HEALTH FOCUS: Preventing Heart Disease for African Americans
(From the Association of Black Cardiologists)
79 percent of at-risk African Americans over 40 do not view cardiovascular disease as a major health concern
FORT WASHINGTON, Pa., Feb. 18 /PRNewswire/ -- Heart disease claims the lives of more than 37 percent of African Americans who die each year, but according to the results of a survey released today, called "Baby Steps to Heart Health," it may be easier than patients think to incorporate activities that help prevent cardiovascular disease into their daily routines. This survey shows that while nearly 80 percent of at-risk African Americans may underestimate the dangers of heart disease -- the number one killer of African-Americans -- there are simple and easy ways to reduce their risk. From exercising while doing household chores, to taking a daily low dose aspirin, Americans are more likely to stick with activities that are easy to incorporate into their everyday life.*
The "Baby Steps to Heart Health" survey of 1,000 at-risk Americans over age 40 and 300 cardiologists was sponsored by the Association of Black Cardiologists and underwritten by a grant from McNeil Consumer & Specialty Pharmaceuticals, makers of St. Joseph 81mg Aspirin. The goal of this survey was to help raise public awareness of the dangers of heart disease and the preventative benefits of small, or "baby" steps towards better health.
"This survey demonstrated that African-Americans are aware of what they need to do to improve their overall health, but often find it difficult to make those major lifestyle changes," says Dr. Malcolm Taylor, President of the Association of Black Cardiologists.
When asked to rank their favorite ways of working exercise into daily routines, survey participants placed the following at the top of the list:
- Doing household chores (68 percent)
- Carrying in groceries (46 percent)
- Walking or riding your bike (44 percent)
- Parking further away so that you may walk more (41 percent)
- Playing with the kids or pets (39 percent)
"For both men and women, these everyday activities can be a great way to begin moving towards a more active lifestyle. But Americans need to maintain that momentum," said MaryAnn McLaughlin, M.D., MPH of the Cardiovascular Institute at The Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York. "It's the small things that pave the way for the major lifestyle changes that can make a huge difference in preventing cardiovascular disease."
Health Conditions Putting Individuals at Greater Risk For Heart Disease
- Obesity / Overweight (34%)
- Physical Inactivity / Lack of Exercise (32%)
- Smoking (33%)
The "Baby Steps to Heart Health" survey also found that many African Americans still underestimate their risk for developing cardiovascular disease. Only 22 percent of the at-risk respondents surveyed believed they were personally in danger of developing heart disease and many missed the link between certain health conditions and heart disease, further highlighting the need for more education around risk factors. When asked what asked what condition put individuals at greater risk for heart disease, African American respondents answered the following:
"This survey shows that we need to raise awareness of heart disease and the factors that put people at risk in the African American community," says Dr. Malcolm Taylor, President of the Association of Black Cardiologists. "Not understanding your risk can be potentially life threatening."
When asked how challenging it would be to change or modify a variety of behaviors, those surveyed ranked the following activities the most difficult on a scale of 1 to 5:
- Losing Weight
- Reducing Stress
- Quitting Smoking
- Exercising Regularly
- Lowering Blood Pressure
This survey showed that African Americans felt that regular doctors visits (84 percent) and daily low dose aspirin (73 percent) were the easiest preventative measures to integrate into their lifestyles. Of those surveyed however, only one out of three at-risk respondents said they are currently on a low dose aspirin regimen and only 29 percent said they were currently seeing a cardiologist.
"When recommended by a doctor, Aspirin can play an important role in heart health," says Dr. Taylor, "Americans are often uncomfortable taking certain medications, but many of us grew up taking a low dose aspirin, like St. Joseph and, as a result, we feel very comfortable taking it as adults. Talk to your doctor to see if a daily low-dose 81mg aspirin can help you to avoid a heart attack and stroke," he added.
It is estimated that some 62 million individuals have some form of heart disease, but there are a number of simple steps Americans can follow to reduce their risk. Simple baby steps, that can lead to greater heart health include:
- Twist or Shout but Move, Move, Move:
Increase your level of physical activity. Try simple things like walking, cycling, dancing, gardening, playing with children or washing the car.
- Simply Substitute!
Whenever possible substitute high fat/calorie ingredients in your everyday cooking. Use leaner cuts of meat, remove the skin from chicken, use olive oil instead of butter. Also try replacing snacks like cookies and potato chips with more healthful foods you enjoy, like fresh fruits and vegetables.
- Pass These Tests with Flying Colors:
Get your blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar tested regularly. Understand the numbers; know what they mean to your overall health.
- Doctor, Doctor!
Get regular medical checkups. Speak with a doctor to determine if a low-dose aspirin, like St. Joseph 81mg Aspirin, is an appropriate therapy for you.
About the Association of Black Cardiologists
The ABC is a not-for-profit 501(c)3 volunteer organization of more than 800 African-American cardiologists and medical professionals that is fully accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME).
In 1974, the initial groundwork was laid by Dr. Richard Allen Williams and sixteen other cardiologists, to form the ABC. The organization's establishment emerged out of a need for health providers, particularly those who provide cardiovascular care to African-Americans, to coalesce as a group to promote primary prevention, quality of life and culturally sensitive clinical management of cardiovascular diseases.
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BERMA'S KITCHEN: French Vinaigrette
by MBA
[Difficulty Level: 2]
This classic French dressing only takes five-minutes to make and yields 4 servings.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp red or white wine vinegar
- 6 tbsp light extra virgin olive oil
- ½ tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 garlic clove, peeled
- pinch of sugar
- salt and freshly ground black pepper
Preparation
1. Combine all the ingredients in a screw-top jar. Secure the lid and shake vigorously. Leave to infuse.
2. Remove the garlic after a few hours. It will infuse the dressing with a light garlic scent, but if left too long will become bitter.
Variations
Use sherry vinegar instead of red or white vinegar.
Try walnut oil instead of olive oil.
Use wholegrain mustard instead of Dijon.
Add a peeled and halved shallot instead of the garlic. Remove after several hours.
Add a pinch of dried herbs. If you used fresh herbs, add just before serving — if they sit in the dressing too long, they become dark and limp.
For a Mediterranean flavor, add chopped capers and/or anchovies to the basic vinaigrette. You can also blend in a ripe avocado with the dressing — avocados are full of calories but contain beneficial oils.
For a creamy version, add 1 tbsp of low-fat Greek yoghurt, half fat crème fraîche or light mayonnaise. These dressings are especially good poured over prawn salad or blanched vegetables such as broccoli and fine greens.
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HEALTH FOCUS: The Atkins Diet Craze: Does it really work?
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The new Atkins low carb diet is the new weight loss program thousands of Americans are following to fight the growing obesity problem, eat healthier and live longer. In fact, “low carb food options” are popping up in grocery stores, restaurants and even in beer products.
According to Atkins, “the corner of the Atkins philosophy is a four phase eating plan in conjunction with vitamin and mineral supplementation and regular exercise.”
So why are Americans embracing the Atkins Diet? Obesity has become a huge concern regarding adolescent age children and other related health problems such as heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes.
As a result, health-conscious people are looking for viable alternatives to eating healthier and losing weight. To gain a more personal perspective or how the Atkins Diet works, BFM interviewed Tanya Keys, a Case Manager Assistant at Children’s Hospital in Washington DC and a thirty something single mother of a teenage boy.
She spoke to us about the Atkins low carb diet and how determined she is to lose weight and maintain a healthier diet and exercise program.
Black Family Magazine: What are some of the contributing factors you think are causing the obesity problem and health issues in America, particularly in the African-American community?
Tanya Keys: It’s simple. We eat too much. We eat later in the night because of time constraints and most of all African-Americans have historically eaten foods saturated with fat, high carbohydrates, fried foods, etc. But we were more active in the old days, especially southerners that worked in the fields to earn a living. Now, with the progress we have made as a people, new technology and working indoors, we have become less active and definitely lazy.
BFM: When did you begin the Atkins diet?
TK: I began the diet last year and I was working out at the gym everyday for an hour. I did fall off my diet but I recently started again.
BFM: Did you begin to see results?
TK: Yes I did. Actually, it is true with the first 12 days you lose 10 pounds. Within the first two months you are suppose to lose 52 pounds. A friend of mine actually lost 60 pounds within the first two months.
BFM: Is it hard sticking to the diet?
TK: The first week is the hardest. Like anything else, it’s hard sticking to something that actually shocks the body into feeding it differently.
BFM: Like most diets, they tell you to consult a physician first. Did you consult your physician and did he agree for you to try the Atkins diet?
TK: Yes, he actually monitors me but some doctors do not like the diet because of the high consumption of meat.
BFM: What exactly is the Atkins diet?
TK: It is a low carb diet in which you are allowed only 20 carbohydrates a day, all the meat you can eat, all green vegetables and some fruit but it depends on the stage of diet your on.
BFM: What are the foods you can and cannot eat?
TK: No starches, no bread, no sugar, and all the meat you can eat. You can drink diet sodas and definitely drink all the water you can. No juices for the exception of grapefruit juice.
BFM: What is the weight loss goal you set for yourself?
TK: I am definitely looking forward to losing the 52 pounds in the next two months.
BFM: Do you feel confident in reaching that goal?
TK: I do. It’s hard. My family and friends are very helpful and encouraging. I want to lose this weight for my health, my son and myself. In fact, my son who is 13 years old tried the diet and lost weight to play summer league football.
BFM: Do you recommend this diet for children?
TK: I wouldn’t recommend it but please consult a physician if your child is obese to help them lose weight and form better eating habits. Kids are becoming alarmingly overweight because we just simply stop cooking. Everything today is fast, larger and more expensive. But you cannot put a price on your health. Like the commercial says, it’s priceless.
BFM: Thank you very much Tanya for your time and honesty. We hope our readers were a little more enlightened about the Atkins diet from your personal perspective, good luck and please keep us informed of your progress.
TK: I will. Thank you.
For more information about the Atkins diet, visit Atkins online.
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