Maybe The Change You Are Looking For Starts With You

Hey y'all, welcome back to my blog! Today I want to talk about health and wellness in African American communities. As you may know, health disparities are a serious issue that affect many of us and our loved ones. According to the CDC, African Americans have higher rates of chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and cancer than other racial groups. These conditions can lead to reduced quality of life, disability, and premature death.

So what can we do to improve our health and wellness? Well, there are many factors that influence our health outcomes, such as genetics, environment, access to care, and lifestyle choices. Some of these factors are beyond our control, but others are within our reach. Here are some tips that can help us take charge of our health and wellness:

- Eat a balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats. Avoid processed foods, added sugars, and excess salt. Try to eat foods that are rich in antioxidants, fiber, and omega-3 fatty acids, which can help lower inflammation and protect against disease.

- Exercise regularly and stay active. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per week, or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity. You can also mix it up with strength training, stretching, and balance exercises. Find activities that you enjoy and that fit your schedule. You can also join a gym, a sports team, or a fitness class to stay motivated and have fun.

- Manage your stress levels and practice self-care. Stress can have a negative impact on your physical and mental health. It can raise your blood pressure, weaken your immune system, and increase your risk of depression and anxiety. To cope with stress, you can try meditation, yoga, breathing exercises, or other relaxation techniques. You can also seek support from your friends, family, or a therapist if you need someone to talk to.

- Get enough sleep and rest. Sleep is essential for your health and wellness. It helps your body heal, regulate hormones, and boost your immune system. It also affects your mood, memory, and concentration. Try to get at least seven hours of quality sleep every night. To improve your sleep hygiene, you can avoid caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, and screens before bed. You can also create a comfortable and dark sleeping environment and stick to a regular bedtime routine.

- Check in with your doctor and get preventive screenings. Regular check-ups can help you monitor your health status and catch any problems early. You can also get vaccinated against preventable diseases such as the flu and COVID-19. Depending on your age and risk factors, you may need to get screened for conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, breast cancer, prostate cancer, colon cancer, or cervical cancer.

These are some of the ways that we can improve our health and wellness in African American communities. Remember that you are not alone in this journey. We can support each other and share our experiences and resources. Together we can make a difference and live healthier and happier lives!

Throughout scripture, we find that God wants us to be in good health and prosper. For example, Jeremiah 29:11 tells us "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. And Jeremiah 30:17 says "But I will restore you to health and heal your wounds,' declares the LORD". But so many individuals in our community continue to suffer from illnesses, some in which we acquire from poor choices made in life such as failing to eat the right foods, not staying active, or not going for routine doctor visits. The good thing is that restoration is possible. In Mark 9:23.... Jesus said to him, “‘If you can’! All things are possible for one who believes.”

The first way to better health is becoming more knowledgeable. For in Proverbs 2:10 says.. For wisdom will come into your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul. And in Hosea 4:6 My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. In John 8:32 And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” We must remember even though we have free will we are on earth to fulfill God’s purpose for our life therefore we must take care of the temple God has given us so we can accomplish all he has set for us to do. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 says... Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So, glorify God in your body.

We can honor God by becoming more knowledgeable so we can take care of the temple he has given us. The goal of this blog is not to dx or treat illness but to provide information for one can make better choices when it comes to their health. To encourage, enlighten, and improve the health and psychosocial well-being of all people. It will also serve as a forum to address medical issues that have pleg the African American community for centuries. Hopefully the information presented in this blog will encourage one to see their doctor for routine visits and screenings that would help prevent illness or treat a medical condition before it progresses. Let's be the change we are looking for.