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The pandemic has had a profound impact on each of us, but data shows that minorities and minority groups have experienced the devastating effects of the virus.

Disproportionate ratio
.

Although worrying, health differences are not unique to COVID-19. Minorities and ethnic minorities face an increased risk of many other chronic health conditions. think about it:

• African Americans aged 18-49 are

Twice the chance of dying from heart disease

Compared to their white counterparts, African Americans aged 35-64 are 50%

More likely to have high blood pressure
.

African Americans are also disproportionately affected

Asthma, diabetes, obesity and stroke.

• Latinos are more likely than non-Hispanic whites

Diagnosed as diabetes

And died because of it.Asthma, heart disease, obesity and certain types of cancer are also

Major health problems

In the Latino community.

• American Indians and Alaska Natives are almost three times as large as non-Hispanic white adults

Diagnosed as diabetes

There are also many American Indians and Alaska Natives

The chance of getting multiple cancers is higher,

Including lung cancer, colorectal cancer, liver cancer, stomach cancer, and kidney cancer, compared with non-Hispanic whites in the United States.

• Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders are in

Higher risk of being diagnosed with diabetes
, And almost twice as likely

Certain types of cancer
.

Recognize the health of ethnic minorities

in spite of

Social determinants of health

While creating these inequalities, healthy behaviors are also the key to eliminating health disparities among ethnic minorities.

in order to

National Minority Health Month

As early as April, Independence Blue Cross (Independence) was committed to raising awareness of the health disparities that affect minority communities and emphasizing simple and effective ways to protect your health.

Responsible for your health

Although some things beyond our direct control may affect your health, there are some steps you can take to stay healthy.

  1. Be positive.
    According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services,

    Adults should do at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise every week
    . Regular physical activity can help you maintain a healthy weight and

    Reduce your risk of health conditions

    Examples include arthritis, depression and anxiety, diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, various cancers, obesity, and stroke. This can be as simple as walking 20 minutes a day.
  2. Grab some zzz’sAccording to the National Sleep Foundation, adults need

    7-9 hours of sleep

    Rest every night to recharge your mind and body.This

    The health benefits of adequate sleep

    Including a healthier heart, more stable blood sugar levels and weight control.
  3. do not smoke. Cigarette

    Smoking increases your risk

    Used for the development of heart disease, stroke, lung cancer and diabetes. If you have asthma, tobacco smoke can trigger an attack or make it worse. Smoking can also cause cancer in almost any part of the body.Quit smoking can

    reduce risk

    For these conditions and many other conditions.
  4. Eat well.
    A kind

    healthy eating

    Includes a variety of foods, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fat-free or low-fat dairy products, lean meat, poultry, fish, beans, eggs, and nuts, and is low in saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol, and salt, and added sugar .Good nutrition can help you control your weight, which is the key to weight loss

    Obesity risk

    — Important risk factors for heart disease and stroke, diabetes, certain cancers, and sleep apnea.
  5. Limit alcohol. Women can drink up to one cup a day, while men can drink up to two cups a day.drink

    Excessive drinking can increase your risk of serious health problems
    , Including certain cancers, high blood pressure and stroke.
  6. relieve pressure. We all have stress in our lives, but if not managed properly, it can lead to

    Serious health problems

    Including heart disease and high blood pressure.be sure

    Take time out every day to relax
    , Practice mindfulness or deep breathing.

    Self care

    It can also help you protect your health.

Addressing the health gap

As the largest health insurance organization in the region, Independence is committed to addressing the health disparities and social determinants of health that affect minority communities. Here are some of the things Independence has done to eliminate health disparities throughout the community:

• Keystone’s connection with healthIndependence is working with Project HOME to address the major health disparities in life expectancy and infant mortality among residents of North Philadelphia.

• Understand your thoughtsIndependence launched a new mental health public awareness campaign to educate the community about the symptoms of depression and anxiety and how to help themselves and others during these emotionally challenging times. The event pays special attention to millennials (25-40 years old), one third of whom have behavioral health problems.


• Our community.Our health
. Independence and Cooperation Philadelphia Tribune Launch a public health awareness campaign to combat the disproportionate incidence of diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular disease in the African American community. This campaign enables people to improve the health of themselves or their loved ones by providing health checkups, nutrition services and healthy lifestyle consultations.

• This

Well City Challenge
. Greater Philadelphia and the Independent Economic Union launched the Well City Challenge to address the health and mental health challenges of millennials in Philadelphia.

Reward for healthy behavior

Making healthy choices can have a major impact on your health. To encourage you to embark on the journey, Independence provides incentives to its members to help them put health first. If you are an Independence member, you may be eligible to participate in the Healthy Lifestyles? reimbursement program. Through this program, you can earn up to US$150 in income by joining eligible gyms and regular exercise. You can get up to US$150 in return for participating in an approved weight management plan, and you can get up to US$150 after completing an approved smoking cessation program. tobacco. To learn more, please visit Independence

Reimbursement

location.

Learn more about healthy eating

Are you ready to change your diet?If you are an Independence member, you may be insured

Registered dietitian visits six times a year for free
. Check if your health plan covers nutrition counseling.To find participating registered dietitians, primary care providers or other network providers, Independence members can search

Provider lookup tool
.

This article was originally published in

IBX insight
.


About Veronica Serrano

mother. wife. TV fans. Shopaholic. In short, this is who I am-outside of work. As a copywriter of Independence, I like to understand the health and wellness topics I write, and hope to incorporate more healthy habits into my daily life so that I have the energy to keep up with my baby girl.

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