Health

The Lenoir Ethnic Health Report and African American Wellness Project

Published

5 years ago

September 12, 2019

Dr. Michael A. Lenoir said he initially founded the African American Wellness Project out of rage.“That rage comes from minorities who have been, and are currently being treated unfairly in the healthcare system,” said Lenoir, a pediatric, allergy specialist and immunologist. “If you look at the statistics, African Americans don’t get the same treatment as Caucasians; they don’t get the respect due them, and they receive inferior service from their healthcare provider.”

In 2000, Lenoir brought together a group of people who had extensive experience in the healthcare field. “I asked this group about how they were marginalized in the health care system and we discovered that there was a disparity of the provision of health care for people of color.”

Lenoir asserted, “Each one had a story where they were treated poorly or with no respect. One member even noted that when she reported to her doctor for a visit, she felt invisible.”
“So my concern was that if this was happening with people of prominent stature and prestige reputations, what was going on with people who didn’t have contacts or influence,” Lenoir said.

“Because of this, we developed the AAWP as a health and communications company, targeting our resources for people of color and the underserved.”
“Our intent is to focus on the African American consumer,” noted Lenoir. “The emphasis will include the importance of lifestyle and health, prevention, screening and early detection. We want African Americans to become more proactive as they navigate the health care system.”

“We also want African Americans and other consumers to be alert and vigilant when they do not receive quality care. We have a network of experts to support you as we work together to make the health care system more sensitive to the needs of our community.”
There are three primary health issues that people of color suffer from; obesity, heart disease and diabetes. High cholesterol is also becoming a major health issue even though it is a nutritional disease. Dr. Lenoir points out that these diseases are the numerator, while the dominator is how you’re treated in the system.

“The foods we eat, the exercises we perform and the medication we take, all determine our health status,” said Lenoir. “You have to first understand what your potential risk factors are, what things you do that affect your lifestyle, the environment, and your genetics…that’s how it all gets started.”

“Secondly, one must recognize the early warning signs of any problems regarding specific diseases, which uniquely affect people of color. Underneath all that is when they have these diseases such as diabetes, cancer and respiratory illnesses, people of people of color are sometimes at a loss as to how these important issues are treated.”

As an example, Lenoir said, Black men rarely go to the doctor out of fear. “The fear of not knowing or wanting to hear what the physician will tell you about your health.”
Lenoir describes the fear and the reaction to it. “You wake up feeling like something is wrong; you have a pain or ache that you’ve never experienced before and there were no warning signs that indicated your body was having a problem,” Lenori said. “That’s when you need to go see a physician before the mystery of your pending illness gets out of hand. The anxiety of getting a dire diagnosis can be avoided by having routine health screenings.”

The AAWP provides information on how African Americans can improve their quality of their life. “It’s important to do as much exercising as possible to keep your body moving,” said Lenoir. “Additionally, maintaining a proper, healthy diet; stress-reduction and keeping close watch on the foods you eat are very important,” he added.
“We provide guidelines, statistical data and ground-prevention information to everyone who visits our website, “said Lenoir. “Although we do not provide those services directly, we help to answer the questions as to where maintaining a healthy lifestyle can be obtained.

With a grant provided by the California Endowment, as well as resources from other health agencies, Dr. Lenoir and his colleagues have set out a mission to reach as many individuals as possible to spread their message. Dr. Lenoir can be heard on KBLX 102.9 each weekday beginning at the 5:30 p.m. drive-time sharing his information on maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Lenoir is affiliated with multiple hospitals in the area including, Alta Bates Summit Medical Center in Berkeley and UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital in Oakland. He is board certified to practice allergy, immunology and pediatrics services. He received his medical degree from the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, and has been in practice for more than 20 years. Lenoir accepts several types of health insurance for his services. He also speaks fluent Spanish, as well as other languages.

Lenoir’s office is located at 2940 Summit St., 1st Floor, Oakland, CA, 94609. Call 510-834-4897 for an appointment to find out more about his medical services.

By Clifford L. Williams

Posts by By Clifford L. Williams

Related Topics:By Clifford L. Williams Michael A. Lenoir M.D.

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Activism

LIVE! — TOWN HALL ON RACISM AND ITS IMPACT — THURS. 11.14.24 5PM PST

Join us for a LIVE Virtual Town Hall on the Impact of Racism hosted by Post News Group Journalist Carla Thomas and featuring Oakland, CA NAACP President Cynthia Adams & other Special Guests.
Thursday, November 14, 2024, 5 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. PST

Published

1 week ago

November 12, 2024

Oakland Post

Discussion Topics:
• Since the pandemic, what battles have the NAACP fought nationally, and how have they impacted us locally?
• What trends are you seeing concerning Racism? Is it more covert or overt?
• What are the top 5 issues resulting from racism in our communities?
• How do racial and other types of discrimination impact local communities?
• What are the most effective ways our community can combat racism and hate?

Your questions and comments will be shared LIVE with the moderators and viewers during the broadcast.

STREAMED LIVE!
FACEBOOK: facebook.com/PostNewsGroup
YOUTUBE: youtube.com/blackpressusatv
X: twitter.com/blackpressusa

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California Black Media

Gen. Election Update: Tracking Your Votes on Ballot Propositions — and What They Mean for Our Communities

In the Nov. 5 General Election, Californians cast their votes on ten propositions addressing issues from education and climate funding to prison labor and the minimum wage.

Published

2 weeks ago

November 6, 2024

Oakland Post

By Joe W. Bowers Jr., California Black Media

In the Nov. 5 General Election, Californians cast their votes on ten propositions addressing issues from education and climate funding to prison labor and the minimum wage.

Below is a breakdown of the propositions, their potential impact and an update on how we voted on them.

Likely to Pass:

Proposition 2: Bonds for Public School and College Facilities
With 56.7% support, Prop 2 is on track to pass. This measure would allocate $10 billion to repair and upgrade K-12 and community college facilities, especially in under-resourced schools. For students, this funding could lead to safer and more supportive learning environments.

Proposition 3: Constitutional Right to Marriage
Prop 3 currently has 61.4% support and is likely to pass. This measure aims to amend California’s constitution to affirm marriage rights for all. For LGBTQ+ individuals in our communities, this is a powerful affirmation of equality and inclusion.

Proposition 4: Bonds for Water, Wildfire, and Climate Risks
Currently passing with 57.8%, Prop 4 is on track to deliver $10 billion for projects that address water quality, wildfire prevention, and climate resilience. This could have a significant impact on communities that face the harshest effects of climate change.

Proposition 34: Restricts Spending of Prescription Revenues
Prop 34 is narrowly passing with 51.4% support, indicating that it may succeed. The measure would require specific healthcare providers to use 98% of revenue from federal drug discount programs on direct patient care. This could improve healthcare access for low-income residents.

Proposition 35: Provides Permanent Funding for Medi-Cal
With 66.8% of voters in favor, Prop 35 is on course to pass, securing permanent funding for Medi-Cal, California’s low-income healthcare program. For many in our communities who depend on Medi-Cal, this measure promises stability and continued access to essential healthcare services.

Proposition 36: Increased Sentencing for Certain Drug and Theft Crimes
With strong support at 70.5%, Prop 36 is poised to pass, increasing penalties for specific theft and drug offenses. This measure would partially roll back sentence reductions established by Prop 47, sparking concerns about potential increases in incarceration rates.

Likely to Fail:

Proposition 5: Bonds for Affordable Housing and Infrastructure
With 56.4% of voters opposed, Prop 5 is likely to fail. The measure aimed to reduce the voting threshold for local bonds from two-thirds to 55%, making it easier to fund affordable housing. Without it, local governments will continue to face higher approval requirements, potentially slowing progress on affordable housing solutions.

Proposition 6: Eliminates Forcing Inmates to Work
Currently failing with 54.9% opposed, Prop 6 is expected to be defeated. This measure would have ended involuntary labor for incarcerated individuals, a practice critics argue disproportionately affects Black inmates. It’s likely failure means the prison labor system will remain unchanged.

Proposition 32: Raises Minimum Wage
With 52.1% of voters opposing it, Prop 32 appears likely to fail. This measure would have raised the minimum wage to $18 an hour. While proponents argued it would provide greater financial stability for low-wage workers.

Proposition 33: Local Government Residential Rent Control
With 61.9% voting “no,” Prop 33 is expected to fail, meaning that local governments won’t gain expanded authority to enact rent control. Real estate groups argued that this measure could hinder housing development. Its failure means that current rent control laws will remain in place, leaving fewer protections for renters.

Oakland Post

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California Black Media

Covered California Open Enrollment Began Nov. 1

Open enrollment for Covered California kicked off on Nov. 1, 2024, offering individuals, families, and businesses a chance to secure quality, affordable health insurance for the upcoming year. This annual enrollment period allows California residents to choose from a variety of health plans that meet their specific needs. Covered California offers comprehensive coverage, including preventive care and financial assistance to help eligible applicants lower their monthly premiums.

Published

2 weeks ago

November 6, 2024

Oakland Post

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By Bo Tefu, California Black Media

Covered California offers comprehensive coverage, including preventive care and financial assistance to help eligible applicants lower their monthly premiums. The program features insurance plans from leading providers, ensuring access to essential health services such as doctor visits, hospital care, and mental health services.

This year, notable updates include expanded financial assistance, which increases the support available for eligible households to help offset monthly costs. Additionally, consumers will find greater plan flexibility, allowing them to select options that fit their lifestyles and budgets. Access to no-cost preventive services — like vaccinations, screenings, and annual check-ups — remains a priority.

Key enrollment deadlines are set as follows:

The open enrollment period runs from Nov. 1, 2024, to Jan. 31, 2025.
Those who enroll by Dec. 15, 2024, will have their coverage start on Jan. 1, 2025.

To facilitate enrollment, applicants can fill out an inquiry form on the Covered California website, reach out to Certified Enrollment Counselors, or contact Covered California directly at (888) 234-5366 or via email at GetCovered@cbhn.info.

The California Black Health Network (CBHN) collaborates with Covered California to advocate for health equity, focusing on underserved communities, including unemployed and gig workers. CBHN’s certified enrollers engage in outreach and onsite signups to help individuals access affordable healthcare options.