Written by Nicole Baldwin FNP-C, Family Nurse Practitioner
National Minority Health Month is observed in April. This initiative targets health needs of African Americans, Hispanics, Asians, Native Americans, and other minorities. This initiative promotes health education and early management of disease complications.
In 1915 the renowned educator, Dr. Booker T. Washington established the National Negro Health Week. Dr. Washington advocated for social and economic progress through improving living conditions and sanitation as well as access to healthcare. He believed there was a strong connection between poverty and poor health. This is a concept still seen today, especially in minority communities. National Negro Health Week was accepted and changed to National Minority Health Month in April 2001, and strives to lessen the imbalance in the quality of health and health care by groups of people based on their environment, race, ethnicity, or economic status. Many times, due to these factors, people may not seek the same medical attention as someone with a higher income. Health equity is achieved when everyone is given an equal chance to have the highest possible standard of health.
You can participate in National Minority Health Month by taking actions to improve your health. Walking helps to get your heart pumping in a healthy way to improve several aspects of your health: blood pressure, weight, endurance, and heart health. This is a perfect time to set goals for healthy living with a timeline for achievement as well as a plan. Examples of goals include: going to bed earlier, drinking more water, or reducing sugar intake. Finally, to participate in National Minority Health Month, get your friends and family members involved in their health. Do activities together to get moving and or eat better.
Be Healthy! Be Well!