The Black Doctors Speak Podcast

Did you know that African Americans are three times more likely to die from asthma than other racial groups in the United States? Asthma is a serious condition that severely impacts the Black community, yet it is commonly forgotten about when discussing health conditions that impact the community. Today's episode of the Black Doctors Speak Podcast will help answer any questions you might have about this serious condition.

The episode starts off with a conversation between host Dr. Michael LeNoir and Mr. Ellis Dean of Blackdoctor.org about the importance of COVID-19 vaccinations and the persisting severity of the Coronavirus. With the Delta variant spreading aggressively throughout the country, Dr. LeNoir lines up some of the reasons why people should ensure they are receiving their vaccines. Also included in this episode is a quick PSA from actor Delroy Lindo about his personal experience with the Coronavirus and the reasons why he believes people should prioritize their vaccinations.

The guest joining in on this episode is Dr. LeRoy Graham, a world expert in the diagnosis and treatment of asthma. He brings his expertise to the podcast to discuss the reasons why African Americans are so heavily impacted by asthma, including environmental and historical factors. He also goes into some of the steps to diagnosing asthma, and pillars of treatment for the lifelong disease. Does marijuana have an impact on asthma severity? How do you know if your asthma is under control or if you need a new treatment plan? Tune in to this informative episode to get answers to all of your questions on asthma in the black community.

Did you know that black people are 50% more likely to die of cancer than white people? This is not the only shocking statistic surrounding cancer prevalence and treatment. This is why today's episode of Black Doctors Speak is dedicated to sharing the important information specifically surrounding prostate cancer. There are many misconceptions about prostate cancer, such as the idea that all different types and grades of this cancer are the same. Many people misunderstand the complexities, treatment options and the widespread presence of prostate cancer.

Joining Dr. LeNoir for today's installment of Black Doctors Speak is a world expert in all types of prostate cancer, Dr. Mack Roach. Dr. Roach is devoted to promoting health equity for all men with prostate cancer, and is currently a professor of Radiation Oncology at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF).

Dr. LeNoir and Dr. Roach delve into the specifics of prostate cancer in this episode, discussing the different medical screenings that are necessary for diagnosis and early intervention, how race impacts the outcomes of prostate cancer patients, and more. Dr. Roach also goes into some of the specifics of the different types of prostate cancer and ideas about why the age suggestions for prostate screenings exist.

Why is prostate cancer more prevalent in black men? Is it due to racism, chronic stress, comorbidities, or is it due to the black community's reluctance to get routine tests? Hear Dr. Roach and Dr. LeNoir's thoughts about the reasons for this health disparity on this Black Doctors Speak episode. Dr. LeNoir also goes into some quick COVID-19 updates that you should be aware of at the end of this episode. Stay tuned for future Black Doctors Speak episodes on important health topics.

This week's episode of Black Doctors Speak is all about sickle cell disease. Sickle cell is a genetic blood disorder in which red blood cells become hard and appear like the C-shaped sickle tool, which can be very painful and difficult to manage. Sickle cell anemia commonly impacts the Black community, as it occurs in about 1 in every 365 Black or African American births. Even greater is the amount of Black or African American babies born with the sickle cell trait, which is about 1 in every 13. If you are curious to learn more about sickle cell, tune into this informative episode of Black Doctors Speak!

Today, Dr. LeNoir opens up the episode by recognizing the importance of receiving the COVID-19 vaccination, and provides updates on the changing landscape of the virus. Following updates on the Coronavirus is an informative discussion on the ins-and-outs of sickle cell disease. To discuss this important topic, Dr. LeNoir is joined by Mr. John Burns from the Black Women's Health Imperative, an attorney and partner at Burns Brothers, a culture-driven diversity agency. Also joining in on this important episode is Dr. Doris Browne, a past President of the National Medical Association and distinguished hematologist and oncologist, as well as Mr. Ty Montgomery, running back for the New Orleans Saints, who is also a carrier of the sickle cell trait.

This panel of guests dive into some of the details of sickle cell that are unknown to much of the public. They dive into the differences between the sickle cell trait and sickle cell disease, the importance of testing for the trait, as well as some complications that come with diagnosing and treating sickle cell. Mr. Montgomery offers some insight on what it was like to be a professional athlete living with the sickle cell trait, and how he handled this diagnosis throughout his personal and professional life. Mr. Burns also goes in to the specifics of what the Black Women's Health Imperative is doing to help educate the public and advocate for those living with sickle cell. Tune in to this episode to learn all about this disease that severely impacts the black community.

June is Men's Health Month, and The Black Doctors Speak Podcast is bringing you an episode all about black men's health in America. Historically and currently, black men's health outcomes are poorer than those of other communities when it comes to life expectancy, morbidity, chronic illnesses and more. A common question that is raised regarding the health of black men is; is the black community responsible for their own poor health outcomes? Or is it the fault of systemic and institutional failures that black people lack the resources to adequately care for their health? These questions and many more will be addressed by the panel of experts in this episode of Black Doctors Speak.

Today's first guest is Dr. Oliver Brooks, Past President of the National Medical Association (NMA), Chief Medical Officer at Watts Healthcare, and Medical Director for LA Care Health Plan. Also featured on this episode is Dr. Rodney Hood, who is another Past President of the NMA, an Internal Medical Specialist and Managing Partner of Care View Medical Group. These two experts join Dr. LeNoir and Mr. Ellis Dean of BlackDoctor.Org for a lively and informative discussion of all things related to black men's health!

Dr. LeNoir kicks off the episode by discussing the current state of the COVID-19 pandemic as it relates to the Delta strain and it's growing dominance in the United States. The doctors discuss the two-fold importance of receiving the COVID vaccination. Not only are vaccinated people protecting their own health, but they are also protecting the health of their community, families and loved ones. The guests expand on this and why receiving your vaccine is so crucial, especially for members of the black community.

Following the COVID-19 updates is a lively discussion on the big questions surrounding black men and health. The experts touch on topics such as food deserts, schooling and education, exercise and racism in healthcare, which can all impact black men's health outcomes. Additionally, they touch on some of the misconceptions that bad lifestyle choices are solely to blame for the poor health seen in the black male community. Tune in to this episode to stay updated on all of the relevant topics surrounding black men's health!

Dr. Michael LeNoir and Ellis Dean from BlackDoctor.org discuss the Social Emotional Role of the Black Father with guest speaker Macheo Payne, Ed.D, Executive Director of Community and Youth Outreach. Dr. Michael LeNoir and Ellis Dean from BlackDoctor.org discuss the Social Emotional Role of the Black Father with guest speaker Macheo Payne, Ed.D, Executive Director of Community and Youth Outreach.

The role of a father in a child's social emotional development is very important. Fathers have the opportunity to provide a support system which can facilitate their children's development and understanding of their emotions and relationships as they grow. This episode of the Black Doctors Speak Podcast is all about fatherhood, with an emphasis on the social emotional role of the Black father.

Dr. LeNoir speaks with guest Dr. Macheo Payne, Executive Director of Community & Youth Outreach. He talks with Dr. LeNoir about the many different aspects of a father's role in the social and emotional development of their children, utilizing his own personal experiences on the successes and failures of emotional parenting. Dr. Payne also identifies parental triggers and responses to the social emotional needs of children. Also discussed in this episode are some social & emotional issues that are important to understand for progressive and supportive parenting, as well as how to engage in active listening.

The American healthcare system has a history of ignoring the health and wellness needs of Black women. Time and time again, African American women experience negative health outcomes, whether it be related to pregnancy and birth or other health related experiences. Research and statistics have revealed that this issue of poor health outcomes for Black women is a unique product of medical racism and discrimination in the United States, not a result of genetic difference between Black women and women of other races. Knowing all of this information, the question remains, what can be done to reconcile these health disparities being faced by so many African American women? This episode of Black Doctors Speak will explore these timely, complex issues that Black women are facing.

Dr. LeNoir is joined by a number of guests on this episode to discuss these important topics. Firstly, we hear from Dr. LaTonya Washington, President of the Bluff City Medical Society, which has worked for decades to eradicate health disparities. Dr. Washington & Dr. LeNoir engage in an informational discussion on why the COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionately impacted Black and brown communities, and the importance of receiving the COVID vaccinations.

Next, Dr. LeNoir is accompanied by Dr. Kanika Harris, a health equity strategist, birth justice advocate and expert on maternal health from the Black Women's Health Imperative, as they explore a number of topics related to the health of Black women in America. The Black Women's Health Imperative is dedicated to fighting for the health equality of Black women, and this episode of Black Doctors Speak will give insight into the issues being faced by Black women, including COVID-19, maternal health and more!

This episode also features Kineta Sealey, Esq. who works as the policy counsel for the Black Women's Health Imperative. She shares some details with Dr. LeNoir about legislation which would advocate for and protect Black women's health, and discusses how things such as climate change can exacerbate inequality in health outcomes.

This discussion on what the Asthma and Allergy provides for patients with these problems. No one should be sick with asthma. In addition, they have been working on the issue of COVID in underserved communities and with a church based asthma program called NOT ONE MORE LIFE..founded by Dr. Leroy Graham...a template on how Black Churches can impact the asthma crisis in the African American community.

Dr. Michael LeNoir is joined by Tonya Winders is on the Board of Directors of the American Respiratory Care Foundation and is the current president of the Global Allergy & Airways Patient Platform representing more than 50 respiratory patient organizations throughout the world.

Dr. Michael LeNoir and Ellis Dean from BlackDoctor.org discuss the impact of racism on the health of African Americans. What is unique about this discussion is how racism affects the health of all people in this society.

If you're a Human Service Worker, caregiver, or you work with at-risk populations as a counselor, social worker, parole officer, medical or mental health professional, or in any of the dozens of helping professions, Surviving Compassion Fatigue: Help for those who help others is for you. You will learn about one woman's physical and emotional descent due to years of self-neglect. You will also learn about her recovery as well as how to serve and care for others without forgetting to take care of yourself.This book is full of practical wisdom and advice for those in the helping professions and caregivers. It tells Beverly's story, as well as the stories of others who have neglected their own self-care. But more than that, it educates those in the helping professions and in caregiver roles about the importance of strategies for consistent self-care. Find out how you may be putting yourself at risk and learn skills, techniques and strategies to restore and maintain self regulation, physical and emotional wellness and inner calm while still caring for those in need. You owe it to yourself.

Diabetes impacts every 1-in-10 people and prediabetes impacts every 1-in-3, with rates being among the highest for African Americans. Coupled with the fact that diabetes dramatically increases your chances of having a stroke or heart attack, and is a contributing factor to many other health issues, it's easy to see why we must take this seriously. So, what can we do to avoid falling victim to this crippling disease?

Dr. LeNoir is joined by Dr. Lenore Coleman, a Pharmacist and Founder of Healing Our Village, as they offer you the tools you need to prevent and manage diabetes.