What Is Disparity Among African Americans

More specifically, personal beliefs and cultural factors have an effect on obesity as well. Mexican-origin patients are at an increased risk for obesity due to familial, social, and environmental influences (Scharger, et al., 2016). Family influences include parental weight, parental activity levels, ability to transport to activity, and concern for child safety. Social influences in this community are income level and access to organized sports and activities. Finally, environmental influences play a big role in this population risk for obesity as location/seasons, access to outdoor space/parks, and neighborhood crime have an affect on whether people

The cultural factor is not the only thing responsible for these habits, also because many Latino Americans in a household where both parents work is sometimes easier and cheaper to just get some fatty or junk food instead of buying fruits and vegetables (Heart Association, 2015). We also have to consider the social-economical factor within the Latino American population where resources are less available than other groups in the United States and their limitation and understanding the role of maintaining a healthy lifestyle can benefit their overall health. Latino Americans are less likely to afford the resources and time to exercise, most of Latino Americans cannot afford the high cost of fitness facilities and professional trainers unlike other Americans. It is important also to highlight that the number of Latino Americans are employed in physical labor jobs which make them tired and often they lack the time and energy to engage in fitness programs that can help them minimize their risks of heart

In 2013-2014 37.7% of adults 20 years of age and older in the U.S were obese. Among racial ethnic groups white Non -Hispanics had the lowest rate of obesity at 36.4%. Black and Hispanics populations had rates of 48.4% and 42.6% nationally. The rate for Black non- Hispanic groups were 1.5 times higher than the rate for white non- Hispanic groups.("Healthy People 2020," 2014, p. 3).

13.2% of the United States population identifies themselves as Black as African Americans, and of those over 16% had an mental illness that was diagnosable. The socio economic impact of a history of slavery, sharecropping and race-based exclusion from health, racism, spiritual beliefs, social and economic resources, education and other factors are key factors that contribute to African American disparities today. Many of these things are linked to mental health. According to the US department of health, African Americans are 20% more likely to report having serious psychological distress than in non-Hispanic whites (. Despite knowing this, African Americans are less likely to seek mental health services than white Americans.

healthcare system (Elchoufani, 2018). Attaining a good health is the ultimate goal for all people and the overall population, so it is important that people study the interactions between race, gender, and socioeconomic status in this matter (ASPPH, n.d.). People in communities with lower socioeconomic status typically encounter fewer options for healthy food and a lack of health education as well as health care. All in all, studying minority health allows us to find methods in making health care more accessible for under-resourced populations, along with determining methods out services and resources can be dispersed to the populations which are more prone to certain illnesses (ASPPH, n.d.). The studying which results in better methods all benefit towards guiding the U.S. population to overall health

Over the past few decades, there have been a series of African Americans killed by law enforcement officers. Trayvon Martin, Mike Brown, John Crawford III, Eric Garner and countless others. The aftermath: the officers who murdered the unarmed men have either been acquitted or there was no indictment. What happened in Ferguson is years, if not decades in the making. African Americans are simply tired of having to bury friends and family and discovering the officers, meant to protect the law and serve the people, are killing black lives and are almost always found not guilty.

I plan to discuss Older African Americans and the disparity of the quality of care in nursing homes. In 2008, 3.2 older African Americans lived in the United States, making up 8.3% of the older population. (Administration on Aging) This number is expected to grow to 9.9 million by the year 2050, making African Americans account for 11% of the population. 50% of Black Elderly lived in 8 states, which were New York, Florida, California, Texas, Georgia, North Carolina, Illinois, and Virginia. (Administration on Aging) 12% of older African Americans had a bachelors degree or higher. (Administration on Aging) Also in 2008, over 12% of Black older persons had a bachelor’s degree or higher. (Administration on Aging) In 2008, 30% of older black men

This article explains the obesity of African Americans children is due to lack of physical activity, unhealthy eating habits and poor nutrition. These entire factors have direct correlation between obesity and chronic diseases. Public health intervention “Mission Thrive Summer” (MTS) was developed in low income African American community in Maryland about health education, promotion of physical activity and yoga. Mixed methods research study design was used. Quantitative measures included accelerometer

As a result of the pervasive power of racism, African Americans and Latino’s consume a high fat and nutritionally low diet, which contributes to their declining health by increasing their a susceptibility to disease. According the American Heart Association (2013), African Americans have a greater chance of contracting heart disease and a 15% higher mortality rate as opposed to their white counterparts, illustrating not only the high prevalence of disease in minorities, but the alarming health disparities plaguing the United States health system. Although, more amicable/civil to blame proximate risk facts of the individual such as their individual diet and exercise habits, it blindly ignores the systemic oppression of residential segregation. Health disparities stem from various factors including a poor nutritional diet; however, all come back to one inescapable conclusion that the oppression of African Americans and Latinos due to residential segregation and institutionalized racism is directly responsible for the influx in chronic disease. The aggregation of minorities into low income communities leading to limited access to fruits and vegetables, paired with the financial burden of healthy eating trap these minorities in a pervasive, toxic cycle, which begs the question: how does residential segregation and institutional racism shape African Americans and Latino’s diet? and What are the consequences of a high fat, nutritionally low diet?

As the leading cause of death in the United States, heart disease seizes the lives of 610,000 people every year, boasting a sad proportion of one in every four lives (CDC). As if this isn’t worrisome enough, high rates of risk factors associated with heart disease make some populations more susceptible to it than others, notably non-white African Americans. Harvard Medical School suggests that one third of all white adults have some form of cardiovascular disease compared to almost half of all black adults. High susceptibility to risk factors coupled with lower access to healthcare means lower quality of healthcare and ultimately lower health outcomes, which is indicative of social disadvantages and major health disparities compared to white

Dangerous surroundings creates a higher risk of obesity for low income children and adults. Living in poverty, especially in crime stricken areas, ensures “a dearth of safe environments for physical activity and recreation” (Blumenthal). Furthermore, gym memberships and personal trainers are costly, so many turn to try exercising near their homes. In an area with myriad crimes, a

This is also important because I do not want to be a healthcare provider that overweight telling my patients that they need to lose weight. Being that I’m African American already puts me at a higher risk of developing hypertension and type 2 diabetes secondary to being overweight. According to the literature I reviewed for my evidence based change project has linked poor eating habits and decreased physical activity has been responsible for the increasing occurrence of type 2 diabetes among African Americans. Therefore, it is imperative that I stay determined to accomplish my weight lost goal.

The sample size was very small therefore, it did not represent the population. We had two groups of participants one who live healthy lifestyle. Eating healthy foods and the other group were participants who eat unhealthy and live sedentary lifestyle. Participants were almost the same age group therefore, they cannot represent all ages. The uncontrolled variable were those participants with poor nutrition and sedentary lifestyle. The 60% of the participants were black and 40% were Hispanic no Asians and Whites so the study cannot represent all races.

There are numerous factors associated with obesity including social class, race, nutritional mindsets, ethnic food cultures, and household income. (Kathleen Lose weight fast: How to do it safely) African Americans are among the fattest people in America, as African Americans are disproportionately affected by job loss, home foreclosures, subprime loans and food stamp use. (Kathleen Lose weight fast: How to do it safely) For most people who are trying unsuccessfully to lose weight, it is because they are using the wrong way to diet, and it’s important to correct it.

As mentioned earlier, physical activity can be performed by everyone and can benefit everyone no matter the gender, race, or age. In today’s society, lack