Health Issues Impacting Latinos
Latinos Living Health Initiative, Top 5 Health Issues Impacting Latinos
One of the most pressing issues affecting Latinos is health. Disparities in access, quality of service, and the burden of preventable chronic illnesses are rampant. Obesity, heart disease, cancer, mental health, HIV/AIDS, diabetes, and strokes continue to be prevalent health issues within the Latino community. It is important to get regular checkups and screenings for diabetes, heart health, cancers, and kidney health.
Through our Latinos Living Healthy Initiative, we look to find innovative and intentional ways to increase awareness in the Latino community about the steps individuals must take to prevent these illnesses by connecting Latinos with national, state, and local resources. Learn more about the top health issues that are currently facing Latinos across the United States and Puerto Rico and the resources available to fight for better health outcomes.
Type 2 Diabetes
On average, Latinos are more likely to have prediabetes and type 2 diabetes than non-Hispanic whites, and they’re more likely to develop it at a younger age. Prediabetes means your blood sugar levels are higher than normal, but not high enough to be considered type 2 diabetes. According to the CDC, US adults have a 40% chance of developing type 2 diabetes, while Latino American adults have more than a 50% chance.
Heart Health
Between 2015-2018, 52.3% of Latino men and 42.7% of Latina women aged 20 years and older had cardiovascular disease. (AHA). Heart disease is the second leading cause of death in Latina women.1 in 3 Latina women have a form of cardiovascular or heart disease. (Scripps). On average, Latina women are likely to develop heart disease 10 years earlier than non-Hispanic whites. (Go Red).
Cancer
Regular screening may detect cancer early. In 2021, more than 1.9 million Americans were expected to be diagnosed with cancer – and early detection remains our best bet for treatment. Learn more about various screening locations near you and learn how to talk to your doctor about your risks and what tests are best for you at this time at Cancerscreenweek.org.
Para mas informacion en espanol haz clic aqui https://www.cancer.org/content/cancer/es/saludable/encontrar-cancer-tempranamente/hagase-la-prueba.html
Kidney Disease/ Disorder
Lupus nephritis is a severe and potentially life-threatening complication of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) resulting from inflammation in the kidney. Approximately, 1.5 million Americans are affected by lupus and approximately 70% of Americans are affected by the systemic form, SLE. Up to 60% of those with SLE will develop lupus nephritis. This is most common in minority women including African American, Hispanic, Native American, and Asian American women. You can learn more about lupus nephritis and other kidney disorders at Gene.com.