LOS ANGELES – When you take a seat in Corey Thomas’ barber chair at The Original Ice Fade City Barbershop, chances are you have more than one shape. You may also have high blood pressure screening.
“In our community we don’t usually go to the doctor often,” says Thomas. “Often when something bothers you [my clients], you talk to me about it before you talk to a doctor. “
What you need to know
- The goal of the Live Chair Health app is to reduce health disparities in black and brown communities
- Data shows that one in two black Americans will be diagnosed with some form of heart disease
- Providence Health is investing $ 50 million to drastically reduce the impact of health inequalities across the country
- After registering and booking medical appointments, users are rewarded with discounts for services at local hairdressers and barbers
In his 19 years as a barber, Thomas has noticed that most men who walk into the store have a tendency to unfortunately put their health on hold until it’s too late.
His own wake up call was when he suffered a stroke in the workshop where he works. “I thought I was pretty healthy, but of course I wasn’t,” he said.
It was after this stroke that Thomas found out he had high blood pressure.
The data shows that one in two black Americans will be diagnosed with some form of heart disease. That’s why Thomas helps his customers measure their blood pressure and has introduced them to a new app, Live Chair Health.
Andrew Suggs developed the app and its goal is to reduce the health gap in black and brown communities.
“I think because of historical events in our country, a lot of people who look like us aren’t really concerned with the health system,” Suggs said. “One of the goals of Live Chair Health doing is to get people involved in their health care.”
Providence Health has invested to help Live Chair Health partner with local hair salons, salons and churches; Places where trusting community relationships are built.
Users log into the app by completing a health questionnaire, then they can track their blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and connect with family doctors within miles of their location.
After registering and booking medical appointments, users are rewarded with discounts for services at local hairdressers and barbers.
Comments are closed.