The Top 4 Ways to Improve Your Health In Spite of Health Inequities

I don’t think you will be surprised to learn that there are a number of diseases disproportionately affecting Black women.

I came across an article recently in support of this claim. Diseases like heart disease, stroke, and mental illness are more prevalent in Black women than they are in others. While this bit of information is unfortunate, it is not actually news to many of us. Health disparities among women of color seems to be a popular topic of conversation lately. However, while it is extremely important to raise awareness and get the word out about these disparities, it is equally important to provide women who are facing them, tools and information to overcome them.

Sure, some of the diseases disproportionately impacting Black women are related to lifestyle, but we must not discount socioeconomic factors, bias into healthcare, and discrimination. What this means is the world we live in has many systems in place that try to keep you from experiencing your highest level of health. And while health inequity may exist, you can still make choices on a daily basis to positively impact your health and quality of life. There is something that you can do about it. 

The adoption of health promoting lifestyle tweaks can have a huge impact on your total health and wellness. Read on to learn how you can incorporate specific behaviors into your daily life to help combat health disparities.

Eat a healthy diet

You’ve heard this before, but the food you eat is so vitally important. Simply by selecting a mostly plant-based diet is an excellent place to start. A reduction in animal products laden with saturated fats, as well as eliminating trans fats from commercially baked cookies and crackers will help to improve many aspects of your health. It helps to decrease weight, and reduce your risk for cardiovascular disease by lowering cholesterol. Elevated cholesterol levels can have a catastrophic effect on the circulatory system. The introduction of a plant-based way of eating is a very do-able way to improve your health. 

Exercise Regularly

This is one I am sure you have heard as well, but it is a truth that is not going to change. Regular exercise provides benefits to your health in a number of ways. Increasing the amount of daily activity provides mental, physical and emotional benefits. Moving on a regular basis helps to decrease weight and body fat. A reduction in weight and body fat helps to stave off diseases like high blood pressure, heart disease and elevated cholesterol. Exercise also contributes to improved blood sugar and blood pressure, decreased stress and increased levels of good cholesterol. All things that lead to better health. The key is finding movement you enjoy and a routine that you are inspired to engage in long-term. 

Reduce stress

You cannot overlook the negative impacts of stress. They are real. We’ve just learned that one surefire way to reduce stress is by regularly engaging in physical activity. Yet, there are many ways to assist in the reduction of stress. The reason you must keep your stress under control is because it leads to a number of issues. It leads to a temporary increase of blood pressure, but can have a cumulative impact over time. Stress for many leads to overeating, which leads to weight gain. Other outcomes like depression and anxiety have been seen as well. The key is to keep your stress low. Exercise, meditation, and a nurturing spirituality practice are all useful in reducing stress. 

Get enough sleep

There will never be a substitute for a good night’s sleep. Adequate and quality sleep is essential for healthy living. Adults need at least 7-9 hours of sleep each night. It is the time for our body to restore and replenish itself so that we are properly energized to manage the tasks at hand. There are a number of things you can do to improve your quality of sleep. Making sure your bedroom is conducive to good sleep is most important. Including things like blackout curtains, a cool temperature setting and exclusion of light from televisions and alarm clocks. Bringing in sound machines with ocean waves or waterfalls may help to improve sleep as well. Your body needs sleep and it is a very do-able thing that can be done daily to improve health.

Sisters, fellow women of color, please hear me. The overarching message here is that health inequities and disparities may persist, but you can make strides to watch over your health in spite of them. And no matter where you are, regardless of whether you may have neglected your health in the past, you can begin today to make improvements in your lifestyle and improve your health as a result. I’m rooting for you!