LOVE LETTERS: THE GIFT THAT KEEPS ON GIVING
How does one repay the affection and attention that our family members have lavished upon us? We can’t – but we can ensure that we are prepared if the time comes that our loved ones can no longer take care of themselves and need our help. Why? Simply, Because We Care.
Experts tell us that by the year 2020, the United States will need more caregivers than teachers due to our rapidly aging population. Along with Hispanics, African Americans have the highest reported prevalence of caregiving. Ethnic minorities also provide more care, use less formal services, and subsequently report worse health than their White counterparts. The need to provide care to a loved one often comes without warning, and both receiving and providing care can have major legal, economic and health implications for the entire family.1
In March 2014, The Black Women’s Agenda, Inc., and its National Collaborating Organizations launched Because We Care – an initiative in collaboration with AARP which featured a series of free forums that provide Black women and their families with the resources and tools to take better care of their loved ones and themselves. Recently, the organization expanded this initiative to introduce “Love Letters” a critical information template that helps families begin the conversation on providing and receiving care.
BWA encourages you to give yourself and your loved ones an invaluable gift – resolve to broach the subject of caregiving with your family and those close to you, again simply Because We Care.
For additional information on preparing to give or receive care, please click on the “Because We Care” or “Conversations on Caregiving” tabs on this website.
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1 Dilworth-Anderson, P., Williams, I.C. and Gibson, B.E. (2002). “Issues of Race, Ethnicity and Culture in Caregiving Research: A 20-year Review (1980-2000). Gerontologist, 42(2), 237-272.
OTHER NEWS
FEBRUARY IS AMERICAN HEART MONTH
This year, as our hearts fill with pride while we celebrate Black History Month, let us also remember to focus on our heart health. And not just on Valentines Day – the entire month of February is American Heart Month.
Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States and certain minority groups face a greater risk than others. Deaths from heart disease are higher in Black Americans than in White Americans and other ethnic groups, and heart disease develops at a younger age in African Americans.
But, heart disease can often be prevented when people know their risks, make healthy choices and manage their medical conditions. So this month, learn the signs and symptoms and the steps you can take to make a difference in your life and the lives of your loved ones at https://www.goredforwomen.org
January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month
According to The American Cancer Society, “Cervical cancer was once one of the most common causes of cancer death for American women. The cervical cancer death rate dropped significantly with the increased use of the Pap test for screening. But the death rate has not changed much over the last 15 years.” And several studies show that a disproportionate number of women that die each year from cervical cancer are Black women.
The American Cancer Society also stresses the importance of regular screening for the disease, emphasizing that, “Screening tests offer the best chance to have cervical cancer found early when successful treatment is likely.
I AM THE CHANGE FORUMS
The Black Women’s Agenda, Inc. is taking its “Living Your Best Life At Every Age: I Am The Change” town hall on the road! Introduced with support from AARP at its 41st Annual Symposium in September 2018, the forum encourages participants to consider where they are and want to be from a financial, educational and health perspective, and to be a catalyst for change for themselves, their families, and communities.
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