Closing the Health Disparity Gap: The 3 Biggest Threats for African Americans by Cindy Cooke, DNP, FNP-C, FAANP

It’s National Minority Health Month, and the perfect time to spread some needed awareness. Many are familiar with the problematic health disparity gap, but did you know that on average African Americans live four years less than other demographics? Part of the problem is that some of the biggest health risks for African Americans go unchecked for too long. Here are the top three threats to address at your next provider visit:

• Diabetes: African Americans are 80 percent more likely to develop diabetes, and extra weight is partly to blame. Three out of four African Americans are overweight, which compounds other risk factors.

• High Blood Pressure: Nearly 60 percent of African Americans have high blood pressure, but less than half have this silent killer under control.

• Heart Disease: Heart disease is the No. 1 cause of death in the U.S. and diabetes, high blood pressure and obesity are the biggest risk factors. Managing these conditions will also lower your risk for heart disease – a win-win.

The good news is we know the biggest problems for African Americans and we can address them early, so visit your provider to learn more.

The information on 30Seconds.com is for informational and entertainment purposes only, and should not be considered medical advice. The information provided through this site should not be used to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease and is not a substitute for professional care. Always consult your personal health care provider.