Culture, History, & News

National Fibroid Awareness Month

Fibroids are uterine tumors that effect women of child-bearing age. Some women with fibroids are asymptomatic, while others struggle with pelvic pain, heavy menstrual bleeding, and infertility. July is National Fibroid Awareness Month and what better time than this to discuss this important women’s reproductive health issue.

“According to U.S. national estimates, African American women have higher rates of fibroids and are twice as likely to have a hysterectomy for the condition, compared to European American women.”

Typically, fibroids are noncancerous tumors that will effect two-thirds (66%) of women by the time they reach the age of 50 years old. 1 According to U.S. national estimates, African American women have higher rates of fibroids and are twice as likely to have a hysterectomy for the condition, compared to European American women. The reason for these racial disparities remains unclear, but research has identified some risk factors, such as: Vitamin D deficiency, obesity, genetics (family history), stress, and early age onset of menses. 2 It has also been indicated that fibroids have more receptor sites for the hormones of estrogen and progesterone than normal uterine muscle cells usually do. 3

“Some women may also chose homeopathic medicine for alternative treatment methods.”

The treatment plan for fibroids depends on whether a woman has symptoms, the size and amount of tumors, and the desire to maintain fertility. The surgical options include hysterectomy or myomectomy. There is a growing option of minimally invasive procedures, such as uterine fibroid embolization (UFE). Some women may also chose homeopathic medicine for alternative treatment methods. Dr. Christine Adams, M.D.-Ph.D. in her book: Homeopathic Medicine: The Complete Guide to Homeopathic Medicine and Treatment of Common Disorders (2014, 181 pages, kindle edition) discusses natural ingredients to treat the disorder.

The future research trend is for a more inclusive approach to different racial populations and risk factors. According to Dr. Erica Marsh, M.D. a lead researcher at Michigan Medicine: “Research has taught us that if you’re not included, then you’re not represented. We want to make sure research is inclusive and reflective of everyone affected by this disease.” 4 The current preventative measures is to reduce risk factors as appropriate (healthy weight and diet), identify if fibroids are in your family history, maintain a yearly gynecological wellness check-up, and seek early intervention if diagnosed with fibroids. Take care of yourself!

Bibliography

(1, 2, 4) Mostafavi, Beata. “Understanding Racial Disparities for Women with Uterine Fibroids.“ Michigan Medicine: The University of Michigan. August 12, 2020. Accessed online on June 27, 2023: https://www.michiganmedicine.org/health-lab/understanding-racial-disparities-women-uterine-fibroids

(3) Mayo Clinic Staff. “Uterine Fibroids.” Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. September 21, 2022. Accessed online on June 27, 2023: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/uterine-fibroids/symptoms-causes/syc-20354288

*Reposted article from the July 2023 Edition.

“Erin Gets Diagnosed With Fibroids (It Got Real Episode 1)”
Clevver Style on YouTube

“Pregnant with Fibroids”
Spears Fam on YouTube

“Shrink FIBROIDS (Little Known Scientific Fix) 2023”
Ken D Berry MD on YouTube

“Dialogue with the Doctors: The Latest in Fibroid Treatments”
The White Dress Project: We Can Wear White on YouTube

*Disclaimer: Sankofa Newsletter does not provide medical advice or treatment. Articles are for informational purposes only. Consult your physician/health care provider for any questions or concerns.

Art/Film/Literature News

Destination: Planet Negro

In the mood for a little sci-fi, social commentary, and a dose of political satire? Then watch Destination: Planet Negro (2013) and get all three aspects in one unique and funny film. The premise involves three explorers (and Strom) who in 1939 take off for the planet Mars to establish a black colony. They unknowingly experience a time travel wormhole and actually land in modern-day Kansas City, Missouri. Let the culture shock begin. This is a great film to watch for laughs, intelligent stimulation, and then more laughs. Be sure to watch pass the end credits as there is a final entertaining scene.

*Reposted article from the April 2020 Edition.

“DESTINATION PLANET NEGRO by Kevin Wilmott – Official Trailer”
Film Is Now Movies on YouTube

“Destination Planet Negro (Free Full Movie) Kevin Willmott”
Popcorn Flix on YouTube

Business/Non-Profit/Inspirational News

Husband and Wife, Founders of #1 Black Doctor-Owned Vitamin Company, Tap Dr. Jay Barnett as Brand Spokesman

“ Black News.com: Husband and Wife, Founders of #1 Black Doctor-Owned Vitamin Company, Tap Dr. Jay Barnett as Brand Spokesman to Advocate for a Healthier Black Community”
June 20th, 2025

ProBLK Health Vitamins

The husband and wife duo, Darian McDaniel and Dr. Karleena Tuggle-McDaniel, are entrepeneurs in the health vitamin industry. Their company ProBLK Health Vitamins seeks to improve the health of African Americans and reduce health disparities. The couple has partnered with Dr. Jay Barnett, a mental health advocate, to push their mission even more forward. According to Black News.com: “With Black Americans experiencing some of the worst health outcomes in the country—including higher rates of vitamin and mineral deficiencies, chronic illness, and untreated mental health conditions—this partnership is about action, awareness, and access.”

“HOW PROBLK HEALTH STARTED”
ProBLK Health Vitamins on YouTube

Book Review

Beautiful Foolishness

Ling and Lamb offer helpful tips for a happy marriage and peaceful home in their book: Beautiful Foolshness (2025, 209 pages, kindle edition). They share experiences with financial difficulty, goal setting, and having a social media presence. They discuss being in an intercultural marriage (Ling is American & Lamb is Nigerian) and how they learn from each other.

The book alternates between the views of each spouse and every chapter ends with a list of key takeaways. A very good and uplifting read!

Book Quotes:

“Each marriage has a unique love language.”

“I feel like I manifested Ling even before I came across her…I used to pray for my marriage. I used to bless my future wife even before I knew who she was.”

“Our response to other people’s opinions of our marriage is, Don’t project your martial beliefs on us.” 

“Asking Hubby if he still loves me?”
Ling and Lamb on YouTube Shorts

“Did you marry someone who’s 𝐍𝐎𝐓 your type physically?!”
Ling and Lamb on YouTube

News Videos (6)

“Debate underway in the Senate on Trump’s big bill, but overnight voting is delayed”
12 News on YouTube
June 30th, 2025

“Trump, Ice And The National Guards”
ATLAH Worldwide on YouTube
June 9th, 2025

“Marines arrive in LA as city prepares for ‘No Kings’ protests”
ABC 7 on YouTube
June 14th, 2025

“Cuban-Americans worried, divided by Trump policies”
KTVU Fox 2 San Francisco on YouTube
May 27th, 2025

“Trump Voter Cries After ICE Takes His Workers”
The Majority Report with Sam Seder
June 13th, 2025

“LA Protests: Senator Padilla’s removal triggers political divide”
ABC 10 on YouTube
June 13th, 2025