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August
Bilingual Health Resources (agosto/
National Minority Donor Awareness Day (August 1) Of the approximately 100,000 Americans awaiting a life-saving organ transplant on October 27, 2006, more than 15,600 were Hispanic, according to the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network. It is essential to increase the number of Hispanic donors because genetic compatibility is one of the factors in matching donated organs to recipients.
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Help ease suffering. While all of us feel pain occasionally, there are many people for whom pain is a constant companion. In fact, more than 50 million Americans suffer from chronic pain, according to the American Pain Foundation. Although pain is very common, each person experiences it differently. Lack of awareness and understanding on the part of even health care professionals, policy makers, and friends and family leads many to suffer in silence. Only 1 in 4 people receive adequate treatment for their pain, according to the American Pain Foundation. This is especially true of Hispanics, who are less likely than other ethnic groups to seek professional help for chronic pain, according to research by Partners Against Pain. Those who do seek relief are often undertreated. Because prescription pain relievers can be highly addictive, doctors can be reluctant to prescribe them. In addition, high health care costs leave many, especially seniors, minorities, and low-income individuals, unable to get the help they need. If you or someone you know suffers from chronic pain (lasting six months or longer), learn more about what you can do to support them and find out where to go for help.
It’s not contagious. Currently, up to 7.5 million people in the United States have psoriasis, according to the National Psoriasis Foundation. Approximately 150,000 to 260,000 new cases occur each year. Psoriasis affects all ethnicities and income levels. While the exact cause of psoriasis has not been determined, current research indicates that it may be a disorder of the immune system. Psoriasis occurs when skin cells grow too quickly, renewing themselves every three to four days instead of every 28 to 30 days. The extra skin cells build up and form “plaques,” or red, flaky and scaly patches that are sometimes itchy and uncomfortable. Psoriasis typically appears on elbows, knees, lower back, and the scalp, but flare-ups can occur anywhere on the body. In some cases, psoriasis can greatly affect the quality of life. In addition to physical pain, people with the condition can experience depression, anxiety, and social difficulties due to changes in their skin. If you or a family member is suffering from psoriasis, it’s important not only to treat the physical problem, but also to seek out counseling or support groups.
Celebrate good work! Community Health Centers provide primary health care to more than 15 million Americans each year, including more than 5 million Hispanics, according to the Bureau of Primary Health Care. Health centers offer a vital safety net for low-income, uninsured, and migrant populations in more than 4,000 communities across the United States. Still, many Americans do not receive care. There are currently more than 46 million uninsured Americans, as well as 36 million people who have insurance but do not have access to doctors or basic health services. According to the National Association of Community Health Centers, doubling the number of people served by health centers could reduce these disparities. During the week of August 5-11, help get the word out about the crucial role health centers play in the U.S. health care system. Get to know the health center in your community and find out what you can do to help!
Keep your vision in sight. Cataracts are the leading cause of visual impairment among Hispanics, affecting nearly 1 in 5 Hispanic adults, according to a study funded by the National Eye Institute. Cataracts cause clouding of the eyes’ clear lenses and if left untreated, may eventually lead to blindness. The good news is that cataract surgery is one of the most commonly performed and successful surgical procedures in the United States. Remember, cataracts are detected through a comprehensive eye exam, and early treatment can save your sight.
Additional Resources:
Updated: October 2006 These links are provided for informational purposes only. AARP does not endorse, and has no control over, or responsibility for, the linked sites or the content, advertisements, materials, products, or services available on or throughout these sites. |
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