The stark reality hits like a punch to the gut: Black men in America suffer worse health outcomes than any other demographic group. But why? In this powerful conversation with certified family nurse practitioner Isaiah Sankey, we dig beneath the statistics to uncover the complex interplay between personal choices, systemic barriers, and cultural norms that create this crisis.

Sankey, who also serves as president of the Metro Montgomery branch of the NAACP, brings both clinical expertise and community perspective as he explains how most Black men find themselves trapped in a cycle of "health repair" rather than practicing "health maintenance." The difference? Waiting until symptoms become unbearable versus engaging in preventative care that could save lives.

Heart disease remains the leading killer of men across all demographics, responsible for nearly a quarter of male deaths. For Black men specifically, the deadly lineup includes heart disease, cancer (particularly prostate), unintentional injuries, homicide, stroke, and diabetes. What makes these statistics particularly tragic is that many of these conditions are preventable or manageable with proper screening and early intervention.

"Don't be too religious," Sankey cautions with gentle humor, addressing the tendency to pray about health problems without taking practical action. "The Lord will heal you by sending you to a good doctor." This balanced perspective weaves throughout our conversation as Sankey offers practical, accessible solutions: integrating regular exercise (even something as simple as walking your dog), improving dietary choices, staying properly hydrated, and most importantly – getting regular check-ups and screenings.

Perhaps most powerful is Sankey's call for greater openness about health concerns. Cultural norms around masculinity often discourage men from acknowledging health symptoms or seeking help. Women play critical roles too – Sankey shares how his wife's attentiveness to subtle changes in his urinary function prompted him to seek medical attention.

This Father's Day, consider a different kind of gift. "Forget about that tie," Sankey suggests. "He's not going to wear it anyway." Instead, start a conversation about health that could literally save a life. Subscribe now for more empowering conversations that challenge conventional thinking about health, equity, and what it means to truly take care of ourselves and our communities.

Joyce E. Brooks captivates listeners with her powerful journey from electrical engineering executive to author, artist, and stress management expert. With warmth and authenticity, she shares the philosophy that transformed her life after facing unexpected challenges: "it ain't over."

At the heart of this episode is Brooks' revolutionary PEACE strategy for managing stress without "a prescription or a subscription." This practical framework begins with Prayer (or meditation), followed by Energy management through proper self-care, Attitude adjustment through gratitude practice, Communication skills including learning to say no, and finally Enjoying each day as the gift it is. Her approach resonates because it comes from lived experience rather than textbook theory.

Brooks vulnerably shares how her life transformed overnight when her husband unexpectedly passed away, leaving her a widow and single mother to two young sons. Rather than becoming defined by tragedy, she discovered deeper purpose through writing books that help others navigate similar challenges. Her journey through grief, career transition, and health struggles demonstrates the resilience that comes when we shift our perspective from "it's over" to "it ain't over."

What makes Brooks' wisdom particularly impactful is its practical application. She doesn't just offer platitudes but tangible strategies—like her practice of "being thankful backwards" by listing gratitudes before sleep, or recognizing when we're carrying "too many boxes" of responsibilities. Her children's books extend these lessons to younger generations, teaching them about persistence, self-belief, and sharing.

Whether you're facing career uncertainty, health challenges, or simply the day-to-day stress of modern life, Brooks' perspective offers a refreshing alternative to worry and overwhelm. As she powerfully states, "Peace and stress cannot reside in the same vessel. One is going to dominate." Through her story, you'll discover how to choose peace, even when shift happens.

Two pioneering pharmacists are radically transforming healthcare delivery by prioritizing patients over prescriptions. Dr. Jennifer and Dr. Pauline, co-founders of Meds Plus Consulting, share their journey from traditional pharmacy roles to creating an innovative healthcare model that puts relationship-building at its core.

Their story begins with a chance meeting at Walgreens in 2001, where Dr. Jennifer hired Dr. Pauline as her first intern. Years later, they've built a business that addresses a critical gap they witnessed countless times behind the pharmacy counter: patients leaving doctor's appointments with what they call "smile and nod mentality" – agreeing with everything their physician said while understanding very little about their conditions or medications.

Cultural competence shapes everything about their practice. "So many people are seeking care from people that look like them because of the cultural sensitivity, the ability to have a conversation, the ability to trust," explains Dr. Jennifer. This connection enables them to educate patients not just about medications but about becoming their own health advocates. Their diabetes education program teaches participants to track their health data and prepare reports for their physicians – transforming passive patients into active partners in their care.

As minority female business owners, they've faced significant challenges from securing capital to being recognized as legitimate healthcare providers by their own community. Despite these obstacles, they've expanded their services beyond medication dispensing to include remote patient monitoring, health coaching, workplace wellness programs, and pharmacy technician training – all while maintaining personal relationships with every client.

What makes Meds Plus truly revolutionary is their understanding that healthcare extends far beyond medical interventions. "Seventy to eighty percent of a person's health and wellness is based on social factors, not medical factors," Dr. Pauline explains. By addressing access to healthy food, safe exercise spaces, and mental health support, they're tackling the root causes of health disparities.

Ready to experience healthcare differently? Contact Meds Plus Consulting at 205-650-4636, follow their weekly "Meds Plus Medical Minute Live" on social media, or visit them in downtown Birmingham's New South Federal Building. Your wellness journey deserves this level of personalized attention.