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Accelerating Health Equity for the
Nation
By Patrice Powers-Barker, OSU
Extension, Lucas County
The Truth Contributor
“Accelerating Health Equity for the Nation” is the theme for
April, National Minority Health Month 2016. The American
Public Health Association defines health equity as everyone
having the opportunity to attain their highest level of
health.
Not only is
health equity an important topic for our nation, but
National Minority Health Month is also celebrated locally
and it’s a personal issue. Individual health is a very
personal topic and it is also a community and national
matter. For individuals and families to achieve their
optimal health, social and environmental conditions must be
lined up to support healthy choices and lifestyles.
In 1915
Booker T. Washington stated, “Without health and long life,
all else fails.” To accelerate health equity for the nation,
both national and personal health goals must happen at the
same time. As individuals and families work to make healthy
choices including food and physical activity it is vital
that community sites such as schools, worksites, community
centers, doctor’s offices, houses of worship, etc. have
wellness and health equity as a priority for all.
If a site is
not fostering opportunities for optimal health for all, that
needs to be addressed. If a community program or site is
working to promote health equity, please recognize their
hard work!
The Ohio
Commission of Minority Health has published a 30 Day
Wellness Campaign Calendar online for the month of April and
there are many events happening in Toledo. Local
opportunities to participate in National Minority Health
Month range from health screenings, community summit,
community clean-up and a health expo at the end of the
month.
The topics
for health and wellness at the different events range from
general health screenings to colon health, diabetic health,
recovery addiction and healthy moms and babies. Be sure to
check out the entire list of events in Toledo as well as
around the state of Ohio at
http://www.lucascountyhealth.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/2016-MH-Calendar-1.pdf
. They also recommend you contact the telephone number
listed for verification of events. A few events for the
month are listed here:
Living
Well With Diabetes,
April 9 and again on April 30. 10:00am-1:00pm. This seminar
will focus on a comprehensive approach to diabetes
management. Participants will be able to identify the
different types of diabetes, understand how to check their
blood sugar, identify related complications, and learn how
to create a meal plan. Participants will be provided a
self-care workbook and other diabetic tools. RADISSON AT THE
UNIVERSITY OF TOLEDO 3100 GLENDALE AVE-TOLEDO. Sponsored By:
Bread of Life Feeding Center (419) 646-8586
Your
Colon Health Matters,
April 13 from 9:00am-12:00pm Participants will receive
education on the symptoms, risk factors, prevention, early
detection and screening of colorectal cancer. Qualified
participants will receive a home screening kit for
colorectal cancer. MAYJORES SENIOR CENTER 2 AURORA GONZALEZ
RD.-TOLEDO Sponsored By: Lucas County Colorectal Cancer
Coalition (419) 407-1187
We Tai
Chi
Open House 1:00-2:30 pm on April 14 and again on April 30.
Residents of the Toledo Central City will be invited to see
Tai Chi demonstrations, experience mini-classes, receive
information on the health benefits of Tai Chi, and receive
invitations to free 12-week classes. MONROE STREET
NEIGHBORHOOD CENTER 3613 MONROE ST.-TOLEDO Sponsored By:
Monroe Street Neighborhood Center (419) 473-1167
Minority
Health Month Health Summit
on April 16
from 10:00 am-3:00 pm. This event will feature presentations
for youth and adults to promote healthy lifestyles. Crucial
information will be provided to all parents, care givers,
and surrounding community at large to allow everyone to
practice disease prevention. ROBINSON ELEMENTAQRY SCHOOL
1075 HORACE ST.-TOLEDO Sponsored By: Lucas County Regional
Health District (419) 213-4095
Annual
Business and Health Expo
on April 30 from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Featuring vendors and
health care providers. Indiana Avenue Missionary Baptist
Church Stephenson-Roberts Fellowship Hall. 419-367-9765
Another wellness opportunity starting this
month is the OSU Extension’s online wellness challenge. The
theme for this spring is Spring Renewal: Balance Your
Wellness Wheel Challenge. This theme is designed to help
you find balance in all dimensions of your health and
wellness. Not only is it about physical health and wellness,
the areas including: social, creative, career, financial,
environmental, spiritual, emotional and intellectual. The
e-mail challenge includes messages and lots of encouraging
tips. The program runs from April 11 – May 22, 2016. Please
contact Patrice at
powers-barker.1@osu.edu with any questions. To sign up,
go to
http://go.osu.edu/LucasSp16.
Resources:
American
Public Health Association
http://www.apha.org/topics-and-issues/health-equity
US
Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Minority
Health
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