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 | Why are African Americans leading the nation in HIV/ AIDS related infections and deaths?
The HIV infection rate has doubled among blacks in the United States over a decade while holding steady among whites - stark evidence of a widening racial gap in the epidemic, government scientist's states.
Researchers and AIDS prevention advocates attributed the high rate among blacks to such factors as drug addiction, poverty, and poor access to health care. Lack of education and knowledge about this disease is also a factor.
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| | | Where can I go to get an HIV test?
In Austin, call: (512) 972-5580 or (512) 972-5430
Toll Free: 1-800-HIV-0440 (448-0440)
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| | | How can I tell if I have high blood pressure or Hypertension?
Many people with hypertension don't even know they have it. Blood pressure usually rises gradually, and you're not likely to notice any symptoms even as your pressure climbs to dangerous levels. That's why it's important to get your pressure checked regularly even if you feel fine.
If you've always had normal blood pressure, you should continue to have your blood pressure checked at every opportunity and especially so If your last reading was borderline high or if your age, lifestyle or family history puts you at risk for the condition. www.ahealthyme.com/topic/essentialhyper#s20
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| | | Why do persons with hypertension and diabetes get kidney disease?
High blood pressure means that the force of blood against the walls of your blood vessels is too high. Your heart has to work harder to pump blood through the arteries and to the rest of your body. High blood pressure also damages blood vessels throughout the body, narrowing them and making their walls thicker, less elastic, and "harder" (as in hardening of the arteries, or atherosclerosis).
High blood pressure can also injure the blood vessels in your kidneys so that they aren't able to properly filter your blood and remove waste and extra fluids from your body. When the waste and fluids are not removed, they build up in your blood and harm your body.
Kidney disease can take many years to develop. At first, small amounts of blood proteins (albumin) begin to leak into the urine. At this point, the kidneys are still filtering body waste and fluids. But as kidney disease worsens, more albumin leaks into the urine, and the kidneys' filtering function begins to decrease.
When kidney damage grows severe enough, the kidneys stop working. This is called kidney failure. People with kidney failure need a transplant or must undergo dialysis (a substitute for some filtering normally done by healthy kidneys).
You can take steps to prevent the development of kidney disease, starting with being tested for high blood pressure. About 60% to 65% of people with diabetes also have high blood pressure. High blood pressure is a major factor in the development of kidney problems in people with diabetes. The effects of both diabetes and high blood pressure on the kidneys are a dangerous combination.
Diabetes is the most common cause of kidney failure, responsible for more than 40% of new cases. More than 100,000 Americans are living with kidney failure as a result of diabetes. If you have diabetes, it is doubly important to have your blood pressure checked frequently. Then, if high blood pressure develops, it will be detected and treated early, regardless of how mild it is.
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| | | What are the risk factors for kidney disease or kidney failure?
Diabetes,High blood pressure, and/or a family history of kidney disease or kidney failure. African-Americans are six times more likely than whites to develop high blood pressure-related kidney failure.
Ask your doctor about being tested for kidney disease if you're at risk. Blood tests can show how well your kidneys are functioning. You can also be tested to determine the level of protein in your urine (proteinuria).
People with diabetes should have yearly urine tests.
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| | | How can I prevent or get treatment for kidney disease?
If you have diabetes, talk with your doctor about diet choices and physical activities that will help keep your blood sugar as close to normal as possible and keep your blood pressure low. It is especially important to limit dietary sodium (salt) if you have kidney disease. Losing excess weight, getting 30 or more minutes of physical activity on most days, quitting smoking, and limiting alcohol intake are other important lifestyle changes that will help lower blood pressure and keep your kidneys healthy, whether you have diabetes or not.
There are also blood pressure medications that can treat high blood pressure and slow the progression of kidney disease. Protect your kidneys by controlling blood pressure and diabetes and by talking with your doctor about getting tested. If you do have kidney disease, you can take steps to keep your kidneys working and enjoy a healthier, longer life.
http://www.defeatdiabetes.org/
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| | | Heart disease runs in my family. What should I do to increase my chances of living a long and healthy life?
Know your blood pressure and keep it under control. Exercise regularly. Don't smoke
Get tested for diabetes and if you have it, keep it under control. Know your cholesterol and triglyceride levels and keep them under control.
Eat a lot of fruits and vegetables.
Maintain a healthy weight. Establish and maintain a healthy mouth - this means brushing and flossing daily and visiting your dentist regularly.
Professional help can be a true lifesaver with emotional distress because stress is hard on the heart. Several studies suggest that depressed people who are otherwise healthy are more likely to develop heart disease than peers who aren't depressed.
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Knowledge Empowers & Saves Lives!
Black Faith-based Health Initiative (BFHI)
512-972-5184
A 501(c)3 Non-profit Agency
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Black Faith-based Health
Initiative (BFHI)
Board of Directors
Gina Brazzle
President
Joseph Collins
Vice President
Barnetta Emerson
Director
Dora Robinson
Director
Cynthia Washington
Director
Beverly Wilborn
Director
Black Faith-based Health
Initiative (BFHI)
Founder
Sam Price
Senior Advisor
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