The month of February is all about the heart—heart health, that is. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S., which kills more women than all cancers combined.
Black women are bearing the brunt of that toll. “We’re nearly 60% more likely to have high blood pressure and experience higher rates of total CVD, coronary disease and stroke deaths when compared to White women,” shares Dr. Leandris Liburd, Acting Director for CDC’s Office of Health Equity (OHE).
She adds that systemic inequities, financial stress, lack of access to quality health care, distrust of the medical system and segregated populations all play their part in limiting support of heart-healthy lifestyles.
To combat these issues, the CDC Foundation’s Live to the Beat campaign has launched a “Heart2Heart Challenge” to encourage Black women to prioritize self-care for their heart health.
“There is a history that is unique to Black women in the U.S. because we have a long and fraught legacy of caring for others in the U.S., often to the detriment of our health. The stereotype of the ‘strong black woman’ is a cultural trope that has not helped as research shows it is associated with increased symptoms of anxiety and depression, and with lower availability of emotional support,” Dr. Liburd says. “It’s time to change the conversation about what it means to be strong and provide the support to help more Black women put their own hearts front and center.”
Tara Robinson, the CEO of the Black Heart Association, reflects on her own experience of surviving a heart attack. “Although I had the textbook symptoms, I couldn’t believe this was actually my story,” she declares to EBONY. I have since learned how to manage stress by protecting my time, space and relationships. Eating well, staying at the feet of God constantly, and exercising have become integral parts of my life.”
Robinson has now become an advocate for heart health within the community, sharing her story to inspire others. Under her leadership, the Black Heart Association has expanded its efforts to raise awareness about the importance of regular screenings and lifestyle choices in preventing heart-related issues. Robinson’s personal transformation not only serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience that can emerge from health challenges but also highlights the profound impact one person’s journey can have on a community’s well-being.
Dr. Liburd suggests that Black women practice self-care for their heart health in small steps. “Keeping track of your blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol numbers can help you catch problems early before they cause a heart attack or stroke,” she says. “A regular gratitude practice can make you healthier and lead to a better mood, better sleep, lower blood pressure and improved immune function.” She also advises getting adequate sleep. “A great night’s sleep doesn’t just feel good, it is also essential to keeping your heart and brain healthy.”
The “Heart2Heart Challenge” includes the three calls to action below:
Commit to taking one small step this year. Visit LiveToTheBeat.org/Heart2Heart for great ideas: taking a daily self-care walk or a mindful breathing break, getting more sleep and talking to a professional or a friend. The page also includes great resources if you need help getting started, like connections to organizations like GirlTrek, the American Heart Association and the Association of Black Cardiologists.
Share your small step. It’s often easier to make consistent changes when you know you’re not alone. The Heart2Heart Challenge encourages you to go public with your commitments by sharing your small step on social media. If you use the hashtag #LiveToTheBeat, the campaign will share your commitment on the website.
Celebrate your commitment at the “Heart2Heart Self-Care Party.” Join women nationwide for this immersive self-care experience on Saturday, February 24. From yoga, fitness and dancing to comedy and cooking demonstrations, this event has engaging self-care experiences for everyone, led by celebrity fitness and yoga influencers and comedians. Heart2Heart Self-Care Party will also include Heart Talks with health and wellness experts. You can join in person in Atlanta or RSVP online for the livestream.