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BOCA RATON, FL., (November 12, 2008) -- The top
serious health concerns for African Americans are:
• Cardiovascular Disease—The #1 killer of African Americans.
• Diabetes—3.2 million African Americans have diabetes, yet more than
33% do not know it.
• Vitamin D Deficiency—Low Vitamin D has been associated with several
types of cancer as well as certain autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus.
• HIV/AIDS—Nearly half of the people who get HIV/AIDS are African
American, suffering more deaths than any other race.
• Cancer—Lung, Breast, Colon, Prostate—African American men are 35% more
likely to die from prostate or colon cancer than Caucasian men and African
American women are 18% more likely to die from breast cancer because of a
genetic predisposition to aggressive forms of cancer.
“This is a national tragedy,” says
Dr. Reginald S. Fowler, a member of the MDVIP nationwide network of
doctors specializing in preventive and personalized healthcare. “The good news
is that the risk of early death among African Americans can be reduced with a
comprehensive annual physical examination, nutritional counseling, as well as,
talking and listening to patients.” Dr. Fowler’s recommendations for these
diseases are:
• Cardiovascular Disease—The number one killer of all Americans but
several studies show it is far worse for African Americans who are at greater
risk for coronary disease or stroke. Poor nutrition, lack of exercise,
cigarette smoking and family history coupled with high blood pressure and
cholesterol concerns are the significant contributors to the development of
these diseases. Dr. Fowler says that proper nutrition and exercise is the key
to reversing the downward spiral. He adds that eating fish like salmon, tuna
and mackerel which contain omega 3 fatty acids can help significantly. Also,
cholesterol and blood pressure lowering drugs can be beneficial.
• Diabetes—African Americans have more complications. Dr. Fowler
recommends that regular consultations with a doctor are necessary and when
nutrition alone does not help, closely monitored medication is a necessity.
• Vitamin D Deficiency— African Americans have larger amounts of melanin
which filters sunlight and decreases the absorption of the sun’s rays necessary
for Vitamin D production. Dr. Fowler says there are few sources of Vitamin D
other than sunlight and milk. Cheese and other dairy products are less
effective. In addition, many African Americans are lactose intolerant, so the
most common food sources are not options. Vitamin D supplements are the answer.
• HIV/AIDS—In addition to HIV/AIDS, there are other issues facing
African Americans including sexually transmitted diseases, lack of education
and problems with using appropriate measures to eliminate the risk. Dr. Fowler
says that the sometimes uncomfortable discussions about sex are crucial to the
safety of sexually active individuals. A blood test can detect the disease and
education can help stem the spread of the disease.
• Lung, Breast, Colon and Prostate Cancer—Dr. Fowler says that the
medical and family history of patients is crucial. In addition, screenings such
as a mammogram, colonoscopy, chest x-ray and blood tests for these diseases on
a regular basis is essential. Dr. Fowler strongly recommends that everyone
should begin getting colonoscopies at age 50; however, he and other experts say
African Americans can reasonably begin having them at 45. Early screening can
improve a person’s ten year survival rate by 80-90%. Exercise is also important
in maintaining one’s health but patients should always consult with their
doctor initially.
Dr. Fowler says, "One major aspect to preventing as well as controlling most
diseases is nutrition. Eating more fruits, vegetables, grains and nuts such as
walnuts and almonds, and less red meat can help to decrease the incidence of
many diseases. And don’t forget exercise.” He also believes that many diseases
can be diagnosed earlier or avoided altogether by a complete annual physical
and carefully listening to patients. A sign hangs in his exam rooms for
patients to see that says, Talk To Me. “It is critical to have an open
relationship with your doctor in addition to a comprehensive annual physical
examination,” he advises. “To create the perfect wellness plan for a patient,
it is important to talk about everything, and I mean everything. The
information that is garnered through conversation is crucial to maintaining
your health.”
Unfortunately, the aforementioned diseases are not the only diseases that have
high incidences in the African American community. These are others to be
concerned about:
• Sickle Cell Anemia—African Americans have a 1 in 12 chance of
suffering from this genetic disorder which is incurable with a life expectancy
in the 50s for those with this disorder. However, the side effects and
complications can be relieved with medicines and most importantly proper diet,
nutrition and exercise. Each patient has different symptoms and a simple blood
test can detect this blood disorder where the red cells are sickle or c-shaped
and don’t move through the blood efficiently.
• Asthma—African Americans are more frequently hospitalized for asthma
attacks than any other race. More than 33% of those hospitalized are children.
African American children whose parents smoke are at the highest risk pool of
all demographic groups for contracting asthma and early death. Dr. Fowler
strongly recommends implementation of smoke-free environments and careful
screening of household products and furnishings for offending air toxins and
dust.
• Hepatitis C—More prevalent in the African American population and can
lead to chronic liver disease and liver cancer which is a killer. The danger is
that an infected person may not have symptoms and, frequently, liver protein
tests are normal. One preventive measure Dr Fowler recommends is that people
who frequent nail salons bring their own manicure tools with them and that the
salon follows strict health and safety guidelines.
• Depression—African Americans have a high incidence of depression which
can lead to suicide. Many people never discuss mental health with their
physicians. Dr. Fowler recommends talking with your doctor about everything
that is ailing you--both physically and mentally. Depression is treatable with
medications such as anti-depressants as well as psychoanalysis.
Dr. Reginald Fowler is available for interviews.
About Reginald S. Fowler, M.D.
Dr. Reginald Fowler is an MDVIP affiliated primary care physician based in
Atlanta, Georgia. He is board certified in Internal Medicine and is affiliated
with Emory University’s Crawford W. Long Hospital and one of Atlanta’s largest
hospitals, Piedmont Hospital. He is Clinical Assistant Professor of Family and
Community Medicine at Morehouse Medical School. He earned his medical degree at
Tufts University School of Medicine in Boston, Massachusetts, and received his
undergraduate degree from Brown University. He completed his internship and
residency at Emory University Affiliated Hospitals in Atlanta, Georgia. Dr.
Fowler is a fellow in the American Academy of Disability Evaluating Physicians.
In addition, he has served on a number of advisory boards and professional
organizations, including the Multicultural National Advisor Board, Glaxo
Pharmaceuticals, and Trinity Warriors Youth Association. He is currently a
member of 100 Black Men of Atlanta.
About MDVIP MDVIP, Inc. is a privately-held firm, founded in 2000 and
headquartered in Boca Raton, Florida. It is a national network of physicians
who practice proactive, preventive and personalized healthcare, not just the
detection and treatment of disease. With prevention as the cornerstone of its
program, MDVIP has proven that it’s carefully chosen affiliated physicians
provide exceptional care and achieve exceptional outcomes. These outcomes
include lower hospitalization rates which yield significant cost savings to
patients, employers and the healthcare system. For more information, go to
www.mdvip.com.
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