Raechele Cochran Gathers, MD Watching Serena Williams play in the US Open this past weekend reminded me of her relatively recent distressing experiences with the health care system and of how important it is for black women—and all women—to advocate for our health. For Serena, a celebratory post-delivery period turned into a roller coaster of frightening medical events that could have taken her life. She has been open about her experiences, so that all of us can learn from them and be our own best health advocates.
Black Women: Advocating for Health
The health statistics for black women, and our communities are sobering. Black women have higher rates of heart disease, diabetes and high blood pressure than their white counterparts. When it comes to maternal health statistics, the numbers are grim too: There are about 13 deaths per 100,000 births per year for White women. For Black women, that number jumps to a disgraceful 43 deaths per 100,000 births per year!
Death rates from heart disease and stroke are higher for African Americans as compared to whites. The death rate for cancers is 25% higher for African Americans than whites, and African American women with cancer have a higher risk of dying from cancer, despite a lower risk of cancer overall. These stats are scary. But it’s important that we not be paralyzed by the statistics. Inaction is the enemy. Black women must take their health into our own hands, prioritize their bodies and their self-care, and make sure that they advocate for themselves
You Know Your Body
Physicians are not Gods. Medical mistakes happen. And no one knows your body better than you do. If your body is telling you that something is off, listen to it. If you are not feeling right, find a physician that will listen to you and take your concerns seriously. Your life might depend on it. A
Six Ways to Advocate for Your Health
1. Ask Questions
No question is too elementary to ask. If you have a question, it’s important to you—and that’s all that matters. Ask your doctors and health care providers what their medical plan for you is—and why. Remember the words we tell our kids, “There is no stupid question.” Make sure that you understand how to take your medications. Make sure you understand the consequences of not taking your medications. Consider making a list of your questions and bringing it to your appointments. This will keep you on track and help make sure that all of your concerns are addressed.
2. Do Your Research
Know about your medical conditions and risk factors. Read about the medications that your physicians recommend, and what their side effects are. Don’t be afraid to learn about alternative treatments and to ask your physician about them. There are wonderful online resources that can help guide you through almost any health diagnosis. Some to check out are:
3. Bring Along an Advocate
When advocating for your health, it can be helpful to bring along a trusted friend or family member to your doctor visits. This individual can also be an advocate, by helping you to remember questions, and also by being a second set of ears, in case you’re too nervous or preoccupied to remember everything that your physician has said to you.
4. Get a 2nd and 3rd Opinion
Don’t be afraid to seek out second and third opinions from other doctors about your diagnosis or treatment plan. Different physicians have different care philosophies and also different levels of knowledge and experiences. Also, unfortunately, mistakes can and do happen. It’s important that you have all of the information that you need to make informed choices, and that you feel comfortable and confident with your treatment plan.
5. Don’t Be Afraid to Breakup
Not all doctors are for all people. Just because your best friend loves her internist doesn’t mean that you’ll feel the same. Bedside manners differ, and some personalities just may not mix—even in a doctor-patient relationship. If your doctor is not quite getting you, or if you don’t feel comfortable with his or her treatment plans, it may be time to move on. And if your physician doesn’t want to answer your questions, it’s definitely time to move on.
6. Take Advantage of Free Health Screenings
A key aspect of the ACA (Affordable Care Act) is that certain preventative health care services be provided by private health plans without patient cost sharing. These covered services are crucial to our health and are an important way that black women can advocate for our health. Key screenings can help catch cases of diabetes, high cholesterol and high blood pressure, all of which can put you at risk for stroke, disability and an early death.
Covered Screenings Can Include:
- Some immunizations
- Alcohol and tobacco misuse screenings and counseling
- Blood pressure and cholesterol screenings
- Depression screening
- Colorectal cancer screening
- Breast cancer screening
- Diabetes screening
- Obesity screening
Black Health Matters
Advocating for your health will translate into improved wellness and a longer and healthier life. Yes, disparities exist—but armed with the right knowledge, a plan of action and advocacy, and confidence, you can help can change the current health statistics in the black community and improve the health of your community
