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What my grandmother’s death taught me about black women and the stigma of HIV

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Courtesy of Larada Lee

The last words my grandmother said to me before she left this world were: “Put your socks on” and “I love you.” I followed her instructions without hesitation, knowing that her words carried the weight of the law. Raised by her from birth, I had the honor of being raised by a girl of unwavering strength and pride. Her no-nonsense attitude and unflappable spirit left an enduring impression on me, instilling in me a desire to emulate her resilience. Throughout our time together, she taught countless lessons, but none were more profound than those who emerged after her death.

My grandmother’s battle with HIV clearly exposed the insidious nature of stigma to 14-year-old me. Despite five years of ordeal full of doctor visits and misdiagnoses, the true cause of her symptoms remained elusive. Only a fall and a broken arm revealed the true state of her health: she had been living with HIV for years. Unfortunately, the diagnosis was made too late, and she died lower than six weeks after receiving it, at the age of 69, weighing only 71 kilos, falling right into a coma. As I kept vigil at her side, alongside her hospice nurse, she witnessed the devastating impact of HIV stigma visible in every labored breath she took.

Reflecting on my grandmother’s experiences, I’m struck by the profound impact of stigma, discrimination, racism, and systemic health disparities on her premature death. Her death is a poignant reminder of the many systems that failed her, ultimately resulting in her preventable death. If the health care provider had simply asked about her HIV test status, she might still be with us. Instead, I witnessed years of medical enlightenment as her illness was wrongly attributed to alcoholism, which further deepened her suffering.

What my grandmother's death taught me about black women and the stigma of HIV
Courtesy of Larada Lee

As the days drew closer to her death, my grandmother’s health continued to deteriorate. I started to tackle intimate caregiving tasks: changing diapers, helping with bathing, and feeding the woman who had cared for me since birth. With her health deteriorating, I got here down with a chilly and was unable to be in close contact together with her as a result of her weakened immune system. When I finally managed to reconnect together with her, I leaned in to kiss her brow, a gesture of love and affection ingrained in our relationship. To my surprise, she expressed gratitude for my care, though she suffers from “this disease.” In that moving moment, I spotted the profound impact the stigma of HIV/AIDS had on her self-esteem. My grandmother, known for her honesty, couldn’t even pronounce the name of the disease that ravaged her body, a testament to the pervasive influence of stigma and its role in stripping her of her dignity in the final days of her life.

The glaring disparities in HIV infection rates amongst Black women underscore the urgent need for targeted interventions and equitable access to health care resources. Despite making up a smaller share of the population, black women bear a disproportionate burden of HIV disease, with rates much higher than white and Latino women.

The latest data from the CDC paints a disturbing picture: While the overall rate of HIV infections amongst black women stays regular, disparities in the number of recent HIV infections persist and, in some cases, are widening. This stark inequality highlights the inadequacy of current prevention efforts to effectively goal and meet the specific needs of Black women.

A key obstacle is the lack of tailored HIV prevention campaigns and health care messaging initiatives that reflect the experiences and realities of Black women. Despite advances in HIV prevention and treatment, these initiatives often overlook the complex intersectional aspects that contribute to Black women’s increased vulnerability to HIV infection, including systemic racism, misogyny, homophobia, transphobia, and socioeconomic disparities. Addressing these challenges is critical to successfully combating HIV amongst Black women and improving health equity in our communities.

Although significant progress has been made in reducing infection and mortality rates over the past 4 many years, the belief that “HIV is no longer a death sentence” is usually invoked to combat stigma. However, for a lot of Black women living with HIV, like my grandmother, this statement doesn’t reflect their reality. Social stigmas and systemic inequities persist, presenting significant challenges for Black women with HIV. These people often face barriers to accessing quality health care, face discrimination in health care settings, and struggle with social isolation as a result of pervasive misconceptions and stigma surrounding HIV. As a result, the virus stays a serious and potentially life-threatening problem for a lot of Black women, underscoring the ongoing need for comprehensive support, advocacy, and education to handle the complex challenges of HIV/AIDS in marginalized communities.

After my grandmother’s death, I discovered solace in the areas of sexual and reproductive health, rights, and advocating for justice. Turning my grief right into a catalyst for motion, I set out on a journey to honor her memory by promoting awareness and fighting for equal access to health care. While I could not change the course of my grandmother’s life, my mission is to make sure that her narrative empowers and protects others, especially Black people battling HIV. Through my advocacy efforts, I even have gained deep insight into the intricate web of HIV stigma and have had the honor of working with passionate and strong Black HIV advocates and activists. Together we attempt to dismantle barriers, challenge stereotypes and cultivate a more inclusive and supportive environment for all people affected by HIV/AIDS.

What my grandmother's death taught me about black women and the stigma of HIV
Courtesy of Larada Lee

If I could give a message to my grandmother or any Black woman living with HIV, she would echo the heartfelt phrase: “You are loved, protected, and worthy of tender care.” This statement is of great importance, especially on National Women and Girls with HIV/AIDS Day, since it highlights the critical need for awareness, empathy and proactive health practices in our communities.

On this necessary occasion, it will be significant to not only offer words of support, but in addition take concrete steps toward empowerment and advocacy. By promoting regular testing, spreading knowledge about HIV/AIDS prevention, and ensuring equitable access to health care services, we will make significant progress in improving public health and well-being. Through collective efforts and removing systemic barriers, we affirm the inherent value and dignity of one and all affected by HIV/AIDS, especially Black women who face unique obstacles and stigma. Reproductive justice values ​​emphasize bodily autonomy, access to comprehensive health care, and the right to make informed decisions about one’s body and health. For Black women living with HIV, these values ​​are essential to their well-being and dignity.

This journey towards collective empowerment and health equity requires ongoing commitment and motion. By strengthening awareness initiatives and creating inclusive spaces of dialogue and support, we honor the resilience and strength of people affected by HIV/AIDS. Together we will create a future where one and all receives the respect, care and resources they deserve, regardless of whether or not they are HIV positive. It is a journey marked by compassion, solidarity and hope – a journey that honors the legacy of those we’ve got lost and elevates the voices of those that tirelessly advocate for justice and equality in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

This article was originally published on : www.essence.com
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Health and Wellness

Health matters: WNBA star Napheesa Collier on her commitment to women’s reproductive health

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Minnesota lynx

Napheesa Collier will not be only a WNBA superstar for the Minnesota Lynx and a two-time Olympic gold medalist, but additionally the mother of her daughter Mila and an advocate for women’s reproductive health rights.

It recently decided to partner with Opill®, the primary and only every day contraceptive pill available over-the-counter within the United States. This breakthrough represents a major step forward in women’s health care by providing a convenient and accessible contraceptive option. With Opill, women not need to visit health care facilities for prescriptions, making it easier than ever to take control of their reproductive health.

The collaboration relies on Opill®’s long-standing partnership with the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA). “One of the reasons Opill® partnered with the WNBA is the great passion of players who use their platform to support causes they believe in,” said Leila Bahbah, leading women’s health brand at Perrigo within the US. “Napheesa exudes this passion, and together we plan to educate and empower people to take control of their reproductive health.”

Collier advocates for girls and says she is willing to have conversations, even in the event that they are difficult. “I just truly believe in everything they do at Opill®. I believe it’s important to talk to people who may become pregnant and to women about the reproductive health and contraceptive options available to them,” Collier tells ESSENCE.

He continues: “I want people to know that if they want contraception, Opill® is a great option. It is the first over-the-counter drug approved by the FDA. It is inexpensive, available. You don’t need a prescription to get it. I think that’s a key thing in today’s climate.”

Collier notes that within the off-season, he tries to travel to various colleges to talk to students about their reproductive freedoms. “Talking about this topic is essential to remove the stigma as it should not be considered a shameful topic or something that should not be discussed openly. My mother was a nurse, so it was casual to talk about it in our house, and I want to pass it on to other people too, so I’m very excited about it,” she says.

In the present political climate, many ladies with daughters are concerned about their future and reproductive health. Collier, included. “Especially because I am the mother of a young girl, it is very important to me to be able to raise her in an atmosphere where she knows her reproductive rights and health, that she has access to affordable health care and contraception if she wants it and that she can ask me these questions and have open conversations.”

Collier continues: “It’s back to education. Again, I think it’s harmful that we can’t have open conversations about birth control and other issues that are usually taboo. I think it’s harmful. I think this does a lot of harm to women. It hurts. This is harmful to our society. Being able to talk about these issues and empowering women to learn about their rights and bodies creates a safer and healthier society.”

This article was originally published on : www.essence.com
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Health and Wellness

Yes, despite what you’ve heard on TikTok, you still need to use sunscreen

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Summer is nearly here. But as an alternative of using sunscreen, some TikTokers just do that encouraging followers throw it away and forgo sunscreen.

They argue that it’s healthier to forgo sunscreen to get the complete advantages of the sun.

Here’s what the science really says.

How does sunscreen work?

Due to the acute UV environment in Australia, most individuals with pale to olive skin or other risk aspects for skin cancer must accomplish that protect yourself. Applying sunscreen is a key approach to protecting areas that aren’t easily covered by clothing.

Sunscreens work by absorbing or scattering UV rays before they reach the skin and damage DNA or supporting structures corresponding to collagen.

In this photo I (Katie) apply sunscreen only to the appropriate side of my face. Sunscreens absorb and scatter UV light (right side), although it can’t be seen with the naked eye (left side). The photo on the appropriate also shows where sun spots (dark spots) accumulate on my skin and where I do not care to apply sunscreen evenly – under the attention, on the cheek and completely missing the ear.
The creator provided/UQ

When UV molecules hit DNA, the surplus energy can damage our DNA. This damage might be repaired, but when the cell divides before the error is repaired, it causes a mutation that may lead to skin cancer.

The energy of the UV particle (photon) causes the DNA strands to break and reconnect incorrectly. This causes a tumor within the DNA strand, which makes accurate copying difficult and might introduce mutations.
NASA/David Herring

The most typical skin cancers are basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Melanoma is less common but most definitely spreads throughout the body; this process known as metastasis.

Two against three At least the Australians will one skin cancer during their lives they usually reconcile 80% all cancers in Australia.

About 99% of skin cancers in Australia are attributable to overexposure to UV radiation.

Excessive exposure to UV radiation also affects the looks of the skin. UVA rays are able to penetrate deep into the skin, where they break down supporting structures corresponding to elastin and collagen.

This causes signs premature agingcorresponding to deep wrinkles, brown or white spots and broken capillaries.

Sunscreen may also help prevent skin cancer

Consistently used sunscreen reduces the danger of skin cancer and slows skin aging.

In Queensland studyparticipants either used sunscreen day by day for nearly five years or continued their usual use.

After five years, the danger of squamous cell cancer was reduced within the day by day group 40% compared to the second group.

Ten years later, the danger of developing invasive melanoma was reduced within the group of individuals taking the drug day by day 73%

Do sunscreens block the health-promoting properties of sunlight?

The answer is a little more complicated and involves a personalised risk-benefit trade-off.

First, the excellent news: spending time within the sun has many health advantages don’t rely under the influence of UV radiation and aren’t affected by the use of sunscreens.

A woman applies sunscreen
Sunscreens only filter out UV rays, not all light.
Ron Lach/Pexels

Sunscreens only filter UV rays, not visible light or infrared light (which we feel as heat). Importantly, a number of the advantages of sunlight are obtained through Eyes.

Visible light improves mood and regulates and possibly reduces circadian rhythm (which influences the sleep-wake cycle). myopia (myopia) in children.

Infrared light is being researched as a treatment for several conditions skin, neurological, psychiatric AND autoimmune disorders.

So what is the good thing about exposing your skin to UV radiation?

Sun exposure produces vitamin D, which is crucial for healthy bones and muscles.

Vitamin D deficiency is surprisingly common amongst Australians, peaking in Victoria at 49% in winter and lowest in Queensland at 6% in summer.

Fortunately, individuals who deal with sun protection can avoid vitamin D deficiency taking a complement.

Skin exposure to UV radiation could have advantages independent of vitamin D production, but these haven’t been proven. It may reduce the danger of autoimmune diseases corresponding to multiple sclerosis or cause the discharge of a chemical that may lower blood pressure. However, there aren’t enough details about these advantages to say whether sunscreen can be an issue.

What does this mean for you?

Exposure of the skin to UV radiation may provide some advantages that could be blunted by sunscreens. This determines whether it’s value giving up these advantages to avoid skin cancer how susceptible you have skin cancer.

If you have pale skin or other aspects that increase your risk of skin cancer, try to use sunscreen day by day on all days when the forecast UV index reaches 3.

If you have darker skin that rarely or never burns, you might want to skip using sunscreen on daily basis – although you’ll still need protection when you’re outdoors for prolonged periods of time.

For now, the balance of evidence suggests that it is healthier for people susceptible to skin cancer to proceed using sunscreen, supplementing with vitamin D as needed.

This article was originally published on : theconversation.com
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Health and Wellness

Recipe for change: eliminating health disparities and economic empowerment – the essence

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Via Griffin/Getty Images

Throughout the 12 months, the Global Black Economic Forum held quite a few select conversations focused on solutions to the most pressing economic and social issues facing marginalized communities. One of those issues – too often missed – is the link between Black health and wealth. If we do not start eliminating health disparities and inequalities today, we cannot give you the chance to construct wealth for the future.

This intersection was the focus of an event we hosted in August as a part of our cooking talk series. It was held on Martha’s Vineyard, round the corner National Medical Scholarships (NMF), the Black World Economic Forum had the opportunity to satisfy with NMF’s unapologetic leader, Michellene Davis. Recognized by Modern Healthcare magazine as certainly one of the 25 most influential minority leaders in healthcare, Michellene’s profession has involved policy advocacy and social change.

Her organization is devoted to increasing the variety of Black, Indigenous and physicians of color through fellowships, service-learning programs, mentoring opportunities and clinical research leadership training.

The conversation revealed two easy and interconnected data points: In the next decade, the United States will experience:huge shortage of doctors while becoming a majority non-white nation. These two trends highlight the need for greater diversity on this field. Studies have shown that patients of color see racially and ethnically diverse physicians. Treatment results are frequently higher.

However, the percentage of black doctors in the US is growing at an alarmingly slow rate – it has only increased by 4% over the last 120 years.. In the face of conservatives’ regressive and destructive attacks on diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts, there has never been a greater need for us to redouble these efforts. The more we are able to improve health outcomes, the higher we’ll give you the chance to seize and compete for economic opportunities in the future. Given the urgent need to deal with health care workforce disparities and their direct impact on Black economic outcomes, it’s equally essential to acknowledge the broader economic opportunities that may drive wealth creation in our communities.

The competition for certainly one of the best economic opportunities in the history of tourism and hospitality – the 2026 FIFA World Cup – was the focus of our other curated conversation. Organized round the corner East Point Congress and Visitors Bureau, we sat down with its president, Chantel Francois. In her position, she is responsible for the development of the tourism industry in the city of East Point, Georgia. Previously, she led economic development and tourism promotion efforts in Atlanta, Trinidad and Tobago.

Francois described how local businesses run by entrepreneurs of color can leverage global events like the FIFA World Cup to extend their brand visibility, increase sales, and even start their very own businesses. She emphasized the importance of partnerships with event organizers, teams and athletes in constructing company awareness. This cooperation can also be crucial as the city government works with many stakeholders to make sure the safety of tourists and maximum economic opportunities for the area people.

When it involves such major events, it is usually essential to instill a way of community pride in each sector wherein an organization competes. This pride translates into a robust bond with travelers that may make them proceed to interact with small businesses or spark curiosity in them to learn more about the community. The 2026 FIFA World Cup has the potential to place tens of millions of dollars into the pockets and communities of individuals of color, and it’s crucial for businesses to begin planning now in the event that they have not already.

This article was originally published on : www.essence.com
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