Category: Health

By Dr. Paul McConnell, National Dental Director, UnitedHealthcare Dental Oral health is more than just a bright smile, it’s an important part of a child’s growth, development and overall well-being. Tooth decay is the most common chronic disease among kids in the U.S., affecting nearly half of children ages 2-19. About 1 in 10 children…

Here’s a compelling reason to shed those extra pounds: A new study finds that middle-aged people who are obese, or even simply overweight, may face more health problems down the road. For Blacks, the topic of obesity has been a growing concern for decades. Nearly 48 percent of Blacks are clinically obese, according to the…

San Bernardino, CA – On Saturday, January 31, 2026, the National Sports Association of Wellness & Mental Fitness (NSAWMF) officially launched its Jus Be Great™ initiative with an exciting and impactful Community Kickoff at the San Manuel Stadium home of the Inland Empire 66ers, drawing more than 150 youth athletes, parents, coaches, and community leaders…

By Sunita Sohrabji Two American citizens residing in Minnesota were fatally shot by ICE agents this month amid an uptick of immigration enforcement known as “Operation Metro Surge.” WASHINGTON, DC — Minnesota residents are fearful of accessing health care as ICE agents conduct massive immigration enforcement sweeps, said Minnesota Rep. Kelly Morrison. “This is a…

Most people have heard of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. But for some, psoriatic arthritis is the new kid on the block. According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, it affects approximately 1.3 percent of Black Americans compared with 2.5 percent of white people. Here’s what you need to know about psoriatic arthritis, including symptoms, types and…

By Dr. Dinelli Monson, Chief Medical Officer, UnitedHealthcare of California California moved up two slots from 26 to 24 in this year’s America’s Health Ranking Report produced by the United Health Foundation.  America’s Health Rankings is the longest running state-by-state analysis of our nation’s health. The report provides actionable, data-driven insights to inform public policy,…

by Joshua Liston Zawadi As a Black father sitting in countless doctors’ offices alongside my partner, I often found myself invisible — treated like a visitor instead of a vital part of the care team. I watched professionals speak over me, around me, but rarely to me. Even with doulas and midwives present, their focus…

Most people reach for juice when swallowing pills because it tastes better than water. But certain juices — especially grapefruit, orange, apple, and cranberry — can turn everyday medications into overdoses, failures, or toxic reactions without you realizing it. The problem is that chemicals in the fruit can get in the way of the medicine…

For the longest time, Crohn’s was not a major concern. At least for Black folks, who had lower rates of the gastrointestinal disease than other races.  Unfortunately, that’s quickly changing.  Today, there is an alarming trend in diagnoses of the condition – everything from severe abdominal pain and discomfort to malnutrition, diarrhea, and even severe…

By SweSwe Aye In Oakland, California, 102-year-old U Mya uses YouTube and Messenger to maintain spiritual and social connections. “When I talk to my friends online, I don’t feel lonely anymore.” he said. Within the US Burmese community, digital literacy has become a lifeline. “Digital literacy is necessary for easier, faster communication,” said retired architect…

By Gemma Greene, BDO Staff Writer | Published November 20, 2025 “How did you sleep?” Whether you know it or not, the answer to that simple question is key your overall health nowadays. In a world driven by deadlines, side-hustles, and endless scrolling, sleep is often the first sacrifice we make. Yet skipping sleep isn’t…

by Kaiser Health News Lenia Watson-Burton, a 37-year-old U.S. Navy administrator, expected that cosmetic surgery would get rid of stubborn fat quickly and easily — just as the web advertising promised. Instead, she died three days after a liposuction-like procedure called AirSculpt at the San Diego office of Elite Body Sculpture, a cosmetic surgery chain…

BY ALI SWENSON and LAURAN NEERGAARD | Associated Press WASHINGTON — The U.S. took the unprecedented step Monday of cutting the number of vaccines it recommends for every child — a move that leading medical groups said would undermine protections against a half-dozen diseases. The change is effective immediately, meaning that the U.S. Centers for…

By Stacy M. Brown A quiet clarification by the United States Postal Service is drawing renewed scrutiny after health care advocates and voting rights observers warned that the change could carry serious consequences for millions of Americans who rely on postmarks to meet legal deadlines. Under new USPS guidance that took effect late last month,…

by Kristen Hwang Despite spending hundreds of millions of dollars to fill vacant medical and mental health positions at prisons and state hospitals, California has little to show for it, according to a new report from the state auditor. Job vacancy rates have increased since 2019 at the three facilities examined in the audit, as…

LAGRANT COMMUNICATIONS Making Confident Health Coverage Decisions for the Year Ahead Choosing a health plan can feel overwhelming, especially for individuals making important decisions about their coverage for the first time or reassessing their needs for the upcoming year. Covered California provides tools, financial assistance, and trusted guidance to help individuals and families review their…

Arrowhead Regional Medical Center (ARMC) is pleased to announce the appointment of Katherine Bourbeau-Medinilla, M.D., to the newly established senior executive position of Chief Population Health Officer (CPHO) and Associate Chief Medical Officer (ACMO). Reporting directly to the Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Bourbeau-Medinilla will be responsible for the clinical aspects and physician alignment of ARMC’s…

Edward Henderson | California Black Media   Rhonda Smith is an experienced leader with a diverse background spanning nonprofit leadership, cancer advocacy, health equity, corporate consulting and international business.  Smith is currently the Executive Director of the California Black Health Network(CBHN), a trusted resource conducting outreach, education and advocacy to achieve health equity for African…

Edward Henderson | California Black Media  Rhonda Smith is an experienced leader with a diverse background spanning nonprofit leadership, cancer advocacy, health equity, corporate consulting and international business.  Smith is currently the Executive Director of the California Black Health Network(CBHN), a trusted resource conducting outreach, education and advocacy to achieve health equity for African Americans…