In a culture where being “thick” is often praised amongst men and women, it is easy to understand why the curvy and voluptuous frame of the Black woman is often loved, adored, and considered the normal (“norm”) body type within the African American culture.
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Yes, studies show having a bigger booty and thighs can be good for your health, however, it is essential for African American women to get a clearer understanding of why being “thick” isn’t always a good thing.
Allow me to explain!
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) four out of five African American women are obese. Obesity has been linked to chronic illnesses such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes, heart disease and some forms of cancers. When compared to all other races and ethnicities these chronic conditions affect African American women at a higher rate, resulting in unhealthy communities, unhealthy economies and unhealthy families.
What about you?
Have you allowed the environment around you and your culture to affect how you see your body and healthy living? If you have, allow me to provide you with five tips to change the “norm” and help you reach a better state of health for you and your family. I am my sister’s keeper and I desire to keep you healthy!
5 Tips To Change Your Norm and Get Healthy
1. Think Healthy above Anything Else: Having curves or a full figured frame is a beautiful thing; however, it is important to ask yourself if your curves are healthy? Having a larger frame often results in carrying excess body fat in the abdominal and hip areas. By carrying excess body fat in the abdominal area you place yourself at higher risk for heart disease and other medical conditions.
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2. Don’t Accept It’s Generational: Family history plays a major role in determining ones risk for chronic illnesses such as diabetes or hypertension. However, through healthy lifestyle changes you can prevent these illnesses from happening to you. Just because your mother or father has/had diabetes doesn’t mean you have to have this condition too! Change this “NORM.”
3. Use Your Kitchen Power: If you prepare the majority of the meals for your family, you have kitchen power. This means you control the foods you place on your and your family’s plates. That means you can set an example of healthy living by ensuring you’re providing your family with healthy foods. Use your kitchen power by coming together as a family and plan healthy meals as a group. If you have children allow them to have a say in what is prepared. By doing this you are teaching them healthy habits that will result in healthier kids and a bonus, you’re spending quality family time. The family that eats healthy together stays healthy together!
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4. Just Move!: Research shows performing at least 30 minutes of moderate intensity exercise such as walking five days a week can yield many health benefits such as lower blood pressure, increased energy levels and improved mental clarity. It is important to understand that there is no right or wrong way to exercise, just make sure you have your doctor’s clearance that you’re healthy enough to exercise and be safe in doing so. Movement is the best form of exercise for everyone. Therefore, while you’re moving, make sure you’re having fun. The more fun you have, the more you will desire to do that particular activity!
5. Mirror, Mirror on the Wall: What do you see when you see your body? Is it healthy? Have you taken care of your temple or does your body speak of years of a lack of self-care? It is important to determine how you see your body in order to make healthy changes. The reflection of what you see in the mirror will determine your course of action moving forward. Your body is a masterpiece and you are the artist. Therefore determine how your masterpiece will look. You have the power to change your body and your health. It is NEVER too late.
Investing in your health is one of the most important investments you will ever make. Therefore, don’t allow what you have known to be the norm to keep you from creating a healthy environment that supports your decision to become healthy. You’re worth being healthy!
School is back in and now it’s time for you to focus on yourself and your health! You are so worth it! How can you take the next 30 days to focus on your health? TAKE more time for your health by joining Fitness Olympian Laticia ” Action” Jackson and BlackDoctor.org for our 30-Day Changing the Norm Challenge. You will be provided with weekly exercises, nutrition tips, motivation and support!
Laticia “Action” Jackson, MPH is a 2008 Fitness Olympian, author and speaker. To learn about her online health, wellness and fitness coaching, visit www.laticiaactionjackson.com or email [email protected].
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