Health and Wellness education can be defined as the knowledge of how to maintain a healthy, optimal lifestyle by promoting holistic ways to improve physical, mental, emotional and psychological well-being. This type of knowledge empowers individuals to make informed decisions about their personal health and how they can care for their individual needs.
For centuries, black people/POC have continued to experience the imbalance in health disparities throughout our community. While the world continues to make modern-day health advancements and innovations, our community relentlessly faces the disadvantages of the system. Life expectancy, pain management, health insurance plans, affordable resources and food deserts are just a few blockades we face as a community, outside of lack of education on health and wellness.
“In 2021, the projected life expectancy for non-Hispanic Black people was 70.8 years, compared to 76.1 years for the general population. “Advancing Better Health Through Better Understanding for Black and African American Communities: Health Literacy, Health Care Access, and Culturally Appropriate Care 2024 Reading List.
Advancing Better Health Through Better Understanding for Black and African American Communities: Health Literacy, Health Care Access, and Culturally Appropriate Care 2024 Reading List | HHS.gov
“Black people have higher death rates from many causes, including heart disease, stroke, cancer, COVID-19, asthma, influenza and pneumonia, diabetes, HIV/AIDS, and homicide.”Black/African American Health | Office of Minority Health (hhs.gov)
“Black infants have more than two times higher infant mortality rate than White infants.”
“Black people are nearly three times more likely than White people to die due to pregnacy related reasons. (Samantha Artiga, Latoya Hill, and Marley Presaldo) 02/22/24”
How Present-Day Health Disparities for Black People Are Linked to Past Policies and Events | KFF
Black people are more likely to be uninsured or underinsured, and to go without care due to cost. (Racism, Inequality, and Health Care for African Americans -Jamila Taylor)
Black people have long-standing concerns about racial biases in pain management. Black Americans’ views about health disparities, experiences with health care. -Cary Funk
Becoming more informed about what health is, how to become aware of our own health and well-being, can improve how we live and interact within our communities. For a system that makes it challenging to access the same insurance plans and resources as non-marginalized groups do, it is imperative that we continue to promote health education throughout our community of children. Health is Love and Health is Wealth.