Transforming generational health with story | Dr. Oneeka Williams | TEDxRoxbury

Health Disparities and Hypertension Crisis - Health disparities are significant, with chronic diseases like hypertension disproportionately affecting black and brown communities, leading to higher rates of heart attacks, strokes, and kidney disease [1] - Globally, 13 亿 (13 billion) people are affected by hypertension, and 50% are unaware they have it [3] - In the US, 58% of black adults have hypertension, but only one in five receive adequate treatment [3][4] - Hypertension in children has doubled over the last decade, making it no longer just an adult issue [4] - Complication and death rates from hypertension are two to three times higher in predominantly black communities like Roxbury compared to white communities [5] The Power of Storytelling in Health Education - Storytelling is a powerful tool to open eyes, unlock emotions, and connect people to a shared humanity, making complex health information accessible and relatable [1][8] - Marrying health literacy to storytelling from an early age can lead to transformational and lifesaving results [3] - When children read health stories, especially with their families, they learn, remember, and become change agents for health in their families [6] - Comprehension and recall increases by 33% through storytelling [8] Blueprint for Transforming Generational Health (The Five Es) - Engage Early: Exposing children to health education by age eight makes them twice as likely to make healthy lifelong choices [7] - Engage with Story: Knowledge is power, and stories simplify complex ideas [8] - Empower Positive Mindset: Children who believe they can make a difference are twice as likely to make good health choices [9] - Enrich with Ongoing Learning: Learning about health should happen everywhere and every day [9] - Enlist Community Action: Positive behaviors increase by 25% when kids take health information home [10]