Did you know certain diseases or conditions are more common in certain ethnicities? This is why it’s important to consider your cultural background when looking at your overall health. As we approach Jamaica’s 60th Independence anniversary we present a health and wellness feature targeted towards people who live in the Caribbean.
Continue reading to learn more about health conditions that may be more prevalent in general that affects Black, African, and Caribbean people and what we can do to keep healthy.
How you live your life can impact how likely you are to develop certain health issues. Some cultures might be more inclined to drink alcohol or smoke, which could lead to health problems. Others may eat lower-fat diets that can be beneficial for their health. You may be able reduce your chances of getting a certain illness or condition if you are aware that your ethnic group is more likely to develop it.
If you are Black and from the Caribbean, below are a few of the primary health conditions you are more at risk of.
High blood pressure
Your blood pressure refers to the pressure in your arteries as your heart pumps blood around your body. It fluctuates depending on your activities. High blood pressure can cause serious health problems.
High blood pressure is one of the major risk factors for developing heart disease. This condition, also known as hypertension is especially dangerous for Black people. One in three African-Americans has high blood pressure. Access to quality care is essential for managing high blood pressure. Compared to other ethnic groups, black people are more likely to have high blood pressure early in life.
The exact reason for this is unknown but there may be a combination of genetics and lifestyle choices that contribute to high blood pressure. High blood pressure can cause stroke or heart disease. It is important to get your blood pressure checked frequently.
The best ways to lower high blood pressure are:
- Lose Extra Weight
- Eat Healthy
- Get Regular Exercise
- Reduce Your Sodium Intake
- Reduce Your Stress Level
- Drink Less Alcohol
- Quit Smoking
- Consult a Doctor for Prescription Medications
- Taking Vitamins and Supplements
- Get Quality Sleep
Type 2 diabetes
Type 2 diabetes refers to a condition in which your body doesn’t make enough insulin or can’t use the insulin that it does.
This makes sugar (glucose), which is stored in your blood, to not be used by your body as energy. High blood sugar can cause damage to your arteries over time. This could result in a stroke or heart attack.
High blood sugar or diabetes is also a concern for black Caribbeans. Compared to other ethnic groups, they are more likely to experience complications of diabetes such as end-stage renal disease or lower extremity amputations.
The best ways to control Type 2 Diabetes are:
- Lose Extra Weight
- Be more physically active
- Eat healthy plant foods
- Consult a Doctor for Prescription Medications
Sickle cell disease
Sickle cell disease is a genetic condition that affects red blood cells. The disease is hereditary and if both your parents are carriers of the sickle cell gene there is a 25 percent chance you will have sickle cell disease when you are born.
Sickle cell disease is a condition in which your body produces abnormally shaped red blood blood cells. These cells don’t last as long as healthy ones and can block blood vessels. Sickle cell anaemia is the most severe type.
Sickle cell disease can be a lifelong, serious condition that can cause other health problems.
The only way to cure it is by stem cell transplant or bone marrow transplant. This involves transferring healthy red blood cells from one person and transferring them to another. The bone marrow can then create healthy new cells from these stem cells. However, these procedures are not performed very often as they are costly, painful, and can be dangerous. To manage symptoms, you can use self-care measures and other treatments such as painkillers or antibiotics.
Your doctor can help you determine the best treatment plan for sickle cell disease. You can also ask your doctor to run a blood test if you are concerned that someone in your family may have sickle cell disease.
There are certain risk factors you cannot control such as age and family history. However, lifestyle changes can reduce your chances of developing certain conditions.
You can reduce your chances of developing type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure by taking care of yourself.
Traditional African and Caribbean foods are rich in healthy nutrients, including sweet potatoes, leafy green veggies, beans, and yams. Some dishes, like fried foods, soups made with palm oil and saltfish, have high levels of saturated fat and salt. The way you cook food can also impact its fat content. You can substitute palm oil and coconut oil with rapeseed oils, and grill instead of frying.
