For years, the public has bought into the notion that the Black community is at risk of several health fatalities. Science even argues that we are disproportionately at a disadvantage health-wise. Black women have especially been the focal point of interest when it comes to discussing health issues. For instance, statistics show that Black women suffer from several socioeconomic factors including obesity, being overworked, underpaid and overlooked. With stressors such as those, anyone’s mental health would be at risk.
After all, mental health does remain the leading cause of death in today’s world. It’s even more prevalent with the overwhelming presence of COVID-19. Everyone, regardless of their racial background, has suffered during the pandemic. Though, the news argues that minorities, specifically Black and Hispanic people have endured a higher mortality rate in the last few years.
Even so, new studies have revealed that Black women are living their best lives. In most cases, they’re even out living their white counterparts. Here are three reasons why Black women are living longer and better lives.
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Our Health Game Is Stronger Than Ever
Faced with so many of life’s challenges and disadvantages, most people make the mistake of assuming that our mental health is shot. Slowly, discussions surrounding mental illness awareness have taken root in the Black community.
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Black women have especially taken up the mantle in starting conversations about managing and combating mental health. New research reveals that Black women are living to the average life expectancy of 78 years old now. What’s causing an increase in our longevity? It all comes down to the power of positive thinking.
Back in 2016, Linda Goler Blount, president and chief executive of Black Women’s Health Imperative, stated that, “Majority of us know that we need to improve and are working on it. We also understand the importance of having a positive attitude. When Black women are asked to define what good health means, we say things such as ‘being calm’ or ‘being at peace.’” Positive thinking has always shown benefits in helping improve our mental health.
We’re Always On The Move
In addition to Black women using positive affirmations to get through the day, we’re also educating ourselves on the importance of physical health. When our bodies feel good, so do our minds. The two tend to go hand in hand in many conversations surrounding health.
First lady Michelle Obama remains a formidable voice in helping educate the Black community on the importance of physical health. Blount further reported that Michelle’s teachings on healthy eating, dieting and exercise have left a lasting impression on Black women.
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Referred to as the “Michelle Obama Effect,” the former first lady has largely influenced Black women to take action in their communities. They’ve organized health programs in their churches, hair salons and sororities. Nowadays, we’re seeing more Black women leading
