2008 Woodie Awards
Always on top
Erika L. Green
Issue date: 2/2/05 Section: Lifestyles and Health
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There is no question that African Americans are at the top of the charts in music, movies, and even modeling. Yet, there should be questions behind the reasons African American are making the top of medical charts. Unfortunately, the statistics are showing these charts are not yielding positive information. The reality is African Americans are leading in the number of cases, number diagnosed, and in the number of deaths resulting from chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, asthma, and AIDS.
No, it isn't only limited to just these diseases but the alarming numbers show there is definitely a problem in the black community. With diabetes being the third leading cause of death for black women and African Americans three to four times more likely than whites to be hospitalized for asthma among young adults and children, our community is in serious need of medical help and a reality check. The most tragic statistics show that young African Americans, ages 25-44 contract AIDS four times more often than whites. Since the statistics are obvious, the answer to solving these problems must be too. There must first be a clear understanding to why African Americans are so susceptible to these diseases. Some say it's heredity, while others blatantly put themselves in harms way by disregarding prevention methods and by not being informed.
It seems to be true that hereditary is a cause for these alarming numbers but in conjunction with nonchalant attitudes. "I know diabetes is in my family and that I could get it, but others just don't take care of themselves," says sophomore Hanaiya Payne. Bad cultural habits, high-fat diets, obesity, inadequate health care, exposure to indoor allergens, failure to take specified medication, and unprotected sex also increase these numbers. Some people are even under the assumption that these diseases won't happen to them so they continue in risky behavior. "I think we hear statistics, but don't relate them to anyone or ourselves because we don't think it is that serious," comments sophomore Shavonne Hardimon. The seriousness is very apparent and extends to the fact that more than a quarter million African Americans will die from these diseases.
We all know the effects of not adhering to the doctor's orders and death is a major one. We also know the results of constantly having unprotected sex. So, the reality is everyone should just do what the doctor asks, but we know this to not be true. "Although I know I have asthma, it is many times that I don't take my medicine," says sophomore Ashley Stokes. Stokes is only one of the many who do not do the necessities that will keep them out the hospital. Few people go to the doctor for regular check ups and even fewer that check their heart rate or blood pressure daily. This goes to show that it is nobody's fault but African Americans that we are leading the medical charts. The answer to reducing the numbers is simply implement a low-fat diet, exercise, become aware of family's medical history, practice safe sex, and most of all educate yourself about the diseases that are plaguing your race, which can ultimately save your life and the life of someone in your family.
No, it isn't only limited to just these diseases but the alarming numbers show there is definitely a problem in the black community. With diabetes being the third leading cause of death for black women and African Americans three to four times more likely than whites to be hospitalized for asthma among young adults and children, our community is in serious need of medical help and a reality check. The most tragic statistics show that young African Americans, ages 25-44 contract AIDS four times more often than whites. Since the statistics are obvious, the answer to solving these problems must be too. There must first be a clear understanding to why African Americans are so susceptible to these diseases. Some say it's heredity, while others blatantly put themselves in harms way by disregarding prevention methods and by not being informed.
It seems to be true that hereditary is a cause for these alarming numbers but in conjunction with nonchalant attitudes. "I know diabetes is in my family and that I could get it, but others just don't take care of themselves," says sophomore Hanaiya Payne. Bad cultural habits, high-fat diets, obesity, inadequate health care, exposure to indoor allergens, failure to take specified medication, and unprotected sex also increase these numbers. Some people are even under the assumption that these diseases won't happen to them so they continue in risky behavior. "I think we hear statistics, but don't relate them to anyone or ourselves because we don't think it is that serious," comments sophomore Shavonne Hardimon. The seriousness is very apparent and extends to the fact that more than a quarter million African Americans will die from these diseases.
We all know the effects of not adhering to the doctor's orders and death is a major one. We also know the results of constantly having unprotected sex. So, the reality is everyone should just do what the doctor asks, but we know this to not be true. "Although I know I have asthma, it is many times that I don't take my medicine," says sophomore Ashley Stokes. Stokes is only one of the many who do not do the necessities that will keep them out the hospital. Few people go to the doctor for regular check ups and even fewer that check their heart rate or blood pressure daily. This goes to show that it is nobody's fault but African Americans that we are leading the medical charts. The answer to reducing the numbers is simply implement a low-fat diet, exercise, become aware of family's medical history, practice safe sex, and most of all educate yourself about the diseases that are plaguing your race, which can ultimately save your life and the life of someone in your family.