Help manage well-being by understanding the link between ancestry and illness.
When it comes to some diseases and illnesses, there are preventive measures you can take to ward off poor health. But in other cases, the risk is all in the genes. Ethnic groups share versions of the same genes because they share a common ancestry. This causes certain racial and ethnic groups to develop rare genetic disorders.
It's essential to gain a better understanding of the diverse impact of certain illnesses and diseases to learn how to help promote health equality. Common conditions that strongly impact particular races and nationalities include:
Sickle cell anemia: According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, more than 2 million Americans have sickle cell trait. The condition occurs in about 1 in 12 African Americans. Sickle cell anemia is when red blood cells are crescent-shaped, as opposed to disc-shaped. This abnormal shape causes the blood cells to be sticky and stiff, which blocks blood flow. Although it is a genetic disease, and there's no cure, blood and marrow stem cell transplants can help. Doctors also can treat individual symptoms of the disease, such as pain and fatigue.
Diabetes: The American Diabetes Association reports that African-Americans, Mexican-Americans, American Indians, Native Hawaiians, Pacific Islanders and Asian-Americans have a higher risk to develop Type 2 diabetes, heart disease and stroke. This is partly because these populations are more likely to be overweight and have high blood pressure. An estimated 30 percent of adult Hispanics have diabetes, but as many as half don't realize it. The prevalence of diagnosed diabetes in Mexican-Americans and Puerto Ricans, between the ages of 24 and 74, is 2.4 times greater than in non-Hispanic whites. (Source: American Heart Association)
Untreated diabetes can lead to serious complications, including cardiovascular disease and renal failure.
Heart disease, stroke: The leading cause of death among the Hispanic population is heart disease. Three major risk factors — high blood pressure, obesity and diabetes — increase the likelihood of blocked blood vessels, which can lead to heart attack or stroke. The good news is that making a few simple lifestyle changes can reduce the chances of getting these diseases.
Blood Pressure: Get regular blood pressure checks to determine if you're at risk. If your blood pressure is high, work with your doctor on a treatment plan.
Obesity: Seventy five percent of Mexican-American men and 72 percent of women, age 20 and older, are overweight or obese. Lose those extra pounds by exercising regularly, eating healthy and watching portion sizes.
Tay-Sachs: Tay-Sachs disease is an extremely rare inherited disorder that is most commonly found in people with Eastern and Central European Jewish heritage. Nerve cells are progressively destroyed in the brain and spinal cord, which causes muscle weakness, loss of muscle coordination, movement problems, speech problems and mental illness. Other people at risk for Tay-Sachs are French Canadian communities of Quebec, Amish communities in Pennsylvania and Cajun communities in Louisiana.
Hepatitis B: Hepatitis B (HEP B) is a serious liver infection that affects one in 10 Asians. Transmitted through blood and infected bodily fluids, HEP B can lead to cirrhosis and liver cancer. Chronic HEP B often is "silent," and many people can go decades without symptoms. Because it is preventable by vaccine and effective treatments, screening and early diagnosis are crucial.
Barnabas health offers a variety of programs to meet the diverse health needs of the communities it serves. These programs focus on preventative care, education and general wellness. From community health screenings to seminars to dedicated medical programs, such as those listed here, we offer resources to address the unique needs of those we care for. For information about upcoming events, visit http://www.barnabashealth.org/events.