CBS News reporter Elijah Westbrook makes sure he stays on top of his annual and biannual health screenings. He believes his fellow Millennials need to do the same.
“There are also times when I’m not feeling so great. And I will consult with a doctor. I think it’s good, from a physical standpoint, but mental health is vital. Westbrook explained.
I think that when we are in this day-to-day grind, we forget to check on our mental health.”
Westbrook is returning to co-host the BHM Harlem Week 2025 Health Summit & Expo and wants to see more of his peers at Riverside Church on August 14, 2025.
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Why Health Matters Are Personal for Westbrook
The Emmy award-winning reporter grew up in Harlem. Westbrook says his parents were always adamant about getting him regular screenings and heart-related matters.
“Especially, my dad, Artie, in particular. Unfortunately, he passed away a couple of years ago and due to complications with his heart,” Westbrook recalled.
“So I know just growing up with them, they were always big into just making sure that you’re on top of your health and going to the doctor as often as possible.”
Westbrook also noticed that many of his peers have become parents themselves. That has also made them pay more attention to their well-being. “They’re seeing that it’s beneficial to stay on top of their health as well as their child’s health,” he explained.
Diseases Like Colon and Prostate Cancer Are Impacting Younger People
According to the American Cancer Society, 1 in 5 people diagnosed with colon cancer, for example, will be under the age of 55. Some of the contributing factors include:
- having obesity and a sedentary lifestyle
- long-term smoking and heavy alcohol consumption
- a high-fat, low-fiber diet
Westbrook Says Social Media Can Be a Powerful Teaching Tool
“Social media is such a powerful tool. I think that the more you know, the more you grow.” If word is being spread out there about the importance of getting screened or tested for certain things,” he said.
“It’ll resonate with people. And I think especially with my age group. I’m in that millennial age group. And so I think we’re starting even to see a shift in how we’re conceptualizing our health and why it’s so important.”
Westbrook gave an example. “Wait until your 40s to get a prostate exam. But now, the advice is “if you feel that certain things aren’t right, get screened. Go see a doctor,” he said
Why Westbrook is a Keeps Coming Back to the Harlem Summit
“This would be my fourth time participating in the Black Health Matters Summit, and it’s a fun event,” he said. “Just the energy with everyone there, from the different sessions, panel discussions, and the energy in general, is so electrifying,” the reporter said.
“But I think people walk out of there feeling motivated to be on top of their health, and I would love for that to be continued this time around. It’s just amazing to hear from folks after a panel discussion say,
‘You know, I’ve really learned a lot from these professionals who are up there on stage about this particular subject matter.’
People are invested in these things, and so I’m hoping that that’s the same notion that resonates again,” he continued.
Westbrook Wants to See His Peers There
One of the reasons that Westbrook keeps coming back is that he has seen the sessions be beneficial to participants’ lives year after year. Those benefits have no age limit. So he’s doing his best to convince his peers to show up, starting with some of his friends.
“I’m trying to encourage some of my friends to spread the word about it. Because it’s not an “older person’s problem”. Again, we’re seeing people my age and younger, developing ailments that, years ago, we never would have thought would ever occur,” Westbrook notes.
So that’s what I’m hoping for this time, right? To be inspired, to be motivated, and, of course, to have fun.”
Join Elijah Westbrook at the BHM Harlem Week Health Summit & Expo in-person or virtually by registering through this link.
