We need to take control and care for ourselves
By David S. Williams III, Founder & CEO of Care3
If Covid has taught us anything, it is that, as people of color, we have to take care of ourselves. We can’t depend on the healthcare system like others can. And the numbers are staggering. According to Kaiser Family Foundation, people of color in the United States have a long way to go to reach the same level of health as white people.
Health disparities between people of color and the general population have existed for decades, but they have been exposed by COVID-19 into the mainstream consciousness.
As people of color, we need a new way to manage our health and care. The old way simply doesn’t work for us.
“We can’t go back to normal because we died in our normal....We have health disparities that were so serious that one pandemic virtually wiped us out ....”
- Debra Fraser-Howze, the founder of Choose Healthy Life
But how do we change? What is that new way? How can we take control of our health when we have multiple conditions? How can we change the way our care is delivered for ourselves and our loved ones?
At Care3, we have an answer. The path to taking control of your healthcare is based on three (3) simple behaviors:
Health
Care
Share
Let’s break it down.
Health: Your current health status and health history. You have to know both and keep everything up to date.
Care: Following your treatment plan. So as you note your health status, you can see if your treatment plan is working. This works whether you have one condition or many.
Share: Sharing the information generated from Health and Care with people who can help–typically your family, doctors, and other people who care for and about you.
Master these 3 behaviors and you will control your health, establish your rhythm and live each day to thrive the next. And best of all, you will be able to take action on your own behalf and have a strong voice when interacting with doctors and others about what you’re feeling, what’s working and not, and how you should proceed in the future.
That’s the key. Follow this 3-step process and your life will change for the better. Your health will improve because YOU are driving it. Your care will improve, because your information will be the foundation on which all treatment decisions are made. You will enter any conversation with your doctor confidently because you have a clear view of what is happening with your health and care—backed up with irrefutable data and information.
It takes some practice, but when it becomes second nature, you will see significant change in your life. The power is (finally) yours.
Get the FREE Care3 App
Not only is the power yours, but it fits in your hand. Download the FREE Care3 mobile app to master all 3 behaviors. Care3 walks you step by step through the process of taking control of your health. Use our award winning app to easily learn and practice the Health, Care, Share process.
With Care3, you will find the rhythm of life that will help you live better today and thrive tomorrow. We have to take care of ourselves and Care3 is with you every step of the way. Download Care3 now!