February is more than a month on the calendar — it's a moment to pause, reflect, and take care of ourselves and each other.
At Clock That, February centers Black history, heart health, love, and justice, recognizing that wellness is deeply connected to our lived experiences, relationships, and access to care. This month, we create space for honest conversations about health disparities, healthy love, prevention, and what it really means to thrive.
Black history is living history — especially when it comes to health.
Black communities have long navigated systems that were not built with us in mind. From delayed diagnoses to limited access to care, history still shows up in our bodies today. February is a time to honor resilience without normalizing struggle and to remind ourselves that rest, joy, and high-quality healthcare are not luxuries — they are rights.
Clock That Reflection
What would health look like if equity was the starting point instead of an afterthought?
Black Americans have a life expectancy nearly 5 years shorter than White Americans, largely due to structural inequities in healthcare access and treatment.
Source: CDCBlack patients are less likely to receive pain medication, advanced cardiac procedures, and timely diagnoses compared to White patients with the same symptoms.
Source: National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and MedicineStructural racism has been identified as a fundamental cause of health inequities, impacting housing, employment, environmental exposure, and healthcare quality.
Source: National Institutes of HealthHeart disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States, and Black women are disproportionately affected.
Stress, racism, access gaps, and delayed treatment all contribute to higher rates of hypertension and heart-related complications. This month, we're reminding our community to listen to their bodies, ask questions in medical spaces, and prioritize both physical and emotional heart health.
Clock That Reminder
Protecting your heart includes managing stress, setting boundaries, and being heard by your providers.
Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women in the United States.
Source: American Heart AssociationNearly 58 percent of Black women age 20 and older have high blood pressure, often diagnosed later and treated less aggressively.
Source: American Heart AssociationChronic stress from racism and discrimination is associated with higher cardiovascular risk and inflammation.
Source: Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public HealthFebruary often focuses on romantic love — but Clock That expands the conversation.
Healthy love includes safety, consent, pleasure, communication, and self-respect. It also includes knowing when something doesn't feel right and having the support to choose better for yourself.
This month, we talk openly about:
Clock That Truth
Love should never cost you your peace, safety, or health.
Nearly 1 in 3 women experience intimate partner violence in their lifetime.
Source: CDCTeen dating violence affects millions of young people each year and is associated with depression, anxiety, and substance use later in life.
Source: CDCAccess to affirming sexual health education is associated with lower STI rates and healthier relationship outcomes.
Source: Guttmacher InstituteAwareness matters — but action is where change happens.
Throughout February, Clock That is committed to conversations that move beyond surface-level recognition and into real-life impact. We encourage our community to check in on their health, learn something new, and support one another with compassion and honesty.
Because when we say Clock That, we mean
See it Name it Take care of yourself anyway
Schedule checkups, ask questions, and advocate for yourself in medical spaces.
Explore resources, watch our episodes, and stay informed about health equity.
Share stories, offer compassion, and build community with honesty.