The Friday Five - Minority Health Month

Follow and join the conversation with #ActiveandHealthy, #EmotionalWellness and #NMHM2020.

During the month of April the HHS Office of Minority Health led the observance of National Minority Health Month. According to the OMH, it is a time to raise awareness on issues impacting health disparities and health equity in America. The conditions in the places where people are born, grow, live, work, play, learn, and age have significant impact on the health outcomes of individuals, families, and their communities. Throughout April, the OMH highlighted what some organizations and communities did to address the indirect conditions that affect health, also known as social determinants of health. By addressing the social determinants of health, the foundation of better health can be strengthened.

COVID-19 and Health Equity — Exploring Disparities and Long-Term Health Impacts
The American Public Health Association’s (@PublicHealth) sixth COVID-19 Conversations webinar explored the disproportionate impact COVID-19 is having on minority communities, what we can do now to combat these disturbing health inequities, and what we can learn from past pandemics about how to provide equitable care to all.

What we’re seeing play out right now “is textbook institutional and structural racism and socioeconomic disparities,” key factors have been exacerbating #COVID19’s effects on people of color, says Debra Pérez of @simmonsuniv #COVID19Conversations pic.twitter.com/vFbWgM2Rid

— APHA (@PublicHealth) April 29, 2020

COVID-19 Targets Communities of Color
According to experts in epidemiology, infectious disease, economics, politics, and other disciplines, The Harvard Gazette (@Harvard) reports that the COVID-19 global pandemic exacerbates longstanding inequities in American society. Harvard social scientist David Williams, Barbara Gutmann Rosenkrantz Professor of the History of Science Evelynn Hammonds, epidemiologist, family physician, and senior fellow at the Morehouse School of Medicine Camara Phyllis Jones, and Henry Ford II Professor of the Social Sciences Robert Sampson, all discuss the data that shows minorities die at a higher rate than white Americans due to disparities in health care. The statistic surrounding the current pandemic as just as alarming.

Move Your Way
This is an excellent FREE resource offered by the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (@HHSPrevention) to help get you started on the road to more physical activity. Everyone needs physical activity to stay healthy. But it can be hard to find the time in your busy routine. The Move Your Way tools, videos, and fact sheets on this page have tips that make it easier to get a little more active.

Active & Healthy Bingo Challenge
This activity is especially fun to try during these days of quarantine. You might even want to challenge family and friends to a “game of Bingo.” This challenge focuses on healthy activities that individuals can complete every day in and around the home to keep our minds and bodies active, consistent with social distancing guidelines to slow the spread of COVID-19.

Join @NIMHD during #NMHM2020 for the #ActiveAndHealthyBingo Challenge in English or Spanish to promote things we can do every day in & around the house to keep our minds & bodies active. Complete 5 in a row & share your #ActiveAndHealthy bingo card! https://t.co/qGjkBC01ah pic.twitter.com/KtYe50Q1ii

— NIH ODP (@NIHprevents) April 28, 2020

My Plate
MyPlate (@MyPlate) is an initiative and guide published by the USDA Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion, that emphasizes the five food groups: fruits, vegetables, grains, protein and dairy products. Use the app or online tools to help you create a healthier eating style that meets your individual needs and improves your health.