December 18, 2024

Why Don't We Have a Better Health Care System?

Black Americans Continue to Pay the Price

Dr. Mike's Report

Elections have consequences but they seldom threaten your health. Well, that has changed. The proposed appointments the incoming President is making to run the country's health care system, at HHS, CDC, and NIH have so little experience in running such a large government collective that we should all be very concerned. Couple with the lack of management experience and firm belief in some of the boldest untruths about the science we all depend on, you have a formula for human disaster.

For the underserved communities, this is a double-edged sword. We recognize that social determinants of health contribute to the health of Black people. But there seems to be little appreciation from the incoming administration to deal with any of these. If you review the stated philosophies of members of this administration they don't seem inclined to deal with any of these dynamics like poverty, hunger, housing, or food insecurity. They are interested in curbing violence but that's about the violence they blame on immigrants and the black community. Violence will likely increase but it will be directed at the very communities that need violence controlled.

So it's more important now than ever that megaphones like Blackdoctor.org and the African American Wellness Project continue to provide both Doctors and Patients with information that is vetted and accurate. Stay tuned to both these channels in an attempt to keep you healthy and what to do when you are sick. We have earned your trust through the years and will continue to provide both doctors who care for Black patients themselves a straight line to the real scientific information that we need to make good decisions about your health, the health of your family, and the health of our community.

Amid this medical black hole, we are about to enter, we do want you and your family to have a happy holiday season and hope that the new year will be better than we think it will be.

Stay Healthy,

Dr. Mike

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AND BLACK AMERICA

COVID HESITANCY A DETRIMENT TO BLACK WOMEN

Decreasing confidence in COVID-19 vaccine safety in a large, diverse pregnant and recently pregnant insured population is a public health concern. Given resilient maternal mortality among Black Women, this is not a good look. We need to be more aggressive as doctors to encourage pregnant women to understand the value of COVID-19 vaccines in having a healthy baby.

SICKLE CELL TRAIT IS NOT A DISEASE

There’s no reason to treat people with Sickle Cell Trait (SCT) any differently In fact, there’s no evidence to suggest that having Sickle Cell Trait significantly increases health risks like morbidity or mortality. Unfortunately, despite this, we’ve seen too many cases where myths about SCT have led to unfair treatment or discrimination. These misconceptions can create unnecessary challenges in areas like education, employment, and even healthcare.

HEALTH LITERACY: THE FOUNDATION FOR BETTER HEALTH OUTCOMES

Health literacy (HL) plays a big role in helping people make informed health decisions. This information was presented 40 Years ago by my colleague Larry Robinson, MD. If you can't read, it impacts how well you do in the health care system, adults or children.

THE 10 LEADING CAUSES OF DEATH AMONG AFRICAN AMERICANS

Addressing health disparities is essential to improving the well-being of African Americans. Read more as we spotlight the 10 leading causes of death affecting this community, highlighting critical areas for awareness, prevention, and access to quality care. From heart disease and cancer to diabetes and stroke, these conditions are shaped by a complex interplay of genetic, environmental, and systemic factors. Let's work together to break down barriers and create healthier futures for all.

HOW TO DEAL WITH HOLIDAY DEPRESSION

The holiday season can bring joy, but for many, it also brings stress and feelings of depression. It’s important to prioritize your mental health during this time. Simple steps like staying connected, maintaining a healthy routine, and avoiding excessive alcohol can make a big difference. Remember, you’re not alone—take small steps to care for yourself and reach out for support if needed.

MUST-WATCH ALERT! THE AAWP SAT DOWN WITH DR. ANTHONY FAUCI TO SET THE RECORD STRAIGHT ON COVID-19

Vaccines Save Lives – Preventing severe illness, hospitalizations, and saving over a TRILLION dollars in healthcare costs. The African American community faces higher risks due to underlying conditions like diabetes, asthma, and heart disease, which can lead to severe outcomes if infected. Social determinants of health – like access to care, housing, and income disparities – make us more vulnerable.

It’s time to cut through the noise, tackle misinformation, and protect our community! Catch a sneak peek of this powerful conversation with Dr. Fauci, and stay tuned for the FULL interview – coming SOON!

WATCH HERE

LESSONS FROM THE FRONTLINES: DR. FAUCI ON SAVING LIVES, CLINICAL TRIALS, AND HEALTH EQUITY

Dr. LeNoir and George Strait are back with an in-depth interview featuring Dr. Anthony Fauci – and this time, they're talking about the BIGGER picture.

This isn’t just another interview – it’s a powerful dialogue about the challenges and solutions for our communities.

WATCH HERE

HEALTH TIP OF THE DAY

Craving something sweet? Indulge in dark chocolate! A new study reveals that enjoying dark chocolate five times a week could lower your risk of type 2 diabetes by 21%. Just another reason to go dark—but remember, moderation is key!

WATCH HERE

For more information, go to our website at www.aawellnessproject.org. or listen to our podcast at Blackdoctorsspeak.org on any podcast platform.

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