Topic: Clinical Resources
Why Do Health Disparities Exist If Race Is a Social Construct?
For years, we’ve heard a well-intentioned statement repeated in medicine and academia: “Race is a social construct.” At a high level, that statement is true. The genetic differences between humans are small—any two people’s DNA is about 99.6% identical.[1] But…
Gynecomastia vs. Pseudo-gynecomastia in African American Men: The Role of Lifestyle, Hormones, Marijuana, and Alcohol
Gynecomastia vs. Man-Boobs Enlargement of male breast tissue, sometimes called “man-boobs,” is a common but often overlooked condition that can significantly affect physical health, self-image, and psychological well-being. It is more common in older Black men. Pseudo-gynecomastia, also known as…
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…
Uterine Fibroids and African American Women
Uterine Fibroids and African American Women Uterine fibroids disproportionately affect African American women, leading to a higher prevalence and more severe symptoms compared to other racial groups. This disparity can result in adverse health outcomes, such as increased rates of…
Erectile Dysfunction in Black Men: Causes and Solutions
Black men have erection problems too! Erection problems, also called erectile dysfunction or ED, are common. In the landmark Massachusetts Male Aging Study, about half of men aged 40 to 70 had some degree of ED, and it became more…
Statin Intolerance in African Americans: Why It Happens and What Helps
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: Why It Happens and What Helps
“I don’t want metformin” When my patients get diagnosed with diabetes, the first medication I want to prescribe is metformin. Almost immediately, many push back, saying metformin is "a terrible medication" and, "isn't there something else they can try first?"…
Calcium and Prostate Cancer in Black Men: Why More Isn’t Better
Calcium and prostate cancer Black men should be cautious with calcium supplements and large amounts of dairy. Several studies have found that higher calcium intake is linked to a higher risk of advanced and aggressive prostate cancer, and the link…
HbA1c Diabetes Test is Inaccurate in African Americans
If you have diabetes, there is no question your doctor has measured your hemoglobin A1c (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…
Low WBC in African Americans: The Duffy-Null Gene and When It’s Normal
Is there something wrong with me? Several of my patients have asked me why the white blood cell (WBC) count on their CBC (complete blood count) was flagged in red as abnormal. After digging deeper into the lab result, they…
