WVON

Black communities are more likely to experience socioeconomic inequities, such as exclusion from health, educational, social and economic resources. These inequities can lead to worse physical and mental health outcomes. Community-based interventions are known to be… effective in health promotion and disease prevention.

Renewing Chicago’s neighborhoods involves a comprehensive approach to revitalizing and enhancing urban areas across the city. This process includes upgrading infrastructure, improving public spaces, and supporting local businesses to drive economic growth. Efforts also focus on… enhancing community safety, increasing access to essential services, and fostering inclusive development. By addressing both the physical and social needs of neighborhoods, Chicago aims to create vibrant, sustainable communities where residents can thrive and feel connected. The renewal initiative seeks to balance modern improvements with the preservation of each neighborhood’s unique character and history.

Prevention practices are critical for maintaining health and well-being, both on an individual and community level. By focusing on proactive measures, they help reduce the risk of diseases and conditions before they develop. This approach not… only saves lives but also minimizes healthcare costs and much more. Additionally, public health initiatives that promote prevention can lead to healthier populations and more resilient communities.

To build girls into strong female leaders, it’s essential to cultivate a mindset that values leadership qualities. Programs that provide leadership training, public speaking opportunities, and exposure to diverse career paths can broaden their horizons and… help them envision themselves in leadership roles. Ultimately, by surrounding girls with supportive networks of peers, mentors, and role models, and by providing them with the tools and opportunities to lead, we can empower them to become confident, compassionate, and effective leaders who are prepared to tackle the challenges of tomorrow.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed among women, as well as the leading cause of cancer death among women worldwide. Once a patient is diagnosed, they are considered a ‘survivor.’ Survivorship begins at diagnosis… and continues during treatment and through a person’s life. Because cancer treatments and overall journeys are different for everyone, survivorship is one the most complicated parts of having cancer.

Clinical trials are part of a long, careful process, which may take many years. Clinical trials are conducted for many reasons. People who volunteer to participate in clinical trials test medical interventions and are at the… heart of all medical advances. Trials are carefully designed, reviewed and completed, and need to be approved before they can start. People of all ages can take part in clinical trials, including children. Ensuring people from diverse backgrounds join clinical trials is key to advancing health equity.

For Black professionals trying to build and sustain a career in film and TV, the industry has been, by many of their accounts, a relatively unwelcoming workplace. Research shows that inequity persists and is deeply entrenched… across the film and TV ecosystem. For example, only 6% of the writers, directors and producers of U.S.-produced films are Black. Data on the levels of diversity and representation on-screen have been available for several years. But those numbers alone, as important as they are, tell only one part of the story. Barriers that undermine equity in content development, financing, marketing, and distribution also come at a substantial cost to the film and TV industry. Equal Hope hosts, Equal Health. Tune in to hear how health experts and Equal Hope clients are working to address and eliminate health disparities in Chicago.

Black women continue to be disproportionately impacted by HIV, accounting for nearly 60% of new HIV infections in US women, despite making up less than 15% of the female population. Notably, although the rate of new infections among… Black women has decreased over time, the decline has plateaued in recent years. In addition, not all Black women with HIV are aware of their status, and too few are receiving the HIV care and treatment that will help them live longer, healthier lives.

Some very alarming statistics reveal population-level disparities within our social and health-care systems. One prominent example is the 30-year gap in life expectancy between people living in the poor, predominantly Black neighborhoods on Chicago’s South… Side, as compared to those in the more affluent, predominantly White neighborhoods. This is the largest life expectancy gap in the United States, according to the City Health Dashboard and is attributable to few economic opportunities and high rates of obesity, diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, and stroke in South Side neighborhoods. The origins and ramifications of this wide difference in life expectancy are deeply systemically entrenched and must be acknowledged if we are to effectively close the gap.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed among women, as well as the leading cause of cancer death among women worldwide. Once a patient is diagnosed, they are considered a ‘survivor.’ Survivorship begins at diagnosis… and continues during treatment and through a person’s life. Because cancer treatments and overall journeys are different for everyone, survivorship is one the most complicated parts of having cancer.

The teen brain is in the process of maturing. In general, it’s more focused on rewards and taking risks than the adult brain. At the same time, teenagers push parents for greater freedom as teens begin… to explore their personality. Teens who experiment with drugs and other substances put their health and safety at risk. Many factors can feed into teen drug use and misuse. It’s never too soon to start talking to your teen about drug abuse. The conversations you have today can help your teen make healthy choices in the future.

Stroke is a major cause of death and long-term disability worldwide. The Black community faces a higher incidence and mortality rate from strokes compared to other racial groups due to a variety of factors. Efforts to… address these disparities include public health initiatives and policy changes specifically tailored for the Black community.