Best Fork Forward - National Nutrition Month

Best Fork Forward: Preventing Chronic Disease in the African American Community

Minority health has improved over the last decade, but still does not match the health of white populations. In Michigan, as in the United States, racial and ethnic minority populations carry a disproportionately heavy burden from health disparities. According to the 2016 America’s Health Rankings annual report by the United Health Foundation, Michigan ranks #34 of the Healthiest Overall States. This is an improvement over our 2015 ranking of #35 and our 2012 ranking of #37. Medical experts have long recognized the effects of diet on the risk of cardiovascular disease and the relationship between diet and many other conditions, including specific cancers and diabetes have been documented more recently.

Health Status

Heart disease, cancer and diabetes are among the most common causes of illness, disability, and death in the United States. According to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, heart disease and cancer remain the leading causes of death in both Michigan and the United States. African American adults experience poorer outcomes than the general population for many health conditions. These chronic conditions and the factors that lead to them tend to be more common or severe for minority groups, particularly African American.

For example:

·        African Americans are 40% more likely than whites to have uncontrolled high blood pressure.

·        The rate of diagnosed diabetes is 77% higher among African Americans, 66% higher among Hispanics, and 18% higher among Asians than among whites.

·        Life expectancy for African Americans is 75.1 years, compared to 78.9 years for whites.

·        The prevalence of diabetes in Michigan and the United States has been steadily increasing over the past ten years. In each of the past ten years, the prevalence of diabetes in Michigan has been greater than that of the nation as a whole.

Where the fork meets the road

According to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, “All food and beverage choices matter. Choose a healthy eating pattern at an appropriate calorie level to help achieve and maintain a healthy body weight, support nutrient adequacy, and reduce the risk of chronic disease.”

What’s on Your Fork?

Your fork is the most powerful tool you have that can help you make healthier food choices. Cementing the lifestyle habit of nutrient dense eating is simply a matter of being thoughtful about exactly what you put on your fork.

Choosing lean protein, vegetables, whole grains, and fruit is key to building a nutritious eating pattern. Taking our efforts a step further, doctors are aggressively promoting the benefits of plant-based nutrition as the most powerful source of preventative medicine on the planet.

Dr. Joel Kahn , one of the world’s top cardiologists has treated thousands of acute heart attacks during his career and is personally and professionally committed to a plant based diet. He say, “Now is the time to focus on educating the public to eat clean, sweat clean and apply cutting edge science to their lifestyle.” His Greenspace Cafe in downtown Ferndale, MI is a great option for those searching for healthy dining experiences.