I have concluded that the discussion of mental health issues has been lost in a modern twilight zone. Historically, African Americans are less likely to openly discuss their mental issues and those of family members and close...
I have been a physician for 37 years and am close to ending my medical career. It has been a privilege for me to have practiced in many medical settings that include rural health centers, penal health systems, military medicine, the...
Diabetes continues to greatly affect the African American community and it is not disappearing. You are a candidate for a diabetic workup if you are overweight, have a family history, and are sedentary. Diabetes, controlled early, can result in fewer complications...
You should be aware that death from medications used to treat chronic pain is of epidemic proportions in our society. The accidental death of Prince has made this very clear. Patients in South Carolina are not immune from this problem and physicians in the state are...
You may remember the hit, “What’s Going On,” by Marvin Gaye and the lyrics, brother, brother, brother, there’s far too many of you dying, if you are old school. The song, in many ways, portrays what is happening to us today. We are dying too soon. Our young black men...
Kidney failure, a major health disparity in South Carolina, is not often discussed and is a problem that few African Americans understand. One would understand the reason renal failure is high among African Americans in the state if the myths and untruths circulating...
A signature health tip that has been appreciated by many is “come on (c’mon) man”, a phrase that is very well known to sports fans. During the past several months, I have heard a couple of “come on man” comments that should sound familiar. I’m gonna keep smoking...
I have practiced medicine for many years and have become somewhat enlightened about health disparities that affect African Americans and the underserved. It is apparent to me and others, who have studied health disparities, that some of the guidelines regarding cancer...
Obesity, a major medical issue, not often discussed, is prevalent in the African American community and I hesitate to discuss the disease because it can be a touchy subject. Recent medical research reveals that people who are obese are likely to develop heart failure,...
Visits to your primary care physician are not always about a pain concern or an issue with your body. During the office visit, your blood work results should be discussed, with you, by the physician. You should have a working knowledge about what your blood is...
Several months ago, I received a letter from a lady who inquired as to why my TV and radio segments addressed issues that only affect African Americans and the underserved. I do not know her racial identity, but I thought it was a very appropriate question, especially...
My current medical practice is in urban South Carolina, but my career, as a physician, started in the rural area. South Carolina is a rural state which means most of it is a rural area. Recently, the CDC ascertained that people who live in rural areas are likely to...