As COVID-era Affordable Care Act subsidies are set to expire, enrollees across the country say they are bracing for sharply higher premiums, higher deductibles and tougher choices. With Congress failing to extend the tax credits, some families plan to downgrade coverage or drop insurance entirely, warning the loss will strain household budgets and heighten financial and health risks.
Category: Health
Posted inHealth
Healthy moms, healthy babies: A look at preventing gestational diabetes
Gestational diabetes affects five to nine percent of U.S. pregnancies, with Black women facing higher long-term diabetes risk. With lifestyle changes, monitoring, and medical guidance, the condition can be managed to support a healthy pregnancy and baby
Posted inHealth
From misdiagnosis to mission: How Kyhla Desire fights for Black children with diabetes
Kyhla Desire was misdiagnosed twice before her Type 1 diabetes was correctly identified at age five, highlighting the challenges Black children face in receiving timely care. Today, she channels her experience into advocacy as a founding youth board member of the African American Diabetes Association, working to bring education, support and life-saving resources directly into Black communities.
Posted inHealth
Six vaccines that can keep you safe this holiday season
By Jennifer Porter GoreWord in Black Christmas, Kwanzaa and other end-of-year holidays typically mean travel followed by close indoor contact with friends or loved ones — near-perfect conditions for nasty airborne viruses to spread. And when it comes to communicable illnesses, experts say, this holiday season is going to be a doozy. This December, public […]
Posted inHealth
In churches and communities, a new model for men’s health emerges
In the absence of a federal Office of Men’s Health, faith leaders and veterans are stepping up to fill the gap. Through grassroots advocacy and personal storytelling, John Bruce and Charles Flanagain are challenging stigma, promoting early screenings and redefining community health for men across the Southeast.
Posted inHealth
Can Type 2 diabetes be reversed?
By Tashi McQueenAFRO Staff Writertmcqueen@afro.com Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic, life-altering condition affecting more than 35 million Americans. The disease occurs when a person’s cells do not respond to insulin properly, causing high blood sugar levels. Excess glucose in the blood can harm the body, potentially damaging the kidneys, heart and eyes. […]
Posted inHealth
Overlooked and at risk: Diabetes crisis growing among people with developmental disabilities
Diabetes is on the rise among individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, who face barriers to maintaining physical activity and accessing healthcare.
Posted inHealth
A survivor’s message to women: ‘Don’t wait, get screened for breast cancer’
Breast cancer survival improves with early detection and consistent screenings. Valarie Traynham, a survivor, stresses the importance of being vigilant about symptoms and speaking up to ensure proper care.
Posted inBaltimore News
One Baltimore event unites leaders around mental wellness, healing and community action
KEYS Development’s “One Baltimore” gathering brought together mental health providers, elected officials and community leaders to strengthen collaboration around healing, emotional wellness and youth support in the city. Speakers, including Mayor Brandon Scott and Sen. Antonio Hayes, emphasized that building a healthier Baltimore requires collective leadership, sustained investment and community-driven action.
Posted inBaltimore News
New law brings equitable health services to Baltimore City students
Baltimore City is expanding healthcare access in schools, providing students and families with vaccinations, dental, vision and mental health services. The new law aims to ensure equitable care and support student well-being.
Posted inHealth
Laila’s Gift hosts inaugural We C.A.R.E. Conference for caregivers
Laila’s Gift hosted its first We C.A.R.E. Conference in Annapolis, Md., providing caregivers of children with special needs with education, resources and community support. The event also introduced the Laila Elopement Awareness and Dissemination (LEAD) Act to address elopement risks statewide.
Posted inOPINION
Opinion: World AIDS Day highlights Caribbean’s widening HIV burden
The Caribbean continues to carry a disproportionate HIV burden, with rising infections, disrupted prevention services and deep structural inequalities undermining decades of progress. On World AIDS Day, Wayne Campbell urges renewed political leadership, accurate public education and rights-centered responses to counter complacency, stigma and the risky conditions that fuel HIV transmission across the region.