African American Health Disparities is an educational text written by Dr.  Jenkins  and published by one of the leading educational publishing companies, McGraw-Hill Publishing Co.  

 

Part I of this book focuses on the 10 leading causes of health-related deaths among African Americans and the health disparities that exist between African Americans and the general American population.  Part II of this text focuses on the relationship between obesity, stress, and health. The information is easy to read with a great deal of objective scientific information about disease prevention.  African Americans are at greater risk for nearly every leading cause of death in America, and science “still” cannot explain why.   

 

The purpose of this book is to help inform the African-American population of the health crisis that exists within their ethnic group and to increase their awareness of the unhealthy lifestyles that contribute to disease, particularly as it relates to obesity (diet & nutrition, physical activity) and stress.  

 

Accompanying the text are 2 music recordings entitled “The Lord's Prayer” and “Heaven”.  The songs are written and performed by the Dr.Jenkins in dedication to the memory the her younger brother and father who died from cancer in 1998 and 2003 respectively.  

The Book teaches all about…

How to fight disease

How to prevent the 10 leading causes of death

How to recognize the symptoms of Heart Disease, Strokes, Hypertension,  Heart Attacks, etc.

How to recognize the symptoms of HIV disease progression and AIDS

Who is at high risk for contracting HIV & New HIV/AIDS Treatment

How to lower your cholesterol and blood pressure levels

How obesity, stress, nutrition and physical inactivity affects your health

How to eat healthy, lose weight, and manage stress

How to start a workout program

How to get  “lots” of free stuff!

Compared to white Americans, African Americans …

Account for nearly half of all new HIV infections

Are 3 times more likely to die of cardiovascular disease (heart)

Are 8 times more likely to contract tuberculosis

Are 3 times more likely to have end-stage kidney disease (kidney failure)

Are 3 times more likely to have high blood pressure

Have a 30% higher death rate of colon and rectum cancer

Have the highest rate of colon/rectum cancer in the world!

Have a 18% increase in the death rate of cerebrovascular disease (Strokes)

Have a 27% increase in the death rate of diabetes

Account for 24% of all asthma deaths

Have a 54% higher incidence rate of lung cancer

Account for 50% of all AIDS-related deaths!

Have a 7 year shorter life expectancy