During Black History Month, the HHS Office of Minority Health (OMH) is celebrating the achievements of Black communities and honoring the significant role and impact they have made on all facets of life and society throughout U.S. history.
This year's theme, Black Health and Wellness, acknowledges the legacy of Black scholars, medical practitioners, and health care workers whose activities, rituals, and initiatives have positively impacted the health and wellness of Black communities. Focusing on the overall wellness of this community is particularly important now because of the impacts COVID-19 has on people with underlying medical conditions.
Throughout February, OMH will highlight the work of Black men and women whose efforts within the field of health care have increased representation and helped shape modern medicine.
Visit the OMH Black History Month website during the observance month to find information and resources on key health concerns impacting the Black community, prominent historical figures within the medical field, and downloadable materials.
|
Each February, the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) and The Heart Truth celebrate American Heart Month by motivating everyone in the U.S. to adopt healthy lifestyles to prevent heart disease.
According to NHLBI, coronary heart disease is the leading cause of death for African Americans and Hispanics/Latinos. Heart disease is second only to cancer for Asian Americans, Pacific Islanders, and American Indians/Alaska Natives.
You have the power to take action to protect yourself against heart disease. Devoting time every day to care for yourself can go a long way toward protecting your heart health. Show your heart some love by preparing tasty, nutritious meals, doing at least two and a half hours of physical activity per week, getting seven to eight hours of sleep every night, quitting smoking/vaping, and adopting healthy ways to cope with stress, such as mindfulness and simple breathing exercises.
Explore the NHLBI's The Heart Truth and #OurHearts campaign websites for information and resources on heart healthy living, including health education materials developed for community health workers and tailored to minority communities.
|
National Wear Red Day is celebrated each year on the first Friday in February to bring greater attention to heart disease as a leading cause of death for people in the U.S., notably Black/African Americans, and Latinos.
Health problems that increase the risk of heart disease are common in Black and Latino communities, including being overweight and having high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes. Having multiple risk factors increases your risk for heart disease. People with poor cardiovascular health are also at increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19.
On February 4, join NHLBI, The Heart Truth, and organizations around the country by wearing red to support heart disease prevention and encourage yourself and the people you love to make heart health a part of your self-care routine in 2022!
|
February is National Cancer Prevention Month. According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), although there has been substantial progress in cancer prevention over the past several decades, cancer health disparities persist, including:
- higher incidence of aggressive breast cancer among Black women
- higher rates of prostate cancer incidence and death among Black men
- higher rates of cervical cancer incidence and death among Black and Hispanic/Latina women
- higher rates of kidney cancer among American Indians/Alaska Natives
- higher rates of liver cancer among Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders
You can lower your risk of getting many common kinds of cancer by making healthy choices like keeping a healthy weight, avoiding tobacco, limiting the amount of alcohol you drink and protecting your skin. Screening tests can find some cancers early when treatment works best, and vaccines for human papillomavirus (HPV) and hepatitis B can help prevent several kinds of cancer. Visit the CDC National Comprehensive Cancer Control Program webpage to learn about projects that promote healthy lifestyles, support recommended cancer screenings, educate people about cancer symptoms, increase access to quality cancer care, and enhance cancer survivors' quality of life.
February 4 is also World Cancer Day. This year's theme, Close the Care Gap, will raise awareness of the equity gap that exists in access to cancer health care among racial, ethnic, and sexual/gender minorities. Use the World Cancer Day Action Toolkit, available in English, Spanish, and other languages, to find ways you can inform others about cancer disparities and advocate for action.
|
February 7 is National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day. Let's celebrate progress in reducing new HIV diagnoses among Black/African American people while recognizing we must address barriers like racism, homophobia, and transphobia to stop HIV. Together, we must confront issues such as discrimination and mistrust in the health care system that prevent many Black/African American people from accessing HIV testing, prevention, and treatment.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) can stop HIV from taking hold and spreading throughout your body. It is a highly effective option to prevent HIV when taken as prescribed, but it is prescribed at a lower rate for Black/African Americans. This National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, learn more about adding PrEP to your sexual health toolbox.
Share National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day social media posts and images from the CDC to help spark conversations about HIV and highlight the progress being made to reduce HIV in Black communities. For resources in Spanish, visit CDC's VIH en español.
|
In recognition of Black History Month and American Heart Month, the OMH Knowledge Center is highlighting a collection of resources on cardiovascular disparities among Black communities. These resources are available for free and can be accessed through our online catalog.
To browse this collection, click here.
|
|
