H E A LT H & W E L L N E S S
YOUNG BLACK ADULTS
VULNERABLE TO HYPERTENSION
A
bout 1 in 4 young adults has high blood pressure. But few are getting treated, with new research concluding Black young adults are especially vulnerable. In a study that included 15,171 Black, Mexican American and white adults, researchers found that nearly 31 percent of Black young adults had high blood pressure, also known as hypertension. It was the highest rate among the three groups studied and presented the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions conference. Many adults with high blood pressure remain undiagnosed, while others who have been diagnosed do not have their disease properly controlled. The study reported when young adults have high blood pressure that is not controlled, they begin accumulating cardiovascular risk at a very young age. This, in turn, puts them at risk for having a heart attack or stroke at an early age. Experts went on to report that “Black young adults have higher awareness and higher treatment rates than the other groups, however, control rates of their disease are poorer than what is seen in middle-aged and older adults. Social factors and biology might both play a part in these disparities. Previous studies have found high blood pressure is more common among Black adults than adults of other races. The new study sheds light on how early this disparity begins. Risk factors for high blood pressure include not getting enough exercise, an unhealthy diet, being overweight or obese, drinking too much alcohol, high cholesterol, smoking and diabetes. BlackHealthMatters.com
as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Here are four valuable tips to help you stay fit, healthy, and happy during your retirement years.
1. FIND AN ACTIVITY THAT YOU ENJOY
Stay Healthy During Retirement
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etirement is a crucial transitionary stage of life. Things can get overwhelming as you adjust to your new way of life. Leaving the workforce can come with many adjustments, including fewer social gatherings and the loss of many acquaintances. Your health could also be a reason
24 ONYX MAGAZINE
for concern, especially since you might not be as active as you were before retirement. Being in good health gives you more opportunities to enjoy your retirement. An active lifestyle can improve your cognitive function, help in fighting off depression and anxiety, and slow down the progression of brain diseases, such
The ways you choose to stay active after retirement may depend on your social network from your working years. Do you have frequent contact with people outside of work? Gym, sports, drawing classes, fishing? Find something that you can do together to maintain an active lifestyle after retirement.
2. WORKING OUT Without a doubt, you need physical exercise to keep your body refreshed and stress-free. A sedentary lifestyle robs you of good rest. Working out has been shown to promote healthier sleeping patterns. Exercise also burns calories, which prevents heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and obesity.
3. MAINTAIN A HEALTHY DIET Older adults are at an elevated risk of developing a life-threatening illness, so it’s vital to get an adequate supply of essential nutrients through food. Ideally, your diet should include lean protein, whole grains, low-fat dairy, vegetables, and fruit.
4. GET HEALTH INSURANCE If you retire before you turn 65 years old, you can take out a health insurance policy to offer financial protection if you incur medical expenses to due age-related illnesses. Like physical wellness, financial wellness is also important. You should consider investing in longterm care coverage when getting close to retirement age because those who wait too long may no longer qualify if chronic health conditions arise in the meantime. BlackDoctor.org
