When I asked the question of Toby Carr Thursday evening, April 17, 2025: How is Dewey? Toby responded, "Dewey is fine!!" At that time we were leaving a reception for Mrs. Rosemary Carr, celebrating her 75th year as a phenomenal member of The Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. Less than 18 hours later, the word was spreading like wildfire that George Dewey Stanyard, Jr. transitioned at the same age of the predicted life expectancy for a Black Man born in the 1960s.

With additional research, I confirmed Dewey's age of death is 15 years older than the predicted lifespan of our parents born in the 1930's. The average life expectancy for the Black male born in the 1930s is 47 years old. So, we must ask the question - Can we do better? Or is the life expectancy of the Black male the same as almost a hundred years ago, despite our gains in education, wealth, and healthcare access? Is it still affected by other factors beyond our control?
As a pediatrician serving a very diverse population in Metro-Atlanta consisting of all races and socioeconomic classes, I would ask each of us born in the 1960s to take on the challenge to prove the statistics wrong even if we have 30-40 years of possible unhealthy lifestyles behind us.

You are challenged to take charge of and advocate for your health. Remember, the clinician only addresses issues that are brought to his/her attention. It's important to take notes and journal about your health throughout the year.

Tell your doctor about anything that seems off, any changes to your physical health, e.g. swelling, shortness of breath, heart palpitations. These can sometimes indicate serious underlying health issues. Also, prolonged sadness, feeling hopeless, or lack of energy can signal early stages of mental health issues. Don't suffer in silence. Talk to someone. You can feel better! Know your family history! It's better to keep up with your health than try to catch up!

M: Mental Health impacts Physical health
E: Exercise daily for 20 minutes (sweat)
N: Nutritional Health read the labels of every food/ drink that enters your mouth (sugar breaks down into fat).
D: Engage with a Primary Care Clinician who looks like you, who cares about your quality of life, and proposes strategies that are tailored to natural remedies. Give yourself the BEST birthday gift annually a "Check up of your Health."

Dewey's life was a testimony to each of us. He looked great externally but was he MEND'ed internally?

Some people's presence on earth is fleeting like sand on the shore. Others enter with an undeniable purpose whose beacon's guidance Is ever present for all to see and follow. When Dewey introduced someone as his friend there was no class, station in life, sexual orientation, color nor gender. You were first and foremost, his friend.

Dewey was our beacon and our friend. His untimely death should be a call to action for us to MEND.

Engage with your local organizations to promote physical and mental wellness!

PEACE a tribute from Cathy Jo Haynes Bell, Elaine Carr Hardy, Pamela Kirkland-Pearson, Toby Carr, Greg Waddy, Bryan Yeldell, and Lynette Wilson-Phillips