What are your top three tools for checking in with our mental health?
First, journal your wins daily. Not a dear diary—just a list of small victories. Second, use affirmations. Write them on your mirror so you see them even when you can’t recall them. Third, share your wins with someone else. Celebrate yourself.
Many women feel dismissed at doctor visits. How can they advocate for themselves more boldly?
Write everything down. Go in with a list of concerns and questions. Don’t just show up because someone told you to. Be curious—ask about screenings, risk factors, anything relevant to your family history. And don’t be afraid to switch doctors if you feel like you’re not being heard.
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Speaking of screenings, what should be on every woman’s radar?
Start mammograms around age 35 for a baseline. Colonoscopies should begin at 45. Pap smears should start in your 20s and be paired with HPV screenings. There’s an HPV vaccine for women under 45, which helps prevent cervical, throat, and head/neck cancers. Also, know your family history—if your mom had breast cancer at 35, you may need a mammogram at 25.
What would you suggest women do when facing a difficult diagnosis?
Join a support group. Seeing someone like you survive can give you hope. Bring a family member to every important appointment—you need that second set of ears. Choose providers who are supportive, not dismissive.
What does living well look like beyond the exam room?
It means prioritizing yourself. Schedule time for you and stick to it. Move your body—30 minutes a day, even if it’s just walking. Drink your water. And most importantly, mind your business—carrying other people’s stress will burn you out.
How can women realistically make space for self-care?
Put it on your calendar. Just like you prioritize everyone else’s athletic games and recitals, prioritize your own peace. Protect that time. Normalize rest. Resting isn’t lazy—it’s necessary.
What health conversations do we need to have more openly?
Sexual health. We need to talk to our daughters, our girlfriends, and our doctors about everything from periods to PrEP. HIV is still a major risk for Black women. PrEP is a once-a-day pill that helps prevent HIV. It doesn’t mean you’re loose. It means you’re informed and protected.
