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‘Weather’ Affects Black Women’s Health. What can we do about it?

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For many years, Black women have been told that the negative health outcomes we face are our own fault. We are fed the rhetoric that we have diabetes because we won’t stop eating foods which have been passed right down to us from our ancestors. We are genetically handicapped because we are inferior. We don’t exercise enough because we are lazy. Black women are told that we should not allowed to live so long as other races because we should not adequate.

Public health researcher Arline Geronimous challenged this notion in her 368-page book released in 2023. In the book, Geronimous delves into the results of stress on the body, specifically specializing in the health effects of Black women. In summary, he argues that the chronic stress of living in a racist society contributes significantly to poor health outcomes for marginalized people.

The public health researcher argues that the more dire health outcomes experienced by Black women are the results of the repeated impact of living under pressure on the intersection of race and gender, compounded by living in oppressive systems. This perspective, specific to Black women, sheds light on their unique challenges and the way they manifest of their health. In other words, Geronimous concludes that there are more aspects that influence our health.

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Although the term “weathering” attempts to position the blame for poor health on Black women and shine a light-weight on oppressive systems, Atlanta nurse Patricia Allen has mixed feelings about the word.

“While this may accurately reflect the challenges black women face in society, it can also be seen as labeling them as more fragile or inferior,” she explains. Allen doesn’t wish to hear terms describing something as “worn out or tired” when talking about his health in a bunch or as a person. But she acknowledges that research shows that black women not only have greater health disparities, but in addition more dire outcomes, and this must be addressed.

On the opposite hand, Melissa Ifll, a clinical social employee and wellness coach in Atlanta, agrees with the term.

“I see that the Black women I work with come in physically and emotionally tired, with a myriad of health symptoms,” she says. “Everything from chronic insomnia to lupus, after which symptoms that haven’t got a diagnosis but affect functioning. My clients are successful, but their bodies are damaged when we start working together.

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Whether weatherization is a suitable term or not, the impact of stress on Black women is undeniable. AND 2022 article on the National Library of Medicine titled “Assessing Gender- and Race-Related Stress Among Black Women” found that we have higher levels of psychological stress than white women. Moreover, we usually tend to suffer from chronic stress-related conditions, comparable to obesity, and experience stress related to race and gender.

Turning to real-life examples, we have seen Black women speak out about the challenges they face in institutional structures and the stressors they’ve recently caused. An Oscar-nominated actress Taraji P. Henson she said she considered quitting acting on account of feeling underpaid and never recognized despite her labor. We saw Claudine Gay resign as president of Harvard University after being attacked for calling for a ceasefire in Gaza. We heard about the death of Dr Antoinette “Bonnie” Candia-Bailey after she wrote that she felt vilified by the vice-chancellor of Lincoln University. These are all initial stress bins for Black women, riddled with discrimination and racism. While we have not heard these women openly say that they’re stressed or that they’re experiencing poor health outcomes due to their experiences, their situation could easily create an ideal storm for weather conditions.

“Every day at work I hear about this feeling of being at the fishbowl and being criticized by black female customers,” Ifill says. “In fact, sometimes it seems like the closer they are to their perceived power, the more challenged they feel.” Black women are on the intersection of race and gender, and plenty of feel that irrespective of how high they rise within the roles they’re asked to play, they are going to at all times be disregarded, excluded, and ignored. The term weathering refers to this level of fatigue. This particularly applies to the breakdown of our bodies under the stressors and dire health outcomes we face.

“Black women typically experience earlier onset, delayed treatment, and more severe symptoms compared to other groups,” Allen says. She treated black women for a spread of issues, from chronic mental health issues to reproductive issues to hypertension and diabetes.

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While these health problems often result from the poor systems we interact with to deal with our health, research shows that additionally it is a biological impact of stress and the results of so-called telomere shortening.

Telomeres help the body distinguish healthy cells from damaged ones. Damaged telomeres prevent cell division, which is needed for healthy cells within the body and a powerful immune system. Shortened telomeres prevent cells from dividing and dying, which causes them to release chemicals that cause inflammation within the body, which is the explanation for many diseases. Our bodies come into contact with many diseases regularly, but when we experience chronic stress, our immune systems are unable to fight off infections, and these diseases attack and make us sicker, often sicker than others.

So what to do about it? We also have to deal with ourselves by way of emotional well-being and medicine; the answer is prevention. Preventive care is two-fold; may include regular visits with a trusted health care provider, in addition to an assessment of your lifestyle. On the previous, Allen says black women should consider genetic testing and seek advice from their doctor about it.

“The impact of stress on health is a posh interplay of genetic susceptibility and youth experiences. Some individuals are generally more sensitive to emphasize on account of genetic differences that make them more prone to stressors, he says.

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For this reason, functional medicine and genetic testing can play a big role in identifying the basis causes of disease. These approaches give attention to personalized treatment plans and lifestyle modifications based on genetic predisposition and disease risk.

That said, preventative care goes beyond annual visits to a wellness center — it is also about assessing the life-style we create through the work we select and the way we deal with ourselves, explains Ifil.

“Often we don’t even think about the life we ​​lead and what impact it has on us. We pursue roles and lifestyles because we believe we should have them and they are cultural norms, but we don’t consider the impact these roles have on us,” she explains. “We always need to take inventory of what we really want, the impact of our choices, and walk away from things when we realize they are not serving us.”

Constant mindfulness is important because stress affects our cognitive abilities, and increasing stress makes it difficult to resolve problems creatively. So you’ll want to pay attention to what you might be agreeing to and have a plan to deal with yourself through it. For example, if you happen to determine to remain in corporate America, prepare a self-care plan to aid you deal with the stress of labor. Meditation, journaling, finding a protected place to vent fears, setting boundaries, and searching for moments of joy and true connection alleviate stress.

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Black women face countless social and political situations which can be stressful for us. However, we must bear in mind that the impact of stress will not be only psychological, but in addition biological. Understanding our needs, our family history, and searching for competent care to resolve problems are only a number of the ways we can deal with ourselves. Additionally, it is necessary that we take the time to grasp that we can make decisions that lead us to situations which can be at increased risk of stress. Ultimately, we must make decisions that support our overall well-being, even when it means leaving these situations behind.

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

Why wearing sweat and playing in sudoku can be good measures of your overall health

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While aging is inevitable, good aging is something that we can influence. It isn’t just concerning the number of candles on the birthday cake – whether you’ve got a puff to blow them up, balance to wear a cake and memory to recollect why you’re celebrating.

How we age Our bodies change. Muscle mass shrinks, bones weaken, slow response times. But this doesn’t mean that we’re all intended for the longer term of walks and daytime television.

Aging isn’t about staying free from wrinkles-it will remain independent, mobile, acute mental and social. In gerontology, There is a saying: We wish to add life to years, not only for years of life. This means specializing in quality – the power to do what you’re keen on, move freely, think clearly and enjoy sometimes with others.

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There is not any universal definition, but some easy home tests can provide you with a good idea. It doesn’t require a elaborate laboratory – only a toothbrush, a stopwatch and a way of humor.



Oscillate

One funny (and surprisingly useful) way of testing the balance is to face on one leg when brushing teeth. If you can do it for 30 seconds or longer (eyes open), that is an incredible sign of lower body force, coordination and stability of posture.

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SJ46e0w0w

Found a study 2022 The incontrovertible fact that individuals who couldn’t balance one leg for ten seconds had an 84% higher risk of death in comparison with the median statement of seven years than those that could. As such, balance is like superpower for healthy aging – it reduces falls, supports mobility and can be improved at any age.

Grip

The strength of adhesion is greater than just opening jars. It is a strong overall health indicator, predicting heart health, cognitive functions and even a risk of mortality.

Studies show that for each 5 kg it reduces the strength of grip, risk of death For all reasons, it increased by 16%.

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You can test the grip power using a manual dynamometer (many gyms or clinics have them) or just concentrate to on a regular basis tasks-the bottles, moving food or tools turn into harder?

Floor feat for the feet

Can you sit on the ground and stand up without using your hands? This test is an actual measure of the strength and flexibility of the lower body, that are vital for each day activities and reduce the chance of falls. If you can do it, you’re in great shape.



If it is simply too difficult, try the SIT-to-Stand test. Using a chair (armless), see how much Transition to the Setting on Stand You can do in 30 seconds. This task is a good measure Lower limb function, muscle balance and strengthIt can also predict people threatened with falls AND Cardiovascular problems.

Mental sharpness

Cognitive functions can be measured in alternative ways, but some basic home tests are surprisingly eloquent. Try to call as many animals as possible in 30 seconds. Less than 12 may indicate anxiety; Over 18 is a good sign.

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Try the spelling “world” back or bring a brief list of three elements after a number of minutes. This skill is a vital strategy Increase memory in the elderly. Add a challenge for puzzles, sudoku or learning a brand new skill. This kind of “verbal liquidity” and memory reminder tests are easy ways to detect early changes in brain health – but don’t panic whether it is empty sometimes. Everyone forget where they generally left the keys.

Lifestyle matters

There is not any magic ball for good aging – but when it existed, it might probably be a mixture of exercises, weight loss program, sleep and social connections.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=si_tjyyzy0

Hi Best studied strategies activate:

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Daily movement: Walking, resistance training, swimming or tai chi maintain a powerful balance of muscles and bones and supporting the balance and health of the center.

Healthy nutrition: AND Diet in the Mediterranean style – wealthy in full grains, fruits, vegetables, fish, olive oil and nuts – is related to higher brain and heart health.

To sleep: Seven to nine hours of prime quality sleep bracket, resistance and mood.

Connection: Some studies suggest that loneliness is just as harmful as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. Stay involvedJoin the club, volunteer or simply raise your phone to your friend.

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If you can balance one leg when brushing your teeth, wear a potato bag up the steps and name 20 animals under pressure, you’re doing thoroughly. If not (yet), it’s okay, these are skills that you just can construct in time. Aging means a proactive approach to health: making small, consistent decisions that lead to raised mobility, clearer considering and richer social connections.

So tonight give a challenge for one leg to your teeth. Your future self can thanks, especially in the event that they still have all teeth.

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

Chloe and Halle Bailey hit St. Lucia – with a children’s halo in the mix

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Chloe and Halle Bailey hit St. Lucia - with a children's halo in the mix

Instagram/@Hallebiley

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They may not sing together now, but Chloe and Halle Bailey are still doing every little thing different together, including for a very needed vacation. The sisters packed their bags and went to Happy Place Chloe, St. Islands Lucia. But it wasn’t just a sister’s escape. Halle took her one -year -old son, Hello, to enjoy the sun and sand (and sleep, after they show photos). They stopped in the wonderful Landing Windjammer center, surrounded by transparent blue waters and greenery. “It was our first sister journey from a minute and we both just wrapped our films, feeling more blessed than ever,” she wrote. Chloe also explained that the center is a personal favorite for her.

“I feel free again in my house, st lucia !!!! Oh, how I missed you !!!” she wrote. “Thank you @windjammerlanding for always taking care of your girlfriend.”

During the holidays, Halle opened to something that many ladies are struggling with – weight gain. The 25-12 months-old singer, who wore swimwear on the pictures of the journey, jumped on Snapchat to debate what she feels about her body after the birth of the child.

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“I’m a bit thicker at the moment than usual. And I do not really know – it’s a bit uncertain of it.

The actress gave birth to her charming twin Halo Granberry in December 2023 with rapper and YouTuber DDG. The former couple separated lower than a 12 months after Halo. During her conversation, Snapchat Bailey shared how her weight hesitated after delivery.

“So I felt like my body was coming back to the place … I thought I did it then, but it was still very free. Now I am 25 years old, I just have the impression:” Oh, the burden is more holding. “Okay.” I did not have time – that is my first break.

Then Bailey shared how recently Tiktok did with her sister Chloe during the journey, she caused a part of her uncertainty about her weight and body weight gain.

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“Yesterday, me and Chloe, we were on the beach and we did the fun of Tiktok and then a little bit of it. Smelling with this text and I asked:” Hey, can you are taking it off because I feel really bad due to my body, “she said. “Some people ask,” Why is it removed? “It’s due to me.

The star then stated that she was going to work to embrace her body and lean into love for himself.

“But today I say,” I’ll feel higher. ” I will not be too much because I was working on a really nice job that I just finished. “So my message for today that I tell myself:” Enjoy the moment. Don’t be too difficult for myself and let yourself live a little and have fun. “

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

Black MDS question removing Dei from the criteria of the medical school

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Black doctors, medicaid, low-income patiens


On May 19, the Medical Education Committee (LCME) voted in favor of removing the partnership and variety programs from the assessment criteria for medical schools awarding “MD” degrees, citing growing repression at the level of diversity, equality and integration.

According to the Committee indicated That these repression is contrary to the standards of the accreditation body, and the abandonment of the standards of diversity would allow them to find out “a single set of accreditation expectations with which all schools, regardless of their location and the current legislative environment, must be consistent.”

A spokesman for the liaison committee also said from the market that the committee made a call after “caring and careful consideration and discussion”, but regardless of what made them come to eliminate diversity from assessment criteria, doctors who worked on increasing the diversity in the field of medicine said that this was determining their efforts.

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Dr. Virginia Caine, president of the National Medical Association, a corporation representing black doctors, said that the decision made “stunned”.

“We are simply stunned by this decision made by LCME,” she said, then pointed to research indicating that black patients often have higher health results and are involved more once they are treated by black primary care physicians.

“We have such a rich and amazing story of talented black doctors,” Caine, who can also be the director of the Public Health Department at Marion County, Indiana; He told about the mouth. “If we knock out access before they enter medical schools or academic schools, we will simply be a nation that is not so creative, not so innovative and is not so successful.”

According to numbers from the Medical College Association, although the percentage of black doctors increased from 2.6% in 2019 to five.2% in 2022.

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On May 22, also National Medical Association issued an announcement Convonance of attacks on diversity, equality and inclusion by the federal government.

“Dissemination of federal administration limitation of diversity, equality and integration (DEI) negatively affect access to medical education for the next generation of black doctors. Medical education liaison committee (LCME), ancient medical education schemes, resulting in a physician of medicine, and jointly sponsored by the Association of American medical universities and American universities Medical Association, and voting to eliminate its various programs in the scope of these changes.

In addition, although there are over 150 medical schools in the United States, medical schools at Four Hbcus, Howard University College of Medicine, Morehouse School of Medicine, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science and Meharry University they mainly exceed white institutions As for the production of black doctors, which further emphasizes the Caine point.

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According to Dr. Osose Obeh, who graduated from staying in internal medicine at Johns Hopkins University after graduating from the Michigan State University, the transition from LCME together with the repression of diversity, equality and inclusion is “discouraging”.

“There is an attack on something that is really good,” said Obah. “The variety has been renamed as it gives the opportunity to uncouled people, while in reality exposure to qualified people increases.”

Confirming Dr. Caine’s previous statements about how black patients engage with black doctors, Dr. Obah told about the case when she had to present black patients bad news.

“They (patient’s family) were very grateful that I received it from me,” said Obah. “They understood why we were taking the steps we are taking and why we intend to conduct the interventions we intended to do. They felt as if nobody explained it to them.”

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(Tagstranslate) National Medical Association (T) Medical Field (T) Diversity

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