Voting is good for your health.
I’m not making that up. Researchers have hypothesized that a person’s political participation is tied directly to their state of health. Voting can help lower stress. It helps strengthen social ties and sets a positive example for children.
As we head into a presidential election this November, don’t hesitate to exercise your right to vote: It’s good for your well-being and our democracy.
In this issue of UMOJA Magazine, we are arming voters with tools for knowing and understanding your rights when casting a ballot; ways to vote; and, the qualifying documents needed. The Madison City Clerk’s Office provided a special Voting Pocket Guide inside which you will be able to tear out of the magazine for your personal use.
Need a ride to the polls, or know someone who could use the help? The Urban League of Greater Madison has resources available. I also learned that Union Cab of Madison Cooperative has been providing residents with trips to the polls for free, for the past 10 years. Bravo!
Read first-hand accounts of Black families faced with intimidation tactics to keep them for voting. The important history should never be forgotten.
UMOJA also looks at health in time of COVID-19. We examine ways to address our physical, mental and spiritual health. COVID-19 killed its millionth victim this fall, as residue of the country’s racist past lingers. Social isolation and loneliness appear to be a coupled as well. Not to mention Zoom fatigue.
Myra McNair, owner and founder of Anesis Family Therapy, reminds us that we’re all in this together. And, Toni Tavita Martinez provides self-care tips we can practice right now.
Meanwhile, Dr. Tito Izard explains why so many Black Americans are dying from the novel pandemic. Tito takes us to school with his raw truth. It should be mandatory reading for anyone seeking a cure for racial inequalities in medicine.
Lastly, an expert with the Department of Medicine at University of Wisconsin-Madison sheds light on the untimely death of Black Panther star Chadwick Boseman who died of colon cancer at age 43.
This issue is sure to be a keeper. I can’t wait to read it, again.
I would be remiss not to mention that the holidays are right around the corner. Please consider gifting a subscription of UMOJA Magazine to friends, neighbors, colleagues, or family members. You will not want them to miss a single issue.
You can stay socially distant! Simply go to www.umojamagazine.com and click on subscribe.
