Healthy Relationships: 10 Essentials for Couples

When preparing for marriage, many couples focus on emotional connections, shared values, and compatibility. However, considering the physical and mental health of both partners is equally crucial. For Black couples, addressing public health matters before marriage is especially important due to the unique health disparities the community faces. Studies show that Black Americans experience higher rates of chronic diseases, mental health challenges, and barriers to healthcare access compared to other groups. By taking proactive steps to address these health issues before marriage or entering long-term relationships, you can build a healthier and more resilient foundation for an amazing future together.

According to the National Marriage Project, the marriage rate for Black Americans is significantly lower than that of White Americans. In 2020, only 29% of Black Americans were married, compared to 55% of White Americans. Though the marriage statistics are lower, don’t let this undermine the significance of long-term, committed relationships within our community. This marriage disparity within our community is linked to a combination of economic, social, and health factors. As Black couples navigate these challenges, it’s important to focus on wellness as an integral part of building a strong long-term relationship.

Here are 10 public health steps that can be beneficial for Black couples before marriage:

1. Pre-marital Health Checkups: Both partners should undergo comprehensive health checkups to detect common conditions like hypertension, diabetes, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Early identification of any health concerns allows for better management and healthier life choices.
2. Genetic Counseling: Learn about each other’s family health history, especially regarding genetic conditions prevalent in the Black community, such as sickle cell anemia, hypertension, and heart disease. Genetic counseling can help assess potential health risks for future children and prepare both partners for any possible challenges.
3. Mental Health Awareness: Openly discuss mental health and unique stressors faced by you and your partner, such as systemic racism and socio-economic disparities. Addressing mental health concerns, seeking therapy if needed, and supporting each other emotionally can strengthen the relationship and build resilience.
4. Nutritional Education: Work together to adopt healthier eating habits, particularly in light of higher rates of obesity, hypertension, and diabetes in our community. A healthy diet can prevent many chronic diseases and improve overall well-being.
5. Physical Activity Goals: Develop a fitness plan that suits both partners’ lifestyles. Regular exercise can help combat obesity and prevent heart disease, which disproportionately affect the Black community. Physical activity also supports mental health by reducing stress and promoting overall well-being.
6. Family Planning and Reproductive Health: Discuss your plans for family life, including fertility, contraception, and pregnancy preferences. Understanding each other’s desires and potential reproductive health concerns can lead to more informed, confident decisions about starting a family.
7. Health Insurance and Access to Care: Ensure that both of you have health insurance and are familiar with local healthcare resources. Black Americans are less likely to have adequate health insurance compared to other groups, so making sure both have access to quality care is essential for long-term health.
8. Substance Use and Abuse: Have an open and honest conversation about the use of alcohol, smoking, or drug use. We tend to experience higher rates of substance abuse, so establishing healthy lifestyle choices before marriage can prevent long-term health risks.
9. STI and Sexual Health Education: Even before marriage and committing yourselves to each other, both partners should be tested for sexually transmitted infections. Open communication about sexual health helps establish trust and ensures both partners are aware of their sexual health status.
10. Stress Management Techniques: Learn how to manage stress in healthy ways. Managing stress can be as simple has #5 above–planning a moment to exercise. Our community faces higher levels of stress due to systemic inequality and discrimination, so practicing mindfulness, meditation, or engaging in stress-reducing activities together can help foster a healthier relationship.

Affording public health steps can be challenging, but here are a few ideas to make them more accessible:

1. Public health departments often offer free or reduced-cost STI testing. By leveraging community resources, insurance plans, and low-cost options, couples can prioritize their health without a significant financial burden.
2. Utilize affordable health insurance through the Affordable Care Act (ACA), Medicaid, or community health clinics with sliding scale fees.
3. For mental health, consider therapy options on a sliding scale or free support groups for vital assistance.
4. Explore low-cost fitness resources, including public gyms, at-home workouts, and free community classes.
5. Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) or Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) can help offset healthcare expenses.

Prioritizing our health before entering a committed relationship is crucial for long-term success, both for our personal well-being and the commitment to someone else. By focusing on important health issues like preventing chronic diseases, taking care of mental health, and maintaining reproductive health, we can create a foundation for a happier and healthier relationship. Since marriage rates among Black Americans are lower compared to other groups, it’s important to take proactive steps to improve both our relationships and our health. Think of your wellness as an investment in your future.

Additional Reading:

1. American Heart Association – Health Disparities in African Americans
2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – African American Health
3. Sickle Cell Disease Association of America – Genetic Counseling
4. Mental Health America – Mental Health Disparities
5. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases – Health Tips for Black Americans
6. Planned Parenthood – Reproductive Health
7. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration – Behavioral Health Resources
8. The American Diabetes Association – Diabetes Health Risks for African Americans
9. The National Black Women’s Health Imperative – Public Health Resources
10. National Institutes of Health (NIH) – Stress and Mental Health
11. Vox – Why the Marriage Rate is Falling Faster for Some
12. Elevate Black Health – Nutritional Health Education Articles