Did you know there are 7,000 rare diseases affecting 4.3 million Black Americans? Obtaining a rare disease diagnosis can be very difficult and takes approximately 7 years on average. On the "Breaking Barriers to Rare Disease Diagnosis" you’ll hear from Jessica Biggs who is the Health Equity Program Development and Outreach Specialist for Angioma Alliance.  As the Health Equity Program Development and Outreach Specialist she leads equity, diversity, & inclusion efforts both in targeted outreach programs including the grant-funded Breaking Barriers Initiative.

Jessica has a background in the community health and promotion field, working to improve socioeconomic and racial disparities within her local community, and has worked for local school nutrition programs, county organizations, and most recently the RUHS-Black Infant Health program. Jessica received a Master of Public Health from Grand Canyon University and possesses a Bachelor of Science degree majoring in Nutrition and Food Science with a Minor in Education.

Let's Connect:

IG: @blackhealthlit

Twitter: @blackhealthlit

Website(s):

www.blackhealthlit.org

https://www.blackccm.org/

On the "Cancer Changes Everything" episode host Rachel ‘Rae’ Crowder had a conversation with Mediocre Tutorials and Reviews about his journey with testicular cancer and what it's taught him about life. You'll also hear a little bit about Rae's journey with breast cancer and why early detection is key. 

Let's Connect:

IG: @blackhealthlit, @mediocretutorialsandreviews

Twitter: @blackhealthlit

Website(s): www.blackhealthlit.org

November is National Diabetes Month. On the The Facts on Food and Diabetes episode host Rachel ‘Rae’ Crowder had a conversation with Ashya Walden who is a Registered Dietitian and Certified Diabetes Education Specialist. She is dedicated to helping her clients unlock the healing power of  food.  Ashya completed her Bachelor of Science in Dietetics at Keiser University, her Bachelor of Science in Nutritional Science at Michigan State University, and her Masters of Arts in Organizational Management at Ashford University. Ashya possesses over 10 years of experience , working with patients in the areas of  food sensitivities, food allergies, meal preparation, meal planning, diabetes management and weight management . She grew up in Fort Lauderdale, Florida; and it was in South Florida that she met her husband. 

Let's Connect:

IG: @blackhealthlit @freshessencellc

Twitter: @blackhealthlit

Website(s):

www.blackhealthlit.org

https://www.myfreshessence.com/

November is National Healthy Skin Month! On the "Black Skin Health" episode you'll learn from Dr. Shari Hicks-Graham what a dermatologies is, when to get those moles checked, and how to keep your skin healthy. Dr. Shari Hicks-Graham is a leading skin care specialist that provides comprehensive medical and cosmetic dermatology services to children, teenagers, women and men who want healthier skin. She helps her patients manage chronic and acute skin conditions, as well as fight the signs of aging and have incredible skin for their lifetimes. Tune in, get educated, be inspired, live healthy!

Let's Connect:

IG: @blackhealthlit, @downtowndermatology

Twitter: @blackhealthlit

Website(s):

www.blackhealthlit.org, https://columbusdowntownderm.com/

On the Single-Parenting & BLACK Women's Health". In this conversation you’ll learn about how single-parenthood impacts Black women’s health and some advice on how to make your health a priority with limited time and resources. Our featured guest is Dr. Kamilah Marie (Williams) who is a board-certified family physician, podcaster and wellness transformation coach with a passion for single moms, as well as holistic and metabolic health.   After her divorce, she was challenged by obesity and personal health problems, and sought out a natural lifestyle for lasting weight loss.  Instead, she discovered the power of embracing spiritual, emotional, physical, relational and mental wellness to heal her body, mind and spirit.   She now loves to help single moms and women curate personalized wellness plans, so that they can lose weight (if they so desire), live well and thrive intentionally.

Let's Connect:

IG: @blackhealthlit, @thechristianwellnessdoc, @thesinglewell

Twitter: @blackhealthlit

Website(s):

www.blackhealthlit.org, https://thesinglewell.lpages.co/dr-milah/

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. On the Navigating Breast Cancer episode you'll hear from host Rachel ‘Rae’ Crowder about why Breast Self-Exams are so important and how she's navigating Breast Cancer.

Let's Connect:

IG: @blackhealthlit

Twitter: @blackhealthlit

Website(s):

www.blackhealthlit.org

How to do Breast Self-Exam 

Source of Breast Cancer Statistics  

On the "Writing as Therapy”  host Rachel 'Rae' Crowder had a discussion with poet and writer Quartez Harris about the impact of home life on Black children’s access to learning as well as how writing can help to achieve mental clarity. Quartez Harris is the author of the debut full-length poetry collection We Made It To School Alive, published by Twelve Arts Press. The collection eloquently centers the humanity of students of color while revealing how they establish self-worth and optimism in spite of a backdrop of structural barriers.

Let's Connect:

Twitter: @blackhealthlit

Website(s):

www.blackhealthlit.org

Did you know that Black American women have the highest rates of obesity in the United States? About 4 out of 5 Black American women and 7 out of 10 men are overweight or obese. When we are overweight or obese we are more likely to suffer from high blood pressure, high levels of blood fats, diabetes and LDL cholesterol which increases our risk of heart disease and stroke. Today’s episode is titled “Decoding Obesity”. I had a chance to talk with Dr. Jamy Ard, MD about obesity as disease, food swamps, obesity, treatment barriers, legislation, and how we can all take action to get legislation passed for the treatment of obesity.

Dr. Ard is a clinical researcher focused on studying strategies to treat obesity in adults. He co-directs the Wake Forest Baptist Health Weight Management Center, where he oversees the medical weight management programs. In their center, their teams use a variety of state-of-the-art approaches to treat obesity, ranging from surgery and medications to lifestyle therapy with remote monitoring. He has particular interests in working with specific populations of adults who either suffer from obesity disparities or where obesity treatment is particularly challenging. This includes individuals from ethnic minority groups like African Americans, older adults, and those with severe obesity. He is also a HBCU graduate of Morehouse College and has been a featured as a contributor in Blavity News.

Let's Connect:

IG: @blackhealthlit

Twitter: @blackhealthlit, @drard

Website(s):

www.blackhealthlit.org

https://obesitycareadvocacynetwork.com/advocacy/TROA

September is National Sexual Health Awareness Month!!! On the "Let's Talk Sex" episode host Rachel 'Rae' Crowder had a chance to talk with Alexis Thompson who currently works as a health educator for the Florida Department of Health Sarasota County. Feeding her love of science and community health, Alexis received a Master’s Degree in Medical Science from the University of South Florida. She also holds a Master’s Degree in Public Health from George Washington University. Throughout her professional public health career, Alexis has worked with multiple nonprofit organizations globally promoting healthcare access and literacy; specializing in reproductive health. Alexis continues to nurture her unwavering passion for eliminating health disparities by dedicating her efforts to several community initiatives. During her free time Alexis can be found snapping photos for her photography business, traveling or spending time with her family.

Tune in to the "Let's Talk Sex" episode for tips on STD/STI testing, safe sex, and advocating for yourself. 

Let's Connect:

IG: @blackhealthlit @lex_theexplorer

Twitter: @blackhealthlit

Website(s):

www.blackhealthlit.org

On the "Getting to Happy" episode host Rachel ‘Rae’ Crowder had a conversation with Ashley Grayson, PHR  about her journey from postpartum depression to pure joy and happiness. 

Ashley is a Professional in Human Resources, a mother, wife and native of Columbus, Ohio. She received her bachelor’s Degree in Human Resources from The Ohio State University. Ashley serves as Talent Acquisition Specialist with American Electric Power. In her role she is responsible for managing the recruitment strategies and employment opportunities of associates. She also manages the company’s associate culture and engagement programs.

In addition to her professional work, she is passionate about service to the community. Ashley served on the Executive Leadership Board of Columbus Urban League Young Professionals as Membership Chair. She is a dedicated member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. where she has served in various leadership positions.

In relation to Ashley’s side hustles, she is the Founder of Allure Events LLC, Just Friends 614, and new Owner of The Antique Suite event venue. Through her various platforms, she has been able to create empowering and uplifting experiences, execute visions, and make lasting impressions on the hearts and minds of all people.

Let's Connect:

IG: @blackhealthlit, mzashley_allure

Twitter: @blackhealthlit

Website(s):

www.blackhealthlit.org