Black History Month and Public Health

Each year, the US President proclaims February as National African American History Month. Heart disease, cancer, and stroke are the leading causes of death for African Americans. About 2 out of every 5 African American adults have high blood pressure, and less than half of them have it under control. African American adults are much more likely to suffer from high blood pressure (hypertension), heart attacks, and stroke deaths than white adults. Individuals living below the federal poverty level are more likely to have high blood pressure compared with those living at the highest level of income. Living a healthy lifestyle can help prevent heart disease, cancer, and stroke. See more from the CDC here.