Body Mass Index (BMI)

Yes I am dedicating a whole post to the Body Mass Index better known as BMI. Why you may ask...its important. Let me just start off by saying I think its so imperative that instead of saying I want to lose x amount of weight my goals is to achieve a certain BMI (this is still based on weight, but this allows me to have a range of weight I will consider versus and hard and fast number).

Let me just give everyone basic information about BMI and then we will get to why its important to health and minority health.

BMI Categories:

• Underweight = <18.5 (Thi can lead to health problems too!)
  
• Normal weight = 18.5-24.9
• Overweight = 25-29.9
• Obesity = BMI of 30 or greater

The above BMI Scale information can be found here.

My goal BMI is <26 (As of right now my BMI is 32 which puts me in the obesity range! Shocked?). You're thinking that will still mean I am overweight right, but there are other factors to consider along with BMI (i.e. % of body fat, size of a person frame, physical fitness level, etc). Since I have a medium/large frame, as long as I am physical fit and active a BMI of less than 26 is a good range for me. If you have questions about weight loss or what's a healthy weight for you talk to your physician/dietician.

Why is BMI important? Just ask the CDC.

As you can see from the BMI scale I posted previously, BMI separates individuals into categories based on weight. These categories are a good predictor for the amount of body fat a person is carrying. In other words, its a screening method for risk factors that may lead to health problems. For example, obesity and overweight can lead to the following health problems; hypertension, Dyslipidemia, Type-2 diabetes, Coronary heart disease, Stroke, Gallbladder disease, Osteoarthritis, Sleep apnea and respiratory problems, and Some cancers (endometrial, breast, and colon) (information provided by the CDC). Any of these diseases look familiar? Thats because many of these diseases already affect minorities more adversely than the majority (Some of these diseases I discussed in my last post). This is exactly why I am taking this weight loss journey, not only does being overweight make individuals more at risk for diseases like diabetes, coronary heart disease but it's also linked to cancer, gallbladder disease, osteoartharitis, etc. Researchers and doctors are not even sure why being overweight and obese are linked to some disease. The fact is that being clinically overweight/obese (whether or not u consider yourself in this category) is not good for the body. So join me and others who are trying to extend our livelihood! Let's get fit together...Ok enough with the cheesy ending.

Until next time Know your BMI!

My Weight Loss Journey #2

Let me take a moment and backtrack. The point of this blog is to relay information about minority health, but its also to document all the ups and downs and the triumphs with trying to lose a substantial amount of weight. What I will try to is update every week on my success and failures and try to set better goals for the following week. Here were my goals for week 1:

Short Term
1. 2:30 min worth of exercising
2. At least 1 hour of very intense exercise and 1 1/2 hours of moderately intense exercise
3. No pork, beef, or alcohol in the diet
4. Avoid Fast food


Week 1:The day has come and gone! May 10 is the day I kicked off my new diet/exercise plan. Also starting this week is the Annual National Woman's Health Week and the Woman Challenge '09 (May 10-July 4). The good news is I was able to do about 30 min on the elliptical and I stuck to my no pork, beef, and alcohol. But I indulged in fast food a couple times. Over all I am happy, but I need to get more time in the gym. Its so important to maintain and track your goals. Losing weight is process and it going to take time and ton of work. You can't progress unless you know where you started and where you are heading.

Conquering the Numbers

As minorities we have just inherited the increased likelihood of being affected by many different diseases compared to White Americans. It was very shocking to me to find out various diseases affect minorities much more adversely compared to White Americans. From different types of cancers, to diabetes, heart disease, STD's/STI's, and HIV/AIDS minorities are affected more by these diseases than the majority of the population in the United States. Today I want to take a closer look at the what and why disparities in cancer exist among minorities.

According to the 2000 Census, the population was broken down as follows: American India or Alaska Native .9%, Asian or Pacific Islander 4%, African American 12.7%, Caucasian 81.1%, and Multi Racial 1.3% (This information was provided by the CDC ). From this data, you can discern that minorities account for 19.9% of the population, yet the incidence rates of cancer are high proportionate to the size of this population. For example African Americans have the highest incidence of cancer than any other population (607.3 per 100,000 provided by CDC) but only account for 12.7% of the population in the United States.

African Americans also have the highest death rate overall from cancer including the highest death rate from breast cancer. Hispanics and African Americans women have the highest incidence and mortality of cervical cancer. Asian and Pacific Islanders, one of the smallest populations, have the highest incidence of liver and intrahepatic bile duct cancer and stomach cancer. From 1996-2000 American Indian/Native Alaskans women had the third highest death rate from lung and bronchus cancer. This information was provided by the Minority Health Awareness week 2005.

Although, medicine has not advanced to the stage where it can prevent cancer, there are certainly many ways you decreased your chances of being diagnosed with cancer. Adopting a healthier lifestyle by not smoking cigarettes, developing a good diet and exercise routine, and avoiding too much sun exposure can decrease your chances of developing various types of cancers. It may be surprising to some that obesity, lack of physical activity, and nutrition has been linked to cancer. Also be sure to know your family history because your chances of developing various diseases can depend on genetic and environmental factors. Be sure you are having a good conversation with you doctor or health care provider. The rate of death in African American Women with breast and cervical cancer are higher than any population due to the fact that these diseases are usually diagnosed in the late stages (Treatment at this point is usually too late)! This can be explained by the fact African American Women are less likely to received their regular checkups for mammograms and pap smear screenings. Also cultural barriers arise when trying to treat and provide adequate health care for other minorities. Consequently, all must take the necessary steps to improve their health to eliminate these health disparities.

More information can be found at here
Also here are Stay Healthy at Any Checklists for men and women provided by the US Department of Health and Human Services.

Until next eat something with whole grains