NIH Radio
Make taking care of your heart a new tradition during Black History Month
Brief Description
African Americans with diabetes or kidney disease need to know their risk for heart disease. During February, which is Black History Month and American Heart Month, health experts recommend learning more.
Transcript
Balintfy: Health experts point out that people with diabetes and kidney disease need to know that having those conditions can also increase their chances of having a heart attack or stroke.
Rodgers: For instance, 2 out of 3 people with diabetes die from heart disease or stroke. And having kidney disease also increases a person's chances of having heart disease.
Balintfy: Dr. Griffin Rodgers is an institute director at the NIH.
Rodgers: Compared to the general public, African Americans are disproportionately affected by type 2 diabetes and kidney disease – which increases their chances of having heart disease.
Balintfy: During Black History Month and American Heart Month this February, Dr. Rodgers recommends learning how to lower the risk for heart disease by reaching out to family members who may be able to offer insight regarding a family health history.
Rodgers: Knowing your family's medical history will allow you to alert your doctor if type 2 diabetes, kidney disease, obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and/or heart disease runs in your family. This is important information to share so that your health care team can keep an eye on your health status and work with you to make any lifestyle changes to keep you healthy.
Balintfy: He says it is important to take action to manage diabetes and kidney disease to help prevent a heart attack or stroke.
Rodgers: If you smoke, get help to stop smoking. Smoking is one of the major risk factors associated with heart attack and stroke. Ask your health care provider for help to quit. If you have diabetes and kidney disease, a key to preventing heart attack and stroke is to control the ABCs of diabetes.
Balintfy: The ABCs of diabetes are A) an A1C test that measures blood sugar over three months, B) blood pressure, and C) cholesterol. Dr. Rodgers adds that some lifestyle changes can help people with diabetes and kidney disease stay at a healthy weight.
Rodgers: It's important to be physically active every day. Playing sports, dancing, walking, or even doing household chores may help you manage weight and lower your blood pressure. Aim to get at least 60 minutes of physical activity, most days of the week. Eat foods with less fat, salt and added sugar. Instead of reaching for the salty fries, choose a side salad. Add more fiber to your diet by choosing whole grains, vegetables, and beans. Limit portion sizes and choose healthy foods to stay at a healthy weight. Being overweight or obese is a risk factor for heart attack and stroke. Take your medicines as prescribed. And ask for help. A little encouragement and a support go a long way. Ask your family and friends to help you stay on the right track.
Balintfy: To learn more about diabetes, kidney disease and weight control, visit www.niddk.nih.gov. For NIH Radio, this is Joe Balintfy – NIH . . . Turning Discovery Into Health.
About This Audio Report
Date: 2/1/2012
Reporter: Joe Balintfy
Sound Bite: Dr. Griffin Rodgers
Topic: diabetes, kidney, kidney disease, heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, family health, African American, risk, blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar
Institute(s): NIDDK
Additional Info:
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