African Americans are a diverse group of people who have a rich and varied history and culture. However, they also face many challenges and disparities in health and well-being. According to the Center for American Progress, African Americans are more likely to die from preventable diseases, experience higher rates of chronic conditions, and have lower life expectancy than other racial and ethnic groups. In this article, we will explore some of the leading causes of death among African Americans and what can be done to reduce them.
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Heart Disease: The Number One Killer
Heart disease is the leading cause of death for all Americans, but it is especially prevalent among African Americans. According to the CDC, heart disease accounted for 23.5% of all deaths among black residents in 2019. Heart disease includes conditions such as coronary artery disease, heart attack, heart failure, and arrhythmia. Some of the risk factors for heart disease are high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity, smoking, physical inactivity, and family history.
To prevent or manage heart disease, it is important to adopt a healthy lifestyle that includes eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, quitting smoking, managing stress, and taking prescribed medications. It is also essential to get regular check-ups and screenings for blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels. Additionally, it is important to seek medical attention immediately if you experience any signs or symptoms of a heart attack or stroke, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, numbness or weakness in one side of the body, or sudden confusion or trouble speaking.
Cancer: The Second Leading Cause of Death
Cancer is the second leading cause of death among African Americans, accounting for 20.3% of all deaths in 2019. Cancer is a group of diseases that involve abnormal cell growth and can affect any part of the body. Some of the most common types of cancer among African Americans are lung cancer, prostate cancer, breast cancer, colorectal cancer, and cervical cancer. Some of the risk factors for cancer are tobacco use, alcohol use, obesity, physical inactivity, exposure to environmental toxins, genetic mutations, and family history.
To prevent or detect cancer early, it is important to avoid or limit exposure to known carcinogens such as tobacco smoke, alcohol, asbestos, radon, and ultraviolet radiation. It is also important to maintain a healthy weight, eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, exercise regularly, and get vaccinated against certain viruses that can cause cancer such as human papillomavirus (HPV) and hepatitis B. Moreover, it is important to get regular screenings for cancers that can be detected early such as mammograms for breast cancer, Pap tests for cervical cancer, colonoscopies for colorectal cancer, and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests for prostate cancer.
COVID-19: The Third Leading Cause of Death
COVID-19 is a novel coronavirus that emerged in late 2019 and has caused a global pandemic that has affected millions of people worldwide. COVID-19 can cause mild to severe respiratory illness that can lead to complications such as pneumonia, organ failure, blood clots, and death. According to the CDC, COVID-19 was the third leading cause of death among African Americans in 2019, accounting for 2.9% of all deaths. However, this percentage may be higher due to underreporting or misclassification of COVID-19 deaths.
African Americans are disproportionately affected by COVID-19 due to several factors such as underlying health conditions, lack of access to health care, exposure to high-risk occupations and environments, and social and economic inequities. To prevent or reduce the impact of COVID-19, it is important to follow the public health guidelines such as wearing a mask or face covering in public places, practicing social distancing by staying at least six feet away from others who are not from your household, washing your hands frequently with soap and water or using hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol content if soap and water are not available, avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands, covering your cough or sneeze with a tissue or your elbow, and staying home if you are sick or have been exposed to someone who has COVID-19. It is also important to get tested if you have symptoms or have been in contact with someone who has COVID-19, and to get vaccinated when it is available and recommended for you.
Conclusion
The leading causes of death among African Americans are preventable or treatable with proper care and intervention. However, there are many barriers and challenges that prevent African Americans from accessing quality health care and achieving optimal health outcomes. Therefore, it is imperative to address the social determinants of health that affect African Americans such as poverty, racism, discrimination, education, employment, housing, and environment. By doing so, we can reduce the health disparities and improve the health and well-being of African Americans and the entire nation.
