African Americans are generally at higher risk for heart diseases, stroke, cancer, asthma, influenza and pneumonia, diabetes, and HIV/AIDS, according to the Office of Minority Health, part of the Department for Health and Human Services.
The three pillars of health are nutrition, physical exercise, and sleep. All three of these are connected.
For example, if you don't sleep well, you may not eat well. People get food cravings when they haven’t slept well, and they often crave a food with lots of carbohydrates (carbs) like a cookie. And when you are tired, the last thing you want to do is go to the gym.
People who are fully functioning pay attention to all three. They must all be working together for better health.
For example, if you don't sleep well, you may not eat well. People get food cravings when they haven’t slept well, and they often crave a food with lots of carbohydrates (carbs) like a cookie. And when you are tired, the last thing you want to do is go to the gym.
People who are fully functioning pay attention to all three. They must all be working together for better health.
NUtrition
The Mediterranean Diet includes many different nutrients that work together to help your body. There’s no single food or ingredient responsible for the Mediterranean Diet’s benefits. Instead, the diet is good for you because of the combination of nutrients it provides.
You may have many questions as you begin a new eating plan. It’s important to consult with a primary care physician or dietitian before making drastic changes to your diet or trying any new eating plan. They’ll make sure your intended plan is best for you based on your individual needs. They’ll also share meal plans and recipes for you to try at home.
You may have many questions as you begin a new eating plan. It’s important to consult with a primary care physician or dietitian before making drastic changes to your diet or trying any new eating plan. They’ll make sure your intended plan is best for you based on your individual needs. They’ll also share meal plans and recipes for you to try at home.
The Mediterranean Diet has many benefits:
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physical activity
Active people generally live longer and are at less risk for serious health problems like heart disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity, and some cancers. For people with chronic diseases, physical activity can help manage these conditions and complications.
Benefits for Adults
Benefits for Aging
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Sleep
A recent study showed that African Americans, and especially men, are much more likely to die from obstructive sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is underdiagnosed in African Americans and, once diagnosed, treatment is less successful compared to the general population. Sleep apnea is a potentially serious sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts. If you snore loudly and feel tired even after a full night's sleep, you might have sleep apnea. If you think you might have sleep apnea, see your health care provider. Treatment can ease your symptoms and might help prevent heart problems and other complications.
HypertensionIf you have high blood pressure, the force of the blood pushing against the artery walls is consistently too high. The heart has to work harder to pump blood. Blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg). In general, hypertension is a blood pressure reading of 130/80 mm Hg or higher.
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How does sodium intake effect bp?
diabetesDiabetes is a chronic (long-lasting) health condition that affects how your body turns food into energy. Your body breaks down most of the food you eat into sugar (glucose) and releases it into your bloodstream. When your blood sugar goes up, it signals your pancreas to release insulin. Insulin acts like a key to let the blood sugar into your body’s cells for use as energy.
With diabetes, your body doesn’t make enough insulin or can’t use it as well as it should. When there isn’t enough insulin or cells stop responding to insulin, too much blood sugar stays in your bloodstream. Over time, that can cause serious health problems, such as heart disease, vision loss, and kidney disease.There isn’t a cure yet for diabetes, but losing weight, eating healthy food, and being active can really help. |
can we reverse Insulin resistance and t2dm?
Yes, you can permanently reverse insulin resistance with healthy lifestyle changes. While there's no overnight cure or one-size-fits-all solution, the fastest way to address insulin resistance is a multifaceted approach. Regular physical activity, adopting a nutrient-dense diet, managing stress effectively and prioritizing quality sleep all contribute to swift improvements in insulin sensitivity. Speak with your health care provider or a registered dietitian to learn how your lifestyle and dietary choices can improve your insulin resistance and overall health.
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obesityObesity is a complex issue with many causes. It's caused when extra calories are stored in the body as fat. If you consume high amounts of energy, particularly found in high fat and high sugar foods, and do not use all of the energy through physical activity, much of the extra energy will be stored in the body as fat. Overweight and obesity are defined as abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that presents a risk to health. A body mass index (BMI) over 25 is considered overweight, and over 30 is obese. For individuals, BMI is screening tool, but it does not diagnose body fatness or health. A trained health care provider should perform appropriate assessments to evaluate an individual’s health status and risks. If you have questions about your BMI, talk with your health care provider.
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