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Black Women's Health and Happiness

Insights into physical, mental, and spiritual health for women of color.

Law and Crime
Trayvon Martin's 'Crime' was The Color of His Skin?

Melody T. McCloud M.D. on March 25, 2012

The current painful story of Trayvon's Martin senseless murder reminds many of us that some things haven't changed over decades of life.

The current painful story of Trayvon's Martin senseless murder reminds many of us that some things haven't changed over decades of life.

Relationships
No to Contraception, but Military Benefits for Erectile Dysfunction?

Melody T. McCloud M.D. on March 9, 2012

As some elected officials debate women's contraception, should our military award 'disability' benefits to men just because they can no longer get, or maintain, an erection? How much is that costing us?

As some elected officials debate women's contraception, should our military award 'disability' benefits to men just because they can no longer get, or maintain, an erection? How much is that costing us?

Suicide
Wanted: Your Answers to These Questions About Life and Death

Melody T. McCloud M.D. on March 7, 2012

In the past month I've sadly learned of three Baby Boomers who committed suicide, reportedly including, one, a true socialite, a certified ‘Ms Diva' and very well-to-do. Looking at her life from the outside, it seemed she had everything going for her; but now, she's dead... reportedly at her own hand.

In the past month I've sadly learned of three Baby Boomers who committed suicide, reportedly including, one, a true socialite, a certified ‘Ms Diva' and very well-to-do. Looking at her life from the outside, it seemed she had everything going for her; but now, she's dead... reportedly at her own hand.

Friends
Whitney Houston is Dead: Did Her Party-Friends Fail Her?

Melody T. McCloud M.D. on February 13, 2012

Whitney Houston had a well-known battle with drugs. After having fallen off the wagon in times past, she was reportedly trying to recover again. I respectfully ask ... didn't any of her Thursday/Friday night "close" party friends recognize/understand that for her to be in such a high-risk, toxic environment, drinking alcohol, was something she should not do?

Whitney Houston had a well-known battle with drugs. After having fallen off the wagon in times past, she was reportedly trying to recover again. I respectfully ask ... didn't any of her Thursday/Friday night "close" party friends recognize/understand that for her to be in such a high-risk, toxic environment, drinking alcohol, was something she should not do?

Sex
Sex and Heart Health: Treadmill or Titillation?

Melody T. McCloud M.D. on February 9, 2012

Valentine's Day is coming, but you don't have to wait until then to get your heart pumping and burn some calories; and would you rather be on a treadmill, or engage in hour-long titillation?

Valentine's Day is coming, but you don't have to wait until then to get your heart pumping and burn some calories; and would you rather be on a treadmill, or engage in hour-long titillation?

Relationships
JFK’s Young Intern Lover Reveals Long-held Secrets; Would You?

Melody T. McCloud M.D. on February 8, 2012

Would you ever write a tell-all memoir? If so, why? Would it be to free yourself of the journey's twists and turns and what effect it had on your life? Would it be to do the big reveal–to finally explain to others some "whys" of situation and reactions gone by? Is it to brag? Is it ...[what]?

Would you ever write a tell-all memoir? If so, why? Would it be to free yourself of the journey's twists and turns and what effect it had on your life? Would it be to do the big reveal–to finally explain to others some "whys" of situation and reactions gone by? Is it to brag? Is it ...[what]?

Health
The Psyche of Modern-Day Young Black Men Part 1: In Crisis, Not College?

Melody T. McCloud M.D. on February 8, 2012

Education is the ticket out of poverty. Black families need educated Black men; their presence is not only requested, it is required. But with fewer Black males in college, it's time for all hands on deck.

Education is the ticket out of poverty. Black families need educated Black men; their presence is not only requested, it is required. But with fewer Black males in college, it's time for all hands on deck.

Health
The Psyche of Modern-Day Young Black Men Part 2: Effect on Black Women and Family Structure

Melody T. McCloud M.D. on February 8, 2012

With a lack of Black men in college, especially compared to the number of Black women, the social and educational disparity is stark. As more and more Black women pursue college and grad schools, they find themselves with fewer suitable, accomplished, or career-minded, marriage-worthy Black men to have as mates.

With a lack of Black men in college, especially compared to the number of Black women, the social and educational disparity is stark. As more and more Black women pursue college and grad schools, they find themselves with fewer suitable, accomplished, or career-minded, marriage-worthy Black men to have as mates.

Friends
The Movie "The Help" Is for White People?

Melody T. McCloud M.D. on January 31, 2012

Jobs are hard to come by for Black actresses in Hollywood, so to get any gig in the industry is wonderful; I AM happy for Viola Davis, Octavia Spencer and the other ladies. Having said that, what is the deal with the movie The Help? Why do movies that continue to show Black women as slaves, whores, maids, etc., get lauded?

Jobs are hard to come by for Black actresses in Hollywood, so to get any gig in the industry is wonderful; I AM happy for Viola Davis, Octavia Spencer and the other ladies. Having said that, what is the deal with the movie The Help? Why do movies that continue to show Black women as slaves, whores, maids, etc., get lauded?

Stress
American Heart: 'Go Red,' for Your Body, Mind and Soul

Melody T. McCloud M.D. on January 29, 2012

Heart disease is not just a physiologic concern related to cholesterol and the like, but also a psychological/emotional concern, related to emotional and social stressors. This fact bears increased importance for Black women.

Heart disease is not just a physiologic concern related to cholesterol and the like, but also a psychological/emotional concern, related to emotional and social stressors. This fact bears increased importance for Black women.

Sport and Competition
The Tim Tebow Craze: What's the Big Deal About This Guy?

Melody T. McCloud M.D. on January 14, 2012

So the guy poses as if he's praying; yeah, and...? Haven't celebrities and athletes been doing this for years, thanking God for this or that? This is nothing new. Just play the darn game.

So the guy poses as if he's praying; yeah, and...? Haven't celebrities and athletes been doing this for years, thanking God for this or that? This is nothing new. Just play the darn game.

Sex
Is the Church Changing the World, or the World Changing the Church?

Melody T. McCloud M.D. on January 13, 2012

With all these megachurches, "bishops," and 24-hour access, why is there so much mess going on with God's people, in today's churches? Think: Sex scandals, violence, even texting while in service. Lord, help. Who's changing whom?

With all these megachurches, "bishops," and 24-hour access, why is there so much mess going on with God's people, in today's churches? Think: Sex scandals, violence, even texting while in service. Lord, help. Who's changing whom?

Sex
Celibates Be Aware: Sex Can Be Wonderful for Your Health!

Melody T. McCloud M.D. on January 12, 2012

You are spiritual, emotional, maternal, and professional beings; many women of faith readily acknowledge and embrace these characteristics. But you are also sexual beings, and that part of you should not be denied or minimized.

You are spiritual, emotional, maternal, and professional beings; many women of faith readily acknowledge and embrace these characteristics. But you are also sexual beings, and that part of you should not be denied or minimized.

Bias
White People, Black President

Melody T. McCloud M.D. on January 7, 2012

White. Male. Republican. Black president and first lady. Mix these together and what do you get? Some Black people cry racism too often; but, for sure, many White people don't own it enough.

White. Male. Republican. Black president and first lady. Mix these together and what do you get? Some Black people cry racism too often; but, for sure, many White people don't own it enough.

Happiness
The Black Woman's Guide to Living Well in 2012 Part I

Melody T. McCloud M.D. on January 3, 2012

Sex, health, happiness and wealth...you know you want it! And there's no better time than now for having it all and "gettin' it good!" The goal is to be healthier women in 2012!

Sex, health, happiness and wealth...you know you want it! And there's no better time than now for having it all and "gettin' it good!" The goal is to be healthier women in 2012!

Sex
Phenomenal Black Women doing Phenomenal Things--Part I

Melody T. McCloud M.D. on December 31, 2011

Do you know that there are so many wonderful, powerful, strong, sexy, accomplished, loving, married-with-children Black women out here who are doing GREAT things...but you never even heard of them?

Do you know that there are so many wonderful, powerful, strong, sexy, accomplished, loving, married-with-children Black women out here who are doing GREAT things...but you never even heard of them?

Media
Phenomenal Black Women doing Phenomenal Things--Part II

Melody T. McCloud M.D. on December 31, 2011

Celebrate these women as you contemplate your desires and dreams for 2012. Whatever you set your mind to do, you can do it, but success takes a plan and hard work. Regardless of the negative images you see in the media, look around: Bountifully blessed, successful, accomplished, happy Black women are all around you.

Celebrate these women as you contemplate your desires and dreams for 2012. Whatever you set your mind to do, you can do it, but success takes a plan and hard work. Regardless of the negative images you see in the media, look around: Bountifully blessed, successful, accomplished, happy Black women are all around you.

Health
Medical Bloopers! Amusing & Amazing Stories of Health Care Workers

Melody T. McCloud M.D. on December 30, 2011

Medical Bloopers is a collection of unusual, embarrassing, funny and surprising experiences of many health care professionals--including doctors, nurses, anesthetists and others. One or two stories are admittedly, non-'PC'. Many anecdotes are amusing; others...just mouth-on-the-floor amazing.

Medical Bloopers is a collection of unusual, embarrassing, funny and surprising experiences of many health care professionals--including doctors, nurses, anesthetists and others. One or two stories are admittedly, non-'PC'. Many anecdotes are amusing; others...just mouth-on-the-floor amazing.