The Health of Black Communities

Increasing opioid-related deaths in Black communities are associated with health disparities.

From 1999 to 2019, the opioid crisis caused half a million deaths. In contrast, the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a tremendous increase, with in more people dying of opioid overdoses last year than ever before. However, the nature of the crisis has altered.

Traditionally, the opioid epidemic has been viewed as predominantly affecting white Americans in rural regions. This was partly purposeful, since pharmaceutical corporations picked these places to avoid the glare of law enforcement agents. Black people were far less likely to be provided opioids for pain management, even when medically needed in emergency situations, which contributed to the greater likelihood of opioid addiction among white Americans. However, recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates that the rapid infiltration of opioids into black communities is accelerating the epidemic's growth.

According to new research, more black Americans are dying from drug overdoses.

The opioid crisis is gradually ensnaring black people, according to a report just released by the CDC. Opioid overdoses increased by 30% in 2020 compared to 2019, resulting in 91,799 deaths. However, the growth was not observed universally. The death rate among African-Americans climbed by 44%, the largest increase of all racial and ethnic groupings, and double that of white Americans.



In 2020, for the first time in the history of the opioid epidemic, the death rate from opioid overdoses was higher among African-Americans than among white Americans, largely due to the increase in illicit fentanyl.

Oh dear, we made it to the year 2024. What a privilege. I am happy and thankful to God for another year. This year, I ask God for wealth and for His will in my life to be done. I ask for help using my blog to positively reach others and also share God's words. HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Here are beautiful free screensavers for your phone and a desktop background for your 2024 wallpaper. Which did you download?



Year 2024
 








The days have been slow, and I am loving it. I am ready for the new year, and I am really positive about it. The approach to preparing for the new year can vary, but here are 10 tips to guide you through the process:

1. Reflect on 2023:

Take time out to go through your achievements, lessons learned, and areas in which you need growth.

2. Set goals that are reasonable and clear: 

Define your goals; be specific, measurable, and achievable for 2024. One way to fulfil your goals is to break them into smaller tasks to better manage them.

3. Create a Plan: 

Develop a roadmap that will help you achieve your goals. Write down actionable steps and deadlines to keep yourself accountable in the process.

4. Make self-care an important priority:

Ensure your well-being by putting self-care into consideration. Exercise, mindfulness practices, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Remember, your health comes before your work.

5. Celebrate Your Achievements: 

Many people just work and work without taking a moment to acknowledge and celebrate their wins. It doesn't matter; both small and big accomplishments should be celebrated.




While responding to comments on my previous Christmas post, I thought, "Why not share photos of my afro wig?" Interestingly, my natural hair resembles this afro wig. I found the wig at an affordable price with positive reviews, so I decided to purchase it and try it out. Surprisingly, I'm impressed with its nice and natural appearance and might order the brown color. The fit is comfortable, and there's no unpleasant odor. The packaging is well done. It's important to note that proper care is essential for its longevity. Overall, I genuinely like this afro wig. It's soft and light, and the elastic isn't too tight, providing comfort. I dislike overly tight wigs that cause headaches. For this wig, it's full, fluffy, has good texture, and looks good on me, just like in the photos.

Make the comparison yourself; there might be a slight difference, but it's close. Let me know what you think. Does my natural hair look like this wig?

                The wig I ordered                                                                                   My natural hair


How do I wash a synthetic afro wig?

Firstly, add shampoo to cold water and pour a cup of warm water into the cold water. Shake the water with your hands to create foam. Place the wig inside and shake it. Submerge it in the water and let it sit for about 10 minutes, then rinse and air dry.

Next, add water and a small amount of leave-in conditioner to the water. Spray this mixture all over the hair. Use your fingers to fluff it out, trim if needed, and you are ready to go.
UK fashion blogger

Did you take a break from work to enjoy Boxing Day, or do you have a national holiday in your country? For me, I stayed home all day. Last night was a little difficult for me. I talked about having a cough, and it becomes even more persistent at night. I was talking to my niece and kept coughing for a long time, even after taking my drugs. My throat began to hurt a little, and when I woke up this morning, I was in so much pain, but I managed to stand up, prepare breakfast, and take my drugs, and now I feel much better. I drank lots of water, and I cannot overemphasize the importance of drinking water; it helps your overall health.

I needed some supplies and had to go outside, and all the stores were closed apart from one, which was partly cleared up. I walked back home, had a hot bath, had dinner, and was listening to Christian Christmas music and praying. So calming.

I believe that this Christmas season, which is dedicated to the birth of Jesus Christ, comes with cheers, and God is blessing us all.

I wish you a happy Boxing Day. Tell me how you spent your day.


Today is Christmas Day, and I am particularly thankful. We always looked forward to Christmas as kids because my parents would buy new clothes and shoes for my siblings, and my mother's cooking was always excellent. Each time I talk about my mom's cooking, it's not just because she's my mom; she's a skilled cook. During family occasions, everyone wants her to lead or supervise the cooking. My mom is blessed with the gift of cooking.




She would prepare delicious meals, and we would enjoy them as a family. We'd walk around the neighborhood to showcase our Christmas clothes and sometimes receive money gifts. Just like people celebrate Halloween, that's how we celebrate Christmas—going around and collecting gifts. It's funny to think about it now, but I love those memories. People would visit each other's houses and eat together. My mom usually prepares takeaway packs for anyone who visits us. I loved Christmas back then, but as I grew up and moved abroad, it wasn't the same. There were days I would just sleep all day during Christmas, like today, when I was at home on the couch feeling weak from the flu and cough.






Tomorrow is Christmas day. I don't always write a Christmas Wishlist because somehow I forget or just have it in my mind and never write it, so for this, I wrote both my Christmas and New Year wish lists, and hopefully I get a thing or two from this list. Let's get started.

1. Hair equipment set. 

I just learned how to style my hair, and I would love a full set of hair dryers, a hot comb, and that very little hair straightener for straightening the corners of your hair.

Revolution Haircare Mega Blow Out Hot Air Brush Set • Revolution Haircare Mega Blow Out Hot Air Brush Set • £49.99


I also like this Temu option Hair Straightener Comb, 2-in-1 Hair Straightening Brush Styler, Multi-functional Hair Styling Tool £9.83

Hair Straightener Comb, 2-in-1 Hair Straightening Brush Styler

2. A large-size tea jug. 

I started to love the art of drinking tea, especially when inside to leave Ukraine, and it grew, and I always wanted a large tea mug to make my tea time more memorable. 



1 Set Decorative Tea Pot Set, European Style Creative Handicrafts.
1pc Glass Teapot, Heat Resistant Glass Tea Kettle. £10.79
1pc, Stovetop Tea Kettles With Handle, Vintage Enamel Boiling Kettle. £10.84
1pc Stainless Steel Water Kettle Tea Pot £11.69
5pcs/set Porcelain Tea Set, Include 1pc Teapot And 4pcs Tea Cups. £12.95
1/5pcs Glass Teapot Set, High Temperature Resistant Tea Pot. £11.49


 

3. Set of pyjamas.

I love a pyjama set. It feels so cozy and makes sleeping feel even better. I would love to be gifted a set this festive period. I prefer a size medium for nightwear's. It is more comfortable.

 

4. Toaster.

I need a new toaster. I would love to make my breakfast time even more memorable. I love to just eat and enjoy my meal, and this will make it even better.

 

I want a new laptop. My laptop is slow, which sometimes makes me spend double the time I would doing a particular task.

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