New Heart Medicine Specifically For Black Patients
For the first time The Food and Drug Administration has approved a drug, BiDil, for a specific racial group. The medication dramatically reduces death and hospitalizations relating to heart failure for Blacks. The National Medical Association commended the FDA for the approval. The information clearly showed that Blacks suffering from heart failure will now have an additional safe and effective option for treating their condition.
Preventing Hypertention
Blacks are more at risk for hypertension than any other racial or ethnic group. Many don’t take medication as required and need to understand the importance of having their blood pressure checked regularly. The new National High Blood Pressure Education Program, designed to address this problem, provides information and education for Blacks on changing their lifestyle to combat high blood pressure by getting more exercise and better food.
Black Women More Likely To Have Diabetes
Diabetes is a problem of epidemic proportions in the Black community. African Americans are nearly twice as likely as the general population to have diabetes and some of its most life-threatening complications. Women are more likely than men to contract the disease. According to the American Diabetes Association, one in four Black women fifty-five years of age or older has diabetes.
Black Churches Involved In Diabetes Prevention
The American Diabetes Association has seen a surge in Black churches supporting healthier lifestyles for their congregations by holding a variety of workshops. Church leaders are doing everything from conducting cooking classes that help members learn new ways to prepare healthier meals to starting fitness ministries instructing members of their congregations how to get and stay active. Church involvement is making a difference.
Hormone Replacement Drugs May Cause Breast Cancer In Black Women
A large new study from Boston University shows that Black women face an increased risk of breast cancer when they take replacement hormones. In addition, the study shows that this risk increases for leaner women. One finding was that ten or more years of hormone use increased breast cancer risk in Black women by fifty-eight percent. The study showed that the greater risk among leaner women may be because heavier women already produce more estrogen and fat tissue which may cause them to be less affected by taking estrogens.
Annual Mammograms Are A Must To Detect Breast Cancer
According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer is the most common cancer killer among Black women. Early screening is the key. The National Medical Association is shocked at the number of Black women who have never had a mammogram. Black women need to have mammograms annually at age forty and over, and women who have a family history should start as early as age thirty-five.
| You Should Know: Many Black women have never had a mammogram. This is key to early breast cancer detection and perhaps saving your life. |
Click Here to Subscribe!
|
