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COMMENTARY: Dear Black People: Coronavirus Will Kill You

NNPA NEWSWIRE — Melanin is not Vibranium and America isn’t Wakanda even in the Marvel Universe, so why some black people, who are often disproportionately impacted by medical conditions for a myriad of reasons, believe they are immune to coronavirus is beyond me? For those who think Idris Elba isn’t “black, black,” the British-born brother’s parents are from Sierra-Leone and Ghana meaning he is African in addition to being a black Brit which makes him unequivocably “black, black.”

Published

3 years ago

March 19, 2020

Oakland Post

For the record, people in 19 African countries have tested positive for coronavirus and for sure they are “black black.” (Photo: iStockphoto / NNPA)

By Nsenga K. Burton, Ph.D., NNPA Newswire Culture and Entertainment Editor

Coronavirus or Covid-19 or “rona” as some are calling it will kill you. You may have seen some of the conspiracy theories, myths or outright lies floating around the internet stating that black folks cannot get coronavirus. You may have the false belief that those with “melanin poppin’” cannot get this deadly virus or if they get it, will not die from it. Stop the madness.

Actor Idris Elba, NBA stars on multiple teams and black folks in your everyday life have it. You may have heard the sad case of retired nurse Pat Frieson, 61, who became the first casualty of the virus in Illinois. What looked like an asthma attack has now been classified as coronavirus. Frieson has a sister in the same hospital also suffering from the same symptoms and now fighting for her life. Ms. Frieson and her sister are black.

Ives Green. a 58-year-old runner, and award-winning Special Olympics athlete, became the first person in Louisiana to die from coronavirus. He lived in a facility for people with developmental disabilities and had limited exposure to people from outside of the facility. His family is still trying to figure out how someone seemingly in great health, contracted coronavirus. Mr. Green is black.

You may have heard of Dr. James Pruden, 71, an emergency room doctor in Paterson, NJ, who is now in critical condition after testing positive for coronavirus. He is a trained first responder who is in charge of the hospital’s emergency preparedness unit and lead the hospital through the swine flu outbreak in 2009. Dr. Pruden is now fighting for his life and he is black.

Melanin is not Vibranium and America isn’t Wakanda even in the Marvel Universe, so why some black people, who are often disproportionately impacted by medical conditions for a myriad of reasons, believe they are immune to coronavirus is beyond me? For those who think Idris Elba isn’t “black, black,” the British-born brother’s parents are from Sierra-Leone and Ghana meaning he is African in addition to being a black Brit which makes him unequivocably “black, black.”

For the record, people in 19 African countries have tested positive for coronavirus and for sure they are “black black.”

To make it plain, I’m not talking about skin color, I’m talking about identity. If you are African living anywhere in the world including the continent, black American, mixed race, biracial, Hotep, Greek, GDI, hood, bougie, religious, atheist or any category of black, there isn’t a magical pill or pigment that’s going to stop you from getting coronavirus if you come in contact with someone who has it.

Even if you don’t think you have it, you very well could have it and knowingly or unknowingly spread the virus that may not be fatal to you but could be fatal to others. It is called being asymptomatic. Merriam-Webster’s dictionary uses asymptomatic in the following sentence to give people a better understanding of the meaning of the word:

“Those measures could work slowing the spread of the virus, which is also believed to be spread by asymptomatic people.”

My point is coronavirus will kill you and other black people so wash your hands and stay away from others outside of your home as much as possible, especially older folks. Listen to those in power you can trust. If restaurants, gymnasiums and other businesses are closed, stay away from them. Some restaurants are still delivering and responsible gym owners are posting at-home workouts for their clientele on the web. I’ve also heard folks saying only two percent of the U.S. population will get it. For the geniuses out there, that amounts to 6 million people which is not a small number.

As for all of the conspiracy theories, the rapid spread of coronavirus happens when your President hires a science denier as head of Health and Human Services who promptly cuts the CDC’s budget on managing infectious diseases by 80 percent and is still trying to make more cuts to said budget.

Oh, and suppressing important information and holding press conferences about coronavirus that are evasive and filled with misinformation and flat out lies. Just because your xenophobic President calls it the Chinese virus, doesn’t mean it only impacts the Chinese. Oh, and there are black Chinese people too but that’s another article (see Jamaica).

If you haven’t before, now is the time to practice self-care. There is no conspiracy and black people can and are dying from this virus. Coronavirus is real and those of us who have been historically denied competent and compassionate healthcare should be the most vigilant in adhering to guidelines and mandates to prevent the spread of the deadly virus, especially to our most vulnerable populations.

This article was written by Nsenga K Burton, Ph.D., founder & editor-in-chief of The Burton Wire. An expert in intersectionality and media industries, Dr. Burton is also a professor of film and television at Emory University and co-editor of the book, Black Women’s Mental Health: Balancing Strength and Vulnerability. Follow her on Twitter @Ntellectual or @TheBurtonWire.

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PRESS ROOM: Walgreens Eases Anxiety for Senior Shoppers with Monthly Seniors Day

NNPA NEWSWIRE — This feeling of concern around socialization increases for the Black senior community 55 and older with nearly 4 in 10 (39%) of these seniors reporting feeling socially isolated, 13 percentage points higher than the total population of 55 and older. In addition, over 4 in 10 (43%) seniors in the Black community reported they are limiting what they do and where they go in fear of catching COVID-19 –16 percentage points higher than the total population of 55 and older.
The post PRESS ROOM: Walgreens Eases Anxiety for Senior Shoppers with Monthly Seniors Day first appeared on BlackPressUSA.

Published

1 month ago

April 26, 2023

admin

Walgreens COVID-19 Pulse Check finds Seniors are Less Socially Active Now than Before the Pandemic and Seeking Confidence in Socializing

DEERFIELD, Ill. — Today Walgreens unveils The Walgreens COVID-19 Pulse Check^[1], a quantitative study commissioned by the healthcare retailer, which surveyed over 1,000 senior adults 55 and older in the U.S. about their feelings on socializing after the pandemic. As society moves past the impacts of this pandemic, the reality for many of the nation’s 41+ million seniors is that they still feel concerned about getting sick^[2].

The survey reveals that an estimated 17 million (42%) of seniors agreed they are less socially active now than they were before the pandemic. Additionally, an estimated 8.2 million (20%) of seniors feel lonelier now than before the pandemic.

The research also reveals that seniors are missing activities they enjoyed pre-pandemic due to COVID-19 exposure anxiety, which is still prevalent in the senior community:

60% are worried about seeing friends regularly and attending family gatherings
36% miss going on vacation
28% miss going shopping or running errands
19% miss being connected to their local community
15% miss the independence of doing things for themselves, like shopping

This feeling of concern around socialization increases for the Black senior community 55 and older with nearly 4 in 10 (39%) of these seniors reporting feeling socially isolated, 13 percentage points higher than the total population of 55 and older. In addition, over 4 in 10 (43%) seniors in the Black community reported they are limiting what they do and where they go in fear of catching COVID-19 –16 percentage points higher than the total population of 55 and older.

Inspiring Senior Confidence with Shopping Experiences, Savings and Support

When seniors think about their confidence in socializing, The Walgreens COVID-19 Pulse Check found 70% of seniors are more confident socializing when the people they are around are vaccinated against COVID-19 and other viruses like flu, shingles and pneumonia.

To help create inclusive communities and unlock the joy of aging, Walgreens Seniors Day fosters an accessible, safe and supported environment. Patients 55 and older and their caregivers can save 20% off eligible regular-priced merchandise on the first Tuesday of every month or online all week with code SENIOR20 at checkout (Sunday-Saturday of that week).

At checkout, Seniors should let a Walgreens team member know they are shopping with the Seniors Day discount for the savings to apply to their purchase. Those with Medicare Advantage over-the-counter benefits are encouraged to ask team members how to take advantage of their benefit while in store.

Our pharmacy teams are trained to support the senior population through pharmacy services including, Save A Trip Refill,^[3] 90-day prescription fills^[4] and refill reminders^[5] which are designed to make medication management easier, keeping them healthy and avoid hospitalization.

With the Majority of Seniors Feeling More Confident in a Society with Immunizations and Testing, Building a Healthy Post-Pandemic World Where Everyone Feels Included is a Shared Responsibility

No cost at-home COVID-19 tests are available with most insurance plans through May 11, 2023^[6]. Limits apply to the number of tests covered per person per month. Walgreens brand at-home COVID-19 tests provide an affordable option and are available with a deeper discount on Senior Day. Walgreens pharmacy team members are available to help customers use their pharmacy benefits to get over-the-counter test kits through their insurance.

“As a trusted healthcare destination, we’re giving customers another testing option to stay ahead of COVID-19 with our Walgreens brand at-home COVID-19 test, broadening our assortment in stores and online,” said Luke Rauch, Walgreens chief merchandising officer and senior vice president. “In addition to tests, we offer an assortment of Walgreens brand products that offer a great everyday value and are designed to meet our consumers’ needs.”

To help further protect this senior community more at risk from, and concerned about, COVID-19, shingles and pneumonia, Walgreens pharmacy team members are available during Seniors Days and every day to make getting vaccinated simple. This includes the recently approved additional bivalent (updated) COVID-19 dose for those ages 65+ and certain immunocompromised individuals. Customers can schedule a vaccine appointment online, via the myWalgreens app or by calling (800)-WALGREENS, available in both Spanish and English.

Unlocking the Joy of Aging with Essential Products & Doorstep Delivery

With more than 85,000 healthcare service providers, including pharmacists, pharmacy technicians and nurse practitioners, Walgreens offers customers with more complex health needs easy access to the medications, treatments and products they need to keep safe and well. This includes products from walkers and hearing aids along with our Walgreens brand line of vitamins with a range of products likeCalcium, Iron and Vitamin C. As a trusted name in health and wellness, Walgreens brand health and wellness products are Walgreens pharmacist recommended and backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee.

Making it even easier for seniors to get the products they want and need, Walgreens now offers 24-Hour delivery. Available around the clock, seven days a week from 600+ participating stores across the country, customers can get last-minute needs like groceries, over-the-counter medications, personal care items, household necessities and more. If a customer wants to swing by Walgreens, 30-minute pickup makes it easy to shop their local store via Walgreens.com or the myWalgreens app and have items ready for pickup in-store or curbside in as little as 30 minutes.

To find out more about the work Walgreens is doing to support our senior communities visit Walgeens.com.

About The Study

The Walgreens COVID-19 Pulse Check Study is a quantitative survey of 1,048 adults 55 and older conducted February 17 – 18, 2023 using an online data collection methodology. The survey was fielded by Dynata, a global survey vendor, and was commissioned by Walgreens.

About Walgreens

Walgreens (http://www.walgreens.com) is included in the U.S. Retail Pharmacy and U.S. Healthcare segments of Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. (Nasdaq: WBA), an integrated healthcare, pharmacy and retail leader with a 170-year heritage of caring for communities. WBA’s purpose is to create more joyful lives through better health. Operating nearly 9,000 retail locations across America, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, Walgreens is proud to be a neighborhood health destination serving nearly 10 million customers each day. Walgreens pharmacists play a critical role in the U.S. healthcare system by providing a wide range of pharmacy and healthcare services, including those that drive equitable access to care for the nation’s medically underserved populations. To best meet the needs of customers and patients, Walgreens offers a true omnichannel experience, with fully integrated physical and digital platforms supported by the latest technology to deliver high-quality products and services in communities nationwide.

^[1]All statistics unless otherwise stated are from the Walgreens COVID-19 Pulse Check Study.

^[2]US Census, 2020: Total number of adults over 55. Source: https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census/decade/2020/2020-census-main.html

^[3] Restrictions apply.

^[4] Restrictions apply.

^[5] Data rates may apply.

^[6] Applies to most fully-insured and self-insured group and individual coverage, until the end of the public health emergency. Covers up to eight (8) rapid antigen test per month. COVID-19 home test kit returns will not be accepted.

The post PRESS ROOM: Walgreens Eases Anxiety for Senior Shoppers with Monthly Seniors Day first appeared on BlackPressUSA.

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Safe Spaces for Collective Healing: Group Therapy in Black Communities

April 14, 2023 – Join host Al McFarlane and expert contributors, Dr. Bravada Garrett-Akinsanya and Dr. Oliver J. Williams, for an enlightening discussion on the benefits of group therapy in Black communities. Learn how creating safe spaces can promote collective healing and empower your community. Don’t miss this opportunity to engage in this important conversation […]
The post Safe Spaces for Collective Healing: Group Therapy in Black Communities first appeared on BlackPressUSA.

Published

1 month ago

April 25, 2023

admin

Don’t miss this opportunity to engage in this important conversation and take steps towards mental wellness.

The Conversation With Al McFarlane (TCWAM), Weekdays at 1 pm CST / 2 pm EST / 11 am PST

We hope you will join us at 1 pm CST / 2 pm EST / 11 am PST as we continue our ongoing conversations about how we can all make a difference in our community.

SUBSCRIBE to TCWAM on Insight News YouTube channel: / @insightnewsmn

The post Safe Spaces for Collective Healing: Group Therapy in Black Communities first appeared on BlackPressUSA.

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Muscle and Power – Taking the 2023 BMW M2 Coupe for a Spin

Muscle and Power – Taking the 2023 BMW M2 Coupe for a Spin and walkaround. Looking for a car that can deliver the ultimate driving experience? Look no further than the 2023 BMW M2 Coupe. This new model boasts an impressive 3.0-liter BMW M TwinPower Turbo inline 6-cylinder engine, producing an incredible 453 horsepower at […]
The post Muscle and Power – Taking the 2023 BMW M2 Coupe for a Spin first appeared on BlackPressUSA.

Published

1 month ago

April 25, 2023

Oakland Post

Muscle and Power – Taking the 2023 BMW M2 Coupe for a Spin and walkaround. Looking for a car that can deliver the ultimate driving experience? Look no further than the 2023 BMW M2 Coupe. This new model boasts an impressive 3.0-liter BMW M TwinPower Turbo inline 6-cylinder engine, producing an incredible 453 horsepower at 406 lb-ft of torque, with a 0-60 time of just a little less than 4 seconds. The car is rear-wheel drive, which enhances the driving experience even further.

The M2 Coupe has a muscular appearance, with flared fenders and a smaller traditional BMW kidney grille. The M colors red and blue are seen throughout the interior, even on the front door panels, adding to the sporty feel of the car. The M sport seats are designed to grip and hold you in place, so you can truly feel the power of the car. The car also has a carbon fiber roof, which reduces weight and improves performance.

When it comes to handling, the M2 Coupe is excellent. The car has excellent steering and handling, which allows it to stay flat in the curves. The car’s M1 and M2 driving modes allow you to customize your steering, suspension, and other suspension enhancements in the car setup. The car even has a Drift analyzer for drift mode, which is a fun feature for those who love to take their driving to the next level.

The car also has an exhaust tone control, which is operated from a button on the center console. This allows you to adjust the exhaust tone to your liking. Additionally, the car has extra chassis bracing in the engine compartment, which improves performance even further.

The M2 Coupe comes equipped with front tires Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S 275/35 ZR19 and rear tires Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S 285/30 ZR 20. These tires are designed for high-performance driving and add to the overall driving experience of the car.

Other impressive features of the car include its M sport differential, which helps improve handling, and its multiple driving modes, allowing you to customize your driving experience. The car even has a drift analyzer for drift mode, a fun feature for those who like to push their driving skills to the limit.

The M2 Coupe also has an impressive audio system, featuring a Harman Kardon Surround Sound Audio System, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The car’s Live Cockpit Pro HUD and Connected Package Pro feature real-time traffic, on-street parking info (select cities), and BMW Remote Services.

Overall, the 2023 BMW M2 Coupe is a car that any driving enthusiast would be proud to own. Its impressive performance specs, M colors, excellent handling, and impressive features make it a true standout in the world of sports cars. If you’re looking for the ultimate driving machine, look no further than the BMW M2 Coupe.

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The post Muscle and Power – Taking the 2023 BMW M2 Coupe for a Spin first appeared on BlackPressUSA.