MonticelloLive

What do you think is the leading cause of death for African Americans in the United States?  Well, if you guessed heart disease, you are right.  In fact, heart disease is the leading killer across most minority communities in the United States, accounting for 27% of all deaths in 2004.

According to the Office of Minority Health, African American men are 30% more likely to die from heart disease than white males.  African Americans are twice as likely as whites to have high blood pressure, which is a risk factor for developing heart disease.  
Other important risk factors for heart disease are high blood cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, being overweight, being physically inactive, having a family history of early heart disease, and age.

While some risk factors can’t be changed, you do have control over others. You can lower your risk of heart disease—and it doesn’t have to be hard! The first step toward heart health is becoming aware of your own risks.

Some risks, such as smoking cigarettes, are obvious.  To learn more about resources that might help you contact Maryland Franklin, Minority Health Coordinator for Drew HHI at 870-367-6234.
But other risk factors, such as high blood pressure or high blood cholesterol, generally don’t have obvious signs or symptoms. So see your doctor to learn more about your heart health, and then make the changes they suggest.  Keep your heart healthy, it has to last a lifetime!

Drew HHI meets monthly to address health issues in our county.  The next meeting will be Wednesday March 12, 2008 at noon.  For more information or to attend please contact Karen Brown, Drew HHI Administrator at 870-367-6234, ext 229.