Recognizing Minority Health Month at West Jefferson Medical Center

Originally launched by Booker T. Washington, National Minority Health Month is observed in April. This year’s theme is “Better Health Through Better Understanding,” according to the Office of Minority Health. Here at West Jefferson Medical Center, we want to help minorities improve their health.

Higher prevalence of disease

Health conditions do not discriminate, but according to the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities, racial and ethnic minority populations, including African Americans and Hispanics, have higher instances of poor health and disease, such as:

• Asthma
• Cancer
• Diabetes
• Heart disease
• Hypertension
• Obesity

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, some factors for the health disparity in minority communities can be attributed to social determinants of health, which are conditions of people’s work, home, school, play, and worship lives. For example, access to healthcare can be a barrier for some communities. Compounding these long-established inequalities, the COVID-19 pandemic disproportionately affected communities of color.

Disease prevention

At West Jefferson Medical Center, reducing health disparities is a top priority. We are part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office on Women’s Health’s Perinatal Improvement Collaborative to focus on improving health outcomes for moms and their babies. We also recently opened our Hispanic-first clinic in Marrero to deliver health, care and education to the underserved Hispanic/Latino community.

To stay on theme with “Better Health Through Better Understanding,” here are some tips to prevent disease and improve health outcomes no matter your color, gender or identity:

• Early detection for cancer. For some cancers, the sooner it is detected, the higher the likelihood of success of treatment. Studies show Hispanic and Black adults are less likely than White adults to be screened for colorectal cancer. Talk with your primary care provider about which screenings are right for you and how soon you should start.
• Eat a healthy diet. No matter your unique struggles, eating a heart healthy diet can help prevent certain diseases, such as diabetes and obesity. A heart healthy diet includes plenty of vegetables and fruit, lean protein sources (chicken and fish), whole grains, and non- or low-fat dairy. Avoid excessive amounts of sodium and added sugars, alcohol and trans or saturated fats. Try to increase the amount of fiber you eat, and look for healthy fats and oils, such as olive oil.
• Get enough physical activity. The American Heart Association recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week, 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity per week, or a combination of the two. Aerobic activity is anything that increases your heart rate, such as walking, swimming and cycling.
• Get enough sleep. While the amount of sleep you need varies on your age, the average recommendation for U.S. adults is seven to nine hours per night. One study showed that Asian adults were more likely to report getting fewer than six hours of sleep than White adults. To promote a healthy sleep routine, turn off screens (TVs, computers and phones) at least an hour before you go to bed, and keep your bedroom quiet and dark. Avoid caffeine and alcohol before bedtime and go to bed at the same time every night, even on the weekends. If you still struggle with sleep, check with your provider about sleep disorders, such as obstructive sleep apnea.

Mental health care for underrepresented communities

In addition to physical health disparities, minority communities often experience mental health conditions, which could stem from poor access to mental health treatment and overall lack of awareness of mental health. According to the American Psychiatric Association, people from ethnic or racial minority groups are less likely to receive help for mental health issues.

Similar to disease prevention, taking care of your mental health includes eating healthy, getting enough exercise and having a positive sleep routine. In addition, try these self-care tips:

• Reduce stress with relaxation activities. Try meditation, journaling or other enjoyable activities.
• Set goals. Goal setting can help you determine if you’re trying to take on too much at one time.
• Stay connected with friends and family. Support systems are important for mental health. Don’t withdraw from family and friends.

You are your best advocate for health. During Minority Health Month, request an appointment with a primary care provider.