Editor's Letter

SPECIAL ISSUE: HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE
Words - Attia Taylor
Photography - Emma Pratte

To Our Community, 

This issue is special to me because high blood pressure runs in my family. I learned the words long before I understood what they meant. I had no idea what Black women like my mother and grandmother were up against. Like many people, I think my family didn't receive the information and support that they needed to manage their high blood pressure. I am proud to share an issue that helps our communities understand and take control of their hearts. 

According to the American Heart Association, cardiovascular diseases kill 50,000 Black women every year. And nearly half of adults in the U.S. have high blood pressure, whether they know it or not. This issue is about raising awareness and helping people to feel seen in their journey through prevention and treatment of high blood pressure, no matter where you are in the world.

We deserve to know and understand our hearts, and we deserve dignity as we work to manage our blood pressure; there is no shame in these pages. Shame keeps people from getting the help they need and we understand there are many reasons for having high blood pressure and every one of them is valid. We want you to feel empowered as you deal with your high blood pressure and the necessary life changes it brings, and not be ashamed of needing to make those changes. And if adjustments don't help, we hope this issue supports you to advocate for yourself and fight to get the treatment and medication you need. You are not alone. Please never hesitate to reach out to us for further resources, support, and community. 

Yours,
Attia