BMaternal Mortality Remains Alarmingly High for Black Women, Despite Overall Decline
By Stacy M. Brown News Provider
lack women in the United States continue to face the highest maternal mortality rates, dying at a rate more than three times higher than white women, according to a newly released report from the National Center for Health Statistics.
The report, published on Feb. 6, 2025, found that 669 women died from maternal causes in 2023, down from 817 in 2022. The overall maternal mortality rate declined from 22.3 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2022 to 18.6 in 2023. However, for Black women, the rate remained disproportionately high at 50.3 deaths per 100,000 live births—far exceeding the rates for white (14.5), Hispanic (12.4), and Asian (10.7) women.
Despite national efforts to address maternal health disparities, the mortality rate for Black women showed little change from the previous year, when it stood at 49.5. The data highlight persistent systemic inequities in healthcare access, quality of care, and medical intervention for Black mothers, who continue to experience higher rates of pregnancy-related complications and a greater likelihood of receiving inadequate medical attention.
Age remains a major risk factor, with maternal mortality rates significantly higher among women 40 and older. In 2023, the mortality rate for this age group was 59.8 deaths per 100,000 live births—nearly five times the rate for women under 25, which was 12.5. Among Black women aged 40 and older, the crisis is even more severe, with a mortality rate of 132.9 per 100,000 live births—more than twice the rate for white women in the same age category (56.6). For Black women between the ages of 25 and 39, the rate was 53.6, compared to 13.8 for white women.
While the report indicates a statistically significant decline in maternal mortality rates for white and Hispanic women, no such progress was observed for Black women. Researchers and public health advocates continue to point to long-standing racial disparities in maternal healthcare, calling for stronger policy measures to expand access to quality prenatal and postpartum care, increased funding for maternal health initiatives, and more comprehensive training for medical professionals to address implicit bias in treatment.
The 2023 maternal mortality statistics represent the most recent data available for researchers and were compiled from the National Vital Statistics System.
Source: NNPA Newswire
5 Ways to Prepare for Out-of-Pocket Health and Wellness Costs
ABy: d-mars.com
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ccording to McKinsey & Co., 82% of U.S. consumers consider wellness a top priority, with more than half saying they prioritize it more than they did a year ago. However, rising healthcare costs pose significant challenges to consumers, and an unpredictable healthcare payment landscape can leave them with substantial out-of-pocket expenses.
These expenses can force people to forgo the care they want or need, leading to poorer health outcomes.
Given these realities, it's important to consider the following steps to inform financial decisions about potential out-ofpocket health and wellness costs.
Research the cost of your procedures or services in advance. Many websites provide estimated costs of various procedures by region or provider. You can also get estimates by calling your insurance company or the provider directly in advance of your appointment.
Check if you qualify for subsidized coverage or financial
assistance. People with incomes below certain levels may be eligible for health coverage at reduced or no cost. Hospitals may offer free or discounted care, known as charity care, to people not able to pay.
Confirm with your provider and insurance company that you are maximizing health plan coverage. Take advantage of your annual benefits, including getting recommended preventive screenings and visiting in-network providers that usually cost less than those who are out-of-network.
Enroll in an employer-based program that uses pre-tax dollars. Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) and Healthcare Spending Accounts (HSA) allow employees to set aside money from their pay for qualified medical expenses.
Consider promotional financing options. Health and wellness credit cards, such as CareCredit, that offer deferred interest financing, enable you to pay for care over time with the opportunity to avoid interest charges, making out-ofpocket costs more manageable. Here are a few things about deferred interest financing to consider:
Deferred interest: No interest is assessed if the balance is paid in full by the end of the promotional period.
How deferred interest promotional financing works:
Deferred interest financing allows consumers to avoid charges on larger expenses if they are paid off before the promotional period ends. If you don't pay off the full balance before the promotional period ends, you will have to pay interest that has accrued as of the transaction date.
The required minimum monthly payments: Understand the required minimum monthly payments and if those payments will pay the balance off in time. Online calculators are valuable resources to estimate possible monthly payments needed to pay off the balance within a given promotional period. Those payments may be more than the lender's monthly minimum payment requirement.
Mark your calendar for when the promotional period ends. It is important to track and pay the balance of the purchase before the end of the promotional period to avoid paying the deferred interest that has accrued on the purchase.
In the end, it's important that people have access to health and wellness care for themselves, their family and pets. As healthcare costs continue to rise, it is critical consumers be aware of the various benefit programs and payment options to plan for health and wellness costs. Financial literacy is key!
Source: Brandpoint
Alvin F. Poussaint,
Civil Rights Advocate and Leading Voice on Black Mental Health, Dies at 90
By Stacy M. Brown News Provider
lvin F. Poussaint, a psychiatrist who provided medical care to civil rights activists in 1960s Mississippi and later became a national authority on the effects of racism on Black mental health, died Monday, Feb. 24, 2025, at his home in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts. He was 90. His wife, Dr. Tina Young Poussaint, confirmed his death.
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Born May 15, 1934, in East Harlem, New York City, Poussaint graduated from Stuyvesant High School before earning a bachelor’s degree from Columbia College in 1956 and a medical degree from Cornell University in 1960. He completed his residency at the University of California, Los Angeles Neuropsychiatric Institute, where he was chief resident from 1964 to 1965.
Driven by the fight for racial equality, Poussaint served as the southern field director for the Medical Committee for Human Rights from 1965 to 1967, providing care to civil rights workers in Mississippi and working to desegregate hospitals throughout the South. He later joined the faculty at Tufts University Medical School, where he directed a psychiatric program in a low-income housing development. In 1969, Poussaint began teaching at Harvard Medical School, ultimately serving as a professor of psychiatry and the faculty associate dean for student affairs.
Poussaint’s research spanned topics such as grief, parenting, violence, and the experiences of children from interracial families. His 1972 book, Why Blacks Kill Blacks, examined how systemic racism affects Black psychological development. He also co-authored Raising Black Children and Lay My Burden Down: Suicide and the Mental Health Crisis Among African Americans, highlighting issues often overlooked in mainstream mental health discussions.
Beyond academia, Poussaint became a prominent cultural advisor. From 1984 to 1993, he worked as a consultant for The Cosby Show and its spinoff, A Different World. His role was to ensure that the programs portrayed Black families in a positive and realistic light, free from harmful stereotypes. While often cited as the inspiration for the character of Dr. Cliff Huxtable, Poussaint denied the claim but acknowledged his influence on the
show’s direction.
“I don’t rewrite,” he told The Philadelphia Daily News in 1985. “But I indicate what makes sense, what’s off, what’s too inconsistent with reality.”
His collaboration with Bill Cosby extended to co-writing the 2007 book Come On, People: On the Path from Victims to Victors and contributing the introduction and afterword to Cosby’s best-selling book, Fatherhood. Although Poussaint worked closely with Cosby on various projects, there is no evidence he was aware of the allegations that later emerged against the entertainer.
A firm believer in addressing racism’s profound psychological impact, Poussaint was known for challenging conventional views. In a 1999 opinion piece, he wrote, “It’s time for the American Psychiatric Association to designate extreme racism as a mental health problem. Otherwise, racists will continue to fall through the cracks of the mental health system, and we can expect more of them to act out their deadly delusions.”
Poussaint’s influence extended into politics, serving as Massachusetts co-chairman for Reverend Jesse Jackson’s 1984 presidential campaign. Over his career, he received numerous awards and honorary degrees, including a New England Emmy for Outstanding Children’s Special in 1997 for his work on Willoughby’s Wonders. He was a member of several organizations, including the American Psychiatric Association, the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, and Sigma Pi Phi fraternity.
Poussaint is survived by his wife, Dr. Tina Young Poussaint, and their children.
Source: NNPA Newswire
Did You Know?
Black cowboys have played a significant role in rodeo history. They’ve been part of Western culture since the 1800s, making up nearly one in four cowboys in the post-Civil War era. Despite segregation, Black cowboys held their own rodeos and competitions, showcasing their skills in roping, steer wrestling and bronc riding.
Understanding Traumatic Brain Injury: Causes, Impacts, and the Jorden Family’s LifeChanging Story
Latrice Jorden shares the importance of bike helmets and preventing TBI at a community event.
From left to right: Paris, Seanton, Latrice, and Devon Jorden.
Braving the toughest battle with unwavering spirit—Seanton Jorden, March 2024.
Seanton Jorden before enduring a traumatic brain injury.
By Dawn Paul a.k.a. The Dr. Dawn® | Contributing Writer
Each March, we recognize Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Awareness Month. The goal is to help people understand TBI—what causes it, its symptoms, and how recovery works—while offering support to those living with its effects. Every nine seconds, someone in the U.S. sustains a brain injury. A TBI happens when an external force disrupts the brain’s normal function. These injuries can range from mild (like a concussion) to more serious levels, such as moderate or severe. A TBI can occur in many ways—falling (which is the most common cause of concussions), car accidents, being hit during sports, assaults, and more.
MARCH is brain injury awareness month
A TBI can change how someone thinks, feels, and acts. When interacting with someone who has a TBI, here’s what to keep in mind: First and foremost, they’re a person, not just their injury. Every brain injury is different, and its effects are unique to each individual. The impact of a TBI can vary, depending on factors like how it happened, where the injury occurred, and how severe it is. A TBI doesn’t just affect the person who has it—it also impacts their loved ones.
The Jorden family experienced the devastating impact of a TBI on June 11, 2010. Fifteen-year-old Seanton Jorden was at a friend’s house playing video games when another friend, who had come over to join them, shot him in the head with a pellet gun. The gun had been left unsecured in the room, and the incident left Seanton with a TBI.
Q&A WITH THE JORDEN FAMILY:
Can you describe the emotional journey that you've been through as a family since the incident?
It’s been an emotional roller coaster, to say the least. From the shock and disbelief to the harsh reality of the injury, we’ve felt extreme grief. Our faith has had its highs and lows along the way. Now, our thoughts are filled with hope and anticipation as we focus on the success of the 2023 stage production and recent book. We dream of a world where people think about gun safety and TBI in a new way because of our story.
What have been some of the biggest challenges you've faced in caring for your son with a TBI?
The toughest part is that our son can’t communicate with us, which makes taking care of him hard. We’ve been handling everything mostly on our own, with hardly any nursing support. Keeping him healthy is a daily challenge because his condition is so delicate. We deal with things like preventing bedsores, pneumonia, and sepsis, managing spasticity, and ensuring his tube feedings go smoothly—it’s all part of our routine. By God’s grace, we’ve managed to get through it so far.
How has your son's injury affected your family dynamics and relationships?
It’s changed everything. Our son requires 24/7 care, so someone always has to be with him. Everyday things, like Latrice and I going to dinner or even running errands together, have to be planned, which can be tough. The dynamics of a brother and sister relationship, and even our relationship with Seanton, have changed. It’s hard to accept that the future I hoped for—him having a
family of his own and carrying on my name—is no longer possible.
Can you share an estimate of the medical costs that come with caring for a loved one with a TBI?
The costs are overwhelming. Within the first year after the injury, the expenses were close to a million dollars. Now, almost 15 years later, with countless hospital stays, ER visits, home medical supplies, nursing help in the home, and administrative costs, the total is likely in the millions.
What do you wish others knew about TBI and its impact on individuals and families?
I wish people understood how important it is to take care of yourself. It’s easy to put yourself last when you’re focused on caring for a loved one with a TBI. But your spiritual, mental, and physical health matters too. Staying connected to your faith, leaning on your church or support groups, going to therapy, exercising, and eating well are all essential. Taking care of yourself helps you take better care of your loved one.
Since their experience, the Jorden family has made it their mission to promote gun safety and responsibility. They’re not against gun ownership, but they firmly believe in their message, "Secured Guns Are Safe Guns," encouraging responsible storage to prevent tragedies. By sharing their personal story, they hope to spare other families from facing a similar situation.
The Jordens are also raising awareness about the importance of helmets for our young people. Thousands of children suffer from a TBI or facial injury each year from activities like cycling, snowboarding, and other recreational sports. At community events, the Jordens emphasize the need for properly fitting helmets to keep children safe.
To access helpful resources and support for TBI, visit www.biausa.org. If you’d like to read the Jorden family’s story of resilience and faith, check out Devon Jorden's book, Waiting Room: The Seanton Jorden Story. You can order it at www.seantonsstory.com or through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Walmart.
Source: biausa.org, healthychildren.org
Dawn Paul, also known as The Dr. Dawn®, is an award-winning media personality, public speaker, certified life coach, author, and entrepreneur. She has extensive experience in writing, reporting, and editing for the Black press.
Ever have that feeling of sluggishness that you can’t seem to shake? Did you know that it could be because your digestive system isn’t working optimally? For better digestive wellness, consider the following tips:
Hone Your Diet: Eat a diverse diet and limit processed foods and added sugars. A well-rounded diet that prioritizes whole foods is typically high in fiber and other nutrients that promote a healthy gut. Some great choices include beans, seeds, fruits, broccoli, kimchi and avocados.
Stay Hydrated: As you increase your fiber intake, be sure to drink plenty of water to support regularity and keep everything moving through your system. Your digestive system will thank you!
Get Moving: Daily activity is a natural digestive aid. Exercise boosts circulation to deliver blood and oxygen to your digestive tract, helps you maintain a healthy metabolism, and keeps your digestive muscles strong. For greater digestive wellness, be sure to incorporate some movement into your routine.
TIPS TO SUPPORT YOUR DIGESTIVE HEALTH
By d-mars.com
Manage Stress: The mind-body connection is powerful, and poor digestive health is just one of the many potential side effects of too much stress. Common stress management techniques include meditation, self-care, exercise and reaching out to loved ones.
Get Quality Sleep: High-quality sleep is needed to keep all
AN ANNUAL EXAM CAN HELP OLDER ADULTS STAY HEALTHY
One of the best ways to prioritize your vitality is with an annual health exam. That’s especially true for older adults, who tend to have more health issues to manage, according to Cigna Healthcare’s Medicare business.
Annual exams can vary and go by different names, depending on your coverage. Generally, they are offered at no cost to you through Medicare or Medicare Advantage (MA) and there are a host of reasons to get one, including the following:
Having a health care team leader. It’s important to have a trusted advisor leading your health care team. That is the purpose of a primary care physician (PCP). A PCP knows your family and treatment histories and concerns. They play an important role keeping a broad view of all your care needs and can help you navigate them. By visiting your PCP at least annually, you maintain a critical relationship that will
the systems of your body in tip-top shape, and your digestive system is no exception. Experts recommend that adults get more than seven hours of sleep per night.
Get a Massage: According to research, abdominal massage is a safe, easy remedy for occasional constipation that most people can do themselves.
Take Fiber Supplements: Less than 10% of Americans get enough fiber from diet alone, making a fiber supplement an excellent way to boost your intake.
Stay Consistent: New habits can be hard to adopt. To kickstart your commitment to digestive health and to stay motivated, try creating a two-week challenge where you’re focusing on implementing a better diet that will benefit your digestive system. Be sure to talk to your doctor or nutritionist before doing so.
Try these simple steps to help support your digestive wellness so you can feel your best!
Source: StatePoint (Edited by d-mars.com)
serve you well when you need it.
Putting a plan together. Your annual exam is the time to discuss which health screenings and immunizations could be important for you based on your age, gender, and medical and family history. These include such things as a flu shot, a mammogram, or a colorectal screening. Talk to your doctor about what preventive care activities are right for you and put together a plan to get them. Most are covered at no extra cost through Medicare or MA.
Addressing conditions before they worsen. Aging increases the risk of certain chronic illnesses such as hypertension, heart disease, diabetes and arthritis. Ignoring these conditions won’t make them go away. Always tell your healthcare provider about any recent changes you are experiencing. Working with your provider to proactively manage a chronic condition before it worsens helps you to maintain your independence and vitality.
Reviewing medications. If you take one or more medications, an annual exam is a good time to review them with your PCP. You may even want to take your prescriptions to your appointment. Are these medications effective? Are you
taking them as prescribed? Are there any undesirable side effects? Are there potential harmful interactions, including with over-the-counter drugs? You also can secure your refills and maybe even shift to home delivery for convenience or to save money.
Making lifestyle adjustments. Even small changes can help you live longer and better. Talk honestly with your healthcare provider about your lifestyle. They may recommend changes, such as exercising, stopping smoking, or eating healthy.
Checking on your mental health. Your emotional health impacts your physical health. Depression doesn’t have to be a part of aging. Let your health care provider know if you are feeling sad, anxious or hopeless. They may recommend increasing your social interaction. Additionally, treatments, such as talk therapy, medication or both, may be covered by Medicare or MA.
For more tips on how to make the most of your annual exam, visit https://www.cigna.com/medicare/ member-resources/#media-resources.
Source: StatePoint (Edited by d-mars.com)
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multivitamin. Calcium. Vitamin C. Chances are, you've taken at least one of these today, along with three-quarters of American adults.
There are hundreds of brands and thousands of products to choose from. So, how do you choose a quality vitamin, mineral or botanical supplement, and how do you know whether it will do what you hope?
You may be shocked to learn that the FDA does not approve dietary supplements that are on your store shelf. In fact, according to the new "Habits and Healthspan" survey sponsored by Amway, 47% of U.S. adults ages 18 to 70 mistakenly believe their supplements are FDA-approved.
The good news? Thanks to the internet, it's easier than ever to research products and there are easy ways to ensure you are putting a high-quality product into your body.
Do you recognize the ingredients?
Do you understand where the ingredients are grown?
Over half (60%) of consumers agree it's important to know the seed-to-production path to ensure quality.
Consumers are looking for products they can trust. It’s now easier than ever to dig into product ingredients and
About 78% say they're concerned about how pollution and chemicals can affect their health, with 29% "very" concerned.
With that, consumers are opting for products that are both good for their health and well-being, as well as the planet.
One way companies can be more environmentally conscious is by practicing regenerative agriculture and using farming methods that conserve water and protect the soil.
Does the product have a certification or seal of approval?
Having an objective, third-party assurance that the product you are using meets quality standards is another way to ensure reliability.
About 87% of Americans want to know exactly what they're putting into their bodies.
Although manufacturers are legally required to use safe ingredients, the FDA does not approve dietary supplements. The bottom line? It's up to consumers to research and know what they're putting in their bodies. This is where ingredient traceability - the process of tracing the origin and journey of ingredients through the supply chain to ensure safety, quality and transparency - comes in.
About 67% are more likely to purchase dietary supplements that are traceable from the seed to the shelf.
see the seed-to-supplement pathway. This has led to consumer demand for product transparency where companies are being pushed to be more open not just about their ingredients, but their production practices as well. This extends beyond supplements, too:
About 87% of consumers agree that clean and sustainably made skincare and cosmetic products are superior. Is the company you're purchasing from environmentally conscious?
In addition to what's in the products they consume, there is a growing concern amongst Americans about how products are made and what impact is made on the environment.
Only 6% of consumers do not prefer using a sunscreen that is certified with a third-party assurance. When it comes to personal care products like sunscreen, you can check the packaging to note which ones have certifications such as the Seal of Recommendation from the Skin Care Foundation, which provides assurance that the product meets a third-party's criteria for safe and effective protection.
Setting the bar for quality, sustainability and integrity
Ultimately, consumers are driving the shift toward higher quality, more sustainable products. The expectation falls on companies to change their ways and meet expectations. Americans want products that not only work but also align with their sustainability values.
Source: BrandPoint (Edited by d-mars.com)
How to Care for a Loved One with Alzheimer’s
WBy: d-mars.com
News Provider
hen you have a loved one with Alzheimer's or dementia, it's normal to worry about their well-being. However, adults with these conditions can continue living positive, fulfilling lives, especially in the familiar environment of their own homes. Research suggests living at home as long as possible is associated with a better quality of life for anyone with dementia or Alzheimer's.
According to the Alzheimer's Association, nearly 7 million Americans live with Alzheimer's, and it's estimated nearly 13 million will be diagnosed with the condition over the next 25-30 years. For families of those affected, that can mean many years of caring for their loved one. While caregiving can be challenging, there are also silver linings.
Here are tips to help you make the most of your time with your loved one - and to bring more joy into your lives.
CONSIDER SAFETY FIRST
To help improve safety and reduce your worry, these steps can make their home environment safer.
Keep the home well-lit: Hallways, stairs, bathrooms, kitchens and bedrooms benefit from nightlights for seniors who are more active at night.
Identify tripping hazards: Excess furniture, throw rugs and other tripping hazards should be removed.
Lock outer doors/secure hazardous materials: Areas of the home containing anything hazardous should be kept locked, and locks on exterior doors can help prevent nighttime wandering.
Provide handrails: Bathrooms, showers, hallways and stairs are safer with rails or grab bars at an appropriate height.
OFFER OPPORTUNITIES FOR JOYFUL CONNECTIONS
Alzheimer's adults can continue to live happy, fulfilling lives. Maximize your time together by engaging their senses and exploring memories from their amazing lives.
For example, provide visual reminders of beloved people and places through framed pictures, photo albums, videos and artwork, listen to favorite music, explore com-
forting textures through hobbies like crafting, and enjoy tastes and smells they love through home-cooked meals and baked goods.
Focusing social interactions around these sensory activities with family members, friends, neighbors and empathetic caregivers also helps boost the joy in your daily lives.
ENCOURAGE RELIABLE ROUTINES
Maintaining a schedule is crucial. It reassures your loved one that days are predictable rather than confusing, helps you know what to expect on a daily basis so you can be there when needed, and also assists others, including professional caregivers, to know when their help is needed or anticipated.
DON'T BE AFRAID TO ASK FOR HELP
Many people in your family and social circle may want to help but may not know how. Ask for specific assistance with well-defined limits. For example, ask a neighbor to pick up certain grocery items, or call a family member to visit for an hour at a given time.
You can also benefit from well-trained, empathetic and experienced assistance from Comfort Keepers caregivers, who understand the struggles you may face caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's disease or dementia at home. Their caregivers engage seniors in intellectual, physical and emotional interactions complementing their medical treatment and improving their quality of life.
THE SUPPORT FAMILIES AFFECTED BY ALZHEIMER'S NEED INCLUDE:
• Specially trained caregivers
• Family education to better understand dementia and Alzheimer's
• Tasks geared to your loved one's interests to engage them physically, mentally and emotionally
• In-home services including personal care, companionship, medication reminders and family respite care
• In-home safety technologies including medical alert systems and motion detectors Make a commitment to learn how you can be supported in the joyful care of the senior who means so much to you.
Source: Brandpoint (Edited by d-mars.com)