In the U.S., every February is Black History Month. In school, I remember this month as the time when I grew acquainted with historical figures and events that touched my life as an African American woman even to this day. So now would also be a very good time to determine just what the plight of the African American woman is when it comes to health issues.
Truth be told, it seems that some health risks are more of a problem with certain racial groups than others. This is the case with African American women as well. For instance, when it comes to HIV/AIDS cases, The National Council of Negro Women reported that African American women account for upwards of 50 percent of the numbers reported. Also, even though African American women are less likely to get cancer after the age of 40, they are more likely to die of this disease.
The same source reported two more interesting points. First, women of this racial group have a very high rate of obesity. Obesity is a health problem that increases the risk of getting other diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure and some cancers. And second, when it comes to fibroids, African American women are three times more likely to get fibroids than other women. Within this group, fibroids seem to appear at a younger age, grow more quickly and more than likely have symptoms. If the particular woman is overweight then this problem may be aggravated even more so.
This is not a total list of all the health issues that face this group, but it certainly touches on a few that have some of the most devastating outcomes. Experts agree that the disparity may exist because of poor access to health care, poverty, fear or distrust of the medical system and even because of different belief systems.
So what is being done to improve the health status of African American women? For one, there are many health campaigns that provide accessible, quick and easy advice for every type of individual – those who are pregnant, the smoker trying to quit, HIV/AIDS education for the sexually active and even victims of domestic violence. On ohmygov.com, it was revealed that all types of social media is now being used by governmental entities to reach an audience – the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline are now on YouTube, the Alabama Department of Public Health is on Facebook, and the Health and Human Services has a Facebook app!
As is true with other ethnic groups, the numbers of health issues facing African American women are often preventable. Of course, lifestyle changes are needed as well as altered behaviors and regular medical care. It cannot be stressed enough how important it is for all women – not just minorities – to educate, educate, educate themselves with regard to health issues and particularly preventive care. Then afterward, if any symptoms are noticed, it may be easier to identify changes and subsequently get the necessary help as early as you can.
Sources:
Womenshealth.gov
http://www.womenshealth.gov/minority/
The National Council of Negro Women
http://www.ncnw.org/resources/health.htm
ohmygov.com
http://ohmygov.com/blogs/general_news/archive/2010/02/05/8-great-public-health-campaigns-using-social-media.aspx
Dita Faulkner is a freelance writer who works for the State of Tennessee assisting at-risk youths.