African American Health Disparities Heart Diseases - 1650 Words

African American Health Disparities: Heart Diseases (Research Paper Sample) Content: African American Health DisparitiesHealth has always been an issue of great importance for the human race and as such there are constantly medical researches that are undertaken to ensure that health is improved. Our health often insures that we are free from medical illness as much as possible and that is why preventive care is often emphasized on. Health issues tend to differ from one ethnical community to the other based on several reasons. When this occurs and there is a comparison of health issues between different population groups, then we can say that health disparity have taken place. Williams (2011) describes health disparity as the consideration of one population group as compared to another in terms of having a higher burden in relation to illnesses, disability, injuries and morality.In general, health disparity does affect every ethnic group population but for the African American, it is often at its highest. African Americans have one of the longest his tories and rich culture amongst the American population but their health disparities is quite alarming. This is because as compared to other ethnic groups, African Americans tend to top the list for more than one health issue that affects the American population. Statistically, the number of "preventable diseases, chronic diseases and premature deaths tend to be higher amongst the African American community" (Williams, 2011). There are several reasons as to why African American health disparities data is like it is today. This paper seeks to discuss the literature review of the various health issues that affect this particular ethnic group as well as some of the reasons behind the issue. It will take into consideration the top health issues for African Americans and that include obesity, heart disease, diabetes and cancer.ObesityObesity is the condition of weighing more than your height and age recommends one to be such that one has more fat deposits than muscles. On average, obesit y does affect a good portion of the American population based on statistics that show that there is an increase in weight gain amongst Americans. For the African American community, being overweight has something that the community has always been associated with since time immemorial. This is largely because of the cultural norm of the community. To be of a certain weight is what the community terms as ideal and as such being "thick" rather than slim was always preferred. The cultural norm of preferring thick to slim is what continues to push the African American community further into obesity. Inforgraphic (2014) explains that 40% of the African Americans are more likely to suffer from obesity in relation to the Hispanic population.Statistics also show that 30% of Alabama population are considered to be obese while another 37% of the same population is said to be overweight (Inforgraphic, 2014). Alabama being more of an African American State, the statistics are alarming as the nu mber tends to increase rather than decrease. Obesity and being overweight has several health concern issues that come as a consequence of having too much weight on for the body to support effectively.Food choices also make a good reason as to why most African American is overweight or obese. African Americans are known to enjoy food that are prepared in different ways and most especially fried or spicy foods. Food plays a huge role when it comes to maintaining a healthy weight. It therefore makes perfect sense based on the diet and nutritional benefits the ethnic group gets from the foods they eat as the reason for their obesity. Most of the weight issues affecting the African American relates to food choice and exercise capabilities which are poor for the average person (Airhihenbuwa Liburd, 2006).Heart DiseasesAccording to Inforgraphic (2014), 30% of African American are most likely to die or be diagnosed with a heart related illness in their lifetime. This number is particularly higher as compared to the white population who share the same demography with the black communities. Heart related diseases can be cause by several reasons genetics being one of them. However, taking into consideration the African American population, this health issues is more than a genetic concern. This is because the population is said to exercise the least preventive care when it comes to most of the health issues they are facing.Taking into consideration the issue of heart diseases, it is a health disparity for the African American because of the heavy smoking and tobacco uses in different ways. On average, most blacks will start or experiment on smoking from the tender age of 12 years and continue with it throughout their life into adulthood (Williams, 2011). The difference here is that in comparison to the white community, most people will have their first smoke right from the age of 16-18. The effects of smoking tend to progress with the continual number of years one has b een smoking and as such, for the African American, they will have several health problems based on smoking alone. This is inclusive of heart related diseases.Still on the same, 24.5% of African American deaths were due to heart diseases that could easily relate to lifestyle choices. As mentioned above, obesity is a problem for this particular community and with obesity other risks such as heart problems can easily occur. Obesity can easily lead to heart problems as the heart fails of functions effectively in order to support the addition mass of weight. This therefore means that based on the eating habits and lifestyle choices of neglecting the need to exercise, this particular community is at a higher risk of dying purely from heart related diseases. This is because of the connection the latter has with the previous such that heart diseases can be control if African American choose to make better choices.DiabetesDiabetes can be as a result of different things and this includes gene tics. Looking at the health disparities of the African American community, Rushefsky (2008) points out that diabetes is one of the main health issue the population faces. An adult for the said community is twice as likely to suffer from diabetes as compared to an adult from the Hispanic community. Statistically, diabetes has a 60% chance of affecting the black community than any other community within the same locality.Cultural beliefs often play a key role as far as diabetes is considered for the African American population. This is because out of cultural practices, the population will tend to trigger diabetes simply from the choices they make. Poor nutrition that can easily lead to diabetes is the sole reason as to why the health disparity rates for this particular problem is as high as it is. African American chose foods that may be healthy to them but on a nutritional level, the foods do more harm than good for the population (Airhihenbuwa Liburd, 2006).The inability to access healthcare at an early or regular point is yet another reason as to why diabetes seem to be affecting more and more African American. The burden of having no insurance and as such the inability to access healthcare facilities is greatly affecting this population in terms of early diagnosis and management of illnesses at an early stage (Williams, 2011). Diabetes for the African American population is something that can be managed as early as possible based on the medical knowledge that is applicable today. Therefore, the problem is that most of African American cannot access healthcare facilities at a good time because they lack insurance. Inforgraphic (2014) states that on average, one out of every five African American does not have medical insurance coverCancerCancer today is considered to be the reason for most incurable diseases throughout the world. This is because it kills on average almost the number of people who have been diagnosed with cancer. Generally, cancer is defined as the abnormal growth of cells and it can be attributed buy several reasons. Before cancer used to be a medical illness that was largely associated with genetics but today, even the environment we live in can be a cause of cancer. As a health disparity affecting the African American, cancer is most likely to occur in both the males and female in differe...

ADHD and CBT - Free Essay Example

ADHD is the most common neurodevelopmental disorder in children. Unfortunately, if an individual is diagnosed with ADHD as a child there is a good chance it will become chronic and persist into adulthood (Robinson, Rogers, 2018). The condition is a neural development disorder that affects an individuals attention span, organization skills, impulsive behavior, and hyperactivity. ADHD comes with negative problems that can impact an individuals well-being. Problems such as academic performance, social life, interpersonal relationships, and lower self-esteem (Ramos-Galarza, C., Fiallo-Karolys, X., Ramos, V., Jad?- n-Guerrero, J., Paredes-N?z, L. 2018). Not only do these impairments affect the individual with ADHD it also affects the family associated with the individual (Hodgkins, Shaw, McCarthy, Sallee, 2012). Literature Review Prevalence/Diagnosis/Symptoms Research shows that over the past couple of decades the number of Americans diagnosed with ADHD have steadily increased (Robinson, Rogers, 2018). From 1997 to 2006 research recorded a three percent increase rate of diagnosing those with ADHD (Robinson, Rogers, 2018). The prevalence rate of the American population is five percent; the majority of individuals diagnosed are male, and in children 90% diagnosed are boys (Schlachter, S. 2008). Increasing evidence suggests that there is a 60% chance children with ADHD will have clinically ADHD symptoms as adults (Saleh, A., Fuchs, C., Taylor, W. D., Niarhos, F, 2018). However, most boys are diagnosed between the ages of 7 and 12 (Schlachter, S. 2008). The diagnosing process for children is usually done by a variety of medical professionals such as pediatricians, general practitioners, or mental health specialist. In most cases teachers, parents, coaches, and other caregivers notice ADHD symptoms and thus play a role in diagnosing a child (Schlachter, S. 2008). Compared to children, diagnosing adults is much more complicated and requires more work. The process for adults to be diagnosed includes experimental tasks, application of scales, test, and a deep clinical analysis (Ramos-Galarza, C., Fiallo-Karolys, X., Ramos, V., Jad n-Guerrero, J., Paredes-Nz, L. 2018). Comorbidity If a family member is diagnosed with ADHD it can cause the family to experience hardships financially and emotionally and ultimately can result in a family breakdown. ADHD individuals often causes problems for spouses, family member, and friends who complain about them not listening, being forgetful, and overreacting. Family members are also exhausted from the mental and physical labor involved with caring for an ADHD child (T. Hirvikoski E. Waaler,T. Lindstrem, S. Belte, J. Jokinen). It is considered a public health concern because ADHD is associated with substance disorder and crime, thus there is a need for effective treatment. Studies have shown that ADHD also associates with severe traffic accidents, relationship issues, and problems at the workplace. More importantly studies have been done to test the impact ADHD has on an individuals health related quality of life (HRQL). The studies have showed negative association of adults and children between ADHD and HRQL. However, studies shows that when effective treatment is in place for ADHD individuals the HRQL increases (Hodgkins, P., Shaw, M., McCarthy, S., Sallee, 2012). Studies suggest that 65% children with have ADHD also are diagnosed with a psychiatric or behavioral issue (Schlachter, S. 2008). The National Comorbidity Survey Replication shows that adults who have ADHD can be comorbid with mood disorder, anxiety disorders, impulse control, and substance use disorder. Results indicate a comorbidity between ADHD and mood disorder is 38%, 47% in anxiety disorder, 20% for impulse control, and 15% for substance use disorder Saleh, A., Fuchs, C., Taylor, W. D., Niarhos, F. (2018). Adolescent/Parents ADHD is often detected early on in childhood, between 5-10% of children is estimated to have ADHD. Originally, to be diagnosed symptoms had to be present before the age of 7. Further studies were done and indicated that 7 was too strict to identify an onset of symptoms. Thus leading to the DSM-5 to require an onset of symptoms prior to the age of 12 instead of 7 (Taylor, M. J., Larsson, H., Gillberg, C., Lichtenstein, P., Lundstrem, S. 2018). For a child to be diagnosed with ADHD there must be evidence of symptoms affecting their function in multiple settings. For example, a child is observed at home by the parents of the child and at school by their teacher. Health care professionals evaluate a childs behavior and interpret their observations to test for ADHD. However, there remains a debate because no objective test is given, it is up to clinical judgement on whether or not an individual has ADHD (Holland, J., Sayal, K. (2018). Adult The college population is also heavily affected by ADHD, many studies associate untreated ADHD with lower academic success. The studies also suggests higher psychiatric problems in those with ADHD compared to the whole student population (Saleh, A., Fuchs, C., Taylor, W. D., Niarhos, F, 2018) ADHD in adults often affects individuals in the workplace. In the U.S labor force ADHD accounts for 120 million days of annual lost work, which results in 19.5 billion lost human (Saleh, A., Fuchs, C., Taylor, W. D., Niarhos, F, 2018). Treatment Since ADHD is one of the most common psychiatric disorders it is important that there are treatment options for those individuals. The condition is associated with numerous of impairments that affects ones life (Hodgkins, P., Shaw, M., McCarthy, S., Sallee, F. R. 2012).