Reclaiming Our Health: A Guide to African American Wellness (Yale University Press Health & Wellness)

According to the federal Office of Minority Health, African Americans "are affected by serious diseases and health conditions at far greater rates than other Americans." In fact, African Americans suffer an estimated 85,000 excess deaths every year from diseases we know how to prevent: heart disease, stroke, cancer, high blood pressure, and diabetes. In this important and accessible book, Dr. Michelle Gourdine provides African Americans with the knowledge and guidance they need to take charge of their well-being. __Reclaiming Our Health: A Guide to African American Wellness__ begins with an overview of the primary health concerns facing African Americans and explains who is at greatest risk of illness. Expanding on her career and life experiences as an African American physician, Dr. Gourdine presents key insights into the ways African American culture shapes health choices—how beliefs, traditions, and values can influence eating choices, exercise habits, and even the decision to seek medical attention. She translates extensive research into practical information and presents readers with concrete steps for achieving a healthier lifestyle, as well as strategies for navigating the health-care system. This interactive guide with illustrations is a vital resource for every African American on how to live a healthier and more empowered life, and an indispensable handbook for health-care providers, policy makers, and others working to close the health gap among people of color. Says Gourdine, "I wrote this book to empower our community to solve our own health problems and to save our own lives." “An interactive and empowering book” to help African American men and women create a new vision of better health and navigate the health care system (BET.com). According to the federal Office of Minority Health, African Americans “are affected by serious diseases and health conditions at far greater rates than other Americans.” In fact, African Americans suffer an estimated 85,000 excess deaths every year from diseases we know how to prevent: heart disease, stroke, cancer, high blood pressure, and diabetes. In this important and accessible book, Dr. Michelle Gourdine provides African Americans with the knowledge and guidance they need to take charge of their wellbeing. Reclaiming Our Health begins with an overview of the primary health concerns facing African Americans and explains who is at greatest risk of illness. Expanding on her career and life experiences as an African American physician, Dr. Gourdine presents key insights into the ways African American culture shapes health choices—how beliefs, traditions, and values can influence eating choices, exercise habits, and even the decision to seek medical attention. She translates extensive research into practical information and presents readers with concrete steps for achieving a healthier lifestyle, as well as strategies for navigating the health-care system. This interactive guide with illustrations is a vital resource for every African American on how to live a healthier and more empowered life, and an indispensable handbook for health-care providers, policy makers, and others working to close the health gap among people of color. Says Gourdine, “I wrote this book to empower our community to solve our own health problems and save our own lives.” Contents 7 Preface 9 Part I: An Unfinished Civil Rights Battle 19 1. An American Injustice: The State Of African American Health 19 Part II: Rewriting Our Health History: A New Vision Of Better Health 51 2. Lose Weight And Win: Fighting Obesity 51 3. From Soul Food To Food For The Soul: Th E Keys To Eating Well 54 4. Make The Right Moves: How To Burn Fat And Be Fit 97 5. Detoxify Your Life: Managing The Three Ss (Stress, Sleep, And Smoking) 114 6. Change Your World: Righting The Wrongs Of Social Inequity 130 Part III: Navigating The Health Care System: What Every African American Must Do Now 147 7. Know Your Family History 147 8. Understand Your Health Insurance 154 9. Choose The Right Doctor 166 10. Schedule A Physical Exam 171 Epilogue 181 Frequently Asked Questions 183 Glossary 197 Notes 203 Resources 211 Acknowledgments 217 Index 219 Presents an overview of the primary health concerns facing African Americans and explains who is at greatest risk of illness. This titile provides insights into the ways African American culture shapes health choices - how beliefs, traditions, and values can influence eating choices, exercise habits, and the decision to seek medical attention.