An objective of closing the Gap in Health Care is to educate it readership. We know thought research and first hand experience that Black folk who have “good information”, who understand the nature of their disease and who can read and do so on a regular basis are incline to be well informed and often compliant. Here are a few questions that I think give a good indication that you are in the know about health issues. The questions are true and false and will deal with a variety of common health issues.
1. Health disparities only affect African Americans men.
2. Normal blood pressure is when the top number is 135 and the bottom number is above 90.
3. Smoking is a common cause of erectile dysfunction.
4. Ladies should get a mammogram every other year after age 40.
5. Diabetes affects the heart in a dramatic way so people who have diabetes should be concern about heart disease.
6. Working every day is good exercise so if you work exercise is not necessary.
7. A family history of heart disease, colon cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer and Alcoholism suggest that it is possible that you could develop one of the above conditions so you should be monitor.
8. Stroke is influence by uncontrolled diabetes, uncontrolled hypertension, and uncontrolled elevated cholesterol.
9. Your mental status can influence your physical health (the reverse is not the case however).
10. Since Black women live longer then Black men, Black women do not need to be seen by a physician annually.
I am Dr. Thaddeus John Bell closing the gap in healthcare. 3/31/06