- SENIOR CAPSTONE PROJECT - Module 1, Case Assignment
[Health Disparities in the Hispanic Population]
In this first case assignment, I conducted a data analysis of a problem that I perceive can be improved through health education/health promotion activities. The problem that I addressed is related to the geographic area in which I live - Los Angeles. For this particular project, our professor requested a discussion of the following:
- What health issue will you address through health education/promotion programming?
- Explain how this disease/condition is caused.
- Discuss the distribution of the disease/condition using appropriate sources of health-related data.
- Explain how the disease/condition can be prevented/controlled through health education/health promotion activities.
The leading indicators for Healthy People 2010 are Physical Activity, Overweight and Obesity, Tobacco Use, Substance Abuse, Responsible Sexual Behavior, Mental Health, Injury and Violence, Environmental Quality, Immunization, and Access to Health Care (Healthy People 2010, 2008). As a Fitness Instructor and Personal Trainer, it is natural for me to promote Physical Activity, as it is my passion. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommends: 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity each week (brisk walk) -OR-; 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity each week (spinning, running) -OR-; A mix-up of the two to equal the recommended amount AND; adding strength-training 2 or more days to prevent atrophy (CDC, 2008). This said, as a Californian, I am proud to say a little over 50% of our population gets the recommended amount of physical activity however the Hispanic population falls short in physical activity.
With the recommendations for Physical Activity in mind, The Center for Disease Control and Prevention reports the national average in 2007 was:
| LEVEL OF ACTIVITY | White | Black | Hispanic | Other |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Recommended | 51.7% | 40.4% | 42.1% | 45.3% |
| Insufficient | 37.4% | 39.8% | 36.5% | 39% |
| Inactive | 10.9% | 19.8% | 21.4% | 15.7% |
| No Activity | 20.4% | 30.9% | 35.7% | 23.6% |
As you can see, I have highlighted the Hispanic column, as in the state of California and more specifically, in Los Angeles County 47.3% of the population is Hispanic (U.S. Census Bureau, 2008).
I have chosen to focus on the Hispanic population, as in California only 45.5% of Hispanics population get the recommended amount of Physical Activity and to add, 32.8% have no leisure time activity (CDC, 2008). This is very alarming because according to the National Diabetes Education Program, 10.4% of Hispanic/Latinos 20 years of age and older have diagnosed diabetes and 90 - 95% of the persons have Type 2 Diabetic (NDIC, 2008). Diabetes is one of the top five leading causes of death and disability in the United States, with a yearly health care cost of $174 billion (NDIC, 2008). Type 2 Diabetes is linked to a sedentary lifestyle, obesity, hypertension, and high cholesterol (CDC, 2008). All of the mentioned diseases/conditions can be improved with physical activity.
Promotion of physical activity can improve many premature deaths by: "Reduces the risk of developing coronary heart disease (CHD) and the risk of dying from CHD; Reduces the risk of stroke; Lowers both total blood cholesterol and triglycerides and increases high-density lipoproteins (HDL or the "good" cholesterol); Lowers the risk of developing high blood pressure; Helps reduce blood pressure in people who already have hypertension; Lowers the risk of developing non-insulin-dependent (type 2) diabetes mellitus; Reduces the risk of developing colon cancer; Helps people achieve and maintain a healthy body weight; Reduces feelings of depression; Helps build and maintain healthy bones, muscles, and joints; Helps older adults become stronger and better able to move about without falling or becoming excessively fatigued (CDC, 2008)." The health benefit of physical activity is invaluable.
In my opinion, the reason the Hispanic population is more succeptible to Type 2 Diabetes is due to their lack of education and low income, which can result in lack of physical activity. In low income areas, there are more fast food restaurants and markets that have more junk foods, as it is inexpensive; Less public recreation areas, as it is not safe to be outdoors; Less understanding of health education, as there is minimul understanding due to lack of education. With all these factors, I am not surprised at the high percentage of Diabetes related deaths in the Hispanic population.
In closing, once again, all the fingers are pointing at Health Education and Promotion. In the state of California it is important to recognize the Hispanic population and their disparities. More government dollars need to be spent on community centers and recreation areas that promote physical activity. More laws should mandate less fast food restaurants and more affordable healthy foods for low-income neighborhoods. Type 2 Diabetes is preventable! The Diabetes Prevention Program has sponsored a trail program that has proven this fact. Participating in physical activity for 30 minutes a day, reducing 5 to 7 percent of body weight, and choosing healthier food can make a difference (NDIC, 2008). Health education and prevention can save a life that is independent of dependence on doctors, hospitals, and medication, which all add up to the bill of $174 billion annually!
REFERENCE:
Center For Disease Control and Prevention, 2008. WISQARS Leading Causes of Death Reports.
- Retrieved on October 16, 2008, from the world wide web:
National Diabetes Information Clearing House, 2008. National Diabetes Education Program.
- Retrieved on October, 16, 2008, from the world wide web:
U.S. Census Bureau, 2008.
- Retrieved on October, 16, 2008, from the world wide web: