Clinical trials are an essential part of the process that brings new drug therapies and cures to market, but Brown and Black people are severely underrepresented in this life-saving research.

The problem dates back to misconduct in trials like Tuskegee and a subsequent lack of inclusion in later studies. Unfortunately, a host of stigmas and stereotypes have since become barriers to accessing quality healthcare. We must address the inherent mistrust and break down those barriers now, before it’s too late.

In this episode, I talk with two dawgs from the International Myeloma Foundation: Dr. Joseph Mikhael, and President and CEO, Yelak Biru. Both are working tirelessly to educate and engage Brown and Black communities and bring essential diversity to clinical trials. It’s a heavy lift—it takes time to build trust—but the IMF is focused on the tools and connections that will make a difference.

Join us as we delve into the critical role of clinical trials, specifically in underserved communities, and explore the factors driving reluctance to participate, along with actionable steps to overcome them. Our guests share personal insights and professional expertise on how to build trust and encourage greater participation.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in understanding the complexities and solutions surrounding clinical trials and healthcare disparities in underserved communities.

Listen in and learn how you can help pave the way for a healthier future.

If you're a dude, you've probably heard those dreaded words, "bend over, it's time for your prostate exam" from your doc'. And if you're getting an annual physical, you've likely had your PSA tested, maybe even heard that your number was high.

What are you supposed to do? The National Cancer Institute recommends additional testing for a PSA above 4.0 in anyone over age 60, or above 2.5 in anyone younger than 60. But there's so much more to understanding your risk of Prostate Cancer, and how to treat it once you've been diagnosed.

In this episode we bust myths about prostate cancer's aggressiveness in black men, highlight the importance of early detection, and dig in to the emotional and mental aspects of dealing with the disease.

The conversation is enlightening, heartfelt, and empowering, ultimately encouraging men to prioritize their health.

I'm joined by an impressive lineup of guests:

Dr. Mack Roach III, a specialist in urologic tumors from UCSF, shares his extensive knowledge on the subject. Mark Harris, diagnosed in 2013, discusses his journey and efforts to support others. David Fields, diagnosed in 2020, provides a candid look at his experience and the choices he made for treatment.

The guys share their personal experiences with the disease, discuss the impact it's had on their lives and the challenges they've faced in navigating their treatment options.

Tune in to learn more about prostate, the importance of early detection and treatment, and the innovative approaches being used to combat this prevalent disease.

Remember, don't let pride stand in the way of prevention. Stay informed, get checked, and keep the conversation going.

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For more information on prostate cancer, visit:

- Prostate Cancer Foundation: www.pcf.org

- American Cancer Society: www.cancer.org

To learn more about Dr. Mack Roach III and the UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, visit: www.ucsfhealth.org/cancer

To learn more about the Health, Hope & Hip-Hop Foundation visit: www.healthhopehiphop.org.

High blood pressure, aka hypertension, can quietly mess up the body for years before symptoms appear. Not surprisingly, many of the black community's top killers are caused by high blood pressure, including heart disease, stroke, congestive heart failure and even kidney disease. That's why it's so important to have your blood pressure checked; and why you need to keep it in check through diet, exercise, and even medication.

My man Phillip Davis is a prime example. In September of 2020, Phillip was working as a School Administrator for Mastery Charter School. He had just wrapped up a routine workday that was marked by an excruciating headache that would not go away. It was so bad that he went to the ER and was admitted to Chestnut Hill Hospital, where he quickly learned that his blood pressure sky high; a troubling 287/92. He was immediately transported to ICU where he spent the next few days being accessed to figure out the cause.

After several negative tests, Phillip received shocking news from a Nephrologist about his kidneys; they were in danger of failure and the problem had reached the acute stage. To stay alive, Phillip had to begin dialysis treatment immediately. But after several weeks on dialysis, his condition worsened and Phillip was officially diagnosed with Stage 4 Kidney Disease also known as Renal Failure. The only remedy for the condition is a kidney transplant or long-term, life-sustaining dialysis.

At just 34 years of age, that was some heavy news. So I sat down with Phillip to hear how he managed to cope with his diagnosis, navigate his treatment journey, and become an advocate for kidney health in the Black and Brown communities.

Through faith, family, hip-hop music, and an unbreakable spirit, Phillip has found strength and purpose in sharing his story. Join us as we discuss Phillip's resilience, determination, and the importance of early detection and blood pressure screening in kidney health.

Today he is a global ambassador for The Gift of Life, where he educates men and women about the causes, early signs of high blood pressure, and kidney failure.

His story is inspiring. Check it out.

LINKS

The Gift of Life

https://www.giftoflife.org/

Follow Phillip on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/p.dot57/