Over the years, cosmetic surgery and other beauty enhancement procedures have gone from whispered rumors to open conversation. While many choose to stay mum about their procedures (and others are only perceived by the public to have work done), others choose to keep it real about their journeys. Moreover, they share why they did it.
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For some, their work yielded great results, allowing them to fully embrace the totality of themselves. However, there have been some cases when the health repercussions made the journey more difficult and less rewarding. Either way, you have to give these 10 women credit for the courage to tell their own story, for better or for worse.
]]>Dallas County is reporting a confirmed case of measles and three locations where the sick patient may have exposed others.
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The patient is a Dallas County resident; however, no other details about their identity were revealed for privacy reasons. Listed are the three locations the patient visited where he or she may have exposed others, according to the health department.
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Potentially Exposed Locations:
- Turrentine Jackson Morrow Chapel in Allen from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Aug. 14
- Gloria’s Restaurant in Fairview from 12:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Aug. 14
- The Revel Patio Grill in Frisco from around 8 p.m. until midnight on Aug. 15
Dallas County Health Director Dr. Philip Huang said, “Measles is one of the most contagious diseases we know, but it is also highly preventable. If you were at one of these locations during the identified time period, check your vaccination status and watch closely for symptoms. Most importantly, make sure you and your family are up to date on the MMR vaccine. Vaccination remains our best protection against measles and the best way to prevent further spread in our community.”
TRENDING: School Vaccination Rates Reach Record Low As Measles Outbreak Surges
Measles is a highly contagious illness that spreads through respiratory droplets from an infected person’s cough or sneeze.
Typically, symptoms start with a high fever, cough, runny nose, red or watery eyes, and white spots inside the mouth. Typically, 3-5 days after the symptoms first begin, a rash begins to show.
Health officials said healthy individuals who are fully vaccinated have a very low risk of contracting this disease; however, those who are unvaccinated, too young to be vaccinated, or have a weakened immune system should be aware, keep an eye out for symptoms, and reach out to a healthcare provider with any of their concerns.
]]>Your home is supposed to be your safe space, but some of the everyday products and materials inside it could expose you to chemicals and substances that have been linked to cancer.
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From the kitchen to the living room, certain household items may release potentially harmful chemicals over time, particularly when they are damaged, heated or used frequently. While exposure does not mean you will develop cancer, knowing which products may carry potential risks can help you make smarter choices about what you bring into your home and how you use it.
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See the potential household items that could increase your cancer risk along with how to reduce:
]]>For the second year in a row, school vaccination rates have fallen to a historic low.
According to AP, federal data reveals that the number of kids exempted from vaccine requirements has increased from 3.6% last year to 4.6% this year. This adds up to around 155,000 students nationwide for the 2025-2026 school year. While the medical exemption rate has remained steady, this is the fourth year in a row that the nonmedical exemption rate has increased. Experts attribute this increase to several factors.
“The root cause of this is primarily because there’s so much chaos and confusion in vaccination recommendation systems in the last year or so,” Dr. James Campbell, of the American Academy of Pediatrics, told AP.
For decades, the vaccine rate for kindergartners held steady at 95%, which medical experts widely consider the baseline level that prevents an outbreak from occurring after a single infection. The kindergarten vaccination rate fell to 92.4% for the 2025-2026 school year.
One downside of the internet giving everyone a voice is that it’s incredibly easy for disinformation to be taken as fact. The anti-vax movement began during the 2010s and has gained traction as several high-profile individuals have promoted the idea that vaccines cause autism without any verifiable proof.
One of the loudest voices in the anti-vax movement is current Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Kennedy’s “Make America Healthy Again” movement undermines the efficacy of vaccines in favor of holistic methods with very little scientific evidence supporting them.
While he swore he wouldn’t make any changes to the vaccine schedule during his confirmation hearing, one of the first moves Kennedy made upon becoming HHS secretary was firing everyone on the CDC’s vaccine panel and replacing them with anti-vax skeptics. Kennedy also overhauled the vaccine schedule for children and made it more difficult to receive a COVID-19 vaccine.
So yeah, the guy in charge of public health hasn’t exactly been helping address the issue of lowering vaccination rates.
We are already living through the consequences of parents refusing to vaccinate their kids. Measles was effectively eliminated for decades because of vaccines, but lower vaccination rates have allowed the virus to reach a 35-year high, with outbreaks in several states.
The federal data notes that some areas have higher levels of unvaccinated kids than others, making them more susceptible to outbreaks. For example, 17.5% of kindergartners had an exemption to one or more vaccines in Idaho, but fewer than 0.5% of kindergartners had similar exemptions in Connecticut.
As the school year begins, several school officials across the country are encouraging parents to vaccinate their children. “Back-to-school season is an important reminder that protecting our children’s health is both a shared responsibility and a shared goal,” North Carolina Health and Human Services Secretary Dev Sangvai said in a statement. “Vaccines help keep our children and teens healthy and in the classroom.”
There’s a lot of misinformation about vaccines, and sadly, a lot of the misinformation is targeted towards the Black community. While Black folks have very valid reasons to be distrustful of the American medical system, vaccines are historically the best way to prevent contracting contagious viruses or, at the very least, mitigating their effects.
SEE ALSO:
]]>A recall affecting nearly 1.6 million cartons of eggs has been assigned to the United States Food and Drug Administration’s most serious risk category.
The recall was initiated due to concerns about potential Salmonella Enteritidis contamination. On Wednesday, the FDA categorized this as a “class 1,” which is “a situation in which there is a reasonable probability that the use of or exposure to a violative product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death.”
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The new class 1 designation was included in the agency’s enforcement report for the existing recall.
The FDA explained that it often categorizes a recall well after the initiating firm makes the recall announcement; therefore, it should not necessarily be viewed “as an expansion or change” to the firm’s initial recall.
The FDA said, “Firms often initiate voluntary recalls and provide public statements or notifications as part of their commitment to protecting consumers, which may occur well before the FDA completes its classification process and subsequently posts to this report.”
TRENDING: FDA Recalls: Food and Medications Recalled July 2026
Midwest Poultry Services of North Manchester, Indiana, first initiated its egg recall in july announcing that over 1.5 million white and brown cage-free eggs were potentially contaminated with the Salmonella enteritidis bacterium. These eggs were produced between June 6 and July 3 of this year, with the latest sell-by date as August 17, 2026.
The eggs were produced in Texas but shipped to multiple locations through the South and Southwest, including food service retail outlets in Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico and Mississippi.
The egg products that have been recalled are listed in Wednesday’s enforcement report. Midwest Poultry Service previously urged consumers not to eat eggs and to return them to the place of purchase for a refund.
As of late july no illnesses have been reported in connection with the recalled eggs.
Here’s what you should know about Salmonella infection
According to the CDC, symptoms begin to show anywhere between six hours and six days after swallowing the bacteria. Stomach cramps, vomiting, fever, and diarrhea are common.
Those who believe they were infected are urged to go to a healthcare provider, especially if they are among the most vulnerable groups or if symptoms worsen to include: bloody diarrhea or diarrhea that lasts for more than 2 days, a fever over 102 degrees, frequent vomiting that prevents ingestion of liquids, and any sign of dehydration.
More severe illnesses linked to Salmonella include arterial infections, infection in the heart, and arthritis.
]]>Before you take your next bite or reup on certian medications, it’s worth checking whether any products in your home have been recalled.
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Throughout July 2026, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced several recalls involving food products and medications due to concerns ranging from potential contamination and undeclared allergens to manufacturing defects and labeling issues. To help you stay informed, we’ve rounded up the food and drug recalls issued during the month of July using information published on the FDA’s official website.
]]>The GOP has been trying to kill the Affordable Care Act (ACA), also known as Obamacare, ever since its inception. Sadly, they just might have succeeded. As a result of Congress letting tax subsidies expire for ACA insurance, monthly premiums are set to spike for the second year in a row.
AP News reports that the health care research group KFF found that rate filings submitted by 77 insurers under the ACA reveal a median proposed premium increase of 14% for 2027. Insurers cited expired ACA subsidies, rising health care costs, and changes in federal regulations as reasons for the increase.
One of the longest government shutdowns in U.S. history occurred last year over expiring ACA subsidies. The subsidies were introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure that anyone who needs insurance has it. Considering that President Donald Trump ran on a platform to “Make America Healthy Again,” you’d think that he would’ve been on board with extending the subsidies.
Nope! Believe it or not, Trump cares more about torpedoing one of President Barack Obama’s landmark achievements than ensuring U.S. citizens have access to quality, affordable health care. The government shutdown ended with no deal to extend the subsidies, with premiums dramatically increasing as a result.
Despite allowing ACA insurance to get significantly more expensive last year, Republicans have yet to introduce any viable solution to the rising prices. Last year, Senate Republicans introduced a bill to create savings accounts for people on bronze-level plans.
As someone who had to downgrade to a bronze plan because the monthly premium became so expensive, I can tell you right now it’s some of the most useless insurance I’ve had in my adult life. My prescriptions became absurdly more expensive, with my QVAR inhaler going from $15 a month to $175. Not to mention, I was charged $200 for a doctor’s visit to simply get my prescription refilled.
Mehmet Oz, Administrator of the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, somehow managed to introduce a plan that was even worse than the Senate bill. The plan would create plans that provide even less than bronze plans, as they wouldn’t be a part of any set network. Essentially, people on the proposed plans would have to call around to various doctors and clinics, describe their plans, and see if they’ll be accepted. It’s basically gambling, but with your health.
It should come as no surprise that last year’s price hike led to a significant decline in the number of Obamacare enrollees. Data released by the Trump administration last month revealed that 2.6 million people have been priced out of ACA insurance. While Obamacare enrollees make up only 10% of the population, the increase in rates is usually seen as a sign of similar increases in private and employer-sponsored plans as well.
So at a time when we’re dealing with a cost-of-living crisis and the job market is weakening, Trump and the GOP are content to let health care costs rise and not use their legislative power to do anything about it. No wonder they’re trying so hard to steal elections.
SEE ALSO:
Affordable Care Act Insurance Could Be 75% More Expensive Next Year
Obtaining ACA Insurance Is Expensive, Complex, And Maddening
Black Hollywood has seen its fair share of exemplary talents, yet few have displayed the diverseness, emotional depth or a resume that extends from film and television all the way to theatre quite like Danny Glover.
As he prepares for a milestone 80th birthday celebration later this month, the renowned actor has bravely decided to go public with news of his battle with Alzheimer’s Disease following a diagnosis back in 2023.
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Actress Bern Nadette Stanis Tells the Story of Her Mother’s Fight with Alzheimer’s
An exclusive interview with PEOPLE gave insight into his current condition, which his daughter Mandisa describes as “aware sometimes and then sometimes not.” The outlet confirmed her analysis based on his behavior in the interview itself, including toggling between unfinished thoughts and going on personal tangents described as “poetic.” In Glover’s own words, he states, “I’m still not accepting in my mind all parts of it,” also adding, “There are the moments that you keep remembering that validate the fact that you can remember stuff. And there are moments I’ll never forget.”
Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form of dementia, is a biological disorder that slowly causes severe memory loss over time. Cases usually develop in those aged 65 and older, and currently has no cure available. Scientist are still hopeful, and continue to develop treatments that have proven to slow down the process.
More on Danny Glover’s Alzheimer’s revelation below, via PEOPLE:
“Reconciling himself with the diagnosis he received in 2023 is ‘in some sense acknowledging that it’s happening to you and at the same time that there are millions of people suffering from it,’ says Glover. The actor and his family, including his younger brother Marty, 67, who lives with him, came to terms with it together.
Now, Mandisa says, her dad is ready to reveal his diagnosis and share what it’s like to face the disease. It’s important to him to be of service. ‘I don’t feel like it’s the end of my life,’ he says. ‘There’s work to do.'”
Even though his film career may be on indefinite hold as a result, Danny Glover’s contributions to Hollywood over the past 50 years will never be forgotten and still is making a lasting impact on the generations who came after him.
Be it The Color Purple, the Lethal Weapon franchise, his Emmy-nominated portrayal of Nelson Mandela, the powerful Freedom Song or the hilarious modern holiday classic Almost Christmas, it goes without saying that Danny Glover is GOATed.
Grammy-winning singer/songwriter Muni Long is opening up about her health journey, and it turns out that it was more serious than we thought.
In an interview with Good Morning America’s Robin Roberts, the “Made For Me” songstress revealed that she underwent a double lung transplant shortly after dropping out of Brandy and Monica’s The Boy Is Mine Tour last year.
“I should have never taken that tour. But there was so much going on in my life where I had to do it,” said Long.
The singer, who was diagnosed with Lupus in 2014, remembered catching pneumonia during the tour. “I just barely made it. I was only able to do two songs,” she said.
On November 29, 2025, Long announced her departure from the tour. “As many of you know, I’ve been battling some health issues throughout The Boy Is Mine Tour. Despite doing everything I can to push through, my doctors have made it clear that it’s not safe for me to continue with the remaining dates of the tour,” she said in a social media post at the time.
“I’ll truly miss seeing you all out there, and I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity. Thank you to Brandy and Monica for having me and sharing the stage with me. I can’t wait to see you all again. Stronger than ever,” the singer continued.
Long went home for Thanksgiving and was so sick that she ended up waking up in the hospital, where doctors gave her the grim diagnosis that she only had one week to live.
“My jaw dropped. Literally. I was like, ‘That’s rude.’ But they were kind of like, ‘This is not a joke. You need to make a choice. You can either go to hospice or you can get these lungs,’” she remembered.
After some initial hesitation, Long, thankfully, got the transplant after thinking about her son, whom she shares with ex-husband Raysean Hairston.
“The ego and the vanity was just like, ‘But what about my voice? What’s going to happen?’ But then I look at my son, and I think about how much more life that I have to live. Quality of life was first. I can’t sing if I’m not here,” she said.
Six months post-op, Long says that she is doing “fabulous.”
In addition, Long also underwent vocal surgery and will have her vocal checkup in August. She explains, “My voice now is totally different. It’s actually better, should I say? But I don’t know that I can perform yet. They gave me six months to a year.”
Before her operation, Long recorded her latest single, “Richest,” which is now available on all DSPs.
We wish her all the best in her recovery!
Weight loss can be a deeply personal journey, and every person’s story is different. Some celebrities have spoken openly about changing their eating habits, becoming more active, or making lifestyle adjustments, while others have chosen to keep the details of their transformation private. Whatever the path, many have shared that improving their overall health, self image and well-being was their primary motivation.
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It’s also important to remember that weight is a sensitive topic. This list is not intended to judge anyone’s appearance but rather to highlight some of the most talked-about celebrity transformations over the years. From music icons and award-winning actors to athletes and television personalities, these stars have all experienced dramatic changes that captured public attention.
]]>Simone Biles took to Instagram to reveal a recent health scare that landed her in the hospital.
The 11-time Olympic medalist didn’t get into details of the frightening medical moment but did say she almost passed away as she showed off a wrist full of hospital bands.
“I’m not one to normally share things like this because I value privacy in today’s age,” she begins. “But almost dying wasn’t on my bingo card earlier this week.”
She adds that it was “one of, if not the scariest experience of my life.”
It was made even more frightening because she didn’t have her husband, NFL safety Jonathan Owens, by her side, because the Indianapolis Colts are in OTAs and mandatory minicamp.
But thankfully, she’s on the mend and has been resting up, and promises to eventually tell her fans what happened.
She finishes the message, “I’ve been in bed resting this week, I’ll explain sooner or later, but s/o to my close circle who reached out, checked in, visited &or sent flowers loooovveeee y’all.”
In her Instagram story, she shared a couple of photos of the bouquets she received, as well as another shot of her lying in bed with her two dogs beside her, showing her heart rate and a caption that read “I’ll be here.”
Biles has always been transparent about her health problems with her fans, dating back to the 2020 Summer Olympics when she was pulled out of competition after she suffered from the “twisties.”
She’s also been vocal about the importance of mental health for athletes.
“I say put mental health first,” she said upon withdrawing from competition in 2021. “Because if you don’t, then you’re not going to enjoy your sport and you’re not going to succeed as much as you want to. So it’s OK sometimes to even sit out the big competitions to focus on yourself, because it shows how strong of a competitor and person that you really are — rather than just battle through it.”
See social media’s reaction to her health update below.
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]]>Mental health advocates note an increase in Black men seeking therapy and discussing mental health issues openly, despite stigma and lack of representation in the field. Suicide is a significant concern for young Black males, with stigma, mistrust, and lack of representation hindering access to care. Therapist Dwayne Speaks emphasizes the importance of providing a safe space for men to talk and develop communication skills, highlighting the impact of unresolved trauma on mental and physical health. Programs like Black Men Heal aim to increase access to therapy and normalize mental health conversations, addressing the lack of representation of Black men in the profession. Therapy is seen as a tool to help individuals navigate challenges and develop coping strategies, with progress often linked to open discussions about emotions and experiences.
]]>Health officials around the world are closely monitoring a rare hantavirus outbreak connected to the cruise ship MV Hondius after several passengers became seriously ill during the voyage.
So far, five confirmed infections have been identified, and sadly, three passengers have died. The outbreak has been linked to the Andes strain of hantavirus, a rare virus usually spread through contact with rodent droppings or urine. In limited cases, the Andes strain can spread from person to person through very close contact with someone who is actively sick.
Now before y’all panic, the World Health Organization says this is NOT another COVID-type situation. Officials say there’s no evidence of widespread transmission, and most people will likely never be exposed to the virus.
Passengers from multiple countries, including the United States, have already returned home while health agencies work to trace possible exposures. Texas health officials confirmed that two passengers returned to the state before the outbreak was identified. Both individuals reportedly have no symptoms and are monitoring their health with daily temperature checks.
Health authorities across Europe, Africa, North America, and Asia are continuing contact tracing efforts as nearly 150 passengers remain connected to the situation. The cruise ship is expected to arrive in Spain’s Canary Islands this weekend before remaining travelers return home.
Doctors say hantavirus symptoms can include fever, headaches, stomach pain, diarrhea, and breathing problems, sometimes appearing weeks after exposure.
Bottom line — stay informed, don’t panic, and if you’ve recently traveled internationally and begin feeling sick, contact your doctor right away.
The Kickback w/ Jazzi Black and DJ Wire Weekdays 9A-3P, Saturdays 12P-3 P | Follow us on IG @kickbackoffair , Follow Jazzi Black on TikTok @jazziblack
]]>When NeNe Leakes sashayed onto Capitol Hill recently, she wasn’t there to deliver one of her legendary, and often hilarious, “reads.” Instead, the Real Housewives of Atlanta icon joined a contingent of “Bravolebrities” for HIV Advocacy Day to protest proposed budget cuts that threaten to gut prevention and care for the most vulnerable.
Bringing her signature brand of “tell-it-like-it-is” energy to the halls of Congress, NeNe highlighted a mission that was deeply personal and rooted in a recent realization about the tools available for Black women’s survival. “One of my girlfriends recently said to me, ‘Girl, are you on PrEP? I’m taking PrEP,'” Leakes shared during the advocacy day. “And I was like, ‘Why are you on PrEP?'”
That moment of inquiry—the “I need to understand, I need to know” curiosity NeNe is known for—highlights a massive gap in public health outreach. Leakes admitted that while she understood the science behind PrEP, she was struck by how many folks in her community remain in the dark about its benefit or are priced out of the protection it provides. “Confidence to speak and educate my community feels good,” Leakes told the Washington Blade, noting that in cities like Atlanta, Miami, and Houston, ignorance and a lack of access contribute to the staggering rates of infection that haunt Black life and impact Black survival.
These numbers represent far more than a collection of statistics. They offer a map of systemic neglect. According to the latest CDC data, Black Americans account for 40% of people living with HIV despite being only 13% of the population. This burden falls with vicious precision on those already pushed to the margins.
Black gay and bisexual men are particularly impacted, as they account for 26% of all new HIV diagnoses in the United States despite making up less than 1% of the total population. Black transgender women are acquiring HIV at more than 10 times the rate of their white counterparts, while Black cisgender women are diagnosed at nearly four times the rate of women overall. For those navigating housing instability or the complexities of drug use, the risk is even more acute; Black people who inject drugs face a significantly higher HIV prevalence than any other racial group.
Beneath the spectacle of reality stars in the rotunda lies a sobering reality: we are witnessing a dangerous political tug-of-war over domestic HIV funding, and Black bodies are being treated as collateral damage. From proposed federal budget slashes to state-level maneuvers stripping away funding for the AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP), the message is clear. The lives of Black queer and trans folks, Black women, and those who are unhoused are being devalued in real-time.
The conversation around HIV has long been framed through a lens that overlooks Black women, leaving them dangerously underserved by testing and prevention campaigns. Unlike their white counterparts, who are often proactively offered PrEP during routine checkups, Black women are rarely targeted for these life-saving interventions. This lack of visibility creates a false sense of security, particularly for those in seemingly stable, monogamous relationships.
NeNe Leakes pointed to this exact blind spot, noting that many Black women believe they are “safe” because of their relationship status. However, a woman’s safety is often tied to factors outside her control, including a partner’s undisclosed sexual habits or drug use. As fellow advocate Candiace Dillard Bassett noted during the Hill visit, “It’s so important that we have these conversations, not just in forums like this, but around your kitchen tables, in your group chats, on the street—wherever we are.”
Without targeted education, many Black women don’t realize that PrEP is a tool for their autonomy—a way to protect their own bodies regardless of their partner’s choices. Jordan J. Edwards, Deputy Director at the BQ+ Center for Liberation of the Normal Anomaly Initiative, observes that this education gap is a structural wall.
“I’ll talk to a Black woman, and she’ll be like, ‘What is [PrEP]? Ain’t that a gay man [thing]?’” Jordan says. “She doesn’t know she needs to be tested because she’s engaging with one partner, but that partner may also be doing injection drugs or having sex with someone other than her. Black women are not having those conversations because they aren’t being prompted or educated to have them.”
To understand the weight of these cuts, we have to look at where we stand. These funding rollbacks are the predictable result of structural inequities and a healthcare system that often treats Black patients with suspicion instead of care.
For many in our community, the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program is the only thing standing between them and a medical crisis. It provides a comprehensive system of care that includes primary medical treatment and other essential support services.
This program is the backbone of viral suppression—the point at which the virus is so low in the blood that it cannot be transmitted to others, often referred to as U=U. In plain language, treatment is prevention. But when budget cuts weaken that backbone, the entire structure of community health begins to fracture.
Jordan Edwards knows this struggle intimately. He has been living and thriving with HIV since 2013, but even as a leader in the HIV advocacy space, he has felt the sting of insurance gaps and rising costs.
“I recently had to switch healthcare providers because of increased income. In moving up in the tax bracket, I ended up no longer qualifying for certain assistance and needed to get health insurance, which means I no longer have access to certain types of resources,” Jordan shared. “I was in a gap in between where… with insurance, I had to really do a lot of research. Does this insurance provider cover my HIV medication? Will my provider be in its care network? All of this means I might be losing access to the things that might save my life, or, at least, contribute to my quality of life.”
When we talk about “funding cuts,” we are talking about people like Jordan losing the doctors they trust. These cuts represent the theft of hope that innovation provides from those who need it most. Dr. Ralston Lockett, DNP, APRN, FNP-C, AAHIVS, a clinical leader and HIV prevention expert, warns that these gaps create a dangerous ripple effect.
“When assistance programs are reduced, we see immediate gaps in access,” Dr. Lockett explains. “For many Black patients living with HIV, this can mean interruptions in antiretroviral therapy, increased risk of viral rebound, and higher likelihood of transmission. These are not just individual impacts—they affect community-level viral suppression efforts.”
The tragedy of this moment is that we actually have the tools to end the epidemic. Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) is a medical marvel. Yet, AIDSVu data reveals a glaring racial gap: while Black people represent the majority of those who could benefit from PrEP, we have the lowest rates of use compared to our white counterparts.
Dr. Lockett notes that funding cuts deepen this divide rather than merely maintaining the status quo.
“Cuts to prevention programs disproportionately impact patients who already face structural barriers to care,” he says. “Without affordable access to PrEP, we lose a critical tool in preventing new HIV infections, particularly in communities that are already overrepresented in new diagnoses.”
Perhaps the most insidious part of these proposed cuts is how they destabilize the organizations that actually do the work to address HIV in Black communities. While large clinics might survive a budget dip, small, Black-led community-based organizations (CBOs) are being destabilized by shifting government priorities. Jordan shared a devastating example: a research project at his organization that was ready for contract was suddenly halted because of government cuts.
“We lost, I mean, I don’t know, $500,000 in one day because of these funding cuts,” Jordan recalls. “The Normal Anomaly is able to reach populations because we are not relying on clinics to support people in our community. We’re at the barbershops, the grocery stores, the churches, the clubs, reaching people experiencing homelessness. If we don’t have the funding to meet the most vulnerable people where they are, then we know nobody else will be willing to do the work to reach them, and they’ll be the main ones to suffer.”
This isn’t an isolated incident. According to a Kaiser Family Foundation analysis, domestic HIV funding is increasingly under fire in budget negotiations. These are racialized policy decisions that determine who gets to live a long, healthy life and who is left to navigate a labyrinth of red tape that might end with long-term illness or even death.
We cannot afford to wait for the government to decide our lives are worth saving. As we look at the potential for “food apartheid” in our neighborhoods or the rolling back of SNAP benefits and affordable housing programs, we must recognize that HIV care is part of a larger struggle for Black liberation. These budget cuts target the same communities already battling environmental racism and economic disenfranchisement.
Our current political climate mirrors the terrifying early years of the epidemic, when the federal government dismissed HIV as “gay cancer” and refused to provide even the most basic funding for those dying in the streets. Back then, survival didn’t come from the state; it came from the radical grit of Black and queer folks creating their own safety nets out of pure necessity. We must reclaim that legacy of collective resistance, moving away from a reliance on systems never meant for our benefit and toward a future where we protect our own.
It means intentionally supporting Black-led organizations and demanding that our elected officials stop playing politics with our prescriptions. Jordan often speaks about the “currency” of care, noting, “If I can help someone else feel seen, valued and worthy… that’s the real currency. I know if feel seen, I’m going to go to the doctor and ask the important questions. I’m going to advocate for the support I need.”
As Dr. Lockett puts it, “Funding cuts risk reversing years of progress by widening disparities, increasing new infections, and undermining trust in care systems. Sustained investment is essential.”
These cuts are a choice. When we choose to defund HIV care, we are choosing to abandon Black queer youth, Black mothers living in the South, and our unhoused neighbor, who all deserve a future. We must refuse to be the ghosts of a new epidemic. Our survival has always depended on our ability to see one another when the state chooses to look away. Now, more than ever, we must force ourselves to look, to act, to stay vigilant, and to demand the resources we need to survive and thrive.
We ain’t new to this. We true to this.
Josie Pickens is an educator, writer, cultural critic, and abolitionist strategist and organizer. She is the director of upEND Movement, a national movement dedicated to abolishing the family policing system.
SEE ALSO:
From Exam Room To Crime Scene: When The State Forces Birth But Abandons Life
When Men Harm Children, We Ask All The Wrong Questions
When it comes to blending soul-stirring music with an unwavering commitment to spreading hope, MAJOR. stands in a league of his own. The platinum-selling soul singer appeared on the Rickey Smiley Morning Show to lend his support for the St. Jude Radiothon, a cause close to his heart, while bringing his signature charm and positivity to the conversation.
MAJOR. holds the distinguished honor of being the first-ever recipient of the St. Jude Champion Spirit Award. His dedication to St. Jude began over eight years ago, just before his hit song “This Is Why I Love You” topped the charts.
“I was introduced to St. Jude by Neely Dickinson, who connected me with Carmen Triplet Watson,” MAJOR. recounted during the interview. Initially skeptical, he wasn’t sure what to expect. “But the moment I stepped foot in Memphis and saw it for myself, I realized that this was a real deal cause.”
For MAJOR., supporting St. Jude is about more than lending his voice—it’s about using his platform to amplify their mission. “I’m my mama’s favorite ‘Hope Dealer,’ and I’ve committed to spreading hope wherever I go,” he said with pride.
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MAJOR. Honored By St. Jude with ‘Spirit Award’ for Charitable Efforts
He praised St. Jude’s efforts to provide cost-free care to families and its commitment to making each treatment experience as personalized and comforting as possible. One story stood out to him in particular—a little boy struggling to adjust to the hospital setting until the team recreated his grandmother’s mac and cheese recipe to help him feel at home. “That’s the extra mile they go to ensure not just healing, but healing in comfort,” MAJOR. said.
It’s not just his philanthropy—MAJOR.’s music carries the same hopeful energy. His latest single, “I Pray for You,” is filled with inspirational messages meant to encourage anyone navigating life’s uncertainties. “Life be life-ing—whether you like it or not,” MAJOR. quipped. “But I want people to know, we’re gonna be all right.”
Known for his ability to connect deeply with listeners, MAJOR’s music celebrates humanity, love, and perseverance. During the show, he also expressed special gratitude to women. “March is Women’s History Month, so this one’s for the incredible women and for brothers like you too, Rickey,” he said with a warm smile. “Hope ain’t canceled, and I’m here to spread that message far and wide.”
MAJOR.’s passion for music and people is unmatched, and his dual role as an artist and ambassador of hope is nothing short of inspiring. From supporting families at St. Jude to serenading audiences with his soulful melodies, MAJOR. reminds us all of the power of love, community, and a well-placed prayer.
For more on MAJOR.’s work, including his philanthropic efforts and upcoming tour, visit NowThatsMajor.com. You can also listen to “I Pray for You” on all major streaming platforms.
Music has the power to inspire, heal, and bring people together. That same spirit of hope is at the heart of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, which continues to lead the world in understanding, treating, and defeating childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases. Through the support of music fans and artists across the country, the hospital is able to continue its lifesaving mission and help children and families facing some of the toughest battles imaginable.
One of the ways the music community supports this cause is through Music Gives to St. Jude Kids, a program created by Jason Thomas Gordon, the grandson of St. Jude founder Danny Thomas. Inspired by his grandfather’s belief that no child should die in the dawn of life, the initiative connects music lovers with the mission of helping children receive the care they need.
Music Gives to St. Jude Kids allows fans, artists, and industry professionals to turn their passion for music into real impact. By supporting the program, music fans help ensure St. Jude can continue advancing research, providing treatment, and bringing hope to families everywhere. Those who want to learn more or get involved can visit MusicGives.org.
]]>St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital continues to lead the fight against childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases by advancing research, treatment, and global access to lifesaving care. The hospital is known around the world for its mission of finding cures and saving children while ensuring families can focus on what matters most. At St. Jude, families never receive a bill for treatment, travel, housing, or food, allowing parents to concentrate on helping their child heal and live.
Thanks to the generosity of donors and supporters, St. Jude researchers have helped transform the outlook for childhood cancer patients. In 1962, the overall childhood cancer survival rate in the United States was just 20 percent. Today, that number has risen to more than 80 percent, a powerful reminder of the progress made through research and community support.
Support from donors also allows the hospital to focus on developing new treatments and sharing breakthroughs with doctors and hospitals around the world. This helps ensure more children in more places have access to the care they need because where a child lives should never determine whether they live.
Every child deserves the chance to grow up, celebrate milestones, and live their best life. By supporting St. Jude, listeners and readers can help make cures possible and continue the mission of saving lives and giving families hope for the future.
]]>Top 25 Signs You’re Getting Old
Getting older happens one day at a time.
Sometimes, it sneaks up on you in the smallest ways like a new ache, a sudden craving for peace and quiet, or realizing you have strong opinions about weather apps.
One minute, you’re shutting down the dance floor, the next you’re celebrating an early bedtime like it’s a major win.
It’s not just about age, but how we start to see and move through the world a little differently.
Life’s rhythms change, our priorities shift, and even the things we find exciting or brag-worthy begin to look new.
Before you know it, you’ve started to collect those little signs that you’re definitely not as young as you once were.
Take a look below at the Top 25 Signs You’re Getting Old.
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1. Talking about aches and pains with friends
Gone are the days of discussing weekend plans or the latest drama. Now, the group chat is dedicated to whose knee is acting up and which chiropractor has the best hands in the city. It’s a support group, really.
]]>The Trump administration has announced a significant cut of $600 million in grants from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that were allocated for HIV and STD prevention and surveillance programs. This decision will impact public health funding in states such as California, Colorado, Illinois, and Minnesota.
A spokesperson from the Department of Health and Human Services tells ABC News that the grants are being terminated because they “do not reflect agency priorities.” The cuts will affect funding for state and local health departments, hospitals, universities, and non-governmental organizations. Notable reductions include $1.1 million for HIV surveillance in Los Angeles County, $5.2 million for Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago to promote HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) among Black cisgender women, and $7 million for Chicago’s efforts to study populations disproportionately affected by STDs.
This move has sparked concerns among public health advocates. Matthew Rose, a senior public policy advocate at the Human Rights Campaign, warned that these cuts could reverse decades of progress in combating HIV. He highlighted that federal funding has been instrumental in developing better detection tools, treatments, and prevention methods, including biannual shots to prevent HIV.
The Trump administration has previously reduced funding for HIV-related research, including the cancellation of dozens of grants by the National Institutes of Health in 2025. Additionally, there were reports last year of a plan to eliminate the CDC’s Division of HIV Prevention.
Governors Gavin Newsom of California and Jared Polis of Colorado have stated that they have not received formal notice of the funding cuts but are prepared to respond appropriately. Advocates fear that private donors and organizations will not be able to fill the funding gap left by the federal government, potentially stalling progress in the fight against HIV and STDs.
]]>Loneliness is a profound and often painful experience that affects people of all genders and ages, yet its impact on Black men has gained increasing attention in recent years.
What is male loneliness?
According to Charlie Health, male loneliness is a complex issue shaped by social and cultural dynamics, particularly traditional ideas about masculinity that discourage emotional openness and vulnerability. Many men struggle to express feelings of isolation or seek help due to stigma, leaving them to navigate loneliness in silence. As conversations around mental health continue to evolve, understanding the causes and consequences of male loneliness is critical to building a more supportive environment for Black men’s emotional well-being.
Recent data highlights the scale of the issue. A 2024 KIFF study found that one in six adults reported feeling lonely always or often that year, with rates soaring among Black men ages 18 to 29, hovering at 35% compared to White men of the same age range (33%).
The alarming trend continued well into 2025, too. Notably, research published in Ethnicity & Disease in March 2025 examined 1,200 Black men and found that nearly one in four reported feeling isolated from others. The research also revealed a strong link between loneliness, chronic health conditions, and obstacles to effectively managing disease.
So, why is loneliness affecting our Black kings at an alarming rate? Access to support networks plays a major role in these outcomes. Black men are somewhat less likely than White men to report having a strong local support system. Shockingly, just over four in ten Black men say they have friends or family nearby they can rely on, compared to over half of White adults. Without a strong support system, loneliness can take a toll on the mental health of the Black men we love and cherish.
How does loneliness develop?
Male loneliness often develops through early socialization. Many men are taught to suppress emotions and avoid vulnerability, which limits their ability to form deep emotional bonds. Traditional masculinity stresses the importance of independence and self-reliance, traits that can discourage men from seeking support or admitting emotional distress. Over time, this can lead to friendships that lack emotional depth and a reluctance to engage in honest conversations about mental health.
Social change has also intensified feelings of isolation. Shifting family structures, increased mobility, and demanding work environments make it harder for men to maintain long-term social connections. Workplace stress and long hours can crowd out personal relationships, especially when work becomes a primary coping mechanism. In these circumstances, loneliness can quietly take hold without obvious warning signs.
Cultural expectations and systemic barriers
For Black men, loneliness is often compounded by cultural expectations and systemic barriers. According to the AAMC, Black men are frequently affected by what researchers call “Tough Guy Syndrome.” The Man Up Man Down Research Program, a Michigan-based initiative, examined this phenomenon through focus groups conducted between 2010 and 2018. Researchers found that many African American men associate being a “real man” with providing for family, earning respect, achieving financial success, and remaining tough and self-sufficient. For men facing racial discrimination, limited economic opportunities, and unequal access to education, embracing toughness can serve as a source of pride and self-worth.
However, the costs of this mindset can be severe. While major depressive disorder is diagnosed less frequently among African American men than White men, Black men who experience depression often face more chronic symptoms and greater impairment in work and relationships. They are also significantly less likely to seek mental health services, increasing the risk of untreated mental illness. As researchers note, there are serious downsides to being a “tough guy,” and “manning up” can ultimately lead to a man going down.
During a 2023 interview with The Atlanta Voice, licensed mental health counselor Dr. Luis Hines expanded on this reality, explaining, “Men keep a lot of stuff in their heads. They don’t like to talk, they don’t like to express themselves, and they believe they have to do things by themselves. They don’t like to be vulnerable with their emotions. These are all signs that can lead to loneliness and, perhaps, some mental defects.”
What are the symptoms of loneliness in Black men?
The mental and physical consequences of loneliness are far-reaching. Psychologically, prolonged isolation is linked to depression, anxiety, increased stress, difficulty concentrating, and feelings of hopelessness. Physically, chronic loneliness has been associated with cardiovascular disease, weakened immune systems, and disrupted sleep. The relationship between mental and physical health makes loneliness a serious health concern rather than a temporary emotional state.
Life transitions can further intensify isolation. Retirement, divorce, the loss of a partner, or major changes in routine can disrupt social connections and deepen feelings of loneliness. Behavioral changes such as withdrawal from friends and family, irritability, altered sleep or eating habits, and noticeable shifts in mood are often signs that a man may be struggling with isolation.
How do we address loneliness in Black men?
Addressing male loneliness requires cultural and personal change. Creating environments that encourage emotional expression, redefining strength to include vulnerability, and normalizing mental health support are essential steps. Reminding men that seeking help is an act of courage rather than weakness can open the door to healing. Loneliness thrives in silence, but connection, through conversation, understanding, and community, has the power to transform lives, especially our Black kings.
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]]>The new food pyramid released this month marks a dramatic departure from decades of dietary guidance. Since its rollout, people have been actively comparing the new food pyramid to the original version introduced in the mid-1990s, and the differences are striking. The most notable shift is the emphasis on protein, healthy fats, and full-fat dairy, while grains, once the foundation of the model, have been reduced to the smallest category.
The 2026 food pyramid updates prioritize whole, minimally processed foods and increased protein intake, signaling a significant move away from the old food pyramid’s grain-heavy approach.
Introduction: Understanding the Evolution of the Food Pyramid
The food pyramid has long been a symbol of American nutrition advice, shaping how generations understood “healthy eating.” It was created as a visual tool designed to illustrate recommended daily food intake by organizing foods into groups based on how often they should be consumed. Traditionally, foods meant to be eaten most frequently, such as grains, fruits, and vegetables, appear at the wide base, while items to be consumed sparingly, like fats and sweets, sit at the narrow top.
The goal of the food pyramid is to encourage balanced, healthy eating by highlighting portion guidance, variety, and moderation to support proper nutrition and help reduce the risk of chronic disease. While the classic pyramid shape is widely recognized, modern nutrition models, such as MyPlate, have evolved from this framework to reflect updated dietary science.
The Department of Agriculture’s newly released dietary guidance, announced Jan. 7, introduces a redesigned food pyramid that looks almost unrecognizable compared to the one many people grew up with. This discussion of the old food pyramid vs. the new has ignited debate among nutrition experts, policymakers, and everyday consumers alike.
Introduction to the New Food Pyramid: What’s Changed in 2026
The 2026 food pyramid updates represent what federal officials have called a major reset of nutrition policy. Unveiled during a White House briefing on Jan.7, the new visual aligns with the administration’s “Make America Healthy Again” initiative. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. framed the update as a return to basics, urging Americans to “eat real food.”
“The new guidelines recognize that whole, nutrient-dense food is the most effective path to better health and lower health care costs,” Kennedy Jr. said during the briefing, according to the Hill.
“The new framework centers on protein and healthy fats, vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. It’s upside down, a lot of people say. It was actually upside down before,” he added.
Kennedy Jr. said this new version of the food pyramid would help Americans “reduce disease risk more effectively than many drugs,” and noted that “all grains outperform refined carbohydrates.”
He added that “sugars, especially sugar-sweetened beverages, drive metabolic disease, and today, our government declares war on added sugar, highly processed foods loaded with additives, added sugar and excess salt.”
History of the Old Food Pyramid: What It Used to Emphasize
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s earliest attempt at formal nutrition guidance dates back to 1894, when W. O. Atwater — a chemist and one of the agency’s first nutrition researchers — issued a warning in a Farmer’s Bulletin. That moment marked the beginning of the USDA’s ongoing challenge: translating evolving scientific knowledge into practical eating advice for the public. Nutrition science, however, looked very different at the end of the 19th century. At the time, essential micronutrients such as vitamins had not yet been discovered, leaving early recommendations based on limited understanding, according to NPR.
As scientific knowledge advanced, so did the USDA’s approach to visual dietary guidance. In 1943, the agency introduced a food wheel rather than a pyramid. Butter notably appeared on the wheel during a period of wartime shortages, when many Americans were turning to margarine as a substitute. Today’s Dietary Guidelines continue to recommend limiting saturated fats found in foods like butter and discourage margarine consumption due to its potential trans fat content.
One striking feature of the 1943 guidelines was their classification of fruits and vegetables into three categories. While critics at the time pointed out the lack of clear serving-size guidance, the visual emphasis on produce was evident and forward-thinking. Nutrition recommendations continued to undergo several revisions in the following decades, eventually leading to the introduction of the food pyramid in 1992.
That pyramid placed carbohydrates at its base, recommending six to 11 daily servings, while fruits, vegetables, meat, and dairy occupied smaller tiers. In hindsight, this structure has been widely criticized. We now understand that “carbohydrates worsen glucose and insulin — they have negative effects on blood cholesterol levels,” as Dariush Mozaffarian, dean of the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy at Tufts University, told NPR in 2014. Replacing saturated fats with refined carbohydrates, he explained, “has not been useful advice.”
This framework remained largely unchanged until the debut of MyPlate in 2011. Compared to earlier models, MyPlate offered a cleaner, more intuitive design. While not without flaws, it represented progress by clearly illustrating that fruits and vegetables should make up half of every meal, a message that aligns more closely with nutritional understanding today.
Major Differences Between the New and Old Food Pyramids
Any food pyramid comparison immediately highlights how inverted the new model is. In the new food pyramid vs. the old design, foods meant to be eaten most frequently now appear at the top, while those to be limited sit at the bottom. Grains, once the foundation, are now the smallest category. Protein, fruits, vegetables, dairy, and healthy fats dominate the pyramid’s upper tiers. Protein has received particular emphasis, with recommended intake increasing significantly compared to past guidance. The stance on fats has also shifted dramatically, with full-fat dairy and certain saturated fats no longer treated as dietary villains.
Notably, the updated guidelines now promote the inclusion of “healthy” fats — including saturated fats — elevating them to the top of the pyramid alongside protein and dairy. While saturated fat intake is still capped at 10% of daily calories, the guidance stresses that these fats should come from naturally occurring whole foods, such as avocados, rather than highly processed foods, according to USA Today.
Scientific Evidence Supporting the Changes
The rationale behind these updates reflects years of emerging nutrition research questioning the effectiveness of low-fat, high-carbohydrate diets. Studies increasingly suggest that adequate protein supports muscle mass, metabolic health, and satiety, while certain fats play an essential role in hormone regulation and nutrient absorption. The revised protein recommendations of 1.2 to 1.6 grams per kilogram of body weight per day far exceed the long-standing minimum of 0.8 g/kg, reflecting updated evidence about optimal intake rather than mere deficiency prevention, according to USA Today.
Numerous studies have also consistently shown that diets rich in fruits and vegetables significantly lower the risk of heart disease, stroke, and cardiovascular-related death by reducing blood pressure, inflammation, and heart strain, with benefits seen for specific types like leafy greens, citrus, and berries, though starchy vegetables and juice show less benefit, according to The American Heart Association.
Practical Implications for Your Diet and Lifestyle
For everyday eaters, the old food pyramid vs. the new approach may require a mindset shift. Meals built primarily around pasta or bread may give way to plates centered on protein sources, vegetables, and healthy fats. The return of full-fat dairy also challenges decades of fat-free marketing and dietary habits. While the visual is striking, the practical takeaway is less about strict ratios and more about prioritizing whole foods over ultra-processed options.
Expert Opinions on the New Food Pyramid
Nutrition experts are divided on the changes. Supporters argue the new pyramid better reflects modern science and real-world eating patterns. Stanford neuroscientist Dr. Andrew Huberman and host of the Huberman Lab podcast, praised the new model.
“…Assuming overall calories are kept in check and people exercise & get sun(day)light, this looks spot on. Maybe up the veggies a bit, add low sugar fermented foods like sauerkraut & this is great.”
According to Fox News, Dr. Bobby Mukkamala, president of the American Medical Association, also gave a nod of approval to the updated framework, sharing that the changes “affirm that food is medicine and offer clear direction patients and physicians can use to improve health.”
He added, “The American Medical Association applauds the Administration’s new Dietary Guidelines for spotlighting the highly processed foods, sugar-sweetened beverages and excess sodium that fuel heart disease, diabetes, obesity and other chronic illnesses.”
Some weren’t pleased with the new pyramid. Neal Barnard, president of the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, stressed that the framework needed clearer guidelines around saturated fat intake.
“The guidelines are right to limit cholesterol-raising saturated (‘bad’) fat,” Neal Barnard said in a statement, according to the Hill. “But they should spell out where it comes from: dairy products and meat, primarily. And here the Guidelines err in promoting meat and dairy products, which are principal drivers of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and obesity.”
Common Questions About the Food Pyramid Revisions (FAQ)
One common food pyramid change FAQ question is whether grains are being eliminated entirely. The answer is no; grains are still included, but in smaller proportions. Another frequent question asks why fats are no longer restricted. Federal officials have pointed to updated research distinguishing between harmful trans fats and naturally occurring fats found in whole foods. Many also wonder why the pyramid returned after being replaced by the plate model in 2011. According to officials, the pyramid’s simplicity makes it a clearer educational tool when redesigned to reflect modern science.
Which Food Pyramid Should You Follow?
Ultimately, the debate surrounding the new food pyramid vs. the old highlights how nutrition guidance continues to evolve alongside scientific understanding. While the 2026 food pyramid updates may feel jarring at first, they reflect a broader shift away from fear-based eating and toward balanced, protein and vegetable-forward meals built from real foods.
Whether consumers fully embrace the new model or adapt parts of it, the message is clear: real food is a must in 2026.
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]]>McDonald’s is facing a class-action lawsuit over its iconic McRib sandwich, with plaintiffs alleging that the product’s name and marketing are misleading. The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, claims that the McRib does not contain any actual rib meat, despite its name and rib-shaped patty.
The Allegations
The plaintiffs argue that McDonald’s has deceived consumers by marketing the McRib as a premium pork rib product. According to the complaint, the sandwich is made from “restructured” pork, which includes cuts such as pork shoulder, heart, tripe, and scalded stomach, rather than actual rib meat. The lawsuit also highlights the sandwich’s distinctive rib-shaped patty as a deliberate attempt to mislead customers into believing they are purchasing a higher-quality product.
The plaintiffs, who hail from California, New York, Illinois, and Washington, D.C., allege that McDonald’s has capitalized on the perception of rib meat as a premium product, charging consumers a higher price for the McRib. The sandwich has reportedly sold for as much as $7.89 at some locations, significantly higher than other menu items.
McDonald’s Response
McDonald’s has denied the allegations, stating that the McRib is made with 100% pork sourced from U.S. farmers. The company emphasized its commitment to food quality and transparency, asserting that the claims in the lawsuit “distort the facts.” McDonald’s also pointed to past efforts to debunk myths about the McRib, including a 2014 video featuring former “MythBusters” host Grant Imahara, which showed the patty being made from ground pork, water, salt, and preservatives.
Legal Claims and Consumer Impact
The lawsuit seeks class-action status on behalf of U.S. consumers who purchased the McRib in the past four years. It alleges multiple causes of action, including fraudulent omission, misrepresentation, breach of warranty, and unjust enrichment. The plaintiffs are seeking damages, restitution, and injunctive relief to prevent further deceptive marketing practices.
The McRib, introduced in 1981, has become one of McDonald’s most recognizable limited-time offerings. Its periodic availability has created a sense of urgency among fans, which the lawsuit claims discourages consumers from scrutinizing its ingredients.
The McRib most recently made its return to the hamburger franchise starting around November 11, 2025. For now, McDonald’s McRib is still available for a limited time in select U.S. markets,
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]]>Health insurance premiums are already climbing, insurers have locked in higher 2026 rates, and the enhanced Affordable Care Act subsidies that have kept coverage affordable for millions are set to expire on Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026.
The increases are no longer hypothetical. They are visible now, baked into open enrollment, and poised to accelerate in the coming year. For many workers, this won’t just show up as a higher monthly bill. It will show up directly in their paychecks, as employers shift rising health care costs onto employees through higher premium contributions, reduced benefits, and slower wage growth.
Policymakers and insurers insist this will affect “everyone.” Middle-class families of all races are struggling. And that is true. But it is also incomplete because the early evidence shows the burden will fall hardest on Black families and businesses.
The American health care system likes to present itself as colorblind, clinical, and mathematical. It is largely driven by data, risk pools, utilization rates, and actuarial tables that supposedly strip emotion and politics out of life-and-death decisions. We are told that rising premiums are unfortunate but inevitable, that the healthcare system is strained, and that nobody is being unfairly targeted.
The math is supposedly mathing.
But this is America, where numbers don’t float above history or erase bias. What recent reporting on rising health care costs reveals, often without fully naming, is that the healthcare system is engineered to convert racialized harm into predictable revenue that disproportionately falls on Black folks.
A JAMA report has shown that overall costs are higher for Black and Latino households, with Black families often paying more out-of-pocket for care and insurance even as they face systemic barriers to access. Another analysis from the Economic Policy Institute argues that proposals to end Affordable Care Act tax credits will hit Black Americans especially hard. In 10 major metropolitan areas, such changes could leave over 170,000 people without insurance, drive up annual premiums by roughly $740 million, and increase preventable deaths. Healthcare Finance has noted that premium increases are outpacing wage growth, with Black and Hispanic workers feeling those pressures acutely.
These reports describe outcomes such as higher costs, lost coverage, sticker shock, and preventable deaths, but they stop short of naming who benefits and why the system keeps producing the same racialized harm on schedule. Readers are left with the sense that this is unfortunate, cyclical, or merely a matter of policy negligence, rather than the predictable result of an industry engineered to extract wealth from people least able to absorb it.
What’s happening with healthcare in our current moment did not emerge from recent policy shifts, but rather a century-long continuum of racialized medical extraction, exclusion, and pricing. It’s connected to redlining’s impact on hospital access, employer-based insurance as a Jim Crow labor workaround, and desegregation, which triggered white flight from public health infrastructure. Without that context, Black folks appear as perpetual victims of “rising costs,” rather than communities that have been systematically positioned to subsidize everybody else’s care through higher premiums, worse coverage, and delayed treatment.
And there’s corporate culpability. Insurers, pharmaceutical companies, hospital conglomerates, private equity firms, and consulting giants appear as abstractions in these reports. There’s no sustained interrogation of pricing algorithms, risk scoring, provider consolidation, or shareholder expectations. These are mechanisms that quietly convert Black illness into revenue. And they are the result of deliberate choices by specific lawmakers responding to donors and industry pressure.
These stories also don’t fully explore how constant cost anxiety reshapes medical decision-making in Black households. People skip care, delay prescriptions, ration insulin, avoid emergency rooms, and choose debt over diagnosis. That stress is a health condition in itself, one that compounds hypertension, heart disease, pregnancy outcomes, and mortality. The body is paying interest on policy.
At the end of the day, Black people are not just a disproportionately affected group, but they are the financial backbone of the healthcare system. Black families aren’t just harmed by rising costs. They are overpaying into a system that routinely underserves them. That inversion matters. Without it, these stories document injustice but don’t fully expose exploitation.
Black illness, stress, exposure, deprivation, and Black survival itself are not aberrations to the model. They are inputs. They are priced in. And as health care costs rise, Black people will be disproportionately extracted from, disciplined by, and charged for injuries they did not choose and cannot escape.
The key mechanism is risk. Health insurers and employer-sponsored plans calculate premiums using formulas that rely heavily on past utilization: how often people seek care, what diagnoses they carry, what medications they take, how frequently they are hospitalized, and how expensive their treatment histories appear on paper. In theory, this is efficient. In practice, it quietly transforms structural violence into individual liability.
Black Americans have higher rates of chronic illnesses like diabetes, hypertension, asthma, heart disease, autoimmune disorders, and pregnancy-related complications. That fact is endlessly cited, rarely contextualized, and almost never treated as an indictment of the racist system that produced it. Instead, those outcomes are fed into algorithms that conclude Black people are “higher risk,” and therefore more expensive to insure.
The system does not ask why those conditions are concentrated where they are. It does not account for food apartheid, in which fresh food is scarce and ultraprocessed calories are abundant. It does not code for neighborhoods built next to highways, refineries, waste sites, and industrial corridors where asthma and cancer rates soar. It does not adjust for generations of redlining that stripped wealth, limited housing options, and destabilized community infrastructure. It does not quantify the physiological toll of racism itself, the daily stress, hypervigilance, discrimination, and trauma that drive inflammation, cardiovascular strain, immune dysfunction, and premature aging.
Those harms are invisible to the spreadsheet. Their biological consequences are not.
Epigenetics makes this even harder to deny. Chronic stress, malnutrition, environmental toxins, and violence do not just shape individual health outcomes. They also alter gene expression across generations. The bodies of Black Americans are carrying the biological residue of centuries of slavery, of Jim Crow terror, and policies and conditions imposed long before any individual health plan was selected. Yet insurers treat those embodied histories as present-day risk factors rather than as inherited evidence of harm. And so racialized intergenerational trauma becomes an actuarial justification, and racism becomes a surcharge.
This is where people often interject: rising health care costs affect everyone. Premiums are going up across the board.
What distinguishes Black Americans is not merely that costs are rising, but how those costs are calculated, absorbed, and compounded. Black workers are more likely to earn less, hold less wealth, and have fewer financial buffers to absorb premium hikes, deductibles, and out-of-pocket expenses. Paying more for health care means sacrificing something else like rent, food, utilities, and debt payments in ways that accelerate harm rather than simply inconvenience.
Black Americans are also more likely to be insured through jobs that offer fewer plan options, higher employee contributions, narrower networks, and less employer subsidization. When premiums rise, employers often pass those costs on to employees. Insurers point to utilization. Employers point to insurers. Policymakers point to market forces. Responsibility dissolves at every handoff, while Black workers pay more to remain insured.
And then there is how Black people must use health care once they have it. Delayed care is common not because of ignorance, but because of cost, access barriers, and mistrust born of lived experience. When care is delayed, conditions worsen. When conditions worsen, treatment becomes more expensive. When treatment becomes more expensive, utilization rises. When utilization rises, premiums increase. This is not a coincidence. It is a feedback loop.
The system punishes Black people for surviving within conditions it refuses to change.
Meanwhile, Black patients are still more likely to be undertreated, disbelieved, misdiagnosed, or dismissed by medical professionals. Pain is minimized. Symptoms are attributed to lifestyle or attitude. Preventive care is harder to access, and specialty care often requires navigating referral systems that were not designed with Black patients in mind. So Black Americans are paying more into a system that delivers less, later, and often with worse outcomes.
This is what makes the claims of universality misleading. Yes, rising costs affect everyone. But not everyone is being charged for injuries inflicted by the same system that collects the premiums. Not everyone’s illness is treated as both inevitable and profitable. Not everyone is positioned as a permanent high-risk category with no meaningful pathway out.
For white Americans, increased health care costs are often experienced as economic pressure layered onto otherwise protected status. For Black Americans, they are experienced as a continuation of historical extraction, and are another mechanism through which harm is monetized and normalized.
And as policy decisions loom, such as the expiration of ACA tax credits, the consequences will not fall evenly. Losing subsidies does not simply mean paying more. It means losing coverage altogether for people already operating at the margins. It means preventable deaths framed as unfortunate trade-offs. It means the quiet resegregation of health care access under the language of fiscal responsibility.
Systems do not drift into these outcomes accidentally. They are designed through policy choices, market incentives, corporate consolidation, and regulatory frameworks that prioritize profitability over repair.
Insurers are not simply reacting to Black illness; they are profiting from its predictability. Pharmaceutical pricing strategies, hospital mergers, private equity ownership of clinics, and data-driven risk scoring all depend on stable patterns of chronic disease. Black communities, made vulnerable through deliberate neglect, provide that stability. A system that ignores race while feeding on racialized outcomes is extractive. It takes what racism has produced and converts it into revenue streams, shareholder value, and balance-sheet logic.
And this is why incremental reforms feel so inadequate. Lowering premiums slightly does not dismantle the algorithm. Expanding access without changing pricing logic simply widens the pool of people being charged for harm. Diversity statements do nothing to alter risk models. Cultural competence training does not rewrite actuarial tables.
To confront this honestly requires naming what the system is doing, which is charging Black folks for surviving racism, then using their survival as proof that higher costs are justified.
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Flu cases are on the rise across Texas, and health officials say now is the time to be cautious — especially as families continue gathering for the holidays.
According to the Texas Department of Health and Human Services, flu-related hospitalizations are increasing statewide. Emergency room visits tied to the flu jumped by more than 4,000 this month, with nearly 10,000 visits reported in mid-December alone.
Austin-based physician assistant Jordan Jones with Baylor Scott & White Urgent Care says she’s seeing a clear spike in influenza A cases.
“A lot of patients are coming in with known exposures or positive home tests,” Jones said. She added that at-home flu tests can be helpful tools to have during flu season.
Right now, Texas is seeing moderate flu activity compared to the rest of the country, but Jones says cases are expected to climb after Christmas and New Year’s. On top of that, other respiratory illnesses like RSV and COVID-19 could also increase.
So what should you watch for? Jones describes influenza A symptoms as hitting hard and fast.
“I always tell patients it feels like you got hit by a freight train,” she said.
Common symptoms include fever, body aches, sore throat, congestion, and a runny nose.
To help prevent getting sick, health experts recommend getting the flu shot, washing your hands often, using hand sanitizer while traveling, and making sure you’re getting enough rest.
And if symptoms start? Jones says timing matters.
Seeing a healthcare provider within the first 48 hours can make treatments like Tamiflu more effective. And if you’re feeling sick, she encourages letting others know before gathering.
That way, everyone can make the best choice to stay healthy.
The Kickback w/ Jazzi Black and DJ Wire Weekdays 9A-3P, Saturdays 12P-3 P | Follow us on IG @kickbackoffair , Follow Jazzi Black on TikTok @jazziblack
]]>The holiday season is a time for joy, family, and celebration, but it also brings challenges to staying healthy. With cold and flu season in full swing, here are some expert-backed tips to help you stay well.
Hand hygiene is essential to prevent illness. “Wash your hands thoroughly after being in public places, or use hand sanitizer if soap and water aren’t available,” said Dr. Mai Phuong Truong, an internal medicine physician at McLaren Flint. Cover your mouth and nose with your elbow when coughing or sneezing to reduce the spread of germs.
Vaccines are a key defense against severe illness. In an article with CBS 17, Dr. Cameron Wolfe from Duke University School of Medicine emphasized the importance of flu and COVID-19 vaccinations, even if they don’t completely prevent illness. Older adults should also consider the RSV vaccine for added protection.
A balanced diet supports your immune system. Include fruits, vegetables, and whole grains in your meals. Foods rich in Vitamin C, like kiwis and bell peppers, and Vitamin D supplements can be particularly beneficial. Don’t forget to drink plenty of water and limit alcohol intake, especially if it interacts with medications.
Sleep is vital for overall health. Make sure in the chaos of holiday shopping, preparing a Christmas meal and tending to your family members you are getting an adequate amount of rest to stay healthy.
By following these tips, you can enjoy a safe and healthy holiday season while protecting yourself and those around you.
Source: Kirby Lozano / Canva
November is Men’s Mental Health Month: Let’s Talk, Listen & Lift Each Other Up
Because silence shouldn’t be the price of strength.
Why November Matters
Each November, Men’s Mental Health Month reminds us to check in, speak up, and support one another.
While physical health often gets attention — think “Movember” mustaches — emotional wellness can still be overlooked.
The truth is, men face some of the highest rates of depression and suicide, yet are often the least likely to seek help.
[NIMH Source]
Breaking the Stigma
Many men grow up with messages like “be tough,” “don’t cry,” or “handle it yourself.”
While resilience is valuable, these expectations can silence emotional honesty — and that silence can become dangerous.
Creating safe spaces for men to share their stories without judgment is a crucial part of healing.
“Being strong isn’t about holding it in — it’s about reaching out when it matters most.”
How DFW Communities Can Show Up
Across the Dallas–Fort Worth area, organizations and local groups are stepping up to make men’s mental health visible:
- Mental Health Connection of Tarrant County — offers resources, workshops, and crisis support for men and families.
- Dallas LIFE — provides holistic support for men rebuilding their lives from trauma, addiction, or housing loss.
- Movember Foundation — funds research and community programs focused on men’s mental and physical health.
5 Simple Ways to Support Men’s Mental Health
Check in — A quick “how are you really doing?” can mean everything.
Listen without fixing — Sometimes men just need to be heard, not solved.
Move together — Physical activity boosts mood and connection. Invite a friend for a walk, lift, or dance class.
Normalize therapy — Talk openly about counseling as strength, not weakness.
Share resources — Post local hotlines or mental health meetups on social media.
Support Lines & Resources
- National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Dial 988
- Crisis Text Line: Text HELLO to 741741
- Therapy for Black Men: therapyforblackmen.org
- Latino Mental Health Network: MHA Latino Resources
Final Thought
Men’s Mental Health Month isn’t about spotlighting pain — it’s about shifting culture.
When we remind men that vulnerability is part of strength, we open doors to healing entire families and communities.
So whether it’s a conversation, a text, or a shared moment of honesty — let’s make space for it.
The music and television community is reeling after the unexpected death of actor Floyd Roger Myers Jr., who passed away at age 42 from a heart attack at his Maryland home. His mother, Renee Trice, revealed that Myers had suffered three prior heart attacks in recent years. Myers made a memorable mark early in his career, playing the younger version of Will Smith’s character in the 1990s sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, and later portraying Marlon Jackson in the miniseries The Jacksons: American Dream. Beyond the screen, he co-founded the nonprofit group Fellowship Men’s Group (also known as “Fellaship”), which focuses on men’s growth, demonstrating his commitment to supporting others even while wrestling with his own health battles. His death leaves behind four children and a legacy of both creative and community-driven work, yet also a heartbreaking reminder that heart health isn’t just an issue for older adults.
Myers’ passing serves as a wake-up call about heart health, especially among younger adults. According to OU Health, there has been a roughly 30% increase in heart disease-related hospitalizations among adults under 45 in recent years, reflecting a larger trend of cardiovascular issues striking younger age groups. Experts report that conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and even heart attacks are appearing far earlier than many anticipate, sometimes starting in one’s 20s or 30s. This isn’t just statistical either. For Myers, the presence of multiple prior heart attacks suggests that aggressive cardiovascular disease progression can exist even when someone is perceived as “young.” The tragedy highlights how quickly things can escalate if risk factors go unchecked.
So what can young adults do to protect their hearts? First, schedule a routine check-up and ask about basic cardiovascular screenings: blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar and family history. According to OU Health, many young adults never check these vital signs or discuss heart risk until it’s too late. From there, incorporate stress-management and healthy lifestyle habits: move more (even short walks count), prioritize whole foods over heavily processed options, aim for 7-8 hours of sleep, and avoid long stretches of sedentary screen time. Sitting for extended periods, a poor diet, and low activity are major contributors to early heart disease in young people. Additionally, be aware of the warning signs: unexplained fatigue, shortness of breath during regular activity, palpitations, or chest pressure. Don’t discount these symptoms, even if you’re in your 30s or early 40s.
In the end, although Myers’ passing may feel unfair, it should also inject urgency into conversations about heart health. Young adults often feel invincible, but the data show heart disease is no longer just an “older person’s” problem. The ripple effect of this tragedy has been felt on social media, where fans shared memories of Myers’ screen roles and questioned how such a vibrant young father and mentor could be taken away so soon. Until more young people take action on prevention, it is hoped that Myers’ story will help shift behavior and awareness, so future losses like his become less common.
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]]>For Black women, uterine fibroids are more prevalent, tend to develop at an earlier age, and produce more severe symptoms. By age 50, up to 80% of Black women will develop fibroids, a significantly higher rate than the general population. Black women’s fibroids are often more numerous and larger, leading to debilitating pain, heavy and prolonged menstrual bleeding, and anemia. The chronic and severe nature of the symptoms can severely impact a woman’s quality of life, disrupting daily routines, affecting relationships, and causing missed days from work or school. For many, fibroids also carry significant reproductive health implications, impacting fertility and increasing risks during pregnancy.
The disproportionate burden of fibroids on Black women stems from a complex interplay of genetic, environmental, and social factors. While researchers are still working to fully understand the root causes, studies suggest several contributing elements. For instance, Black women are more likely to experience vitamin D deficiency, which has been linked to an increased risk of fibroid growth. Exposure to certain hormone-disrupting chemicals, such as those found in some hair relaxers, may also contribute to the higher rates. Furthermore, the chronic stress resulting from systemic racism and socioeconomic disparities is recognized as a potential factor in fibroid development.
Exacerbating the biological and environmental factors are pervasive healthcare inequities that affect Black women’s care and treatment. Systemic bias within the healthcare system can lead to dismissal of symptoms and delayed diagnosis, often resulting in more invasive and aggressive treatments. Black women have higher rates of both myomectomy and hysterectomy, and are significantly less likely to receive minimally invasive procedures. These disparities persist even when controlling for other factors, indicating a deeper systemic issue. Organizations like the Black Women’s Health Imperative and The White Dress Project are working to address these issues by raising awareness, empowering patients, and advocating for equitable care and research.
Check out our convo on this issue below.
Source: Christopher Polk / Getty
There’s no glossing over it. A breast cancer diagnosis can be life-shattering. It tests the body, mind, and spirit. It’s particularly tough for Black women, who statistically face higher mortality rates and delayed diagnoses. Yet, when public figures step into that fight and emerge, their survival becomes something more than personal. It becomes a symbol, a signpost, and a rallying cry to those who may be having a similar experience. Check out a gallery of Black celebrity breast cancer survivors inspiring us inside.
The journeys of these Black celebrity survivors remind us that survivorship isn’t passive. It demands resilience, courage, and visibility. Breast cancer doesn’t erase legacy. It refines it. When admirable women whose names and faces already carry cultural weight share their own battles, they change what it means to survive. They bring awareness, erase isolation, demand better care, shift stigma, and inspire others to stand up for their own bodies.
In the Black community, where medical bias, limited access, and late detection complicate survival, our celebrity survivors carry extra responsibility beautifully. Their stories are necessary to Black women’s collective healing. Each whisper of a scar unveiled, each candid admission of fear or recovery, is an intimate gift to those watching behind screens and across neighborhoods.
Below, we spotlight a powerful gallery of celebrity breast cancer survivors in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Some are household names already familiar with triumph, while others reclaimed anonymity in the fight. Their stories are about legacy, reclamation, and the fierce insistence that we live fully on the other side.
Check out the gallery below:
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For many Black men, growing a beard is more than just letting facial hair run wild. It’s a lifestyle and a form os self-expression! Taking care of a healthy, full, and clean beard requires more than just occasional trimming. The unique texture and curl pattern of Black men’s hair can make beards prone to dryness, itchiness, and even ingrown hairs if not properly cared for. Unfortunately, many men skip key grooming steps that could be the difference between a patchy, brittle beard and one that looks smooth, hydrated, and well-groomed.
Beard care isn’t just about appearances; it’s also about skin health. Neglecting your beard care can lead to clogged pores, acne flare-ups, or razor bumps when you shave it. Many Black men have naturally curly hair that grows back toward the skin, increasing the chances of ingrown hairs if the area isn’t properly moisturized and exfoliated. Taking the time to follow a few grooming steps not only keeps the beard sharp, but also keeps the skin underneath healthy and irritation-free.
Another reason proper grooming matters is its impact on longevity. A lot of men wonder why their beards won’t grow evenly or stop at a certain length. The truth is that with the right products, from gentle cleansers to natural oils, you can maximize growth and thickness over time. Consistent care also prevents common issues like split ends or beard dandruff (also known as “beardruff”), which can make even the fullest beard look unkempt.
Then there’s the confidence factor. A well-groomed beard can completely change how you look and feel. Whether you’re going for a sharp corporate look, a clean fade with a full beard, or a more natural style, the steps you take behind the scenes will determine the final result. Think of it like your haircut routine. You wouldn’t just let your barber line you up without washing or brushing, right? The same should apply to your beard.
If you want your beard to remain sharp, healthy, and eye-catching, check out these nine essential beard care grooming steps for Black men.
- Washing regularly – Use a gentle beard shampoo 2-3 times a week (not regular hair shampoo, which can dry it out).
- Conditioning – Apply beard conditioner or a moisturizing mask to soften coarse hair.
- Exfoliating the skin underneath – Use a soft scrub or brush to lift dead skin and prevent ingrown hairs.
- Daily moisturizing – Apply beard oil or butter to keep hair soft and skin hydrated.
- Detangling with a comb/brush – Prevent knots and train hair to grow in the right direction.
- Trimming split ends – Even if you’re growing it out, clean up the ends to avoid breakage.
- Defining your neckline and cheek line – Clean edges make the beard look sharper and more intentional.
- Protecting while you sleep – A satin pillowcase or durag/bonnet helps reduce breakage and dryness.
- Eating and drinking for growth – Hydration, protein, and vitamins (like biotin and vitamin D) all support fuller, healthier beards.