Tasha Jenkins' Inspiring Journey

Tasha Jenkins was an embodiment of strength and faith at just 42 years old. As a deaconess at her Charlotte church, she was not only spiritually invested but also academically accomplished with a master’s degree from Howard University. Always the first to offer prayer and guidance to those in need, Tasha lived for others—but that dedication would soon put her own health at risk.

During a routine choir rehearsal, Tasha felt an unusual weight in her chest and struggled to catch her breath. Dismissing the symptoms as mere tiredness from her busy schedule of grading papers, mentoring youth, and fulfilling church duties, she tragically collapsed that evening. “I’d been asking God to use me every day,” she recounted in an interview with EEW Magazine. “But when the doctor diagnosed me with heart disease and said I needed a stent, I finally understood—that was God’s way of telling me to take care of myself.”

Her experience sheds light on a startling statistic: every year, heart disease claims the lives of nearly 50,000 Black women, making it the leading cause of death in the community, according to the American Heart Association (AHA). With over 54% of Black women facing hypertension, Tasha's ordeal serves as a wake-up call, urging all women to blend faith with proactive health measures in the year ahead.

Understanding the Deep-Rooted Risks

Tasha's diagnosis is not an isolated event. A recent study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association revealed that Black women are 60% more likely to experience high blood pressure compared to their white counterparts. This disparity arises from a combination of genetic predispositions and the stressors that often accompany balancing professional advancement and familial responsibilities. Compounding the issue is the prevalence of sodium-heavy diets in neighborhoods that lack access to fresh produce.

Symptoms of heart disease can manifest in subtle ways, presenting as fatigue, jaw pain, or shortness of breath—warning signs that can easily be overlooked. Unlike the more overt, acute chest pain that men often experience, these signals can lead to tragic consequences. Tasha's near-miss is a poignant reminder that being attuned to one's body can make the difference between a life-saving intervention and a heartbreaking outcome.

Empowering Change in 2025

As we look forward to 2025, there is hope—new tools and resources are coming to light to aid in heart health awareness. Affordable wearable technology, such as blood pressure monitors available for under $50, can sync to smartphones and help individuals keep track of their heart rhythms amid their daily routines. The AHA also recommends screening for heart issues by age 35 if there’s a family history, a concern that resonates with many.

Communities are stepping up, too. Initiatives like “Heart Sundays,” promoted by Black Health Matters, host free blood pressure checks and nutrition education sessions in churches across major cities like Atlanta and Chicago. These programs empower women to take charge of their health within a supportive environment that celebrates faith and community.

Where Faith Meets Practical Steps

Faith is vital, but so is taking action. Tasha’s own spiritual journey found its strength in prayer: “When I struggled to breathe, I cried out, ‘Lord, hold me.’” Research from the Journal of Religion and Health shows that prayer can significantly reduce stress hormones, which negatively impact heart health. Yet, as 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 reminds us, our bodies are temples, prompting us to care for them.

Certified Personal Trainer and health coach Arias emphasizes the importance of daily movement. “Dedicate just one hour every day to improving yourself,” she advocates. Simple activities, like participating in walking ministries, can fulfill AHA’s recommendations—30 minutes of moderate exercise three times a week—while fostering fellowship among women of faith.

When it comes to nutrition, Arias suggests choosing mindful snacks—like popcorn, almonds, or protein-based bites—to promote heart health without sacrificing flavor. Regular check-ups are crucial, too; many individuals over 45 can access free annual check-ups through Medicare, while CVS MinuteClinic accepts most insurance, making healthcare more accessible.

Your Health, Your Testimony, Your Spirit

Now back in the choir with a stent and an invigorated sense of purpose, Tasha reflects, “Prayer carried me, but I had to do my part too.” For others, finding the right tools for health monitoring—such as trackers, which saw a 20% increase in adoption among Black households last year—can be empowering. Alternatively, experimenting with home workout programs or transforming Sunday dinners into healthier meals can also be impactful.

Heart disease doesn’t discriminate between devotion and daily grind, but 2025 brings an array of opportunities to prioritize health in meaningful ways. Tasha took her scare and turned it into strength—how will you choose to guard your heart and well-being in the upcoming year?