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https://blackgirlnerds.com/black-women-are-more-likely-to-be-medically-misdiagnosed/
An estimated 795,000 patients a year die or are permanently disabled because of misdiagnosis, according to a study published by BMJ Quality & Safety periodical. Women and racial minorities are at least 20 percent more likely than white men to experience a misdiagnosis.
Actress Halle Berry recently opened up about a health scare that helped her learn she was experiencing perimenopause. Berry complained to her doctor of the pain: “I feel like I have razor blades in my vagina.” Her doctor misdiagnosed her symptoms as “the worst case of herpes.” After she and her partner tested negative for the sexually transmitted disease, she realized that the symptoms she was experiencing were symptoms of perimenopause.
Berry said, “My doctor had no knowledge and didn’t prepare me. That’s when I knew, ‘Oh my gosh, I’ve got to use my platform. I have to use all of who I am, and I have to start making a change and a difference for other women.”
Beauty influencer Jessica Pettway recently passed away at the age of 36, after being misdiagnosed with uterine fibroids. Her symptoms began over a year ago, initially experiencing intense bleeding that she said she thought, after talking with other women, was a “normal symptom” for women. Pettway was later hospitalized at least three times due to more pain and heavy bleeding; each time being told she had a fibroid. It was not until eight months later, after a biopsy, that she finally learned of her cervical cancer diagnosis. By then, it was too late.
The truth is that misdiagnosis is a public health issue. A misdiagnosis can change a person’s life, and the life of their family. With Black women, it can allow their condition to further deteriorate, making it more likely to suffer for the rest of their lives — or in the case of Jessica Pettway — lose their lives.
Misdiagnosis is nothing new. Racial and gender disparities are widespread. Black women suffering from heart attacks are more likely than others to be discharged without diagnosis or treatment. When it comes to mental health, Black people with depression are more likely than others to be misdiagnosed with schizophrenia. Black people are also less likely than white people to be diagnosed early with dementia, denying them of the opportunities to receive treatments that could work in the early stages of the disease. Today, Black women are far more likely to die during pregnancy or childbirth than white women are.
There’s something to be said about how a Black woman’s pain is perceived by medical professionals, and can be traced back to the mid-1800s. Black women’s bodies were used as medical test subjects in experiments that would be unconscionable today, practicing painful operations (at a time before anesthesia was in use) on enslaved women in Alabama between 1845 and 1849. In his autobiography, The Story of My Life, physician J. Marion Sims described the agony the women suffered as he cut their genitals again and again in an attempt to perfect a surgical technique to repair vesico-vaginal fistula, which can be an extreme complication of childbirth.
These women wanted to be healed, yet they were just considered property. These women held value only for what they could produce. It seems as though that sentiment holds true today. Our pain is not taken seriously and we’re dismissed.
As early as 2016, medical students and residents were surveyed and held one or more of these false beliefs:
“Black people’s nerve endings are less sensitive than white people’s.” “Black people’s skin is thicker than white people’s.” “Black people’s blood coagulates more quickly than white people’s.”
It’s shocking that 40 percent of first and second-year medical students endorsed these beliefs. These are the individuals we will be entrusting our care and our family’s care to. These are the people that will be (mis) diagnosing Black women’s perimenopause for herpes, and fibroids for cervical cancer. It’s scary to think about.
Even more, false ideas about Black peoples’ experience of pain can lead to disturbing treatment disparities. In the 2016 study, trainees who believed that Black people are not as sensitive to pain as white people were less likely to treat their pain appropriately.
A couple of years ago, I awoke to the worst pain ever in my left shoulder. I could barely move my left arm and needed help to put my shirt on. Ibuprofen wasn’t working, so I went to urgent care. The white woman doctor’s line of questioning made me feel like I had done something wrong; like I didn’t deserve to seek help for my pain. I had to implore to her the level of severe pain I was in and that I needed help. She almost hesitated to prescribe medication, as if I should be able to manage it with over-the-counter medication. It felt dehumanizing and made me feel invisible. It makes you feel less than, and to be honest, after a while, you just get mad.
Ironically, her distrust of me seeking help with pain is a pattern, as I’ve had several Black women friends of mine experience a similar scenario. The simple acknowledgment of pain requires some doctors to turn on their bias, even when there are tangible test results. This causes racial disparities to increase.
As Black women, we are supposed to be strong. But we know all too well where this trope gets us. It makes us feel as though we aren’t allowed to hurt and need to suffer in silence. It doesn’t matter if we have higher wealth, social class or education, they are not protective factors for us. The racial bias persists.
The disproportionate misdiagnoses of Black women tell us that our health doesn’t matter as much as others. Every Black woman I know, including myself, understands that it’s a matter of life and death to take charge of our healthcare and be an advocate for our own well-being. It’s heartbreaking to know that there are doctors who do not care about our pain. A distrust in a system built to protect and save lives shouldn’t be a theme in America, and yet, here we are.
An estimated 795,000 patients a year die or are permanently disabled because of misdiagnosis, according to a study published by BMJ Quality & Safety periodical. Women and racial minorities are at least 20 percent more likely than white men to experience a misdiagnosis.
Actress Halle Berry recently opened up about a health scare that helped her learn she was experiencing perimenopause. Berry complained to her doctor of the pain: “I feel like I have razor blades in my vagina.” Her doctor misdiagnosed her symptoms as “the worst case of herpes.” After she and her partner tested negative for the sexually transmitted disease, she realized that the symptoms she was experiencing were symptoms of perimenopause.
Berry said, “My doctor had no knowledge and didn’t prepare me. That’s when I knew, ‘Oh my gosh, I’ve got to use my platform. I have to use all of who I am, and I have to start making a change and a difference for other women.”
Beauty influencer Jessica Pettway recently passed away at the age of 36, after being misdiagnosed with uterine fibroids. Her symptoms began over a year ago, initially experiencing intense bleeding that she said she thought, after talking with other women, was a “normal symptom” for women. Pettway was later hospitalized at least three times due to more pain and heavy bleeding; each time being told she had a fibroid. It was not until eight months later, after a biopsy, that she finally learned of her cervical cancer diagnosis. By then, it was too late.
The truth is that misdiagnosis is a public health issue. A misdiagnosis can change a person’s life, and the life of their family. With Black women, it can allow their condition to further deteriorate, making it more likely to suffer for the rest of their lives — or in the case of Jessica Pettway — lose their lives.
Misdiagnosis is nothing new. Racial and gender disparities are widespread. Black women suffering from heart attacks are more likely than others to be discharged without diagnosis or treatment. When it comes to mental health, Black people with depression are more likely than others to be misdiagnosed with schizophrenia. Black people are also less likely than white people to be diagnosed early with dementia, denying them of the opportunities to receive treatments that could work in the early stages of the disease. Today, Black women are far more likely to die during pregnancy or childbirth than white women are.
There’s something to be said about how a Black woman’s pain is perceived by medical professionals, and can be traced back to the mid-1800s. Black women’s bodies were used as medical test subjects in experiments that would be unconscionable today, practicing painful operations (at a time before anesthesia was in use) on enslaved women in Alabama between 1845 and 1849. In his autobiography, The Story of My Life, physician J. Marion Sims described the agony the women suffered as he cut their genitals again and again in an attempt to perfect a surgical technique to repair vesico-vaginal fistula, which can be an extreme complication of childbirth.
These women wanted to be healed, yet they were just considered property. These women held value only for what they could produce. It seems as though that sentiment holds true today. Our pain is not taken seriously and we’re dismissed.
As early as 2016, medical students and residents were surveyed and held one or more of these false beliefs:
“Black people’s nerve endings are less sensitive than white people’s.” “Black people’s skin is thicker than white people’s.” “Black people’s blood coagulates more quickly than white people’s.”
It’s shocking that 40 percent of first and second-year medical students endorsed these beliefs. These are the individuals we will be entrusting our care and our family’s care to. These are the people that will be (mis) diagnosing Black women’s perimenopause for herpes, and fibroids for cervical cancer. It’s scary to think about.
Even more, false ideas about Black peoples’ experience of pain can lead to disturbing treatment disparities. In the 2016 study, trainees who believed that Black people are not as sensitive to pain as white people were less likely to treat their pain appropriately.
A couple of years ago, I awoke to the worst pain ever in my left shoulder. I could barely move my left arm and needed help to put my shirt on. Ibuprofen wasn’t working, so I went to urgent care. The white woman doctor’s line of questioning made me feel like I had done something wrong; like I didn’t deserve to seek help for my pain. I had to implore to her the level of severe pain I was in and that I needed help. She almost hesitated to prescribe medication, as if I should be able to manage it with over-the-counter medication. It felt dehumanizing and made me feel invisible. It makes you feel less than, and to be honest, after a while, you just get mad.
Ironically, her distrust of me seeking help with pain is a pattern, as I’ve had several Black women friends of mine experience a similar scenario. The simple acknowledgment of pain requires some doctors to turn on their bias, even when there are tangible test results. This causes racial disparities to increase.
As Black women, we are supposed to be strong. But we know all too well where this trope gets us. It makes us feel as though we aren’t allowed to hurt and need to suffer in silence. It doesn’t matter if we have higher wealth, social class or education, they are not protective factors for us. The racial bias persists.
The disproportionate misdiagnoses of Black women tell us that our health doesn’t matter as much as others. Every Black woman I know, including myself, understands that it’s a matter of life and death to take charge of our healthcare and be an advocate for our own well-being. It’s heartbreaking to know that there are doctors who do not care about our pain. A distrust in a system built to protect and save lives shouldn’t be a theme in America, and yet, here we are.
Getty By Kerane Marcellus ·Updated April 5, 2024
As spring approaches and daylight savings comes to an end, going out a bit more will come with only one challenge (we hope), and that is knowing what you need to go from day to night look in a hurry with no fuss. These essentials are what will take you from an hour down to 30 minutes when getting ready for a night out after an already long day of working or errands. Not trends, not basics —essentials. These are staples that you need to keep in your wardrobe to build any outfit regardless of aesthetic preferences or new TikTok fashion “cores.” When transitioning from day to night, the main thing you want to be is comfortable —and also maybe a little sexy, and with these essentials, you definitely will be.
If you have yet to find these in your closet or are in need of figuring out how totarget="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Frankie Shop & Christopher John Rogers.
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Dione Davis (@dionemdavis)
Black BootsCalf or thigh highs; the option is totally up to you. But a black boot is a must-have when going from day to night. During the day, a denim skirt and tee can never go wrong, and at night a minidress, whether bodycon or loose, gives you an edgy feel. See: the Hanifa Zoe boot & Margiela Ankle Tabi.
View this post on InstagramA post shared by JENEE’ • Style Expert 
VA/NYC (@highlowluxxe)
This can also be a plain white tee, but we love graphics here. This is perfect for the days when you are in a rush. You can simply just throw on a cute pair of sandals or flats for comfort and still look effortlessly chic. If you want to go the extra mile with a blazer, please do! See: The Stamp Ringer Tee from House of Aama.
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Mecca (@meccajw)
Blue Striped Button DownThere’s a blue button-down in everyone’s closet, and if you don’t have one by now, you can find it just about anywhere in-store, online, or even thrift it. Doesn’t matter if it’s a women’s shirt or your man’s; it’ll always be the perfect amount of flowy. For the day, try a pair of white or blue jeans and sneakers, and for the night, throw on a blazer and heels for a business dinner or casual girl’s night. See: Loewe.
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Telsha Anderson-Boone (@telshaanderson)
Little Or Maxi Black DressWhether it’s an LBD or a maxi, a black dress has yet to fail anyone who needs a quick change from day to night and maybe even night to day on those crazy weekend rendezvous. For the daytime, you can wear fun, comfy heels and switch them out for something sleeker, like black strappy sandals. See: Tia Adeola Jesus Maxi Dress & Victor Glemaud.
View this post on InstagramA post shared by @devinemarieblacksher
TOPICS: #fashionnews fashion trendsThe post Day To Night Essentials Most Likely Already In Your Closet appeared first on Essence.
This Thursday I was so hyped to be invited to for an in-person press-only screening to preview Crunchyroll‘s Spring 2024 lineup of new anime titles coming this April. During the screening I, along with others, was shown the first episodes of four anticipated Spring releases, including the thrilling return of the fan-favorite dark, supernatural series Black Butler: Public School Arc, the heartfelt coming-of-age romance A Condition Called Love; the original, new out-of-this-world rom-com Astro Note; and the action-packed sci-fi thrill ride Kaiju No. 8. I thought it would be fun to share my spoiler-y free first impressions and a few words for our readership on what to watch based on what folks are fans of. Enjoy!
A Condition Called Love
Studio: East Fish Studio
Premiere Date: April 4, 2024, on Crunchyroll
Premise: Hotaru navigates the uncharted waters of love alongside a boy whose devotion knows no bounds. High school freshman Hotaru Hinase has a vibrant life full of family and friendship, but not much luck in romance. That all changes when she makes a warm gesture to her handsome and heartbroken classmate, Hananoi, leading to him asking her out and her becoming flustered. Witness a girl who grapples with the enigma of love and a boy who is heavy-handed with it
First Impressions: SHOJO NATION, WE KEEP WINNING! As a fan of the original manga, hearing the news that an anime adaptation of A Condition Called Love was coming made me so happy. I was really impressed by the handling of a love story between teenagers that flowed into a narrative that touched down on first loves, past traumas and learning to have faith in yourself. This first episode does a wonderful job of introducing who Hotaru and Hananoi but also giving us a glimpse of just who they are: Hotaru is a kind but unsure girl about romance and the need for it. Hananoi is a teen boy who goes all out for romance but needs direction…purpose…or something along those lines. I appreciate this first episode for the small but mighty lesson lovestruck Hananoi learns at the end and also the sweet declaration made.
Recommended for lovers of: Heartfelt coming-of-age romance, school life, and a love story that operates a bit differently
Astro Note
Studio: Telecom Animation Film
Premiere Date: April 5, 2024, on Crunchyroll
Premise: Takumi, a gifted chef, just landed a new job. He works at the Astro Manor apartment building that offers breakfast, and there he encounters the beautiful landlady, Mira. It’s love at first sight, and he hopes to charm her, but the quirky tenants and bizarre phenomena don’t make it easy. Will their love survive these strange oddities and circumstances?
First Impressions: Okay, mark your anime spring season bingo card, because this just might be the sleeper hit from Crunchyroll airing this month! Astro Note starts off with a very ordinary premise–Takumi arrives for a new job interview as a chef. He’s young, ambitious, and knows his stuff and is sure that they can do the job. He’s introduced to Mira, the beautiful but clueless landlady with big shoes to fill–who can not cook anything edible to save her life. Along the way the audience is introduced to the supporting cast of the series who live in the apartment building, and it is a magic that cannot be replicated. If you’ve also gained a great love of boarding houses/apartment stories–think Runiko Takahashi’s Maison Ikkoku, you’re in good company. If there was anything on this preview, to go in “blind” and watch with little or no looking up in detail–Astro Note is it! Bonus fun fact: This is an original anime production; it is not based on an existing manga series!
Recommended for lovers of: Big romantic comedy vibes, a supernatural twist, and a colorful cast of characters
Kaiju No. 8
Studio: Production I.G
Premiere Date: April 13, 2024, on Crunchyroll
Premise: In a world plagued by creatures known as Kaiju, Kafka Hibino aspired to enlist in The Defense Force. He makes a promise to enlist with his childhood friend, Mina Ashiro. Soon, life takes them in separate ways. While employed cleaning up after Kaiju battles, Kafka meets Reno Ichikawa. Reno’s determination to join The Defense Force reawakens Kafka’s promise to join Mina and protect humanity.
First Impressions: I’ve been interested in watching Kaiju No. 8 since first seeing the trailer which led me to go back and reread the beginning of the manga series. Boasting a story about a character getting the chance to revive a dream they previously thought dead, the first episode gave equal playing field to serious and funny moments. I really resonated with the main protagonist Kafka’s desire to be more and do more in a world forever changed–his underdog persona will definitely hit with many other viewers as well. This first episode of Kaiju No. 8 does a fine job in the simple but solid world building of this anime’s version of Japan and the Kaiju monster that attacks it constantly. I think that audiences will start to see the string of the anime series’ narrative of the value of labor, not dismissing those who support us and fully going after what your heart’s desire is. If I could end with a joke that doesn’t feel spoiler-y, if you already watched the trailer: “Eren (Yeager), walked so that Kafka (Hibino) could run”.
NOTE: Kaiju No. 8 fans can rest assured knowing that, for the first time, Crunchyroll will be streaming the series live around the world at the same time alongside the Japanese broadcast on April 13. It will also only be available on Crunchyroll after the live broadcast, but not only that, the anime will be available dubbed on the same day and date too!
Recommended for lovers of: Action-packed dramas, Kaiju and all manner of monsters of course, and lots of great comedic timely moments for laughs
Black Butler: Public School Arc
Studio: CloverWorks
Premiere Date: April 13, 2024, on Crunchyroll
Premise: Amidst Britain’s elite, Weston College defies government oversight. So, when students vanish—including the son of Queen Victoria’s cousin—Her Majesty sends her Watchdog Ciel Phantomhive to investigate. With his loyal demon butler, Sebastian, Ciel must navigate treacherous school politics and infiltrate Weston’s model prefects, the P4, if he is to unravel the mysteries that shroud this institution.
First Impressions: Look, it has been a really, really long time since I last interacted with the Black Butler franchise, period. I do remember reading and watching the misadventures set in a Victorian London, where a 12-year-old orphan named Ciel Phantomhive was doing the most with his, *checks notes* demon butler named Sebastian. I did feel a bit out of my depth sitting for the first episode, and I cannot tell you what I last remember watching of the series. Yet, this first episode of Black Butler: Public School Arc opens to Ciel at a boarding school and the audience is not dropped into a well of exposition, thankfully. Instead, the energy in this first episode flows well with playing up several anime and manga tropes (Ciel running with breakfast in his mouth to rush to class, the auras of intimidating yet colorful classmates on campus, etc) while still being gorgeously animated. Little by little, we learn what Ciel is doing at this boarding school–another undercover mission for the Queen and are reminded of his demon subordinate Sebastian’s powers. By the end of the first episode, I wanted more and felt right back at home with the series, hoping this will be the same experience for others watching too!
Recommended for lovers of: Dark fantasy, supernatural school life, and something more canonical to the manga?
See all of these series and more via Crunchyroll this April, see more premieres coming to CR this month here!
Thanks again to CR for the invite to the event: your West Coast (Los Angeles) folks are killing it!
Love anime? So do we! See what else we have to offer on the site via anime here!
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The post Crunchyroll 2024 Spring Season Preview appeared first on Black Nerd Problems.
Maskot/ Getty Images By Melissa Noel ·Updated April 5, 2024
Lawmakers in France’s lower court of parliament have passed a groundbreaking bill that bans discrimination based on the texture, length, color, or >The Associated Press reports.
While the bill still needs to pass through the Senate, supporters see its approval in the National Assembly as a positive development. According to Serva, if enacted, France would become the first country in the world to recognize discrimination based on hair at a national level.
“This is a great step forward for our country,” he said after the vote. “France has done itself proud.”
The proposed legislation seeks to amend existing anti-discrimination measures to “explicitly outlaw discrimination against individuals with curly, coiled, or other hair>passed in the House in 2022, but it was blocked by Senate Republicans the following month.
Opponents of the French measure argue that France’s legal structure already provides adequate protection to persons who face discrimination because of their natural hair.
TOPICS: black hair discrimination FranceThe post Lawmakers In France Advance Bill That Would Ban Hair Discrimination appeared first on Essence.