While some people may equate Yvonne Orji with the type-A character of Molly that she plays on Issa Raes Insecure, the real Yvonne Orji isnt as anal-retentive. In fact, the author of Bamboozled By Jesus is all about resting and prioritizing her health and wellness.
Ive been working on resetting my mind, body, and soul so that I can be more present in the now, she told Vogue.
The actress has made it her mission to ensure that black women prioritize their health, especially because theyre not only often guilty of putting everybody before themselves, but also because they face a heightened risk of certain cancers.
According to research, black women not only face a three-fold increased risk of developing triple-negative breast cancer, but theyre also 28% more likely to die than white women with the same diagnosis.
With these startling statistics, the Insecure actor partnered withpharmaceutical company Merck for theirUncovering TNBCinitiative, which is aimed at raising awareness around triple-negative breast cancer.
With a masters degree in public health, Orji is well aware of the increased risk that black women face, and she also knows first-hand how it feels to have a cancer experience,
I had a breast cancer scare my senior year of high school. There was a lump, and I was the one who found it. My mom was a nurse for 27 years so we always had an awareness of [how to check]. So I knew the general gist of how to do that. One particular day something moved and as Im touching it Im like, I dont know, that feels different.
Thankfully, the lump was benignand after having it surgically removed, Orji has made it her mission to continuouslyadvocate for regular screenings and checkups, and thats something she hopes the Uncovering TNBCinitiativewill help achieve,
Through open and honest conversations, the series aims to help educate black women about their higher risk for developing TNBC than women of other racial/ethnic backgrounds and help to equip them to advocate for themselves in a biased system.
In addition to educating them about their increased cancer risk, Orji also has a few ways in whichBlack women can put their health first.
Icommit to my own check-ups and screenings so that others will be influenced to be proactive about their health and so we can all receive consistent and high-quality care, regardless of health insurance or demographics.
yvonneorji/instagram
Regular check-ups and screenings are very important, especially if youre already at an increased risk for chronic disease. While you should monitor your body and be conscious of any changes, its critical that you also get into the habit of visiting the doctor and letting them do their own evaluation.
While Yvonne Orji has been an incredibly busy girl, what with the release of her new film and comedy special, that doesnt mean that the Nigerian-born actress doesnt rest.
One of the things Im saying goodbye to in 2021 is the hustle and grind. I want to grant myself time to rest and let abundance find its way to me.
So how does the 37-year-old relax and unwind? The same way we all do with a relaxing bath, Baths have been really important in helping me wind down she says, adding that she incorporates Epsom salt bathsinto her routine.
Unfortunately for black women, asking for help can almost feel like admitting defeat, but thats a notion that Orji is attempting to let go of.
Im learning to ask for help when I need it. she says. Orji admits that shes a recovering perfectionist, and she still needs to re
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mind herself that its okay to delegate and lean on people she trusts. In doing so, shell have more time for herself and her self-care.
Theres always room for growth, and thats something that Orji truly believes in.
Not only does her morning routine consist of her listening to music and watching her vision board, but she also believes in the power of therapy, sharing that, Therapy is also huge for me. I recognize the growth that I personally have felt this year, just being able to be like,Okay, we got to deal with some stuff.
Another celebrity that prioritizes putting her health first is Katy Perry, especially in the mornings. The I Kissed A Girlsingerrevealed thatshe always makes room for self-care in the morningsand there are definitely a few things we can learn from her.
MAIN IMAGE CREDIT: Yvonne Orji/Instagram
Cho, B., Han, Y., Lian, M., Colditz, G. A., Weber, J. D., Ma, C., & Liu, Y. (2021). Evaluation of Racial/Ethnic Differences in Treatment and Mortality Among Women With Triple-Negative Breast Cancer.JAMA oncology,7(7), 10161023. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamaoncol.2021.1254
McCarthy, A. M., Friebel-Klingner, T., Ehsan, S., He, W., et al. (2021). Relationship of established risk factors with breast cancer subtypes.Cancer medicine,10(18), 64566467. https://doi.org/10.1002/cam4.4158
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