Dr. Michelle Johnson's journey into medicine has been both ironic and bittersweet. When she lost her dad to heart disease and, years later, watched her mom -- who had successfully battled breast cancer -- get stricken with pancreatic cancer, she couldn't imagine being anywhere near a cancer-treatment facility. But Johnson, a cardiologist who now works at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York City, decided that in honor of her parents, she would commit her life's work to help prevent the spread of these deadly diseases. Her latest contribution is to 'The Black Woman's Guide to Healthy Living,' presented by the editors of Essence magazine, in which Johnson and several other physicians, counselors and experts contribute their wisdom and knowledge to help black women get, and stay, healthy.

"It's never too early or too late to commit yourself to healthy living," writes Johnson, who is featured in the Mind/Body section of the book. "What people need to bear in mind is that health is an ongoing journey. It is easier to do it a day at a time, and incorporate these practices into your life so that it becomes a part of you. It's so much harder when you think of it as something for which you can get a failing grade. There is no failing grade. This is a process, one that encourages you to keep trying every day."

Dr. Johnson focuses on obesity, which is a leading contributor to so many diseases, including heart disease, the number one killer of black women. Black women lead the nation in just about every other category as well, from diabetes to obesity. Close to 80 percent of black women are categorized as overweight or obese. "This hits home for me," said Johnson. "Women in my family have challenges with obesity. I'm a woman of color and working in a cancer institute. I know the areas where we most need to focus. It's important for me to help be a part of the solution and continue to highlight the areas that impact the health of our folks." Designed to address women at different stages of life (20s, 30s, 40s and beyond), 'The Black Woman's Guide' also features healthy recipes and diet tips.

In addition to addressing health issues such as heart disease and obesity, the book also tackles mental and emotional health, spiritual health, and even sexual well-being. Dr. Hilda Hutcherson, a gynecologist and sexual health columnist for Essence who also appears in the book, says too many doctors don't open the lines of communication to their patients regarding sex and sexuality. As as a result, she says, many women take bad advice and remain unsure of where to turn when having sexual problems. "Who do you talk to when you're not enjoying sex, when you're not having an orgasm?" Hutcherson asked. "The last person women would feel comfortable talking to is their doctor. But your doctor is a reasonable person to talk with about your sexual problems, because sometimes your sexual problems are connected to poor health."

Hutcherson believes sex is a crucial part of a woman's health -- mentally and physically. She says women have to get comfortable with their bodies and talk about what's going on inside, sexually. One of her missions is to help eradicate the stigma attached to sex. "Growing up in a black community like mine, (sex) was something you did in the dark, under the cover, with the blinds clothes," she said. "It was doing the nasty. It was sinful. Sex wasn't presented in the home and the community as something that is beautiful, natural and something that can affect your health. That's why it's included in this book."

Hutcherson dishes the sex talk in an advice column, addressing common issues in a user-friendly, open manner, which is the style of the entire book. "This is a book that's easy to read, has great pictures, it's not too big, but it hits the salient points, and it makes women think," Hutcherson said. "This book deals with some very important medical conditions and concerns, and I'm glad to be a part of it."