High blood pressure, aka hypertension, can quietly mess up the body for years before symptoms appear. Not surprisingly, many of the black community's top killers are caused by high blood pressure, including heart disease, stroke, congestive heart failure and even kidney disease. That's why it's so important to have your blood pressure checked; and why you need to keep it in check through diet, exercise, and even medication.

My man Phillip Davis is a prime example. In September of 2020, Phillip was working as a School Administrator for Mastery Charter School. He had just wrapped up a routine workday that was marked by an excruciating headache that would not go away. It was so bad that he went to the ER and was admitted to Chestnut Hill Hospital, where he quickly learned that his blood pressure sky high; a troubling 287/92. He was immediately transported to ICU where he spent the next few days being accessed to figure out the cause.

After several negative tests, Phillip received shocking news from a Nephrologist about his kidneys; they were in danger of failure and the problem had reached the acute stage. To stay alive, Phillip had to begin dialysis treatment immediately. But after several weeks on dialysis, his condition worsened and Phillip was officially diagnosed with Stage 4 Kidney Disease also known as Renal Failure. The only remedy for the condition is a kidney transplant or long-term, life-sustaining dialysis.

At just 34 years of age, that was some heavy news. So I sat down with Phillip to hear how he managed to cope with his diagnosis, navigate his treatment journey, and become an advocate for kidney health in the Black and Brown communities.

Through faith, family, hip-hop music, and an unbreakable spirit, Phillip has found strength and purpose in sharing his story. Join us as we discuss Phillip's resilience, determination, and the importance of early detection and blood pressure screening in kidney health.

Today he is a global ambassador for The Gift of Life, where he educates men and women about the causes, early signs of high blood pressure, and kidney failure.

His story is inspiring. Check it out.

LINKS

The Gift of Life

https://www.giftoflife.org/

Follow Phillip on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/p.dot57/

LINKS

For more about Multiple Myeloma visit the sites below.

International Myeloma Foundation

Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Myeloma Link

Yo, not to get all heavy on you, but this podcast was born out of my personal experience as a "Black man with cancer." I've learned a lot... sooo peep this.

When it comes to most types of cancer, Black people have the highest death rate and shortest survival of any ethnic group in the United States. I got wind of this fact AFTER being diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma in 2017, a treatable but incurable blood cancer that impacts Black Americans 2:1 vs their White counterparts.

So, what's shaking and taking our lives in such disproportionate numbers?

Yeah, healthcare disparities like lack of access and insurance, historical injustices, and implicit bias are hurting us.... but we also suffer from limited health literacy -- and that's something we can change through conversation... Starting now!

Welcome to the premiere episode of Hip Hope Hooray – Black Men Talking About Health. In this genuine and unscripted conversation, we've brought together five Black men to share their journeys, struggles, and triumphs when it comes to their health.

From personal challenges to navigating the healthcare system, these brothas hold nothing back as they open up about obstacles they’ve faced on their wellness journey. It's a straight convo that's as relatable as it is empowering. Tune in for this groundbreaking podcast series and find out about what it really means to prioritize health in the Black community.

Let's get real, let's get inspired, and let's get healthy together. 🎙️💪🏾

GUEST LIST: Charles Duncan (Type II Diabetes) Randy Haskins (Borderline Hypertension) Antonio Goicuria III (Benign Myoclonic Epileptic Disorder) Eric Mosley (Hypertension) With your Host Oya Gilbert (Multiple Myeloma)

LINKS

Health, Hope & Hip-Hop Foundation

https://www.healthhopehiphop.org

Multiple Myeloma’s Sneak Attack on The Black Community And How To Fight Back by Carri Helman

https://heragenda.com/p/multiple-myeloma-awareness-facts-affect-on-black-women/