We've heard our lolas, lolos and parents say it before: "You're still young," they encourage, as you hover over the food at a relative's party and contemplate whether or not to have a second helping of lechon kawali. Basically, they urge you to pile up your plate with as much food as you can. You might want to think twice, especially young adults ages 18-29.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) says about 24 percent of young adults are obese and 28 percent are considered overweight, according to their recent 2005-2006 report. And, with only 36 percent of this group getting regular exercise, that number is not going down anytime soon. Since heart disease is the no. 1 killer in our community, it's worth noting this information as obesity is a big risk factor. Maybe it's time to start looking at our children's eating habits when they're still really young, so they won't become a CDC statistic.
The report cited other findings among the nation's young adults. It also painted a picture of the nation's health as a whole. If you want the lowdown on their findings, visit the CDC's website.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Health Issues Among Young Adults in the U.S.
Christi is a writer, mother and proud Pinay (Filipino woman). With a background in news reporting, her goal is to share useful health, fitness and wellness information. She hopes to share stories and topics of interest to fellow Pinays. Much of the information can be relevant to just about any woman, especially since it focuses on health. However, sometimes, there will be some angles and statistics that focus on Filipinos. Overall, Positively Pinay is about exploring what makes for a fuller, happier and healthier life -- with the overriding message that all women can be strong, proud and loud about what they want out of life.
Heart Health Month: Facts and Resources for Filipinos
One in three Filipinos die of heart disease. It’s frightening but true. The American Heart Association says the disease is responsible for about 32 percent of all Filipino deaths in the United States. It's also the leading cause of death among Filipinos in the Philippines.
It may not be new information for some of you out there, but it deserves a post especially since February is American Heart Month. We all know heart disease is tied to our genetics and diet. What some may not know is Filipina-Americans contract heart disease at a higher rate than Caucasian women - 36.4 percent (among Filipinas) compared to 8.7 percent. Filipina-Americans are also more likely than African-American and Caucasian women to have what is known as metabolic syndrome, which can lead to heart disease and other serious illnesses.
Characteristics of Metabolic Syndrome:
* Proned to accumulating excessive fat tissue in and around the abdomen
* Blood fat disorders (high triglycerides that cause plaque buildup in arteries)
* High blood pressure
* Inability to properly breakdown blood sugar
* Proned to conditions that lead to clots within the blood vessels
* Proinflammatory state - condition that involves high levels of the C-reactive protein, a substance that serves as an indicator for inflammation in the body
Source: The American Heart Association (AHA)
Keep in mind there are other risk factors that can put us on the track to a sick heart. So, what are we Filipinas to do when a killer like heart disease has us backed up against the wall? FIGHT BACK! Stand up to the disease by making lifestyle changes and turn the tide. I know it's easier said than done, but we cannot stand by and wait till loved ones fall victim, as a 2003 study commissioned by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) said in its report: “The Filipino community has a cognitive understanding of the major health risks. However, health problems tend to remain in the abstract until an illness strikes close to home.”
Heart disease has plagued my family, and, at 26, I had my own wake up call when a doctor pointed out my worrisome cholesterol level. I could go on and on about risk factors, statistics and prevention measures. But it's not like someone will read this and suddenly change their ways. We have to do this together as a community and with the help of family. Just know you are not alone and help is out there - workshops, programs and educational materials.
Feel free to take a look at the free resources below and know we don’t have to say, “Bahala na.” We, Filipinas, can do something to preserve our personal health and that of the ones we love. As I come across non-profit organizations or medical institutions that provide additional resources, I will post them on the blog.
Free AHA Heart Health Magazines
Subscribe to Heart Insight and Stroke Connection published by the American Heart Association.
Filipinos Take it to Heart
Download that provides talking points on how to help loved ones stay healthy.
Serve Up a Healthy Life–Give the Gift of Good Nutrition Guide (Nais ng mga Pilipino ang Malusog na Puso)
Download English/Tagalog booklet with tips on how to make Filipino food healthy.
Filipinos Aspire for Healthy Hearts: Be Active for a Healthy Heart
Download English/Tagalog booklet that explains importance of daily physical activity in the prevention of heart disease.
Cardiovascular Risk in the Filipino Community
A National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute study about what contributes to heart disease among Filipinos.
It may not be new information for some of you out there, but it deserves a post especially since February is American Heart Month. We all know heart disease is tied to our genetics and diet. What some may not know is Filipina-Americans contract heart disease at a higher rate than Caucasian women - 36.4 percent (among Filipinas) compared to 8.7 percent. Filipina-Americans are also more likely than African-American and Caucasian women to have what is known as metabolic syndrome, which can lead to heart disease and other serious illnesses.
Characteristics of Metabolic Syndrome:
* Proned to accumulating excessive fat tissue in and around the abdomen
* Blood fat disorders (high triglycerides that cause plaque buildup in arteries)
* High blood pressure
* Inability to properly breakdown blood sugar
* Proned to conditions that lead to clots within the blood vessels
* Proinflammatory state - condition that involves high levels of the C-reactive protein, a substance that serves as an indicator for inflammation in the body
Source: The American Heart Association (AHA)
Keep in mind there are other risk factors that can put us on the track to a sick heart. So, what are we Filipinas to do when a killer like heart disease has us backed up against the wall? FIGHT BACK! Stand up to the disease by making lifestyle changes and turn the tide. I know it's easier said than done, but we cannot stand by and wait till loved ones fall victim, as a 2003 study commissioned by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) said in its report: “The Filipino community has a cognitive understanding of the major health risks. However, health problems tend to remain in the abstract until an illness strikes close to home.”
Heart disease has plagued my family, and, at 26, I had my own wake up call when a doctor pointed out my worrisome cholesterol level. I could go on and on about risk factors, statistics and prevention measures. But it's not like someone will read this and suddenly change their ways. We have to do this together as a community and with the help of family. Just know you are not alone and help is out there - workshops, programs and educational materials.
Feel free to take a look at the free resources below and know we don’t have to say, “Bahala na.” We, Filipinas, can do something to preserve our personal health and that of the ones we love. As I come across non-profit organizations or medical institutions that provide additional resources, I will post them on the blog.
Free AHA Heart Health Magazines
Subscribe to Heart Insight and Stroke Connection published by the American Heart Association.
Filipinos Take it to Heart
Download that provides talking points on how to help loved ones stay healthy.
Serve Up a Healthy Life–Give the Gift of Good Nutrition Guide (Nais ng mga Pilipino ang Malusog na Puso)
Download English/Tagalog booklet with tips on how to make Filipino food healthy.
Filipinos Aspire for Healthy Hearts: Be Active for a Healthy Heart
Download English/Tagalog booklet that explains importance of daily physical activity in the prevention of heart disease.
Cardiovascular Risk in the Filipino Community
A National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute study about what contributes to heart disease among Filipinos.
Christi is a writer, mother and proud Pinay (Filipino woman). With a background in news reporting, her goal is to share useful health, fitness and wellness information. She hopes to share stories and topics of interest to fellow Pinays. Much of the information can be relevant to just about any woman, especially since it focuses on health. However, sometimes, there will be some angles and statistics that focus on Filipinos. Overall, Positively Pinay is about exploring what makes for a fuller, happier and healthier life -- with the overriding message that all women can be strong, proud and loud about what they want out of life.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Why Filipinos are at Risk for Heart Disease
We all know heart disease has impacted the Filipino community, but some may not be aware of all the major risk factors. I think it's important to share this information, because it may shed some light as to why many of our family members have fallen victim to this disease. As Filipinas, we are often the nurturers and caregivers, so we have the influence and ability to shape the health of our children, family members and loved ones.
In 2006, I did a TV news story about this issue, and the American Heart Association was kind enough to compile statistics that, to my knowledge, aren't conveniently accessible in one place or on just any one website. And, I am again grateful that they gave me permission to post these statistics here. They provide a snapshot of the risks among Filipino-Americans. However, stateside or not, most Filipinos (no matter where) are likely influenced by Philippine culture and eat some of the same foods and are therefore susceptible. I did not alter or edit the information given to me, so as to preserve its integrity.
Risk factors for Heart Disease
HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE OR HYPERTENSION is a risk factor for heart disease and stroke. It is called the “silent killer” because most people are unaware of their elevated blood pressure and there are usually no symptoms associated with the condition. Asian American and Pacific Islanders have significantly lower blood pressure screening rates.
• Both Filipino women and men have a higher prevalence of hypertension compared to Caucasians and other Asian subgroups.
• Filipino women 50 years and older had a prevalence rate of 65 percent and Filipino men 50 years and older had a hypertension prevalence rate of 60 percent, compared to the total U.S. prevalence of 47 percent for the same age group.
• Filipinos’ intake of food high in salt increases risk for high blood pressure.
HIGH BLOOD CHOLESTEROL greatly increases one’s chances of developing heart disease. Excessive cholesterol in the blood settles on the inner walks of arteries, narrowing them and restricting blood to pass through the heart.
• Filipinos have the second highest prevalence of high blood cholesterol (29.8 percent for males and 20.6 percent for females) in the AAPI community.
CIGARETTE SMOKING is the leading cause of preventable death in the United States. Several studies have shown that smoking increases the risk of cardiovascular disease in all persons regardless of age and socioeconomic status. Since cigarette smoking is modifiable, many steps can be taken to prevent and control one’s susceptibility to heart disease and stroke.
• Studies show Filipino American men were most likely to smoke (32.9 percent), followed by other Asians. Among women, Filipinos have the third highest prevalence of smoking among AAPIs.
• The Filipino community views smoking as normal and socially acceptable. Both Filipinos in the United States and the Philippines consider smoking a highly social and “cool” activity (Cardiovascular risk in the Filipino community, Formative Research from Daly City and San Francisco, Calif.).
OBESITY is a major risk factor for heart disease. Length of residence in the United States appears to have an effect on obesity for some AAPI groups.
• In total, 26 percent of Filipino Americans are obese.
• In California, a study showed Filipino men are more obese than their homeland counterparts. The same study found the greatest prevalence of overweight men among Filipinos (41.8 percent), compared to Japanese (38.0 percent), Chinese (26.9 percent) and other Asians (28.9).
PHYSICAL INACTIVITY is another risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Many studies have asserted that physical activity reduces the risk of heart disease, stroke and other cardiovascular diseases. It is recommended that individuals engage in physical activity for at least 30 minutes everyday or most days of the week.
• AAPIs engage in less physical activity compared to the general population.
• Filipinos are most likely to have sedentary lifestyles (76.3 percent), followed by Japanese (57.1 percent) and Hawaiians/part-Hawaiians (54.7 percent).
DIABETES is a disorder characterized by high blood glucose levels. The vast majority of diabetics die from some type of cardiovascular disease. This is partly because diabetes affects cholesterol levels. Diabetes is an independent risk factor for coronary heart disease, and the risk is doubled when high blood pressure is present.
• Data on diabetes in Hawaii show Filipinos have the highest prevalence of both total cases (21.8 percent) and new cases (15.5 percent) of diabetes.
• In the Philippines, an estimated 3 million Filipinos have diabetes, and half of these cases are undiagnosed.
Source: The American Heart Association
In 2006, I did a TV news story about this issue, and the American Heart Association was kind enough to compile statistics that, to my knowledge, aren't conveniently accessible in one place or on just any one website. And, I am again grateful that they gave me permission to post these statistics here. They provide a snapshot of the risks among Filipino-Americans. However, stateside or not, most Filipinos (no matter where) are likely influenced by Philippine culture and eat some of the same foods and are therefore susceptible. I did not alter or edit the information given to me, so as to preserve its integrity.
Risk factors for Heart Disease
HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE OR HYPERTENSION is a risk factor for heart disease and stroke. It is called the “silent killer” because most people are unaware of their elevated blood pressure and there are usually no symptoms associated with the condition. Asian American and Pacific Islanders have significantly lower blood pressure screening rates.
• Both Filipino women and men have a higher prevalence of hypertension compared to Caucasians and other Asian subgroups.
• Filipino women 50 years and older had a prevalence rate of 65 percent and Filipino men 50 years and older had a hypertension prevalence rate of 60 percent, compared to the total U.S. prevalence of 47 percent for the same age group.
• Filipinos’ intake of food high in salt increases risk for high blood pressure.
HIGH BLOOD CHOLESTEROL greatly increases one’s chances of developing heart disease. Excessive cholesterol in the blood settles on the inner walks of arteries, narrowing them and restricting blood to pass through the heart.
• Filipinos have the second highest prevalence of high blood cholesterol (29.8 percent for males and 20.6 percent for females) in the AAPI community.
CIGARETTE SMOKING is the leading cause of preventable death in the United States. Several studies have shown that smoking increases the risk of cardiovascular disease in all persons regardless of age and socioeconomic status. Since cigarette smoking is modifiable, many steps can be taken to prevent and control one’s susceptibility to heart disease and stroke.
• Studies show Filipino American men were most likely to smoke (32.9 percent), followed by other Asians. Among women, Filipinos have the third highest prevalence of smoking among AAPIs.
• The Filipino community views smoking as normal and socially acceptable. Both Filipinos in the United States and the Philippines consider smoking a highly social and “cool” activity (Cardiovascular risk in the Filipino community, Formative Research from Daly City and San Francisco, Calif.).
OBESITY is a major risk factor for heart disease. Length of residence in the United States appears to have an effect on obesity for some AAPI groups.
• In total, 26 percent of Filipino Americans are obese.
• In California, a study showed Filipino men are more obese than their homeland counterparts. The same study found the greatest prevalence of overweight men among Filipinos (41.8 percent), compared to Japanese (38.0 percent), Chinese (26.9 percent) and other Asians (28.9).
PHYSICAL INACTIVITY is another risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Many studies have asserted that physical activity reduces the risk of heart disease, stroke and other cardiovascular diseases. It is recommended that individuals engage in physical activity for at least 30 minutes everyday or most days of the week.
• AAPIs engage in less physical activity compared to the general population.
• Filipinos are most likely to have sedentary lifestyles (76.3 percent), followed by Japanese (57.1 percent) and Hawaiians/part-Hawaiians (54.7 percent).
DIABETES is a disorder characterized by high blood glucose levels. The vast majority of diabetics die from some type of cardiovascular disease. This is partly because diabetes affects cholesterol levels. Diabetes is an independent risk factor for coronary heart disease, and the risk is doubled when high blood pressure is present.
• Data on diabetes in Hawaii show Filipinos have the highest prevalence of both total cases (21.8 percent) and new cases (15.5 percent) of diabetes.
• In the Philippines, an estimated 3 million Filipinos have diabetes, and half of these cases are undiagnosed.
Source: The American Heart Association
Christi is a writer, mother and proud Pinay (Filipino woman). With a background in news reporting, her goal is to share useful health, fitness and wellness information. She hopes to share stories and topics of interest to fellow Pinays. Much of the information can be relevant to just about any woman, especially since it focuses on health. However, sometimes, there will be some angles and statistics that focus on Filipinos. Overall, Positively Pinay is about exploring what makes for a fuller, happier and healthier life -- with the overriding message that all women can be strong, proud and loud about what they want out of life.
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