Let’s talk health and wellness…
Dear Black women, if you don’t take away anything from Simone Biles or Naomi Osaka, remember to take care of you! Both women stepped back in the name of mental health. Biles withdrew from the team competition and the individual all-around competition at the Tokyo Olympics. And Osaka pulled out of the French Open and Wimbledon this year to focus on her mental wellbeing. They are two women who are part of a cultural problem.
It is no secret that African Americans are at a disadvantage when it comes to our health. African Americans ages 18-49 are two times more likely to die from heart disease than whites, and African Americans ages 35-64 are 50% more likely to have high blood pressure than whites.
In 2019, suicide was the second leading cause of death among Blacks or African Americans between the ages 15-24, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health.
These statistics make it clear that African Americans need to place more focus on not only their nutrition and fitness but also their mental health. Thankfully, there are podcasts that discuss all these topics. Below are three podcasts hosted by women of color that you should listen to for tips on your physical and mental health. And a reminder to put your self-care first.
The Food Heaven Podcast
https://www.instagram.com/p/CON910pDBzQ/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
The Food Heaven Podcast touches on nutrition. Registered dietitian nutritionists, Wendy Lopez and Jessica Jones, are the hosts and best friends.
The podcast dives into topics like health at every size (HAES), food and culture, intuitive eating, and body acceptance, according to its website. Other episodes touch on Black veganism, prediabetes, fertility, and skincare.
Lopez and Jones have new episodes every Wednesday. Often, the ladies will invite different health and nutrition experts to inform listeners on how to live healthier lives.
The Food Heaven Podcast is available on Apple and Spotify.
The Black Girl Fit Files
https://www.instagram.com/p/CErb2Mphaiy/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
The Black Girl Fit Files is a great podcast for exercise because it’s all about fitness. Host Dalijah Amelia is a professional pole dancer and founder of the organization, Black Girls Pole.
The podcast is an “informative, funny and sometimes petty podcast that discusses health and fitness for women of color,” according to its website.
Aside from the obvious pole dancing, Amelia and her guests talk about cross-training, postpartum, and self-identity. Plus there are tips from fitness influencers and discussions on celebrating body positivity.
The Black Girl Fit Files is available on Apple and Spotify.
Therapy For Black Girls Podcast
https://www.instagram.com/p/CRzfsRas429/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Therapy For Black Girls Podcast is all about mental health. Dr. Joy Bradford, a licensed psychologist, is the host. Bradford’s work also focuses on making mental health topics more relevant.
The podcast’s website describes it as “a weekly chat about all things mental health, personal development, and all the small decisions we can make to become the best possible versions of ourselves.” ADHD, PTSD, and meditation are also focal points in her episodes.
Her episodes offer resources for Black women, including therapy outlets. One of her goals is also breaking through the stigma that surrounds mental health in the Black community.
