Empowering Health: How California Doctors Use Lifestyle Tips, Herbs, and Veggies to Prevent Chronic Illness in Black Communities

Leibo Glover’s story is a wake-up call for many. Diagnosed with diabetes and facing an unexpected below-the-knee amputation, Glover felt the weight of his health crisis. At 63, he didn’t think it was a big deal. He was self-medicating for a toe injury, unaware of the underlying complications. While traveling from Los Angeles to Miami, an infection worsened his situation. “If I had left, I would have come home as a corpse,” he said.

In California, nearly 3.5 million people live with diabetes, with many cases being preventable type 2 diabetes. A study from the UCLA Center for Health Policy Research found that 16.7% of low-income adults have diabetes, compared to just 8.9% of higher-income adults. Older adults are particularly affected, with over 22% of those 65 and older diagnosed compared to 8.6% in younger adults aged 18-64.

Glover’s personal journey mirrors a troubling trend: people in low-income neighborhoods face a higher risk of amputations due to diabetes-related issues. Research by UCLA highlights that these “amputation hotspots” are often found in poorer areas. In 2018, Glover was struggling with financial instability. He has since made significant lifestyle changes, focusing on diet and sleep. “I can stand, run, jump, and dance,” he says, crediting his success to cutting down on carbohydrates and sugars.

As chronic illnesses disproportionately affect Black Californians, healthcare providers are shifting their focus from treatment to prevention. Doctors like Bill Releford aim to change this narrative by promoting healthier lifestyles. He founded Bloom Ranch, a 250-acre farm that seeks to improve access to fresh produce in food deserts. “This is my assignment,” he says, emphasizing the farm’s role in making nutritious food available.

The need for healthy food is urgent. California produces a significant portion of the nation’s fruits and vegetables, yet about 8.8 million Californians face food insecurity, highlighting a disconnect between supply and access. Releford points out that 75% of amputations might be preventable and that African Americans have the highest rates of amputations nationwide.

In his efforts, he plans to collaborate with UCLA and Charles R. Drew University to create “prescriptive vegetable boxes,” aimed at providing groceries that can help lower blood pressure naturally with beneficial vegetables. Studies show that gardening can also have a variety of health benefits, including reducing stress and strengthening the immune system.

Community involvement is vital. During events at Bloom Ranch, families and children engage with fresh produce, learning healthier habits. “This is huge. Families need this information,” says Alina Anderson from The Ultimate Book Club.

Experts like Liz Helms, CEO of the California Chronic Care Coalition, stress the need for better healthcare access, especially in underserved communities. She acknowledges improvements in telehealth but emphasizes the ongoing fear many feel about seeking care. “Everyone has a right to good, quality, affordable, timely healthcare,” she insists, reminding patients to speak up and understand their health.

By prioritizing prevention and community health, initiatives like Bloom Ranch could inspire wider changes across urban areas. Addressing food deserts and improving access to healthcare can make a real difference in the fight against preventable diseases.



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