Health officials reminding African Americans to get regular health screenings | News

LIMA, OH (WLIO) – February is Black History Month, but health officials want to make sure that African American men and women are not ignoring their health history.

There are many health disparities that exist between African Americans and other ethnic groups. Genetics is part of the reason, but a lot of it can be linked to socioeconomic factors. Doctors have seen heart disease, diabetes, and strokes develop earlier in African Americans than other groups. So it is important that men and women see their doctors regularly and get the necessary screenings and tests to stay on top of their health.

“They really need to make sure they watch their blood pressure. Get their routine lab work that they get done yearly at their primary care physician’s office,” suggested Tiffany Ward, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Manager/Nurse at Lima Memorial Health System. “Make sure they are monitoring their blood glucose levels and their cholesterol levels.”

Ward says it is important that African American men and women check in with their doctors and get their annual screenings done.

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