Closing the Gap in Healthcare

03/12/2026

02/04/2026

Making Health Make Sense
Being aware of cancer screening is as important as taking your blood pressure medication daily. This morning on CBS Morning News, a discussion sponsored by Pfizer addressed this very subject. It was a good discussion as it pointed out the importance of early screening of breast, cervical, colon, and prostate cancer.
Four awareness points I want to highlight for African-Americans.
1) Early symptoms must be paid attention to regardless of guidelines
2) Family knowledge is essential; it's information you need to know if it's available.
3) Black men need to start at age 40 instead of 50. This recommendation are questioned, but I start screening black men 10 years early, regardless of history, symptoms, or family history.
4) Please get a primary care physician you can talk to.
Have a good and healthy day.
MAKING HEALTH MAKE SENSE, TJBMD

08/26/2025

Bitcoin's sharp swings below and above $60K aren't just numbers—they reveal how global events, regulation, and investor psychology drive crypto volatility. Are you seeing opportunity or risk in these moves? Dive into the analysis via Closing The Gap In Health Care. https://cstu.io/155168

Over the last month, the Bitcoin market has experienced a series of partial fluctuations that have both excited and concerned investors. Bitcoin’s dip below the $60,000 mark followed by a swift recovery effort has once again highlighted the impact of global macroeconomic factors, regulatory news, ...

08/24/2025

Dr.Bell's Health-eTip for 08/24/2025 -

OUR MISSION is to decrease health disparities and increase the health literacy of African Americans and the underserved communities in America.

08/06/2025

2025 The Lowcountry Jazz Festival - Your weekend. Your legends. And now—The BoykinZ. - https://mailchi.mp/a1a582fc52b1/the-lowcountry-jazz-festival-soulful-vibes-are-coming-your-way-at-6756093

07/01/2025

The Lowcountry Jazz Festival - Soulful vibes are coming your way at 2025 - https://mailchi.mp/6fdceb512e97/the-lowcountry-jazz-festival-soulful-vibes-are-coming-your-way-at-6755677

03/23/2025

Did you know? It continues to be confirmed that Ma*****na use is dangerous to your health. Recent studies suggest that chronic cannabis use puts one at risk for heart and stroke. In users under 50 years of age, the study suggests that users are 6 times more likely to have a heart attack and 3 times more likely to have a stroke. That may be why we are seeing so many heart attacks in young African Americans celebrities.
When you ask if you use drugs or smoke, the answer should be yes. Denial of use could put you at risk if anathesia is needed for a procedure. CANNABIS USE DISORDER (CUD) increases all cause mortality when people are admitted to the hospital.
This may be unwelcome news for some. I am aware that Ma*****na use is on the increase in adults under 50 as well as older adults. Older people are already at risk for heart attack because of age, and Ma*****na use increases that risk. Tjbmd

03/09/2025

Did you know? Sometimes, people make poor decisions regarding their medical condition. Everything from not taking a recommended medication, not receiving a pacemake or a cardiac defibrillator, or having a life-threatening procedure. This is where the physician should have a long discussion with the patient about his or her decision. Family physicians are prone to have that long discussion. Tjbmd
Sometimes folk still don't listen. Tjbmd

02/28/2025

Did you know? End of life care issues are not talked about enough with African American patients. Not having this discussion can lead to fear, disgust, and significant anxiety in the patient and family members. Studies have shown that even in end-of-life issues, distrust can be a substantial issue in families making a decision when to take a patient off the respirator.
I have often been consulted on issues like this by patients and fellow physicians. Tjbmd

02/21/2025

Did you know? Breaking medical news. Yesterday, it was reported that stress seems to be a significant risk factor for cancer. Black people are particularly affected. Stay tuned for more accurate information. Tjbmd

02/20/2025

Did you know? Several days ago, I was the speaker for Black History Month at MUSC. I was asked a question by a white student who wanted to know what she could do to help decrease health disparities?
My answer is whenever there's inaccurate health information given about health, address that issue with facts. Learn about myhts and untrues that black people and other people of color embrace. Learn how to educate and communicate with people of color.
Tjbmd

01/28/2025

Did you know? I have been sharing health information online,in churches, at fraternity conferences, at barbershop talks, in barbershop, beautyshops, in jails, colleges, and state and national conferences. I have often been called the community physician because of these efforts. You get the picture.
The information has been well received most of the time. The information has saved lives. People, black and white, give great feedback frequently.
Our radio and television spots have been award winning validating our credibility.
Our life blood is primarily through grants and contributions. We appreciate your support.
But, accurate health information to our community is going to become a premium going forward. Accurate, culturally sensitive information will slow down in the current political environment we are currently in.
Whenever you read something I write, share it with your family or friends.
Tjbmd