Black Health Matters: A Personal Journey to Prioritize Wellness

A few weeks ago, my mom invited me to join her on a trip to Leimert Park to visit Nappily Naturals & Apothecary, an oasis of herbal remedies and natural products. Being in the area, I suggested we grab a bite at Ora Cafe and take a moment to immerse ourselves in the exhibition KAOS THEORY: The Afrokosmic Media Arts of Ben Caldwell, curated by CAAM at Art & Practice. These outings are more than just quality time—they were part of a broader health journey we both have embraced, one that emphasizes holistic wellness and self-care.

Over the past several years, my life has transformed dramatically. Five years ago, I made the decision to embrace sobriety. That choice became the catalyst for a health overhaul: I lost 50 pounds in just five months and reversed Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. This journey, chronicled in my second audiobook Side Hustle & Flow: Shape Up, has taught me an essential truth: we can hustle harder, healthier. And as a Black man, I know how vital it is for people of color to prioritize personal health. Without it, our dreams, our communities, and our legacies are at risk.

Health is Not Selfish—It’s Essential

We’ve all heard the airplane analogy: put your mask on before assisting others. It’s a cliché because it’s true. You cannot give your best to anyone else if you’re running on empty. In the Black community, however, we often place everyone’s needs before our own. For many of us, self-sacrifice is a learned behavior—and it comes at a cost.

My mother, for example, has always been a workaholic, and I inherited that drive. But just like me, she’s experienced setbacks due to putting work before her well-being. What I’ve realized is that neglecting our health doesn’t just hurt us; it impacts everyone around us. When we fail to take care of ourselves, we become a burden on those who love us. Regular checkups, preventative care, and self-care practices aren’t luxuries—they’re necessities.

Breaking the Stubborn Cycle

Let’s face it: Black men can be stubborn when it comes to health. Historical mistrust of the medical system, coupled with a "tough it out" mentality, often keeps us from seeking care. I understand this hesitation, but the stats don’t lie:

• Black men have the shortest life expectancy of any demographic in the U.S., averaging just 69 years.
• We’re disproportionately affected by heart disease, cancer, and prostate cancer.

And Black women face equally alarming statistics:

• The maternal mortality rate for Black women is nearly three times that of White women.
• Chronic conditions like hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease affect Black women at disproportionate rates.
• Despite higher breast cancer mortality rates, Black women are less likely to receive screenings and care.
• Stigma and cultural barriers often prevent Black women from seeking mental health support.

We cannot afford to ignore these realities. Preventative care, health screenings, and adopting healthier lifestyles are essential steps toward reversing these trends.

Supplements and Natural Remedies

As VP of Digital & Operations at Beautytap, I’ve had the privilege of exploring products that support my health journey. Daily supplements, such as St. John’s Wort for mood regulation, probiotics for gut health, and papaya digestive enzymes, have become staples in my routine. Protein shakes and bars also help me stay fueled while balancing work, music, and fitness.

During my visit to Nappily Naturals, I added kava and valerian extract to my wellness toolkit—natural remedies that promote relaxation and stress relief. For those looking to expand their regimens, I also recommend Beautytap products like Naternal Rest CBD + CBN and Kailo Feel Well Bovine Collagen. I recommend these because they promote improved rest, tranquility, better sleep, and digestion. Bovine collagen, often sourced from bone broth, supports gut health — our second brain — by balancing the microbiome and preventing issues like leaky gut syndrome, allowing beneficial gut flora to thrive.

Embracing Eastern Philosophy

Embracing Eastern Philosophy

• In my quest for holistic health, I’ve explored Eastern practices that complement Western medicine. I find Eastern Traditional Chinese Medicine to be more holistic and preventative. It differs from the Western approach of simply "treat and street" or "take two pills and call me in the morning." Instead, it focuses on a more thorough approach, like examining your tongue, checking your pulse, and asking about your sleep, digestion, and bowel movements. It also considers your stress levels. Personally, I prefer using herbs and natural remedies over medications. At Yo San University in Culver City, I’ve benefited from acupuncture treatments, which have helped me address blockages in my body’s energy pathways (or meridians). I’ve also taken classes in Qi Gong, Tai Chi, and Dao Yin (Chinese yoga), practices that enhance physical and mental well-being…

• Qi Gong is a gentle practice using movement, breathing, and focus to boost energy and well-being.

• Tai Chi is a slow, flowing martial art that improves balance, flexibility, and relaxation.

• Dao Yin (Chinese yoga) combines stretches, deep breathing, and movement to release tension and improve circulation.

All three help reduce stress, improve health, and promote inner peace.

In between visits, I turn to products like Naternal Rescue CBD Muscle Cream and Dragonfly Pre-Soaking Salts for recovery and relaxation. These small investments in self-care have made a world of difference.

Educating Myself for Better Health

Knowledge is power, especially when it comes to health. Documentaries like Hack Your Health: The Secrets of Your Gut and cooking shows like The Paleo Way have expanded my understanding of nutrition and wellness. I’ve also committed to a 52-book reading challenge each year, which has introduced me to life-changing titles like The Diabetes Code.

For inspiration and guidance, I turn to BIPOC thought leaders like Myron Golden, Russell Simmons, David Goggins, Dr. Jay Barnett, Iyanla Vanzant, and Lisa Nichols. Their books and teachings offer valuable insights into achieving holistic health.

Here are their official websites to learn more:

• Myron Golden: https://myrongolden.com/
• Russell Simmons: https://russellsimmons.com/
• David Goggins: https://davidgoggins.com/
• Dr. Jay Barnett: https://kjbcoaching.com/
• Iyanla Vanzant: https://iyanla.com/
• Lisa Nichols: https://motivatingthemasses.com/

The Call to Action: Black Health Matters

To my fellow Black men, women, and people of color: it’s time to prioritize our health. We face unique challenges, but we also possess incredible resilience. Our health is the foundation for everything we aspire to achieve—for ourselves, our families, and our communities.

Here’s how to start:

1. Schedule a Checkup: Don’t wait for symptoms. Preventative care saves lives.
2. Move More: Whether it’s walking, dancing, or hitting the gym, find an activity you enjoy.
3. Eat Mindfully: Prioritize whole, nutrient-dense foods and reduce processed foods and sugar.
4. Address Mental Health: Therapy and support groups can be life changing.
5. Educate Yourself: Knowledge is a powerful tool for change.

Dr. Damon Tweedy, a physician and author of the NY Times Best Selling Book Black Man in a White Coat, emphasizes the profound impact of health disparities on Black communities, stating, "Of all the forms of inequality, injustice in health is the most shocking and the most inhumane." This powerful statement underscores the critical need to address health disparities affecting Black individuals and reminds us that it is up to us to take proactive steps toward change.

Final Thoughts

My health journey hasn’t just improved my life—it’s allowed me to show up fully for the people and passions I care about. By sharing my story, I hope to inspire others to take that first step toward better health.

Our health is our power. It’s time to break barriers, rewrite narratives, and thrive together. The time for change is now—because we all deserve to live fully, vibrantly, and unapologetically.

Act now. Live fully. Thrive together. Black Lives Matter. Black Health Matters.