This blog was written by Dr. Kenyon Godwin with Active Family Wellness Center, a member of the Greater Arlington Chamber of Commerce, as a part of our Thought Leadership Highlights series. To celebrate Black History Month, the Chamber is spotlighting black-owned businesses in our community.
Historically, in America, Black Americans have had a significantly higher death rate than others for COVID-19, heart disease, stroke, cancer, asthma, and diabetes. Whereas Hispanics and Whites have a life expectancy average of 76 years, with men averaging 74 years. Black American men have a projected life expectancy of only 67 years.
There are many reasons for the troubling statistics, but let’s explore a few that we may have more control over. There are two main categories for the disparities: external and internal. Internal inequities are differences in the level of care offered to Black people compared to others. Although this factor has decreased over the years, it is still a factor in some places. The ripple effect of this historical truth has sown distrust in the health care system for Blacks and minorities.
The second category has become a major factor in the state of health for the Black community. External iniquities such as poverty, food insecurity, and availability of work schedules also negatively affect the health of Black families. Families living in poverty or slightly above it are often underinsured or lack the resources for their doctor visits, medications, and procedures. The financial strain is also a burden if one’s employer doesn’t allot time for appointments. Many can’t afford to miss work, even to go to a doctor’s appointment. This is amplified among single-parent households, where the balance of work, parenting, and self-care is a struggle.
The majority of Americans are sick and tired of being sick and tired! Plagued with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, inflammation, difficulty losing weight, fatigue, and diabetes. We are taking more medication, resulting in a lower quality of life.
It is important to note that the word doctor means teacher. I believe this is the key to improving the health of Black Americans and all Americans. If we could shift our focus from being reactive to being proactive, it might make all the difference. Reactive care is when symptoms are present or can no longer be ignored. Proactive care is when you take the initiative to focus on healthy habits prior to having any health concerns.
I want to share some common signs of inflammation that serve as a warning regarding your health. These symptoms are usually indicative that the body is not performing optimally, and there are a few proactive steps you can take. Inflammation is the most common factor among the major causes of death in the US. If we learn to detect it, address it, and prevent it, it becomes our key to vitality.
Signs of Inflammation:
- Fatigue
- Insomnia/Difficulty sleeping
- Trouble Concentrating/Brain Fog
- Muscle and Joint Pain
- Digestive Difficulties
- Headaches
- Difficulty Losing Weight
Proactive Steps:
- Exercising 2-3 times per week
- Drinking half your body weight in ounces of water
- Eating vegetables with each meal
- Eating until you feel 80% full
- Daily Mental/Spiritual health practices
- Wellness Visits (Chiropractic, Massage, Cryo, etc.)
- Core Supplements: Vitamin D, Probiotics, Magnesium, and Omegas
Your health is the vehicle to accomplish your dreams and goals. It is what enables or disables you from performing at your best. To be the best version of yourself at home, work, volunteering, and in all other capacities, your health is vital. The more responsibilities you have, the more significant your personal health is. Ask yourself: Do you want to grow old with disease or vitality? You can be the one to turn things around in your family and community with a simple decision to be more proactive.