Prevention Wellness 365

High blood pressure, or hypertension, affects about one in three adults in the United States. But this health problem doesn’t just affect adults.

African Americans have higher rates of high blood pressure than other groups, and often need different medications to keep it under control.

A recent study says people who develop type 2 diabetes as children or teens are at high risk of developing complications from the disease as soon as their 20s and a greater chance of developing complications within 15 years of their diagnosis.

There is a very important connection between diabetes and heart disease that is under-appreciated by most people with diabetes: If you are living with diabetes, then you are at heightened risk for heart and kidney disease.

African-Americans don’t live as long as other races in the US. At higher risk for heart disease, stroke and cancer, these disparities aren’t necessarily genetic, but clinicians can help reverse the trend.

Getting your annual flu vaccine protects you from developing serious respiratory symptoms. But did you know it can also protect your heart? Learn more.