Spring is in the air which should signal a rebirth of positive attitudes and thinking. I wish to discuss today’s topic in this light. Some black folk seem to have some weird idea about healthy life style habits. I am going to address the most common misconceptions that some Black folk have:
1. If your parents lived a long time, then there is a good chance that you too will live long if you practice a healthy lifestyle.
2. If you smoke, you double your chances of an early death.
3. “Don’t worry. Be happy.” This is a mental attitude that more folk can benefit from. Stress of any kind over a long period of time will take you out early.
4. Talk to others and be willing to listen. Sometimes folk just need someone to talk too.
5. Young folk, if you don’t take care of your body and mind while young, then you shouldn’t expect a whole lot when you are older.
6. Stay abreast of current thinking about health care. Old thinking and stubborn attitudes will kill you.
7. Older folk should interact with younger folk often. Younger folk should listen to elders because they will bring a new perspective to the table.
8. If you think you are healthy, but your lifestyle is a problem, then you are not healthy.
9. Younger folk can have major medical problems, too, but if they don’t take their medications as prescribed they will probably die early.
10. Tell your physician the truth. Do not let him or her guess your medical history.

I am Dr. Thaddeus John Bell--- Closing the Gap in Health Care.