New Podcast Episode: SARCOIDOSIS
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African American women bear the greatest burden when compared to all other groups impacted by sarcoidosis.
They experience higher hospitalization and mortality rates and are more severely impacted by the disease with more organ involvement and severe symptoms than Caucasians and African American men From: https://www.stopsarcoidosis.org/aaws-campaign/
What is Black Joy?
Black Joy. That phrase has become very prevalent within the last couple of years. It should, with all of the Black pain, Black rage, and Black sadness that is also, unfortunately, prevalent. Is Black Joy music? Movement? Movies? Religion? Education? Family/Friends togetherness? I would say Yes to all of that and then some. It’s likely that Black Joy is personal to each person who is Black because all of us experience life and its ups and downs in different spaces and phases. But we do have some common joyful experiences, one of them being a parade where Black people are centered. Something about seeing smiles on the faces of little chocolate, pecan, and honey-colored children as they cheer from the sidelines, seeing Black members of high-stepping bands, the twists and turns of Black dancers as their braids soar around their heads, and the Black community dignitaries waving from convertibles is so joyful. That kind of Black joy is captured in a spectacular parade every February (Black History Month) in Oakland, CA. But the organization behind the parade aims to spread Black Joy all year round. That’s the topic of conversation in the latest episode of Urban Wellness NOW! I hope you not only receive some joy from listening but get inspired to go out and spread some joy today.
Black Lives Matter Turns 10 Years Old
Can you believe it’s already been a decade since the formation of Black Lives Matter? In 2013, the nation reeled over the murder of Florida teenager Trayvon Martin, by a non-law enforcement individual that was only supposed to alert the police of suspicious activity. Instead, George Zimmerman took it upon himself to be the judge, jury, and executioner. Zimmerman said he feared for his life. An adult security guard was afraid of a 17-year-old wearing a hoodie, carrying a pack of Skittles. The threat was, most likely, Trayvon’s brown skin. Since that horrific murder and Zimmerman’s acquittal, there have been so many similar tragic incidents that have claimed the lives of Black people in cities across this country. It’s difficult to maintain wellness when walking, driving, eating, sitting, merely breathing, While Black, is a constant threat to all of us. Black Lives Matter is fighting for us. Yes, there have been growing pains and some learning curves, but know that there are people committed to reform within law enforcement, education, and civic participation. Please listen carefully to the latest Urban Wellness NOW! podcast episode featuring Black Lives Matter-Los Angeles Director Dr. Melina Abdullah, and then click here to find out more about the organization and the different ways you can support.
Black People, Let’s Get Serious About Our Health!
I say that with love and respect. I’ve been talking about and advocating for better health for more than 20 years, first during my career as a health reporter/anchor at television stations in Florida, Louisiana and Virginia. Then, as I helped build a nonprofit media company, I developed health media projects funded by well-known disease awareness organizations, including the American Heart Association, American Stroke Association, Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, and Reconstruction of a Survivor Breast Cancer Foundation. I realize we face monumental barriers, such as systemic racism within the medical institution that contribute to the high rates of disease, illness, trauma, and death in our community, however, we have to make the best decisions we can within our circumstances. It is my goal to provide you with information to help make those decisions. I hope you find adequate information and some inspiration you listen to these stories. Thank you for spending some time with Urban Wellness NOW!
The Urban Wellness NOW! Podcast
Unapologetically Advocating for the Complete Physical, Emotional & Spiritual Wellness of Black People
Available NOW on the following platforms:
Click here for more information on Black Lives Matter Grassroots.