much helpful in this aspect,” Vyas notes.
Change will start with a serious and honest discussion about the impact of institutional racism on health outcomes, he shares, and then creating policies and regulations that address the issues.
“The only thing that is a little bit of a surprise, and disheartening, is the fact that we’re identifying this in a younger population,” Douglass says. This means the social determinants of health really are having a significant impact on a younger population of patients, he adds.
Black Americans aren’t doomed to poor heart health, however. People can redirect their health outcomes through a variety of lifestyle changes, using the American Heart Association’s Life’s Simple 7, Vyas says.
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This includes:
- controlling blood pressure, cholesterol levels and blood sugar
- getting more activity
- eating healthier foods
- losing weight
- quitting smoking.
Handling stress is also important, Vyas says, suggesting yoga and meditation, which can also help with depression.
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Abstaining from alcohol should also be encouraged among young people.
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Seeing a doctor for annual visits, even while younger, could help you catch issues earlier. They may be able to direct you to health programs that can help you. You can also work with your health care professionals to learn about affordable options that might be available to you.
