Top 5 Issues In Black Health

When considering who takes their health the least seriously, you'll hear more than a few people say Blacks are in the lead in that area. Personally, I'm of the mind that while there could be some truth there, we're actually making strides to become healthier.

What you're finding now in Black Americans is a generation that is benefiting from the many health strides that have been made over the years. We're presented with more and more information on specific health concerns and we're also in a better financial position to take advantage of prevention, treatment and care of these health issues we face. I would even say that a consideration could be that of sports nutrition. So many of our youth have dreams of competing in sports on a professional level, they are now realizing that nutrition may be one of the top factors that will set them apart. It's no longer "talent" alone that will get them that golden opportunity.

Of the many health concerns in America, the Top 5 Black Health Issues are (in no particular order)

• AIDS
• Stroke
• Hypertension
• Heart Disease
• Diabetes

Now that we have more information readily available and socio economic (while certainly still an issue) factors are more positive, we're in position to tackle these health issues head on. We know that lack of exercise contributes to hypertension and heart disease. We're more educated concerning AIDS as well.

I will not say we're at a point that the issue of Black Health has become a non issue. I will say that we have the tools to continue on the positive path of change where our health is concerned.

Good and Nappy

For me, going back to my roots aka getting off the "creamy crack"( as we say in the nappy world), was a no brainer. It was a dark and stormy night (not really...just added that for dramatic effect) in October 2004 when I said to my aunt "Auntie, I think I'm going to stop relaxing my hair". She said "Oh yeah? I think that will look good on you because you have a good grade of hair". STOP! What was that supposed to mean? What's this "good hair", "bad hair" thing we have in the Black Community? It really makes no sense to me because in my eyes all healthy, "taken care of" hair is "good" hair. I'd always felt that way, even before I rediscovered my beautiful natural hair texture (in case you're wondering yes that's a freshly snapped picture of my cottony texture).

I'm sure we've all heard the "reasons" against reclaiming natural hair. Personally, I think we just need to stop with the excuses, get our minds right, accept and reclaim our uniqueness as the most often imitated culture (people) ever (here's a pretty affirming post to help you out a bit) See, this is one little decision that can have an effect on your personal health and wellness single handedly. Say what? Total Health and Wellness incorporate the mind, body and soul (spirit). By deciding to sport your natural hair you have 1) shouted to the world that you accept yourself as you are, 2) you inherently become more conscious of what you're putting in your body, 3) you take better care of yourself, 4) you have more positively rewarding relationships 5) you open yourself to expanding your mind and amassing more knowledge. Those are just off the top of my head. Trust me natural hair is only the beginning of the new you. Now I don't want you to get the idea that this is going to be easy or that it'll happen overnight because of course this is a process, a transition. But once you've made the commitment to yourself, you won't want to go back. This has got to be another of the most freeing decisions you'll ever make.

Ready to affect change in your world? I applaud your decision. My suggestions for first steps are: join Nappturality, read Natural Haircare books, Naturally You! Magazine and Motown Girl, sneak a peek at natural hair pictures and albums and get some transitioning moisture tips from this Afrobella post. Finally, don't forget this little affirmation and say it loud, "I'M NAPPY AND PROUD!!"

To Have, To Hold, To Snip

Recently, I've been thinking about just how truthful it is when they (the Holistic Health community) say that hair has energy and memory. It's ironic that something so often taken for granted has such a profound impact on our lives. I mean think about it, unplanned baldness can pretty much break a person...or at the very least hurt their feelings so much that the "joke makers" end up in top spots on "I'll Get Revenge" lists. Even I have to admit to occasionally joining in the chorus of the childhood bald song "Baldy Scaldy I declare...somebody stole all (insert bald kid's name) hair...". This song was often followed by raucous laughter by the teasers, but baleful sobs for the follicle challenged child. Wow, what a poignant picture that just painted for me. Did you feel it too?

Your hair does everything with you and goes through everything that you go through. As a result, negative energy (pain, loss, sorrow, grief, etc) that you experience can really get trapped in hair no matter its texture. Not only does it get trapped, but hair will hold onto it like the twining roots of a gnarled oak tree. Ever wonder why right after a bad breakup or other significant negative life event the hair is almost always the first to go (either voluntarily or involuntarily)? Once the hair loss is accepted, the words "I have a new lease on life" seem to also be the phrase of affirmation. I just had a friend of mine cut her locs completely off and while she's now down to about 1-1.5 inches of hair, she said she's never felt more free. Perusing blogs, I came across a post where the author talks about the freedom she herself has experienced now that she's hair free, she's even taken to cutting cute designs (like flowers) in her hair. How creative is that?! I guess you really can say "Hair free is Care free". Now everyone wanting to get rid of those negative feelings, run out and get a hair cut. See how much better it'll make you feel....just make sure it's a GOOD hair cut (or we could be right back at the starting point).

A New Way To Live

I'm sitting here at approximately 230a EST thinking about health and why we're so obsessed with it all of a sudden. Well not really all of a sudden but it's attention grabbing enough to be noticed. Right? Right! Anyway, I found that as I read an article (ok, ok a blog post) regarding the longer lives of Black folk (uggh I don't particularly care for the term African American referring to African descendants in America but that's another topic altogether), I couldn't help but think that much of this newfound life longevity is due to this "health craze". Don't get me wrong, I'm a recovered junk food/fast food junkie myself...you won't catch me near two all beef patties, special sauce, lettuce, cheese, pickles, onions on a sesame seed bun (mmmmmm Big Mac....let me go dig out those Boca Burgers). Look at that...mention food and I get all off track. Maybe continuing this discussion on another line will help me regain focus.

Ahhh....perfect. So yes, between little changes like the "New Vegetarianism Movement", "Spiritual Clarity", getting rid of the "Creamy Crack Addiction" and a little "Herbal Healing" this health thing is proving to have a decidedly profound effect on our lives (and not just Black folk not having as high a rate of "sugar" aka "Diabetes" to the Ebonically challenged). I can honestly say it's no longer a trend or a fad. It's become a way of life....