Black Maternal Mortality Crisis, 2026 Flu Season, Getting Fit Over 50 | #SecondOpinion

The U.S. has a maternal mortality rate of 12 per 100,000 nationally, doubling for Black and brown women, a rate higher than other wealthy nations and trending upwards since 2023. This is attributed to policy gaps, systemic issues at the hospital level, lack of patient advocacy, and a degenerating total health of America with rising comorbidities in younger pregnant individuals.

Dr. Mitchell states, "we have just returned back to that baseline of about 12... per 100,000... for black and brown women it's like twice the amount." She adds, "the total health of America is actually degenerating. More than 50% of childbearing women are overweight or obese."

Black women, even with higher education and better health metrics, face significantly higher maternal complications. This disparity is linked to provider bias and a lack of active listening, with studies showing that racial concordance (Black patient with Black OBGYN) can halve infant mortality rates.

Dr. Hilton shares her personal experience: "as a double certified anesthesiologist, my child was three times more likely to die than a white woman with a third grade education." Dr. Mitchell emphasizes, "This is where we do our bias training... we provide compassionate care... When they voice their concerns, we should listen."

Congress is addressing the crisis through comprehensive legislation, including the Momnibus package (13 bills), the NIH IMPROVE Act for long-term federal funding, and the Tech to Save Moms Act to provide digital resources for rural women. The Advancing Maternal Health Equity Act incentivizes states to increase Medicaid spending on maternal health services.

Congresswoman Brown mentions the "Momnibus package that includes 13 bills that will invest tools to improve the conditions in underserved areas." Congresswoman Williams introduced "the Tech to Save Moms Act so that we can have digital resources available for women in rural communities" and the "advancing maternal health equity act which is under the Medicaid act."

Racism, stemming from the history of slavery and the stress carried in Black bodies, is identified as a direct factor in infant and maternal mortality, transcending socioeconomic status, education, or zip code. Policies declaring racism a public health crisis are crucial for a comprehensive approach.

Congresswoman Brown states, "racism is a factor in what is happening to us as it relates to our infant and maternal mortality. It is the history of slavery and the stress that we carry in our bodies that makes it difficult for us to carry pregnancies to full term. So it's not socioeconomics. It is not education. It is not even your zip code."

The current flu season is severe due to the dominance of the H3N2 influenza virus strain. This strain has mutated, making previous vaccines less effective as the body does not recognize the immunity as it would in previous seasons.

Dr. Ross explains, "it's a H3N2 strand influenza virus strand and this strand is coming to dominance... because of the mutations our body just has not does not recognize the immunity."

After age 40, individuals lose 2-3% of muscle mass annually, leading to brittle muscles, increased risk of osteoporosis, slower healing, and reduced mobility. Consistent exercise, particularly heavy lifting and cardio, is crucial for maintaining strength, metabolism, energy levels, and overall quality of life.

Cheryl Grant states, "after you turn 40, you're literally are losing 2 to 3% of muscle mass every year. Your body is truly starting to shrink." She advocates for "working your body at least 2 to three days a week, making sure that you're spending at least 30 to 40 minutes in the gym."