As summer winds down and a new school year begins, I’m sharing five practical ways parents, caregivers and families can help young people prepare for a successful school year.

Whether school has already started in your community or is just around the corner, these strategies can help children and teens transition into the structure and expectations of a new academic year.

Subscribe to Nurah Speaks on YouTube and follow the podcast on your favorite streaming platform. Be sure to like, share and leave a comment. I would love to hear your thoughts on this conversation.

You can follow Nurah Speaks on X, Instagram and Facebook @NurahSpeaks.

In Episode 281, I build on my recent Know Your Numbers series by sharing data from the CDC’s National Center for Health Statistics on the six leading causes of death for Black Americans:

1. Heart disease
2. Cancer
3. Unintentional injuries
4. Stroke
5. Diabetes
6. Assault and homicide

I break down each of these causes and explore the risk factors that contribute to them—from high blood pressure, poor diet, physical inactivity, obesity and tobacco use to distracted driving, medication-related injuries, falls and violence.

While there are things we cannot control, including certain environmental exposures and inherited genetic traits, there are also many factors we can influence through our choices, habits, preventive care and lifestyle.

I don’t want us to look at these statistics and feel like we’re doomed. I want us to recognize that, to a significant extent, our health is in our hands.

I hope this episode encourages you to learn your numbers, understand your health risks and take action where you can.

Listen, share your thoughts in the comments, and be sure to subscribe to Nurah Speaks on YouTube and follow the podcast on your favorite streaming platform.

You can follow Nurah Speaks on X, Instagram and Facebook @NurahSpeaks.

In this final episode of my 'Know Your Numbers' series, I focus on body weight and why understanding this health metric is just as important as knowing your blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol. My goal isn't to promote fake beauty standards or shame anyone about their weight—it's to encourage all of us to pursue better health through informed choices.In This Episode, I Discuss:• Why body weight is an important health indicator.• How Body Mass Index (BMI) can be a useful screening tool, even though it isn't a perfect measure of health.• How carrying excess weight can contribute to: -High blood pressure -High cholesterol -Insulin resistance and diabetes -Joint pain and inflammation• How to achieve a healthier weight through simple lifestyle changes WITHOUT focusing on the scale.The overall message is simple. No matter where you're beginning, today is the right day to get started. And the BONUS is this: you don't have to change everything overnight. One healthy choice at a time will lead to meaningful change.If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to Nurah Speaks on YouTube and follow the podcast on your favorite streaming platform. Be sure to like, share and leave a comment. I would love to hear your thoughts on this conversation.You can follow Nurah Speaks on X, Instagram and Facebook @NurahSpeaks.