Double-Conscious Heart

African- Americans who often experience double consciousness in society are forced to be aware of both their race and nationality. This may have a direct impact on their health outcomes in several different ways such as prolonged exposure to psychosocial stress and racial discrimination. Americans are predisposed to many chronic diseases due to factors including diet, genetics, and lack of exercise. However, being Black in today's society increases the morbidity rate of certain conditions such as cardiovascular disease or postpartum complications. Racial discrimination and neglect in the healthcare field are prevalent and historical issues in American society. Through effective cultural sensitivity training of medical workers, many of these statistics could be improved. Cultural training provides an overall strengthening in the trust between patients and providers, as well as improves overall patient compliance. This training is conducted through professional schooling or compliance training in the workplace.