Health and Wellness

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

Published

9 months ago

March 10, 2024

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.

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

Health and Wellness

Why Monday is the most dangerous day on a construction site

Published

54 mins ago

November 24, 2024

IAM

The Australian construction industry employs over 1.3 million employees. That’s about 9% of the workforce.

But there could also be construction sites dangerous workplaces. There are also more accidents on the street Monday than every other weekday, as we see on this pattern many countries.

Many aspects give us this “The Monday effect“. We can address these and other issues to scale back avoidable workplace accidents on Mondays and other weekdays.

Construction is dangerous

The construction sector has higher rates accidents at work than the national average.

The industry reported that in 2023 45 employees diedwhich is a rise from the five-year average of 33.

Construction employees most often die from being hit by moving objects. The next most common causes are deaths resulting from falls, trips and slips.

Financial yr 2022-23 There were over 16,600 serious employees’ compensation claims in the construction sector. The median salary is now A$18,479 and the median lost work time is 8.5 weeks – each higher than in previous years.

“The Monday Effect”

Various studies conducted in numerous regions confirm that “The Monday effect”in construction. For example, a Chinese study found that fatal accidents occurred 12.6% more often on Mondays in comparison with other weekdays. There was a similar trend in Spain AND Hong Kong.

We also see “The Monday effect” IN other industries, akin to agriculture, forestry, mining and manufacturing.

A Spanish study that checked out records almost 3 million accidents at workincluding construction, confirmed the Monday effect across industries, firms of all sizes, every kind of employees, and every kind of injuries.

Linked data from all workplace accidents in Queensland also confirms Monday’s impact.

Why Mondays?

Construction accidents are more likely on Monday many reasons.

For example, staying up late on Sunday night and getting a poor night’s rest the night before the work week starts contributes to “cognitive failures” and mistakes at work on Monday.

Mondays often involve starting recent tasks or projects. This may cause unknown risks.

Construction site conditions, including weather, may change over the weekend, causing unexpected hazards. For example, strong winds over the weekend could cause scaffolding or unsecured materials to maneuver, increasing the risk of accidents on Monday.

We need to handle the root causes

AND test chargeable for the safety and efficiency of the Australian construction industry, stressed the have to proactively anticipate and stop accidents somewhat than taking motion after they occur – on Mondays or other days of the week.

The study used in-depth interviews with 30 industry professionals at 14 firms to discover several aspects contributing to construction accidents:

unrealistic deadlineswhich might prompt employees to rush and cut corners to get the job done on time
shortage of expert laborwhich suggests some employees could also be doing work for which they aren’t qualified
employees are afraid to talk out about safety concernswhich can result in failure to report and address potential threats
complicated and unknown custom structureswhich can involve unique risks and challenges that employees may not have encountered before
insufficient human factor risk assessmentwhich include fatigue, stress or cognitive overload and might result in errors and unsafe decisions on the spot
rushed training programsparticularly for safety reasons, which can leave employees unprepared to cope with risks or follow proper procedures.

What can we do to forestall accidents?

Part of the solution to a few of these problems is supporting a workplace culture during which security it is perceived as a core value and shared responsibility of employers, superiors and employees.

In construction firms, where safety is treated as “psychological contract” – unwritten but mutual obligations of employees and superiors – employees are higher equipped identifying and eliminating security threats.

Awareness campaigns highlighting issues akin to the “Monday effect” can even encourage adjustments to workflows to scale back the risk of accidents. This may include scheduling less dangerous or less complex tasks for Mondays to present employees time to return to their every day duties.

What else can we do?

Technology it will possibly also help prevent accidents.

For example, wearable sensors on a wristband or smartphone can discover, track and monitor employees body posture. These sensors can detect unsafe lifting practices, excessive bending, or prolonged exposure to a static or uncomfortable position. These are aspects that may contribute to ergonomic risks and injuries.

Augmented reality could be used to simulate tasks to assist employees practice techniques safely.

Artificial intelligence could analyze the image from the camera Down monitor workplaces in case of dangerous activities and signaling threats.

But cost concernsprivacy and industry belief that these investments are worthwhile are amongst the barriers to the adoption of those technologies.

Talking about money

Raising awareness of the economic costs of workplace accidents can change attitudes and priorities.

2019 Australian study found that the average cost of a construction accident ranges from $2,040 to $6,024,517. This depends on whether the accident resulted in brief or long absence from work, whether someone is partially or completely unable to work, or whether someone dies.

Elements of this estimate include compensation, lack of income or earnings, costs of coaching and retraining of staff, social welfare advantages, in addition to costs of treatment, tests and care.

Goal: zero deaths

Deaths and injuries at work on construction sites mustn’t be dismissed as accidents. They are a symptom of many systemic aspects that should be addressed through thoughtful motion and a commitment to safety.

Just as road safety initiatives aim to realize zero fatalities, the construction industry should focus on achieving zero workplace fatalities.

This article was originally published on : theconversation.com

Health and Wellness

Yvette Nicole Brown’s glamorous bachelorette party was a star-studded affair

Published

7 hours ago

November 24, 2024

Getty

Yvette Nicole Brown is sort of ready for her big day, and her girls are by her side to assist her rejoice her upcoming nuptials.

Brown will soon marry actor Anthony Davis, Brown, 53, celebrated on Nov. 17 with a lavish wedding reception along with her closest friends and sorority sisters at Inglewood’s only Black-owned winery, 1010 Wine & Events. This star-studded event was planned by William P. Miller and hosted by legendary black actresses reminiscent of Vanessa Bell Calloway Lela Rochon Fuqua Kym Whitley, who was also the “Shower Master of Ceremonies.”

The party’s theme was “Our Pearl Found Her Diamond” and paid tribute to Brown’s beloved sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha, and its signature pearls and diamond engagement ring. Brown became a proud soror of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority 30 years ago when she graduated from the University of Akron in Ohio, where she became a member of the Delta Pi chapter.

The guest list included several of Brown’s famous friends from Black Hollywood’s elite circle, including Kim Fields, Essence Atkins, Holly Robinson Peete, Wendy Raquel Robinson, Cree Summer Francks and Yvette Lee Bowser.

The ladies rejoiced with the music of DJ Candice Manier, original SV Vodka cocktails and a cake created by Southern Girl Desserts. They also made pearl jewelry, played games, and watched a video with sweet messages and photos.

For Brown, having her friends’ support down the aisle “means everything.”

“I think most of them were or are married. I know a few of them have been at least proposed,” Brown says. “This is my first everything. It’s exciting to be able to sit at their feet and hear their opinions on various topics, and to be able to tell me what they think about it all.”

We cannot wait for Brown to tie the knot along with her beau next month.

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

Health and Wellness

“Get Lifted” by John Legend (twentieth Anniversary Edition) [Interview] – Essence

Published

1 day ago

November 23, 2024

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.

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