5 minute walk & talk: Uché Blackstock on how your neighborhood impacts your health
May 28, 2024
auto_awesome
Dr. Uché Blackstock discusses the impact of neighborhood on health and the legacy of racism in medicine. She shares personal stories and reflections on self-care, health systems, and community impact. The importance of physical activity and self-care practices for community well-being is highlighted.
Our environment and neighborhood conditions can profoundly affect our health, as demonstrated by the impact of toxic exposure on a physician's family.
Self-empowerment and self-care are crucial in navigating systemic challenges to maintain well-being, especially for marginalized communities like black women.
Deep dives
Exploring the Impact of Environmental Factors on Health
The podcast delves into how environmental and neighborhood factors can significantly impact an individual's health. It highlights the story of a black physician whose mother's exposure to toxic dumping sites during her childhood led to a diagnosis of leukemia. This personal experience underscores the importance of understanding how external circumstances beyond our control can affect our well-being, emphasizing the need to consider broader environmental influences on health.
Empowerment and Self-Care in Health
The episode also discusses the significance of empowerment and self-care, especially for marginalized communities like black women. The physician reflects on her mother's advice to prioritize self-care, recognizing the challenges faced within healthcare, criminal legal systems, and education that can impact health outcomes. By advocating for self-empowerment and change, the podcast underscores the crucial role individuals play in maintaining their well-being amidst systemic challenges.
1.
Exploring the Impact of Neighborhood on Health and Legacy of Racism in Medicine
Even if we want to put our health first, it's not always within our control. Our genetics, environment, home life, work conditions, and systemic factors all impact our wellbeing. Today, Manoush takes a 5 minute walk with Dr. Uché Blackstock, who has dedicated her career to building a more equitable healthcare system. Uché shares what it means to take care of ourselves while acknowledging the limitations we all face.
Interested in walking with Manoush and being featured on a future episode? Tell us about your strategies, struggles, and successes when breaking up your day with movement. Send us a voice memo at BodyElectric@npr.org.
New episodes every Tuesday. Binge the entire series here.