While life expectancy is increasing for some Black women, it still lags behind that of their white female counterparts. This disparity raises important questions: why is this happening, and how can we address it?

According to the National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, researchers suggest that younger Black women are more likely to suffer from diseases that predominantly affect white women later in life. Disturbingly, new data indicates that Black women are dying at younger ages. The silver lining? Many of these leading health threats are preventable—if we know how to take action.

Here’s a breakdown of the top conditions threatening Black women’s health and actionable steps to combat them:

1. Heart Disease

Heart disease is not just a "man's disease"; it’s a significant threat to women’s health, especially Black women. The risks are higher, but the good news is that lifestyle changes can make a huge difference.

How to Protect Your Heart:

Quit Smoking: If you smoke or use tobacco, seek support to quit. Avoid secondhand smoke, too.

Eat Heart-Healthy Foods: Focus on vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and lean proteins while minimizing saturated fats and sodium.

Stay Active: Incorporate activities you enjoy, such as brisk walking or cardio classes.

Maintain a Healthy Weight: Extra pounds strain the heart and increase the risk of disease.

Limit Alcohol: If you drink, do so in moderation (one drink per day for women).

Manage Stress: Practice mindfulness, yoga, or other stress-relief techniques to protect your heart.

2. Cancer (Breast, Lung, and Stomach)

Black Americans have the highest mortality rate of any racial or ethnic group for most major cancers. Alarmingly, Black women experience the highest death rates from cervical adenocarcinoma despite lower incidence rates.

How to Reduce Cancer Risks:

Avoid Tobacco: Steer clear of smoking and secondhand smoke.

Maintain a Healthy Weight: Excess weight is linked to increased cancer risk.

Get Moving: Regular exercise lowers cancer risks and boosts overall health.

Eat a Balanced Diet: Emphasize fruits, vegetables, and whole foods while cutting back on processed and high-fat items.

Use Sun Protection: Always wear sunscreen and cover up when exposed to sunlight.

Limit Alcohol Consumption: Excessive alcohol raises the risk for several cancers.

Stay on Top of Screenings: Regular mammograms and doctor visits are essential for early detection.

Breastfeed, If Possible: Studies suggest that breastfeeding can reduce breast cancer risk.

3. Stroke

Often referred to as a "brain attack," strokes occur when blood supply to the brain is blocked or a blood vessel bursts, causing brain damage or death. Unfortunately, Black women are disproportionately affected.

Key Facts:

African Americans are 50% more likely to experience a stroke than their white counterparts.

Black women are twice as likely to suffer from strokes compared to non-Hispanic white women.

How to Prevent Strokes:

Manage Chronic Conditions: Control high cholesterol, blood pressure, and diabetes with your doctor’s guidance.

Avoid Smoking: Seek support to quit smoking, which significantly reduces stroke risk.

Adopt a Healthy Diet: Limit foods high in saturated fat and cholesterol.

Exercise Regularly: Include physical activity in your routine to maintain a healthy weight and improve cardiovascular health.

Moderate Alcohol Use: Stick to no more than one drink per day for women.

4. Uterine Fibroids

Uterine fibroids, non-cancerous growths in the uterus, disproportionately affect Black women. These growths can cause symptoms such as heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, frequent urination, and complications during pregnancy.

Key Facts:

Black women are three times more likely to develop uterine fibroids compared to white women.

Fibroids tend to develop at younger ages and grow more quickly in Black women.

How to Manage or Prevent Uterine Fibroids:

Maintain a Healthy Weight: Obesity is a known risk factor for fibroids.

Eat a Balanced Diet: Incorporate fruits, vegetables, and whole grains while limiting red meat and high-fat dairy products.

Monitor Hormonal Health: Speak with your doctor about hormonal balance and how it may influence fibroid growth.

Stay Active: Regular physical activity may reduce your risk of developing fibroids.

Seek Regular Medical Care: Early detection through routine gynecological exams can help manage symptoms effectively.

Prevention Starts Now

Understanding these common health risks is the first step. The next step is taking charge of your health. Simple yet powerful lifestyle changes—like eating well, staying active, quitting smoking, and scheduling regular checkups—can make a world of difference.

Empower yourself and the women in your life to prioritize health today. Together, we can close the gap and ensure longer, healthier lives for Black women everywhere.