Studies have shown that minorities and people over 40 are at great risk of high blood pressure or diabetes. While we cannot change those risk factors, there are things we CAN do! A well-balanced diet, regular exercise, and the right treatment can help you prevent or control these conditions, and ultimately, reduce your risk of complications and death. Make an appointment with your local Gwinnett, Newton, or Rockdale County health department to get screened for blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol. Go to our website at gnrhealth.com for more information about our classes and other services.
Diabetes is a leading cause of death in Georgia and nationwide. Approximately 1 in 10 Georgia adults has diabetes. As of 2018, over 9% of Hispanics in GA have diabetes. That number is 12% for Whites and over 15% for Blacks. Disparities also exist based on educational level achieved, as well as income level. Additionally, high blood pressure is often associated with diabetes and can have similar risk factors and related complications, if unmanaged. Georgia again exceeds the national average with ~33% of Georgians diagnosed with high blood pressure.
Do you have an immediate family member that has/had diabetes or hypertension? Are you obese? Are you inactive? Are you over 45 years old? You are at increased risk of developing these conditions. Click here to check your risk: https://www.cdc.gov/prediabetes/takethetest/. When these conditions are left untreated, individuals are at increased risk of damage to organs such as the heart, eyes, kidneys, and feet. The challenge is that people with diabetes and hypertension often do not experience or recognize symptoms until the condition is severe.
Gwinnett, Newton, and Rockdale County Health Departments want to encourage you to know your risk, know the symptoms, get screened, and make lifestyle changes in diet and physical activity to reduce risk. You can get blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol screening for only $5 at one of our health departments! Check out our health promotion page, www.gnrhealth.com/health-promotion/, where you'll see links to resources about physical activity and nutrition. In addition, the health departments sponsor Diabetes Prevention Programs annually. If you are interested in participating in a future class, click here: www.gnrhealth.com/dpp/
