It’s an unfortunate reality – African-American women face greater health risks than women of other races.
They are more likely to develop diabetes, hypertension and heart disease, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. More than half of African-American women older than 20 are obese. Although they aren’t more likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer than women of other races, they are more likely to die from it.
Women like twins Kanani and Kalila Hines are determined to make a difference in their own lives. In the past year, they have focused on improving their health through a more active lifestyle. Both started running with other women and working with a personal trainer.
They have seen changes, including double-digit weight loss. In adopting a more active lifestyle, the women are eschewing the hair dryer and chemical products to embrace their natural curl pattern.
They are part of a growing number of African-American women who are changing their approach to personal care in an effort to improve their overall health. It’s more than just vanity. A study published last year in the Journal of the American Medical Association Dermatology found that about 40 percent of African-American women skip exercising because of hair issues.
“You have to understand individual patient barriers without judgment,” said Dr. Michelle Gourdine, a pediatrician and author of “Reclaiming Our Health: A Guide to African-American Wellness.” “To someone who has not stood in that person’s shoes, they can’t say that their concern about hair is silly.”
Although it can be worn in myriad styles, from short to long, curly, straight or braided, African-American hair is different from the hair of other ethnicities, particularly in how long it takes to grow, its texture and coarseness. The natural curl pattern tends to be tighter, and that can make it more difficult for the hair’s natural oils to go from the root to the ends.
As a result, many black women rely on visits to the hair salon and chemical relaxers to moisturize, relax and straighten their hair. It’s a time-consuming – and costly – endeavor.
All the movement, not to mention the sweat, can wreck a relaxed or pressed hairstyle. Frequent washing can dry out a woman’s hair, while the time she spends fixing her style after a workout can be twice as long as the actual exercise.
“It’s a process to put in oils and moisturizers,” said Tywanda Howie, co-founder of Delaware Naturalistas, a group of black women who have made the decision to wear their hair without chemicals. “If I’m washing my hair more frequently, the concern is the length of time it takes to do that process from beginning to end.”
In the past, natural hair wasn’t always as accepted as a professional look, but that perspective has changed. Howie said some women are opting for natural hairstyles because of their exercise routines, but others are worried about the chemicals.
“There was a need to assimilate to what we thought was beautiful,” said Howie, an organizer of a daylong expo on natural hair being held Saturday at the University of Delaware’s Clayton Hall. “It’s embracing who we are naturally and not feeling like you have to wear your hair straight. It’s a self-love and confidence thing.”
Kalila Hines talked with her hair dresser about options that would balance her active lifestyle and still keep her looking good. She opted for a straw set, in which hair is rolled on tiny straws that, once removed, leave the hair in corkscrew-like coils.
“As women, hair is so important to us,” said Kalila Hines, who has been relaxer-free for about eight years. “I had to make a decision that my health was more important to my hair.”
Fortunately for them, the Hines sisters have found plenty of support and encouragement. They joined Black Girls Run Delaware, which hosts meetups across the state to encourage African-American women to embrace fitness and health. The group draws exercise newbies and veterans alike.
It’s empowering to see other African-American women take such an active role in their health, said Kanani Hines, who along with her sister, is training for her first half-marathon in November.
“We’re definitely breaking down barriers and shattering some of the myths,” said Hines, who started her fitness journey in January. “People have said African-American women don’t work out because of their hair. I know 200 to 300 women who do in Delaware alone.”
http://www.delawareonline.com/article/20130924/HEALTH/309240019/?nclick_check=1
Thanks for reading!
Always,
Blaque
Beloved, I wish above all things that you may prosper and be in health, even as your soul prospers. ~ 3 John 1:2
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