Protect your body, your temple : Benefits of Physical Activity

These bookmarks state: African-Americans are less likely to exercise than Caucasians. In S.C., 1 in 3 African-Americans has high blood pressure and 1 in 3 has high cholesterol. This causes an increase in death rates from heart disease and stroke. Regular physical activity can help to: prevent heart disease and prevent high blood pressure.

Protect your body, your temple : Dangers of Smoking

These bookmarks state: African-Americans smoke less, but have more smoking-related diseases than Caucasians. Smoking causes cancer, heart disease and a higher chance of stroke. The Good News If smoking is stopped, the health risks caused by smoking are reduced.

Protect your body, your temple : Know the Facts About TB

These bookmarks state: In South Carolina, African-Americans account for over half of Tuberculosis cases. Tuberculosis (TB) is spread through the air from person to person when someone with the disease coughs, sneezes, speaks, or sings. The signs and symptoms of TB include: Cough usually lasting 2-3 weeks or longer, Coughing up blood, Unusual chest pain especially when breathing, Increased tiredness, Unplanned or sudden weight loss or loss of appetite, • Chills with fever and sudden night sweats.

Protect your body, your temple : Know the Facts About Arthritis

These bookmarks state: Arthritis is the most common chronic illness and is the leading cause of disability in the U.S. It is a term used to refer to more than 100 different joint diseases. The severity of the diseases range from relatively mild forms such as tendinitis and bursitis to crippling forms such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia and other disorders that affect every part of the body. It affects an estimated 52 million (1 in 5) adults in the U.S. and is expected to affect approximately 67 million by 2030. S.C. has the 6th highest rate of arthritis in the nation. An estimated one million, or 28 percent, of South Carolinians 19 or older report having arthritis.

Protect your body, your temple : Get the Facts about Sickle Cell Disease and Sickle Cell Trait

These bookmarks state: Sickle cell disease is an inherited blood disorder that affects red blood cells and causes organ damage, anemia, and lifelong episodes of pain. The disease most commonly affects people of African, Asian, Mediterranean, Central and South American ancestry. About 70,000 Americans are currently diagnosed with sickle cell anemia. Newborn screening for sickle cell disease and trait is required in South Carolina and most other states. One in 10 African Americans has the sickle cell trait. Knowing if you have the trait is important! Also is a list of available resources with addresses and phone numbers.

Protect your body, your temple : Heart Healthy Nutrition

These bookmarks state: poor diet can have bad effects on diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol in African-Americans. What can you do? Eat more fruits and vegetables. Choose meat with less fat. Buy foods low in fat, salt and cholesterol. Have sugar-free drinks. Eat less. Choose less fried foods.