There is no doubt that 2020 will go down in history as one of the strangest and most thought-provoking years in recent memory. One of the elements of our society that gained unprecedented attention in 2020 is systemic inequities among Black Americans.
One of the major issues that has not gained as much attention as it deserves is the reality of racial disparities in health and wellness. In 2020, researchers found alarming disparities in various aspects of healthcare. These disparities occur in almost every aspect of health and wellness – from doctors and hospitals to mental health and alternative medicine.
What are the Racial Disparities in Health and Wellness?
Research consistently shows disproportionate rates of illness between Black and White Americans. Sadly, disparities in healthcare often result in poorer outcomes for Black patients. Below, we summarize some of the most disheartening disparities in health and wellness. It is our hope that by learning more, we can all help correct these disparities and improve healthcare for all Americans.
Mortality Rates:
Several major studies show that mortality rates for certain diseases are much higher among Black patients than White patients. For example, Black men are 2.5 times more likely to die of prostate cancer than White men. Black Americans also have higher rates of diseases like diabetes and hypertension.
Insurance Disparities:
Black, Indigenous, and Hispanic women often lack access to health insurance during the prenatal and postpartum periods. Researchers have identified racial and ethnic disparities in access to insurance coverage and access to prenatal and postpartum care.
In addition to prenatal and postnatal care, there are also racial and ethnic disparities in access to health insurance. Black and Hispanic Americans are less likely to have insurance than White Americans. The Affordable Care Act narrowed some of the disparities, but there is still a gap.
Lack of Stable Food Supply:
Research shows that many Americans lack access to a stable food supply. Without adequate nutrition, Americans are at risk for health conditions like hypertension, digestive disorders, diabetes, and more. Results from a National Poll on Healthy Aging show that there are food access disparities across race, ethnicity, age, and education.
Lack of Diversity in the Wellness Community:
The disparities in the healthcare system extend into the wellness community as well. There is increasing attention to the fact that many health and wellness communities – such as the yoga community – lack diversity and inclusivity. The common branding on social media in health and wellness communities is focused on White, affluent, fit women. That is often far from reality.
How Can We Support Diversity and Inclusion in Health and Wellness?
With so many areas of health and wellness impacted by racial and other disparities, you may be wondering how you can support change. We all can support change by supporting our communities and those around us. Here are some ways that you can support diversity and inclusion in your community:
- Intentionally shop brands that are inclusive
- Take your business to businesses that support diversity in their workplaces
- Support a local Black-owned yoga studio
- Support the Black medical community in your area
- Support businesses that are allied to the LGBTQ community
- Petition lawmakers to support diversity and social justice
It is only through uniting and supporting one another that our communities can put disparities to rest.
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