Would You Invite Your Doctor to the Cookout? If Not, it’s Time to Find a New Provider

Have you ever met someone who just gets it? Like, they understand your humor, your sarcasm, your lifestyle, your not-so-good moments, your challenges? Those are the kinds of people that you should keep around. The ones who get it.

Just as it’s important to connect with people who understand your experience, finding a healthcare provider who does the same is crucial.

Would you invite your doctor to the cookout? If the answer is no, let me tell you why it’s time to find a new healthcare provider.

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According to new research, Black people experience better health outcomes and live longer in areas with more Black primary care doctors.

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Here’s why:

• Transparency 
• There are no racial bias when providing care and treatment options
• Black doctors can relate/hear our questions and concerns differently, than white primary care doctors
• Instant trust / Black patients believe that black doctors have our best interest at heart, which they do
• Respect goes both ways
• Empathy / We share very similar feelings

Looking for a doctor that you can relate to? Click here.

The benefits of having a Black doctor:

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• Lower mortality rates
• Lower mortality rates for Black infants
• Better health and longevity 
• We are more likely to receive and follow preventive health guidelines
• We are more likely to agree to recommended care, like flu shots, diabetes screenings and cholesterol screenings
• Improved communication
• Improved learning/patient understanding 
• We gain / experience greater, competent care
• Black doctors develop and implement strategies that specifically address our challenges, questions and concerns
• Improved outcomes
• Lower death rates among Black men for cardiovascular disease, cancer and HIV/AIDS
• We have more access to greater resources
• Increased shared decision-making
• More representation in healthcare and studies
• We are advocated for( this opens doors to shape healthcare experiences for black people)
• Higher patient satisfaction 
• Higher levels of trust
• Inspires the community/community engagement 
• Promotes inclusiveness in healthcare
• Black doctors understand our unique health disparities / acknowledge the historical context of healthcare inequalities we face / within the Black community
• Black doctors serve as role models or mentors for the younger generations
• Less medical bills

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Now I’m pretty sure you’ve heard “we must do our part” before, right? Well, it’s true. Deciding to improve/enhance our everyday lives starts with us. In addition to our Black healthcare provider, there are simple ways that we can better our health and everyday living. 

Here’s how:

• Make it a priority to get regular health screenings. Screening helps to find problems and/or concerns early on.
• Make it a priority to eat balanced, clean foods and meals. Foods that benefit healthy aging include plenty of vegetables, fruits, fish, beans and whole grains.
• Learning your body as you age. Listening to your body is key. You’ll be able to know when you’re low on energy, need more rest, etc. 
• Make it a priority to participate in activities you enjoy/are interested in. Cognitive health, learning and trying new activities. Like, take a painting class or pottery class.
• Make it a priority to be physically active every day. Simple exercises that are beneficial to living longer. Like, walking, jogging, swimming, and yoga.
• Make it a priority to get enough sleep. Lack of sleep leads to moodiness, and poor work / daily performance and increases your risk of chronic diseases(obesity, heart disease, high blood pressure, depression, kidney disease, stroke, etc.) 

The bottom line, the Black patient-black doctor relationship means more Black lives are saved and cared for properly. So ask yourself, would you invite your doctor to the cookout? If not, it may be time to find a new provider.