Day: June 3, 2023

Posted on by

Unlocking Cognitive Thinking in the Black Child: A Path to Success

Unlocking Cognitive Thinking in the Black Child: A Path to Success

In the realm of child development, cognitive thinking is the centerpiece of learning, comprehension, and problem-solving. For Black children, nurturing these skills is not just a matter of academic success but a powerful tool to overcome societal challenges and propel future achievements.

Cognitive thinking refers to the brain’s ability to process information, remember, solve problems, and make decisions. It’s like a muscle—the more you use it, the stronger it becomes. Encouraging cognitive thinking in the Black child provides a solid foundation for scholastic triumph, cultivates creativity, and equips them to navigate a complex world.

  1. Start early and at home. Incorporating play-based learning, like puzzles and memory games, can significantly enhance cognitive thinking. Reading to your child, storytelling, and engaging them in conversations boosts their language skills and critical thinking[^1^].

2. Encourage curiosity. An environment that fosters curiosity and the freedom to ask questions fuels cognitive development. It not only builds knowledge but instills a lifelong love for learning.

3. Incorporate cultural and historical education. In the context of Black children, this is a powerful tool to build self-esteem, identity, and resilience[^2^]. Knowing their rich history and cultural legacy nurtures a sense of pride and a strong self-concept, key elements of cognitive development.

4. Finally, patience and encouragement go a long way. Celebrate your child’s achievements, no matter how small. This will build their confidence, encourage persistence, and promote a growth mindset.

In conclusion, fostering cognitive thinking in the Black child is a transformative step towards nurturing resilient, empowered individuals who are well-equipped to shape their future and influence their communities. This is more than an educational imperative; it’s a societal necessity for the advancement of the Black community.

References
[^1^] Fantuzzo, J., Perry, M. A., & McDermott, P. (2004). Preschool approaches to learning and their relationship to other relevant classroom competencies for low-income children. School Psychology Quarterly, 19(3), 212.
[^2^] Hughes, D., Rodriguez, J., Smith, E. P., Johnson, D. J., Stevenson, H. C., & Spicer, P. (2006). Parents’ ethnic-racial socialization practices: a review of research and directions for future study. Developmental Psychology, 42(5), 747.

With Love, Lakischa Smith

Meet Lakischa Smith, a proud mother and a dedicated public health advocate. With a Bachelor’s from Dillard University and a Master’s in Public Health from Florida International University, she’s committed to sharing honest narratives about black motherhood. Lakischa believes in fostering sisterhood to combat the pervasive forces of white supremacy, and empowering African American women to be agents of change for future generations. She asserts that recognizing and addressing our community’s struggles is crucial, for healing is the key to moving forward. Armed with the power of education and a deep belief in collective action, Lakischa is determined to ensure that the issues impacting African American maternal health aren’t just seen—they’re addressed and resolved.

Posted on by

Chronic Stress and Its Impact on African American Maternal Health: An Unveiled Reality

Chronic Stress and Its Impact on African American Maternal Health: An Unveiled Reality

When we talk about maternal health, we often neglect the silent and profound effects of chronic stress. Particularly in African American mothers, the impact of chronic stress on pregnancy can be stark and potentially damaging. In this article, we explore this crucial issue, aiming to raise awareness and advocate for better health outcomes for all mothers.

Chronic stress is a prolonged and constant feeling of stress that can negatively affect your health if it goes untreated. It can come from long-lasting financial difficulties, a high-pressure job, or relationship issues. In the context of African American mothers, it may also arise from systemic inequalities, racial discrimination, and socio-economic struggles[^1^].

Research shows that chronic stress can have detrimental effects on pregnancy outcomes. According to a study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, chronic stress can lead to preterm births, especially in African American women[^2^].

Chronic stress can also trigger inflammation in the body, potentially leading to complications like gestational diabetes and hypertension, disproportionately affecting African American mothers[^3^]. Furthermore, the exposure to chronic stressors can have long-term effects on the baby’s development and overall health[^4^].

But there’s hope. By recognizing the link between chronic stress and pregnancy outcomes, we can work towards effective strategies to mitigate these issues. Increasing access to mental health resources, promoting stress management techniques, and advocating for systemic changes can significantly improve African American maternal health.

In conclusion, the impact of chronic stress on the pregnancies of African American mothers is a significant issue that requires our collective attention. Let’s strive for a world where every mother, irrespective of their racial or socio-economic background, experiences a safe and healthy pregnancy. Because every mother matters, and every baby deserves a fair start in life.

To be more clear, here are 15 examples of Chronic Stress:

  1. Constant Work Pressure: Working long hours, meeting high demands, or dealing with workplace conflicts regularly.
  2. Financial Difficulties: Struggling to pay bills, living from paycheck to paycheck, or dealing with significant debt.
  3. Health Problems: Dealing with a chronic illness, a prolonged injury, or a severe medical diagnosis can induce chronic stress.
  4. Caring for a Sick Loved One: The physical and emotional demands of caring for a loved one with a chronic illness or disability.
  5. Relationship Problems: Frequent conflicts or dissatisfaction in a marriage or other close relationship can lead to ongoing stress.
  6. Divorce or Breakups: The emotional turmoil and practical difficulties following a significant relationship ending.
  7. Grieving: Coping with the death of a loved one can lead to prolonged periods of stress.
  8. Single Parenting: The demands and responsibilities of raising children without a partner can lead to chronic stress.
  9. Unemployment: The uncertainty and financial stress of job loss and searching for new employment.
  10. Discrimination: Experiencing ongoing prejudice or discrimination, such as racial or gender discrimination.
  11. Trauma Recovery: Dealing with the aftermath of a traumatic event like a severe accident, war, or personal attack.
  12. Living in a High Crime Area: Regular fear for personal safety or property can cause chronic stress.
  13. Juggling Multiple Responsibilities: Balancing work, family, social obligations, and personal care can lead to ongoing stress.
  14. Social Isolation: Feeling chronically lonely or unsupported.
  15. Chronic Caregiving: The physical, emotional, and financial demands of caring for a family member with special needs or an aging parent.

References
[^1^] Geronimus, A. T., Hicken, M., Keene, D., & Bound, J. (2006). “Weathering” and age patterns of allostatic load scores among blacks and whites in the United States. American journal of public health, 96(5), 826-833.
[^2^] Giurgescu, C., Zenk, S. N., Dancy, B. L., Park, C. G., Dieber, W., & Block, R. (2012). Relationships among neighborhood environment, racial discrimination, psychological distress, and preterm birth in African American women. Journal of obstetric, gynecologic, and neonatal nursing, 41(6), E51-E61.
[^3^] Christian, L. M. (2012). Psychoneuroimmunology in pregnancy: Immune pathways linking stress with maternal health, adverse birth outcomes, and fetal development. Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews, 36(1), 350-361.
[^4^] Monk, C., Spicer, J., & Champagne, F. A. (2012). Linking prenatal maternal adversity to developmental outcomes in infants: the role of epigenetic pathways. Development and psychopathology, 24(4), 1361-1376.

With Love, Lakischa Smith

Meet Lakischa Smith, a proud mother and a dedicated public health advocate. With a Bachelor’s from Dillard University and a Master’s in Public Health from Florida International University, she’s committed to sharing honest narratives about black motherhood. Lakischa believes in fostering sisterhood to combat the pervasive forces of white supremacy, and empowering African American women to be agents of change for future generations. She asserts that recognizing and addressing our community’s struggles is crucial, for healing is the key to moving forward. Armed with the power of education and a deep belief in collective action, Lakischa is determined to ensure that the issues impacting African American maternal health aren’t just seen—they’re addressed and resolved.

Posted on by

The Environment’s Silent Role in African American Pregnancies

The Environment's Silent Role in African American Pregnancies

Hello, Mamas! Today, let’s shed some light on an issue of increasing importance – the impact of the environment on African American pregnancies, especially regarding preterm birth (PTB).

PTB, defined as a delivery before the 37th week of pregnancy, can lead to significant health issues for newborns, from respiratory to neurological problems[^1^]. PTB has a broad array of risk factors, both modifiable and non-modifiable, including genetics, overall health, and lifestyle[^2^].

Here’s where it gets intriguing: research increasingly points to environmental pollutants as a risk factor for PTB[^3^]. You might wonder, “Why are we focusing on African American pregnancies?” It all comes down to socio-economic disparities in environmental exposure.

Communities of color, particularly low-income neighborhoods, are frequently nestled near industrial areas or bustling roads. This unfortunate geographical disadvantage translates into increased exposure to various pollutants, such as pesticides, particulate matter, and toxic metals[^3^].

Recent studies reveal a shocking truth: the air in these non-white, low-income communities contains a higher concentration of hazardous particles, including potentially harmful elements like vanadium, nitrates, and zinc[^4^].

This disproportionate environmental burden places African American pregnancies at a unique risk. Numerous studies connect higher exposure levels to an increased incidence of PTB[^5^].

So, what can we do? Well, armed with this knowledge[^1^,^2^,^3^,^4^,^5^], we can work towards advocating for cleaner, safer environments for all mothers-to-be, with a particular focus on the African American community. This could mean lobbying for better public transportation in these areas, stricter regulations on industries, and equitable access to quality prenatal care.

By understanding the link between environmental exposure and PTB, we can aim for effective strategies to prevent PTB and work towards healthier pregnancies for all, irrespective of race or socio-economic status.

So let’s join hands, draw from the research, and press for the changes needed to protect our communities, our mothers, and our future generations. Because every child deserves a healthy start, and every mother deserves a safe environment.

References
[^1^] Goldenberg, R. L., Culhane, J. F., Iams, J. D., & Romero, R. (2008). Epidemiology and causes of preterm birth. The Lancet, 371(9606), 75-84.
[^2^] Blencowe, H., Cousens, S., Chou, D., Oestergaard, M., Say, L., Moller, A. B., … & Lawn, J. (2013). Born too soon: the global epidemiology of 15 million preterm births. Reproductive health, 10(1), S2.
[^3^] Ferguson, K. K., O’Neill, M. S., & Meeker, J. D. (2013). Environmental contaminant exposures and preterm birth: a comprehensive review. Journal of toxicology and environmental health. Part B, Critical reviews, 16(2), 69–113.
[^4^] Collins, M. B., Munoz, I., & Jaja, J. (2016). Linking ‘toxic outliers’ to environmental justice communities. Environmental research letters, 11(1), 015004.
[^5^] Stieb, D. M., Chen, L., Eshoul, M., & Judek, S. (2012). Ambient air pollution, birth weight and preterm birth: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Environmental

With Love, Lakischa Smith

Meet Lakischa Smith, a proud mother and a dedicated public health advocate. With a Bachelor’s from Dillard University and a Master’s in Public Health from Florida International University, she’s committed to sharing honest narratives about black motherhood. Lakischa believes in fostering sisterhood to combat the pervasive forces of white supremacy, and empowering African American women to be agents of change for future generations. She asserts that recognizing and addressing our community’s struggles is crucial, for healing is the key to moving forward. Armed with the power of education and a deep belief in collective action, Lakischa is determined to ensure that the issues impacting African American maternal health aren’t just seen—they’re addressed and resolved.