CNN reports that if you are a heavy drinker and are within the low socioeconomic bracket, then your risk of dying from heart disease is significantly greater. The data was provided by the journal PLOS Medicine. This is a loud wake-up call for the African-American and Caribbean community.
The U.S. Census documents that African-Americans make up 13.3% of the population yet comprise 22% of the poverty rate conferring to the Henry J. Kaiser Foundation. There aren’t specific statistics for the Caribbean population, conversely, this demographic is often grouped under African-Americans.
Caribbean and African-Americans also need to factor in other potential stressors that can lead to premature death. Racism, discrimination, employment inequality, and inadequate health care are all facets of the plight of the aforementioned citizens. Often when reports such as the one mentioned above are publicized, it is often gloom and doom for Blacks. Though it has a negative undertone, keeping abreast of data is imperative for improvement of status.
Entrepreneurship, focus on health including mental, financial freedom, and competitive educational and job opportunities are the order of the day. It can begin with the consolidation of strengths and the realization that no matter where in the world we are, there are challenges and that we are all under one umbrella regardless of internal and external biases. Now that’s putting a positive spin on things.
I know. But my deep problem is my food addiction. If I could control what I eat, I wouldn’t have a health problem.
— Imperfectlyhappy (@MyCaribbeanLife) January 3, 2018
Im convinced that many Caribbean parents really don’t care enough about the mental health of their children.
— jo (@jxhannalevy) January 2, 2018
Dr. Carla Harwell discusses studies that show African American & Hispanic women are more likely to receive a lower quality of health care, and develop severe joint pain & associated complications such as obesity, heart disease & diabetes w/@Health_Power https://t.co/NL5sHj7em6
— Start Moving Start Living (@StartMoveLive) January 3, 2018
@senorrinhatch has been a member of the ^ good ole boys club^ 4 centuries. He actively & openly was destructive towards the poor/middle class, African American/Latin Communities, children, Healthcare seniors. Now God will deal with him as an senior w/ health issues.
— Neda Maze (@NedaMaze) January 3, 2018
It would be happier if you legalised cannabis for health, wealth and recreation. Join the green rush, drop the racist legislation that the US feds introduced 100 years so they could harass african-american community who had largely rejected alcohol. #TheLawIsAnAss
— rachel king (@fairyshi1) January 3, 2018
Did you know? African-American men are twice as likely to die from highly preventable and/or treatable chronic diseases and illnesses. Early detection and intervention are the keys to improving the overall health of our men.
— Black Barbershop (@BlackBHOP) January 2, 2018
Definitely needs to be a discussion on mental health within the African American community cuz this is extremely truee https://t.co/TkoRqptRrM
— Nnahre (@Nnahre_J) January 2, 2018
This was my reaction, “Yes. People have said for many years that the African American diet is to blame for increased heart disease.
Recent studies have proven the affect that trauma and racial trauma has on physical health…— Melanie??, #BedBoundBabe, Spoonie Style Guide (@spoonie_style) January 1, 2018
Thank God. Her being black have anything to do with heart disease? I’ve lived 20 years in Denmark so I don’t know much about African-American health issues. Don’t know much about anybody’s health issues. Not even my own. Try not to drink and smoke like I did when I was young.
— BeacCorp (@BeacCorp) December 30, 2017
