Black MeD
African Americans, like any other racial or ethnic group, may face specific medical risk factors influenced by a combination of genetic, environmental, and social factors. It’s important to note that these risk factors are not universally applicable to all individuals within the African American community, and individual variations exist. Here are some medical risk factors that have been associated with higher prevalence or increased risk among African Americans:
- Cardiovascular Disease: African Americans have higher rates of cardiovascular diseases, including hypertension (high blood pressure), stroke, and heart disease. Genetic factors, lifestyle choices, socioeconomic factors, and healthcare disparities contribute to these disparities.
- Diabetes: African Americans have a higher prevalence of type 2 diabetes compared to other racial and ethnic groups. Genetic factors, obesity, unhealthy diets, and limited access to healthcare resources can contribute to this increased risk.
- Obesity: Obesity rates tend to be higher among African Americans compared to other racial and ethnic groups. Factors such as socioeconomic status, limited access to healthy foods, cultural dietary practices, and lifestyle choices contribute to this increased risk.
- Cancer: African Americans have higher death rates from certain types of cancer, including colorectal, breast, prostate, and lung cancer. Factors such as genetic variations, limited access to healthcare, disparities in cancer screenings, and socioeconomic factors contribute to these disparities.
- Sickle Cell Disease: Sickle cell disease, an inherited blood disorder, primarily affects individuals of African descent. It causes abnormal red blood cells that can lead to various complications and health issues.
- HIV/AIDS: African Americans have higher rates of HIV/AIDS compared to other racial and ethnic groups. Factors such as lack of access to prevention education, limited healthcare access, stigma, and socioeconomic factors contribute to this disparity.
- Mental Health: African Americans may face disparities in accessing mental health services, leading to underdiagnosis and undertreatment of mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Stigma, cultural barriers, and systemic inequities contribute to these disparities.
It’s crucial to approach these risk factors with sensitivity, recognizing that individual experiences and circumstances vary within the African American community. Addressing healthcare disparities, improving access to quality care, promoting education and awareness, and considering cultural factors in healthcare delivery can contribute to better health outcomes for all individuals, regardless of their racial or ethnic background.
The Moderator
Francine Prosser-Johnson is an accomplished and dynamic leader that has spent over 25 years in the telecommunications industry with Southwestern Bell and AT&T& Sprint in sales, marketing, and public relations. She implemented all area marketing programs in Texas /and Oklahoma supporting $3.5 B in revenue. Led the marketing teams in the execution of local market initiatives, and supplier relationships in Texas, Oklahoma, New York, and New Jersey markets.
Francine is a native San Antonian a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin she has served as the Chief Operating Officer of South Texas Center for Pediatric Care, a pediatric practice with 5 locations in the City of San Antonio and Cibolo Tx. .Ms. Prosser-Johnson has had the responsibility of the day-to- day management and operation of the business with a focus on the doctors and staff providing premier pediatric care for children in the City of San Antonio and the surrounding area.
As an active member of the community, Francine gives back as a member of various boards such as the Archdiocese of San Antonio Hope for the Future Board ,Vice Commissioner on the City of San Antonio Police and Fire Dept Board, The University of Texas at Austin Division of Diversity and Community Engagement Advisory Council ,San Antonio Chapter of The Links, Inc., The San Antonio Martin Luther King Commission and other community organizations.
