When it comes to good health, prevention is vital. Taking proactive steps to maintain physical and mental well-being is essential to a long and healthy life. This blog post will explore African American health, provide tips for staying healthy, and discuss ways to prevent and manage various diseases. We, as African Americans, can take charge of our health through proper diet, exercise, and health screenings.
Leading Causes of Death in African Americans
1 – Heart Disease
The number one cause of death for African Americans is heart disease. African American males are at a higher risk (70%) of heart failure than white males. African American females have a 50% higher risk of heart failure than white women. I am not surprised by these stats since obesity increases the risk of heart disease.
2 – Cancer
The second most common cause of death for African Americans is cancer. Statistics show that African Americans have a higher risk of cancer mortality than White Americans, even though White Americans have the highest rate of new cancers. Most cancers are survivable if detected early. African Americans tend not to go to the doctor for regular checkups. Therefore, cancer is usually detected in its advanced stages.
African Americans and Health Screening
Get regular checkups to know if you are at risk of any severe health problems. Taking care of your physical health is essential. Regular checkups and screenings can help identify and prevent health issues before they become serious. In addition, when managing chronic conditions, we must take a proactive approach and seek out treatment when required.
Additionally, staying educated about your condition and any medical treatments or lifestyle changes that can help is crucial. Pay attention to and be aware of any potential signs or symptoms of deterioration so you can get the help you need as soon as possible.
African Americans may be at higher risk for depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions. According to the American Psychological Association, African Americans are 20 percent more likely to experience psychological distress than the general population, which can lead to higher rates of depression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders.
Regular mental health screenings can help detect potential issues early on and provide appropriate treatment. Mental Health Matters
Racism and the effect on African American Health Care
Unfortunately, a large number of African Americans do not get regular checkups. A poll by the Kaiser Family Foundation showed that most African Americans do not trust the healthcare system, therefore, not getting preventive checkups, which could help prevent the onset of a severe illness or even death. The basis for this mistrust dates back to the Tuskegee Study of 1972.
To this date, African Americans tend to receive subpar medical treatment compared to their White counterparts. In 2005, a report was released by the National Academy of Medicine (NAM) indicating that African Americans received lower-quality health care than White people, even when variables such as insurance status, income, age, and severity of conditions were comparable.
Ways to Promote Healthy Living
Eating Healthy
Eating a healthy diet is vital for everyone, especially African Americans, who are more likely to suffer from chronic health conditions such as hypertension and diabetes. Making sure you get the proper nutrition not only helps your physical health but can also help maintain your mental health. In addition, eating a balanced diet with various fruits, vegetables, grains, and proteins can help you stay energized, maintain a healthy weight, and reduce your risk of developing chronic illnesses.
A balanced diet that includes fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases and promote overall wellness. Furthermore, increasing the intake of omega-3 fatty acids can help protect against cognitive decline and support better mental health outcomes.
Often it isn’t easy to get all the necessary nutrients from the foods we eat. Therefore, we can take supplements to ensure our bodies get the nutrition they need. For information, refer to our blog on Supplements for a healthy body www.sandwichedmatriarchandmoney.com/equilife
Get active
Regular physical activity is an integral part of staying healthy and preventing diseases. Not only does physical activity help keep your body in shape, but it can also improve your mental health. For example, physical activity helps reduce stress, depression, and anxiety. It can also help improve self-esteem and concentration.
Attempt to get in 30 minutes of moderate-intensity activity on most days of the week to get the most benefit from physical activity. Moderate-intensity activities include brisk walking, swimming, or biking. In addition, try running, jogging, or playing tennis to increase your physical activity levels.
In addition to regular physical activity, getting enough sleep and managing stress levels is essential. If you are struggling with stress or insomnia, contact a mental health professional for help.
Limit alcohol consumption
Alcohol consumption is linked to many physical and mental health problems. For example, excessive drinking can increase your risk for certain diseases, including cancer, heart disease, and stroke. It can also lead to issues with mental health, such as anxiety, depression, and addiction.
Limiting alcohol consumption is essential to preserving your physical and mental health. Please seek professional help if you or someone you know has an alcohol problem.
Eliminate Smoking
Smoking is a significant risk factor for many health issues. For example, smoking increases your risk of lung cancer and other physical illnesses and can contribute to mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. Therefore, quitting smoking is one of the most critical steps to protect your physical and mental health. If you are a smoker, resources are also available to help you quit smoking and manage your mental health.
Manage stress
Stress is real, and managing it is essential to good health. However, African Americans, in particular, can be at higher risk for stress-related illnesses due to systemic racism, disparities in healthcare access, and other social issues. Therefore, finding healthy ways to manage and reduce stress is essential.
Conclusion
As we advance towards living our best lives, it could start with seeking medical advice and getting an annual physical. From there, putting self-help techniques into practice will help keep us on track to becoming and maintaining good health. Examples of Selfcare