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There are reports circulating that indicate how COVID-19 is specifically targeting African American communities, and there are many contributing factors for this. Of course, with any sort of illness or disease, minority and\/or underprivileged\u00a0populations are always more high-risk due to factors such as the inability to afford or receive adequate healthcare, consuming an unhealthy diet, or even the lack of access to education on how to prevent certain diseases. Here in the United States, <\/b>new data<\/a> reveals how African Americans are dying at a higher rate from the virus than other races. \u201cOf the victims whose demographic data was publicly shared by officials \u2014 nearly 3,300 of the nation\u2019s 13,000 deaths thus far \u2014 about 42% were black,\u201d reports the Associated Press. While many are outraged and choose to place the blame entirely on the system, there are also deeper reasons regarding why this is occurring.\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n Naturopathic doctor Carlie Bell shares her own perspective on why this may be the case. Underlying health conditions appear to be a main factor, and this could certainly be prevented in the future as Black families adopt more balanced, nutritious, and plant-based diets. \u201cAlthough we can\u2019t change the hospital systems and we can\u2019t change the unknown biases toward people of color, you can change what you do today,\u201d said Dr. Bell. \u201cIf we don\u2019t begin to change our behaviors, change what we eat, and to have an actual paradigm shift in culture, coronavirus isn\u2019t going to be the end of the story.\u201d Although poverty and the system\u2019s prejudices are certainly major factors, it\u2019s time to take back our power and realize that the change begins with us.\u00a0 Otherwise, as Dr. Bell emphasized, the coronavirus will be the least of our concerns in the future. <\/strong><\/p>\n Today more than ever, we have access to learning about nutrition right at our fingertips. Going fully vegan may not be an option or even a desire for many, but limiting red meat consumption and processed foods is a wonderful start. If you do choose to try out the vegan lifestyle, don’t be discouraged or fall for the misconception that being vegan is only for the privileged and wealthy. Multiple videos and articles share how one can eat a vegan diet for only $30 a week, or less. SweetPotatoSoul, a popular Black vegan YouTuber, is educating our communities for free\u2013\u2013as long as you have internet access.\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n