African American Wellness Project Health News Report

Dr. Michael LeNoir and Elaine Myada

African American Wellness Project

​The African American Wellness Project (AAWP) is committed to empowering the African American community for better health outcomes and wellness. Our mission is to combat healthcare disparities, champion equitable treatment, and equip African Americans with the tools and support needed to thrive.

Black Women Face Lower Survival Rates for Uterine Cancer
From Blackdoctor.org Black women were more likely to be diagnosed with uterine cancer  at a later stage, have lower income, and receive less surgery compared to Asian women. These factors likely explain, at least in part, why Black women had a lower survival rate.
 
Why This Is Important: As with so many cancers and chronic diseases, survival is not about genetics. It’s about regular visits to the doctor, knowing what screens you should have routinely, not ignoring symptoms that are unusual and making sure you and your family get the best medical management ALL THE TIME.

How to Protect Yourself and Your Family in the Sun
It's hot outside and there's a myth that darker skin tones don't need sun protection. While melanin provides some defense against UV rays, it's not a complete shield. Melanin helps protect against UVB rays, which cause sunburn, but not against UVA rays that can cause deeper skin damage, premature aging, and increase skin cancer risk. Skin cancer, though less common in Black people, can be more severe due to late diagnosis.
 
Best Sun Protection Tips

1. Use broad-spectrum sunscreen that guards against UVA and UVB rays, with an SPF of at least 30 for everyday use.
2. Consider a moisturizer with SPF for hydration and protection in one step.
3. Opt for sunscreens that don't leave a white cast on darker skin, such as those with micronized zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.
4. Wear protective clothing, like wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses, and long sleeves, to shield your skin from UV rays.

 
Diagnosis of African American Children with Autism is Often Delayed
 
African American children with autism are usually diagnosed at a later stage. The reasons are not clear, but I have a theory as a pediatrician of more the 40 years’ experience. Too often parents don't know or are not schooled on the appropriate developmental parameters for young children. For some reason, in my experience practitioners accept unusual behavior in Black infants and toddlers as normal when they would at least consider the diagnosis of autism in non-Black children.
 
Why This Is Important: The earlier you make the diagnosis, the sooner interventions start and most of the time, the better the outcome.
 
African American Wellness Project Programs on the Air
Stay up to date with AAWP online or on the air.  Checkout the list below, go to our website at www.aawellnessproject.org or listen to our podcast at Blackdoctorsspeak.org on any podcast platform.

Wellness Watch on Facebook Live
Black Doctors Speak Podcast

• The Hidden Dangers of Food Allergies: A Father's Heartbreaking Story
• Why are Black Women Still Dying at a Higher Rate During Pregnancy? What can the Black Community Do?

AAWP Medical Minute

• KBLX - San Francisco Bay Area
• KDEE - Sacramento
• WVON-Chicago
  

About Health on KPFA 94.1
 
Connect With AAWP on Social Media
Stay updated on AAWP's latest initiatives and resources by following us on social media:

• Facebook: @AfricanAmericanWellnessProject
• Twitter: @TheAAWP
• Instagram: @ AfricanAmericanWellnessProject
• YouTube: @africanamericanwellness