(Image courtesy Black Health Matters) By Black Health Matters The recent rollout of two newly authorized COVID-19 vaccines is a bright light at the end of what has been a very dark year while the world lives with the coronavirus pandemic. Front line health care workers and nursing home residents started receiving the vaccine a […]
Author Archives: Black Health Matters
Is your blood pressure too high
(Photo courtesy BlackHealthMatters.com) By Black Health Matters A new study found that awareness, control and treatment of high blood pressure has dropped among United States adults. Nearly half of adults live with high blood pressure, also called hypertension. It’s defined as a blood pressure reading of 130/80 mm Hg or higher, or by taking medication […]
Representation matters: The importance of diversity and inclusion in clinical trials
(Image courtesy BlackHealthMatters.com) By Black Health Matters Diversity in clinical trials matters. When participants in clinical trials look like the diverse world we live in – everyone benefits. Clinical trials are health-related research studies that study and evaluate the safety and efficacy of investigational medicines, vaccines, and medical devices on humans. Before a new medicine, […]
NephCure’s COVID-19 vaccine FAQs for kidney disease patients
(Photo courtesy BlackHealthMatters) By Black Health Matters With the release of the new COVID-19 vaccines come feelings of hope and relief, along with a few questions. Considering all of the new information being distributed, it is understandable that some of us may feel overwhelmed, especially those of us who are most vulnerable to the virus. […]
Turning pain into purpose: Al Roker shares prostate cancer story, urges Black men to get tested
Al Roker By Black Health Matters Al Roker, America’s longtime beloved weatherman, journalist and television personality publicly revealed his prostate cancer diagnosis alongside his TODAY show co-hosts on Nov.6. For years, Al has been a vocal advocate for men’s health and has actively taken part in annual prostate cancer PSA’s to encourage men, especially Black […]
Should you be worried about your mental health?
(Photo courtesy Black Health Matters) By Black Health Matters Mental health refers to the general state of how you regulate your behavior, feelings and thoughts. There’s no standard for measuring what’s normal for you versus what could be a reason for concern in someone else, but poor mental health could negatively affect: How well you […]
The first-ever industry-wide principles on clinical trial diversity
By Courtney Christian, Senior Director, Policy and Research at PhRMA Late last year, PhRMA published the first ever industry-wide principles on clinical trial diversity, set to take effect in April 2021. At the core of these new principles is the need for our industry to better serve historically underserved populations and address the systemic issues […]
Can vitamin D prevent COVID-19?
(Photo courtesy Black Health Matters) By Black Health Matters You need vitamin D. And one of the best ways to get it is by being outside in the sun’s UV rays, which activate vitamin D production. But you’re most likely spending a lot of time indoors, both because it’s winter with its shorter days, and […]
Managing medications
(Photo courtesy Black Health Matters) By Black Health Matters Medications play a key role in helping many individuals, especially older adults, maintain their quality of life. However, for some, managing medications to achieve the best outcomes, can be a challenge. Why is medication management important, and who does it affect? Medication management is a problem […]
Don’t delay lung cancer screening
By Black Health Matters (Photo courtesy Black Health Matters) By Black Health Matters Have you put off getting a lung cancer screening or other routine screenings out of fear of diagnosis? But getting screened early can significantly improve your chances of survival if doctors find something abnormal. This is especially true in the case of […]
Girlfriends Day: Help your bestie stay healthy
By Black Health Matters Having friends is an important part of life. Celebrate female friendship and support your girlfriends by helping them stay safe and live well. Eat healthy when hanging out. Whether you’re gathered at home, a birthday celebration, or a girls’ night out, make healthy choices in what you eat and drink. Eat […]
Black and brown health care workers more likely to get COVID-19
A new study from Harvard Medical School shows that health care workers of color were five times more likely than the general population to test positive for COVID-19. (Courtesy of Black Health Matters) By Black Health Matters Health care workers of color were more likely to care for patients with suspected or confirmed COVID-19, more […]

