African American men are 70% more likely to die from a stroke than non-Hispanic white men, and African American women are nearly 50% more likely to have high blood pressure than non-Hispanic white women. In 2019, non-Hispanic African Americans were twice as likely to die from diabetes compared to non-Hispanic whites. This disparity is not limited to adults, as infant mortality rates for non-Hispanic African Americans are 2.4 times higher than for non-Hispanic whites.
To raise awareness of and reduce health disparities, April is recognized as National Minority Health Month. This annual event highlights persistent health disparities among racial and ethnic minorities and American Indian/Alaska Natives and encourages action to end these inequities.
The Ohio Minority Health Commission, which established Minority Health Month in 1989, along with partners across the state, including the Dayton & Montgomery County Minority Health District, is hosting a variety of events through the end of the month to promote health and raise awareness. I am. The 2024 Greater Dayton Minority Health Month EXPO is a free event aimed at doing just that, taking place on April 27th from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Dayton Metro Library (215 E. Third St.).
“We want to share the work we do and the importance of staying healthy and taking care of yourself,” said Minority Public Health Officer, Dayton & Montgomery County District Office said Jasmine Young, Health Project Manager. “There will be many ways to share that message. We want them to have fun and learn about the agencies and services available to them.”
This year’s EXPO is designed to be engaging and interactive for a variety of organizations to participate and share information about resources.
“Participants will receive a bingo card that they can take to each table,” Young said.
Free fitness workshops will also be held, including hoop fitness classes and Qi Gong classes. Hoop fitness classes provide a fun cardio workout that works your abs, core, hips, and torso. Qigong has not only a physical component but also a psychological component, which includes adjusting the mind, breathing, movement, and posture.
“Both classes are beginner-friendly and open to all ages and abilities,” Young said.
According to the current Department of Health and Human Services Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, adults need 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity and two days of strength training per week. For more information about other local Minority Health Month events or to register for an EXPO class, visit www.phdmc.org.
Minority Health Month Goals – Ohio Minority Health Commission
- Provides important information to enable individuals to practice disease prevention.
- Promote a healthy lifestyle.
- Introducing grassroots medical resources and information providers.
- Highlights disparate health outcomes between minority and nonminority populations in Ohio.
- Obtain additional support for continued efforts to improve minority health throughout the year.
For a complete calendar of events across the state, visit https://mih.ohio.gov/about/minority-health-month.
