Topic: Clinical Resources
AFRICAN AMERICANS FEAR MEDICATION SIDE EFFECTS
AFRICAN AMERICANS FEAR MEDICATION SIDE EFFECTS I had a patient come with a number of complaints related to joint pain. His chronic pain was causing him anxiety about his quality of life, and all of these concerns made him feel…
Erection Problems in African American Men and Solutions
BLACK MEN HAVE ERECTION PROBLEMS TOO! Studies reveal that approximately 40% of Black men over the age of 40 experience some form of erection problems also called "erectile dysfunction." This prevalence increases with age and with increasing chronic disease burden,…
Cholesterol Medicine Intolerance in African Americans
When my patients have high cholesterol levels, I frequently suggest starting a statin (a cholesterol medicine) to bring the levels down and, therefore, lower their risk for heart attack, stroke, and circulation problems. Many are scared to start the medications…
Metformin Intolerance in African Americans
"I DON'T WANT METFORMIN" When my patients get diagnosed with diabetes, the first medication I want to prescribe is metformin. Almost immediately, my patients pushed back, saying metformin is "a terrible medication" and, "isn't there something else they can try…
Calcium Causes More Advanced Cancer in Black Men
Calcium and Prostate Cancer A number of studies have found that higher calcium intake was associated with an increased risk of advanced prostate cancer, specifically in Black men. Black men who consumed more milk and dairy products tended to have…
HbA1c Diabetes Test is Inaccurate in African Americans
If you have diabetes, there is no question your doctor has measured your hemeglobin-a-1-c (HbA1c). The HbA1c measures the average blood sugar level over the past three months. It provides valuable information about long-term blood sugar control and helps healthcare…
Low WBC in African Americans is Likely Not a Problem
Is There Something Wrong With Me? I have had several patients ask me why the white blood cell (WBC) count on their CBC (complete blood count) panel was flagged (or red) as abnormal. After digging deeper into the lab result,…
G6PD Deficiency and African Americans
What is G6PD Deficiency? I had a patient come in recently and report to me that he had G6PD deficiency and wondered what adjustments he needed to make in his life. I was initially surprised and a little bewildered because…
Elevated “CK” or Creatine Kinase Level? In African Americans, This May NOT be a Problem
Creatine kinase (CK) is a chemical/enzyme that exists in human muscle cells, heart cells, and also small amounts can be found in brain cells. Body cells can release creatine kinase (CK) into your bloodstream when they’re damaged or related to…
African Americans Need to Walk More! More Daily Steps Tied to Better Overall Health
Regular exercise has always been associated with better health. Still, with newer smartphones, watches, and “wearables,” we can now measure more accurately how much walking and exercise we get in a day. Unfortunately, we in the Black community do not…
