Impact of race-based adversity in African American children

Racism causes stress that can hurt the health of anyone impacted. This stress can lead to hypertension, depression, diabetes, and more. Early childhood is a time when there is rapid brain development and the brain is as flexible as it will ever be. During this time the brain is also very sensitive to a lot stress. If we can help lower this type of stress when children are young, we it could help them to be healthier as they age. Early childhood includes birth to eight years old. This is an ideal time to work with them at lowering stress. Doing this at an early age could have a lasting impact on their long-term health.