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History of National African-American Women’s Fitness Month
According to the American Heart Association, half of all African-American women in the United States have some form of cardiovascular disease, and they are more likely to die from heart-related problems than women of other ethnicities such as Caucasians. The main risk factors for cardiovascular disease in African-American women include high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, and smoking, stemming mainly from physical inactivity.
Another factor that contributes to the declining health of African-American women includes chronic stress caused mainly as a result of sexism and discrimination that takes place both at home and at work. There is also the cultural expectation that African-American women must mainly remain at home to raise their children, hence the inactivity. These factors increase the rate of hypertension in African-American women, making them more prone to obesity and heart problems. Furthermore, many African-American households tend to gravitate to cheaper, less healthy foods due to their economic conditions, thus worsening their health over time.
While issues such as economic conditions must be tackled and addressed on a higher level, personal measures have to be taken to reduce risks to one’s health and well-being. Through National African-American Women’s Fitness Month, it is hoped that the important message of keeping fit will be able to help transform the health of African-American women nationwide.
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