WVON

Although rates of breastfeeding initiation in the United States have increased over time, rates of exclusive, sustained breastfeeding have remained low. This is especially true for infants of color and those from low-income households. Among children… born in 2018, 39.9% of African American infants were exclusively breastfed at 3 months and 19.8% were exclusively breastfed at 6 months. These suboptimal rates of breastfeeding have been associated with greater incidence of negative health outcomes for mothers and infants. A variety of factors influence a woman’s decision and ability to breastfeed. Recent evidence has suggested that intention of equity is necessary to help promote equitable implementation of breastfeeding support practices and reduce inequities in breastfeeding outcomes.

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.

Social justice is a broad and evolving concept focused on creating a fair and just society and encompasses several key dimensions. Movements for social justice employ various strategies to achieve their goals. They also involve a… continuous effort to identify and dismantle systems of inequality and to build better and just structures for all. Regardless of race, ethnicity, economic status, ability, sexual orientation, gender identity, religious beliefs or nonbelief, or citizenship, all individuals have universal human rights that must be respected and protected.

The Wall Street Journal reports that overall Black household wealth for college graduates in their 30s has fallen to $8,200 from about $50,400 three decades ago—largely due to the negative impact of student debt required to finance… that education. Black and Latino or Hispanic parents are more likely than White parents to see a college degree as key for their children’s success, according to a 2015 Pew Research Center report. However, Black people’s strivings and educational gains are not rewarded on pace with their white peers, confirming the adage “you have to be twice and good to get the same result.”

A traumatic event is a shocking, scary, or dangerous experience that can affect someone emotionally and physically. The good news is that there are very effective ways to cope with and treat the stressful effects of… trauma. Not everyone requires treatment for traumatic stress. Most people recover on their own with time. However, mental health professionals can help you find healthy ways to cope in the aftermath of a traumatic event.

Prostate cancer takes a harsher toll on Black men than other men, including other men of color. In fact, Black men are 50% more likely to develop prostate cancer in their lifetime and twice as likely to… die from the disease. There are many factors that can increase the risk and worsen the outcome of prostate cancer — not just being of African descent. Disparities in outcomes also can be affected by differences in when the cancer is diagnosed and how the men are treated after diagnosis. Despite the increased risk of developing prostate cancer and dying from it, Black men are underrepresented in clinical trials that test new therapies.

Stroke is a major cause of death and long-term disability worldwide. Diabetes is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular complications, including stroke. People with diabetes have a 1.5–2 times higher risk of stroke compared with people… without diabetes, with risk increasing with diabetes duration. Not everyone with diabetes will get a stroke, and there are steps you can take to make sure you’re one of them. People with diabetes can live long, healthy lives, free from heart disease, stroke, and other health problems.

In the United States, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder or COPD affects nearly 16 million adults, and many more do not know they have it. More than half of those diagnosed are women. COPD is a major cause… of disability, and it is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The good news is that COPD can often be prevented. Reducing tobacco smoke exposure is important for both primary prevention of COPD and disease management.

Every human being has a right to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health. Individuals and couples have the right to decide the number, timing and spacing of their children. However,… some individuals may face infertility. It is a common problem, affecting approximately 10% of women in the United States. It affects both men and women. However, in most cases, the cause may be with the female partner. Infertility can be a tough journey. It may happen because of a health issue with either you or your partner, or a mix of factors that prevent pregnancy. It’s important to understand how your body works so you and your healthcare provider can maximize your chances of starting or adding to your family.

When found early, breast cancer can often be treated successfully. In fact, 90-97% of patients with early-stage breast cancer are alive and well even 10 or 15 years after treatment. But survivorship is complex and can bring new… challenges. Survivorship means something different to everyone. Some patients feel they’re survivors from day one. It is also very personal and can mean more than just a year mark in a patient’s cancer experience.

Fathers are important for helping their children see all they can be. Often, good fathers can offer lessons in playfulness, care, support, courage and discipline. Despite media portrayal of Black fathers, 70% of Black fathers who live… with their children were most likely to have bathed, dressed, changed or helped their child with the toilet every day, compared with other groups. This involvement is important for many reasons, one of which is that data shows that children with involved fathers are at lower risk for developing disruptive behavior and mental health difficulties. Even when a biological father isn’t present, the role can be filled by other men who care about the child — an important concept in Black culture. Given the history of racism in the United States, some Black fathers may face disproportionate incarceration rates or have difficulty in obtaining jobs to provide for their families. But such hardships are only part of the story of Black fatherhood.

Mental health issues are common. In fact, more than 1 in 5 US adults live with a mental illness. Mental health issues are treatable and often preventable, but not everyone has access to the resources they need. People… in some racial and ethnic minority groups face more challenges than others getting mental health care. Inequities in access to mental health care can arise due to myriad reasons. Untreated mental health is associated with negative patient health outcomes. Thus, ensuring equitable access is needed to not only close existing treatment gaps but to also improve patient health outcomes. Mental health is just as important as physical health throughout our lives.