. has struggled to source humane-certified chicken for its restaurants.

The History of MSG

Monosodium Glutamate is a flavor enhancer. We commonly see MSG in Chinese cuisine, canned vegetables, soups, and other processed foods. MSG derives from L-glutamic acid, which is naturally present in many foods. L-glutamic acid is a nonessential amino acid, meaning that your body can produce it by itself and doesn’t need to get it from food. MSG is white, an odorless, crystalline powder commonly used as a food additive.

In 1960, it came under fire for being a “toxic addition” to foods. It became so stigmatized, in fact, that some restaurants started advertising that they’d cut MSG from their menu entirely. But like anything in moderation, MSG doesn’t cause any lasting harm. Too much can cause headaches, obesity, and high blood pressure. The FDA ruled the enhancer as a food ingredient that’s considered safe. Although small amounts won’t spoil your diet, I applaud restaurant chains for making the necessary changes to their menu.

The post Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen Plans To Do Away With MSG By 2025 appeared first on Black Health Matters.

Now that we know what prebiotics are, what foods should we eat to get our dose of prebiotics? Well, here are ten prebiotic foods you can incorporate into your diet.

Prebiotic Foods You Need In Your Diet

1. Garlic – Garlic acts as a prebiotic by promoting the growth of beneficial Bifidobacteria in the gut. It also helps prevent disease-promoting bacteria from growing.
2. Onions – A tasty and versatile vegetable linked to various health benefits. Like garlic, onions are rich in inulin and Fructooligosaccharides (FOS).
3. Leeks – Leeks are nutrient-dense, which means they’re low in calories but high in vitamins and minerals. Leeks promote healthy gut bacteria and help break down fat thanks to their inulin content.
4. Flaxseeds – The fiber in flaxseeds promotes healthy gut bacteria, encourages regular bowel movements, and reduces the amount of dietary fat you digest and absorb.
5. Oats – Whole oats are a healthy grain with prebiotic benefits. They contain large amounts of beta-glucan fiber and some resistant starch.
6. Apples – Apples are a delicious fruit with fiber. Pectin, a type of soluble fiber, accounts for much an apple’s total fiber content. The pectin in apples has prebiotic benefits.
7. Jicama Root – Jicama root is low in calories and high in fiber, including the prebiotic fiber inulin.
8. Seaweed – Approximately 50–85% of seaweed’s fiber content comes from soluble fiber. Studies have shown that polysaccharides found in seaweed can increase the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFA), which nourish the cells lining your gut.
9. Burdock Roots – Burdock root is a vegetable commonly used in Japan and has proven health benefits. It contains about 1.8 grams of fiber per 100 grams (3.5 ounces).
10. Jerusalem Artichoke – Known for its sunflower-like appearance, the vegetable provides about 2 grams of inulin-rich dietary fiber per 100 grams.

Besides promoting a healthy gut, these food items provide various proven health benefits. Plus, with a variety of food options available, you can find the best item that works for you.

Which item are you adding to your grocery list? Comment below!

The post 10 Prebiotic Foods You Should Be Eating appeared first on Black Health Matters.

Anderson, who saw how diabetes had impacted friends and family, prioritized a healthy diet and regular exercise. A 2017 episode of Black-ish even highlighted his character’s bout with type-2 diabetes.

Anderson’s advocacy is most pronounced via Get Real About Diabetes, his awareness campaign in partnership with Novo Nordisk. We recently caught up with the actor to learn more about how he took control of his health. From working out to eating better, he shares tips on how he manages his diabetes.

Watch the full interview below.

The post Anthony Anderson: It’s Time to Get Real About Diabetes appeared first on Black Health Matters.

The primary vitamins you should look for are Vitamin A and B3. Vitamin A, also known as retinoids, help clear acne as they help regulate skin cell turnover, which prevents pores from clogging. The second key player is Vitamin B3 because it possesses anti-inflammatory properties and can help reduce oil production.

Here are our choices for the top 10 vitamins that support clear skin. There is something for every budget and vitamin taker. Who knows, you might already have a few in your cabinet.

Top 10 Vitamins for Clear Skin

1. Best Overall: MegaFood Skin, Nails & Hair 2
2. Best Budget: Nature’s Bounty Extra Strength Hair, Skin & Nails 
3. 2nd Best Budget: Olly Flawless Complexion 
4. Best Vegan Option: Solgar Hair Skin and Nails 
5. Best Gummy: HUM Nutrition Glow Sweet Glow 
6. Best Organic: Garden of Life mykind Organics Women’s Once Daily Multi
7. Best Powder: Amazing Grass Greens Superfood Detox & Digest
8. Best With Vitamin C: Thorne Vitamin C
9. Best With Vitamin E: NOW Wheat Germ Oil 
10. Best Blend: Nordic Naturals ProOmega-D 

So, did you end up having some of these supplements on hand? It is also important to remember that supplements should be used in addition to a nutrient-rich diet and not replace the nutrients from foods.

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FDA advisers voted 19-2 that some version of omicron should be part of a fall booster campaign. It is an effort to blunt an expected COVID-19 surge. “We are going to be behind the eight-ball if we wait longer,” agreed Dr. Mark Sawyer of the University of California, San Diego.

Coronavirus Vaccines and Booster Shots

The COVID-19 vaccines and booster shots are the best protection against hospitalization and death. Unfortunately, their ability to block infection dropped drastically when the omicron mutant emerged. Pfizer and Moderna tested updated shots to match the omicron better. The newest omicron cousins are BA.4 and BA.5, making up half of U.S. cases.

Meanwhile, only about half of vaccinated Americans have received a single booster. Furthermore, a second booster is recommended for people over 50. However, only a quarter of those eligible has received one. Authorities hope an updated booster for fall might entice more interest.

WHO believes the updated shots will be more beneficial as a booster than replace the first vaccine. “We don’t want the world to lose confidence in vaccines that are currently available,” said Dr. Kanta Subbarao, a virologist who chairs the WHO committee

What is the New Recipe?

Moderna and Pfizer found what scientists call “bivalent” shots boosted levels of antibodies capable of fighting the omicron variant. Bivalent shots are a combination of the original vaccine plus omicron protection. Many scientists favor the new approach because it preserves the original vaccines’ benefits. In addition, both companies found the updated shot boosted antibodies against BA.4 and BA.5, but not by much.

Although the panelists voted for a new booster shot recipe, that doesn’t mean everyone would get the tweaked booster. The new booster may only be for adults over 50 or individuals at high risk for the virus.

The post FDA Advisers Recommends Updating Booster Shots for the Fall appeared first on Black Health Matters.

Causes

Several conditions can cause the appearance and even overlap; it’s an umbrella term. Some common causes are:

• Keratosis pilaris – This is also known as chicken skin and occurs when your skin produces excessive keratin, which blocks the hair follicles. This leads to tiny bumps and patchy skin.
• Dry Skin – If your skin is not well moisturized, it becomes dry and rough. This makes your epidermis vulnerable to irritation caused by shaving.
• Folliculitis – This is a condition in which your hair follicles are inflamed. It might happen due to bacteria or fungi. Folliculitis results from ingrown hairs from shaving.

10 Ways To Prevent Strawberry Legs

The key to prevention is prepping your legs before shaving. For instance, exfoliate days before and on the day of your shave, and soak your legs in warm water to open pores. Continue scrolling below to learn how to get rid of bumpy legs.

1. Dry-Brushing
2. Physical Exfoliation
3. Chemical Exfoliation
4. Moisturizing
5. Shave with a quality razor
6. Moisturizing shaving cream
7. Shaving with the grain
8. Wax
9. Leg Mask
10. Laser Hair Removal

Try these steps out to see if it helps with the appearance of your legs. Unfortunately, strawberry legs are harder to treat for those with thicker body hair, darker skin pigmentation, and additional hair follicle challenges. Therefore, professional treatment options may be your most effective option for long-term symptom relief.

For some people, strawberry legs are easily managed and treated. And these home remedies can go a long way, so it’s possible to successfully eliminate strawberry legs on your own.

What’s your favorite exfoliant? Comment below!

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