Summer is here! In this blog, we cover a heat phenomenon impacting Black urban communities called Urban Heat Islands and the two most severe heat illnesses. Lastly, we share some heat safety tips to ensure you are protected this summer.

August is National Wellness Month, a time dedicated to focusing on self-care, stress management, and cultivating healthy routines to enhance both physical and emotional well-being. At BHE Foundation, we’re on a mission to spread health literacy, break down barriers, and advocate for better health practices within the community. This month, let’s celebrate wellness by sharing tips for improving your overall well-being. The magic number is 10!

As we gear up for health insurance open enrollment in October, it’s time to take charge! If you haven’t had your annual check-up, now is the perfect moment. Get ready to become your own best health advocate; we’ve got you covered with essential patient advocacy tips to ensure you get the care you deserve.

In 2011, the International Self-Care Foundation launched International Self-Care Day to encourage everyone, especially communities like ours, to prioritize self-care as a crucial aspect of overall health. This day serves as a perfect opportunity to spotlight the importance of self-care and how it can significantly enhance our quality of life. This year, we at BHE Foundation are thrilled to share our tailored self-care tips and what self-care means for Black men and women.

Life can be vibrant and busy, but making healthy choices sometimes feels challenging, especially with rising costs of groceries, gas, and everyday essentials.

Eating healthy doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. One small but impactful step is choosing the right cooking oils. This simple switch can improve your heart health and fit your budget.

Let’s talk about cooking oils—what they are, which ones are healthier, and how you can make smarter choices in your kitchen.

Health literacy is more than medical language — it’s understanding the information that helps you protect your health.

This week’s health terms include:
• Hypertension
• Chronic Disease
• Preventive Care
• Social Determinants of Health
• Health Disparities

Knowing these terms can help you ask better questions, understand diagnoses, and advocate for yourself and your family.

Sleep apnea is more than a sleep issue. It is a chronic medical condition linked to high blood pressure, stroke, heart disease, diabetes, depression, and early death. For Black Americans, the risks are even more concerning. Research shows Black adults are more likely to experience shorter sleep duration, poorer sleep quality, and more severe obstructive sleep apnea at younger ages compared to other racial groups.

Despite how common sleep apnea is, it often goes undiagnosed in Black communities. Many people normalize symptoms like loud snoring, daytime fatigue, headaches, or waking up tired. Others may not have access to sleep specialists, health insurance, or culturally informed healthcare providers who recognize the warning signs early.

The reality is simple: sleep is healthcare. And untreated sleep apnea can quietly damage the body for years before diagnosis.