National Minority Health Month 2019

April 2019 is National Minority Health Month, and for the observance this year, the HHS Office of Minority Health will join our partners in raising awareness about the important role an active lifestyle plays in keeping us healthy. The theme for the 2019 observance is Active & Healthy, which will allow OMH and minority health advocates throughout the nation to emphasize the health benefits of incorporating even small amounts of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity into our schedules. Physical activity promotes health and reduces the risk of chronic diseases and other conditions that are more common among racial and ethnic minority groups.

More than three in four African American adults are overweight or obese.

The body mass index (BMI) is the tool used most often to find a person's weight status and help you find out if your weight could raise your chances of developing health problems.

Another way to find out if you carry too much weight is to measure your waist. You may be more likely to have weight-related health problems if your waist is above a certain size. For women, the size is above 35 inches. For men, the size is above 40 inches.

Excess weight, especially around the waist, is linked to serious health problems. But not everyone who is overweight or obese has these problems. Excess weight may raise your chances of having cancer, heart disease and stroke, high blood pressure, kidney disease or type 2 diabetes.:

You may lower your chances for health problems by losing weight. Losing 5 to 10 percent of your body weight may improve your health. If you weigh 200 pounds, that would mean losing 10 to 20 pounds.

Practice making good food and beverage choices, Limit salt intake and try to become more physically active for at least 150 minutes per week

Good food and beverage choices give your body the fuel it needs, help you stay full longer, fruits and vegetables, seafood, fat free or low fat milk products, and whole grains like oatmeal all are healthy choices to add to your diet daily.

Special Hair Care Tips

You can be active and still keep your hair looking good/ on fleek!. Talk to your hair stylist about a hair care routine and style that fit your active life. Try these ideas:

• a natural hairstyle or a style that can be wrapped or pulled back

• a short haircut

• braids, twists, or locs

Once physical activity becomes a part of your routine, you need to stick with it. Keep things interesting, avoid slip-ups, and find ways to cope with what life throws at you.

You don't have to give up all of your favorite foods or start training for a big race to improve your health. Over time, small changes to your eating, drinking, and physical activity habits may help you control your weight, feel better, and improve your health.

You can keep up to date on National Minority Health Month news and activities by signing up for OMH email updates or by following the Office of minority Health on Twitter , Facebook , and Instagram .