According to the American Heart Association, Black women have the highest rate of obesity at 57.9%. In addition, Black women also have the highest rate of high blood pressure at 58.4%. Even with challenges, African American health shows hope for improvement.
MD-licensed, board-certified family physician and GoodRx medical editor Dr. Karla Robinson believes that chronic stress, food deserts, environmental and systemic racism, limited access to affordable healthcare, nutritious food options, and culturally competent healthcare professionals create challenging conditions.
“For example, Black communities often lack access to cardiologists. GoodRx Research found that many Black communities are located in what we call ‘cardiology deserts’ —areas where you may have to travel 80+ miles just to see a heart specialist,” she said.
The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke states the five core social determinants of health include culture and societal values, socioeconomic status, access to public health care, self-management, and overall biological condition.
The Black Wall Street Times interviewed Chicago native Dr. Robinson about the power of culturally informed health decisions, preventive health, and tips for navigating the healthcare system.
The importance of Black healthcare representation
Dr. Robinson’s dedication to African American health extends to her undergraduate studies at HBCU Xavier University of Louisiana.
“At the time that I was applying to college, Xavier University was the #1 school for putting Black students into medical school. The pre-med program was top-notch and really gave the foundation for success in medical school with training programs, prep courses, and the curriculum track we needed to be prepared,” Dr. Robinson said.
“Having the support and training at an HBCU gave me the confidence that I belonged in the medical field, could do well, and make a difference in the lives of others,” she said. In addition, she holds a medical degree from Rush Medical School.
With the recorded history of medical racism in America and recently alleged race-based scholarships and race-based segregation from medical schools like OU-TU School of Community Medicine, Black patients and clients deserve culturally competent healthcare information from Black healthcare providers.
As the co-founder of Urban Housecall Health Media Group, Dr. Robinson interviews and shares real stories and wellness tips to combat media misinformation surrounding African Americans’ health.
“Through my work with GoodRx and Urban Housecall, I’ve focused on making sure the Black community has access to reliable, easy-to-understand, and culturally relevant health information,” she said.
Dr. Robinson encourages patients to inform themselves and speak up during medical appointments. She encourages people to change providers if they aren’t heard or respected.
Tips to improve African American health
For centuries, Black health in America has undergone changes and challenges. Dr. Robinson shares that African American health information needs to be vetted and reviewed.
“In [GoodRx’s] Black Health and Wellness Center, you’ll find expert health information written and reviewed just for you, by Black healthcare professionals you can trust. Whether it’s heart disease, diabetes, infertility, or just understanding your medications, our goal is to give people the knowledge they need to protect their health,” she said.
When it comes to proactive Black healthcare, Dr. Robinson shared some tips:
- Don’t wait for a health scare to start taking an interest in your health.
- Ask your health insurance provider about a blood pressure home monitor.
- Check your blood pressure at home.
- Improve your nutritious food choices step by step.
- Use seasonings with less salt.
- Grill or broil instead of fry.
- Advocate for yourself during doctor’s visits.
- Attempt to participate in 150 minutes of moderate exercise weekly.
Lastly, Dr. Robinson understands that Communities of Color typically have limited access to affordable and optimal healthcare and medications.
“It’s not just about cost; proximity plays a major role, too, much like we’ve seen with cardiology deserts… If you’re having trouble getting your prescriptions due to cost or because you may live in a pharmacy desert, GoodRx can help. With resources for deep discounts on many medications and mail-order pharmacy options, GoodRx wants to help you have access to the medications and treatments you may need,” she said.
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