Birds of a Feather-Live Healthy Together: Decreasing Health Disparities in Minorities

1. Birds of a Feather-Live Healthy Together: Decreasing Health Disparities in Minorities Nequita Dowling August 1, 2008 Riverside Mercury West Medical Center

2. Diabetes T. B is a 35yo AAM who presents with complaints of frequent urination and fatigue. He has been this way for years but just thought he had a weak bladder. He is 30lbs overweight but does not get very many complaints from his wife who loves to cook steak and potatoes on which he falls right asleep. He is a construction worker and hates to come to the doctor but his wife made him; besides, his snoring is getting louder and he is not as potent in bed as he used to be.

3. Why is diabetes so prevalent in the African-American community? Heredity Diet Exercise

4. What is the best way to manage diabetes? Monitoring Medications Doctor�s visits Labs Foot exam Diet Exercise

5. Hypertension Y.R. is a 35yo AAF with complaints of elevated blood pressure. She says she was at work and started to have headaches and fatigue. She is a CNA. Her coworker took her BP and it was 183/102. She was told to go home and see her doctor. She has had increased BP before but never took the medications given because �they make her feel bad. Plus, she is not a pill person.� She also has high cholesterol, smokes, does not exercise or eat properly. Her most frequent meal is chips and a Pepsi.

6. Why is hypertension so prevalent in the AA community? Heredity Diet exercise

7. What is the best way to manage hypertension? Monitoring Meds Stress reduction Diet exercise

8. Obesity T.H. is a 30yo AAF who presents for a physical exam. She has a family history of obesity, diabetes, and high blood pressure. She is worried about having the same problems. Almost everyone in her family is overweight. She weighs 298lbs and is 5�4�. Her exam was normal but her bloodwork showed an elevated blood sugar of 130 fasting and her blood pressure was 135/85.

9. Effects of obesity Diabetes Hypertension Joint pain Heart disease

10. What is the best way to manage obesity? Exercise 1 hour, 5 days / wk HAVE TO MOVE Diet 3 meals daily Decrease carbs and calories Weight loss for health

11. Mental Health S. C is a 58yo AAF complaining of problems sleeping. She says her mind is racing and she can not slow down her thoughts. She feels that if she could just sleep she would be ok. She is asking for sleeping pills. On further questioning, she does not go out much� not even to church any longer. She is not taking care of any of her household responsibilities. She feels like she does not have anyone to help her with things she needs done in her home. She feels she may be better off dead but does not have a plan to harm herself.

12. Prevalence of depression in AA community Denial Our lack of use of mental health services despite the many hardships we go through as a people

13. Heart Disease M.W. is a 60yo AAF coming in for a pre-op physical for foot surgery. When asked about her review of systems, she did report over the last 2 weeks sudden fatigue, nausea, and left-sided neck, shoulder, and back pain. She has heartburn, hypertension, and high cholesterol. She is also postmenopausal. Her father died at 58 from a heart attack. Similarly, her brother passed at 60 from a heart attack that was followed by a stroke. Her EKG showed significant changes from one year ago.

14. What are the signs of heart disease? Atherosclerosis Signs of a heart attack Signs of a stroke

15. How to prevent heart disease Diet Exercise Regular check ups If you have signs, go early!

16. HIV/AIDS S.H. is a 43yo AAF with complaints of rash and weight loss. Her appetite has been poor over the last year. She eats properly but has to force herself. Her dress size has dropped 5 sizes in the past 8 months. She has had CAT scans and blood work but everything was normal, except for low blood count and white cells. S.H. has been to the doctor regularly for her pap smears and mammograms. She even stopped smoking after 25yrs because she was afraid she had cancer. Her rash itches terribly and nothing seems to help it. She is a college professor and her husband is a business executive. Her students, colleagues, and husband are all starting to worry.

17. Risk for HIV AA female, 12-28yo age group Promiscuity (males and females) Previous IV drug use or transfusions Fear of knowing in our community Doctors don�t ask Ask your doc to test you GET TESTED Protect yourself Other std�s

18. Breast Cancer Y.W. is a 67yo AAF who comes in for a physical. She is brought in by her daughter because she hates coming to the doctor and has not had a physical in 10 years. During her breast exam, the doctor notes a lump the size of a golf ball on the outer side of the left breast. She is trying to avoid being touched there and quickly says, �Oh, this has been here for years. I had it checked out before, but it was ok.� The doctor recommends a mammogram and biopsy asap. Her daughter states, �We will be sure to get this done.�

19. Prevalence of breast cancer in the AA community Denial Screening SBE Doctor�s exam Mammogram

20. Healthy Lifestyles Diet decrease salt and sugar increase fiber, fruit, veggies, water

21. Exercise 30-60min 3-5 days weekly walking, jogging, weight training

22. STOP SMOKING!

23. Regular check ups

24. Ask questions about your health