Blood Pressure…..How to Monitor It

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By Reginia Dodson | UAB Community Health and Human Services Intern

Photo by cottonbro studio on Pexels.com

The two leading causes of death in the United States of America are stroke and heart disease. The cause for both can stem from uncontrollable blood pressure. Millions of adults suffer from high blood pressure, and what’s more alarming is that it often has no symptoms. The only way to be aware of the issue is to monitor blood pressure regularly. What is blood pressure? “When the heart pumps blood through the arteries, the blood puts pressure on the artery walls. This is known as blood pressure” (CDC). Every time you visit a doctor’s office, your blood pressure is usually measured and recorded. This can sometimes give early indication of other issues, like the presence of pain or anxiety. “Blood pressure is measured using two numbers: The first number, called systolic blood pressure, measures the pressure in your arteries when your heart beats. The second number, diastolic blood pressure, measures the pressure in your arteries when your heart rests between beats” (CDC). Another name for high blood pressure is hypertension. “Your blood pressure changes throughout the day based on your activities. Having blood pressure measures consistently above normal may result in a diagnosis of high blood pressure (or hypertension). The higher your blood pressure levels, the more risk you have for other health problems, such as heart disease, stroke, and heart attack” (CDC). What causes high blood pressure? There are a few factors that can cause high blood pressure. It can happen because of unhealthy lifestyle choices, such as insufficient physical activity or a consistently unhealthy diet high in sodium. Diabetes can cause hypertension/ high blood pressure. Pregnancy can also cause high blood pressure as well. The best way to prevent high blood pressure is to be mindful of your diet and incorporate physical activity.

References

https://www.cdc.gov/bloodpressure/about.htm

Defeating Diabetes in the African American Community

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By Regina Dodson | Community Health and Human Services Intern

Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects millions of people worldwide, and it is becoming increasingly prevalent in the African American community. According to the American Diabetes Association, African Americans are almost twice as likely to be diagnosed with diabetes as non-Hispanic whites. This is a significant problem that must be addressed to prevent the debilitating complications associated with the disease.

There are several reasons why diabetes is affecting the African American community. A primary factor is genetics, as research has shown that African Americans are more likely to develop diabetes due to their genetic makeup. Additionally, there are social determinants of health that contribute to the higher prevalence of diabetes in African Americans, such as limited access to healthcare, poverty, and discrimination.

Food deserts, defined as areas where there is limited access to healthy and affordable food options, are also prevalent in African American communities. They have been linked to a higher incidence of diabetes. Access to healthy food options is critical for the prevention and management of diabetes, as a healthy diet is a primary component of diabetes management. The elimination of food deserts in African American communities can help to reduce diabetes.

According to the Journal of Public Health Management and Practice, food deserts are more prevalent in African American communities compared to white communities, and they are associated with a higher incidence of diabetes. Lack of access to healthy food options can lead to a diet high in saturated fats, sugar, and processed foods, which are all risk factors. In addition to the lack of access to healthy food options, food deserts are also associated with poverty, which can lead to limited financial resources to purchase healthy foods. Low-income individuals are more likely to live in food deserts, and they are at a higher risk of developing diabetes due to their limited access to healthy foods (Walker et al, 2010).

Food deserts can be minimized in African American communities by investing in grocery stores and farmers’ markets that provide fresh produce and healthy food options. Additionally, community gardens and urban farming initiatives can help to provide healthy food options in underserved communities (Walker & Block, 2011). Community gardens and urban agriculture programs have been shown to be effective in increasing access to healthy foods in low-income neighborhoods. These programs provide residents with fresh fruits and vegetables, which can help reduce the incidence of diabetes and other chronic diseases and improve overall health outcomes (Lebrón et al, 2019).

References:

LeBrón, A. M. W., Schulz, A. J., Gamboa, C., Reyes, A. G., & Cordero, E. D. (2019). Food environment interventions to improve the dietary behavior of African Americans: A systematic review. Preventive Medicine Reports, 15, 100940.

Walker, R. E., Keane, C. R., & Burke, J. G. (2010). Disparities and access to healthy food in the United States: a review of food deserts literature. Health & place, 16(5), 876-884.

Walker, R. E., & Block, J. P. (2011). Opportunities for intervention: changing the environment to improve health. Journal of Public Health Management and Practice, 17(Suppl 1), S44-S50.