Shades of San Diego #27 - African-American Health

This Shades of San Diego episode kicks off a special five part series on minority health. We explore health concerns in the African American community, and you'll hear from experts on diabetes, cancer, heart disease, high blood pressure, HIV and AIDS, premature birth and infant mortality. We'll provide resources for you to take matters into your own hands to help keep you and your family healthy.

Cancer & Diabetes: Lorraine Foster - San Diego American Diabetes Association, Lottie Harris - San Diego Black Nurses Association

Our first guests are not only experts in raising awareness of diabetes and breast cancer, but they are also survivors.

Lorraine Foster has lived with diabetes for over 30 years. She suffered two heart attacks and two strokes, and lost her sight to diabetes. She now volunteers with the San Diego American Diabetes Association to raise awareness of diabetes in the African American community and shares resources and healthy habits to prevent diabetes.

Lottie Harris who is a registered nurse started the San Diego Black Nurses Association and the San Diego Black Health Associates organization. As Lottie was helping raise awareness of breast cancer in the African American community by teaching self breast exams to young women, she noticed a lump in her breast that eventually led to breast cancer. Now, as a survivor, she continues to raise awareness through her organizations and by working with community leaders.

American Diabetes Organization Website: http://www.diabetes.org/home.jsp

San Diego Black Nurses Association Website: http://sdblacknurses.org/index.html

San Diego Black Health Associates Website: http://www.sdbha.org

High Blood Pressure and Heart Disease: Dr. William Meade, Jr. - Emergency Medicine Physician, Tri-City Medical Center

Dr. William explains why African Americans are more prone to high blood pressure, heart disease, and other cardiovascular problems.

American Heart Association Website: http://www.americanheart.org

American Stroke Association Website: http://www.strokeassociation.org

Power to End Stroke Website: http://www.strokeassociation.org/power

Black Infant Health: Nikita Smith - March of Dimes, Iris Payne - Family Health Centers of San Diego

African American women are almost three times as likely to have a pre-term birth. Nikita Smith from the March of Dimes and Iris Payne from the Black Infant Health Program are trying to raise awareness and bring that number down.

More Information

• Black Infant Health Program
• 12 N Euclid Ave
• National City, CA 91950
• (619) 266-7466
• http://www.fhcsd.org/

March of Dimes Website: http://www.marchofdimes.com

HIV & AIDS: Dr. Michael Owens - NMA Comprehensive Health Center

It's estimated that African Americans make up almost half of the U.S. population diagnosed with HIV/AIDS. Dr. Owens explains why that number is so high and shares some ways to prevent contracting this disease.

NMA Comprehensive Health Center Website: http://www.nmachc.org/