"Of all the forms of inequality, injustice in healthcare is the most shocking and inhuman because it often results in physical death." -Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Hey friends,
As you all may (or may not) already know, April is National Minority Health month. So, what is National Minority Health Month? The foundation for National Minority Health Month was created over a millennium ago by Booker T. Washington, to bring awareness to health disparities affecting African Americans caused by poor working and living conditions. Although our working and living conditions have changed since then, we still suffer from higher rates of poor health and disease when compared to Whites. The average life expectancy of Blacks is actually FOUR years lower… crazy, right?! As a response to increased health disparities among African Americans and other minority groups, the US government designated April as “National Minority Health Month.” The purpose of this resolution was to increase awareness and promote educational efforts on the health problems currently facing minorities. Nowadays there’s a flood of information regarding what’s best for us and our health; however, those needs are different for everyone. We all have different bodies, capabilities, and resources; so, everyone’s “perfect health” is different. It’s important to stay self-educated, but it’s even more important to find a provider you trust to help navigate these healthcare streets! Let’s get into it…“Healthy + Holistic ”
Here are a few of my recommendations to take control of your health and improve outcomes:
1 – Get established with a PCP.
I cannot stress the importance of finding a primary care doctor and establishing a relationship! I’m not talking about someone you just see whenever you’re sick or injured. Our job is also to keep you healthy and try to prevent illness. Of course, trust takes time to build, but you should be able to feel comfortable talking with your doctor about ANYTHING.
2 – Make a list of your concerns.
How many times have you forgotten a question during an appointment, just to remember it once you’ve left the office? Haha, it happens to all of us. Make a list of your questions and concerns and take them with you to your appointment. Your doctor should have no problem addressing them with you. Before you leave the office, request an “after visit summary” to remember everything. This should include diagnoses, medication changes, and follow-up appointments.
3 – Know your medications.
I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve asked patients why they’re on a particular medication and they have had no clue, lol. I know it can get a little confusing, so I advise all of my patients to keep a list of their medications with the reason they are taking it – for example: lisinopril for high blood pressure.
4 – Advocate for yourself.
If you feel that your concerns aren’t being heard, express that to your doctor. If you prefer not to take a specific medication because it makes you feel a certain way, express that to your doctor. Please don’t just stop taking it. There are usually several other alternatives. If you’ve seen your doctor for a particular problem multiple times without improvement, request to be referred to a specialist. If this doesn’t work, find a new doctor. It’s your body, your health.
