It’s Black History Month!
research/writer: Maya Braynt
Editor: Akiim DeShay
February is a great month to reflect on African American history, its present, and its future. As previously mentioned in the blog, African Americans have the highest prevalence in many preventative diseases. Here are some of the more shocking statistics:
- African Americans had the largest death rates from heart disease and stroke compared with other racial and ethnic populations in 2009
- Largest prevalence of hypertension among adults 65 years and older is in African Americans
- The prevalence of obesity among adults from 2007-2010 was largest among African American adults
- In 2010, the prevalence of diabetes among African American adults was nearly twice as large as white adults
- Infants born to African American women in 2008 had the largest infant death rate, twice as much as infants born to white woman
- Nearly 44% of African American men and 48% of African American women have some form of cardiovascular disease or stroke
Although the general health of the nation as a whole has progressed, African Americans are still behind.
A large factor in this issue can be attributed to cultural eating habits. Lots of the foods commonly consumed by African Americans (greens, yellow vegetables, legumes, beans, rice, etc) are rich in nutrients; however, due to their preferred cooking methods as well as the consumption of meats and baked goods cause the diet to be high in fat and low in important nutrients such as fiber, calcium, and potassium.
African American cuisine, also known as soul food, is more than just a type of food; it’s an important part of African American culture. It has been difficult to encourage some African-Americans to eat healthier due to these strong cultural beliefs regarding food. To many, food is about preserving cultural traditions and fostering strong familial ties.
Another factor that contributes to unhealthy heating habits is the lack of access to fresh foods in some of these less affluent struggling communities. For many it is more convenient and affordable to eat cheap fast food and unhealthy discount boxed grocery items available at discount dollar and convenient stores that line these communities. Some areas have even been designated as official “food deserts” because of their lack of fresh foods within a certain radius.
A survey done by the U.S. Department of Agriculture found that 88 percent of African-Americans ate no dark green leafy vegetables, and about 94 percent had no deep yellow vegetables on any given day of the survey. Most African-American adults fall short of the Recommended Dietary Allowances for vitamin E, vitamin B-6, calcium, magnesium, and zinc.
There is a lot that needs to be done in order to change the statistics listed hear. Simple ways to do so would be eating more vegetables daily and consuming fewer fried dishes, sugars, soda, high levels of salt and other items that are known to be associated with the diseases listed in the beginning of this article. Also, physical activity is equally as important: 30 minutes of physical activity is recommended daily. This workout doesn’t have to spent a gym; it could be anything from a kickball tournament with the family to dancing; as long as you’re moving.
