National Minority Health Month
“Without health and long life, all else fails.”
– Dr. Booker T. Washington
Recognizing that health is the key to progress and equity in all other things, Dr. Booker T. Washington proposed the observance of “National Negro Health Week” in April 1915. He called on local health departments, schools, churches, businesses, professional associations, and the most influential organizations in the African American community to “pull together” and “unite… in one great National Health Movement.” That observance grew into what is today a month-long initiative to advance health equity across the country on behalf of all racial and ethnic minorities. – National Minority Health Month
One of the best things a person can do to better their health is to engage in physical activity. In contrast, not enough Americans engage in the suggested level of physical activity. The physical activity recommendations for aerobic and muscle-strengthening activities are only completely met by 1 in 4 adults and 1 in 5 high school students. Even among adults in some racial and ethnic minority communities, these figures are lower. (CDC, 2020).
Benefits of Exercising include controlling weight, along with diet, exercise plays an important role in controlling your weight and preventing obesity. Reduces the risk of heart disease, exercise strengthens your heart and improves your circulation. Improves mental health, during exercise, your body releases chemicals that can improve your mood and make you feel more relaxed. Strengthen Bones and Muscles, regular exercise can help kids and teens build strong bones. It is recommended that adults each week get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity, such as a brisk walk that makes your heartbeat faster. Children and adolescents starting at age 6 should participate in at least 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity daily. (CDC, 2020)
|One of the few CDC initiatives, the Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health (REACH) program aims to lower the prevalence of chronic disease among racial and ethnic groups in urban, rural, and tribal areas across the country that have a high disease burden. (Health Equity Features for National Minority Health Month (CDC, 2020) #Totalwellbeing
#MyJam: Check out song “I Like to Move it Move it” By Will.i.am, for inspiration to have fun while exercising.
References
National Minority Health Month | Health Equity Features | CDC. (2020, March 6). Www.cdc.gov. https://www.cdc.gov/healthequity/features/minority-health-month/index.html
