CONFERENCE TACKLES AFRICAN AMERICAN HEALTH PROBLEMS
Released on = July 22, 2007, 11:03 am
Press Release Author = Energy Tour Cafe
Industry = Healthcare
Press Release Summary = According to a San Bernardino County Department of Health report, African Americans in San Bernardino County die 13 years younger than Caucasians. On July 28, an event held by the Healthy Heritage Wellness Conference will offer speakers, information booths and interactive sessions aimed at improving the overall health and well being of the African American community.
Press Release Body = (San Bernardino, Calif.) According to a San Bernardino County Department of Health report, African Americans in San Bernardino County die 13 years younger than Caucasians. The main culprits are illnesses such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, HIV/AIDS and cancer.
The Healthy Heritage Wellness Conference (www.healthyheritagemovement.com) offers speakers, information booths and interactive sessions aimed at improving the overall health and well being of the African American community. The event will be held at California Baptist University, located at 8432 Magnolia, Riverside, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on July 28.
Phyllis Clark, conference founder and president, says that "the conference focuses on the major health and wellness issues in the African American community such as cancer, heart disease and organ failure." The conference also focuses on mental health issues, which are often not discussed in the Black community. "Mental health advocates are finding there are many emotional health issues in the African American home such as substance abuse and depression," he continues.
The conference also features a presentation from keynote speaker Dr. Kimlin Ashing-Giwa, director of City of Hope's Center of Community Alliance for Research & Education. Ashing-Giwa is a nationally renowned psychologist who specializes in minority health issues. City of Hope is a Southern California research, educational and treatment institution dedicated to fighting cancer. There are also free screenings for HIV/AIDS, prostate cancer and blood sugar levels, Clark said.
The conference is organized by the Healthy Heritage Wellness Conference Committee, which includes staff members from Riverside County Public Health Department, the American Cancer Society, the Southern California Witness Project, a breast cancer awareness group, Inland Agency, and several volunteers.
"Many of the diseases that African Americans suffer from are lifestyle related," Clark said. "If we change our behavior, and change the behavior of the next generation, we can prevent many of these life-shortening health problems. The goal of this conference is to provide African Americans with the tools to make better lifestyles choices."
"Although the information is targeted at the African American community, the conference is open to all nationalities," Clark said.
For more information about the Healthy Heritage Wellness Conference call (951) 565-4431 or e-mail hhwcmovement@yahoo.com.
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