Dr. Katina Kennedy agrees that good health begins with a patient.
“It is imperative that the patient know their health status. Patients can do this by partaking in regular health screenings and living a quality life by adhering to a healthy lifestyle; even those who suffer from chronic conditions,” said Dr. Kennedy, owner of Dr. Katina Health and Wellness, Inc.
The dual-certified family and psychiatric nurse practitioner noted that Black people are more likely to die from heart disease. Major risk factors are smoking, hypertension, obesity and diabetes. These conditions increase the chance of heart disease which leads to a heart attack.
“In 2019, African Americans were 30 percent more likely to die from heart disease than non-Hispanic whites,” according to the Office of Minority Health.
Dr. Kennedy founded Florida-based All About Healthy Living Foundation, Inc. in 2016 to educate and inspire people on healthy living, especially in the African American community. She said that preventative care is an undervalued health lifestyle component that should be more commonly used by patients.
“Most patients, especially Black, Hispanic, [and] Caribbeans, only go to the healthcare provider when they are sick. They do not partake in preventative care. They do not go for their yearly physical exam, pap smear, prostate test, mammogram, blood work and colonoscopy just to name a few,” according to the health expert.
She added, “I tell my patients all the time ‘if we can catch the issue before it worsens, you may save your life. Preventative care is key!’”
A yearly physical exam, eye exam, dental cleaning, well woman visits, prostate screening, mammogram, colonoscopy or Cologuard for colon cancer (ages 45 and older), bone density test to check for osteoporosis, and stress test or cardiac evaluation for ages 50 and over are key screenings for adults.
Various reasons that Black people may experience poor health include cultural eating. Consuming the wrong food and indulging in an unhealthy diet remains problematic. Genetics and lifestyle habits can put Black people at risk for chronic health conditions. Lack of exercise leads to obesity. Lack of sleep can also be problematic, according to Dr. Kennedy.
Health conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, stroke, obesity, asthma and heart are prevalent in white counterparts. However, Black people die more often from these conditions.
“Black people sometimes don’t like to take their medications and are not open to changing their lifestyle, such as eating healthier, exercise and getting adequate sleep,” said Dr. Kennedy.
Medical discrimination can factor into healthcare that may include misdiagnosis if the patient is obese. For example, Dr. Kennedy has encountered patients with long-standing joint pain who were told by other providers that their complaints were because of obesity. Dr. Kennedy ultimately diagnosed them with conditions such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. She advised that patients should find a healthcare provider who cares, listens and understands them.
National Minority Health Month is an ideal time to remain mindful of healthy behaviors that improve Black health and take action to end inequities and health disparities.
Dr. Kennedy is known for her “Knowing Your Health Status” social media campaign.
“It is important to know the BIG 3—BCB-Blood Pressure, Cholesterol, Blood Sugar. Knowing what’s going on inside of the body can prompt one to make lifestyle changes which can contribute to better health,” she said.
Dr. Kennedy also suggested adhering to a healthier diet that includes fruits, vegetables, lean meats/protein, low processed foods and low sugar. Avoid the “bad” carbs-white bread, rice, pasta and get at least seven hours of sleep.
She added, “Stop skipping meals. You must fuel the body. Stop going all day without eating. Go for a walk 30 minutes at least three times a week. Drink half your body weight in ounces of water a day. Avoid alcohol. Partake in a self-care day to de-stress, take medications if applicable as prescribed, and go for health screenings.”
It is critical to note mental health is just as important as physical health, although it is often neglected, according to Dr. Kennedy.
“In order to be able to be your best self, you must make sure your mental state is taken care of and is managed,” she said. “In order to carry out your purpose and passion in life, you must take care of you first!”
Visit www.drkatinakennedy.com, to learn more about Dr. Kennedy and www.drkatinakennedy.com/foundation to read additional details about All About Healthy Living Foundation Inc. Find Dr. Kennedy’s YouTube channel via https://www.youtube.com/@DrKatina.