Ask an Expert: How Can Providers Develop More Culturally Competent Care?

Verywell/ Julie Bang.This article is part of our series looking at how Black Americans navigate the healthcare system. According to ourexclusive survey, 1 in 3 Black Americans report having experienced racism while seeking medical care. In aroundtable discussion, our Medical Expert Board called for better representation among providers to help solve this widespread problem.Verywell Health: How, if at all, has COVID-19 further highlighted the need to develop more culturally competent care?...

January 17, 2025 · 5 min · 854 words · Mark Carter

Ask an Expert: How Can Someone Determine Their Risk of Heart Disease?

This article is part ofHealth Divide: Heart Disease Risk Factors, a destination in our Health Divide series.Xiaoyu Liu / VerywellMeet the ExpertJessica Shepherd, MD, MBA, FACOG, is a board-certified OB-GYN and the former Chief Medical Officer for Verywell Health. She is the founder and CEO of Sanctum Med + Wellness, a wellness concierge practice, and is affiliated with Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas, Texas.Verywell Health: How can someone determine their risk of heart disease?...

January 17, 2025 · 3 min · 580 words · Kristi Roberts

Ask an Expert: How Can We Help Teens Posting About Self-harm?

Key TakeawaysA recent study found that Instagram posts containing hashtags related to self-harm have been on the rise.More posts mean a higher risk of exposure to the content, which can be harmful.Experts say that policy changes, such as improved post flagging, and increased and organized attention from parents, schools, and friends can help. Key Takeaways A recent study found that Instagram posts containing hashtags related to self-harm have been on the rise....

January 17, 2025 · 9 min · 1812 words · Desiree Martin

Ask an Expert: How Can You Encourage a Loved One to Start Preventive Care?

This article is part ofHealth Divide: Heart Disease Risk Factors, a destination in our Health Divide series. Julie Bang / Verywell Meet the ExpertGladys Velarde, M.D. is a member of the American College of Cardiology Prevention, Disparities of Care Work Group, and on the CardioSmart.org editorial board. Dr. Velarde’s clinical interests include heart disease in women and other populations along with preventive care. Meet the Expert Gladys Velarde, M.D. is a member of the American College of Cardiology Prevention, Disparities of Care Work Group, and on the CardioSmart....

January 17, 2025 · 3 min · 556 words · Monique Hobbs

Ask an Expert: How Do Environmental and Lifestyle Factors Impact Skin Conditions?

This article is part ofHealth Divide: Skin Conditions and Darker Skin, a destination in our Health Divide series.Julie Bang / VerywellVerywell Health: How do environmental and lifestyle factors impact skin conditions?Dr. Woolery-Lloyd: One of the biggest environmental factors for skin disease isstress. This is especially true for inflammatory skin diseases that have flares, likepsoriasis,eczema,rosacea, and even certain types ofhair loss.So, although stress doesn’t cause any of these skin conditions, stress can make them worse and exacerbate symptoms like itching....

January 17, 2025 · 4 min · 748 words · Randy Stein

Ask an Expert: How Do I Stay Mentally Healthy With an HIV Diagnosis?

This article is part ofHealth Divide: HIV, a destination in our Health Divide series.Julie Bang / VerywellVerywell Health: How do I stay mentally healthy with an HIV diagnosis?Dr. Elopre: Unfortunately, we’re still living in a time when HIV can be a very traumaticdiagnosis. A lot of that is related to the stigma and lack of education, especially in the general population, about HIV and the advances we’ve made in regards to treatment and care....

January 17, 2025 · 3 min · 612 words · Michael Wright

Ask an Expert: How Do I Take My HIV Medication Correctly and Where Can I Get Support?

This article is part ofHealth Divide: HIV, a destination in our Health Divide series.Julie Bang / VerywellVerywell Health: How do I make sure I am taking my HIV medication correctly?Dr. Elopre:HIV medicationcan be complicated, because there’s so manynew medicationscoming out. The most important thing to do is always talk to your healthcare provider about the HIV medication that’s been prescribed to you, because sometimes even taking things like over-the-counter supplements, like zinc or calcium, can interact with and affect how well the HIV medication works in your body....

January 17, 2025 · 3 min · 568 words · Douglas Jenkins

Ask an Expert: How Do People Get Diagnosed With Type 2 Diabetes?

This article is part ofHealth Divide: Type 2 Diabetes in People of Color, a destination in our Health Divide series. Zoe Hansen / Verywell Meet the ExpertDo-Eun Lee, MD, has been practicing medicine for more than 20 years and specializes in diabetes, thyroid issues, and general endocrinology. She currently operates a private practice in Lafayette, CA, which opened in 2009. She has authored several publications and is the recipient of various professional awards and honors, including the Young Investigator Travel Award from Seoul National University College of Medicine Alumni Association of North America, Las Vegas....

January 17, 2025 · 6 min · 1227 words · Carlos Foster

Ask An Expert: How Does Asthma Impact Daily Life?

This article is part ofHealth Divide: Asthma in People of Color, a destination in our Health Divide series. Zoe Hansen / Verywell Meet the ExpertJurairat J. Molina, MD, is a board-certified allergist who has been practicing in field of allergy and clinical immunology for the past two decades. She owns Corpus Christi Allergy Associates in Corpus Christi, Texas. Meet the Expert Jurairat J. Molina, MD, is a board-certified allergist who has been practicing in field of allergy and clinical immunology for the past two decades....

January 17, 2025 · 7 min · 1389 words · Kim Valdez

Ask an Expert: How Does Stress Impact Heart Disease Risk?

This article is part ofHealth Divide: Heart Disease Risk Factors, a destination in our Health Divide series.Xiaoyu Liu / VerywellMeet the ExpertJessica Shepherd, MD, MBA, FACOG, is a board-certified OB-GYN and the former Chief Medical Officer for Verywell Health. She is the founder and CEO of Sanctum Med + Wellness, a wellness concierge practice, and is affiliated with Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas, Texas.Verywell Health: How does stress impact heart disease risk?...

January 17, 2025 · 4 min · 851 words · Alyssa Harrison

Ask An Expert: How to Protect Your Mental Health During the Omicron Surge

Key TakeawaysIt’s normal, even expected, to struggle during a massive global strategy like the current pandemic.This latest Omicron, winter surge will likely stir complicated feelings.Thoroughly acknowledging how you’re feeling and talking to someone about it can help. Key Takeaways It’s normal, even expected, to struggle during a massive global strategy like the current pandemic.This latest Omicron, winter surge will likely stir complicated feelings.Thoroughly acknowledging how you’re feeling and talking to someone about it can help....

January 17, 2025 · 7 min · 1478 words · Brenda Hall

Ask an Expert: Is It Ever Too Late to Start Preventive Care for Heart Disease?

This article is part ofHealth Divide: Heart Disease Risk Factors, a destination in our Health Divide series.Julie Bang / VerywellMeet the ExpertGladys Velarde, M.D. is a member of the American College of Cardiology Prevention, Disparities of Care Work Group, and on the CardioSmart.org editorial board. Dr. Velarde’s clinical interests include heart disease in women and other populations along with preventive care.Verywell Health: Is it ever too late to start preventive care for heart disease?...

January 17, 2025 · 4 min · 703 words · Robert Cox

Ask an Expert: Should I Get Checked for Asthma?

This article is part ofHealth Divide: Asthma in People of Color, a destination in our Health Divide series. Verywell / Zoe Hansen Meet the ExpertFarah Khan, MD, is a board-certified allergist/immunologist. Meet the Expert Farah Khan, MD, is a board-certified allergist/immunologist. About 1 in 12 people in the U.S. have asthma.Sometimes, the condition causes only minor and intermittent issues. Other times, it becomes a persistent and serious problem, impacting one’s daily activities....

January 17, 2025 · 8 min · 1598 words · Sandra Thomas