The Role of African-American Pastors in Chronic Disease Prevention
There are a numerous health issues that are plaguing the African-American community.
However, one would argue that the issue that requires the greatest attention yet seems to get the least amount of attention is the prevalence of chronic disease.
For example, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) (2014) argues that the 10 leading cause of death within the population are: 1.
) heart disease, 2.
) cancer, 3.
) stroke, 4.
) diabetes, 5.
) unintentional injuries, 6.
) kidney diseases, 7.
) chronic lower respiratory diseases, 8.
) homicide, 9.
) septicemia, and 10.
) Alzheimer's disease (CDC, 2014).
Essentially, more than half of the leading causes of death within the Black community are related to things that can be prevented or managed.
Taking it a step further, many of these health issues that are plaguing the community can be improved by addressing the one factor that many of these leading causes of death have in common--obesity.
The highest rates of overweight and obesity in the United State are among African-American women with 4 in 5 falling into this category (US Department of Health & Human Services Office of Minority Health (OMH) (2013).
The Office of Minority Health (2013) also suggests that over 80% of people who are obese also have type 2 diabetes (OHM, 2013).
Further, people who are over weight are at risk for developing hypertension (OHM, 2013).
And, finally, African-Americans are twice as likely to die from complications of heart disease compared to Anglo-Americans (OHM, 2013).
Church-based interventions provide a number of opportunities to help address chronic disease among African-Americans.
For example the African-American church has historically been a place where African-Americans have turned to for spiritual guidance as well as issues related to social justice.
Arguably the prevalence of obesity among Blacks is also an issue of social justice.
Pastors have a sphere of influence within the church and community like none other.
Their use of the pulpit provides a great opportunity to raise awareness related to issues surrounding chronic disease prevention.
The Apostle John said,
Through their example of modeling a healthy life style and addressing the problem in the pulpit pastors can help galvanize and inspire congregants to honor God by making healthier choices as it relates to diet and exercise.
References Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
(2014).
10 Leading Causes of Death for African-Americans.
Retrieved January 31, 2015 from http://www.
cdc.
gov/minorityhealth/populations/REMP/black.
html#10 US Department of Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health (OMH).
(2013).
Obesity and african-americans.
Retrieved January 31, 2015 from http://minorityhealth.
hhs.
gov/omh/browse.
aspx?lvl=4&lvlid=25
However, one would argue that the issue that requires the greatest attention yet seems to get the least amount of attention is the prevalence of chronic disease.
For example, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) (2014) argues that the 10 leading cause of death within the population are: 1.
) heart disease, 2.
) cancer, 3.
) stroke, 4.
) diabetes, 5.
) unintentional injuries, 6.
) kidney diseases, 7.
) chronic lower respiratory diseases, 8.
) homicide, 9.
) septicemia, and 10.
) Alzheimer's disease (CDC, 2014).
Essentially, more than half of the leading causes of death within the Black community are related to things that can be prevented or managed.
Taking it a step further, many of these health issues that are plaguing the community can be improved by addressing the one factor that many of these leading causes of death have in common--obesity.
The highest rates of overweight and obesity in the United State are among African-American women with 4 in 5 falling into this category (US Department of Health & Human Services Office of Minority Health (OMH) (2013).
The Office of Minority Health (2013) also suggests that over 80% of people who are obese also have type 2 diabetes (OHM, 2013).
Further, people who are over weight are at risk for developing hypertension (OHM, 2013).
And, finally, African-Americans are twice as likely to die from complications of heart disease compared to Anglo-Americans (OHM, 2013).
Church-based interventions provide a number of opportunities to help address chronic disease among African-Americans.
For example the African-American church has historically been a place where African-Americans have turned to for spiritual guidance as well as issues related to social justice.
Arguably the prevalence of obesity among Blacks is also an issue of social justice.
Pastors have a sphere of influence within the church and community like none other.
Their use of the pulpit provides a great opportunity to raise awareness related to issues surrounding chronic disease prevention.
The Apostle John said,
"Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul.The Bible provides a number of verses that speak to issues of stewardship, particularly, as it relates to our physical bodies--God's temple.
" (3 John 1:2, English Standard Version)
Through their example of modeling a healthy life style and addressing the problem in the pulpit pastors can help galvanize and inspire congregants to honor God by making healthier choices as it relates to diet and exercise.
References Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
(2014).
10 Leading Causes of Death for African-Americans.
Retrieved January 31, 2015 from http://www.
cdc.
gov/minorityhealth/populations/REMP/black.
html#10 US Department of Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health (OMH).
(2013).
Obesity and african-americans.
Retrieved January 31, 2015 from http://minorityhealth.
hhs.
gov/omh/browse.
aspx?lvl=4&lvlid=25
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