Let’s Boost Your Health During National Immunization Month

August is National Immunization Awareness Month and The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) sponsors this Awareness Month in August to highlight the importance of vaccination for people of all ages.
 
Routine immunizations have been shown to be one of the best ways to protect your health. Not only do they stop the spread of these contagious diseases, but they also protect those around you. When you get vaccinated, you are also protecting the lives of those in your community.
 
Black toddlers were 5% less likely to be fully immunized pre-COVID pandemic, and Black adults were less likely to be up-to-date on their vaccinations than their White counterparts, like for tetanus, Hepatitis A and B, and several others. White Americans were also 2.5 times more likely to have been immunized for shingles than Black Americans. Every year there are 18 million vaccine-preventable deaths in America. Click here to read more.

Talk To Your Children About Vaccines!

Tune in to the AAWP Wellness Watch as we dive into the crucial topic of “Talking to Your Children about Vaccines.” Supported by Merck and hosted by AAWP Founder, Michael LeNoir MD, we feature Jennifer King from the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW), in this discussion for every parent and caregiver.
 
During this episode of the Wellness Watch, we’re thrilled to showcase “Queenie Gets Her Shots,” a remarkable book that’s making waves since its release in February 2023. With over 7,000 readers touched in the East Oakland-Hayward community and beyond, this 26-page coloring book is a game-changer. Penned by Section President Jennifer King and brought to life with captivating black-centric illustrations by Dr. Ajuan Mance, “Queenie Gets Her Shots” tells the inspiring story of Queenie, a spirited five-year-old on the cusp of starting school.
 
Facing vaccinations, Queenie hesitates, but her journey takes a heartwarming turn thanks to her brother Miles, friends Duc and Isabel, and the awe-inspiring contributions of Black men and women to U.S. immunization history.
 
Let’s stand together in empowering our communities with knowledge and dispelling vaccination fears. Order your copies of “Queenie Gets Her Shots” now through NCNW at eohncnw.org and be part of this transformative movement!

Immunizations and Black America: A Disparity Gap in Access and Distribution Plus a Healthy Mistrust

Routine immunizations have been shown to be one of the best ways to protect your health. Not only do they stop the spread of these contagious diseases, but they also protect those around you. When you get vaccinated, you are also protecting the lives of those in your community.
 
Yet Black Americans are significantly more likely to be affected by vaccine-preventable diseases. The best way to stay current on immunizations is to be informed. Make sure to check out the AAWP Immunization resources HERE.

AAWP Founder, Dr. Michael LeNoir’s Health Tip of the Day

New COVID vaccines are coming to the U.S. this Fall — but many Americans may not take them. Pfizer, Moderna and Novavax are slated to deliver new single-strain coronavirus shots targeting the new omicron subvariant XBB.1.5 in September 2023. Only about 17% of the U.S. population — around 56 million people got the shot last year. There are still 519 people dying each week from COVID-19. It recommended most, for patients over 65, and I’m way over that..so I’m getting it. For more information, visit AAWellnessProject.org.

AAWP Health Equity Program on Obesity and its Direct Impact on CV/Diabetes and Asthma

We are thrilled to announce that we have received funding through AstraZeneca’s ACT on #HealthEquity! This contribution will support the AAWP in helping to comprehensively address health inequities related to obesity, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and respiratory conditions in African Americans. CLICK HERE to read more.

AAWP Partners with Linkwell Health to Provide Vital Prostate Cancer Information and Resources

African American Wellness Project and Linkwell Health Partner to Provide Vital Prostate Cancer Information and Resources During National Prostate Cancer Awareness MonthCLICK HERE to read more on this partnership. For tools, tips and resources about prostate cancer, CLICK HERE to read more.

AAWP Launches the “And Black America” Campaign Series

The African American Wellness Project Launches the “And Black America” Campaign Series to Celebrate Anniversary of the Passing of the Civil Rights Act and Address Healthcare Inequities that Still Exist Today! CLICK HERE to read more.

AAWP Delivers  — Health Information You Can Trust

Our mission is to  improve the health of the African-American community by serving as a megaphone for trusted information that enables and encourages African Americans to better navigate the healthcare system, advocate for themselves, and receive improved care, regardless of insurance or circumstances.

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The AAWP is proud to play a role in helping launch the Digital Health for Equitable Health (#DHEH) Alliance. This is a milestone for the future of #healthcare for underserved communities to help create a more accessible and inclusive #digitalhealth society.

Black Patients Dress Up and Modify Speech to Reduce Bias, California Survey Shows

My quote from a recent report from Kaiser Health News seemed to miss my point. In “Black Patients Dress Up and Modify Speech to Reduce Bias, California Survey Shows”, the point I’m trying to make is that the healthcare system is geared against Black patients regardless of how they dress or speak. Dressing and speaking well in my experience has little to do with how Black people are treated.

Many studies support the notion that often black patients don’t get the same quality care as white patients in similar healthcare systems. I thought I had clearly conveyed to the reporter that both unconscious and conscious bias on the part of providers was commonplace. This article implies that we have the option to get that care if we dress or speak well. Certainly, that is not my experience. You? 

And the title of the article implies that most Black people will do that. While it may be more common than with other ethnic groups, I have no statistics at hand nor does it certainly not approach a statistical number that would imply that it was mostly Black people who feel this way.

I appreciate anyone who takes on this issue in a public way. If anything, perhaps it will raise the collective consciousness of Black patients on what they may face in trying to get good health care across all aspects of the system. But I have little evidence that the system will change anytime soon. That is why we at the African American Wellness Project strongly encourage all patients, particularly those that are Black, to develop the tools necessary to deal with a system that often has little respect for you.

By being prepared for visits.

If necessary, have an advocate.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions or ask for a second opinion.

For more information, go to our website at www.aawellnessproject.org

Let Us Help you Determine What Vaccinations You Need

If you are unsure of what vaccination you or your child needs take one of these short, quick quizzes today!
 
You can also access child and adolescent schedules, for children ages 18 years or younger, here or adult schedules here.

AAWP Events This Week

Reframing Rescue Therapy To Help Prevent Asthma Exacerbations

Asthma is a serious problem in the African American Community, fortunately there is some great research happening to help patients manage their asthma.

Join our speaker Dr. Demondes Haynes, MD, FCCP, of the University of Mississippi Medical Center, who will discuss the research and health solutions including AirSupra, understanding the potential and addressing patient concerns. Click above to watch.

The Current MIS-Perception of Asthma Control: Using Evidence-based Tools to Advance

the Identification and Management of Uncontrolled Asthma Across Disease Severities

Join us for a special presentation to learn more about Asthma and how it affects African Americans

In partnership with BlackDoctor.org and AstraZeneca, the African American Wellness Project is proud to present this important presentation on Asthma in the African American Community, and how we can be more informed about this condition.

Our presenter is Dr. Deborah Simmons, Family Nurse Practitioner in Philadelphia, PA, with years of experience in advanced lung disease and pulmonary hypertension. 

We hope you enjoy this timely message.

Unburdening Asthma: Simple Insights into a Challenging Problem.  Join us for a special presentation to learn more about Asthma and how it affects African Americans

In partnership with BlackDoctor.org and AstraZeneca, the African American Wellness Project is proud to present this important presentation on Asthma in the African American Community, and how we can be more informed about this condition.

Our presenter is Demondes Haynes MD,  Executive Vice Chair, Dept. of Medicine, Professor of Medicine, UMMC. 

We hope you enjoy this timely message and as mentioned in the video, if you want to learn more please visit this resource,  AIRQ, by going to AirQscore.com.

AAWP Heart Health Month featuring Michael Lightfoot
Michael Lightfoot hosts fitness and health to help guide and improve your health through his 9 step fitness program. Today, we will be moving our bodies through cardio and body/weight exercises. Tune in and enjoy this 9 step journey to fitness with the AAWP.
Did you know that African American women have the highest rates of obesity or being overweight compared to other groups in the United States? In 2018,
  • Non-Hispanic Blacks were 1.3 times more likely to be obese as compared to non-Hispanic whites.
  • African American women were 50 percent more likely to be obese than non-Hispanic white women.
  • African Americans were 20 percent less likely to engage in active physical activity as compared to non-Hispanic whites.
  • People who are overweight are more likely to suffer from high blood pressure, high levels of blood fats, diabetes and LDL cholesterol – all risk factors for heart disease and stroke.

Read more here at AAWP Obesity in Older African American Adults.

Wednesday’s Wisdom is from DB Bedford, AAWP panelist of our Mental Health Initiative. Mr. Bedford recently participated in AAWP’s “Profiled: The Black Man,” that examined the origins of the widespread stereotypes that have permeated society and impacted the lives of Black males in America for centuries.
 
CLICK HERE to watch Mr. Bedford discuss mental health in the African American community.
July is Healthy Vision Month! African Americans have some of the highest rates of vision loss and blindness caused by eye disease — and these rates are getting higher. Many eye diseases have no early warning signs but the good news is that comprehensive dilated eye exams can find many of these eye diseases early, when they’re often easier to treat. Learn more HERE and visit https://aawellnessproject.org/ for more information.

AAWP Partners

AAWP Delivers  — Answers You Need

We Are Proud to Announce  —  AAWP & Healthwise Partnership

AAWP is proud to announce our partnership with Healthwise. This partnership allows us to bring you the most accurate up to date online health resource in the U.S.. Now you can get reliable, vetted answers to your health questions.  We provide information you need to make better healthcare decisions.

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Come Join Us

Receive our Newsletter for the latest Medical News and Tips to help you and your family get the best medical care possible.

 
We never sell or rent your information.


Health Answers For You

We have them…

AAWP is proud to offer the Healthwise Medical Knoweldgebase, with doctor-recommended content and tools that help prepare patients for their appointments and show them how to better manage their medical care. Trusted, high quality, unbiased health information.

SYMPTOM CHECKER

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The AAWP – Healthwise Symptom Checker is designed with a body map to help you understand what your medical symptoms could mean, and provide you with the trusted information.

Who has the problem?

Just click on the button below — choose either the man, woman or child and follow the prompts and answer the questions .

How to get the most out of medical appointments   —  This Is How We Do It

We will be providing tip sheets about things you should do and questions you should ask during medical appointments. We want to empower you with knowledge, so that you can get the best care possible for you and your family.

AAWP Online and On-air Nationwide

We believe that health disparities will continue to exist, only if we allow them to continue. We have to step up and take the lead.


Our impact
AAWP focuses on those tools that you need to get the best quality healthcare regardless of insurance or circumstance.
OUR MISSION

 To direct resources (dollars, services, information etc.) towards empowering the African American Community to improve health outcomes and promote wellness.

In partnership with VNR1 Communications, AAWP produces Health Information Public Service Announcements