A Guide to Black Women’s Health
In her new book, Melody T. McCloud seeks to change the trajectory of Black women’s healthcare outcomes and offers a resource on how to do it
In her new book, Black Women’s Wellness: Your “I’ve Got This!” Guide to Health, Sex, and Phenomenal Living (Sounds True, 2023), alum Melody T. McCloud provides a comprehensive resource for women on recognizing, treating, and preventing various health conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, cancers, HIV, dementia, and maternal mortality.
As an Atlanta-based OB/GYN, public speaker, and media consultant, McCloud blends clinical data with motivating anecdotes to help readers navigate long-standing health inequities. Her book, intended for both the general public and health professionals, also addresses a crucial but often overlooked topic: the impact of racism and microaggressions on Black women’s physical and mental well-being.
McCloud’s work has received praise from public figures such as Jennifer Ashton, ABC News’ chief medical correspondent, and actress Pauletta Washington. She highlights how psychosocial stressors, including everyday disparaging comments and negative messaging in mainstream music, can take a toll on Black women’s mental health. “If your men are talking to you that way and you listen to that all day, that’s going to pain your psyche,” she warns.
Beyond mental health, McCloud explores how stress can have life-threatening physical effects. “Stress increases cortisol and other stress hormones,” she explains, “which can lead to hypertension, heart disease, obesity, and diabetes—all potential killer diseases.”
The book also covers topics such as sexual health, relationships, domestic abuse, and gun violence. McCloud cites CDC data showing that homicide is the sixth leading cause of death for Black Americans but is absent from the top causes for other demographics. She argues that this crisis demands urgent intervention, particularly from within the Black community.
To help readers take charge of their health, McCloud includes a checklist for reviewing family medical history and a “self-inventory” to share with doctors. She stresses the importance of proactive healthcare in an era where medical services have become increasingly corporate-driven. “Patients have to be their own best advocate,” she says.
She encourages women to find trusted doctors, stay up to date with screenings, and bring written concerns to appointments. For those considering pregnancy, she strongly advises seeking an obstetrician beforehand and starting prenatal care early. “Yes, implicit bias is real,” McCloud acknowledges, “but the number-one reason for pregnancy-related mortality is that Black women do not start prenatal care early. Almost 90 percent of maternal morbidity and mortality cases are preventable.”
Ultimately, McCloud believes that prioritizing Black women’s health can create generational change. “Women are usually the health stewards of the family,” she says. Her book, praised by public figures, serves as a vital blueprint for achieving total wellness. “That is my goal,” she affirms.
