Black health: What our editors want you to know

Introducing Healthline's Black Health Resource Center!

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In a Nutshell February is Black History Month, and it seems as good a time as any to draw attention to some of the unique health issues that face Black and African Americans each day. That's why we, the editors behind Healthline's new Black Health Resource Center, are taking over today's Wellness Wire! We created the Black Health Resource Center to eliminate some of the roadblocks Black people face when trying to access culturally-conscious health information. Perhaps you want to learn how a condition looks on dark skin, read about a Black person's experience with cancer, or get tips on how to advocate for yourself at a doctor's office — this new resource has it all. We encourage you to take some time this month to learn more about the health disparities in this country and what we can do together to help overcome them. Here are some must-reads we think make a good starting point: • It's time to reckon with the systemic racism in America's healthcare system • 11 conditions that disproportionately affect Black people • How stress affects Black women and tips for how to manage • Steps for addressing racism in mental health care Happy Black History Month! — The Healthline Editorial Team

what's got us buzzing Have you experienced medical gaslighting? The term "gaslighting" has become more common in recent years. People often use it when describing manipulative behavior in personal or business relationships. But the term also applies to your relationship with healthcare professionals and institutions. Women, people of color, and LGBTQIA+ people are more likely to experience medical gaslighting. That's when a healthcare professional causes you to doubt your perception of reality. They could be: ignoring your self-assessment of your own pain not listening to you while you speak or not engaging in conversation casually blaming your symptoms on obesity or your menstrual cycle not providing you with alternative treatment options You may not even be aware that you've experienced medical gaslighting, as these behaviors can be subtle. Take our quiz to learn more and discover how to advocate for yourself. MEDICAL GASLIGHTING QUIZ Working toward maternal health equity Black birthing parents are three times as likely to die during childbirth or from pregnancy-related complications than their white peers. While socioeconomic factors can sometimes account for disparities in health outcomes for certain conditions, inequality in maternal health outcomes persists at all income and education levels. "It is not their fault. It is not because they aren't doing the right things. It is way bigger than them," says Monique Rainford, an OB-GYN and the author of "Pregnant While Black: Advancing Justice for Maternal Health in America." Rainford notes that the reasons for maternal health inequity are deep-rooted — connected to the legacy of slavery and the effects of structural racism today. But we can help bridge the gap, with solutions such as increasing access to quality care and offering unbiased education resources. We can also empower Black women to share their stories and to feel more in control of their bodies. HOW TO BRIDGE THE MATERNAL HEALTH GAP Good health starts with good nutrition The higher rates of heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease, cancer, stroke, and cognitive decline in African Americans have been linked to certain dietary patterns. But that doesn't mean you need to abandon that soul food plate. Soul food, part of a rich cultural heritage, already comprises several nutrient-rich ingredients and healthy, leafy green vegetables. Traditional African diets are typically plant-based with several healthy fruits, vegetables, and grains. Simple changes that can help lower your risk of heart disease and high blood pressure include: adding more plant-based foods favoring whole grains seasoning with herbs instead of salt trimming away visible fat from meats trying less heat-intensive cooking methods swapping out lard in favor of olive oil CREATE A HEALTHY SOUL FOOD PLATE

Great finds The skin you're in       Black-owned beauty and wellness brands Businesses have traditionally marketed wellness and beauty products to white, affluent consumers. These Black-owned wellness brands are rewriting that narrative by taking a more inclusive approach to their products, which include makeup that celebrates all skin tones, plant-based supplements, and skin care products to safely address hyperpigmentation. VIEW THE FULL LIST Every product we recommend has gone through either Healthline's or Optum Store's vetting processes. If you buy through links on this page, we may receive a small commission or other tangible benefit. Healthline has sole editorial control over this newsletter. Potential uses for the products listed here are not health claims made by the manufacturers. Healthline and Optum Store are owned by RVO Health.

Wise words What our Healthline team wants you to know about Black health Our Healthline editors research and review thousands of health topics each year. Here's what they think are the most important things for you to know this Black History Month. "Black health is more than the conditions that face our community. It's a story rooted in personal and collective resilience toward a sustained future of long-term health equity and well-being." — Rose Aka-James, Senior Project Manager, Health Equity and Social Impact "Being informed about how Black people's experiences with different health conditions may be different isn't meant to be discouraging. It should be empowering! It's a pathway to understanding how we can best advocate for the care we deserve." — A.L. Heywood, Editor and Black Health Resource Center Coordinator "Having lived in low income areas the majority of my life, I've witnessed the power of advocacy. Black health is about advocating for ourselves and our care. It's about knowing that we deserve high quality healthcare, no matter our race or where we live, and demanding that care from those providing it. Learning more about how conditions affect us as individuals and what questions to ask can help us become the best advocates for our health and our communities." — Christina Ward, Editor

health stories you need What we're reading next 💉 Accessing anti-obesity drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy. What do the experts say about improving access to the people who most need it? 🧬 Knowing your family history can be important. Genetics can play a key role in your health. 🏥 What do microaggressions look like in healthcare? Have you unintentionally been on either end? 🧴 Tips for getting color tattoos on dark skin. Two experienced artists chime in on what you need to know.

Thanks for reading, everyone! Tell us how you plan on celebrating Black History Month or share something you learned about Black health that you didn't know before! Reach us at wellnesswire@healthline.com! We read every email you send us!

Until next time, Take care of yourself, and we'll see you again soon!     This edition was powered by community and advocacy.   View in browser Did a friend send you this email? Subscribe here. To see all newsletters, click here. Privacy    |    Unsubscribe Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Healthline does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and should not be used as a substitute for medical advice from a healthcare professional. Healthline encourages you to make any treatment decisions with your healthcare professional. Healthline is owned by RVO Health. © 2024 Healthline Media LLC 275 7th Ave., 24th Floor New York, NY 10001