The Shopping Bag

Even though African American women are doing appreciatively better than men when it comes to their health care there are some deficiencies that continue to be a problem and deserve attention. Look in the shopping bag of health information and see if you have all that is needed to keep you mentally and physically healthy.
• Monitor your weight regularly. Studies show that getting on the scales often keeps you aware of weight gain. Some women say them are not aware of weight gain.
• African American women would be a lot better off if they were more proactive than reactive about their fitness level. It is reported to be very difficult to get some African American women engaged in life long activity. Remember too, meal planning is most important for weight reduction and activity is most important to sustain weight loss. To be successful you will need to do both.
• Annual mammograms are the order of the day. I see too much Breast cancer that could have been picked up early in women who have insurance.
• If cancer is unfortunately diagnosed some women will not change their life style to decrease the chances of developing the second cancer (more activity, better meal planning , keeping follow up appointments, taking the medications like prescribed, better health literacy).
• The risk factors for a heart disease are family history, hypertension, elevated cholesterol, obesity and inactivity. Heart Attacks in women often present differently such as an abrupt onset of shortness of breathe or chest pain or pain in the jaw. When you have a new onset of chest pain it is a heart attack until proven otherwise. Don’t take a BC powder and go to bed which is what a lot of Black folk do.
• The pelvic examination is still a very important examination to have. Your physician will guide you as to how often. Ask for a herpes test if you have had multiple partners.
• Be aware of the “down low” Brother. HIV continues to be the new face of the African American Women. Ask lot of questions and follow your instincts.
• Mental health is an absolute necessity. Depression should be treated. Enjoy life, appreciate friends, do something for your less fortunate sisters.
• Violence toward a sister is just not acceptable. This includes verbal abuse.
Don’t take advice from sisters who don’t know what they are talking about. I had a patient who almost died taking advice from the “Street Doctor”. I am Dr. Thaddeus John Bell closing the gap in health care.