As we honor Disability Pride Month, we spotlight Zazel-Chavah O’Garra. Diagnosed with meningioma, a brain tumor, in 2003, Zazel overcame immense challenges during her treatment, including paralysis, cognitive loss, and […] The post Dancing Beyond Disability: Zazel-Chavah O’Garra’s Story appeared first on Black Health Matters ..read more

Spotting signs of mental decline in ourselves and our loved ones can sometimes be tricky. We all face brain aging, so understanding its signs can significantly affect how we approach our health. We chatted with Dr. Sharon A. Brangman, a McKnight Brain Research Foundation Trustee. She’s also the Chair of the Department of Geriatrics and Director of the Center for Excellence for Alzheimer’s Disease at Upstate Medical University. We asked her to share her wisdom on brain health with us. BHM: Can you tell us about the McKnight Brain Research Foundation and its work to bridge the knowledge gap on n ..read more

We are saddened to report that Texas Representative Sheila Jackson Lee, who announced her pancreatic cancer diagnosis in June, has died. Her family announced this on Friday, July 19th, 2024. “A fierce champion of the people, she was affectionately and simply known as Congresswoman by her constituents for her near-ubiquitous presence and service to their daily lives for more than 30 years.” Representative Jackson Lee, 74, had served the 18th Congressional District since 1995. While she had made Texas her home, Jackson Lee was born in Queens, New York. She planned to be an executive secretary be ..read more

Racism is not just dangerous for your mental and emotional health; it can age your brain. A new study from the Journal of the American Medical Association found that “repeated exposure to racial discrimination has been associated with a greater incidence of brain health disorders.” It also determined that “racial discrimination contributes to accelerated biological aging via altered connectivity.” Study Findings The study found that epigenetic aging can be impacted by exposure to racism. Epigenetic aging presents a precise picture of how one’s cells are aging instead of chronological age. Ther ..read more

Mental health is a critical matter in our community, yet it is often hidden and minimized behind the curtains of stigma, misconceptions, and embarrassment. National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, observed every July, raises awareness and advocates for mental health equity. During this time, we pay particular attention to the unique disparities endured by our community and other racial and ethnic minority groups. For instance, in 2021, the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) found that of the 21% of Black Americans who reported having a mental health concern, only 39% of tho ..read more

When we used to refer to the “period tax,” we were talking about the money we had to pay for menstrual products. Now, it is taking on new meaning. Newsweek reported that more than 16 toxic metals, like arsenic and lead, have been found in some tampon brands. Jenni A. Shearston, an epidemiologist at the University of California, Berkeley, led the study. According to the study, “Between 52–86% of people who menstruate in the United States use tampons—cotton and/or rayon/viscose ‘plugs’—to absorb menstrual blood in the vagina. Tampons may contain metals from agricultural or manufacturing processe ..read more

As Americans, we’re always searching for the next big thing. Recently, pickleball has begun to gain popularity. Star athletes like Kevin Durant and Draymond Green have already invested in the sport, as have celebrities like Michael B. Jordan and Drake. Although many people are aware of the popularity surrounding pickleball, one question remains: What exactly is it? Here are some quick facts on the fast-growing sport and why it’s a great workout option. What is Pickleball? Pickleball is a sport where two or four players use a paddle to hit a plastic ball over a 34-inch-high net. The ball remain ..read more

It’s an unsettling fact that uterine and endometrial cancers are often detected at advanced stages within our community. These late diagnoses can lead to more challenging health outcomes. The National Cancer Institute (NCI) has reported an alarming rise in uterine cancer fatalities across the United States, with the highest rates being prevalent in our community. In 2022, endometrial cancer was ranked as the fourth most common cancer for Black women in the country, and the incidence rates have continued to escalate by 1% to 2% annually.   Although we don’t take a significant lead in the i ..read more

July is Cord Blood Awareness Month, a vital time to deepen our understanding of cord blood and its immense potential. Yet, a barrier stands in our way: a lack of awareness. Two decades ago, a report by the American Journal of Hematology revealed a shocking statistic: 88% of Black women expressed a willingness to donate cord blood if only they were aware of the possibility. Fast-forward to today and things have not changed enough. To bridge the awareness gap, let’s delve into some essential knowledge every mother needs. What is Cord Blood? Following a baby’s birth, the umbilical cord and placen ..read more

According to the National Institutes of Health, over 37 million Americans are affected by chronic kidney disease (CKD). And Black Americans are more likely to develop CKD than non-Hispanic white Americans. Studies also show this condition is more common in older adults than in people ages 45 to 64. We depend on our kidneys to remove extra fluid and waste from our blood. But if you have CKD, your kidneys may not work as well as they should. Over time, CKD can worsen and develop into kidney failure. People who have kidney failure depend on dialysis to help filter their blood. Most medications ar ..read more