July 2023 Edition

Culture & News

National Fibroid Awareness Month

Fibroids are uterine tumors that effect women of child-bearing age. Some women with fibroids are asymptomatic, while others struggle with pelvic pain, heavy menstrual bleeding, and infertility. July is National Fibroid Awareness Month and what better time than this to discuss this important women’s reproductive health issue.

Typically, fibroids are noncancerous tumors that will effect two-thirds (66%) of women by the time they reach the age of 50 years old. ¹ According to U.S. national estimates, African American women have higher rates of fibroids and are twice as likely to have a hysterectomy for the condition, compared to European American women. The reason for these racial disparities remains unclear, but research has identified some risk factors, such as: Vitamin D deficiency, obesity, genetics (family history), stress, and early age onset of menses. ² It has also been indicated that fibroids have more receptor sites for the hormones of estrogen and progesterone than normal uterine muscle cells usually do. ³

The treatment plan for fibroids depends on whether a woman has symptoms, the size and amount of tumors, and the desire to maintain fertility. The surgical options include hysterectomy or myomectomy. There is a growing option of minimally invasive procedures, such as uterine fibroid embolization (UFE). Some women may also chose homeopathic medicine for alternative treatment methods. Dr. Christine Adams, M.D.-Ph.D. in her book: Homeopathic Medicine: The Complete Guide to Homeopathic Medicine and Treatment of Common Disorders (2014, 181 pages, kindle edition) discusses natural ingredients to treat the disorder.

The future research trend is for a more inclusive approach to different racial populations and risk factors. According to Dr. Erica Marsh, M.D. a lead researcher at Michigan Medicine: “Research has taught us that if you’re not included, then you’re not represented. We want to make sure research is inclusive and reflective of everyone affected by this disease.” ⁴ The current preventative measures is to reduce risk factors as appropriate (healthy weight and diet), identify if fibroids are in your family history, maintain a yearly gynecological wellness check-up, and seek early intervention if diagnosed with fibroids. Take care of yourself!

Bibliography

(1, 2, 4) Mostafavi, Beata. “Understanding Racial Disparities for Women with Uterine Fibroids.“ Michigan Medicine: The University of Michigan. August 12, 2020. Accessed online on June 27, 2023: https://www.michiganmedicine.org/health-lab/understanding-racial-disparities-women-uterine-fibroids

(3) Mayo Clinic Staff. “Uterine Fibroids.” Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. September 21, 2022. Accessed online on June 27, 2023: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/uterine-fibroids/symptoms-causes/syc-20354288

*Disclaimer: Sankofa Newsletter does not provide medical advice or treatment. Articles are for informational purposes only. Consult your physician/health care provider for any questions or concerns.

Art/Film/Literature News

Same Race Discrimination

The areas of equality and constitutional rights are still ongoing issues in American society. The dimension of race, ethnicity, and/or gender adds to the complexity. Zeke Wilson, a prizefighter, U.S. Marine veteran, and boxing promoter, faced one of his toughest fights in a Boston federal courtroom. In his book: The Eighth Round (2014, 208 pages, kindle edition) he describes the racial discrimination directed towards him via the Massachusetts Boxing Commission. A unique aspect of the lawsuit was that it alleged same-race discrimination, as two of the defendants were African-American.

There was a full courthouse for the trial with both Harvard and Yale Law Schools and other civil rights attorneys in attendance. The case was argued before an all-White jury. Mr. Wilson had fought four years to have his day in court and had much hardship along the way. From lawyers who dropped the case making him a pro se Plaintiff, financial strain, racial epithets, and telephone harassment. He writes: “The first thirty-five attorneys I spoke with felt that I had no chance” (kindle loc. 1065). “There was absolutely no precedent for same-race discrimination anywhere in the federal court records” (kindle loc. 1313-1318). This was a ground-breaking legal case that established a meaningful precedent (Wilson v. McClure, 2000).              

This legal situation illustrates certain Black individuals, who exercise the authority given to them vis-a-vis the dominant power group, can be useful to accomplish the goals of the powerful. In exchange, these Blacks can satisfy their own various personal motivations.

Often, minority communities can identify with the racial struggles of their fellow minorities. But one should be careful not to confuse a similar racial struggle with a person’s character. The view of the African-American community as a monolith of the same thoughts, opinions, and motivations is inaccurate and unrealistic. Although, there can be substantial consensus on major issues that effect the Black community, diversity of thought can also be seen. If in doubt, just watch the news or Black YouTubers’ disagreements on socio-political issues.

Finally, racial discrimination is illegal, regardless if the perpetrator is the same or different race of the injured party. This is supported by the same-race discrimination precedent set by Mr. Zeke Wilson. This book is a must read!    

*Notice: The book review for “The Eighth Round” was first published in the August 2021 Edition. To view the full edition click here.

Business/Non-Profit News

Black Doctors

Black Men in White Coats is an organization that focuses on inspiring Black males to become physicians. Currently, there is a decline in the amount of African-American males pursuing this profession and founder Dr. Dale Okorodudu hopes to change that. He recently organized the first Black Men in White Coats Youth Summit at UT Southwestern in Dallas, Texas to promote interest and diversity in the field of medicine. 

According to a study (2008) by the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) 70% of African-American doctors and dentists received degrees at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). These specific universities produce a pipeline of health-care professionals found in American society. Some of these HBCUs are under financial stress and others are now closed.

So, two main take-away points are: increase recruitment of Black youth to pursue medicine and maintain established college avenues that produce results. Sounds like a prescription for success. Watch the Youth Summit video at the end of this post.                                                      

*Notice: The article “Black Doctors” was first published in the Sankofa Newsletter Archives: March & April 2019 Editions. To view the full edition click here.

Book Review

Homeopathic Medicine

Homeopathic Medicine: The Complete Guide to Homeopathic Medicine and Treatment of Common Disorders by Christine Adams M.D.-Ph.D. (2014, 181 pages, kindle edition) is a good introduction to homeopathic medicine. The book covers its early history, modern methods, and natural remedies for common ailments. The author is a MD/PhD who gives informative and clear explanations. A very good read!

Book Quote:

“The jury is still out regarding the relative effectiveness of homeopathy and some kinds of conventional medical treatment, but it is not the “open and shut” case that the critics of homeopathic medicine suggest.”

Video (6)