African Americans still deal with the ramifications of their ancestors being captured and tortured as slaves. Studies at the university level, reveal that the legacy of slavery continues to bleed into the fabric of the American health-care system. In fact, the health of African Americans has not improved by much since the Emancipation.

For Black History month, this year's national theme is Black Health and Wellness. According to the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH), Black people have had to rely on self-determination, mutual aid and social initiatives to build hospitals, medical and nursing schools and community clinics. It has taken the efforts of grassroots organizations and various people in our communities to provide healthcare for many of us throughout the years.

Ask yourself, "What does Black Health and Wellness mean to you"? For some, what comes to mind is solely the physical aspect of health. For others, mental health is the forefront of their concern. However, Black Health and Wellness truly encompasses all, the mind, body and soul. As a community, African Americans/Blacks must learn that each part is intertwined and that all parts are equally important.

The Telegram News, spoke with public health enthusiast and physician, Dr. Nicolas K. Fletcher. When asked what he likes most about his career, his reply was, "People's stories, I love digging into their background, how they got here in front of me and how to best set them up for success. Sometimes it's a patients first time and I get to give them an idea of the process and what it's going to look like to get them better." Currently serving patients in Detroit, Dr. Fletcher understands that in the inner city, Health disparities play a major role in the overall health and wellness of Black and Brown people.

Clifton: When I say, Black Health and Wellness, what does that mean to you?

Dr. Nicholas K. Fletcher: When I hear that, I think of all of the disparities and that we need to do more for our black and brown patients. We have to recognize that we aren't doing enough for them, that is on all levels of healthcare. Oftentimes, we screen for things but we don't offer them further assistance. From the cradle to the grave, we need to do a better job of taking care of us!

Clifton: What are your recommendations as a doctor, that Blacks need to improve on for their health and wellness?

Dr. Nicholas K. Fletcher: I always think about a father that works himself 40 hours a week and does everything he can. Then he finally retires and ends up dropping dead months later all because, he didn't take the time to take care of himself. We don't take the time to go see a doctor, we wait until it's the very end or too late! Then, you end up with cancer or heart disease. We tend to wait until things are at the absolute worse, before we go see about them.

We need to learn sooner and as kids, the importance of sleep, eating correctly, and attending regular doctor visits. We have to be educated on knowing what you don't know!

Over the past 2.5 years, the world has been dealing with a pandemic and it became painfully noticeable that African Americans, were dying at an alarming rate in comparison to White Americans from COVID-19. According to the CDC, the pandemic also triggered a spike in mental health cases. From August 2020-February 2021, the percentage of adults with symptoms of anxiety or a depressive disorder rose from 36.4% to 41.5%. As a society, we've become aware that even our Mental Health is in jeopardy during the pandemic, especially when we were isolated.

Clifton: Dr. Fletcher can you give us insight on the mental health aspect of the pandemic?

Dr. Nicholas K. Fletcher: As humans we are connected and when we are left without connecting to others, people are left to their thoughts. It ends up being a perfect storm, where folks are left to deal with life, the best way they see possible. Unfortunately, those struggling with mental health challenges, it gets worse.

In addition to COVID-19, African Americans are also at a higher risk of dying from cancer, diabetes, heart and kidney disease. "Diabetes is a chronic disease. As a community, African Americans need to do better before we start losing eyesight and feelings in the toes. It is a very serious disease that doesn't get the respect that it deserves. It is a manageable disease and the complications from it can be dealt with if it is controlled. It is Black History Month and American Heart Month; you need to know your blood pressure", said Dr. Fletcher.

In hopes of spotlighting, Black Health and Wellness, the Telegram News cares about your health. We would like to leave you with options that can help make the remainder of this month and year a healthier one.

1. Mental Health Therapy – never be afraid to seek out help and speak with a mental health professional.

2. Exercise – increase physical activity

3. Eat a Balanced Diet

4. Get more sleep

5. Deal with Stress

6. Regularly Schedule and Attend Doctor's Appointments