Health and Wellness
Column: We Must Address Black Maternal Mental Health Disparities
T Mdlungu/peopleimages.com
Pregnancy and childbirth are sometimes celebrated as joyous events in a lady’s life, but for some, especially Black women, this time might not be as joyful as expected. Black women are at significantly higher risk of pregnancy-related complications and even death in comparison with white women, casting a pall over this joyful time and underscoring the necessity for targeted support and intervention.
This disparity is driven by multiple aspects, including other chronic health conditions, lack of quality prenatal or perinatal care, and structural biases within the medical system. Underlying all of those aspects is “weathering,” a term that describes how ongoing stress and racism in society can result in premature biological aging and poorer health outcomes for Black people.
Chronic stress, just like the weather, is unhealthy for anyone, but it will probably be especially damaging while pregnant. Symptoms of long-term stress, corresponding to difficulty sleeping, lack of appetite, and headaches, can significantly impact expectant moms and increase the chance of hypertension or premature birth. While it’s normal to experience latest emotions or stress while pregnant, severe stress can result in mental health issues and long-term effects for each the child and the mother. For example, moms who experience postpartum depression or anxiety — which black women experience more often — can have difficulty bonding with their children, which affects their child’s possibilities of development.
While most ladies experience a point of the “baby blues,” certain aspects increase the chance of more serious mental health problems, including a history of tension or mood disorders, a family history of postpartum depression, and fertility issues. Women from communities with limited resources, those with little or no social support, and people who use substances like drugs or alcohol also face greater risk. And amongst communities of color, stigma and judgment often prevent women (and men) from looking for mental health treatment, which makes these problems even worse.
As a medical skilled specializing in women’s health and a mother of two, I imagine it’s crucial to shine a lightweight on the wide selection of challenges that Black moms face. We need to acknowledge that mental health issues related to pregnancy should not only common, but in addition largely preventable. Through concerted efforts to boost awareness and prioritize maternal mental health, we will take steps to make sure a safer journey into motherhood. Here are some suggestions to assist combat maternal mental health issues:
- Get informed. Take a while to familiarize yourself with certain conditions and emotional changes that will occur while pregnant and postpartum to feel more in tune along with your body, mind, and overall well-being. Learning about common experiences and knowing when things could also be taking a more serious turn might be incredibly helpful. This knowledge not only helps you set your personal expectations, but it surely also means that you can communicate effectively along with your healthcare providers.
- Destigmatize mental health. It’s okay to discuss how we actually feel, even when things are tough. Whether you’re pregnant, a brand new parent, or a supportive partner or friend, it’s vital to normalize conversations about mental health. Let’s make it easier for everybody to hunt the assistance they might need without fear.
- Monitor your well-being. Pay attention to how you’re feeling emotionally, not only physically. Changes in mood, energy levels, or thoughts might be subtle clues that you simply need extra care. It’s like keeping a diary of your emotional world—writing down what feels different, what worries you, and even what brings you unexpected joy.
- Call your medical health insurance provider. Your health insurer also can aid you access care. For example, some insurers, corresponding to UnitedHealthcare, have specially trained advocates who support members who could also be struggling due to their social environment. They are there to assist members understand their advantages and direct them to timely care.
- Take advantage of the Employee Assistance Program (EAP). These programs typically offer services that relatively few employees use. For example, many EAPs offer confidential support from trained clinicians. Depending in your situation, you might not have to seek additional behavioral health support from a care provider in case your EAP offers personalized guidance.
- Seek support. Don’t hesitate to ask your personal or skilled networks for help. Anyone in your healthcare team can refer you to support services, corresponding to speaking with an authority in person or virtually or joining a network or discussion group. Your family and friends might be there for you, listening, offering their experience, or helping with household chores to present you time to rest. Taking motion early is a proactive step towards maintaining your mental health. It is an indication of strength.
As we move toward safer mothering experiences, it is crucial to deal with the systemic barriers that impede access to mental health resources in communities of color. By taking motion to interrupt the silence and prioritize maternal mental health, we will empower all women to start their journey of motherhood.
Health and Wellness
“Get Lifted” by John Legend (twentieth Anniversary Edition) [Interview] – Essence
Photo credit: Danny Clinch
When John Legend unveiled his debut album in 2004, he couldn’t have predicted the extraordinary legacy it could construct over the following 20 years. Now, with the discharge the singer returns to the project that launched his profession and redefined the boundaries of R&B, hip-hop and neo-soul. Available now, the digital Deluxe Edition offers fans a refreshed tackle timeless classics with remixes, rare tracks and collaborations that bring latest energy to the music.
The twentieth Anniversary Edition includes 11 bonus tracks, including remixes from iconic artists equivalent to Tems, Killer Mike, Lil Wayne, Simi and Black Thought. Two previously unreleased songs – “Do What I Gotta Do” and “Just In Time” – offer fans an intimate look into Legend’s creative process during this era. The album’s revival doesn’t end there; will even be available as 3LP vinyl in 2025, and all copies are signed by Legend.
Reflecting on the challenges of making an original album, the award-winning artist recalled the struggles of an aspiring artist trying to search out their sound. “I wrote a lot of this album when I wasn’t signed, so the big challenge was just figuring out what would work to give me a chance to get the music out there,” he explains. . “I’ve been trying to get a record deal for over five years, but record labels were turning me down both left and right.”
It was only when Kanye West took a likelihood on Legend and signed a contract with GOOD Music that all the pieces began to alter. Working with West and touring together opened doors for the University of Pennsylvania graduate. That same yr, he signed a record take care of Columbia and was able to hit the shelves. The album’s breakout single “Ordinary people” became the anthem that defined Legend’s artistry. “When it finally came out and made it work the way it did, especially with my second single, it was really beautiful to see it start to connect and connect with people,” she tells ESSENCE.
On the occasion of the anniversary edition, Legend collaborated with artists who provided a refreshing atmosphere to Legend’s debut – but remixes aren’t just repetitions of original songs. “I’m a fan of every artist we asked to be a part of the remix,” says Legend. “They have new beats, new energy, new vibes and of course new guest artists. It really brought a fresh perspective to music and excited me to reconnect with music.”
was a breakthrough album for the Ohio-born artist, combining multiple genres in a timeless and groundbreaking way. “I felt like it happened when neo-soul was already at its peak, so in a way it was almost like my reaction to neo-soul,” Legend reflects. “We also combine hip hop and gospel and create something fresh.” Legend’s commitment to songwriting is a thread that runs deep through his work then and now.
The physical format of music, especially upcoming vinyl releases, also plays a big role in maintaining the impact of the unique album. “There will always be people who want to hold something, read the sleeve notes, and play vinyl on their record players at home,” Legend states. “Especially when you’re celebrating an anniversary like this, it’s nice to have a commemorative thing that you can keep. This album means something to people because they remember 20 years ago when they started listening to it and what it meant to them then.”
Rekindling the magic of a pioneering debut, it also stands as a testament to Legend’s enduring craftsmanship. The album stays a masterclass in musical storytelling, connecting generations of fans and proving that great music, like great artists, only gets higher with time.
Health and Wellness
US communities phase out fluoride use in public drinking water
There is a battle raging in American cities over whether to proceed using fluoride in water.
This is a process generally known as fluoridation that began around 1945. According to to the American Cancer Society became popular across the country after scientists noticed that individuals living in water with higher concentrations of fluoride had less tooth decay.
In 1962, the U.S. Public Health Service (PHS) advisable adding fluoride to public drinking water supplies to forestall tooth decay. The American Cancer Society estimates that fluoride is currently used in public drinking water supplied to roughly three in 4 Americans.
However, opponents have been warning for years that fluoride in drinking water is unsafe to devour. One of the organizations leading this initiative is Fluoride Action Network (FAN). The organization, whose mission is to lift awareness of what it claims is the “toxicity of fluoride compounds,” says many of the world’s developed countries don’t use fluoride in drinking water at the identical levels as America, or in any respect.
The organization says yes it helped over 500 communities successfully reject fluoridation, and there could also be more.
Federal leaders have gotten increasingly vocal in their support for ending the use of fluoride
While FAN says communities have rejected fluoridation for the past few a long time and the method has stalled in consequence, the fight has been thrust into the highlight over the past few months.
First, the National Toxicology Program, a federal agency throughout the Department of Health and Human Services, reported with “moderate certainty” that there may be an association between communities with higher levels of fluoride exposure and lower IQ in children. According to the Associated Press, these communities use greater than twice the advisable limit.
A month later, a federal judge apparently ordered the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to further regulate fluoride in drinking water because higher levels could affect children.
Robert F. Kennedy, nominated by President-elect Donald Trump to direct the Department of Health and Human Services, announced an end to fluoridation.
Health and Wellness
WATCH: Cynthia Erivo on the importance of being a sister – Essence
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