1.

Record Nr.

UNINA9910456292303321

Autore

Gourdine Michelle A. <1962->

Titolo

Reclaiming our health [[electronic resource] ] : a guide to African American wellness / / Michelle A. Gourdine ; illustrations by Catharine L. Love

Pubbl/distr/stampa

New Haven, : Yale University Press, c2011

ISBN

1-283-30918-1

9786613309181

0-300-17183-8

Descrizione fisica

1 online resource (224 p.)

Collana

Yale University Press health & wellness

Altri autori (Persone)

LoveCatharine L

Disciplina

362.1089/96073

Soggetti

African Americans - Health and hygiene

Electronic books.

Lingua di pubblicazione

Inglese

Formato

Materiale a stampa

Livello bibliografico

Monografia

Note generali

Description based upon print version of record.

Nota di bibliografia

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Nota di contenuto

pt. 1. An unfinished civil rights battle -- pt. 2. Rewriting our health history : a new vision of better health -- pt. 3. Navigating the health care system : what every African American must do now.

Sommario/riassunto

According to the federal Office of Minority Health, African Americans "are affected by serious diseases and health conditions at far greater rates than other Americans." In fact, African Americans suffer an estimated 85,000 excess deaths every year from diseases we know how to prevent: heart disease, stroke, cancer, high blood pressure, and diabetes. In this important and accessible book, Dr. Michelle Gourdine provides African Americans with the knowledge and guidance they need to take charge of their well-being. Reclaiming Our Health: A Guide to African American Wellness begins with an overview of the primary health concerns facing African Americans and explains who is at greatest risk of illness. Expanding on her career and life experiences as an African American physician, Dr. Gourdine presents key insights into the ways African American culture shapes health choices-how beliefs, traditions, and values can influence eating choices, exercise habits, and even the decision to seek medical attention. She translates extensive research into practical information and presents readers with concrete



steps for achieving a healthier lifestyle, as well as strategies for navigating the health-care system. This interactive guide with illustrations is a vital resource for every African American on how to live a healthier and more empowered life, and an indispensable handbook for health-care providers, policy makers, and others working to close the health gap among people of color. Says Gourdine, "I wrote this book to empower our community to solve our own health problems and to save our own lives."