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In today’s fast-paced world, especially for Africans in the diaspora balancing work, family, and the pressures of daily life, health can sometimes take a back seat.

We can get carried away by  Yet, few health conditions demand as much urgency and awareness as a stroke.

Often sudden and life-threatening, a stroke can have long-term consequences but early recognition of its warning signs can make all the difference.

A stroke occurs when the blood supply to a part of the brain is cut off, either due to a blockage or a burst blood vessel.

When this happens, brain cells begin to die within minutes. According to health experts, acting fast is crucial, as immediate medical attention can greatly reduce the risk of death or a permanent disability.

One of the most important things anyone can do is to learn the early signs of a stroke.

These typically include sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body.

Difficulty speaking or understanding speech, blurred or lost vision in one or both eyes, dizziness, and a sudden severe headache with no clear cause are also red flags.

To help people remember these symptoms, doctors recommend remembering face drooping, arm weakness, speech difficulty and time to call for emergency services, in order to save a loved one.

For members of the African and Black diaspora, the stakes are particularly high. Research has shown that people of African descent have a higher risk of hypertension which is a major cause of stroke, as well as other underlying conditions like diabetes.

Lifestyle changes in new environments, such as increased stress, poor diet, or sedentary habits can make this risk become even greater.

Preventing stroke begins with awareness and action. Activities like regular health check-ups, managing blood pressure and cholesterol levels, staying physically active, eating a balanced diet, and reducing alcohol and tobacco use are crucial steps to take in preventing this illness.

Equally important is knowing when something is not right and seeking help immediately.

In our communities, where stories of sudden illness are very common, education about stroke needs to become part of everyday conversations.

It is not just a medical issue, it is a lifestyle concern, a family issue, and a community responsibility.

Many African beauty brands are striving to bring the perfect products for each person closer to them, both at home and in the diaspora. These brands celebrate indigenous ingredients and sustainable practices and their names are making waves across the globe. Offering products that blend tradition with innovation, each of them carves its unique space and thrives in it.

These brands are curated without using standard criteria.

Shea Moisture

As a global beauty brand, Shea Moisture has deep African roots. This company was founded in 1991 by Liberians Nyema Tubman and Richelieu Dennis. The establishment of the brand was inspired by Dennis’ grandmother who sold shea butter in Sierra Leone, the brand uses raw shea and other African ingredients to create hair and skincare products tailored for textured hair and melanin-rich skin. They offer skin cleansing products with naturally derived formula and their products are available for adults and children.

Arami Essentials

Founded in Lagos, Nigeria, Arami champions minimalist skincare using raw, natural ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, and black soap. Their simple yet elegant packaging and effective formulations have earned them a cult following both in Africa and abroad. Arami Essentials was established when the owner, Ore Runsewe, arrived in Nigeria from the UK, where she could not access hair products that suited her.

LIHA Beauty

This is a British-Nigerian beauty brand that focuses on natural, sustainable and ethically sourced ingredients for their products. Merging Yoruba tradition with British chic, LIHA Beauty was created by friends Liha Okunniwa and Abi Oyepitan. They utilize ingredients like raw shea butter, coconut oil, and tuberose to produce top products. LIHA Beauty celebrates African wellness with a modern twist.

Nubian Heritage

Known for its use of culturally authentic ingredients like frankincense, myrrh, and African black soap, Nubian Heritage is beloved for fusing ancient beauty recipes with contemporary science to create nourishing body care products. Nubian Heritage is inspired by African healing traditions. Here, they use organic ingredients to revitalize the skin and hair of their customers.

Skin Gourmet

This Accra-based brand creates 100% natural, edible skincare using raw ingredients sourced directly from Ghanaian farmers. With products like baobab oil and cocoa butter scrubs, Skin Gourmet is redefining luxury with authenticity and sustainability at its core. They use meticulous methods to craft their products which are free from preservatives.

These brands are redefining beauty like never before. Using natural ingredients, effective formulations and appealing packaging, they are telling African stories in their own way. Also, in the little way they can, they are empowering local communities, and showing the world the richness of the continent’s natural and cultural resources.