Nearly half of all African American adults have some form of cardiovascular disease, and African Americans have nearly twice the risk for a first-ever stroke than Caucasians, resulting in a much higher death rate from stroke.
However, while one in three adults has some form of cardiovascular disease, 80 percent of those diseases can be prevented.
That’s where the American Heart Association jumps in.
In advance of the organization’s sixth annual Power of Laughter Workshop and Comedy Luncheon, Sept. 16 at the Wyndham Grand, Downtown, Mario Browne, director of the Office of Health Sciences Diversity at the University of Pittsburgh School of Health Sciences, said education is paramount to prevention.
“If you don’t know that certain things typically provided for you may not be healthy for you, you tend to make (unhealthy) choices,” Browne said.
Browne said the reasons why Blacks are more likely to suffer from heart disease are not necessarily genetic, “but lifestyle- or diet-related, smoking, or the different stresses that people may be under. Even lack of access to things such as safe places to walk and exercise, and a lack of fruits and vegetables.”
Browne, also an AHA spokesperson, said the organization touts three primary ways to combat cardiovascular diseases.
“First, get regular checkups, because it’s important to know your number, like blood pressure, cholesterol and triglycerides levels,” he said. “Second, try to do the best you can, by reading food labels, and make sure you’re eating foods that are rich in fiber, low in sugar and trans and other fats. Do the best you can with eliminating salt and fat out of your diet.”
Browne said the third method is to become more active. “It doesn’t mean you have to prepare to run a marathon, but going for a walk a few times a week, or doing chores on a regular basis…whatever you can do to just get moving,” he said.
Browne also mentioned learning one’s family history, as it could play a factor in a person’s predisposition for cardiovascular diseases.
It’s important to act quickly in the event someone is experiencing, say, a stroke. Browne told the New Pittsburgh Courier in an exclusive interview that due to advancements in the medicinal field, “we know that if we respond to certain things quickly, the effects of that event can be reversed, or at least minimized.” Browne spoke of his grandmother, who experienced a stroke and spent the remainder of her life paralyzed on one side. “When she had the stroke, people did not know what to do, and by the time she got the medical care, it was more about saving her life than anything else,” he said.
Thus, the American Heart Association touts an acronym, F.A.S.T., on how to spot the early signs of a possible stroke. “F” is for Face Drooping, “A” is for Arm Weakness, “S” is for Speech Difficulty, and “T” is for Time to Call 9-1-1.
“When it comes to family and friends, and you see these signs, call 9-1-1 even if they don’t want you to,” Browne said. “Worry about that after the fact, it’s better to error on the side of caution.”
The sold-out Power of Laughter Workshop and Comedy Luncheon will feature comedian Damon Williams, and Hip-Hop violinist Humble G., who will share positive messages of health.
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