Minority Health Issues: 4 Steps to Achieve Equal Opportunity Health by Joyce Knestrick, CRNP, FAANP

Minority health is improving, but we still have a long way to go. For nearly every big health threat – from heart disease to diabetes to cancer – African Americans are disproportionately affected. Don’t let nagging health disparities affect your personal well-being! Here are four ways to take charge of your health:

• Make healthy lifestyle choices. Focusing on a balanced diet, exercise, sleep and stress prevention can eliminate extra pounds and stave off potential health risks like diabetes, high blood pressure and stroke.

• Emphasize risk reduction. You can’t change your genes, but you can lower your risk of diabetes by maintaining a healthy weight, exercising to avoid high blood pressure and quitting smoking to reduce your cancer risk, among other things.

• Follow through with treatment regimens. Getting a diagnosis is only the first step. Many conditions are manageable but require a strict treatment plan to avoid serious long-term complications.

• Find a provider you trust. Roughly 25 percent of African Americans don’t see a provider regularly, which is a problem because virtually every major health risk requires early detection for a positive long-term prognosis.

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.