We need you, sis! I want to start this off with a serious, rarely spoken, truth. Black women are so necessary to this world. We are the leaders in education, growing business owners, in the community, church, trends, etc. Black women are necessary. Yet, heart disease in black women is increasingly taking us out.
Heart Disease is Real
After suffering a bilateral pulmonary embolism as a result of birth control use, I developed hypertension (high blood pressure). Untreated, this can cause multiple health conditions including heart disease. A few years later, I have it controlled but as of now, I still require medication.
I’m working hard to no longer need medication to control it. To achieve this, I know how important it is for me to disrupt the narrative and switch things up. I had to learn to put myself first and REST.
Black women are givers by default. Our nurturing ability makes us put others before ourselves.
Systemic Stereotypes
Society has perpetuated the idea that black women are not like “ladylike”. Nor do they require the things those women enjoy: vacations, relaxation, ? Instead, we can be worked infinitely. And not expectant of a reprieve. Mammy takes care of everyone. Period. And in 2021, you and I are expected (even within our own community) to continue this behavior.
REST, sis
What Black women need is rest. Literal rest, of course, but in this article I am using REST as an acronym for practices that can truly help us change the trajectory of heart disease in Black women.
Read well. I make time everyday for reading. I find 30 pages a day as a comforting practice. During this time of reading, you are giving your body and mind some much needed rest. Allowing the peace of the day to come into your spiit and remove the business and craziness from the day. This is especially helpful for someone who doesn’t know how to find their own time. Book reading becomes it. Get swept up in a really good book. Check out one of our Real Women Read features for inspiration.
Eat well. Trust me, this was difficult for me to grasp. But once I moved into the Land of Truth, I realized I was eating like a 20 year old college student. I really needed to add more vegetables and fruit to my diet. I’m a serious flexitarian, so I implement my meatless days into my week. I also don’t deprive myself of meat or good things (sweets). What I’ve found is that the awareness of doing what is best for my body helps me enjoy food in moderation. This is key for fighting heart disease in Black women.
Sleep well. Naps are amazing. This is why you put your baby down for a nap, so that they won’t be fussy. The need for a nap doesn’t just end when a child is able to move through the fussy phase. Their fussiness just shows up some other way (fighting kids or saying no all the time). In other words, get your butt to bed. Often. Sleep does wonders for your whole health.
Think well. Talk well. Test well. Yes, this particular letter gets many points. Mindfulness is a powerful tool that we must learn how to utilize. As within, so without. What you think will manifest in your life. So think positive thoughts. The way we talk is just as powerful. Speak purpose and positivity over your life. And finally, be sure to visit your physician regularly to stay on top of any changes and strive to test well each visit.
Again, you are needed! Sisters, we need to do all that we can to fight heart disease and save ourselves. Click here for more information on heart disease and how it affects Black women in our community.
