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

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Gourdine, Michelle A., 1962- author.

Series:

Yale University Press health & wellness.

Yale University Press health & wellness

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

African Americans--Health and hygiene.

African Americans.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (224 p.)

Edition:

1st ed.

Place of Publication:

New Haven, Connecticut : Yale University Press, [2011]

Language Note:

English

Summary:

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."

Contents:

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.

Notes:

Description based upon print version of record.

Includes bibliographical references (pages [195]-200) and index.

Description based on print version record.

ISBN:

9786613309181

9781283309189

1283309181

9780300171839

0300171838

OCLC:

740435891