Health Disparities Commonly Faced by Black Females: Helpful Facts and Solutions
Does staying healthy feel like a struggle? As a Black woman, you often face tougher challenges and bigger health disparities than many other folks when it comes to maintaining your health. You may struggle with finding culturally competent healthcare practitioners, money challenges, food deserts, or chronic health conditions, among other problems.
With Black Girl Vitamins in your corner, you’re not alone in the battle.
What Should You Know About Health Disparities and Their Impact on Black Women?
You’re likely to have more health problems as a Black woman than many white women and other racial or ethnic groups in the United States.
Black women are 60% more likely to have diabetes, and of black women over 20, almost 59% have cardiovascular disease.
Black women are also more likely to have conditions like hypertension and obesity, both of which increase the risk of cardiovascular problems later in life. You’re also at higher risk for some cancers, with the highest cancer mortality rate based on race.
The facts and numbers can be scary, but there are things we can do about these health disparities. It all comes down to just a few things: money, access to good doctors, where you live, and even our cultural influences.
We’ll cover all of this so you have the knowledge you need to stay healthy — but first, let’s break down what these health differences mean.
What Are Common Health Disparities Faced by Black Women?
Understanding common health disparities faced by black women is crucial so that you can better advocate for yourself and look out for your overall wellness. Here’s a closer look at what to know.
Cardiovascular Health
You are more likely to have cardiovascular disease (CVD) than other women. It can also start younger and have more serious complications for you. While things like your family medical history are outside of your control, you still have options to reduce your risk and improve your outcomes.
Eating a heart-healthy diet, staying physically active, and managing your stress are the first steps to taking control of your health. Not smoking, or quitting if you’ve already started, will also help. And having regular check-ups with your doctor will help you catch problems early.
Symptoms of CVD in Black women may be a little different than those seen in other demographics, so it’s important to see a culturally competent doctor.
Obesity and Diabetes
If you struggle with weight and blood sugar, you’re not alone. A lot of Black women share your frustration. Four out of five black women are overweight or obese, increasing their risk of type 2 diabetes.
Finding healthy food can be harder in some of our neighborhoods. Life gets busy and stressful, making staying active harder to achieve. Sometimes genetics or hormonal factors play a part in causing obesity and diabetes, too.
Other times, it’s hard to find time to prepare fresh food, especially if you’re trying to add new ingredients you don’t often use. If life is hectic or you don’t feel good, keeping your physical activity up becomes overwhelming. The trick is to find healthy options you enjoy and fit your life so you can make sustainable changes that support your health.
Mental Health
Have you ever noticed our community puts pressure on you to be the one who holds everything together and be strong all the time? You’re dealing with your own challenges, too, but finding a safe place to talk about it can be hard. If you’re feeling up to your eyeballs dealing with stress, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or depression, you’re not alone.
Black women are more likely to experience traumatic events like interpersonal violence, discrimination, and socioeconomic stress. It all adds up.
Talking about mental health can be hard, especially with the stigma surrounding the issue in our community, but there is help available. Culturally competent care is necessary for you to have a safe environment that supports your need to be heard. When it’s hard to find in your area, or if you don’t want to be seen at a clinic, consider telehealth options that make it possible to get help wherever and whenever you need it.
Socioeconomic and Environmental Factors
Lack of money and environmental challenges in certain communities can make staying healthy harder. Some communities don’t have many good doctors, fresh food, or safe places to exercise. Pollutants, inadequate housing, and limited recreational spaces all contribute to poorer health outcomes.
Solutions and Support You Can Use
Moving or finding a better job isn’t always possible, so let’s skip straight to health disparity solutions that are easier to put into action.
Find a culturally competent doctor who understands Black women’s health. Regular checkups and screenings will help catch health problems earlier, when they’re easier to address. Community health centers often offer quality care and a welcoming environment.
Learn about your options for healthy eating, exercise, and managing whatever health conditions and symptoms you have. Tailoring your strategies to your lifestyle is key to making sustainable changes that will support your health goals. Explore workshops or community forums where you can connect with other Black women who are focused on staying healthy.
It’s undeniable that we need more Black doctors, nurses, and therapists. That’s why at Black Girl Vitamins we use part of every supplement purchase to support scholarships for Black women studying in health-related fields. The more Black women in the medical field who understand our struggles, background, and culture the better healthcare quality we will receive.
Fighting the Odds Together To Build a Healthier Future
You deserve to feel good and healthy. There are so many challenges you face, but you don’t have to tackle them alone. We’re here to support you with the information and tools you need to succeed.
You can take charge of your health outcomes with the support of culturally competent healthcare practitioners, knowledge of the strategies you can use to support your health, and lifestyle changes like diet and exercise.
Sources:
7 Diseases That Affect Your Health, and What You Can Do | National Institute of Health
Heart Disease and Stroke in Black Women | American Heart Association