In 2005, I lost my Aunt Rose to congestive heart failure. She was the heart of our family-the glue that held us together-a devoted sister, wife, and friend. Her passing was not only devastating, but eye-opening.
Heart disease is the leading cause of death for African American women in the United States. Black women have the highest rates of high blood pressure, yet only 1 in 4 have it under control.
The statistics are sobering:
Nearly 57% of Black women are obese-the highest percentage across all racial, ethnic, and gender groups.
Black women are more likely to live with undiagnosed diabetes.
Black women face a stroke risk twice as high as white women.
These numbers are alarming-but they're not unchangeable. Through education, advocacy, research, and prevention, we can change the story for future generations.
Auntie Rose is my why.
