September is Minority & Multicultural Health Month

It is reported that the population of New Jersey is one of the most racially and ethnically diverse in the nation. More and more ethnic populations, born outside of the United States are making the U.S. their home. Unfortunately, ethnic and minority communities are at risk for chronic diseases that result in death if not detected early. For instance, The Office of Minority Health reports that “heart disease is the leading killer across most racial/ethnic minority communities in the U.S. accounting for 26% of all deaths in 2006. Also 32% of African Americans had hypertension compared to 23% of whites in 2009. As of 2008, 2.5 million Hispanic adults 18 years and older, 11% of the population, have diabetes.” So, we see that raising awareness among minority and multicultural populations is needed to prevent the onset of chronic disease.  Encourage a love one today to go to their doctor for a health check up!

For more information regarding minority and multicultural populations, visit:  www.minorityhealth.hhs.gov