AND BLACK AMERICA

BLACK MEN LESS LIKELY TO ENGAGE PREVENTATIVE HEALTH SERVICES; BLACK WOMEN MAY HOLD THE KEY

Black men in the United States face some of the toughest health outcomes compared to any other group, no matter their socioeconomic status. While the reasons aren’t always obvious, I believe a lot of it comes down to fear of the unknown. Other factors often mentioned include the costs of preventive care and the fact that discussions around health prevention in the Black community—aside from prostate cancer—rarely happen among Black men.

CDC SUGGESTS TERMS LIKE 'RACE' AND 'HEALTH EQUITY' ARE OFF LIMITS

Employees at the Atlanta-based CDC were recently hit with an email that feels like it was drafted in an alternate universe. The memo advised staff to avoid using over a dozen “keywords” when writing their annual performance goals. Among the banned words? Heavyweights like “health equity,” “race,” “bias,” “disparity,” “culturally appropriate,” and “stereotype”—basically, the language of public health itself. According to The New York Times, this eyebrow-raising directive has left staff scratching their heads and wondering if the CDC's new motto is: “Let’s tackle inequality… just don’t talk about it.” Are we surprised anymore? Nope

WORST SEASON FOR RESPIRATORY VIRUSES IN RECENT MEMORY

People are sick this winter and I am not sure if it's all Flu, RSV, or COVID. It's not just the children that are sick but the whole family. Some people have had all three vaccines at still get caught. It starts like a regular cold or flu-like illness. But similar to the flu, there may be little fever, but a lot of aches and fatigue. The initial phase is followed by a significant non-productive cough that can last 8 to 10 days.  Antibiotics will not help nor will “cough medicines help most people. I believe that we still have another week or two and then cases will drop until next year.

OMEGA 3 FATTY ACID FOUND IN FISH AND NUTS CAN IMPROVE YOUR LIFESPAN

Over the years, the benefits of omega-3 fatty acids have been touted extensively in the wellness space, and now you can add another potential perk of these vital healthy fats. Specifically, research published in February 2025 highlighted the potential of omega-3 fatty acids in slowing the aging process. A comprehensive clinical trial conducted in Switzerland suggested that daily intake of omega-3 supplements may contribute to a slower rate of biological aging. This is the first supplement to be extensively studied. This isn't Sweden but, I believe they still work here in the US.

African American children have higher rates of food allergy-related anaphylaxis and emergency department visits. However, research in low-income, urban minority patient populations with a physician-documented food allergy shows that fewer than half received confirmatory testing or evaluation by an allergy specialist.

This is important because there are now new ways to manage food allergies. And the drug Xolair has emerged as an important drug. It seems to be central as the best drug to manage children's multiple food allergies and to keep children with severe allergies safe.  When I want to keep up with the latest information on food allergy and other allergy issues, I go to the Allergy and Asthma Network website.

HOW TO GET READY FOR POLLEN SEASON

It seems sort of out of place with winter still hanging around. But as soon as the weather changes toward spring get ready. If you are wheezing or sneezing it's allergy season. Here is how to get ready.

ASTHMA COACHING BENEFITS

Asthma Management Coach Leandra Tonweber presented a poster at ACAAI’s annual meeting in October of an Allergy & Asthma Network study on virtual asthma coaching. The study showed how the use of a self-management app as part of virtual asthma coaching can significantly improve asthma control.